Revision as of 20:34, 11 September 2004 view sourceWmahan (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users16,281 editsm external link to wikilink← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 19:02, 24 December 2024 view source JidoBarbeiro (talk | contribs)30 editsm Corrected GPU core clock speed, and added info on the 8th SPE being disabled on board, but physically there.Tag: Visual edit | ||
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{{short description|Sony's third home video game console, part of the seventh generation}} | |||
The ] '''PlayStation 3''' (PS3) will be the new upcoming ] in Sony's '']'' series. ] has won the contract to produce ]s for this new console. Sony said that there are hopes that the PS3 will be 1,000 times as powerful as the ] (PS2), though such a claim may be exaggerated as it would be far ahead of what ] would predict. | |||
{{Redirect|PS3}} | |||
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use American English|date=April 2022}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}} | |||
{{Infobox information appliance | |||
| logo = ]<br />] | |||
| image = PS3 consoles montage.png | |||
| caption = {{plainlist| | |||
* '''Top:''' Original PlayStation 3 (2006) | |||
* '''Center:''' PlayStation 3 Slim (2009) | |||
* '''Bottom:''' PlayStation 3 Super Slim (2012)}} | |||
| aka = PS3 | |||
| developer = ] | |||
| manufacturer = ], ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20060718235111.html|title=Asustek Computer Ships PlayStation 3 Consoles|last=Shilov|first=Anton|publisher=X-bit labs|access-date=May 5, 2007|date=July 18, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116060038/http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20060718235111.html|archive-date=January 16, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| family = ] | |||
| type = ] | |||
| generation = ] | |||
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|NZ|September 29, 2015|AUS/EU|March 2016|NA|October 2016|JP|May 29, 2017|}} | |||
| media = {{plainlist| | |||
* ] (PlayStation 3 game & movie discs) | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] game disc | |||
* ] game disc* | |||
* ]*<ref name="ps3sacd">{{cite web |url=http://www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html |title=PS3 SACD FAQ |publisher=ps3sacd.com |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019113937/http://www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
---- | |||
{{plainlist| | |||
*<nowiki>*</nowiki> '']'' | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
| os = ]<ref>{{cite web | title = PlayStation 3 System Software Version 4.60; Update Your PS3 System | access-date = June 23, 2014 | url = http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/index.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140622131821/http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/index.htm | archive-date = June 22, 2014 | url-status=live | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/25/ps4-v172-and-ps3-v460-updates-add-system-stability| title=PS4 v1.72 and PS3 v4.60 Updates Add 'System Stability'| publisher=IGN| date=June 25, 2014| access-date=June 25, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625210726/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/25/ps4-v172-and-ps3-v460-updates-add-system-stability| archive-date=June 25, 2014| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
| storage = {{plainlist| | |||
* Removable 2.5-inch SATA 20–500 GB ] | |||
* Non-removable 16 GB ] <small>(Super Slim model)</small> | |||
}} | |||
| display = {{Collapsible list | |||
| title=Video output formats | |||
| {{Indented plainlist| | |||
* ] <small>(480i, 576i, ], ], ], ], ])</small> | |||
* ] <small>(], ])</small> | |||
* ] <small>(480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)</small> | |||
* ] <small>(480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)</small> | |||
* ] <small>(480i, 576i)</small> | |||
* ] <small>(480i, 576i)</small> | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
| controllers = ], ], ], ] and ] | |||
| connectivity = {{Collapsible list | |||
| title = (]) | |||
| | |||
'''Audio/video output''' | |||
* AV Multi (all with ]) | |||
** ] | |||
** ] | |||
** ] | |||
** ] | |||
** ] | |||
* ]{{efn|name=HDMI}} | |||
* ] | |||
'''Flash card readers'''** | |||
* ] | |||
* ]/] | |||
* ] | |||
'''Other''' | |||
* ] (802.11]/])*** | |||
* ] 2.0 | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
---- | |||
{{plainlist| | |||
*<nowiki>**</nowiki> '']'' | |||
*<nowiki>***</nowiki> '']''}} | |||
}} | |||
| compatibility = {{plainlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ] <small>(some models)</small>}} | |||
| predecessor = PlayStation 2<!-- Don't do the repeated article linking --> | |||
| successor = ] | |||
| website = {{URL|https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/ps3|playstation.com/explore/ps3}} | |||
| title = PlayStation 3 | |||
| price = 20 GB model<ref name="NAdate">{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm| title=Sony's PS3 makes U.S. debut| date=November 17, 2006| newspaper=USA Today| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308233638/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm| archive-date=March 8, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6142576.stm| title=PlayStation 3 hits 'grey market' | date=November 13, 2006| newspaper=BBC News| access-date=May 14, 2024| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>a ] PlayStation 3 20GB version was announced at €499 but on September 6, 2006, Sony announced that launch would be delayed until March 2007, because of a shortage of materials used in the Blu-ray drive. {{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5319190.stm| title=PlayStation 3 Euro launch delayed| date=September 6, 2006| publisher=BBC| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307022543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5319190.stm| archive-date=March 7, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><br />{{US$|499.99|2006|round=-1}}, {{JPY|49,980}}<br />60 GB model<ref name="PALlaunchdate">{{cite web| url=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4317&NewsAreaID=2| title=SCEE official press release| date=January 24, 2007<!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th-->| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe| access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080119221144/http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4317&NewsAreaID=2 |archive-date = January 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |title=PlayStation 3 launches March 23 in Europe, 425 |date=January 24, 2007 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901113349/https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/sony-confirms-ps3-euro-launch-deta| title=Sony Confirms PS3 Euro Launch Details| date=2007-01-24| publisher=Edge-Online| access-date=2008-01-14| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121141727/http://www.edge-online.com/news/sony-confirms-ps3-euro-launch-deta| archive-date=2012-01-21}}</ref><br />{{US$|599.99|2006|round=-1}}, {{JPY|60,000}}, €599.99 | |||
| releasedate = {{vgrelease | |||
| JP | {{start date|2006|11|11}} | |||
| NA | {{start date|2006|11|17}} | |||
| PAL | {{start date|2007|3|23}} | |||
| IND | {{start date|2007|4|26}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/sony-brings-playstation-3-at-rs-39990/articleshow/1962356.cms|title=Sony brings PlayStation 3 at Rs 39,990|newspaper=The Times of India |date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> | |||
| IDN | {{start date|2009|10|1}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tekno.tempo.co/read/200427/playstation-3-akhirnya-resmi-dijual-di-indonesia|title=PlayStation 3 Akhirnya Resmi Dijual di Indonesia|date=October 2, 2009|website=Tempo}}</ref> | |||
| BRA | {{start date|2010|8|11}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/tecnologia/noticia/2010/08/ps3-comeca-ser-vendido-oficialmente-no-brasil-por-r-2-mil.html|title=PS3 começa a ser vendido oficialmente no Brasil por R$ 2 mil|first1=Gustavo|last1=Petró|date=August 11, 2010|website=Tecnologia e Games|publisher=G1|location=São Paulo}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
| unitsshipped = 87.4 million<ref name="WorldPS3Sales">{{cite web |url=https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/data.html |title=SIE Business Development |access-date=April 26, 2019 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427203732/https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/data.html |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> <!-- {{PlayStation 3 sales}} --> <!-- DO NOT CHANGE these numbers without a reference. VGCHARTS and NEXTGENWARS are NOT reliable sources. --> | |||
| CPU = 3.2 GHz ] with 1 ] and 8 ] cores (on die, one disabled) | |||
| GPU = 500 MHz ] | |||
| Memory = 256 MB ] system and 256 MB ] video | |||
| Sound = {{Collapsible list | |||
| title=Audio output formats | |||
| | |||
'''AV Multi''': | |||
* ] | |||
'''Optical audio''': | |||
* ] <small>2ch 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88 kHz, 176.4 kHz</small> | |||
* ] <small>5.1ch</small> | |||
* ] <small>5.1ch</small> | |||
* ] | |||
'''HDMI''': | |||
* LPCM <small>2ch, 5.1ch, 7.1ch 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz</small> | |||
* Dolby Digital <small>5.1ch</small> | |||
* ]* | |||
* DTS <small>5.1ch</small> | |||
* ]* | |||
* AAC | |||
<nowiki>*</nowiki><small>All models can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to be output as LPCM. Output of the raw undecoded stream is limited to ].</small><ref name="HDbitstream">{{cite web|url=http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/ps3-slim-gains-ability-to-bitstream-dolby-truehd-dts-hd-ma/|title=PS3 Slim gains ability to bitstream Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA|publisher=Joystiq|date=August 21, 2009|access-date=March 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309093511/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/ps3-slim-gains-ability-to-bitstream-dolby-truehd-dts-hd-ma|archive-date=March 9, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
| onlineservice = ] | |||
| topgame = '']'', 29.52 million copies | |||
}} | |||
<!--Introduction-->The '''PlayStation 3''' ('''PS3''') is a ] developed and marketed by ] (SCE). The successor to the ], it is part of the ] brand of consoles. It was first released on November 11, 2006, in Japan,<ref name="Japandate">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6135452.stm| title=PS3 sells out at launch| date=November 11, 2006| publisher=BBC| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217190903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6135452.stm| archive-date=December 17, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> November 17, 2006, in North America, and March 23, 2007, in Europe and Australasia.<ref name="NAdate">{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm| title=Sony's PS3 makes U.S. debut| date=November 17, 2006| newspaper=USA Today| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308233638/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm| archive-date=March 8, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="PALlaunchdate">{{cite web| url=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4317&NewsAreaID=2| title=SCEE official press release| date=January 24, 2007<!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th-->| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe| access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080119221144/http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4317&NewsAreaID=2 |archive-date = January 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |title=PlayStation 3 launches March 23 in Europe, 425 |date=January 24, 2007 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901113349/https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The PlayStation 3 competed primarily against ]'s ] and ]'s ] as part of the ].<!--END Introduction--> | |||
Sony will be using a chip codenamed "]", which has now taped out, and chip-to-chip interface technology and memory technology from ]. The first public demonstration has been announced for the 2005 ] conference. | |||
<!--Development & key features-->The PlayStation 3 was developed on the purpose-built ] processor, co-developed with ] and ]; SCE's president ] envisioned a home entertainment system akin to ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kutaragi: PS3 A 'Computer', Not A Console |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/kutaragi-ps3-a-computer-not-a-console |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=www.gamedeveloper.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kutaragi: PlayStation 3 "is not a games machine" |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/kutaragi-playstation-3-is-not-a-games-machine/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> It was the first console to use the ] disc as its primary storage medium,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_ps3_bluray.html| title=PlayStation 3 Features – Blu-ray| publisher=SCEA| access-date=March 4, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307231125/http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_ps3_bluray.html| archive-date=March 7, 2010| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> the first to be equipped with an ] port, and graphically was the first to be able to output at ] (Full HD) resolution.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=2022-07-10 |title=PlayStation 3: chasing the 1080p dream - part one of an 88-game mega-test |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-playstation-3-chasing-the-1080p-dream-part-one-of-an-88-game-mega-test |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> The console launched together with the ] online service, and was also the first to be controllable from a handheld console through its ] connectivity.<ref name="US.PS.COM.PSN" /><ref>{{cite web| url=http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_multimedia.html| title=PlayStation.com – PLAYSTATION3 Features: Multimedia| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America| access-date=August 6, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308001311/http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_multimedia.html| archive-date=March 8, 2010| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/12/26/playstation-tips-3-remote-playps-store-download-head-start/| title=PlayStation Blog — PS3 Tips — Remote Play and PlayStation Store| date=December 26, 2007| first=Al| last=De Leon| publisher=]| work=blog.us.playstation.com| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112182309/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/12/26/playstation-tips-3-remote-playps-store-download-head-start/| archive-date=January 12, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> In September 2009, the ''Slim'' model of the PlayStation 3 was released; it no longer provided the hardware ability to run PS2 games, but it was lighter and thinner than the original version. A ''Super Slim'' redesign was released in late 2012, further refining the console.<!--END Development & key features--> | |||
] has said that they are developing the GS (graphics synthesizer) chip that will go with the PS3. It will be a 0.18 micrometre chip about twice the size of the PS2 version. Also, it will feature 256MB of DRAM and will be able to handle 75 million polygons per second with a rate of up to 2.6 billion pixels a second. The DRAM will be ] which will begin production mid-2005. | |||
<!--Reception & legacy-->During its early years, the system received a mixed reception, due to its high price ($599 for a 60-gigabyte model, $499 for a 20 GB model), a complex processor architecture, and lack of quality games, but was praised for its Blu-ray capabilities and "untapped potential". The reception improved over time. The system had a slow start in the market<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/140253/article.html|title=Sony Acknowledges Slow PS3 Sales in 2007|date=December 4, 2007|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104003151/http://www.pcworld.com/article/140253/article.html|archive-date=November 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> but managed to recover, particularly after the introduction of the ''Slim'' model, and managed to sell 87.4 million units to outsell the competing Xbox 360 and become the ]. Its successor, the ], was released in November 2013; Sony started discontinuing the PlayStation 3 within two years' time,{{efn|On September 29, 2015, Sony confirmed that sales of the PlayStation 3 were to be discontinued in New Zealand, but the system remained in production in other markets.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cood|first1=Matthew|title=PlayStation 3 Being Discontinued in New Zealand|url=http://nzgamer.com/news/9466/playstation-3-being-discontinued-in-new-zealand.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013234301/http://nzgamer.com/news/9466/playstation-3-being-discontinued-in-new-zealand.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2015|website=NZGamer.com|access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref>}} with shipments of new units ending in most of the world by 2016,{{efn|Shipments of new units to Europe and Australia ended in March 2016, followed by North America which ended in October 2016.<ref name=Japan-Discontinued-1>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/sony-killed-off-the-ps3-in-japan-update-1793363510 |title=Sony Finally Killed Off The PS3 In Japan |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=May 30, 2017 |website=Kotaku |language=en-US |access-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813182817/http://kotaku.com/sony-killed-off-the-ps3-in-japan-update-1793363510 |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Japan-Discontinued-2">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/at-long-last-end-of-the-line-for-the-sony-playstation-3/ |title=Sony PlayStation 3 ends shipments, fulfilling 10-year promise |last=Ackerman |first=Dan |date=May 30, 2017 |website=CNET |language=en |access-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816164718/https://www.cnet.com/news/at-long-last-end-of-the-line-for-the-sony-playstation-3/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} and the final units produced until May 29, 2017 in the Japanese market.{{efn|<ref name=Japan-Discontinued-1 /><ref name=Japan-Discontinued-2 /><ref>{{cite web |author=((user name)) |url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/hardware/cech4300c.html |title=PlayStation 3 チャコール・ブラック 500 GB |publisher=Jp.playstation.com |date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=January 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322022609/http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/hardware/cech4300c.html |archive-date=March 22, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=Lawrence Yee |url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/playstation-3-production-halted-sony-japan-1202012032/ |title=Sony to Halt Playstation 3 Production in Japan – Variety |magazine=Variety.com |date=March 20, 2017 |access-date=January 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204182749/http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/playstation-3-production-halted-sony-japan-1202012032/ |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Andrew Griffin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/playstation-3-sony-production-buy-stop-japan-announcement-news-latest-a7636081.html |title=PlayStation 3 production to be stopped in Japan, Sony announces |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=January 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909095443/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/playstation-3-sony-production-buy-stop-japan-announcement-news-latest-a7636081.html |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!--END Reception & legacy; don't overload this section more than it has to. Keep it simple.--> | |||
Instead of using the ] standard of the Playstation 2, Sony has announced that it will use ]s. Since these two standards are not compatible it is possible that Sony will include a secondary drive in order to play DVD ]s and Playstation 2 games. This would increase the cost and size of the console and may therefore not happen. | |||
== History == | |||
"This isn't just an extension of what we've done in the past. We're aiming to create something fundamentally different," said a Sony spokesman. | |||
