Manufacturer	Sony, Foxconn and ASUSTeK for SCEI[1]
Product family	PlayStation
Type	Video game console
Generation	Seventh generation era
First available	November 11, 2006 (details)
CPU	3. A console manufacturer is a company that manufactures and distributes Video game consoles It is also known as a first-party Video game publisher. is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest Media conglomerates with Foxconn (富士康 is the Trade name of the Taiwan based firm Hon Hai Precision Industry Co ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated (Asus () ( is a Taiwan -based multinational company that produces Motherboards Graphics cards Optical drives ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full Video games were introduced as a commercial entertainment medium in 1971, becoming the basis for an important entertainment industry in the late 1970s/early 1980s in the United In the History of video games, the seventh generation, which is also the current generation primarily focuses on the consoles released since by Nintendo, Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Japanese PlayStation 3 launch on 11 November 2006 marked the second major seventh generation Video game console to be released 2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine with 1 PPE & 7 SPEs
GPU	500 MHz NVIDIA/SCEI "RSX"
Media	Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD (all models) Super Audio CD (20 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB models)
System storage	Removable 2. Cell is a Microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM, an Cell is a Microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM, an Cell is a Microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM, an The multinational NVIDIA Corporation ( (ɪnˈvɪdiə specializes in the manufacture of graphics-processor technologies for Workstations ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full The Graphics processing unit is a graphics chip design co-developed by NVIDIA DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is A Compact Disc (also known as a CD) is an Optical disc used to store digital data, originally developed for storing digital audio Super Audio CD ( SACD) is a read-only optical audio disc format that can provide higher fidelity digital audio reproduction than the Red 5" SATA hard drive (20 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, or 80 GB included)
Controller input	Up to 7 Sixaxis/DualShock 3 controllers
Connectivity	(details) Flash memory input MemoryStick/PRO/Duo* SD/MMC* CompactFlash/Microdrive* Audio/video output HDMI 1.3a out S/PDIF out AV Multi out composite video/stereo audio cable** S-Video cable SCART cable Component video cable D-Terminal cable Other IEEE 802. A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console The DualShock (officially DUALSHOCK and occasionally referred to as Dual Shock) is a line of vibration-feedback PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family Secure Digital ( SD) is a non-volatile Memory card format developed by Matsushita, SanDisk, and Toshiba for use in The MultiMediaCard ( MMC) is a Flash memory CompactFlash ( CF) is a Mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices The Microdrive is a Brand name for a miniature 1-inch Hard disk designed to fit in a CompactFlash (CF Type II slot The High-Definition Multimedia Interface ( HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams S/PDIF specifies a Data Link Layer protocol and choice of Physical Layer specifications for carrying Digital audio AV Multi (AVマルチ AV maruchi) is a Sony proprietary standard multi connector for connecting audio-visual equipment together Composite video is the format of an Analog television (picture only signal before it is combined with a sound signal and modulated onto an RF Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of Sound, using two or more independent audio channels through a Symmetrical Super Video or Separated Video abbreviated S-Video and also known as Y/C is an analog video signal that carries the video data as two separate SCART (from Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs) This article is about analog component video for the processing of color components in digital video see Digital video, Chroma subsampling and YCbCr This article is about the video connector For the item used in Digimon Adventure 02, see Digivice. 11b/g Wi-Fi*** Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) 4 × USB 2.0 (2 x in 40 GB model) Wired Ethernet *60 and 80 GB models **included in box ***40, 60, and 80 GB models
Online service	PlayStation Network
Units sold	12. IEEE 80211 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN computer communication developed by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee ( IEEE 802 IEEE 80211 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN computer communication developed by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee ( IEEE 802 Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used Bluetooth is a wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications technology facilitating data transmission over short distances from fixed and/or mobile devices creating wireless Ethernet is a family of frame -based Computer networking technologies for Local area networks (LANs This is a list of Video game consoles and Handheld game consoles that have sold or shipped at least one million units 81 million (as of March 31, 2008)[2][3] (details)
Best-selling game	MotorStorm, 3 million (as of February 18, 2008)[4]
Backward compatibility	PlayStation (all models) PlayStation 2 (20 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB models)
Predecessor	PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 3 (officially marketed PLAYSTATION 3,^[5] commonly abbreviated PS3) is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common This is a list of Video games that have sold or shipped at least one million copies including the top ten best-selling franchises. MotorStorm is a racing Video game developed by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the Sony Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common In Technology, especially Computing (irrespective of platform a product is said to be backward compatible when it is able to take the place of an older product The PlayStation (abbreviated PS, PSone, PS1, or informally as PSX) is a 32-bit fifth generation Video game console ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game systems. Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational Computer technology Corporation, which rose to dominate the Home computer The Xbox 360 is the second Video game console produced by Microsoft, and was developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, and SiS. is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Kyoto Japan founded on In the History of video games, the seventh generation, which is also the current generation primarily focuses on the consoles released since by Nintendo,

A major feature that distinguishes the PlayStation 3 from its predecessors is its unified online gaming service, the PlayStation Network,^[6] which contrasts with Sony's former policy of relying on game developers for online play. ^[7] Other major features of the console include its robust multimedia capabilities,^[8] connectivity with the PlayStation Portable,^[9] and its use of a high-definition optical disc format, Blu-ray Disc, as its primary storage medium. The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP) is a Handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. ^[10] The PS3 was also the first Blu-ray 2.0-compliant Blu-ray player on the market. ^[11]

The PlayStation 3 was first released on November 11, 2006 in Japan,^[12] November 17, 2006 in North America,^[13] and March 23, 2007 in Europe and Oceania. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[14][15] Two SKUs were available at launch; a basic model with a 20 GB hard disk drive (HDD) and a premium model with a 60 GB HDD and several additional features^[16] (The 20 GB model was not released in Europe or Oceania. A Stock Keeping Unit, or SKU (pronounced either as an Acronym (ˈskjuː or as an Initialism (/ˌɛsˌkeɪˈjuː/ “S–K–U” is a A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device )^[17] Since then, several revisions have been made to the console's available models and has faced stiff competition from the other seventh generation consoles. ^[18] As of December 20, 2007, the PS3 is in third place in home console sales for its generation. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[19]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Launch 2 Retail configurations 3 Sales and production costs 4 Hardware 5 Software 5.1 Operating system 5.2 Graphical user interface 5.3 PlayStation Network 5.4 PlayStation Home 5.5 PlayStation Portable connectivity 6 Games 7 Reception 8 References 9 External links

