The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006 at 07:00.According to Media Create, 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan.Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17, 2006.
The console was originally planned for a global release through November, but the European and rest-of-the-world's release was delayed "until March" at the start of September.With it being a somewhat last-minute delay, some companies had taken deposit-based pre-orders, to which Sony informed customers that they were eligible for full refunds or could continue the pre-order.On January 24, 2007, Sony announced that the PlayStation 3 would go on sale on March 23, 2007 in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand.The system sold about 600,000 units in its first two days.On March 7, 2007, the 60 GB PlayStation 3 launched in Singapore with a price of S$799.The console was launched in South Korea on June 16, 2007 in a single version equipped with an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV.
As with previous models, the PlayStation 3 160GB system features an IBM "Cell" processor and a co-developed NVIDIA graphics processor that together allow the system to perform two trillion calculations per second. Yet the 160GB system manages to improve on this with its 45nm version of the processor, which although running at the same 60+nm speed as previous PS3 versions, uses less energy. This makes the unit's smaller size and quieter fan possible. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, the 160GB system also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TVs and projectors. (The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience) This console also provides for an extreme sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. Finally, it features cross connectivity with your PC network and PlayStation Portable (PSP) and its pre-installed, 160GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as download content from The Internet. Unlike other models of the PlayStation 3, the 160GB system does not offer backwards compatibility.
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PlayStation 3 utilizes the Blu-ray disc media format, which gives you the best high-definition viewing experience on your television, by way of the format's ability to hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This tremendous capacity, combined with the awesome power of the system's processor and graphics card, promises an endless stream of mind-blowing games, and other multimedia content. However, this does not mean that the PS3 is limited to Blu-ray discs - it also supports CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats. In addition, PlayStation 3 system software includes BD Live support that allows you to play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE). This means that you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format to obtain additional features. Of course, PS3 owners also receive free access to the PlayStation Network (PSN), where through the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home, they can download games, game demos, movies, and other content, as well as chat with friends, play mini-games, compete in tournaments and explore dedicated game spaces.
Sensational Controller
The Dualshock 3 wireless controller(one controller) included with The PlayStation 3 160GB system provides the most intuitive gameplay experience, with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive Sixaxis motion-sensing technology. Each hit, crash, and explosion is more realistic when the user feels the rumble right in the palm of their hand. It can even detect natural movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of the user’s body. Dualshock 3 utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller’s detachable USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller when connected to the PlayStation 3. By integrating all of these features into the popular PlayStation controller design, the Dualshock 3 further enhances the advanced gameplay experience only available on the PlayStation 3 system.
Synch with Your Other Sony HDMI Devices
The PlayStation 3 160GB system features HDMI + Bravia Synch functionality. Bravia Synch allows connectivity between Sony HDMI products without having to utilize multiple remote controls. This means that with the push of one button, users can control compliant Sony devices connected to your PS3 via HDMI cable.
What's in The Box:
- New slimmer and lighter PS3 system with a 160 GB HDD, Internet-ready built-in Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports and HDMI + Bravia Synch output for 1080p resolution and connectivity between other Sony HDMI products.
- Dualshock 3 wireless controller(one controller).
- AC power cord, AV cable and USB cable.
- Free PlayStation Network membership.
System Specifications:
| CPU | Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.) | |
| GPU | RSX | |
| Sound | LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTs, DTS-HD, AAC | |
| Memory | 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM | |
| HDD | 2.5" Serial ATA | 160GB |
| Networking | ||
| Ethernet | X1 (10BASE-T,100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) | |
| IEEE 802.11 b/g | Included | |
| Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) | Included | |
| Controller | Dualshock 3 wireless controller included(one controller) | |
| AV Output | Resolution | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i) |
| HDMI OUT + Bravia Synch | 1 | |
| AV MULTI OUT | 1 | |
| DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) | 1 | |
| BD/DVD/CD Drive (Read Only) | Maximum Read Speed | BD 2x (BD-ROM) |
| DVD 8x (DVD-ROM) | ||
| CD 24x (CD-ROM) | ||
| USB Ports | 2 | |
| Backwards Compatibility | No | |
| Dimensions | 13.385"(w) x 13.385"(h) x 6.299"(d) | |
| Weight | Approx. 7.05 lb. | |
Original modelThere are several original PlayStation 3 hardware models, which are commonly referred to by the size of their included hard disk drive: 20, 40, 60, 80 or 160 GB.Although referred to by their HDD size, the capabilities of the consoles vary by region and release date. The only difference in the appearance of the first five models was the color of the trim, number of USB ports, the presence or absence of a door (which covers the flash card readers on equipped models) and some minor changes to the air vents. All retail packages include one or two Sixaxis controllers and/or a DualShock 3 controller (beginning June 12, 2008), one miniUSB to USB cable (for connecting the controller and PlayStation Portable to the system), one composite video/stereo audio output cable, one Ethernet cable (20, 60 and CECHExx 80 GB only) and one power cable.All models support software emulation of the original PlayStation,but support for PlayStation 2 backward compatibility has continually diminished with later models and the last model to advertise integrated backward compatibility was the 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Bundle.Compatibility issues with games for both systems are detailed in a public database hosted by the manufacturer.All models, excluding the 20 GB model, include 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi. In addition to all of the features of the 20 GB model, the 60 GB model has internal IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, multiple flash card readers (SD/MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash Type I/Type II, Microdrive, Memory Stick/PRO/Duo) and a chrome colored trim. In terms of hardware, the 80 GB model released in South Korea is identical to the 60 GB model released in the PAL regions, except for the difference in hard drive size.