The PlayStation 3 began development on March 9, 2001 when ], then the President of ], announced that ], ], and ] would collaborate on developing the ] microprocessor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/06/30/a-frank-recounting-of-the-mistakes-sony-made-with-the-playstation-3/|title=Mark Cerny frankly recounts Sony's mistakes with the PlayStation 3|date=June 30, 2013|work=VentureBeat|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713015933/https://venturebeat.com/2013/06/30/a-frank-recounting-of-the-mistakes-sony-made-with-the-playstation-3/|archive-date=July 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, ] led a group of programmers within this hardware team to explore next-generation game creation. By early 2005, focus within Sony shifted towards developing PS3 launch titles.<ref name=":0" /> In September 2004, Sony stated that the PlayStation 3 would utilize Blu-ray and that the console would also play DVDs and CDs,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunham |first1=Jeremy |title=Kutaragi Confirms PS3 Info |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549950p1.html |website=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040923032251/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549950p1.html |archive-date=23 September 2004 |date=21 September 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the following December, Nvidia was announced as a design partner for the console's graphics chip.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunham |first1=Jeremy |title=Sony Announces PS3 GPU |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/571/571460p1.html |website=IGN.com |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209051357/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/571/571460p1.html |archive-date=9 December 2004 |date=7 December 2004}}</ref> Sony officially unveiled PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, at ],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/16/e3-2005-ps3-official| title=E3 2005: PS3 Official| website=IGN| last=Sulic| first=Ivan| date=May 16, 2005| access-date=June 11, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007084818/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614619p1.html| archive-date=October 7, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> along with a ]-shaped prototype design of the ] controller.<ref name="Boomerang">{{cite web |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-playstation-3-the-controller |title=E3 2005: PlayStation 3 – The ("boomerang") Controller |access-date=June 11, 2020 |date=May 16, 2005 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106180832/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614736p1.html |archive-date=January 6, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> A functional version of the system was not present there,<ref name="NoPS3">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=6554| title=TGS 2005 booth round-up| date=September 15, 2005| website=Gamasutra| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222004930/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=6554| archive-date=December 22, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
<!--I could not find an article that specifically stated that there were no actual PS3s at this E3, though several implied it, but I think it is safe to assume that there were no PS3s there if there were none at the TGS almost 4 months later--> | |||
nor at the ] in September 2005,<ref name="E305pressconference">{{cite web| url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-sony-press-conference| title=Sony E3 2005 press conference video| date=May 17, 2005| website=IGN| access-date=June 11, 2020| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211193018/http://media.ps3.ign.com/articles/615/615091/vids_1.html| archive-date=December 11, 2007| df=mdy-all}}</ref> although demonstrations (such as '']''<ref name="NoPS3" />) were held at both events on ]s and comparable ].<ref name="NoPS3" /><ref name="E305pressconference" /> Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (notably a '']'' ]).<ref name="gameprerender">{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Jason|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-eyes-on-the-final-fantasy-vii-tech-demo|title=E3 2005: Eyes-on the Final Fantasy VII Tech Demo|website=IGN|date=May 15, 2005|access-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209002255/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614859p1.html|archive-date=February 9, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The initial prototype shown in May 2005 featured two ] ports, three ] ports and six ] ports;<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/05/16/news_6124681.html| title=PlayStation 3 announced for 2006| website=GameSpot| date=May 16, 2005| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804220936/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6124681/playstation-3-announced-for-2006| archive-date=August 4, 2011| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> however, when the system was shown again a year later at ], these were reduced to one HDMI port, one Ethernet port and four USB ports, presumably to cut costs.<ref name="IGNPS3E32006">{{cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/25/e3-2006-the-final-word-on-playstation| title=IGN: E3 2006: The final word on PlayStation| date=May 24, 2006| website=IGN| access-date=June 11, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813085038/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/709/709973p1.html| archive-date=August 13, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="IGN FAQ 1">{{cite web |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/27/igns-official-playstation-3-faq|title=IGN's Official PlayStation 3 FAQ |date=March 26, 2007|publisher=IGN|access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409070759/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/636/636848p1.html |archive-date=April 9, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two hardware configurations were also announced for the console: a 20 GB model and a 60 GB model, priced at US$499 (€499) and US$599 (€599), respectively.<ref name="IGNPS3E32006" /> The 60 GB model was to be the only configuration to feature an HDMI port, ] internet, flash card readers and a chrome trim with the logo in silver.<ref name="IGNPS3E32006" /> Both models were announced for a simultaneous worldwide release: November 11, 2006, for Japan and November 17, 2006, for North America and Europe.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://arstechnica.com/old/content/2006/05/6781.ars| title=Sony PlayStation 3 launch details| date=May 9, 2006| publisher=Arstechnica| access-date=January 18, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220200043/http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2006/05/6781.ars| archive-date=February 20, 2009| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
Fans have already started designing of what they think the console will look like. However, there have not been any official designs fron Sony as of yet. Dedicated Sony loyalists have also formed a , which they use to discuss all aspects of the next generation gaming system. | |||
On September 6, 2006, Sony announced that ] PlayStation 3 launch would be delayed until March 2007, because of a shortage of materials used in the Blu-ray drive.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5319190.stm| title=PlayStation 3 Euro launch delayed| date=September 6, 2006| publisher=BBC| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307022543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5319190.stm| archive-date=March 7, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> At the Tokyo Game Show on September 22, 2006, Sony announced that it would include an HDMI port on the 20 GB system, but a chrome trim, flash card readers, silver logo and Wi-Fi would not be included.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/downloads/6158499 |title=TGS 2006 – TGS 06: No US PS3 price drop; HDMI in 20 GB model |date=September 23, 2006 |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017133918/http://www.gamespot.com/downloads/6158499 |archive-date=October 17, 2009 }}</ref> Also, the launch price of the Japanese 20 GB model was reduced by over 20%,<ref name="20 GB HDMI">{{cite web |first=Anoop |last=Gantayat |title=TGS 2006: Price Drop For Japanese PS3 |publisher=IGN PlayStation 3 |date=September 22, 2006 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/22/tgs-2006-price-drop-for-japanese-ps3|access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219045344/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/734/734349p1.html |archive-date=February 19, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the 60 GB model was announced for an open pricing scheme in Japan.<ref name="20 GB HDMI" /> During the event, Sony showed 27 playable ] running on final hardware.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|date=August 16, 2006|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/23/tgs-2006-ps3-to-take-over-tokyo|title=TGS 2006: PS3 to Take Over Tokyo|website=IGN|access-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110074152/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/727/727456p1.html|archive-date=November 10, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Currently, PlayStation 3 is estimated to be available sometime in ], but recent developments suggests that it may in fact arrive as late as 2007. | |||
=== Launch === | |||
==PlayStation 3 Standards== | |||
] | |||
The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006, at 07:00.<ref name="Japandate" /> According to ], 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/sony/japanese-ps3-sales-data-also-depressing-214864.php |title=Japanese PS3 Sales Data Also Depressing |publisher=Media Create Co. via Kotaku |date=November 14, 2006 |access-date=October 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212205927/http://kotaku.com/gaming/sony/japanese-ps3-sales-data-also-depressing-214864.php |archive-date=December 12, 2007 }}</ref> There were reports that many of the initial systems were obtained by businessmen who paid mainly Chinese nationals to buy the system without any software to resell on ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/foreigners-and-fights-ps3-jpn-launchs-dark-side-214130.php |title=Foreigners And Fights, PS3 JPN Launch's Dark Side |publisher=Kotaku |date=November 12, 2006 |accessdate=September 2, 2007 |archive-date=June 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626194213/http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/foreigners-and-fights-ps3-jpn-launchs-dark-side-214130.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> and, as a result of this, there were more hardware units sold than there were games. '']'' was the highest selling game on launch day. Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17, 2006.<ref name="NAdate" /> Reports of violence surrounded the release of the PS3. A customer was shot, campers were robbed at gunpoint,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocmodshop.com/news/displaygamingnews.asp?articleid=3275&zoneid=15<!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th-->|title=Camping PlayStation gamers robbed at gunpoint|publisher=KMTR|access-date=November 17, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228152709/http://www.ocmodshop.com/news/displaygamingnews.asp?articleid=3275&zoneid=15|archive-date=February 28, 2008}}</ref> customers were shot in a ] with ]s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/4661551.html|title=Four People Shot While Waiting for PlayStation Console, Including 27 NEWSFIRST Reporter|date=November 16, 2006|publisher=WKYT News|access-date=November 17, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120023734/http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/4661551.html|archive-date=November 20, 2006}}</ref> and 60 campers fought over 10 systems.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=600&sid=978347 |title=PlayStation3 Crowd Gets More Than It Bargained for in Tysons |last=Augenstein |first=Neal |date=November 17, 2006 |publisher=WTOP News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303123924/http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=600&sid=978347 |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 17, 2006}}</ref> The PS3 was released on the same day in Hong Kong and Taiwan as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/102479/Sony_Confirms_Hong_Kong_Taiwan_PS3_Launch.php| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/102479/Sony_Confirms_Hong_Kong_Taiwan_PS3_Launch.php| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Sony Confirms Hong Kong, Taiwan PS3 Launch |work=Gamasutra.com |last=Jenkins |first=David |date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
Unlike the ] and ] systems, Sony appears to have chosen publicly-available ] for the '''PlayStation 3'''. The current list of open standards Sony is either investigating or has chosen includes: | |||
The console was originally planned for a global release through November, but at the start of September the release in Europe and the rest of the world was delayed until March.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ellie |last=Gibson |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news_060906_ps3delay |title=PS3 delayed in Europe |website=Eurogamer |date=September 6, 2006 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125032357/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news_060906_ps3delay |archive-date=November 25, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since it was a somewhat last-minute delay, some companies had taken deposits for pre-orders, at which Sony informed customers that they were eligible for full refunds or could continue the pre-order.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ntsc-uk.co.uk/showthread.php?t=63719&page=61 |title=Official PS3 News Thread – Page 61 – NTSC-uk.co.uk Forums |publisher=Ntsc-uk.co.uk |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728095332/https://bordersdown.net/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 24, 2007, Sony announced that PlayStation 3 would go on sale on March 23, 2007, in Europe, Australia, the ], Africa and ].<ref name="PALlaunchdate" /><!--this was released at 00:01 on the 25th--><ref name=autogenerated2 /> Its European launch price was €599 (€629 in Ireland, ]425 in Britain),<ref name="Guardian PS3 Prices">{{cite web |last=Boxer |first=Steve |date=February 1, 2007 |title=PS3 launch price is no fun for UK gamers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/feb/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/feb/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection2 |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Guardian}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ]6499 minimum in South Africa,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-22 |title=PS3 gets a price boost in South Africa |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-05-22-ps3-gets-a-price-boost-in-south-africa.html |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> ]999.95 in Australia, ]1199.95 in New Zealand. | |||
* ], the embedded version of the popular OpenGL graphics API. | |||
* ], for hardware-accelerated 2D ]. | |||
* ], a collection of fast, cross-platform tools for general "media acceleration," such as matrix calculations. | |||
* ], an open format for 3D models. | |||
On March 7, 2007, the 60 GB PlayStation 3 launched in ] with a price of ]799.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://asia.cnet.com/photogallery/0,3800005208,61994590-001p,00.htm| title=Singapore's PS3 launch party| date=March 8, 2007| website=CNET| access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080219122620/http://asia.cnet.com/photogallery/0,3800005208,61994590-001p,00.htm |archive-date = February 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the ], the system retailed for 2499 ] on March 23, slightly less than the price in Europe. Sony also hosted a large launch party with singer ] performing at the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/sony-finalises-middle-east-ps3-launch-date-149486.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/sony-finalises-middle-east-ps3-launch-date-149486.html| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Sony finalises Middle East PS3 launch date |work=Arabian Business |date=February 1, 2007 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/294375| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.arabnews.com/node/294375| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Hard-Core Gamers Drive Gray Console Sales |work=Arab News |date=February 13, 2007 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
==References== | |||
* IBM wins Playstation 3 contract, 12 March 2001 on ] | |||
* Playstation 3 News Archive | |||
* Sony may swap properietary API for 'Open' one | |||
The PS3 sold 600,000 units in the first two days of its release in Europe.<ref>{{cite news| publisher = Financial Times | url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a4dc0ee-dd67-11db-8d42-000b5df10621.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a4dc0ee-dd67-11db-8d42-000b5df10621.html| archive-date=2021-10-08 | title = Sony's PS3 has record launch in Europe |date=March 28, 2007 | accessdate=April 2, 2007}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It became the fastest-selling home system in the United Kingdom with 165,000 units sold in two days, and became the second-fastest-selling system in the UK overall, the fastest being the ].<ref>{{cite news| publisher = GamesIndustry | url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23781 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012182901/http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23781 | archivedate = October 12, 2007 | title = PlayStation 3 becomes UK's fastest-selling home system |date=March 26, 2007 |accessdate=April 2, 2007}}</ref> Some British retailers claim that the PS3 was subjected to as many as 20,000 pre-order cancellations,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/BrandRepublicNews/News/646182/Sony-PS3-hit-10m-cancellations/ |title=Sony PS3 hit by £10m in cancellations |accessdate=March 29, 2007 |date=March 27, 2007 |publisher=BR |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201155937/http://www.brandrepublic.com/BrandRepublicNews/News/646182/Sony-PS3-hit-10m-cancellations/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> while others cited a "huge demand" for the system.<ref name="ft">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17843456/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17843456/| archive-date=2021-10-08|title=Sony's PS3 has record launch in Europe |accessdate=April 4, 2007|date=March 29, 2007 |publisher=Financial Times}}{{cbignore}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> System sales for the following week were down 82%, selling 30,000 units, with a 60% drop in sales of the two most popular titles, '']'' and ''Resistance: Fall of Man''.<ref>, Gamesindustry.biz</ref> Its UK launch price of ]425 was higher than its Japanese and American prices, with ] cited as a reason by a staff member. The continental Europe price was €599, while in Ireland it was €629.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/feb/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection2| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/feb/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection2| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=PS3 launch price is no fun for UK gamers |work=The Guardian |last=Boxer |first=Steve |date=February 1, 2007 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
Over 27,000 units were sold in ] over the course of the first ten days of sales and nine of the top ten best-selling games, including systems and handheld, of the week were for the PS3; overall, software and hardware sales resulted in ]33 million netted for Sony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crn.com.au/story.aspx?CIID=77614&src=site-marq|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230200126/http://www.crn.com.au/story.aspx?CIID=77614&src=site-marq|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 30, 2012|title=PlayStation 3 generates $33m of sales in Australia|access-date=April 9, 2007|date=April 5, 2007}}</ref> One analyst called it "a spike in retail spending not previously witnessed at the launch of any other system in Australia".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=24029|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710044409/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=24029|archivedate=July 10, 2007 |title=PlayStation 3 causes record retail spike in Australia |access-date=April 9, 2007|date=April 5, 2007 |publisher=]}}</ref> In New Zealand, over 4,800 units were sold in the first week generating "over ]6.8 million dollars in hardware and software retail sales."<ref>{{cite web | title=NZ PS3 launch created unprecedented sales spike | publisher=] | date=April 11, 2007 | url=http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/News/11685.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928141324/http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/News/11685.html | archive-date=September 28, 2007 | access-date=April 10, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
==External links== | |||
* | |||
* | |||
