Sony’s Playstation 3, the successor to the first Playstation and Playstation 2, will compete alongside Xbox 360 of Microsoft and Wii of Nintendo.

The Playstation 3 is planned for release in Japan on November 11, 2006. Meanwhile, in Canada and the United States, game enthusiasts can have their PS3 on November 17, 2006. On the other hand, those in Europe and Australia will have to wait until March 2007 for the release of the game consoles. Reports state that this has been the case because of the shortage of Blu-ray disc diodes. Authorities from Sony have announced that they are ready to file legal actions against anybody who would sell imported game units to consumers in Europe.

The Playstation 3, in its initial release, will be retailed in two configurations. The first is a Basic configuration. In this package, the PS3 will be sold with a 20 GB hard disk drive, Blu-ray drive, HDMI port, and wireless SIXAXIS controllers. The second package is a Premium configuration. Instead of a 20 GB hard disk, the Premium’s hard disk will have a capacity of 60 GB. Additional supports are also installed, including Wi-Fi feature and memory card readers. The hard disks in the two configurations can be upgraded. In addition, the Basic configuration can also enjoy the memory card reader feature by using supplementary adapters.

The Playstation 3 console is designed with elegant features. Its exterior is outlined with exquisite curves. Its sides are shaped to appear that it is expanding outward. In addition, the Playstation 3 is developed with a modern cooling system. This is to cope with the consoles heat output due to its Cell processor’s operation and its system power supply. Many would think that because the Playstation 3 is a high power consumer, it would make significant noise while being used. But because of Sony’s innovations, the PS3 is developed to operate amazingly quiet.

The first models of the game consoles include silver, black, and white. But in the initial release, the Playstation 3 would only be available in black. Based on some official design previews, the exterior of the console appeared to be solid and silky black. However, the system casing looked to be semi-transparent black. Moreover, the PS3 is 11 pounds in weight and measures 12.8” x 3.8” x 10.8”.

Playstation 3 games under development and may be available within the next few months after the release of the console are listed below:

* Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
* College of Duty 3
* Fatal Inertia
* Fight Night: Round 3
* Full Auto 2: Battlelnes
* Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
* NBA 2k7
* NBA 07
* Need for Speed: Carbon
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblvion
* Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas
* Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
* Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
* Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
* Battlefield: Bad Company
* Enchanted Arms
* White Knight Story
* Final Fantasy XIII
* Tekken 6
* Heavenly Sword
* Grand Theft Auto IV

The price listing of the Playstation 3 differs by region. In Japan, the 20 GB PS3 will be sold for JP¥ 49,980 or US$ 420. The price of the 60 GB model, meanwhile, will be up to the Japanese retailers to set. In the US, the 20 GB units will be sold for $ 499, while the 60 GB version is set at $ 699.

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