History

Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, during the E3 2005 conference. is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest Media conglomerates with Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The history of the E3 began with its creation in 1995 and has continued through the current expo in 2008 ^[20] A functional version of the system was not present there,^[21] nor at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005,^[22] although demonstrations (such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots^[21]) were held at both events on devkits and comparable PC hardware. The is a Video game Expo / convention held in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. (commonly abbreviated to MGS4) is a stealth action Video game. A software development kit ( SDK or " devkit " is typically a set of development tools that allows a Software engineer to create applications A personal computer ( PC) is any Computer whose original sales price size and capabilities make it useful for individuals and which is intended to be operated ^[21][22] Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (e. g. Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire). Mobile Suit Gundam Crossfire, known in Japan and Europe as, is a PlayStation 3 launch title published and developed by Namco Bandai, based on Sunrise ^[23]

The system was initially planned to have two HDMI ports, three Ethernet ports and six USB ports,^[24] though, as shown at E3 2006, this was later reduced to one HDMI port, one ethernet port and four USB ports, presumably to cut costs. The High-Definition Multimedia Interface ( HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams Ethernet is a family of frame -based Computer networking technologies for Local area networks (LANs The history of the E3 began with its creation in 1995 and has continued through the current expo in 2008 ^[16][25] Two hardware configurations were also announced for the console; a 20 GB and a 60 GB, priced at $499/€499 and $599/€599 respectively. ^[16] The 60 GB would be the only configuration to feature a HDMI port, Wi-Fi internet, flash card readers and a chrome trim with the logo in silver. Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used ^[16] It was announced for a simulatenous worldwide release; November 11 for Japan and November 17 for North America and Europe. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers ^[26]

On September 6, 2006, Sony announced that the PAL region (Europe and Oceania) PlayStation 3 launch would be delayed until March 2007 due to a shortage of diodes used in the Blu-ray Disc drive. Events 3114 BC - According to the Proleptic Julian calendar the current era in the Maya Long Count Calendar started Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest Media conglomerates with The PAL region is a Video game publication territory which covers Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and varying European countries ^[27]

At the Tokyo Game Show on September 22, 2006, Sony announced that it would be including HDMI on the 20 GB system with a silver logo, but not the chrome trim, flash card readers or Wi-Fi. Events 66 - Emperor Nero creates the Legion I Italica. 1236 - The Lithuanians Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[28] Also, the launch price of the Japanese 20 GB model was reduced by over 20%,^[29] and the 60 GB model was announced for an open pricing scheme in Japan. ^[29] During the event, Sony showed 27 playable PS3 titles running on final hardware. ^[30]

Launch

Main article: PlayStation 3 launch

The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006 at 07:00. The Japanese PlayStation 3 launch on 11 November 2006 marked the second major seventh generation Video game console to be released Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[12] There were reports that many of the first systems were obtained by businessmen - mainly Chinese nationals - who bought the systems in order to resell them on eBay. eBay Inc is an American Internet company that manages eBaycom an Online auction and shopping Website in which people and businesses buy and ^[31] According to Media Create, 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan. ^[32]

Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17, 2006. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[13] Reports of violence surrounding the release of the PS3 include a customer shot,^[33] campers robbed at gunpoint,^[34] customers shot in a drive-by shooting with BB guns,^[35] and 60 campers fighting over 10 systems. BB guns are a type of Air gun designed to shoot projectiles called BB after the Birdshot pellet of approximately the same size ^[36]

On January 24, 2007, Sony announced that the PlayStation 3 would go on sale on March 23, 2007 in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island ^[14][37] The system sold about 600,000 units in its first two days. ^[38] On March 7, 2007, the 60 GB PlayStation 3 launched in Singapore with a price of S$799. Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Singapore The dollar ( sign: $; code: SGD) is the Currency of Singapore. ^[39] The console was launched in South Korea on June 16, 2007 in a single version equipped with an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV. Events 1487 - Battle of Stoke Field, the last dying breath of the Wars of the Roses. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. IPTV ( Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a Digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure which ^[40]

Retail configurations

For more details on this topic, see Timeline of PlayStation 3 SKUs. The PlayStation 3 was originally launched in Japan on November 11, 2006 and in North America on November 17, 2006 with

There are four PlayStation 3 hardware models that are commonly referred to by the size of their included hard disk drive: "20", "40", "60", and "80" GB models. A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device ^[16][41]

All retail packages include one or two Sixaxis controllers and/or a DualShock 3 controller (beginning June 12, 2008^[42][43]), one miniUSB to USB cable (for connecting the controller to the system), one composite video/stereo audio output cable, one ethernet cable (20, 60, and 80 GB only) and one power cable. PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console Composite video is the format of an Analog television (picture only signal before it is combined with a sound signal and modulated onto an RF Category 5 cable, commonly known as Cat 5, is a Twisted pair cable type designed for high signal integrity A power cable is an Assembly of two or more Electrical conductors, usually held together with an overall Sheath. ^[41][44]

Feature:	20 GB (NTSC)[45]	40 GB (PAL, NTSC)[46]	60 GB (NTSC)[45]	60 GB (PAL)[45]	80 GB (NTSC)[45]
Colors	Piano Black	Piano Black Ceramic White (Asia and Japan only) Satin Silver (Asia and Japan only)[47] Gun-Metal Gray (MGS4 Bundle)[48]	Piano Black	Piano Black	Piano Black
USB 2.0 ports	4	2	4	4	4
802.11 b/g Wi-Fi	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flash card readers	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Chrome trim	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
SACD support[49]	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
PS2 compatibility	Yes Hardware (Emotion Engine)	No	Yes Hardware (Emotion Engine)	Yes Software (emulation)	Yes Software (emulation)
First available	November 2006	October 2007	November 2006	March 2007	August 2007
In production	No[50]	Yes	No	No	Yes
All models include: Blu-ray/DVD/CD drive, HDMI 1.3a,[51] Bluetooth 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, PlayStation backward compatibility[52] through software emulation[53] and a glossy finish[54]