On April 27, 2007, it launched in India, with the 60 GB model retailing for ]39,990 (US$1000 at the conversion rate at the time).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gigaom.com/2007/03/23/419-sony-playstation-3-launch-in-india-next-month-price-rs-39990/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://gigaom.com/2007/03/23/419-sony-playstation-3-launch-in-india-next-month-price-rs-39990/| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Sony PlayStation 3 Launch In India Next Month; Price Rs 39,990 |website=Gigaom.com |date=March 23, 2007 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In Mexico, the 20 GB model launched with a price of 10,495 pesos, or US$974 at the time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-ps3-launching-at-974-in-mexico.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-ps3-launching-at-974-in-mexico.html| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=PS3 launching at $974 in Mexico |work=Engadget |last=Murray |first=J. |date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The console was launched in South Korea on June 16, 2007, as a single version equipped with an 80 GB hard drive and ].<ref name="Korean Specs">{{cite web|url=http://www.playstation.co.kr/ps_community/com_news_view.sce?sid=8942|title=PlayStation 3 (80 GB) Korean|publisher=SCEI|access-date=January 18, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523054842/http://www.playstation.co.kr/ps_community/com_news_view.sce?sid=8942|archive-date=May 23, 2007}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
] | |||
=== ''Slim'' model === | |||
Following speculation that Sony was working on a 'slim' model, Sony officially announced the PS3 CECH-2000 model on August 18, 2009, at the Sony ] press conference.<ref name="PS3SlimPressRelease">{{cite news |title=Entertainment on PS3 has a new look |publisher=PlayStation UK |url=http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821173909/http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PS3Slim">{{cite news |title=Sony Announces Slim PS3 – It Lives This September! |work=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/5339968/ |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821080924/http://kotaku.com/5339968/ |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> New features included a slimmer form factor, decreased power consumption, and a quieter cooling system.<ref name="ArsTechnicaInterview">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-answers-our-questions-about-the-new-playstation-3.ars |title=Sony answers our questions about the new PlayStation 3 |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 19, 2009 |website=Ars Technica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820035753/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-answers-our-questions-about-the-new-playstation-3.ars |archive-date=August 20, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released in major territories by September 2009. At the same time, a new logo was introduced for the console to replace the previous "''Spider-Man''" wordmarks (named due to their use of the same font as the logos of ]'s ]), with a new "PS3" wordmark evoking the design of the PlayStation 2 wordmark replacing the capitalized PlayStation 3 lettering.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sony Completely Rebrands The PlayStation 3 |work=Kotaku |url=http://kotaku.com/5340456/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141211050731/http://kotaku.com/5340456/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 11, 2014 |date=August 19, 2009 |access-date=December 10, 2014 }}</ref> | |||
=== ''Super Slim'' model === | |||
In September 2012 at the ], Sony announced that a new, slimmer PS3 redesign (CECH-4000) was due for release in late 2012 and that it would be available with either a 250 GB or 500 GB hard drive. Three versions of the ''Super Slim'' model were revealed: one with a 500 GB hard drive, a second with a 250 GB hard drive which was not available in ]s, and a third with a 12 GB flash storage that was available in PAL regions, and in Canada. The storage of 12 GB model was upgradable with an official standalone 250 GB hard drive, and a vertical stand was also released for the model. In the ], the 500 GB model was released on September 28, 2012; and the 12 GB model was released on October 12, 2012. In the ], the PS3 Super Slim was first released as a bundled console. The 250 GB model was bundled with the ''Game of the Year'' edition of '']'' and released on September 25, 2012; and the 500 GB model was bundled with '']'' and released on October 30, 2012. In Japan, the black colored Super Slim model was released on October 4, 2012; and the white colored Super Slim model was released on November 22, 2012. The Super Slim model is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the Slim model and features a manual sliding disc cover instead of a motorized slot-loading disc cover of the Slim model.<ref name="EurogamerSuperSlim">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-19-sony-shocks-world-and-announces-ps3-super-duper-slim|title=Sony shocks world and announces PS3 super duper Slim|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2012|work=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920045558/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-19-sony-shocks-world-and-announces-ps3-super-duper-slim|archive-date=September 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PCWorldSuperSlim">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2010081/new-playstation-3-console-slims-down-for-the-holidays.html|title=New PlayStation 3 console slims down for the holidays|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2012|work=PC World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921113032/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2010081/new-playstation-3-console-slims-down-for-the-holidays.html|archive-date=September 21, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cracking-open/ps3-super-slim-teardown-reveals-hardware-changes-but-no-real-upgrades/|title=PS3 Super Slim teardown reveals hardware changes, but no real upgrades|first=Bill|last=Detwiler|date=October 11, 2012|work=TechRepublic|access-date=December 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226094258/http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cracking-open/ps3-super-slim-teardown-reveals-hardware-changes-but-no-real-upgrades/|archive-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-unveils-super-slim-playstation-3/|title=Sony unveils super slim PlayStation 3|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=CNET|access-date=December 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226094101/http://www.cnet.com/news/sony-unveils-super-slim-playstation-3/|archive-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5944433/sony-unveils-a-brand-new-model-of-the-ps3/|title=Sony Unveils a Brand New Model of the PS3 |first=Luke|last=Plunkett|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Kotaku|date=September 19, 2012 |access-date=December 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226121313/http://kotaku.com/5944433/sony-unveils-a-brand-new-model-of-the-ps3|archive-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/19/tgs-new-playstation-3-model-is-official|title=TGS: New PlayStation 3 Model Is Official|work=IGN|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=December 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226111630/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/19/tgs-new-playstation-3-model-is-official|archive-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The white colored Super Slim model was released in the United States on January 27, 2013, as part of the ''Instant Game Collection Bundle''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/500gb-white-ps3-hits-next-week/1100-6402557/|title=500GB white PS3 hits next week|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=GameSpot|access-date=December 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010122540/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/500gb-white-ps3-hits-next-week/1100-6402557/|archive-date=October 10, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Garnet Red'' and ''Azurite Blue'' colored models were launched in Japan on February 28, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/01/22/red-and-blue-slim-playstation-3-models-coming-to-japan| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/01/22/red-and-blue-slim-playstation-3-models-coming-to-japan| archive-date=2021-10-08|title=Red and Blue Slim PlayStation 3 Models Coming to Japan|work=IGN| date=January 22, 2013|access-date=December 26, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The ''Garnet Red'' version was released in North America on March 12, 2013, as part of the '']'' bundle with 500 GB storage and contained ''God of War: Ascension'' as well as the '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/garnet-red-ps3-heads-to-north-america-in-god-of-war-ascension-b/|title=Garnet Red PS3 heads to North America in God of War: Ascension bundle|date=January 31, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160453/https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/31/garnet-red-ps3-heads-to-north-america-in-god-of-war-ascension-b/|archive-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Azurite Blue'' model was released on October 8, 2013, as a ] exclusive with 250 GB storage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/08/26/azurite-blue-super-slim-ps3-coming-to-north-america-on-october-8/|title=Azurite Blue Super Slim PS3 Coming To North America On October 8|date=August 26, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629023012/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/08/26/azurite-blue-super-slim-ps3-coming-to-north-america-on-october-8/|archive-date=June 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Games == | |||
{{See also|List of PlayStation 3 games}} | |||
PlayStation 3 launched in North America with 14 titles, with another three being released before the end of 2006.<ref name="IGN FAQ 1" /> After the first week of sales it was confirmed that '']'' from ] was the top-selling ] in North America.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.alacrastore.com/research/thomson-streetevents-Q3_2006_Gamestop_Corp_Earnings_Conference_Call-B1408595| title=Gamestop Corp. Q3 2006 Earnings Conference Call Summary <!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th-->| date=November 21, 2006| publisher=Gamestop Corporation via alacrastore.com| access-date=January 8, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707103046/http://www.alacrastore.com/research/thomson-streetevents-Q3_2006_Gamestop_Corp_Earnings_Conference_Call-B1408595| archive-date=July 7, 2011| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/column_index.php?story=8497|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109001657/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/column_index.php?story=8497|archive-date=November 9, 2009| title=Saling The World: In Search of Zelda – week of November 24, 2006| website=Gamasutra| date=November 24, 2006| access-date=January 8, 2009}}</ref> The game was heavily praised by numerous ] websites, including ] and ], both of whom awarded it their PlayStation 3 ] award for 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/platform/index.html?page=9 |title=Best Games and Worst Games of 2006 at GameSpot — Best PlayStation 3 Game |access-date=April 30, 2007 |author=GameSpot Staff |date=December 21, 2006 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301060508/http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/platform/index.html?page=9 |archive-date=March 1, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps3/39.html |title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006 – PlayStation 3: Game of the Year |access-date=April 30, 2007 |author=IGN Staff |date=December 21, 2006 |website=IGN.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321051146/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps3/39.html |archive-date=March 21, 2007 }}</ref> Some titles missed the ] and were delayed until early 2007, such as '']'', '']'' and '']''. During the Japanese launch, '']'' was the top-selling game, while '']'' also fared well in sales,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/13/sony-number-two-in-japan| title=Sony Number Two in Japan| date=November 13, 2006| website=IGN| first=Anoop| last=Gantayat| access-date=June 11, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515093109/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/745/745507p1.html| archive-date=May 15, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> both of which were offerings from ]. PlayStation 3 launched in Europe with 24 titles, including ones that were not offered in North American and Japanese launches, such as '']'', '']'' and '']''. '']'' and '']'' were the most successful titles of 2007,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/6736809.stm| title=Cathedral row over video game| date=June 9, 2007| publisher=BBC| access-date=January 18, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222012058/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/6736809.stm| archive-date=December 22, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/motorstorm-completes-hat-trick| title=Motorstorm completes hat-trick| date=April 5, 2007| website=Eurogamer| access-date=January 18, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827153149/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/motorstorm-completes-hat-trick| archive-date=August 27, 2009| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> and both games subsequently received sequels in the form of '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Evolution Studios | year=2007 | title=''MotorStorm 2 sequel confirmed for PS3, in development at Evolution Studios'' | url=http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2007/05/15/motorstorm-2-sequel-confirmed-for-ps3-in-development-at-evolution-studios.htm | work=www.videogamesblogger.com | access-date=September 6, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918020549/http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2007/05/15/motorstorm-2-sequel-confirmed-for-ps3-in-development-at-evolution-studios.htm | archive-date=September 18, 2007 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Sequel1">{{cite web| author=Insomniac Games | year=2007 | title=''Full Moon Show Podcast'' | url=http://www.insomniacgames.com/podcast/podcast.php | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212526/http://www.insomniacgames.com/podcast/podcast.php | archive-date=September 27, 2007 | work=www.insomniacgames.com | access-date=November 12, 2007}}</ref> | |||
At ], Sony was able to show a number of their upcoming video games for PlayStation 3, including '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''; all of which were released in the third and fourth quarters of 2007. It also showed off a number of titles that were set for release in 2008 and 2009; most notably '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/game-critics-awards/best-of-e3-2007-winners-284570.php |title=Best of E3 2007 Winners |website=Kotaku |access-date=August 12, 2007 |date=July 31, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930225132/http://kotaku.com/gaming/game-critics-awards/best-of-e3-2007-winners-284570.php |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> A number of third-party exclusives were also shown, including the highly anticipated '']'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6177964.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;1 |title=Haze now Fully PS3 Exclusive, 360 & PC Dropped |access-date=August 11, 2007 |last=Hatfield |first=Daemon |date=July 11, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070902163213/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6177964.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;1 |archive-date=September 2, 2007 }}</ref> alongside other high-profile third-party titles such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. Two other important titles for PlayStation 3, '']'' and '']'', were shown at ] in order to appease the Japanese market.<ref name=FFVersusExcl>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5025156/no-changes-on-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-being-ps3-exclusive |title=E308:No Changes on Final Fantasy Versus XIII Being PS3 Exclusive |access-date=November 29, 2008 |date=July 14, 2008 |website=Kotaku |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207141740/http://kotaku.com/5025156/no-changes-on-final-fantasy-versus-xiii-being-ps3-exclusive |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/e3-square-enixs-john-yamamoto |title=E3: Square Enix's John Yamamoto |access-date=August 11, 2007 |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=July 11, 2007 |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418075249/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/e3-square-enixs-john-yamamoto |archive-date=April 18, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Sony have since launched their budget range of PlayStation 3 titles, known as the ] in North America,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/28/ps3-greatest-hits-launch-today/ |title=PS3 Greatest Hits Launch Today |publisher=] |work=blog.us.playstation.com |date=July 28, 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807050807/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/28/ps3-greatest-hits-launch-today/ |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> the ] in Europe and Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=193450|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717234048/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=193450|archive-date=July 17, 2008 |title=PS3 Platinum range in UK from August |publisher=Computerandvideogames.com |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2009}}</ref> and ] in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/ps3thebest/ |title=PlayStation 3 the best |publisher=Jp.playstation.com |access-date=August 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914034401/http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/ps3thebest/ |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the titles available in the budget range include '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. As of October 2009 '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'' have also joined the list. | |||
{{As of|2012|3|31|df=US}}, there have been 595 million games sold for PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataps3soft_sale_e.html |title=PLAYSTATION3 Worldwide Software Unit Sales |access-date=August 4, 2012 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609161827/http://scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataps3soft_sale_e.html |archive-date=June 9, 2012 }}</ref> The ] are '']'',{{efn|Of the 90 million total units sold by April 2018, 32.8% of that total were for the PlayStation 3 version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06|title=This violent videogame has made more money than any movie ever|date=April 9, 2018|last=Cherney|first=Mark A.|publisher=]|access-date=December 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192434/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06|archive-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref>}} '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. | |||
The last game released on the PlayStation 3 was '']'', on August 20, 2020. | |||
=== Stereoscopic 3D === | |||
In December 2008, the ] of ] announced that it would bring ] 3D gaming and movie viewing to ] and PlayStation 3 with its own technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Blitz-Games-Introduces-True-Stereoscopic-3D-For-Xbox-360-And-PS3-13735.html |title=Blitz Games Introduces True Stereoscopic 3D For Xbox 360 And PS3 |publisher=Cinemablend.com |date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122233030/http://cinemablend.com/games/Blitz-Games-Introduces-True-Stereoscopic-3D-For-Xbox-360-And-PS3-13735.html |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was first demonstrated publicly on PS3 using Sony's own technology in January 2009 at the ]. Journalists were shown '']'' and '']'' in 3D as a demonstration of how the technology might work if it is implemented in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/01/ces-2009-sony-teases-with-high-quality-ps3-3d.ars|title=Sony teases with high-quality PS3 HD|website=Ars Technica|date=January 8, 2009|access-date=June 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427114459/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/01/ces-2009-sony-teases-with-high-quality-ps3-3d.ars|archive-date=April 27, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Firmware update 3.30 officially allowed PS3 titles to be played in 3D, requiring a compatible display for use.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/39216/Sony-dates-PS3-3D-update|title=Sony dates PS3 3D update|publisher=MCV|date=June 1, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605012723/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/39216/Sony-dates-PS3-3D-update|archive-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref> System software update 3.50 prepared it for 3D films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/04/21/ps3-3-30-system-software-update/|title=PS3 3.30 System Software Update|publisher=]|work=blog.us.playstation.com|date=April 21, 2010|access-date=April 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629212824/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/04/21/ps3-3-30-system-software-update/|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> While the game itself must be programmed to take advantage of the 3D technology, titles may be patched to add in the functionality retroactively. Titles with such patches include ''Wipeout HD'', '']'', and '']''.<ref>{{cite web |author=JC Fletcher on |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/first-ps3-3d-game-updates-available-in-japan-june-10/ |title=First PS3 3D game updates available in Japan on June 10 |publisher=Joystiq |date=May 31, 2010 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803045449/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/first-ps3-3d-game-updates-available-in-japan-june-10/ |archive-date=August 3, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
