It seems there will be two versions of the forthcoming PS3, much like the two incarnations of the Xbox360. The first, a 20GB hard disk version will be the basic version, offering the same essential functionality but without some of the frills.
The second has the previously announced and more respectable, 60GB hard disk and will also offer Wi-Fi functionality. The ‘premium’ model will also offer slots for memory sticks, SD cards and compact flash cards and have a more extensive range of ports. Though less than expected and demo’d at last years E3, the ‘premium’ PS3 will have one HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port, 4 USB and one Ethernet ports. Clearly this is the model to go for when considering linking up to your brand spanking new High Def TV, HDMI offers considerably more bandwidth with its uncompressed digital signal than more traditional cables, though the omission of a second port is a disappointment.
It appears Sony has bowed to the negative opinion and the rumours about a redesign of the ‘boomerang’ controller are actually true. The controller now more resembles the current PS2 controller with actual triggers as the R2 and L2 buttons and will connect to the system using Bluetooth. The biggest interest will be in the motion sensors introduced to the controller in place of the rumble packs found in the PS2 pads. According to GamesIndustry.biz,
” The controller will sport a ’six-axis sensing system’ according to Sony – three for roll, pitch and yaw, and three for 3 dimension acceleration information along the X, Y and Z axes.”
Pricing has been announced as $499 / Euro 499 (c. £342 at current exchange rates) for the 20GB model and $599 / Euro 599 (c. £411) for the 60GB premium PS3. Realistically here in the UK we are gonna be looking at £349 for the basic model and £419 for the 60GB though that sub £400 barrier would be ideal. While this appears a lot of money for a games console, (its likely to be at least twice the price of the Nintendo Wii (Revolution) and over £100 more than the Xbox 360) lets not forget we are getting a Blu-Ray drive with both systems.
The system will be launched in Japan on November 11th 2006, closely followed by a simultaneous US and Europe launch on November 17th (Still in the launch window so still a simultaneous world-wide launch, eh? J Allard?).
Though the E3 Keynote speech by Sony appeared rushed, badly organised and left many viewers feeling a little cold, this has certainly got me excited. The thought of Metal Gear 4, GT4, GTA 4 and Heavenly Sword, honestly has me salivating. Regardless of the price – it be will worth the wait!
Check out the MGS 4 preview here.
