Sony reveals official PlayStation 3 details and screenshots

May 16, 2005 (Last Updated 10:20 P.M. PST)

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. confirmed at its pre-E3 press conference today that its next-generation console will be called the PlayStation 3. This comes to very little surprise, but Sony's next console did not have an official name until now. It was also confirmed that the PlayStation 3 will be backward compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software, and it will have a Blu-Ray disk drive. Blu-Ray discs can hold around six times more data than DVDs (a total of 54 GB to be exact). The drive can also read DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-Video, CD-ROM, CD-DA, CD-DA (ROM), CD-R, CD-RW, SACD, SACD Hybrid (CD layer), SACD HD, DualDisc, DualDisc (audio side), and DualDisc (DVD side). [Story continued below]

In addition, Sony reiterated that the PlayStation 3 will feature the Cell processor running at 3.2 Ghz. Backing up the processor will be 256MB XDR Main RAM running at 3.2 GHz, and 256MB of GDDR3 video RAM which runs at 700MHz. Although there will be a bay for a removeable 2.5-inch HDD, slots for compact flash memory (Type I, II), SD standard/mini cards, and Memory Stick (standard and Duo versions) will be available. Also expect to see no less than 6 USB 2.0 ports (4 in the front, 2 in back).

Wireless devices is all the rage these days, so Sony has allowed the PlayStation 3 to support up to seven Bluetooth controllers at once. If you cannot use wireless for whatever reason, you can still connect your controller the traditional way via one of the USB ports. The PSP (PlayStation Portable) can also be used as a PS3 controller or as an extra screen, but instead of Bluetooth, it uses Wi-Fi.

The PS3 will be released around Spring 2006. Sony usually determines a suggested retail price at the very last minute so the cost of the system probably won't be revealed until next year. Note: The PlayStation 3's design might change slightly between now and its release one year from now. This includes the odd looking controller, which isn't as large as it appears in the pictures below. More info later.

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-PlayStation Pro 2.0 Staff

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