== Hardware == | |||
] | |||
The basic design of the PlayStation 3 remained the same across all three major hardware revisions with a black plastic case with a convex top side when placed horizontal, which could also be placed vertical, with the convex on the left side. The original case design had piano black plastic with a '']''-font-inspired logo that PlayStation designer Teiyu Goto stated that "was one of the first elements ] president ] decided on and the logo may have been the motivating force behind the shape of PS3".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=161017| title=Kutaragi "insisted" on Spider-Man font for PS3| date=March 29, 2007| publisher=computerandvideogames.com| access-date=January 18, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080114012015/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=161017| archive-date=January 14, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
=== Technical specifications === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation 3 technical specifications}} | |||
] | |||
The PlayStation 3 uses the 64-bit ], developed jointly by Sony, ] and ], as its ]. The processor consists of a 3.2 GHz ]-based ] (PPE) and seven ] (SPEs).<ref name="CELLSpecs">{{cite web|url=https://www-01.ibm.com/chips/techlib/techlib.nsf/techdocs/D21E662845B95D4F872570AB0055404D/$file/2053_IBM_CellIntro.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326055101/http://www-01.ibm.com/chips/techlib/techlib.nsf/techdocs/D21E662845B95D4F872570AB0055404D/$file/2053_IBM_CellIntro.pdf|archive-date=March 26, 2009|title=Cell Introduction|publisher=IBM|access-date=January 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> To improve manufacturing ], the chip is initially manufactured with eight SPEs. After production, ], and if one defective SPE is identified, it is disabled using using ], allowing the processor to function with seven SPEs. This approach minimizes waste by utilizing processors that would otherwise be discarded. Even in chips without defects, one SPE is still disabled to ensure uniformity.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://moss.csc.ncsu.edu/~mueller/cluster/ps3/| title=Sony PlayStation 3 Cell Processor| publisher=North Carolina State University| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204202236/http://moss.csc.ncsu.edu/~mueller/cluster/ps3/| archive-date=December 4, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="GameDevelMag">{{cite news |last=Linklater |first=Martin |title=Optimizing Cell Code |work=Game Developer Magazine, April 2007 |pages=15–18 |quote=To increase fabrication yields, Sony ships PlayStation 3 Cell processors with only seven working SPEs. And from those seven, one SPE will be used by the operating system for various tasks, This leaves six SPEs for game programmer to use.}}</ref> Of the seven active SPEs, six are available for developers, while the seventh is reserved for the console’s ].<ref name="GameDevelMag" /> The Cell processor has access to 256 MB of ] main memory.<ref name="IGNSpecs">{{cite web |date=May 16, 2005 |title=E3 2005: PS3 Tech Specs |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/16/e3-2005-ps3-tech-specs-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908024041/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614682p1.html |archive-date=September 8, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
] is managed by the ], designed by ] and paired with 256 MB of ] video memory.<ref name="IGNSpecs" /> The RSX chip can produce resolutions ranging from ] (]/]) up to ] (]).<ref name="SCEASpecs" /> Initially, Sony’s hardware development team did not plan to include a dedicated ], believing the Cell microprocessor could handle all graphics processing tasks. However, game developers, including Sony’s ICE team (the central graphics technologies group for its game studios), demonstrated that without a dedicated GPU, the PlayStation 3’s performance would fall short, particularly when compared to the ]. This feedback prompted the late-stage addition of the RSX GPU during the console’s development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moriarty |first=C. |date=2013 |title=PlayStation 3 delayed, originally planned for 2005 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/08/playstation-3-was-delayed-originally-planned-for-2005 |website=IGN |access-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020182024/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/08/playstation-3-was-delayed-originally-planned-for-2005 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Physical media games for the PlayStation 3 were sold on ] discs and the console features a 2× speed drive which is also capable of reading Blu-ray movies, DVDs, and CDs.<ref name="SCEASpecs">{{cite web| url=http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/about/specs| title=PlayStation 3 Technical Specifications| publisher=SCEA| access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080113173737/http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/about/specs |archive-date = January 13, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
It was originally available with hard drives of 20 and 60 GB{{Efn|20 GB model was not available in PAL regions}}<ref name="NoSKUsforEU">{{cite web |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/reeves-no-pal-80gb-ps3-plans |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116061652/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/reeves-no-pal-80gb-ps3-plans |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Reeves: No PAL 80 GB PS3 Plans – Edge Magazine |publisher=Next-gen.biz |date=June 11, 2007 |access-date=June 28, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-60gb/4505-10109_7-31355103.html| title=PS3 60 GB review| date=November 13, 2006| website=CNET| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517201609/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-60gb/4505-10109_7-31355103.html| archive-date=May 17, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> but various sizes up to 500 GB<ref name="Torne2500">{{cite web|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100706ae.html|title=Sony Computer Entertainment Japan to introduce PlayStation3 (PS3) with 160 GB and 320 GB hard disk drive, available from July 29, 2010 at a Recommended Retail Price of 29,980 yen and 34,980 yen respectively|publisher=]|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711020242/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100706ae.html|archive-date=July 11, 2010}}</ref><ref name="JPWhiteSlim">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/white-ps3-slim-out-in-japan-this-month|title=White PS3 Slim out in Japan this month|website=]|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709013150/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/white-ps3-slim-out-in-japan-this-month|archive-date=July 9, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> were later made available (see: ]). All PS3 models have user-upgradeable hard drives.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/12/28/playstation-tips-5-diy-hard-drive-upgrade/| title=PlayStation Blog — Upgrading the PS3's hard drive| work=blog.us.playstation.com| publisher=]| date=December 28, 2007| last=Rubenstein| first=Jeff| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118172855/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/12/28/playstation-tips-5-diy-hard-drive-upgrade/| archive-date=January 18, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
The system has ] 2.0 (with support for up to seven Bluetooth devices),<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110085652/http://us.playstation.com/support/manuals/ps3/ |date=January 10, 2011 }}, for 20 GB US PlayStation 3 page 14</ref> ], ] and ]{{efn|name=HDMI|Initially used HDMI 1.3a specification,<ref name="SCEASpecs" /> but was upgraded (via firmware update) to 1.4 to support stereoscopic 3D for gaming and Blu-ray video playback. The PlayStation 3 does not support any other ] capabilities.}} built in. ] networking is also built-in on all but one early model.{{Efn|Original 20 GB model}} A couple of early models also had a built-in flash card reader (compatible with ], ] and ]).{{Efn|60 GB and CECHExx 80 GB models}}<ref name="SCEASpecs" /><ref name="IGNSpecs" /> | |||
=== Models === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation 3 models}} | |||
PlayStation 3 has been produced in various models: the original, the Slim, and the Super Slim. Successive models have added or removed various features, reduced the console's initial purchase price and weight, and increased storage capacity (with exceptions). | |||
=== Controllers and accessories === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation 3 accessories}} | |||
] controller in hand]] | |||
Numerous accessories for the console have been developed. These accessories include the wireless ] and ] controllers, the ], the ], the ], the ] camera, and the ] ] tuner/] accessory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Accessories|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113064221/http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Accessories|archive-date=January 13, 2008 |title=PlayStation 3 Accessories| publisher=SCEA| access-date=January 14, 2008}}</ref><ref name="PlayTV press release">{{cite web|title=PlayTV on PlayStation 3 explained |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe via Kotaku |date=August 22, 2007 |url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/clips/play-tv-on-ps3-explained-292541.php |access-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912172259/http://kotaku.com/gaming/clips/play-tv-on-ps3-explained-292541.php |archive-date=September 12, 2008 }}</ref> | |||
At Sony's E3 press conference in 2006, the then-standard wireless ] controller was announced. The controller was based on the same basic design as the ] controller for the ] but was wireless, lacked vibration capabilities, and had a built-in accelerometer that could detect motion in three directional and three rotational axes (six in total, hence the name Sixaxis). | |||
At its press conference at the 2007 ], Sony announced the ] controller with the same function and design as Sixaxis, but with vibration capability added.<ref name="DualShock 3 PR">{{cite web|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/070920be.html|title=DualShock 3 Wireless Controller With Rumble Feature To Be Introduced For PlayStation 3|access-date=September 20, 2007|date=September 20, 2007|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012003638/http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/070920be.html|archive-date=October 12, 2007}}</ref> The controller is heavier than the standard Sixaxis controller and capable of vibration forces comparable to DualShock 2.<ref name="TGS DualShock 3 hands-on">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179170.html|title=TGS '07: Spot On — The Dual Shock 3|access-date=September 20, 2007|date=September 19, 2007|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012102413/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179170.html|archive-date=October 12, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released in Japan in November 2007<ref>{{cite web| url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/vibe/dualshock-3-getting-all-ceramic-white-for-japan-308546.php| title=DualShock 3 will launch on November 11 in Japan| date=October 8, 2007| website=Kotaku| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221060114/http://kotaku.com/gaming/vibe/dualshock-3-getting-all-ceramic-white-for-japan-308546.php| archive-date=December 21, 2007| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref> and rolled out to the rest of the world throughout 2008.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.dailytech.com/Sony+Announces+New+80GB+PS3+Bundle+DualShock+3+Red+PSP/article10868.htm| title=Sony Announces New 80 GB PS3 Bundle, DualShock 3, Red PSP| date=February 26, 2008| publisher=Daily Tech| access-date=March 17, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415231145/http://www.dailytech.com/Sony+Announces+New+80GB+PS3+Bundle+DualShock+3+Red+PSP/article10868.htm| archive-date=April 15, 2008| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/20/tgs-2007-dual-shock-3-officially-announced| title=TGS 07: DualShock 3 announced| date=September 19, 2007| website=IGN| access-date=June 11, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112073337/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/821/821289p1.html| archive-date=November 12, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
During ], Sony unveiled a motion controller, the ], partly in response to the popularity of the competing Nintendo Wii. The Move’s "wand" controllers use internal ] detect motion while the position of a glowing orb is tracked using a ] or ]. It went on sale in late 2010.<ref name="E3 2010 PR">{{cite web |url=http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100616ae.html |title=PlayStation Move motion controller to hit worldwide market starting this September |date=June 16, 2010 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=June 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610110104/http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100616ae.html |archive-date=June 10, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
=== Statistics regarding reliability {{anchor|Statistics_regarding_reliability}} === | |||
<!-- ] redirects to this section; please update it if you change the section header. --> | |||
] | |||
According to '']'', the number of PlayStation 3 consoles that have experienced failure is well within the normal failure rates in the consumer electronics industry;<ref>{{cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/02/xbox-360-failure-rates-worse-than-most-consumer-electornics.ars |title=Xbox 360 failure rates worse than most consumer electronics |publisher=Arstechnica.com |date=February 14, 2008 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706104052/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2008/02/xbox-360-failure-rates-worse-than-most-consumer-electornics.ars |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> a 2009 study by ], a warranty provider, found a two-year failure rate of 10% for PlayStation 3s.<ref>Sands A, Tseng V. (2009). . SquareTrade. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324011002/http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/xbox360-ps3-wii-reliability-08-2009/ |date=March 24, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
In September 2009, ]'s '']'' television program aired a report investigating the issue, calling it the "yellow light of death" (YLOD). Among the consoles that experienced the failure, they found that it usually occurred 18–24 months after purchase, while the standard Sony warranty covers one year after purchase. After this time period, PlayStation 3 owners can pay Sony a fixed fee for a refurbished console.<ref name="2009WatchdogReport">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/09/playstation3_and_the_yellow_li.html#more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410112538/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/09/playstation3_and_the_yellow_li.html#more |archive-date=April 10, 2012 |title=BBC "Watchdog" report on "Yellow Light of Death" |publisher=BBC |first=Rob|last=Unsworth |date=September 17, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2010 }}</ref> | |||
Sony claimed that, according to its statistics of returned consoles, approximately 0.5% of consoles were reported as showing the YLOD.<ref name="2009WatchdogReport" /><ref name="Rebuttal" /> In response to the televised report, Sony issued a document criticizing the program's accuracy and conclusions; specifically that the faults were evidence of a manufacturing defect. The document also complained that the report had been inappropriate in tone and might damage Sony's brand name.<ref name="Rebuttal">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8263063.stm| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8263063.stm| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Sony rebuts BBC PlayStation claim| work = news.bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC News |date=September 18, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony-tackles-bbc-over-ps3-failure-report| title = Sony tackles BBC over 'PS3 failure' report| work = www.gamesindustry.biz| date = September 17, 2009| access-date = September 18, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090922183740/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony-tackles-bbc-over-ps3-failure-report| archive-date = September 22, 2009| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
=== Use in supercomputing === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation 3 cluster}} | |||
PS3's hardware has also been used to ] for ].<ref name="scientistpc">{{cite web |date=August 28, 2006 |title=Building Supercomputer Using PlayStation 3 |url=http://www.consolewatcher.com/2006/08/building-supercomputer-using-playstation-3/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206135040/http://www.consolewatcher.com/2006/08/building-supercomputer-using-playstation-3/ |archive-date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=August 28, 2006 |publisher=Console Watcher.com}}</ref> ] sells a version of ] for PlayStation 3 (originally sold by Terra Soft Solutions).<ref>{{cite web |title=Fixstars: Products |url=http://www.fixstars.com/en/products/ydl/buy.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005212542/http://www.fixstars.com/en/products/ydl/buy.html |archive-date=October 5, 2009 |access-date=February 4, 2010 |publisher=Fixstars Solutions {{!}} Yellow Dog Linux Get YDL}}</ref> ] produced a ] package for PS3,<ref>{{cite web |title=RapidMind and Terra Soft partner to unleash PlayStation 3 for Linux |url=http://www.rapidmind.net/News-Jan11-Terrasoft.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822174615/http://www.rapidmind.net/News-Jan11-Terrasoft.php |archive-date=August 22, 2007 |publisher=RapidMind}}</ref> but were acquired by Intel in 2009. Also, on January 3, 2007, Dr. Frank Mueller, Associate Professor of ] at ], clustered 8 PS3s. Mueller commented that the 256 MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: ] Core 5 Linux ppc64, MPICH2, ] v 2.5, ] and CellSDK 1.1.<ref>{{cite web |title=Engineer Creates First Academic PlayStation 3 Computing Cluster |url=http://www.physorg.com/news92674403.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319223403/http://www.physorg.com/news92674403.html |archive-date=March 19, 2007 |publisher=PhysOrg.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NC State Engineer Creates First Academic PlayStation 3 Computing Cluster |url=http://moss.csc.ncsu.edu/~mueller/cluster/ps3/coe.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012191214/http://moss.csc.ncsu.edu/~mueller/cluster/ps3/coe.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |publisher=College of Engineering, North Carolina State University}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sony PS3 Cluster (IBM Cell BE) |url=http://moss.csc.ncsu.edu/~mueller/cluster/ps3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212140713/http://moss.csc.ncsu.edu/~mueller/cluster/ps3/ |archive-date=February 12, 2007 |publisher=Frank Mueller, Associate Professor, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University}}</ref> As a more cost-effective alternative to conventional supercomputers, the U.S. military has purchased clusters of PS3 units for research purposes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stokes |first=Jon |date=November 28, 2009 |title=Sony still subsidizing US military supercomputer efforts |url=https://arstechnica.com/security/news/2009/11/sony-still-subsidizing-us-supercomputer-efforts.ars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212213628/http://arstechnica.com/security/news/2009/11/sony-still-subsidizing-us-supercomputer-efforts.ars |archive-date=December 12, 2009 |access-date=December 18, 2009 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> Retail PS3 Slim units cannot be used for supercomputing, because PS3 Slim lacks the ability to boot into a third-party OS. | |||
On March 22, 2007, SCE and ] released the ] software for PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web |title=Folding@home |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/folding/en/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318042916/https://www.scei.co.jp/folding/en/ |archive-date=March 18, 2007 |access-date=March 18, 2007 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment}}</ref> This program allows PS3 owners to lend the computing power of their consoles to help study the process of ] for disease research. | |||
