As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the Sony PlayStation 3 an even more versatile home entertainment machine. Features such as video chat, Internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a game console--a powerful one at that.
Under the Hood The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That's approximately 320 times more calculations per second than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience.
PlayStation 3: Tower of power
A sleek new look
With the wireless, motion-sensitive controller
Blu-Ray is the New Way Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This increase in capacity--combined with the awesome power of its processor and graphics card--promisesmind-blowing games once developers have learned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will also support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.
In addition, PlayStation 3 system software update version 2.20 and up includes BD Live support. With this you can now play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE) and you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format so that you can obtain additional features. Features that are available vary depending on the software in use.
Sensational Controller New gamers intuitively move the controller while playing, even though that movement has traditionally had no relation to what's going on in the game. Sony has picked up on this tendency and is using it to bring a new level of control into the PS3. Inside the controller is a high-precision six-axis sensing system that accurately detects fine movements in pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as three dimensions of movement, to control games. This means that future PS3 games will be controlled by the movements of your hands rather than just your thumbs. For example, you might be able to steer a car by holding the controller like a steering wheel.
While the PS3 controller looks much like its Dual Shock predecessors, it will lack the force-feedback vibration since that would only interfere with the sensing system. It uses Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology and can support up to seven wireless controllers at a time. It's a hot-swappable system, so if your controller is running low on power, just pause your game and connect a USB 2.0 cable. You can continue playing while your controller recharges automatically.
Plays All PlayStation Games The PlayStation 3 will be backward compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games, which means you'll be able to play all your favorite games without keeping all the old systems. The console will have slots for Memory Stick Duo, an SD slot and a Compact Flash memory slot. It comes with a pre-installed hard disc drive, which allows you to save games as well as download content from the Internet.
Gran Turismo HD
Resistance: Fall of Man
A Slew of New Games A whole host of game publishers are already backing the PS3 and several have even confirmed games for the console. At the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), more than 30 titles were displayed for the system, including Gran Turismo HD, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Final Fantasy XIII. Previously announced titles include Metal Gear Solid 4, Devil May Cry 4 and Tekken 6.
Online Sony has stated that the PS3 will have similar online connectivity and services as the next generation of Xbox Live. Calling it "an always on, always connected device," SCEI's chief technical officer Masa Chatani said the PS3 would be constantly in touch with a "PlayStation World" network "fundamentally based on community, communication commerce, and content." Technically, the infrastructure is there to make that connection. The PS3 supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T Ethernet, as well as IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking protocols.
REVIEW
Don't Bother with these over priced PS3's I was amazed at the stupidity of those advertising these 60 Gb PS3's at outrageous prices when you can buy a new 80 Gb PS3 for $399.99. If 80 Gb isn't enough for you, you acn change out the hardrive with a lap top hard drive running at 5400 RPM. I don't know if a 7200 RPM will work. Those considering a purchase from one these should reconsider. If it is the backwards compatibility with the PS2 that is driving you, Just buy the 80 Gb & a PS2, total of $430. That is cheaper than the "Used" over priced PS3's listed here. Charlie S.
Thinking of Getting a PS3? Let me start off by saying that this review isprobably the most unbiased review you are going to find here on toys r us user reviews. Surely if you are a casual gamer or a mom/dad that is shopping for their sons or daughters you probably seen some people giving this great console a 1 out 5 stars. This is because they are fanboys. Jealous low-lifes that are so attached to their consoles that they will do anything to "hurt" the sales. In this review I will be talking about the whole
Lets start with the review shall we? Okay so you are deciding whether or not to buy a ps3, whether or not spending $400 for a console is a good decision. I was one of those "crazies" that bought a 60gb ps3 on launch back in 2006 for $600, and I haven't regretted it since. Sure back then there was only a few good games at the time, the online portion was feeling a little bit tacked on, and blu-ray format was battling HD-DVD to the death. Well things have changed. Now the PS3 has so games that one could not possibly have the time to play them or let alone purchase them at all at once. The Online is on par with xbox live's services ever since Sony introduced in-game XMB ( in-game cross media bar) and trophies to competewith Microsoft's achievements. And Blu-ray WON the format war! The best part of this is that PS3 is getting better and better by the moment.
Now I will be noting some important things that the ps3 offers.
