PS3: Playing at a Whole New Level - Taking Control
(Page 4 of 4 )
The controller for the PS3 was originally supposed to be a boomerang-shaped evolution from the previous generation Sony console. Sony announced and showcased the final controller design recently at E3, and confirms it will simply be a wireless version of the PS2 controller without force-feedback. The reason the feedback has been dropped is because the new controls will contain motion sensors so that a movement made by the players' hands will translate into character actions on the screen, much like Nintendo's next-gen Wii. Some people are sure to be disappointed by the exclusion of "rumble" but personally, I don't need a vibrating controller to tell me when a missile has just penetrated my on-screen character's forehead.
You will be able to connect up to seven controllers to the PS3 via Bluetooth. Presumably this limit is set by the number of SPEs in the Cell CPU, meaning that each controller would be controlled essentially by its very own processor.
It has also been announced recently that, like the Xbox 360, the PS3 will come in two packages (in most countries anyway -- the UK seems set to sell just the more expensive package). The more expensive version is a full edition featuring a 60GB HDD and some added extras such as cables. This package is set to retail in the US for $599. The second system will still feature a HDD but at a capacity of 20GB and is expected to go on sale at $499.
Sony has been criticized in the press recently because the high-end package is expected to be almost $200 more expensive than the equivalent Xbox 360 package, however considering the hardware involved, I don't think the PS3 is overpriced. When the original PlayStation was released way back in 1994, in the UK it retailed for £399. Now, eleven years and many technological improvements and innovations later, the PS3 will probably cost about £425 in the UK, just £26 more expensive than its original ancestor.
Additionally, as long as Sony can supply as many units as are going to be wanted, unlike Microsoft, I think people will be happy to pay. The usual trend of console manufacturers selling their hardware at a loss for the first year will continue with the PS3, although some analysts predict that Sony will also make a loss in years two and three if Microsoft slashes the price of the Xbox when the PS3 is released.
There were a huge number of PS3 game demos and trailers on display at the recent E3 event in Los Angeles, with heavily anticipated titles such Resistance: Fall of Man, Gran Turismo HD, Coded Arms Assault, Full Auto 2: Battlelines, Heavenly Sword and many others on display. Fans at the recent event were by all accounts simply blown away by the superior quality of these next-gen games; the superior processing power of the PS3 allows for unprecedented realism, super-smooth texture mapping and the kind of game play only ever dreamed of before. The stunning land and cityscapes of games on the PS3 are going to be more like something out of a movie than that of a traditional game, with future games such as Getaway 3 displaying a level of detail not yet seen before.
Overall the PlayStation is hugely attractive in both looks and capabilities. Personally Sony has never failed to impress me and countless others, and inspire awe with any of their consoles. I'm sure the PS3 will be no exception to that. The hardware capabilities combined with the fact that Linux will be installed on every unit to add additional facilities such as Internet browsing make the PlayStation Three much more than just a console. I'm looking forward to the release, and I'm glad I've held out this far.
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
| Recommended by Dev Hardware |
|---|
|
/ 5 