In December 2008, a group of hackers used a cluster of 200 PlayStation 3 computers to crack ] authentication.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 30, 2008 |title=PlayStation 3 used to hack SSL |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/hackers-playstation-3-make-ssl-much-less-secure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706212858/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/hackers-playstation-3-make-ssl-much-less-secure/ |archive-date=July 6, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2009 |publisher=Engadget}}</ref> | |||
In November 2010 the ] (AFRL) created a powerful ] by connecting together 1,760 Sony PS3s which include 168 separate graphical processing units and 84 coordinating servers in a parallel array capable of performing 500 trillion ] (500 TFLOPS).<ref name="Sony PlayStation supercomputer">{{cite web |date=November 17, 2010 |title=AFRL to hold ribbon cutting for Condor supercomputer |url=http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123231285 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209141211/https://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123231285 |archive-date=December 9, 2010 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |website=www.wpafb.af.mil |publisher=The Official Web Site of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base}}</ref> As built the Condor Cluster was the 33rd largest supercomputer in the world and would be used to analyze high definition satellite imagery.<ref name="Defense Department discusses new Sony PlayStation supercomputer">{{cite web |last=Koff |first=Stephen |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Defense Department discusses new Sony PlayStation supercomputer |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/11/defense_department_discusses_n.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223183448/http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/11/defense_department_discusses_n.html |archive-date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=March 28, 2011 |work=blog.cleveland.com}}</ref> | |||
== Software == | |||
{{Main|PlayStation 3 system software|List of PlayStation applications}} | |||
=== System software === | |||
Sony has included the ability for the ], referred to as ''System Software'', to be updated.<ref name="SystemUpdate">{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Features/SystemUpdate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208164422/http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Features/SystemUpdate|archive-date=February 8, 2010| title=PlayStation.com – PLAYSTATION3 – Features – SystemUpdate| publisher=SCEA| access-date=February 4, 2010}}</ref> The updates can be acquired in several ways: | |||
* If PlayStation 3 has an active ], updates may be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Network to PlayStation 3 and subsequently installed. Systems with active Internet will automatically check online for software updates each time the console is started. | |||
* Using an external PC, a user may download the update from the official PlayStation website, transfer it to portable ] and install it on the system. | |||
* Some game discs come with ] updates on the disc. This may be due to the game requiring an update in order to run. If so, the software may be installed from the disc.<ref name="SystemUpdate" /> | |||
The original PlayStation 3 also included the ability to install other operating systems,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/osinstall.html |title=Install Other OS |access-date=April 25, 2007 |year=2007 |work=PlayStation 3 User's Guide |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421211047/http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/osinstall.html |archive-date=April 21, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> such as ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162316.html?sid=6162316|title=Yellow Dog Linux launches for PS3|date=November 27, 2006|first=Emma|last=Boyes|website=GameSpot|access-date=November 30, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219010621/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162316.html?sid=6162316|archive-date=February 19, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> This was not included in the newer slim models and was removed from all older PlayStation 3 consoles with the release of firmware update 3.21 in April 2010. The functionality is now only available to users of original consoles who choose not to update their system software beyond version 3.15<ref name="nolinuxphat">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/linux-support-dropped-from-ps3-firmware-3-21/|title=Linux support dropped from PS3 firmware 3.21|access-date=March 29, 2010|date=March 29, 2010|publisher=Joystiq|author=Andrew Yoon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413080907/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/linux-support-dropped-from-ps3-firmware-3-21|archive-date=April 13, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> or who have installed third-party, modified and unofficial versions of the firmware instead.<ref name="QJ.Net">{{cite web|url=http://www.qj.net/ps3/news/ps3-dual-boot-gameos/linux-cfw-released.html|title=PS3 dual boot GameOS/Linux CFW released|first=Ryan|last=F.|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703122928/http://www.qj.net/ps3/news/ps3-dual-boot-gameos/linux-cfw-released.html|archive-date=July 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== Graphical user interface ==== | |||
{{Main|XrossMediaBar#PlayStation 3 XMB|l1=XrossMediaBar – PlayStation 3 XMB}} | |||
] | |||
The standard PlayStation 3 version of the ] (pronounced "Cross Media Bar" and abbreviated XMB) includes nine categories of options. These are: ''Users'', ''Settings'', ''Photo'', ''Music'', ''Video'', ''TV/Video Services'', ''Game'', ''Network'', ''PlayStation Network'' and ''Friends'' (similar to the ] media bar). The''TV/Video Services'' category is for services like ] and if ] or torne is installed; the first category in this section is "My Channels", which lets users download various streaming services, including Sony's own streaming services ] and ]. By default, the ''What's New'' section of ''PlayStation Network'' is displayed when the system starts up. PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore photos with or without a musical ], play ] and copy ] tracks to an attached ], play movies and video files from the hard disk drive, an optical disc (Blu-ray Disc or DVD-Video) or an optional USB ] or Flash card, compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse and a ] supporting compatible-file download function.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_ps3_connectivity.html| title=PlayStation 3 Features Connectivity| publisher=Sony| access-date=September 3, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304101616/http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_ps3_connectivity.html| archive-date=March 4, 2010| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Additionally, ] media will appear in the respective audio/video/photo categories if a ] or ] server is detected on the local network. The Friends menu allows mail with emoticon and attached picture features and ] which requires an optional ] or ] webcam.<ref name="about PSN">{{cite web| url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/PSN| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112145945/http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/PSN| archive-date=January 12, 2008| title=About the PlayStation Network| publisher=Sony| access-date=January 13, 2008}}</ref> The Network menu allows ]ping through the ] and connectivity to PlayStation Portable via Remote Play.<ref name="about PSN" /> | |||
=== Digital rights management === | |||
PlayStation 3 console protects certain types of data and uses digital rights management to limit the data's use. Purchased games and content from the PlayStation Network store are governed by PlayStation's Network Digital Rights Management (NDRM). The NDRM allows users to access the data from up to 2 different PlayStation 3's that have been activated using a user's PlayStation Network ID.<ref name="NDRM">{{cite web| url=http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=1030| title=PlayStation Knowledge Center| publisher=Sony| access-date=July 6, 2010| quote=Can multiple PlayStationNetwork accounts access PlayStationStore content that was purchased by a different account?| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930021343/http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=1030| archive-date=September 30, 2011| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> PlayStation 3 also limits the transfer of copy protected videos downloaded from its store to other machines and states that copy protected video "may not restore correctly" following certain actions after making a backup such as downloading a new copy protected movie.<ref name="Restore Video">{{cite web| url=http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=1562| title=PlayStation Knowledge Center| publisher=Sony| access-date=July 6, 2010| quote=How do I back up and restore videos that were downloaded from the PlayStationStore?| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930021358/http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=1562| archive-date=September 30, 2011| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
=== Photo management === | |||
;Photo Gallery | |||
] | |||
Photo Gallery is an optional application to view, create, and group photos from PS3, which is installed separately from the system software at 105 MB. It was introduced in system software version 2.60 and provides a range of tools for sorting through and displaying the system's pictures. The key feature of this application is that it can organize photos into groups according to various criteria. Notable categorizations are colors, ages, or ]s of the people in the photos. Slideshows can be viewed with the application, along with music and playlists. The software was updated with the release of system software version 3.40 allowing users to upload and browse photos on ] and ].<ref name="EU3.40">{{cite web| title = PS3 System Software Update – 3.40| access-date = June 28, 2010| url = http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/06/28/ps3-system-software-update-v3-40-and-playstation-plus-available-later-today/| work = blog.eu.playstation.com| date = June 28, 2010| publisher = ]| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100701174309/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/06/28/ps3-system-software-update-v3-40-and-playstation-plus-available-later-today/| archive-date = July 1, 2010| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
;PlayMemories Studio | |||
PlayMemories is an optional stereoscopic 3D (and also standard) photo viewing application,<ref name="PlayMemories">{{cite web|title=What is the function of PlayMemories application? |access-date=September 22, 2010 |url=http://www.sony-mea.com/support/faq/416120 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201030520/http://www.sony-mea.com/support/faq/416120 |archive-date=December 1, 2012 }}</ref> which is installed from the PlayStation Store at 956 MB. The application is dedicated specifically to 3D photos and features the ability to zoom into 3D environments and change the angle and perspective of panoramas.<ref>{{cite web| title = Sony launches PlayMemories app for 3D photos| access-date = September 22, 2010| url = http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10092108sonyplaymemories.asp| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100923134037/http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10092108sonyplaymemories.asp| archive-date = September 23, 2010| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> It requires system software 3.40 or higher; 3D photos; a 3D HDTV, and an HDMI cable for the 3D images to be viewed properly. | |||
=== Video services === | |||
;Video editor and uploader | |||
A new application was released as part of system software version 3.40 which allows users to edit videos on PlayStation 3 and upload them to the Internet. The software features basic video editing tools including the ability to cut videos and add music and captions. Videos can then be rendered and uploaded to video sharing websites such as Facebook and YouTube.<ref name="EU3.40" /> | |||
;Video on demand | |||
In addition to the video service provided by the ], the PlayStation 3 console has access to a variety of third-party video services, dependent on the region: | |||
Since June 2009, ] has offered a free music video streaming service in Europe,<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200924/3858/function.mysql-connect| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200924/3858/function.mysql-connect| archive-date=2021-10-08| title =VidZone gives PlayStation 3 a free music video jukebox| first =Stevie| last =Smith| date =June 12, 2009| work =www.thetechherald.com}}{{cbignore}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.itwire.com/content/view/25629/532/| title = VidZone review – The online music video jukebox| first = Mike| last = Bantick| date = June 12, 2009| work = www.itwire.com| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120609140024/http://www.itwire.com/content/view/25629/532/| archive-date = June 9, 2012| df = mdy-all}}</ref><!-- http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=73133 VidZone comes to PLAYSTATION3 providing free music videos ANNOUNCEMENT LINK --> In October 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment and ] announced that the Netflix streaming service would also be available on PlayStation 3 in the United States. A paid Netflix subscription was required for the service.<ref>{{Cite journal| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/26/idUS33476+26-Oct-2009+PRN20091026| title = Coming Soon: Netflix Members Can Instantly Watch Movies and TV Episodes Streamed to TVs Via the PlayStation(R)3 Computer Entertainment System (Press Release)| date = October 26, 2009| website = www.reuters.com| publisher = ] via ]| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131214043708/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/26/idUS33476+26-Oct-2009+PRN20091026| archive-date = December 14, 2013| df = mdy-all}}</ref> The service became available in November 2009.<ref>{{Cite journal| url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/available-now-netflix-members-can-instantly-watch-movies-and-tv-episodes-streamed-to-tvs-via-the-playstationr3-computer-entertainment-system-69636332.html| title = Available Now: Netflix Members can Instantly Watch Movies and TV Episodes Streamed to TVs Via the PlayStation(R)3 Computer Entertainment System| website = www.prnewswire.com| publisher = ] via ]| date = November 10, 2009| access-date = October 6, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111129092031/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/available-now-netflix-members-can-instantly-watch-movies-and-tv-episodes-streamed-to-tvs-via-the-playstationr3-computer-entertainment-system-69636332.html| archive-date = November 29, 2011| url-status = dead| df = mdy-all}}</ref> Initially users had to use a free Blu-ray disc to access the service; however, in October 2010 the requirement to use a disc to gain access was removed.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/10/14/netflixps3/| title = Netflix on PS3: Disc-free Next Week| author = Greg Peters (Netflix)| work = blog.us.playstation.com| publisher = ]| date = October 14, 2010| access-date = October 6, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111001202553/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/10/14/netflixps3/| archive-date = October 1, 2011| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
In April 2010, support for ] was added, allowing MLB.tv subscribers to watch regular season games live in HD and access new interactive features designed exclusively for PSN.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/04/22/watch-major-league-baseball-on-ps3-mlb-tv-app-live-today/ |title=Watch Major League Baseball on PS3! MLB.TV App Live Today |publisher=PlayStation.blog |first=Grace |last=Chen |date=April 22, 2010 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511174129/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/04/22/watch-major-league-baseball-on-ps3-mlb-tv-app-live-today/ |archive-date=May 11, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In November 2010, access to the video and social networking site ] was enabled for European, New Zealand, and Australian users; the service integrates elements of social networking with rental or subscription video streaming, allowing users to watch and discuss films with other users.<ref>Sources: | |||
* {{cite web|url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/05/18/ps3-mubi-you/|title=PS3 + MUBI + YOU|publisher=]|work=blog.eu.playstation.com|first=Efe|last=Cakarel|date=May 18, 2010|access-date=May 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928025721/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/05/18/ps3-mubi-you/|archive-date=September 28, 2011|url-status=live}} | |||
* {{cite web| url = http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/11/01/mubi-is-launching-on-ps3-this-week/| title = MUBI Is Launching On PS3 This Week| date = November 1, 2010| first = Efe| last = Cakarel| publisher = ]| work = blog.eu.playstation.com| access-date = October 6, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120105064812/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/11/01/mubi-is-launching-on-ps3-this-week/| archive-date = January 5, 2012| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url =https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/01/mubi-goes-live-this-week| title = MUBI Goes Live This Week| date = November 1, 2010| publisher = IGN| access-date = June 11, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120308112057/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/113/1131375p1.html| archive-date = March 8, 2012| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> Also in November 2010 the video rental service ],<ref>Sources: | |||
* {{Cite journal| url = http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20023031-1.html| title = Vudu coming to PS3 with updated interface| author = John P. Falcone| date = November 16, 2010| website = News.cnet.com| publisher = ]| access-date = October 6, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110924192738/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20023031-1.html| archive-date = September 24, 2011| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}} | |||
* {{cite web| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/16/vudu-comes-to-the-ps3-adding-another-choice-for-psn-members-to-experience-media-instantly/| title = VUDU Comes to the PS3, Adding Another Choice for PSN Members to Experience Media Instantly| first = Susan| last = Panico| date = November 16, 2010| work = blog.us.playstation.com| publisher = ]| access-date = October 6, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817235456/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/16/vudu-comes-to-the-ps3-adding-another-choice-for-psn-members-to-experience-media-instantly/| archive-date = August 17, 2011| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/10/nhl-lights-the-lamp-on-the-ps3/|title=NHL "Lights the Lamp" on the PS3|first=Grace|last=Chen|date=November 10, 2010|work=blog.us.playstation.com|publisher=]|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114010426/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/10/nhl-lights-the-lamp-on-the-ps3/|archive-date=November 14, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and subscription service ] launched on PlayStation 3 in the United States.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/10/get-hulu-plus-on-your-ps3-today/| title = Get Hulu Plus on your PS3 Today!| first = Susan| last = Panico| date = November 10, 2010| work = blog.us.playstation.com| publisher = ]| access-date = October 6, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110924164536/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/11/10/get-hulu-plus-on-your-ps3-today/| archive-date = September 24, 2011| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