-Games. Plain and simple. Playstation offers TONS of excellent exclusives like LittleBigPlanet, Metal Gear solid 4, Killzone 2, Resistance 2, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, Uncharted, Ratchet & Clank, Warhawk, Heavenly Sword, etc etc. And not to metion the multiplatform games like Call of Duty 4, Fallout 3, Mirror's Edge, and many many more.
-Free Online. PSN (platstation network) is FREE. Thats right folks. FREE. All you need is to be connected to a cable modem and let the PS3 do the rest.
-Blu-ray. Ever since blu-ray won the format war, distributors have now been releasing hi-def blu-ray movies now as standardized format. Out with the old (DVD) and in with the new (Blu-ray).
-Diversity. A console that is for everyone. Young or Old. LittleBigPlanet is one of those games that can be admired by children AND also be admired by grown adults. There are games for everyone.
-Multi-media Lunchbox. Being able to play amazing games, store and listen to music, rent movies on the PSN video marketplace, upload photos and videos, create photo albums, and many other things is what makes the PS3 stand out from the other consoles. There is no other console that lets you do these kind of things. Since this is the 80gb ps3 you should never have to worry about storage space.
System Reliability. Remember when I said i was one of those "crazies" that purchased a ps3 back in 2006? Well guess what. I still own and still game on that very same PS3. I dont know what kind of black magic sony casted upon the ps3, but the console is EXTREMELY RELIABLE. Microsoft needs to learn a few things from sony and how to make a console that is reliable. I have a Xbox 360 and so far im on my 4th console. Yes you heard correctly. 4th console. Its ridiculous.
Overall the games, Blu-ray, free online, system reliability, and multi-media functionalites should be the main reasons why you are purchasing this wonderful console.
5 out of 5 stars for me. Hopefully for you as well.
Amazon.com As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the Sony PlayStation 3 an evenmore versatile home entertainment machine. Features such as video chat, Internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a game console--and a powerful one at that.
Under the Hood The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That's approximately 320 times more calculations per second than thePS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience.
PlayStation 3 is a powerful gaming and home entertainment machine.
Blu-Ray is the New Way Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This increase in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processor and graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers have learned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will also support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.
Use a variety of hand-to-hand combat moves to neutralize enemies. View larger.
Explore an exotic locale to find the hidden treasure. View larger.
In addition, PlayStation 3 system software update version 2.20 and up includes BD Live support. With this you can now play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE) and you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format so that you can obtain additional features. Features that are available vary depending on the software in use.
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is included with this Sony PlayStation 3 bundle pack. The game begins with a 400-year-old clue found in the coffin of famed explorer, Sir Francis Drake. The clue sends modern-day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, on a quest to find the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a long forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The expedition turns deadly when Drake's party becomes stranded on an island and hunted by modern day pirates. Outnumbered and outgunned, Nathan must fight to survive and unravel the terrible secrets of the mysterious island.
Adventure, Mystery, and Exploration Abound Using maps and ancient artifacts you'll uncover clues and unravel mysteries that will reveal a forgotten island a lost treasure. This uncharted world is alive with intrigue and mystery, and you'll revel in the amazing graphics as you explore exotic locations and traverse through living jungles and 400-year-old ruins. Drake's not all on his own -- his companions and allies play an important role in the adventure through cooperative gameplay mechanics, gun play, and exploration.
Action-Packed gameplay Your abilities will be tested, challenge after challenge, as you struggle to stay alive by any means necessary. Thrilling high-speed chases over land and water and terrifying gunfire will keep you on the edge of your seat. And if that's not enough, you'll need to employ an array of hand-to-hand combat moves to keep your enemies off balance with haymaker punches and running drop-kicks.
Charming, exciting, and adventure-packed, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is an excellent addition to this Sony PlayStation 3 game console bundle.
What's in the Box
Game system with 160 GB HD, Internet-ready built-in Wi-Fi, and 2 USB ports
Dualshock 3 wireless controller
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune game
Voucher for downloadable PAIN game
Free PlayStation Network membership
REVIEW
Solid bundle, not the best choice if you are planning a disk upgrade Necessary disclosure: I do not own this model but do I own the 60GB model, recently upgraded to 320GB. I am also very familiar with the latest 80GB model (which is basically this one with a larger disk) becauseone of my neighbors has one and I am the neighborhood's unofficial and unpaid 'computer' consultant :). I did some research in anticipation of us purchasing a second unit because I promised the kids 'their own' if their grades were going to meet a certain standard.
