Plus, Sony has made it clear that it isn't planning on playing second fiddle to Xbox 360 in any department. Where Xbox 360 is able to present games in HD, PS3 can output two different HD channels simultaneously. Xbox 360 has two USB 2.0 slots, PS3 has six. Microsoft's monster machine might have Wi-Fi as an additional option, but in PS3 it comes as standard. As does its removable and upgradeable 2.5-inch hard disk (storage capabilities are yet to be confirmed). It also houses other storage slots for Memory Stick, SD card and Compact Flash.
As for the controller, PS3 sees the introduction of a newly designed banana-shaped wireless pad. Up to seven can be used with one console via Bluetooth 2.0. And you've even got the option to input extra controllers using USB. Interestingly there are no buttons as such on the front of the machine. Instead it looks as if the power and eject buttons will be touch sensitive. Nice.
Other details include news of PS3 being an ‘always online' device that can be used to communicate with PSP via Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world, enabling you to access music and movies from PS3's hard disk and stream content speedily onto Sony's slick portable plaything. Online video conferencing with around 1,000 people is also possible (if you happen to have an army of mates). Internet browsing is a given, as is P2P sharing. It will also be backwards compatible, playing both PS2 and PSone games.
Games-wise, Sony confirmed that PlayStation 3 will be treated to the likes of a new Grand Theft Auto title, Devil May Cry 4, Metal Gear Solid 4 and a follow-up to Gran Turismo 4.
Finally, as if the photos don't say it all, we can't shoot without praising PS3's looks! Its unfussy ultra-sleek figure beats Xbox 360's bland body hands-down in the beauty stakes.
The next-gen war has truly kicked off in style, with PS3 leading the charge in terms of performance and purtiness. However, the fight's only just begun, and let's not forget about Nintendo! Stick with us for all the latest on the big three next-gen consoles, and news on Nintendo ‘Revolution' later today. |