Like the South Korean and European models, the North American 80 GB (2007) model also excludes the PlayStation 2 "Emotion Engine" CPU chip.However, it retains the "Graphics Synthesizer" GPU.Due to the elimination of the "Emotion Engine", the level of compatibility was reduced.The 40 GB, 80 GB (2008) and 160 GB models have two USB ports instead of the four USB ports on other models and do not include multiple flash card readers, SACD support,or any backward compatibility with PlayStation 2 games.This was due to the removal of "Graphics Synthesizer" GPU, which stripped the units of all PlayStation 2 based hardware.
No official Wi-Fi or flash memory card readers were ever released by Sony for the 20 GB system, although Sony had plans to do so. As of September 2009, Sony have placed no further emphasis on these proposed add-ons.Nevertheless, as the model features four USB 2.0 ports, wireless networking and flash memory card support can already be obtained through the use of widely available external USB adapters and third-party PS3-specific media hubs.
It was rumored that the Cell processors in the third-generation PS3s (40 GB, 2008 80 GB and 160 GB) would move from a 90 nm process to the newer 65 nm process, which SCEI CEO Kaz Hirai later confirmed, and later to 45 nm. This change lowers the power consumption of the console and makes it less expensive to produce.
Slim model
The redesigned, slimmer version of the PlayStation 3 (commonly referred to as the "PS3 Slim" and officially branded "PS3") is currently the only model in production. It features an upgradeable 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB or 320 GB hard drive and is 33% smaller, 36% lighter and consumes 34% (CECH-20xx) or 45% (CECH-21xx) less power than the previous model, or one third of the original PS3 model. The Cell microprocessor has moved to a 45 nm manufacturing process, which lets it run cooler and quieter than previous models, and the cooling system has been redesigned.The RSX moved to a 40 nm process in the latest revision. The PS3 slim also includes support for CEC (more commonly referred to by its manufacturer brandings of BraviaSync, VIERA Link, EasyLink etc.) which allows control of the console over HDMI by using the TV's remote control. The PS3 Slim no longer has the "main power" switch like the previous PS3 models, similar to redesigned PlayStation 2 slim. Support for emulation to play PS2 titles is not present in the Slim version, however shortly after the release of the PS3 slim, Sony announced a new series of PS2 remasters called Classics HD as in PS2 and PSP titles remastered in HD for the PS3 with trophies added and sometimes Playstation move compatibility.The PS3 slim was officially released on September 1, 2009 in North America and Europe and on September 3, 2009 in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.However, some retailers such as Amazon.com, Best Buy and GameStop started to sell the PS3 slim on August 25, 2009.The PS3 Slim sold in excess of a million units in its first 3 weeks on sale.A 250 GB Final Fantasy XIII-themed PS3 Slim, which was white in color with pink designs, was officially announced on September 24, 2009 at the Tokyo Game Show as part of a bundle in Japan for Final Fantasy XIII, it was initially revealed in U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings as the PS3 CECH-2000B. Sony Computer Entertainment Australia also announced later that day that it would be bringing the 250 GB PS3 slim to Australia which would be bundled with other games and will not feature the Final Fantasy XIII theme. Although no North American bundles have been announced for the 250 GB PS3 slim, it is sold as a stand-alone console in North America.
In July 2010, Sony announced two new sizes of Slim PS3, 160 GB and 320 GB, with the 120 GB model being discontinued in Japan.These were launched on July 29, 2010 in Japan, with the 160 GB version available in "Classic White" as well as the standard "Charcoal Black".The black 160 GB version was also made available as a bundle with the Japan-only DVR accessory torne.It was later announced that the new sizes were to be launched in other regions, with the 160 GB model available from August 2010 in North America and October 2010 in Europe. The 320 GB model is to be available in North America only as part of a bundle with PlayStation Move, a PlayStation Eye and a copy of Sports Champions, and in Europe with PlayStation Move, a PlayStation Eye and a demo disc. The bundles were released on September 19, 2010 and September 15, 2010 respectively, to coincide with the launch of PlayStation Move.