In addition to all of the features of the 20 GB model, the 60 GB model has internal IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, multiple flash card readers (SD/MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash Type I/Type II, Microdrive,^[55] Memory Stick/PRO/Duo), and a chrome coloured trim. NTSC ( National Television System Committee) is the Analog television system used in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico PAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is a colour -encoding system used in Broadcast television systems in large parts of the world (commonly abbreviated to MGS4) is a stealth action Video game. IEEE 80211 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN computer communication developed by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee ( IEEE 802 Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used A memory card or flash memory card is a solid-state electronic Flash memory Data storage device used with Digital Super Audio CD ( SACD) is a read-only optical audio disc format that can provide higher fidelity digital audio reproduction than the Red In Technology, especially Computing (irrespective of platform a product is said to be backward compatible when it is able to take the place of an older product The Emotion Engine is a CPU developed and manufactured by Sony and Toshiba for use in the Sony PlayStation 2 Video game console The Emotion Engine is a CPU developed and manufactured by Sony and Toshiba for use in the Sony PlayStation 2 Video game console An emulator duplicates (provides an emulation of the functions of one System using a different system so that the second system behaves like (and appears to An emulator duplicates (provides an emulation of the functions of one System using a different system so that the second system behaves like (and appears to DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is A Compact Disc (also known as a CD) is an Optical disc used to store digital data, originally developed for storing digital audio The High-Definition Multimedia Interface ( HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams Bluetooth is a wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications technology facilitating data transmission over short distances from fixed and/or mobile devices creating wireless The PlayStation (abbreviated PS, PSone, PS1, or informally as PSX) is a 32-bit fifth generation Video game console IEEE 80211 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN computer communication developed by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee ( IEEE 802 IEEE 80211 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN computer communication developed by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee ( IEEE 802 IEEE 80211 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN computer communication developed by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee ( IEEE 802 Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used A memory card or flash memory card is a solid-state electronic Flash memory Data storage device used with Digital Secure Digital ( SD) is a non-volatile Memory card format developed by Matsushita, SanDisk, and Toshiba for use in The MultiMediaCard ( MMC) is a Flash memory CompactFlash ( CF) is a Mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices CompactFlash ( CF) is a Mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices The Microdrive is a Brand name for a miniature 1-inch Hard disk designed to fit in a CompactFlash (CF Type II slot Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family ^[45] In terms of hardware, the 80 GB model released in South Korea is identical to the 60 GB model released in the PAL regions, except for the difference in hard drive size. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː ^[56] Like the South Korean and European models, the North American 80 GB model also excludes the PlayStation 2 "Emotion Engine" CPU chip. The Emotion Engine is a CPU developed and manufactured by Sony and Toshiba for use in the Sony PlayStation 2 Video game console ^[57] However, it still keeps the "Graphics Synthesizer" GPU. ^[58] Due to emulation of the "Emotion Engine", the level of compatibility was reduced^[57] (see PlayStation 3 games - Removal of hardware support for more details). The Emotion Engine is a CPU developed and manufactured by Sony and Toshiba for use in the Sony PlayStation 2 Video game console The PlayStation 3 launched in North America on November 17, 2006 with a total of twelve titles with another three being released before the end of the year The 40 GB model has two USB ports instead of the four USB ports on other models, and does not include a multi memory card port, SACD support, or any backwards compatibility with PlayStation 2 titles. Super Audio CD ( SACD) is a read-only optical audio disc format that can provide higher fidelity digital audio reproduction than the Red ^[57][18] This was due to the removal of "Graphics Synthesizer" GPU, which stripped the unit of all PlayStation 2 based hardware. ^[46]

No official Wi-Fi or flash memory card readers have yet been released by Sony for the 20 GB system, although plans for such add-ons are in place. ^[59] Nevertheless, as the model features four USB 2. 0 ports, wireless networking and flash memory card support can already be obtained through the use of widely available external USB adapters. ^[57]

It was rumored that the Cell processors in the third-generation PS3s (40 GB) would move from a 90nm process to the newer 65nm process,^[60] which SCEI CEO Kaz Hirai later confirmed. ^[61] This change lowers the power consumption of the console and makes it less expensive to produce. ^[60]

Sales and production costs

See also: PlayStation 3 launch — Release data and pricing

Region	Units sold	First available
Canada	342,400 as of February 1, 2008[62]	November 17, 2006
Europe	5 million as of May 6, 2008[63]	March 23, 2007
Japan	2 million as of March 30, 2008[64][65]	November 11, 2006
United States	4. The Japanese PlayStation 3 launch on 11 November 2006 marked the second major seventh generation Video game console to be released Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1174 - Jocelin, Abbot of Melrose, is elected Bishop of Glasgow. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the 29 million as of May 1, 2008[66]	November 17, 2006
Worldwide	12. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 81 million as of March 31, 2008[2][3]	(more...)

