PS3, the gaming continues! Third in a line of game consoles released by Playstation, the PS3, made by Sony Computer Entertainment directly competes with Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Although upgrading this unit making it more compatible with online gaming, the Sony Playstation 3 is currently ranked 3 among its competition.
PS3 was making changes even coming out of the starting gate. The prototype had 6 USB ports, 2 HDMI ports, and 3 Ethernet Ports. Less than a year later, the model only had 4 USB ports, 1 Ethernet port, and 1 HDMI port (available only on the 60 GB model) The 60 Gig model would also include Wi-Fi internet and flash card readers. There was also a 20GB model.
Plagued by delays as in all other releases, PS3 would fare no better. Because of a shortage of supplies, initial release was postponed by almost 4 months. To compensate, Sony announced it would include the HDMI port on the 20 GB model as well. 600,000 units were sold in the first two days.
PS3 Currently has 5 Models. 20 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB and 160 GB. The 20GB has the HDMI port, while also included in the 60 GB is the flash reader and Wi-Fi. The 40, 80 and 160GB Consoles have 2 USB Ports instead of 4, and do not include multiple flash card readers. They also do not include backward compatibility with PS2 Models. Production costs of the PS3 outweighed the cost of the units, which meant a considerable loss for Sony.
Wii and Xbox 360 still run ahead of the Sony PS3, although the numbers fluctuate considerably on each shipment and sale.
The PS3 uses a Cell Microprocessor as a CPU (which was designed by IBM). Graphics is handled by NVIDIA RSX Reality Synthesizer. The system includes Bluetooth 2.0, and has 256 MB of XDR main memory.
Wikipedia claims “Sony has included the ability for the operating system, referred to as System Software, to be updated. The updates can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network directly to the PS3 and subsequently installed or downloaded from the Playstation Website to a computer, transferred to portable storage media, and subsequently installed on the system. Updates can also be installed from game discs that require the update to run the game”
Not to be outdone by Microsoft’s online games, Sony also announced plans for an online gaming site. Sony has also branched somewhat into the Sims Universe with the ability to participate in “Playstation Home”. Users can download an avatar, and plans are underway to expand the players “wardrobe” and even a selection of pets.
PS3 Games: (a short list)
Heavenly Sword, Lair, Warhawk, Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid 4, White Night Chronicles, The Agency, God of War 3, and Killzone 2. Sony will no doubt be expanding the titles as well as providing more anticipated sequels to the popular games.
With the compatibility issue, there are lists available online so you can see which PS2 games will play correctly on your PS3. It’s anyone’s guess what is next for Sony in the Universe of Gaming.
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