Playstation 3 FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Playstation 3.

JAPAN Launch: 11th NOVEMBER 2006
US Launch: 17th NOVEMBER 2006
PAL(EU) Launch: MARCH 2007

Questions & Answers

Q. Why has Playstation 3 been delayed until March 2007 in Europe and other PAL territories?

Sony announced on September 6, 2006 that the PAL (European and Australasia) launch has been delayed until March, 2007 due to a shortage of diodes used in the Blu-ray drive.

Q. When will Playstation 3 be launched?

Playstation 3 will be lanched in Japan on November 11th 2006 and globally on November 17th 2006.

Q. How much will Playstation 3 cost?

There are two price points for Playstation 3, €499/$499 for the 20GB system and €599/$599 for the 60GB system.

Q. What is the difference between the two Playstation 3 systems available?

The 60GB system includes support for Compact Flash, SD and Memory Stick Duo, Wireless Connectivity and HDMI for output on HDTV.

Q. Is a HDTV required for Playstation 3

Whilst a HD television will provide a superior visual experience, Playstation 3 will still work with standard (SD) televisions or monitors.

Q. What HD resolutions does Playstation 3 support?

Playstation 3 supports the three HD resolutions 720p, 1080i and 1080p - it is the only console that supports 1080p, the True HD resolution for stunning graphics.

Q. Will Playstation 3 play Playstation 2 games and regular dvd movies?

Playstation 3 is fully backward compatible and will play all PSOne and PS2 games. It will also play DVDs, CDs and SACDs.

Q. What is Blu-ray?

Blu-ray Disc (BD) is a next generation optical disc format designed for high-definition content. The name Blu-ray is derived from the blue-violet laser used to read and write to the disc.

Q. What are the benefits of the new Blu-ray techology?

Blu-ray can store much more information, which is something the next generation of high-definition games require. A single BD (Blu-ray Disc) can hold the equivalent of 10 DVD movies or 10 PS2 games!

Further, Blu-ray will be able to store full-length high-definition movies and other content that you will be able to play back on your Playstation 3.

Learn more about Blu-ray.

The Playstation 3 Controller

The controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world’s
most popular PlayStation® controller that has shipped more than several hundred million units
worldwide, while inheriting its basic concept and design. The controller for PS3 employs
breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does
not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus
eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further
enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.

In addition to the “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, “3-dimension
acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In
addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive
play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.

Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration
feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK® and DUALSHOCK®2 controllers for
PlayStation and PlayStation®2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration
itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.

The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been
enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time,
the tilting angle of the analog joysticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate
and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above
information detection (L2/R2, analog joystick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.

All input information will be immediately transferred to the PS3 system through
the Bluetooth® wireless technology. By using a USB cable, the PS3 controller can be
swapped seamlessly from wireless to wired, and can be charged automatically. The cable can
be attached and detached at anytime.

By integrating all these features into one standard PlayStation controller, SCEI,
together with content creators, expects to further expand and accelerate the world of next
generation computer entertainment.

Launch details...

1-2 Million units will be manufactured for launch, and a further 5 Million by the end of March 2007.

Playstation 3 will launch with 10-15 games along with several specially enhanced film titles on Blu-ray media.

The core Playstation 3 online service will be free of charge with various features, which include audio, text messaging and video chat. A micro-transactions service will be available, through pre-paid PlayStation cards.

A PSP firmware / software update will be required for special functionality with PS3.