As compared to the 60GB model (see this model's pluses and minuses and what all PS3s have in common):
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+ Less expensive (I paid $599 for my 60GB PS3)
+ 266% more storage
+ Improved power efficiency
+ Dual shock controller (rumble)
+ Bundled Drake's Fortune and Pain voucher for a PSN download
+ Amazon Blu-ray movies promotion (buy 4 movies from list and get $100 off through end of 2008)
= Wireless Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet network connections
= Bluetooth for controllers, keyboards, earpieces, etc.
= Controllers charged via USB wires
= Free, unlimited access to the PSN network, including online play
= Full PSOne compatibility
= Blu-ray player
= DVD player
= CD player
= HDMI, component video (component wire included but no HDMI cable)
= Surround sound
= Internet browser
= Allows for installation of third-party operating systems such as Linux
= Disk is easily upgradeable without voiding warranty
= Quiet operation
- No memory card interfaces
- 2 USB ports vs. 4 USB ports on the 60GB
- No PS2 compatibility
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STORAGE and STORAGE UPGRADE:
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This model comes with an 160GB drive. This is nice because, based on my own experience, 160GB should be sufficient for a few years of use for as long as you don't plan to purchase lots of movies from the PSN store or download to many full games - if you are thiking about storing movies on your PS3 disk, consider upgrading to larger storage. However, unless you believe that Uncharted + Pain are worth the extra $100, you may be slightly better off buying the 80GB model for $100 less and then upgrading.
To give you an idea of the amount of storage you may need on your PS3, I recently checked the status of my 320GB disk and I found that I had 198GB free. That means that, one year after purchasing my (then) 60GB box I was using 122GB already. The space is taken by family pictures, a little music, lots of demos, many 'disk' games that dump gigabytes of data to the disk to improve performance, many videos the kids are making with the 'Eye' camera, game saves. I suspect that 'Home', when it becomes available, may require a few more GB's for its own use so 320GB may be what you need if you don't want to constantly worry about deleting old stuff before you run out of space.
If you are on the upgrade path, $80 would buy you a 320GB drive. I used the Western Digital WD3200BEVT 320 GB Scorpio Sata 5400 Rpm 8MB 2.5 inch myself but that was back in June/July and I paid about $150 then; you could get much larger drives for less now. 1TB drives are available for a few $$ more and you should try to get one of those if you are planning to store lots of videos. The nice thing about upgrading your disk is that you are also going to be left with a perfectly good 80GB or $160GB drive which you can place into a cheap enclosure, and the StarTech AT2510U2 InfoSafe 2.5-Inch USB/SATA Hard Drive Enclosure worked for me. I am using the free leftover drive as a backup device for family photos.
Upgrading the disk is (relatively) easy and you can find a lot of advice on the Net. Search for "PlayStation 3 Hard Drive Upgrade (HOWTO)" for videos that should help you decide if you are comfortable with upgrading. If upgrading is the first thing you do (before installing games or uploading personal files), everything becomes very easy because you need not worry about backups or restores. I upgraded my box in a couple of hours WITH the backup/restore steps.
MEMORY CARD INTERFACES:
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The lack of memory card interfaces is annoying but you can get around it. Copy your stuff to a USB drive or flash drive and... problem solved. You can then upload your things through the USB. It's somewhat inconvenient but it's no big deal.
USB PORTS:
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My old 60GB model has 4 USB ports and I am using all of them. One for the PS3 Eye (camera), a second has a wireless keyboard dongle, the third is where the racing wheel plugs in and the last one I use to charge controllers. Of course, you can and you WILL be able to live with 2 slots but it is likely that you will be doing some plugging/unplugging if you begin adding peripherals. One way around it is to get a USB port multiplexer. Another solution is seek Bluetooth peripherals (wireless) if you can find them. Bluetooth keyboards, for example, are available.
PS2 COMPATIBILITY:
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This model does not support PS2 software. Since the original PS2-compatible PS3's are hard to get, this has to be accepted as reality. I assume that Sony, after polling existing and future PS3 users, found that most users don't need PS2 compatibility. Soon after we upgraded to a PS3 my kids were playing Kingdom Hearts and Destroy All Humans but I haven't seen them doing so in quite a while. It is nice to have PS2 compatibility but its lacking would not stop me from buying a PS3.
PSOne GAMES:
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The PS3 has full PSOne compatilibity. Lots of them are available for download at the PSN store. They are quite inexpensive and some of them are still fun to play.
