PS3 unveiled

Sony finally announced the pricing for their next-gen PS3 game console at 2006-E3. two variants are made available but unlike Xbox360, both will include a hard drive. base unit with 20 Gb is priced at US$499, and the premium 60 Gb is US$599.
PS3 will go on sale in Japan on Nov 11, and Nov 17 across the US, Europe and Australia. only the 60 Gb version is loaded with all the goodies incl. WiFi, HDMI port, and input slots for Memory Stick, SD or CF cards. the prototype specs had been drastically downgraded for obvious cost-cutting measures. the production model gets only one Ethernet (from 3), 4 USB ports (from 6) and single HDMI output (from 2) duh
Sony confirmed that the PS3 will be fully backwards compatible incl. PSone games. Launch titles will include the stunning Gran Turismo HD (previously GT Vision) and a list of PS3-exclusive games from the likes of Namco, EA, Ubisoft, Square-Enix which will follow en masse.


Sony discarded the proto boomerang-shaped controller and opted to retain the proven dual-shock controller design - a wise decision indeed vis-a-vis the rival Xbox's big, fat controller. Bluetooth-enabled for wireless play, the new PS3 controller can be wired for recharging via USB port.