Due out in 2006, Sony's next-generation PlayStation 3 console will offer backwards compatibility, relies on Blu-Ray discs and could be twice as powerful as the Xbox 360.
At the ongoing E3 gaming expo in Los Angeles, Sony today unveiled the first details concerning the company's next-generation gaming console, to be known as the PlayStation 3. The console, built around the newly-developed Cell processor running at 3.2 GHz with a performance of a whopping 2.18 Teraflops; twice that of the Microsoft's successor to the original Xbox, the
Xbox 360, unveiled late last week.
The Cell processor will be backed up by 256 MB of XDR system memory, running alongside 256 MB of dedicated GDDR video memory at 700 MHz. Similar to the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 will also feature a detachable 2.5" hard drive, however whether drives will be available in multiple sizes is as of yet unclear.
With regard to optical storage, the PS3 will feature a Blu-Ray drive and rely on this format as its primary storage medium for games. Also, the drive will be able to read formats ranging from CD-ROM, CD+RW, DVD and DVD-ROM up to DVD+/-R, whilst the console also harbours multiple memory card expansion slots including Sony's own Memory Stick Duo as well as SD/MMC Card and CompactFlash.
Additional connectivity is provided courtesy of six USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, dual HDMI out ports, one multi A/V out port and SPDIF optical digital audio. In addition, however, the PS3 will feature support for up to seven Bluetooth based wireless controller units, four of which can be plugged into the front mounted USB ports for simultaneous recharging and use. Relying on version 2.0 of the Bluetooth standard. the unit also incorporates Wi-Fi 802.11b/g for connectivity with the PSP or PlayStation Portable, Sony's on-the-go gaming console.
The graphics capabilities of the PS3 by far surpass its predecessor, with the console relying on a chip dubbed RSX Reality Synthesizer based on technology from Nvidia. This will support a maximum resolution of 1080p, and should according to Sony deliver more rendering horsepower than two GeForce 6800 chipsets combined.
According to Sony, the PlayStation 3 will also see its capabilties extended beyond pure gaming to also offering more advanced functionality with integrated Internet connectivity, including photo and video viewing.
Due out in Japan in March 2006, arrival dates for the console in North America and Europe have yet to be announced. Initial pricing for the console is expected to be approximately $300 USD, but Sony also said the company would produce an upgraded version of the console with a larger hard drive and a write-capable Blu-Ray drive. This model is to arrive three months later, and is expected to sell in the $450-$550 USD range.
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