The PlayStation 3's initial production cost is estimated to have been US$805. Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Japanese PlayStation 3 launch on 11 November 2006 marked the second major seventh generation Video game console to be released The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been 85 for the 20 GB model and US$840. 35 for the 60 GB model. ^[67] However, they were priced at US$499 and US$599 respectively,^[68] meaning that every unit was sold at an estimated loss of $250,^[67] contributing to Sony's games division posting an operating loss of ¥232. 3 billion (US$1. 97 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2007. ^[69] In April 2007, soon after these results were published, Ken Kutaragi, President of Sony Computer Entertainment, announced plans to retire. is the former Chairman and Chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI the Video game division of Sony Corporation Various news agencies, including The Times^[70] and The Wall Street Journal^[71] reported that this was due to poor sales, whilst SCEI maintains that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement. The Times is a daily national Newspaper published in the United Kingdom since 1785 when it was known as The Daily Universal Register. ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full ^[71]

In January 2008, Kaz Hirai, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, suggested that the console may start making a profit by early 2009 stating that, "the next fiscal year starts in April and if we can try to achieve that in the next fiscal year that would be a great thing" and, "that (profitability) is not a definite commitment, but that is what I would like to try to shoot for". is the current Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. A chief executive officer ( CEO) or chief executive is typically the highest-ranking corporate officer ( executive) or administrator ^[72] However, market analysts Nikko Citigroup have predicted that the PlayStation 3 could be profitable by August 2008. is a Financial services firm in Japan. It is a Joint venture between Citigroup and the Nikko Cordial Corporation. ^[73]

Since the system's launch, production costs have been reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the EE chip and falling hardware costs. The Emotion Engine is a CPU developed and manufactured by Sony and Toshiba for use in the Sony PlayStation 2 Video game console ^[74][75] The cost of manufacturing Cell microprocessors has fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the 65 nm production process,^[76][75] and Blu-ray diodes are cheaper to manufacture. Cell is a Microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM, an The 65 nanometer (65 nm process is an advanced lithographic node used in volume CMOS Semiconductor fabrication. Dioden2jpg|thumb|right|150px|Figure 2 Various semiconductor diodes ^[74][77] As of January 2008, each unit costs around $400 to manufacture. ^[78][79]

On January 7, 2007, Sony met its goal of shipping 1 million units to North America. Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[80] Just over a week later, on January 16, 2007, Sony confirmed they had shipped 1 million units in Japan, bringing the worldwide total to over 2 million shipped. Events 27 BC - The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian by the Roman Senate. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. ^[81] As of April 1, 2007, approximately 5. Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 5 million units had been shipped worldwide. ^[69]

The PlayStation 3 is currently behind its competitor systems, the Wii and the Xbox 360, in total worldwide sales. The Xbox 360 is the second Video game console produced by Microsoft, and was developed in cooperation with IBM, ATI, and SiS. In Japan during 2007, the Wii outsold the PlayStation 3 by as much as 6 to 1 in some months. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. ^[82][83][84] The PlayStation 3 has been more successful in Japan in 2008; 2,009,492 PlayStation 3 consoles were sold; outselling the Xbox 360, which was released almost a year earlier than its competitors, which sold 602,558 units. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common However, both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 were outsold by the Wii, which sold 5,695,579 units, according to Famitsu/Enterbrain. (formerly Famicom Tsushin) is a Japanese Video game magazine published by Enterbrain Inc is a Japanese magazine Publisher established on April 1 2000. ^[64][65]

From October 2007 to November 2007, sales of the PlayStation 3 went up by 285% in the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ^[85] Sony CEO Howard Stringer attributed the growth to a price cut and Nintendo's inability to manufacture the Wii system at a rate high enough to meet public demand. Sir Howard Stringer (born February 19, 1942) is a British Businessman and naturalized American citizen ^[86]

As of January 1, 2008, the PlayStation 3 has sold 3. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common 25 million units in the United States according to the NPD Group,^[87][88][89] 1,673,063 in Japan according to Enterbrain,^[90][91] over 180,000 in Australia according to GameSpot,^[92] and an estimated 2.8 million in Europe according to Electronic Arts. The NPD Group Inc (formerly National Purchase Diary) is a leading global market research company founded in 1967 and provides consumer and retail information to manufacturers GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information Events March 14: Microsoft announces Games for Windows - Live, a version of Xbox Live for the Windows platform ^[93][94] Total worldwide sales as of January 1, 2008 are 10. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common 49 million according to Sony. ^[95][96]

In the United States, the PlayStation 3 outsold the Xbox 360 for the first time in January 2008 according to the NPD Group. ^[97][98][99] A day prior to the NPD sales figures being released Microsoft said that the Xbox 360 had shortages for that month in the US. ^{[100][101][102]} Prior to January 2008 the PlayStation 3 had been a consistent third behind the Wii and the Xbox 360 in US sales. ^[101] The PlayStation 3 also outsold the Xbox 360 in February 2008, but was then outsold by the Xbox 360 in March 2008 according to the NPD Group. ^{[103][104][105][106]}

According to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, the PlayStation 3 had outsold the Xbox 360 from October 2007 ownwards, and in May 2008 it surpassed the Xbox 360 (which was released 16 months prior to the PlayStation 3) in total European sales. ^{[63][107][108]}

Hardware

Main article: PlayStation 3 hardware

The PlayStation 3 is convex on its left side when vertical, (the top side is convex when horizontal) and has a glossy black finish with the Playstation logo on the left side. The PlayStation 3 's hardware consists of both the internal systems and a number of peripherals such as the SIXAXIS controller ^[109] Playstation designer Teiyu Goto stated that the Spider-Man font-inspired logo "was one of the first elements [SCEI president Ken Kutaragi] decided on and the logo may have been the motivating force behind the shape of PS3. Spider-Man is a 2002 American Superhero film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full is the former Chairman and Chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI the Video game division of Sony Corporation "^[110]

The PlayStation 3 features a slot-loading 2x speed Blu-ray Disc drive for games, Blu-ray movies, DVDs, CDs, and other optical media. ^[111] It was originally available with hard drives of 20 and 60 GB^[112] (only the 60 GB model was available in PAL regions). ^[17] An 80 GB model has since been introduced in NTSC regions,^[113] and a 40 GB model has been introduced in all regions. NTSC ( National Television System Committee) is the Analog television system used in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico ^[114][115] All PS3 models have user-upgradeable 2. 5" SATA hard drives. ^[116]