In August 2011, Sony, in partnership with ], added ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/08/17/directv-and-playstation-bring-nfl-sunday-ticket-to-ps3/|title=DIRECTV and PlayStation Bring NFL Sunday Ticket to PS3|first=Philip|last=Rosenberg|date=August 17, 2011|work=blog.us.playstation.com|publisher=]|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905051659/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/08/17/directv-and-playstation-bring-nfl-sunday-ticket-to-ps3/|archive-date=September 5, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Then in October 2011, ] launched an app for its ] service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/25/playstation-store-update-210/|title=PlayStation Store Update|first=Grace|last=Chen|date=October 25, 2011|work=blog.us.playstation.com|publisher=]|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210051315/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/25/playstation-store-update-210/|archive-date=February 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2012, ] launched an ] app, accessible to ] subscribers (in the US).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/04/03/ps3-the-first-console-to-offer-amazon-instant-video/ |title=PS3: The First Console to Offer Amazon Video |publisher=PlayStation.blog |first=Jack |last=Buser |date=April 3, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607024007/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/04/03/ps3-the-first-console-to-offer-amazon-instant-video/ |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Upon reviewing the PlayStation and Netflix collaboration, Pocket-Lint said "We've used the Netflix app on Xbox too and, as good as it is, we think the PS3 version might have the edge here." and stated that having Netflix and LoveFilm on PlayStation is "mind-blowingly good."<ref name="pocket-lint.com">{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Chris |url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/6147/sony-playstation-3-slim-500gb-and-12gb-games-console-review |title=Sony PS3 slim review |date=February 15, 2013 |publisher=Pocket-lint |access-date=January 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414100837/http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/6147/sony-playstation-3-slim-500gb-and-12gb-games-console-review |archive-date=April 14, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In July 2013, ] OTT player launched its branded application on the PS3 computer entertainment system in the United States.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118154443/https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/37077 |date=January 18, 2016 }}. Sony.com. March 12, 2013.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118154547/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3QoJLhHmMw |date=January 18, 2016 }}. Playstation.com.</ref> | |||
=== Audio capabilities === | |||
The PlayStation 3 has the ability to play standard ], a feature that was notably removed from its successors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.com/2013/11/01/playstation_4_faq/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.theregister.com/2013/11/01/playstation_4_faq/| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Here's what YOU WON'T be able to do with your PlayStation 4 |work=The Register |last=McAllister |first=Neil |date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> PlayStation 3 added the ability for ] audio CDs to store them on the system's hard disk; the system has transcoders for ripping to either ], ], or Sony's own ] (ATRAC3plus)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/atrac3plus| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/atrac3plus| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=ATRAC3plus |website=afterdawn.com |access-date=August 28, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> formats. Early models were also able to playback ]s, however this support was dropped in the third generation revision of the console from late 2007. However, all models do retain ] playback ability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html#_Toc180147566| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/http://www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html#_Toc180147566| archive-date=2021-10-08 |title=Do all PS3s play SA-CD? |website=ps3sacd.com |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
PlayStation 3 can also play music from portable players by connecting the player to the system's USB port, including from ] digital audio players and other ] players<ref>{{cite web | url=https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/3_15/video/video.html | title=PS3 - Video category | access-date=May 9, 2022 | archive-date=July 9, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709172914/http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/3_15/video/video.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and other players that use the ]. The PlayStation 3 did not feature the Sony ]. | |||
=== OtherOS support === | |||
{{Main|OtherOS}} | |||
PlayStation 3 initially shipped with the ability to install an alternative operating system alongside the main system software; ] and other ]-based operating systems were available. The hardware allowed access to six of the seven ''Synergistic Processing Elements'' of the ], but not the ] graphics chip. | |||
The 'OtherOS' functionality was not present in the updated PS Slim models, and the feature was subsequently removed from previous versions of the PS3 as part of the machine's ] update version 3.21 which was released on April 1, 2010;<ref>{{cite news |title=PSA: PS3 Firmware Update 3.21 available now |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psa-ps3-firmware-update-3-21-available-now/ |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=April 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402021205/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psa-ps3-firmware-update-3-21-available-now/ |archive-date=April 2, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sony cited security concerns as the rationale. The firmware update 3.21 was mandatory for access to the PlayStation Network.<ref>{{cite news |title=PS3 Firmware (v3.21) Update |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/28/ps3-firmware-v3-21-update |date=March 28, 2010 |access-date=March 28, 2010 |work=blog.us.playstation.com |publisher=] |quote=.. but due to security concerns, Sony Computer Entertainment will remove the functionality through the 3.21 system software update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615093847/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/28/ps3-firmware-v3-21-update/ |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The removal caused some controversy; as the update removed officially advertised features from already sold products, and gave rise to several class action lawsuits aimed at making Sony return the feature or provide compensation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sony Steals Feature From Your PlayStation 3|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/03/sony-steals-feature-from-your-playstation-3|date=March 30, 2010|access-date=March 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402123825/http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/03/sony-steals-feature-from-your-playstation-3|archive-date=April 2, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="OtherOSLawsuits">Sources: | |||
* {{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sony-hit-by-two-more-other-os-lawsuits|title=Sony hit by two more Other OS lawsuits|website=]|first=Oli|last=Welsh|date=May 11, 2010|access-date=May 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511192837/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sony-hit-by-two-more-other-os-lawsuits|archive-date=May 11, 2010|url-status=live}} | |||
* {{cite web| title = Man Files class action lawsuit over Other OS support removal| publisher = Joystiq| date = April 30, 2010| url = http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/man-files-class-action-suit-over-ps3-other-os-support-removal/| access-date = May 12, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100503213819/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/man-files-class-action-suit-over-ps3-other-os-support-removal| archive-date = May 3, 2010| url-status=dead| df = mdy-all}} | |||
* {{cite web| title = PlayStation 3 Owner files class action lawsuit against Sony for dropping 'Other OS'| website = Kotaku| date = April 29, 2010| url = http://kotaku.com/5526847/playstation-3-owner-files-class-action-suit-against-sony-for-dropping-other-os| access-date = May 12, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100502232505/http://kotaku.com/5526847/playstation-3-owner-files-class-action-suit-against-sony-for-dropping-other-os| archive-date = May 2, 2010| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
On December 8, 2011, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg dismissed the last remaining count of the class action lawsuit (other claims in the suit had previously been dismissed), stating: "As a legal matter, ... plaintiffs have failed to allege facts or articulate a theory on which Sony may be held liable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/12/09/42126.htm|title=Sony Tosses PlayStation 3 Upgrade Claims Aside|date=December 9, 2011|publisher=Courthouse News Service|access-date=December 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215121132/http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/12/09/42126.htm|archive-date=December 15, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
{{As of|2014|01|df=US}}, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit partially reversed the dismissal and have sent the case back to the district court.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/12043-appellate-court-puts-ps3-class-action-lawsuit-back-game/|title=Appellate Court Puts PS3 Class Action Lawsuit Back in the Game|date=January 8, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222003054/http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/12043-appellate-court-puts-ps3-class-action-lawsuit-back-game/|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Leap year bug === | |||
On March 1, 2010 (UTC), many of the original PlayStation 3 models worldwide were experiencing errors related to their internal system clock. The error had many symptoms. Initially, the main problem seemed to be the inability to connect to the ]. However, the root cause of the problem was unrelated to the PlayStation Network, since even users who had never been online also had problems playing installed offline games (which queried the system timer as part of startup) and using system themes. At the same time, many users noted that the console's clock had gone back to December 31, 1999. The event was nicknamed the '''ApocalyPS3''', a play on the word '']'' and PS3, the abbreviation for the PlayStation 3 console.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th--> Previous post Next post |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/03/apocalyps3/ |title=ApocalyPS3: Buggy Clock Drives PlayStation 3 Haywire | GameLife |website=Wired.com |date=March 1, 2010 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902081057/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/03/apocalyps3/ |archive-date=September 2, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The ] displayed was typically 8001050F and affected users were unable to sign in, play games, use dynamic themes, and view/sync trophies.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418035612/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/sony/7344758/Sony-PS3-network-glitch-affects-thousands.html |date=April 18, 2018 }} ''The Daily Telegraph'', March 1, 2010,</ref> The problem only resided within the first- through third-generation original PS3 units while the newer "Slim" models were unaffected because of different internal hardware for the clock. | |||
Sony confirmed that there was an error and stated that it was narrowing down the issue and were continuing to work to restore service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/03/01/playstation-network-status-update/|title=PlayStation Network Status Update – PlayStation.Blog.Europe|work=blog.eu.playstation.com|date=March 2010|publisher=]|access-date=August 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715142033/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/03/01/playstation-network-status-update/|archive-date=July 15, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> By March 2 (UTC), 2010, owners of original PS3 models could connect to PSN successfully and the clock no longer showed December 31, 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/ps3-issues-apparently-resolved-game-on/ |title=PS3 issues apparently resolved, game on |date=March 2, 2010 |publisher=Engadget |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503221220/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/01/ps3-issues-apparently-resolved-game-on/ |archive-date=May 3, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sony stated that the affected models incorrectly identified 2010 as a ], because of a bug in the ] method of storing the date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10461881-1.html|title=PS3 console errors fixed, leap year bug to blame|first=Jeff|last=Bakalar|publisher=]|date=March 1, 2010|access-date=March 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617081239/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10461881-1.html|archive-date=June 17, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/technology/02sony.html|title=Error Blocked PlayStation 3 From Using Its Network |first=Hiroko |last=Tabuchi |author-link=Hiroko Tabuchi |newspaper=New York Times |date=March 1, 2010 |access-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305065339/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/technology/02sony.html |archive-date=March 5, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, for some users, the hardware's operating system clock (mainly updated from the internet and not associated with the internal clock) needed to be updated manually or by re-syncing it via the internet. | |||
On June 29, 2010, ] released ] update 3.40, which improved the functionality of the internal clock to properly account for leap years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_ps3_softwareupdates.html|title=PlayStation 3 Features Software Updates|access-date=September 3, 2010|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305182405/http://us.playstation.com/ps3/features/ps_ps3_softwareupdates.html|archive-date=March 5, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Features == | |||
=== PlayStation Portable connectivity === | |||
{{Main|Remote Play|PlayStation Store (PC) for PSP}} | |||
] can connect with PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. For example, '']'', a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/09/e3-2006-formula-one-06-resurfaces|title=E3 2006: Formula One 06 Resurfaces |access-date=June 11, 2020 |last=Haynes |first=Jeff |date=May 8, 2006 |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216113222/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/705/705926p1.html |archive-date=February 16, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, users are able to download original PlayStation format games from the PlayStation Store, transfer and play them on PSP as well as PS3 itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/downloadable-ps1-games-hit-the-psp-provided-you-have-a-ps3-220164.php |title=Downloadable PS1 Games Hit The PSP (Provided You Have a PS3) |access-date=January 21, 2007 |last=Deleon |first=Nicholas |date=December 7, 2006 |website=Gizmodo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122194019/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/downloadable-ps1-games-hit-the-psp-provided-you-have-a-ps3-220164.php |archive-date=January 22, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3154561 |title=Phil Harrison Talks Downloadable PS1 Games on PS3 |access-date=April 3, 2007 |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=October 20, 2006 |publisher=1up.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001182148/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3154561 |archive-date=October 1, 2009 }}</ref> It is also possible to use the ] feature to play these and some PlayStation Network games, remotely on PSP over a network or internet connection. | |||
Sony has also demonstrated PSP playing back video content from PlayStation 3 hard disk across an ] wireless network. This feature is referred to as Remote Play located under the browser icon on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. Remote play has since expanded to allow ] to PS3 via PSP from any ] in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/740/740689p1.html |title=PSP and PS3 Play Together |access-date=January 21, 2007 |last=Nix |first=Marc |date=October 20, 2006 |publisher=IGN PSP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105144336/http://psp.ign.com/articles/740/740689p1.html |archive-date=January 5, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Clear}} | |||
== PlayStation Network == | |||
{{Main|PlayStation Network}} | |||
'''PlayStation Network''' is the unified online ] and digital media delivery service provided by ] for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable, announced during the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The service is always connected,<ref name="PNP always on">{{cite web|title=PlayStation 3 announced for 2006|website=GameSpot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/05/16/news_6124681.html|date=May 16, 2005|access-date=April 4, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804220936/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6124681/playstation-3-announced-for-2006|archive-date=August 4, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> free,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PSN| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201043654/http://www.us.playstation.com/PSN | archive-date=December 1, 2008| title=Official PlayStation Website| publisher=SCEA| access-date=January 15, 2008}}</ref> and includes multiplayer support.<ref name="US.PS.COM.PSN">{{cite web| url=http://www.playstationdirect.net/| title=PlayStation Direct.net| publisher=PlayStation Direct.net| access-date=August 6, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725122527/http://www.playstationdirect.net/| archive-date=July 25, 2010| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref> The network enables online gaming, the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Home and other services. PlayStation Network uses real currency and ]s as seen with the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home. | |||
=== PlayStation Plus === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation Plus}} | |||
'''PlayStation Plus''' (commonly abbreviated ''PS+'' and occasionally referred to as ''PSN Plus'') is a premium PlayStation Network subscription service that was officially unveiled at ] by Jack Tretton, President and CEO of SCEA.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/playstation-plus-announced-50-year/|title=PlayStation Plus Announced at E3: $50/Year|author=Joseph L. Flatley|publisher=]|date=June 15, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222100138/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/playstation-plus-announced-50-year/|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Rumors of such service had been in speculation since Kaz Hirai's announcement at TGS 2009 of a possible paid service for PSN but with the current PSN service still available. Launched alongside PS3 firmware 3.40 and PSP firmware 6.30 on June 29, 2010, the paid-for subscription service provides users with enhanced services on the PlayStation Network, on top of the current PSN service which is still available with all of its features. These enhancements include the ability to have demos and game updates download automatically to PlayStation 3. Subscribers also get early or exclusive access to some ], game demos, premium downloadable content, and other PlayStation Store items. North American users also get a free subscription to ]. Users may choose to purchase either a one-year or a three-month subscription to PlayStation Plus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5575419/what-do-you-get-with-playstation-plus|title=What Do You Get with PlayStation Plus?|first=Mike|last=Fahey|website=]|date=June 29, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918162609/http://kotaku.com/5575419/what-do-you-get-with-playstation-plus|archive-date=September 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Clear}} | |||
=== PlayStation Store === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation Store}} | |||
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] --> | |||
The '''PlayStation Store''' is an online virtual market available to users of ]'s PlayStation 3 (PS3) and ] (PSP) ] via the ]. The Store offers a range of ] both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games, add-on content, ], ] and game and movie ]. The service is accessible through an icon on the ] on PS3 and PSP. The PS3 store can also be accessed on PSP via a ] connection to PS3. The PSP store is also available via the PC application, ]. {{As of|2009|9|24|df=US}}, there have been over 600 million downloads from the PlayStation Store worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/23/tgs-2009-keynote-address|title=TGS 2009: Keynote Address|website=IGN|date=September 23, 2009|access-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517071824/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1027747p1.html|archive-date=May 17, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The PlayStation Store is updated with new content each Tuesday in North America, and each Wednesday in ] regions.<ref>{{cite web|title=PSN Thursday no more: say hello to PSN Tuesday and Wednesday|url=http://joystiq.com/2010/04/15/psn-thursday-no-more-say-hello-to-psn-tuesday-and-wednesday/|access-date=August 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820001539/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/psn-thursday-no-more-say-hello-to-psn-tuesday-and-wednesday|archive-date=August 20, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2010 this was changed from Thursdays to allow PSP games to be released digitally, closer to the time they are released on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/04/23/psn-store-day-move-not-due-to-360/|title=PSN Store Day Move Not Due To 360|publisher=Thesixthaxis.com|date=April 23, 2010|access-date=August 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628045936/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/04/23/psn-store-day-move-not-due-to-360/|archive-date=June 28, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Clear}} | |||