SUMMARY:
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- If you like Drake's and you do not consider upgrading, buy THIS model. In fact, you should buy this model regardless of Drake's because you are likely to be unhappy with an unupgraded 80GB model - like I mentioned above, I am already using over 120GB and this is BEFORE Home.
- If you are planning to upgrade, you're better off with an 80GB model selling for $100 less because you can use the $100 you save to buy yourself Drake's for about $40 and use the balance to help pay for your disk upgrade.
- Get yourself a USB port multiplexer if you need more than 2 ports.
- Transfer your photos to flash drives to get around the missing memory card interfaces.
- Keep your PS2 if you have one and still wish to play PS2 games in the future.
- Enjoy your new PS3.
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Note: I am not taking off one star for the lack of PS2 compatibility. I understand that Sony must compete on price and make a profit and times are tough. However, I simply can't see why Sony cut the number of USB ports from 4 down to 2 and this explains why this unit gets 4 stars instead of 5. This is a relatively significant inconvenience and I can't see how it would cost Sony more than a dollar or 2 if it provided 4 ports instead of 2.
Playstation 3's Blu-Ray Disc Remote is an elegant, sleekly designed controller for enjoying Blu-Ray discs on your PS3. The ergonomic design feels good in your hand and the Bluetooth connection lets you operate with no lag time. Features all the standard DVD remote functions: Chapter display/select A-B Repeat One-Touch Menu Control
REVIEW
Does the job I'm not sure why this review form is referring to this as a "game" and asking me how much fun it is, but the remote does what it's supposed to do. It's easier than using the onscreen controls with the regular PlayStation controller, but I wouldn't recommend gaming with it (if it's possible).
PS3 This system is a great system and I am a huge movie buff so watching them in blueray is ten times better. Blueray players themselves are [...] so might as well buy a Playstation 3.
Organizes and safely stores: All connection, link and power cables Removable 16 disc holder. Secure Velcro straps Customized fan vents allow prope console cooling Reinforced case walls and padded inner lining Excessively sturdy carrying handle
REVIEW
Good Purchase I recommend this case because it offers great protection for the PS3. If you travel or move a lot, and you need to take your PS3, youshould not do without this case. There was plenty of room for all accessories, and the case keeps the system pretty well secure after using the straps. I recommend this item to protect your precious investment!
Amazon.comThe Dualshock 3 wireless controller for the PlayStation 3 system provides the most intuitive game play experience with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive SIXAXIS™ motion sensing technology. Each hit, crash and explosion is more realistic when the user feels the rumble right in the palm of their hand. It can even detect natural movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of the users body. Dualshock 3 wireless controller utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controllers USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller through the PlayStation 3 system at anytime.
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Key Features:
Pressure sensors that rumble with each action making every impact feel like youre right in the game.
SIXAXIS™ highly sensitive motion control system senses your every move
Features Bluetooth technology for wireless game play; the PlayStation 3 system can support up to seven wireless controllers at one time.
Can be charged at any time through the PlayStation 3 system using the controllers USB cable
Initial PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 Compatibility Chart
Formula One Championship Edition - PS3
MotorStorm - PS3
PAIN - PSN
High Velocity Bowling - PSN
MLB 08: The Show - PS3
Uncharted: Drakes Fortune - PS3
Resistance: Fall of Man - PS3
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - PS3
Go! Sports Ski - PSN
Folklore - PS3
Heavenly Sword - PS3
Warhawk - PSN/PS3
Super Stardust HD - PSN
Snakeball - PSN
Toy Home - PS
PSOne Emulation - PSN
Piyotama - PSN
PixelJunk Monsters - PSN
Blast Factor - PSN
Condemned 2: Bloodshot - PS3
LOST: Via Domus - PS3
Tom Clancys Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - PS3
Burnout Paradise - PS3
Dynasty Warriors 6 - PS3
Devil May Cry 4 - PS3
DragonBall Z Burst Limit - PS3
Turok - PS3
REVIEW
As advertised... Well, this thing is very familiar. The controller feels better because it's got a little more heft and weight. But the battery runs out probably twice as fast, whereas I charged my Sixaxis about once a week, I'm charging the Dual Shock 3 probably twice a week. And I thought I remember Sony and Immersion talking about how they had some "new and more precise" rumble technology, so far it feels like the old same stuff. The only reason I bought thisthing was because of the amazing sale Amazon had.