The PlayStation 3 uses the IBM-designed Cell microprocessor as its CPU, utilizing seven of the eight "synergistic processing elements" (often shortened to SPE). The DualShock (officially DUALSHOCK and occasionally referred to as Dual Shock) is a line of vibration-feedback International Business Machines Corporation abbreviated IBM and nicknamed "Big Blue", is a multinational Computer Technology Cell is a Microprocessor architecture jointly developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM, an ^[117] The eighth SPE is disabled to improve chip yields (i. e. chips do not have to be discarded if one of the SPEs is defective. )^[118][119] Only six of the seven SPEs are accessible to developers as one is reserved by the OS. ^[119] Graphics processing is handled by the NVIDIA RSX 'Reality Synthesizer', which can output resolutions from 480i/576i SD up to 1080p HD. The multinational NVIDIA Corporation ( (ɪnˈvɪdiə specializes in the manufacture of graphics-processor technologies for Workstations The Graphics processing unit is a graphics chip design co-developed by NVIDIA 480i is the shorthand name for a video mode The i, which is sometimes uppercase stands for Interlaced, the 480 for a vertical frame resolution 576i is a standard-definition video mode used in (former PAL and SECAM countries High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition ^[111] The PlayStation 3 has 256 MB of XDR main memory and 256 MB of GDDR3 video memory for the RSX. ^[120]

The system has Bluetooth 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2. Bluetooth is a wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications technology facilitating data transmission over short distances from fixed and/or mobile devices creating wireless Gigabit Ethernet (GbE or 1 GigE is a term describing various technologies for transmitting Ethernet frames at a rate of a gigabit per second, as defined by the 0 and HDMI 1.3a built in on all currently shipping models. The High-Definition Multimedia Interface ( HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams ^[111] Wi-Fi networking is also built-in on the 40, 60 and 80 GB models while a flash card reader (compatible with Memory Stick, SD/MMC, and CompactFlash/Microdrive media) is built-in on 60 and 80 GB models. Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family Secure Digital ( SD) is a non-volatile Memory card format developed by Matsushita, SanDisk, and Toshiba for use in The MultiMediaCard ( MMC) is a Flash memory CompactFlash ( CF) is a Mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices The Microdrive is a Brand name for a miniature 1-inch Hard disk designed to fit in a CompactFlash (CF Type II slot ^[111][120]

Numerous accessories for the console have been developed including the wireless Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers, the BD Remote, the PlayStation Eye camera and the upcoming PlayTV DVB-T tuner/digital video recorder accessory. PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console Features Camera The PlayStation Eye is capable of capturing standard video with Frame rates of 60 Hertz at a 640x480 pixel resolution, PlayTV is a twin-channel DVB-T tuner peripheral with Digital video recorder (DVR software which allows users to watch and record television programmes to the DVB-T is an abbreviation for Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial; it is the DVB European-based consortium standard for the broadcast transmission of A digital video recorder ( DVR) or personal video recorder ( PVR) is a device that records video in a digital format to a Disk drive or other ^[121][122]

At its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced the DualShock 3 (trademarked DUALSHOCK 3), a PlayStation 3 controller with the same function and design as the Sixaxis, but with vibration capability included. The is a Video game Expo / convention held in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. The DualShock (officially DUALSHOCK and occasionally referred to as Dual Shock) is a line of vibration-feedback ^[123] Hands-on accounts describe the controller as being noticeably heavier than the standard Sixaxis controller, and capable of vibration forces comparable to the DualShock 2. ^[124] It was released in Japan on November 11, 2007,^[125] and is scheduled to release on April 15, 2008 in North America^[126] and in Spring 2008 in Europe. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[127]

The PS3's hardware has also been used to build supercomputers for high-performance computing. High-performance computing (HPC uses Supercomputers and Computer clusters to solve advanced computing problems ^[128] Terra Soft Solutions has a version of Yellow Dog Linux for the PlayStation 3,^[129] and sells PS3s with Linux pre-installed,^[130] in single units, and 6 and 32 node clusters. Terra Soft Solutions is the Loveland Colorado –based producer of Yellow Dog Linux, cluster construction tools and bioinformatics software ^[131] In addition, RapidMind is pushing their stream programming package for the PS3. Stream processing is a Computer programming paradigm related to SIMD, that allows some applications to more easily exploit a limited form of parallel processing Stream processing is a Computer programming paradigm related to SIMD, that allows some applications to more easily exploit a limited form of parallel processing ^[132] Also, on January 3, 2007, Dr. Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Frank Mueller, Associate Professor of Computer Science at NCSU, clustered 8 PS3s. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, Coeducational extensive Research University located in Raleigh North Carolina Mueller commented that the 512 MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application, and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: Fedora Core 5 Linux ppc64, MPICH2, OpenMP v2. The Fedora Operating system is an RPM -based general purpose Linux distribution, developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and sponsored 5, GNU Compiler Collection and CellSDK 1. The GNU Compiler Collection (usually shortened to GCC) is a set of Compilers produced for various Programming languages by the GNU Project 1. ^{[133][134][135]}

On March 22, 2007, SCE and Stanford University released the Folding@Home project for the PlayStation 3. Events 238 - Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Folding@home (sometimes abbreviated as FAH or F@h) is a Distributed computing (DC project designed to perform computationally intensive simulations ^[136] This program allows PS3 owners to lend the computing power of their consoles to help study the physical process of protein folding. In Science, a process is every sequence of changes of a real object/body which is observable using Scientific method. Protein folding is the physical process by which a Polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional three-dimensional structure.

