Dated - 10th June 2006
The looks of the PS3 are finally out. Both the 60GB and the 20GB versions look
practically the same, but the ports and the connections differ slightly. The controller is the same. For a detailed look, check this :-
Images of the Playstation 3
Answers to some common questions :-
Will PS3 play PS2 and PS1 games?
Ken Kutaragi has confirmed 100%% backwards compatibility with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games. The PS3 will upscale legacy games into high definition, much like the Xbox 360 does with original Xbox games.
What will the PS3 look like?
The PS3 design was unveiled at Sony’s E3 conference. It has an “outward feel” compared to the Xbox 360’s “inward feel”. The console's dimensions are: 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D). This in contrast to the PS2 design is much larger and is closer in size to the original Xbox in size. The console’s “outward” design gives it a larger footprint for the console to stand vertically on its own without an add-on stand. The drive bay sits on the right side like the PS2 but instead of using a tray the discs slide into the drive much like a car CD player. Also the drive sits slightly back in the design giving the console a reminiscent look to the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Finally, the console has the words “PlayStation 3” across the side in a font that is very close to the font used in Sony Pictures’ Spiderman movie.
How powerful will the PS3 be?
On paper, the PS3 is 2x more powerful than the Xbox 360 and 15x more powerful than the Nintendo Revolution is predicted to be. It has a processing capacity of 2.18 TFLOPS, which is put into context when you realise that some of the fastest computers in existence can only do 36 Terraflops. It is said to be 35x more powerful than the PlayStation 2 is.
At E3 2006, Sony showed off a large number of playable games. Whilst they all looked impressive, many who were present could not see a big difference in terms of visuals between the PS3 and Xbox 360. However, Gran Turismo HD far surpassed anything seen before, as it was demonstrated in 1080p at 60 frames per second.
Will PS3 games be playable online?
PS3 games will be playable online, and the "basic" service will be free. This may be a similar system to Xbox 360's Silver and Gold services, but Kutaragi did suggest the basic service would allow games to be played online. Extra online services will include the ability to download games, music and high definition videos to the hard drive.
Is the hard drive required?
Yes the hard drive will be required, and it will be included with every PlayStation 3 unit. One package will include a 20GB hard drive, whilst the more expensive SKU will include a 60GB hard drive.
Whats the specification?
The 20GB and 60GB config have different specifications.
The 20GB does not include and HDMI port, a memory card reader or WiFi support. Both, however, support the bluetooth controller and high definition output (the 20GB will be able to do with through component cables).
More details about specifications of both models can be found
here
Game Sequences of PS3 games can be found
here and
here