On March 29, 2021, Sony announced that it would shut down the PS3 version of the Store on July 2, though previous purchases on the store will remain downloadable.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/sony-closing-playstation-store-on-ps3-vita-and-psp-th-1846575103| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://kotaku.com/sony-closing-playstation-store-on-ps3-vita-and-psp-th-1846575103| archive-date=2021-10-08 | title = Sony Closing PlayStation Store On PS3, Vita, And PSP This Summer | first = Zack | last =Zwiezen | date = March 29, 2021 | accessdate = March 29, 2021 | work = ] }}{{cbignore}}</ref> However, on April 19, following fan feedback, Sony reversed their decision and confirmed that the PS3 store would remain operational.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/| archive-date=2021-10-08|title=PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita Will Continue Operations|date=April 19, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
=== What's New === | |||
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] --> | |||
What's New was announced at Gamescom 2009 and was released on September 1, 2009, with PlayStation 3 system software 3.0.<ref name="Firmware_3.00">{{cite web|url=http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/|title=PlayStation Games & Media News: – Entertainment on PS3 has a new look|publisher=SCEE|access-date=August 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821173909/http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/|archive-date=August 21, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The feature was to replace the existing , which displayed news from the PlayStation website associated with the user's region. The concept was developed further into a major PlayStation Network feature, which interacts with the to display a ticker of all content, excluding recently played content (currently in North America and Japan only). | |||
The system displays the What's New screen by default instead of the menu (or menu, if a movie was inserted) when starting up. What's New has four sections: "Our Pick", "Recently Played", the latest information, and new content available in PlayStation Store. There are four kinds of content the What's New screen displays and links to, on the sections. "Recently Played" displays the user's recently played games and online services only, whereas, the other sections can contain website links, links to play videos, and access to selected sections of the PlayStation Store. | |||
The PlayStation Store icons in the and section act similarly to the What's New screen, except that they only display and link to games and videos in the PlayStation Store, respectively.{{Clear}} | |||
=== PlayStation Home === | |||
{{Main|PlayStation Home}} | |||
PlayStation Home was a virtual 3D ] service for the PlayStation Network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gdc-phil-harrisons-keynote-speech|title=GDC: Phil Harrison's Keynote Speech|publisher=Games Industry|date=May 16, 2007|access-date=October 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206011938/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gdc-phil-harrisons-keynote-speech|archive-date=December 6, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Home allowed users to create a custom ], which could be groomed realistically.<ref name="goinhome">{{cite web| url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/playstation-home-revealed/| title=PlayStation Home unveiled| date=March 7, 2007| publisher=Engadget| access-date=January 15, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115020734/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/playstation-home-revealed/| archive-date=January 15, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="SonyHome">{{cite web| url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/joystiq-and-engadget-live-at-sonys-2007-gdc-keynote/| title=GDC 2007 Sony keynote speech| date=March 8, 2007| publisher=Engadget| access-date=January 15, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119185556/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/joystiq-and-engadget-live-at-sonys-2007-gdc-keynote/| archive-date=January 19, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Users could edit and decorate their personal apartments, avatars, or club houses with free, premium, or won content.<ref name="goinhome" /> Users could shop for new items or win prizes from PS3 games, or Home activities.<ref name="SonyHome" /> Users could interact and connect with friends and customize content in a ].<ref name="JoyStiqHome">{{cite web| url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/playstation-home-the-free-virtual-world-of-playstation-3/| title=PlayStation Home, the free virtual world of PlayStation 3| date=March 7, 2007| publisher=JoyStiq| access-date=January 15, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201192127/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/playstation-home-the-free-virtual-world-of-playstation-3| archive-date=February 1, 2009| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Home also acted as a meeting place for users that wanted to play ]s with others.<ref name="JoyStiqHome" /> | |||
A closed beta began in Europe from May 2007 and expanded to other territories soon after.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/01/europeans-go-home|title=Europeans Go Home |date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=IGN |access-date=May 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512120815/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/784/784759p1.html |archive-date=May 12, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> Home was delayed and expanded<ref name="psblogclosedexpansion">{{cite web| url = http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/19/playstation-home-beta-extended-today/| title = PlayStation Home Beta Extended Today| work = ]| date = September 19, 2008| access-date = May 21, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080921232542/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/19/playstation-home-beta-extended-today/| archive-date = September 21, 2008| url-status=live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> several times before initially releasing.<ref name="Spring 2008 delay">{{cite web|url=http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2007/09/sony-home-delay.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212144106/http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2007/09/sony-home-delay.html|archive-date=February 12, 2009|title=Virtual Worlds News: Sony Home Delayed to Spring 2008|publisher=Virtual Worlds News|date=September 20, 2007|access-date=July 1, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Fall 2008 delay">{{cite web|url=http://www.platformnation.com/2008/04/21/playstation-home-not-open-till-fall-of-08/|title=PlayStation Home not open till fall of 08|publisher=Platform Nation|date=April 22, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208174632/http://www.platformnation.com/2008/04/21/playstation-home-not-open-till-fall-of-08/|archive-date=February 8, 2009}}</ref> The Open ] was started on December 11, 2008. It remained as a ] until its closure on March 31, 2015.<ref name="Homeclosed">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonys-virtual-world-playstation-home-closing-its-d/1100-6422590/|title=Playstation Home Closing Its Doors After 6 Years|date=September 26, 2014|access-date=June 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608142206/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonys-virtual-world-playstation-home-closing-its-d/1100-6422590/|archive-date=June 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://community.us.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-Home/PlayStation-Home-Update-September-26-2014/td-p/44552202 |title=PlayStation Home Update – September 26, 2014 |date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929181213/http://community.us.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-Home/PlayStation-Home-Update-September-26-2014/td-p/44552202 |archive-date=September 29, 2014 }}</ref> Home was available directly from the PlayStation 3 ]. Membership was free, but required a PSN account.<ref name="SonyHome" /><ref name="JoyStiqHome" /> | |||
Home featured places to meet and interact, dedicated game spaces, developer spaces, company spaces, and events. The service underwent a weekly maintenance and frequent updates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/08/23/playstation-home-over-23-million-strong-evolving-with-a-new-major-redesign/|title=PlayStation Home – Over 23 Million Strong, Evolving With A New Major Redesign|date=August 23, 2011|last=Contreras|first=Paulmichael|publisher=PlayStation LifeStyle|access-date=November 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113135302/http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/08/23/playstation-home-over-23-million-strong-evolving-with-a-new-major-redesign/|archive-date=January 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of its closure in March 2015, Home had been downloaded by over 41 million users.<ref name="Homeclosed" /> {{Clear}} | |||
=== Life with PlayStation === | |||
{{Main|Life with PlayStation}} | |||
]. Screenshot taken at approximately 8pm ]]] | |||
Life with PlayStation, released on September 18, 2008<ref name="Life with PS">{{cite web|url= http://www.playstation.com/life/en/index.html|title= Life with PlayStation|date= September 18, 2009|publisher= PlayStation.com|access-date= October 7, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121113072624/http://www.playstation.com/life/en/index.html|archive-date= November 13, 2012|df= mdy-all}}</ref> to succeed ], was retired November 6, 2012. ''Life with PlayStation'' used ] data to display news and information by city. Along with Folding@home functionality, the application provided access to three other information "channels", the first being the ''Live Channel'' offering news headlines and weather which were provided by ], ], the ] Space Science and Engineering Center, among other sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5051551/life-with-playstation-out-now|title=Life With PlayStation out now|website=Kotaku|date=September 18, 2008 |access-date=October 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926061219/http://kotaku.com/5051551/life-with-playstation-out-now|archive-date=September 26, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The second channel was the ] channel which offered historical information about historical sites. The third channel was the United Village channel. United Village was designed to share information about communities and cultures worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.united-village.net/en/about.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100920094215/http://www.united-village.net/en/about.html|archive-date= September 20, 2010|title= United Village|access-date= October 1, 2009}}</ref> An update allowed video and photo viewing in the application.<ref name="Life with PS" /> The fourth channel was the U.S. exclusive PlayStation Network Game Trailers Channel for direct streaming of game trailers. | |||
=== Outage === | |||
{{Main|2011 PlayStation Network outage}} | |||
On April 20, 2011, Sony shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity for a prolonged interval, revealing on April 23 that this was due to "an external intrusion on our system". Sony later revealed that the ] of 77 million users might have been taken, including: names; addresses; countries; email addresses; birthdates; PSN/Qriocity logins, passwords and handles/PSN online IDs.<ref name="PSN/Qriocity Service Update">{{cite web|url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/04/26/psnqriocity-service-update/|title=PSN/Qriocity Service Update — PlayStation.Blog.Europe|date=April 26, 2011|access-date=May 5, 2011|publisher=]|work=blog.eu.playstation.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502023850/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/04/26/psnqriocity-service-update/|archive-date=May 2, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> It also stated that it was possible that users' profile data, including purchase history and billing address, and PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained.<ref name="PSN/Qriocity Service Update" /> There was no evidence that any credit card data had been taken, but the possibility could not be ruled out, and Sony advised customers that their credit card data may have been obtained.<ref name="PSN/Qriocity Service Update" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/04/28/playstation-network-and-qriocity-outage-faq/|title=PlayStation Network and Qriocity Outage FAQ — PlayStation.Blog.Europe|date=April 28, 2011|access-date=May 5, 2011|publisher=]|work=blog.eu.playstation.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504174033/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/04/28/playstation-network-and-qriocity-outage-faq/|archive-date=May 4, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, the credit card numbers were encrypted and Sony never collected the three digit CVC or CSC number from the back of the credit cards which is required for authenticating some transactions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2384561,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03069TX1K0001121|title=PlayStation Network Credit Card Data Encrypted, Sony Says|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|date=April 28, 2011|work=PC Magazine|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704104107/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2384561,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03069TX1K0001121|archive-date=July 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to the incident, Sony announced a "Welcome Back" program, 30 days free membership of PlayStation Plus for all PSN members, two free downloadable PS3 games, and a free one-year enrollment in an identity theft protection program.<ref>{{cite web |author=Wesley Yin-Poole |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-01-psn-sony-outlines-welcome-back-gifts |title=PSN: Sony outlines "Welcome Back" gifts News – PlayStation 3 – Page 1 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=May 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505060017/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-01-psn-sony-outlines-welcome-back-gifts |archive-date=May 5, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2011/05/playstation-network-nears-restoration-users-get-id-theft-protection/1 |title=PlayStation Network nears restoration; users get ID theft protection – Game Hunters: In search of video games and interactive awesomeness – USATODAY.com |publisher=Content.usatoday.com |date=May 5, 2011 |access-date=May 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509064111/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2011/05/playstation-network-nears-restoration-users-get-id-theft-protection/1 |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
== Sales and production costs == | |||
<!-- This section is linked from "Units sold" in this article's infobox --> | |||
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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;" | |||
|- | |||
! Region !! ] !! First available | |||
|- | |||
| Canada | |||
| "about 1.5 million" <small>{{as of|lc=on|df=US|2010|10|06}}</small><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/sony-aims-for-ps3-holiday-sales-boost-1.947078|title=Sony aims for PS3 holiday sales boost|first=Peter|last=Nowak|date=October 6, 2010|work=]|access-date=October 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009072901/http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/10/05/sony-playstation-holiday-preview.html|archive-date=October 9, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| November 17, 2006 | |||
|- | |||
| Europe<br /><small>(includes UK and other PAL regions)</small> | |||
| 30 million <small>{{as of|lc=on|df=US|2012|12|19}}</small><ref name=EuropeSales>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/ps3-sells-30-million-across-europe-and-pal-regions-6401757|title=PS3 sells 30 million across Europe and PAL regions|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|date=December 19, 2012|website=]|access-date=February 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108043417/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/ps3-sells-30-million-across-europe-and-pal-regions-6401757|archive-date=January 8, 2013}}</ref> | |||
| March 23, 2007 | |||
|- | |||
| Japan | |||
| 9.3 million <small>{{as of|df=US|lc=on|2013|06|27}}</small><ref name="USUKJPSalesJune2013">{{cite web |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |title=Analysis: Xbox 360 poised to pass Wii in US sales by year's end |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/analysis-xbox-360-poised-to-pass-wii-in-us-sales-by-years-end/ |website=Arstechnica.com |date=June 27, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204531/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/06/analysis-xbox-360-poised-to-pass-wii-in-us-sales-by-years-end/ |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| November 11, 2006 | |||
|- | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| 5.5 million <small>{{as of|df=US|lc=on|2013|06|27}}</small><ref name="USUKJPSalesJune2013" /> | |||
| March 23, 2007 | |||
|- | |||
| United States | |||
| 22.9 million <small>{{as of|df=US|lc=on|2013|06|27}}</small><ref name="USUKJPSalesJune2013" /> | |||
| November 17, 2006 | |||
|- | |||
| Worldwide | |||
| 87.4 million <small>({{as of|df=US|lc=on|2017|3|31}})</small><ref name="WorldPS3Sales" /> | |||
| November 11, 2006 <div class="noprint">(])</div> | |||
|} | |||
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<!-- | |||
IF THE ADDED-UP TOTAL SALES IN THE THREE MAIN DISTRIBUTION REGIONS IS HIGHER THAN SONY'S END OF | |||
FISCAL YEAR TOTAL, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT SONY'S TOTAL IS USUALLY OUT OF DATE. | |||
IF SONY'S TOTAL REPORTED GLOBAL SALES IS HIGHER THAN THE ADDED-UP TOTAL SALES IN THE THREE MAIN | |||
DISTRIBUTION REGIONS, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA ARE NOT THE ENTIRE WORLD--> | |||
Although its PlayStation predecessors had been very dominant against the competition and were hugely profitable for Sony, PlayStation 3 had an inauspicious start, and Sony chairman and CEO Sir ] initially could not convince investors of a turnaround in its fortunes. The PS3 lacked the unique gameplay of the more affordable ] which became that generation's most successful console in terms of units sold. Furthermore, PS3 had to compete directly with ] which had a market head start, and as a result the platform no longer had exclusive titles that the PS2 enjoyed such as the '']'' and '']'' series (regarding cross-platform games, Xbox 360 versions were generally considered superior in 2006, although by 2008 the PS3 versions had reached parity or surpassed),<ref>{{cite web |last=Shah |first=Sarju |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-graphics-comparison-round-3-6191251/ |title=Xbox 360 Versus PlayStation 3 Graphics Comparison: Round 3 |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=May 23, 2008 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717090001/http://www.gamespot.com/features/xbox-360-versus-playstation-3-graphics-comparison-round-3-6191251/ |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> and it took longer than expected for PS3 to enjoy strong sales and close the gap with Xbox 360. Sony also continued to lose money on each PS3 sold through 2010,<ref>{{cite web |last=Reisinger |first=Don |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-57369469-17/why-sony-needed-to-swap-out-its-ceo/ |title=Why Sony needed to swap out its CEO | The Digital Home – CNET News |publisher=News.cnet.com |date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810193720/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-57369469-17/why-sony-needed-to-swap-out-its-ceo/ |archive-date=August 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> although the redesigned "slim" PS3 cut these losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/28/ps3-profitable-price-cut-unlikely|title=PS3 Profitable, Price Cut Unlikely|date=June 28, 2010|access-date=November 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617233909/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/28/ps3-profitable-price-cut-unlikely|archive-date=June 17, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
PlayStation 3's initial production cost is estimated by iSuppli to have been ]805.85 for the 20 GB model and US$840.35 for the 60 GB model.<ref name="isup">Sources: | |||