See also: PlayStation 3 accessories and DualShock

Software

Operating system

Main article: PlayStation 3 System Software

Sony has added the ability for the operating system, referred to as System Software, to be updated. PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console The DualShock (officially DUALSHOCK and occasionally referred to as Dual Shock) is a line of vibration-feedback ^[137] The updates can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network directly to the PS3 and subsequently installed or downloaded from the official 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. ^[137]

The latest version of the software, version 2. 35, was released on May 15, 2008, and improved the stability of some PS3 titles. Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[138] The prior update, version 2. 30, released April 15, 2008 featured a new embedded PlayStation Store and also enabled DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks on Blu-ray discs. Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless audio Codec created by Digital Theater System. ^[139] Version 2. 20 was released on March 13, 2008 and updated the PS3 to Blu-ray profile 2.0 and added several other minor improvements. Events 1138 - Cardinal Gregorio Conti is elected Antipope as Victor IV, succeeding Anacletus II. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[140]

Version 2. 10, released on December 18, 2007,^[141] made the PS3 compatible with Blu-ray profile 1.1, added a new music visualization, added the ability to change voice pitch in the console’s chat function, and added support for DivX, XviD,^[142] and VC-1 (WMV) codecs. Events 218 BC - Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia - Hannibal 's Carthaginian forces defeat those of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. DivX is a brand name of products created by DivX Inc (formerly DivXNetworks Inc Xvid (formerly " XviD " is a Video codec library following the MPEG-4 standard VC-1 is the informal name of the SMPTE 421M Video codec standard initially developed by Microsoft. Windows Media Video ( WMV) is a compressed Video file format for several proprietary Codecs developed by Microsoft. A codec is a device or program capable of encoding and/or decoding a Digital Data stream or signal. ^[143]

The PlayStation 3 also includes the ability to install other operating systems,^[144] such as Linux. ^[145]

Graphical user interface

Main article: XrossMediaBar — PlayStation 3 XMB

The PlayStation 3 version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced Cross Media Bar, or abbreviated XMB) includes nine categories of options. The XrossMediaBar (pronounced CrossMediaBar and officially abbreviated as XMB) is the Emmy award-winning Graphical user interface developed by These include: Users, Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, Network, PlayStation Network, and Friends (similar to the PlayStation Portable media bar). The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP) is a Handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. The PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore photos with or without a musical slideshow, play music and copy audio CD tracks to an attached storage device, play movies and video files from the hard disk drive, an optional USB mass storage or Flash card, or an optical disc (Blu-ray Disc or DVD-Video), compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse, and a full web browser supporting in/compatible file download function. A web browser is a software application which enables a user to display and interact with text images videos music games and other information typically located on a ^[146] The Friends menu allows mail with emoticon and attached picture features and video chat which requires an optional PlayStation Eye or Eyetoy webcam. Features Camera The PlayStation Eye is capable of capturing standard video with Frame rates of 60 Hertz at a 640x480 pixel resolution, History The EyeToy was originally devised by Dr Richard Marks who had the idea of connecting a Web camera to a PlayStation 2 and using it to play games ^[147] The Network menu allows online shopping through the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation ^[147]

See also: Linux for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 3 System Software — Media playback features

PlayStation Network

Main articles: PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store

In response to Microsoft's success with their Xbox Live network, Sony announced a unified online service for the PlayStation 3 system at the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The PlayStation 3 is capable of running Linux as well as other Operating systems if installed on the console's Hard drive. The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation Xbox Live (trademarked as Xbox LIVE) is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation ^[148] Sony also confirmed that the service will always be connected,^[149] free,^[150] and include multiplayer support. ^[151] In addition, the registration interface can only be accessed through the PS3 system interface. ^[152]

At the Tokyo Game Show on September 21, 2006, it was revealed that users will be able to download some of the thousands of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles from the PlayStation Network for about US$5–$15, starting with those with the smallest game data. The is a Video game Expo / convention held in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. Events 1217 - The Estonian tribal leader Lembitu of Lehola was killed in a battle against Teutonic Knights. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[153] Ken Kutaragi also announced functionality with other systems, similar to Nintendo's Virtual Console, including confirmed Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 functionality. is the former Chairman and Chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI the Video game division of Sony Corporation is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Kyoto Japan founded on Virtual Console, sometimes abbreviated as VC, is a specialized section of the Wii Shop Channel, an online service that allows players to purchase and download The is a 16-bit Video game console released by Sega in Japan in 1988 North America in 1989 and the PAL region in 1990 The, known as TurboGrafx-16 in the USA is a Video game console developed by the Nippon Electric Company (NEC and released in Japan on October ^[153] However, Sega replied that Sony had been too hasty with calling it a fact, and that it was still "under examination". is a multinational Video game Software and Hardware development company and a former Home computer ^[154]

On May 8, 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment announced PlayStation Network Cards,^[155] a form of electronic money that can be used with the Store. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. PlayStation Network Cards (or Tickets) are prepaid cards used to buy PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable contents in the online PlayStation Stores PlayStation Network Tickets, available in units of 1,000, 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, can be purchased at convenience stores throughout Japan. ^[156] Each ticket contains a 12 alphanumeric code which can be inputted to the PlayStation Network to place credits in the virtual wallet. ^[157] The tickets are available through electronic kiosks at 26,000 convenience stores, including Lawsons, Family Mart, Daily Yamazaki, Ministop and Sunkus. Lawson ( is a convenience store franchise chain in Japan. The store originated in the U is a "konbini" or Convenience store franchise chain first opened in Japan on September 1, 1981. Daily Yamazaki is a "konbini" or Convenience store franchise chain in Japan. ( a member of ÆON Group, operates the Ministop Convenience store franchise chain in Japan Circle K Sunkus is a chain of company-operated and franchised Convenience stores in Japan. ^[158] They are also available at 26,000 post office ATM machines, although registration is required first at a special mobile website. ^[158]

A similar PlayStation Network Card system based on actual cards instead of tickets was introduced in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan in Summer 2007^[159] and is scheduled for a Spring 2008 release in North America. ^[160]

