General Questions>
Q. What is a PS3?
A. The PS3 is the latest console release by Sony. It is the most technologically advanced gaming console yet. The Sony PlayStation 2 is its predecessor, and before that was the Playstation. These were both very popular and advanced for their time. The PS3 is a computer system capable of playing not only video games, but also DVDs, Blu-Ray DVDs, internet access and content downloading , video chat, digital photo viewing, digital video, audio, and much more.
Q: When did the system come out?
A: The system launched worldwide in Japan on November 11, 2006. In North America the PS3 came out on November 17, 2006. Europe and Australia/Asia must wait until March of 2007 to get the system.
Q. Why is there so much hype over the PS3?
A. The PS3 looks more like a real computer system than any of its predecessors. The PS3 has similar functionality to a PC in the sense that it can play DVDs, browse the internet, download music, video conference, and receive external USB devices. Its hardware is at the very top of the line even when comparing the best PCs. It is a mini supercomputer for gaming, and its Blu-ray disc drive is very valuable.
Q. Why is the PS3 so expensive?
A. The PS3 should actually cost more than what it currently does. The PS3 is somewhat more expensive than other consoles because it has so many features that other previous consoles do not have. The hardware used in the PS3 is more expensive than the actual cost on the system; Sony loses an estimated 200 dollars per console sold. The 20 GB PS3 is a value when considering its hardware because many Blu-ray DVD players right now are currently more than the $500 cost of the 20 GB system, which comes with a Blu-ray player.
(Property Of Sony?)
A. Like above. It's up to you on how to display it. The PS3 can be laid flat as it is shown on the first page of this book or stood up on its side vertically as shown above. Either way looks good.
Q. What are some of the disadvantages of the PS3?
A. Real disadvantages are hard to find with a system that is so valuable, but people have been able to come up with a few. For one, the fact that the PS3 supports a wide variety of storage media and that can create confusion on the best medium to store and transfer information.
Some people think that the price is too high, but that is addressed above. Yes the Nintendo Wii is cheaper, but it offers very little as of now compared to the PS3, in terms of a complete multimedia experience. If you're looking for fun family gaming and nothing else, the Wii does the trick at a cheaper cost.
Also, some people think that Blu-ray Disc format has yet to take off as a standard format, and that HD-DVD might end up taking over the whole market, leaving you with a worthless DVD player. This potential outcome, combined with the high cost of the Blu-ray DVD player might cause Sony to halt PS3 production.
Q. Which Console is better? The PS3, Xbox 360, or Nintendo Wii?
A. Better depends on what you're looking for. If you want the most advanced hardware, then go for the PS3. If you're a Nintendo fan, and enjoy their own gaming line with games like Mario and Zelda, you should get the Nintendo Wii. The Xbox 360 offers a great combination of price to performance as well. It all depends on what you are looking for in a system, and whether that system supports the particular games that you want to play. Just know that no other system on the market is as versatile in hardware than the PS3. If you have a game preference that can only be found on Nintendo of Xbox 360, then you should get those.
Q: Does the PS3 Offer Free Online Gameplay?
A. Yes, the PS3 will offer unlimited multiplayer internet gameplay for the games that support it. The only exception will be MMORPGs. You have to also pay to download content specific to the PS3, but not for content that you could normally download for free with your PC.
Q. Where can I view the press conference in which Sony first showed the PS3?
http://media.ps3.ign.com/articles/615/615091/vids_1.html
Release/Purchasing/Pricing Questions
Q: How much does the PS3 cost?
A. The 20GB HDD version has no WiFi, or memory card reader. This version is $499.99. The 60GB HDD Version has WiFi and memory card reading capability and will sell for $599.99. In US, $499US and $599US. In Canada $549CDN and $659CDN. In Europe 499EUR and 599EUR.
Q. How much does the PS3 cost to make?
A. The production cost is estimated to be US$805.85 for the 20GB model and US$840.35 for the 60GB model.
Q. What will come with the package?
A. The packaging for both versions will contain:
? PlayStation 3 console
? SIXAXIS wireless controller
? AC cord
? USB mini-cable (for charging the SIXAXIS controller)
? Ethernet cable
? Multi-AV cable with composite connectors. If you already have component cables for the PS2 they'll work with the PS3. The PS3 does NOT come with HDMI cables for HD quality content, and you will have to buy those separately.
Q. How much do the games cost?
A. The first-party PS3 games, will cost $59.99, and future third-party games are expected to follow similar pricing.
Q. What companies will develop games for the PS3?
A. Basically, nearly every major game company will be designing games for the PS3, except of course Nintendo and Microsoft.
Q. What official accessories will be available, and how much will they cost?
A. The Memory Card adapter for transferring PS1/PS2 saves to the PlayStation 3 will sell for $14.99. SIXAXIS controllers can be purchased for $49.99. You can buy the remote made to play Blu-ray media for $24.99
Q. What are a list of stores that carry the PS3?
A. Here's a list that is not necessarily inclusive of all stores:
WalMart, BestBuy, Kmart, Target, Costco, Fry's, Blockbuster, KBToys, CompUsa, Sears, Gamestop, Bjs, ToysRUs, Circuit City, Sam's Club
Q. When will the PS3 be available at retail price?
A. Actually, at this point in time, E-Bay sellers have flooded the market with PS3s, and many are losing money, unlike at the beginning when one could make 500-600 dollars on a PS3. Now is a good time to look for PS3s on E-Bay, but don't expect this trend to continue. When new PS3 games start to be released,
and another wave of shipments comes in from Sony, more people will start buying and demand will shoot up again.
