Review of Sony PLaystation 3 60GB Console

Although it’s enjoyed a 15-month head-start into the gaming world, the Xbox 360 is applying the war-paint in preparation for the latest next-generation console release. Sony’s eagerly awaited PS3 is launching next month, but this time the ammunition of choice is Blu-ray.

Design

Like the wisest philosophers, Sony have expertly chosen the most crucial time to release their Blu-ray games console, the PS3.  Eager gamers in Japan and North America will see it by mid-November, but the Europeans will be waiting right up until next March to get their hands on it.  Two versions will be available; priced at £425 is the 60GB Hard Drive with built-in wireless networking and HDMI output, or for a smaller £340, you get 20GB Hard Drive which lacks HDMI, Wi-fi and it hasn’t got a built-in flash memory reader either.
 
If you’ve not already got a TV with HDMI input, that is your first port of call.  You can’t spend such a huge sum of money and then start gaming on any old TV.  And once you’ve forked out for the console of your choice you’ll want to get some new-blu games, of course.  Sony’s latest offerings will all be in blu-ray format, which means they have a ton more content on them.  Compared to an average DVD, which can fit hold about 8.5GB, the blu-ray discs can hold a whopping 50GB, and sometimes more.  You will be pleased to know that you can still play PS1 and PS2 games on it too.  As far as online downloadable games go, we are still investigating the matter.  Sony seem to be keeping their lips sealed, but we’ll let you know as soon as we find out. 

With all this Blu-ray goodness included, you have not only got a next-generation games console, but you also have a HD movie player too.  The market at present is offering HD DVD players for little under a grand, making the PS3’s price tag suddenly seem easier to swallow.  The brains inside the PS3’s box are said to be down to the cell processor 3.2GHz chip.  Sony claim the ‘wonderchip’ will turn what we once knew as gaming into a completely intensive and futuristic experience.

Controlling this little beauty will be fairly different too.  Not only can the PS3 support up to seven wireless controllers simultaneously, they will also be controlled using motion sensitive movement.  Controllers will still provide the customary dual shock, but they no longer use force feedback, so you can forget any future rumbles in the jungle.  According to gamers who have tried out the new PS3 controllers at various conventions, the general consensus is that they are falling second best to the Wii’s 3D controller.  One fragment of riveting news we’ve managed to get our hands on is that you won’t be expected to pay to compete online using Sony’s online service.  So, Sony truly has got one-up on the Xbox Live Service, which comes at a humongous price of £40 to subscribe annually.