PlayStation Home

Main article: PlayStation Home

The PlayStation Home logo

During the 2007 Game Developers Conference, Sony announced PlayStation Home, a new free-to-download community based service for the PlayStation Network, which allows users to create an avatar character for their PlayStation 3 system. PlayStation Home (also marketed and referred to simply as Home) is a community-based service for the PlayStation Network which has been in development since early The Game Developers Conference ( GDC) is the largest annual gathering of professional Video game developers focusing on learning inspiration and networking An avatar is a computer user's representation of himself/herself or alter ego whether in the form of a three-dimensional model used in computer games a two-dimensional Icon ^[161][162] This avatar will get its own apartment, which can be adorned by items players can receive in several achievements. ^[161] In the future the service will also expand, allowing players to have more sorts of clothing, as well as hold pets. ^[162] Home will be a Second Life-like experience and will allow gamers everywhere to interact in a virtual world. Second Life ( abbreviated as SL) and its sister site Teen Second Life are Internet-based 3D Virtual ^[163] Home will also act as a meeting place of sorts for players who want to play multiplayer games on the PlayStation 3. ^[163] During a video demonstration of Home, Sony said that a Home icon and options will be added to the Xross Media Bar (XMB), so it is expected to be available through a firmware update or separate download from within the PlayStation Store. ^[162][163] A closed beta was in progress in Europe in May 2007,^[164] and an open beta was scheduled to be available in North America in early fall 2007. ^[163] However, at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that the final worldwide launch of Home, which had originally been scheduled for fall 2007, would take place in Spring 2008. The is a Video game Expo / convention held in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. ^[165] SCEI President and Group CEO Kaz Hirai later explained that the launch was delayed for further testing and feedback evaluation to provide the best possible experience upon launch. ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full ^[166] On April 21, 2008, Sony announced that Home would be delayed further and the closed beta would be extended until fall 2008^[167], effectively delaying the service's availability to the general public by a full year. Events 753 BC - Romulus and Remus found Rome ( traditional date) 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

PlayStation Portable connectivity

Main articles: Remote Play and PlayStation Store (PC) for PSP

The PlayStation Portable can connect with the PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. Remote Play is a feature on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable which allows a PlayStation Portable user to interact with their PlayStation 3's Xross Media Bar. The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation For example, Formula One: Championship Edition, a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time rear-view mirror. ^[168] In addition, it is possible to download PlayStation 1 games to the PlayStation 3 from the PlayStation Store. These games were not originally playable on the PS3. They could only be sent to a PSP, and played using the PSP's PlayStation Emulator. Sony added support for playing downloaded PlayStation titles on PS3 on April 18, 2007, with the update to firmware revision 1. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 70. ^[169][170]

Sony has also demonstrated the PSP playing back video content, including 1080p content from the PlayStation 3 hard disk across an ad-hoc wireless network. A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device A mobile ad-hoc network ( MANET) is a kind of Wireless ad-hoc network, and is a self-configuring network of mobile Routers (and associated hosts This feature is referred to as Remote Play located under the browser icon on both the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Portable. Remote Play is a feature on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable which allows a PlayStation Portable user to interact with their PlayStation 3's Xross Media Bar. Remote play has since expanded to allow remote access to the PS3 via PSP from any wireless access point in the world. ^[171]

Games

Main article: PlayStation 3 games

The PlayStation 3 launched in North America on November 17, 2006 with a total of twelve titles and another three were released before the end of the year. The PlayStation 3 launched in North America on November 17, 2006 with a total of twelve titles with another three being released before the end of the year Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[172] After five days of sales it was confirmed that first person shooter Resistance: Fall of Man from Insomniac Games was the top-selling game, and was heavily praised by numerous video game websites, including GameSpot and IGN, both of whom awarded it with their PlayStation 3 Game of the Year award for 2006. Resistance Fall of Man —often called Resistance; abbreviated to RFoM; and originally developed under the title I8 Insomniac Games Inc is an independent American Video game developer founded in 1994 that has released titles for PlayStation, PlayStation GameSpot is a video gaming Website that provides News, Reviews Previews Downloads and other information IGN (abbreviated and formerly known as I magine G ames N etwork is a multimedia news and reviews Website that focuses heavily on Video ^[173][174] Some titles missed the launch window and were delayed until early 2007, such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, F.E.A.R. and Sonic the Hedgehog. The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion is a Single player Fantasy -themed action-oriented Computer role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios FEAR First Encounter Assault Recon is a Survival horror First-person shooter developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sonic the Hedgehog is a Video game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 that was made to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the ''Sonic the During the Japanese launch, Ridge Racer 7 was the top-selling launch title, while Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire also fared well in sales; both of which were offerings from Namco Bandai. Ridge Racer 7 is the latest installment in the Ridge Racer series of Racing games, exclusive to the PlayStation 3. Mobile Suit Gundam Crossfire, known in Japan and Europe as, is a PlayStation 3 launch title published and developed by Namco Bandai, based on Sunrise This article is about the holding company and the group of companies it owns The PlayStation 3 launched in Europe with twenty-four titles, including games that were not offered in the North American and Japanese launch, such as Formula One Championship Edition, MotorStorm and Virtua Fighter 5. Formula One Championship Edition is a racing video game developed by SCE Studio Liverpool and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, for the Sony MotorStorm is a racing Video game developed by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the Sony Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm have been the most successful titles so far,^[175][176] and both games are to receive sequels. Resistance Fall of Man —often called Resistance; abbreviated to RFoM; and originally developed under the title I8 MotorStorm is a racing Video game developed by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the Sony ^[177][178]

At E3 2007, Sony was able to show off a number of their upcoming video games for the PlayStation 3, including Heavenly Sword, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune,^[179] all of which were released in the fourth quarter of 2007. The history of the E3 began with its creation in 1995 and has continued through the current expo in 2008 Heavenly Sword is a Video game developed by Ninja Theory exclusively for the PlayStation 3 console and published by Sony Computer Entertainment Ratchet & Clank Future Tools of Destruction (known as Ratchet & Clank Tools of Destruction in most PAL regions Tools of Destruction Uncharted Drake's Fortune, also known in Japan as, is a action-adventure Video game developed by Naughty Dog, and published by Sony ^{[180][181][182]} They also showed off a number of titles set for a 2008 release; most notably Killzone 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2004 first person shooter. Killzone 2 is an upcoming hard sci-fi First-person shooter for the PlayStation 3 video game console currently in development by Guerrilla ^[183] LittleBigPlanet was also demonstrated during the event and subsequently won the award for 'Most Original' game of the show. LittleBigPlanet (sometimes abbreviated to LBP and developed under the working title The Next Big Thing) is an upcoming puzzle ^[184] A completely new title called InFamous was also presented to the media, expanding on the ever-growing sandbox genre. inFamous is an upcoming sandbox-style Video game for the Sony PlayStation 3 video game console Several PlayStation Network titles were also on display, including SOCOM: Confrontation and Warhawk, both of which will be released as downloads via the PlayStation Store as well as on Blu-ray Disc. SOCOM US Navy SEALs Confrontation is an upcoming third person Tactical shooter Video game developed by Slant Six Games for Warhawk is a multiplayer -only Third-person shooter, Vehicle and Flight combat game developed by Incognito Entertainment The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation ^[185][186] It was also revealed that the first-person shooter Haze will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3,^[187] and Unreal Tournament 3 would be released ahead of other console versions in time for the holiday season. Haze is a First-person shooter Video game, developed by Free Radical Design and published by Ubisoft exclusively for the Perhaps the biggest announcement, however, was that the highly-anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be released only on the PlayStation 3, amid rumors that the game would appear on other platforms. (commonly abbreviated to MGS4) is a stealth action Video game. Two other important exclusive titles to be released by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3, Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII, a dual installment in the Fabula Nova Crystallis compilation, were shown at TGS 2007 in order to appease the Japanese market. is a Japanese video game and publishing company best known for its Console role-playing game franchises which include the Final Fantasy series the Dragon is an upcoming Console role-playing game being developed by Square Enix who will publish it for PlayStation 3 worldwide and Xbox 360 in Europe and North is an Action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the Sony PlayStation 3 Video game console. is the collective name of a series of games made under the Final Fantasy XIII label by Square Enix. The is a Video game Expo / convention held in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. ^[188]

See also: List of PlayStation 3 games, Chronology of PlayStation 3 games, and List of PlayStation Network games

Reception

The PlayStation 3 received generally unfavorable reviews soon after its launch, with many websites and reviewers criticizing its high price and lack of top-quality games. Games List of PlayStation Network games|List of PSOne Classics For a chronological list click the sort button in the 'First released' column. List of PlayStation 3 games|List of PSOne ClassicsThis is a list of PlayStation Network games for the Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable Video ^[189][190] However, after a series of price drops and the release of several quality titles, the system has begun to receive better reviews.

The PS3 was given the number-eight spot on PC World magazine’s list of "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006," where it was criticized for being "Late, Expensive, and Incompatible. PC World is a global Computer magazine published monthly by IDG. "^[191] Also, GamesRadar ranked the PS3 as the top item in a feature about game-related PR disasters, asking how Sony managed to "take one of the most anticipated game systems of all time and — within the space of a year — turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet", but added that despite its problems the system had "untapped potential. Public relations (PR is the practice of managing the flow of Information between an Organization and its Publics Public relations - often referred "^[192] Business Week summed up the general opinion by stating that it was "more impressed with what [the PlayStation 3] could do than with what it currently does. BusinessWeek is a business Magazine published by McGraw-Hill. "^[193]

Some journalists judged that the relative ease with which it was possible to buy a PlayStation 3 in stores in the U. S. and Japan soon after its launch, compared with the scarcity of the Wii, was evidence of lukewarm consumer demand for the system. ^[194] In addition, there were reports that some Japanese retailers discounted the system as early as January 2007 to stimulate demand. ^[195] In an interview with Electronic Gaming Monthly, SCEA Chief of Operations Jack Tretton scoffed at the assertion that PS3s were not flying off store shelves, telling the interviewers, "If you can find a PS3 anywhere in North America that's been on shelves for more than five minutes, I'll give you 1,200 bucks for it. Electronic Gaming Monthly (often abbreviated to EGM) is an American Video game magazine. Jack Tretton is the President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA a division of Sony Computer Entertainment, which is a "^[196] In response, Penny Arcade's Gabe and Tycho demanded a reward of $13,200 after finding eleven PS3s in stores near their home town. Penny Arcade is a Webcomic written by Jerry Holkins and illustrated by Mike Krahulik. ^[197]

Despite all the bad press, several websites have given the system very good reviews. CNET United Kingdom praised the PlayStation 3 saying, "the PS3 is a versatile and impressive piece of home-entertainment equipment that lives up to the hype . CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned . . the PS3 is well worth its hefty price tag. "^[198] CNET also awarded it a score of 8. 8 out of a possible 10 and voted it as its number one "must-have" gadget,^[199] praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games. ^[200]

In addition, both Home Theater Magazine and Ultimate AV have given the system's Blu-ray playback very favorable reviews, stating that the quality of playback exceeds that of many current standalone Blu-ray players. ^[201][202] Also, the Convergence Panel of the European Imaging and Sound Association recognized the PS3 as the best media center product in the 2007/2008 award year. ^[203]

Hexus Gaming reviewed the PAL version and summed the review up by saying, ". . . as the PlayStation 3 matures and developers start really pushing it, we’ll see the PlayStation 3 emerge as the console of choice for gaming. "^[204] At GDC 2007, Shiny Entertainment founder Dave Perry stated, "I think that Sony has made the best machine. The Game Developers Conference ( GDC) is the largest annual gathering of professional Video game developers focusing on learning inspiration and networking Shiny Entertainment was a Video game developer based in Laguna Beach, Southern California, and is the creator of several hits such as Earthworm This article is about David Perry the game developer For the David Perry who was a co-commentator on the UK Video game TV show ' GamesMaster It's the best piece of hardware, without question. "^[205] A second review of the PS3 by Ars Technica in June, 2008 gave the console an overall mark of 9/10, while the original launch review marked only 6/10. Ars Technica (ˌɑrz ˈtɛknɨkə Latin for "Art of Technology" is a Technology -related Website that caters to PC enthusiasts covering technology ^[206]

References

External links

Official websites

• Asia
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• North America
• United Kingdom

Auxiliary sites by Sony

• Hardware press images
• User's guide

Support

• Australia
• New Zealand
• North America
• United Kingdom

Directories

• PlayStation 3 at the Open Directory Project

The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory

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