* {{cite web| url = http://www.next-gen.biz/news/isuppli-60gb-ps3-costs-840-produce| title = iSuppli: 60 GB PS3 Costs $840 to Produce| work = www.next-gen.biz| date = November 16, 2006| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111004022638/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/isuppli-60gb-ps3-costs-840-produce| archive-date = October 4, 2011| df = mdy-all}} | |||
* {{Cite journal|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927131539/http://www.isuppli.com/news/default.asp?id=6919|url = http://www.isuppli.com/news/default.asp?id=6919|archive-date = September 27, 2007|date = November 16, 2006|website = www.isuppli.com|publisher = iSuppli|title = iSuppli Corporation : Applied Market Intelligence : PlayStation 3 Offers Supercomputer Performance at PC Pricing, iSuppli's Teardown Analysis Reveals}}</ref> However, they were priced at US$499 and US$599, respectively, meaning that units may have been sold at an estimated loss of $306 or $241 depending on model, if the cost estimates were correct,<ref>{{Cite journal| url = http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_736188.htm| title = Nothing Cheap About the PS3| first = Arik| last = Hesseldahl| date = November 16, 2006| website = www.businessweek.com| publisher = ]| access-date = October 4, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628201250/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_736188.htm| archive-date = June 28, 2011| url-status=dead| df = mdy-all}}</ref> and thus may have contributed to Sony's games division posting an operating loss of ¥232.3 billion (US$1.97 billion) in the ] ending March 2007.<ref name="PS3 launch hits Sony profits">{{cite news |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps3-launch-damages-sony-profits |title=PS3 launch hits Sony profits |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |date=May 16, 2007 |access-date=August 31, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417040843/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps3-launch-damages-sony-profits |archive-date=April 17, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2007, soon after these results were published, ], President of Sony Computer Entertainment, announced plans to retire. Various ], including '']''<ref>{{cite news |title=PlayStation boss pays the price of weak sales |newspaper=] |date=April 27, 2007 |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article1712432.ece |access-date=April 27, 2007 |location=London |first1=Dan |last1=Sabbagh |first2=Siobhan |last2=Kennedy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612002602/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article1712432.ece |archive-date=June 12, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and '']''<ref name="Kutaragi, Joystiq">{{cite web |url=http://psp.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/sonys-ken-kutaragi-announces-plans-to-retire/2 |title=Sony's Ken Kutaragi announces plans to retire |publisher=Joystiq |first=Christopher |last=Grant |date=April 26, 2007 |access-date=July 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012014709/http://psp.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/sonys-ken-kutaragi-announces-plans-to-retire/2 |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> reported that this was due to poor sales, while ] maintains that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement.<ref name="Kutaragi, Joystiq" /> | |||
In January 2008, ], ] of Sony Computer Entertainment, suggested that the console may start making a profit by early 2009, stating that, "the next fiscal year starts in April and if we can try to achieve that in the next fiscal year that would be a great thing" and that " is not a definite commitment, but that is what I would like to try to shoot for".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKN0737530820080107?feedType=RSS&feedName=technology-media-telco-SP|title=Sony's Hirai eyes PS3 profit as costs decline|access-date=April 22, 2008|date=January 7, 2008|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827085809/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKN0737530820080107?feedType=RSS&feedName=technology-media-telco-SP|archive-date=August 27, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, market analysts ] have predicted that PlayStation 3 could be profitable by August 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps3-profitable-by-august-say-nikko-citigroup-analysts|title=PS3 profitable by August, say Nikko Citigroup analysts|access-date=April 22, 2008|date=April 21, 2008|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422200047/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps3-profitable-by-august-say-nikko-citigroup-analysts|archive-date=April 22, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> In a July 2008 interview, Hirai stated that his objective is for PlayStation 3 to sell 150 million units by its ninth year, surpassing PlayStation 2's sales of 140 million in its nine years on the market.<ref name="financialtimes">{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1c46ad2e-5678-11dd-8686-000077b07658.html |title=Sony sets 150 m sales target for PS3 |first=Chris |last=Nuttall |date=July 20, 2008 |newspaper=] |access-date=August 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729154715/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1c46ad2e-5678-11dd-8686-000077b07658.html |archive-date=July 29, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2009 Sony announced that their gaming division was profitable in Q3 2008.<ref>{{cite web |author=nofi |url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2009/01/29/sonys-game-division-in-profit/ |title=Sony's Game Division In Profit |publisher=TheSixthAxis |date=January 29, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201064909/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2009/01/29/sonys-game-division-in-profit/ |archive-date=February 1, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
After the system's launch, production costs were reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the ] chip and falling hardware costs.<ref name="PSU hardware costs">{{cite web|url=http://www.psu.com/news/2402 |title=Sony cuts PS3 production costs in half |access-date=January 22, 2008 |date=January 11, 2008 |publisher=psu.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105134516/http://www.psu.com/news/2402 |archive-date=January 5, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="PS3fanboy hardware costs">{{cite web |url=http://playstation.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/playstation-3-manufacturing-costs-to-go-down-way-down/ |title=PlayStation 3 manufacturing costs to go down, way down |access-date=July 15, 2007 |date=February 8, 2007 |publisher=ps3fanboy.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228051852/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/playstation-3-manufacturing-costs-to-go-down-way-down |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The cost of manufacturing ]s had fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the ] production process,<ref name="PS3fanboy hardware costs" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytech.com/IBM+Shrinks+Cell+Broadband+Engine+to+65nm+Process/article6454c.htm |title=IBM Shrinks Cell Broadband Engine to 65nm Process |access-date=July 15, 2007 |date=March 13, 2007 |publisher=dailytech.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200958/http://www.dailytech.com/IBM+Shrinks+Cell+Broadband+Engine+to+65nm+Process/article6454c.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Blu-ray Disc ]s had become cheaper to manufacture.<ref name="PSU hardware costs" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gameinformer.com/News/Story/200705/N07.0507.1105.54109.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509025332/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200705/N07.0507.1105.54109.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2007 |title=PlayStation 3 Production Costs Drop |access-date=July 15, 2007 |date=May 7, 2007 |publisher=]}}</ref> As of January 2008, each unit cost around $400 to manufacture;<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jan2008/gb2008018_681920.htm |title=Sony's Blu-Ray Breakthrough |access-date=January 14, 2008 |date=January 8, 2008 |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113121629/http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jan2008/gb2008018_681920.htm |archive-date=January 13, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps3-production-costs-halved-says-analyst |title=PS3 production costs halved, says analyst |access-date=January 14, 2008 |date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=www.gamesindustry.biz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402115555/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps3-production-costs-halved-says-analyst |archive-date=April 2, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> by August 2009, Sony had reduced costs by a total of 70%, meaning it only cost Sony around $240 per unit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamersyndrome.com/2009/ps3/ps3-cheaper-make/ |title=PS3 70 percent cheaper to make |access-date=August 9, 2009 |date=August 1, 2009 |publisher=www.gamersyndrome.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114231418/http://gamersyndrome.com/2009/ps3/ps3-cheaper-make/ |archive-date=January 14, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175396 |title=PlayStation 3 Production Costs Slashed 70 Percent |first=Kat |last=Bailey |access-date=July 31, 2009 |date=August 22, 2009 |publisher=1up |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001181749/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175396 |archive-date=October 1, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5327066/sony-ps3-manufacturing-costs-down-70-percent |title=Sony: PS3 Manufacturing Costs Down 70 Percent |first=Brian |last=Ashcraft |access-date=July 31, 2009 |date=August 22, 2009 |website=Kotaku |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801130010/http://kotaku.com/5327066/sony-ps3-manufacturing-costs-down-70-percent |archive-date=August 1, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The PlayStation 3's actual manufacturing cost at launch was never officially disclosed; SCE's ] said in a 2019 interview that during the system's launch "it was a worry because 600 bucks was actually too cheap, because the machine was ''so'' expensive to make", before telling the interviewer that he can't disclose the real figure but that it would "make your eyebrows shoot clear off the top of your head".<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2019 |title=Meet the Only Executive Who Worked for Both PlayStation and Xbox |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CId0zKlOmgg |website=YouTube |publisher=] |quote=}}</ref>{{Clear}} | |||
== Critical reception == | |||
Early PlayStation 3 reviews after launch were critical of its high price and lack of quality games. Game developers regarded the architecture as difficult to program for. PS3 was, however, commended for its hardware including its Blu-ray home theater capabilities and graphics potential.<ref name="Review, Trusted Reviews">{{cite web |url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/video-games/review/2007/03/23/Sony-PlayStation-3/p15 |title=Sony PlayStation 3 |first=Riyad |last=Emeran |publisher=Trustedreviews.com |date=March 23, 2007 |access-date=July 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516010002/http://www.trustedreviews.com/video-games/review/2007/03/23/Sony-PlayStation-3/p15 |archive-date=May 16, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=698 |title=First review: PlayStation 3 |date=March 1, 2007 |first=Danny |last=Allen |publisher=PC Advisor |access-date=July 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717133334/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=698 |archive-date=July 17, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Critical and commercial reception to PS3 improved over time, after a series of price revisions, Blu-ray's victory over ],<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm |title=Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses |publisher=] |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=August 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914081937/http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm |archive-date=September 14, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the release of several well received titles. '']''{{'}}s original launch review gave PS3 only a 6/10, but second review of the console in June 2008 rated it a 9/10.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://arstechnica.com/hardware/reviews/2008/06/playstation-3-blu-ray.ars| title=They say it got smart: a 2008 review of the PS3| date=June 4, 2008| first=Ben| last=Kuchera| website=Ars Technica| access-date=June 10, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201140156/http://arstechnica.com/hardware/reviews/2008/06/playstation-3-blu-ray.ars| archive-date=February 1, 2009| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> In September 2009, IGN named PlayStation 3 the 15th-best gaming console of all time, behind both of its competitors: Wii (10th) and Xbox 360 (6th).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/15.html|title=PlayStation 3 is number 15|publisher=IGN Entertainment|access-date=October 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906015812/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/15.html|archive-date=September 6, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> However, PS3 has won IGN's "Console Showdown"—based on which console offers the best selection of games released during each year—in three of the four years since it began (2008, 2009 and 2011, with Xbox winning in 2010).<ref>{{cite web |first=Cam |last=Shea |url=http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1215432p1.html |title=Console Showdown 2011: Winner Announced! – Games Feature at IGN |publisher=Games.ign.com |access-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517072011/http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1215432p1.html |archive-date=May 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] judged PlayStation 3 to have the best game line-up of 2008, based on their review scores in comparison to those of Wii and Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shea |first=Cam |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/18/aussie-console-showdown-08-ps3-vs-wii-vs-360 |title=Aussie Console Showdown 08: PS3 vs. Wii vs. 360 |publisher=IGN |date=December 18, 2008|access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209055325/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/939/939461p2.html |archive-date=February 9, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a comparison piece by '']''{{'}}s Will Greenwald in June 2012, PS3 was selected as an overall better console compared to Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Greenwald |first=Will |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2405305,00.asp |title=Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3: Which Console Wins the Gaming Game |magazine=PCMag.com |date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802211208/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2405305,00.asp |archive-date=August 2, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Pocket-Lint said of the console "The PS3 has always been a brilliant games console," and that "For now, this is just about the best media device for the money."<ref name="pocket-lint.com" /> | |||
=== Original model === | |||
PS3 was given the number-eight spot on '']'' magazine's list of "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006", where it was criticized for being "Late, Expensive and Incompatible".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/128265-4/the_top_21_tech_screwups_of_2006.html |title=The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006 |access-date=February 3, 2007 |last=Tynan |first=Dan |date=December 20, 2006 |magazine=PC World |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080707130337/http://www.pcworld.com/article/128265-4/the_top_21_tech_screwups_of_2006.html |archive-date=July 7, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] ranked PS3 as the top item in a feature on game-related ] disasters, asking how Sony managed to "take one of the most anticipated game systems of all time and—within the space of a year—turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet", but added that despite its problems the system has "untapped potential".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/f/the-top-7-pr-disasters/a-2007031912215876016/g-20060314115917309058/p-7 |title=The Top 7... PR disasters |access-date=March 21, 2007 |last=Reparaz |first=Mikel |date=March 21, 2007 |publisher=GamesRadar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226043618/http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/f/the-top-7-pr-disasters/a-2007031912215876016/g-20060314115917309058/p-7 |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' summed up the general opinion by stating that it was "more impressed with what the PlayStation 3 could do than with what it currently does".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_664610.htm |title=PS3: Soon to Be a Great System |first=Cliff |last=Edwards |magazine=] |date=November 16, 2006 |access-date=July 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022023213/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_664610.htm |archive-date=October 22, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
Developers also found the machine difficult to program for. In 2007, ] of ] said "The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think it's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted". He continued "I'd say, even at this late date, they should just cancel it and do a do over. Just say, 'This was a horrible disaster and we're sorry and we're going to stop selling this and stop trying to convince people to develop for it'".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=155309| title=Valve: PS3 a "total disaster on so many levels"| date=January 15, 2007| first=Stuart| last=Bishop| publisher=computerandvideogames.com| access-date=January 15, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118000001/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=155309| archive-date=January 18, 2007| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Doug Lombardi VP of Marketing for Valve has since stated that Valve is interested in developing for the console and is looking to hire talented PS3 programmers for future projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qj.net/qjnet/playstation-3/valve-open-to-work-with-ps3-development.html|title=Valve open to work with PS3 development|date=July 5, 2009|publisher=Qj.net|access-date=March 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716121535/http://www.qj.net/qjnet/playstation-3/valve-open-to-work-with-ps3-development.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> He later restated Valve's position, "Until we have the ability to get a PS3 team together, until we find the people who want to come to Valve or who are at Valve who want to work on that, I don't really see us moving to that platform".<ref>{{cite web| url = http://play.tm/news/25498/valve-dodge-ps3-development/| title = Valve dodge PS3 development| date = July 3, 2009| first = Luke| last = Guttridge| publisher = play.tm| access-date = July 13, 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090706132632/http://play.tm/news/25498/valve-dodge-ps3-development/| archive-date = July 6, 2009| df = mdy-all}}</ref> At Sony's ] press conference, Newell made a live appearance to recant his previous statements, citing Sony's move to make the system more developer-friendly, and to announce that Valve would be developing '']'' for the system. He also claimed that the inclusion of Steamworks (Valve's system to automatically update their software independently) would help to make the PS3 version of ''Portal 2'' the best console version on the market. | |||
] CEO ] has criticized PS3's high development costs and inferior ] and return to that of ] and ]. He believes these factors are pushing developers away from working on the console. In an interview with '']'' Kotick stated "I'm getting concerned about Sony; the PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and they don't make it easy for me to support the platform."<ref>{{cite news| url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article6531367.ece| title = Sony should beware — Activision chief is not simply playing games| date = June 19, 2009| first = Dan| last = Sabbagh| newspaper = ]| access-date = July 13, 2009| location = London| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090708094917/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article6531367.ece| archive-date = July 8, 2009| url-status=dead| df = mdy-all}}</ref> He continued, "It's expensive to develop for the console, and the Wii and the Xbox are just selling better. Games generate a better ] (ROIC) on the Xbox than on the PlayStation." Kotick also claimed that Activision Blizzard may stop supporting the system if the situation is not addressed. " to cut the price, because if they don't, the attach rates are likely to slow. If we are being realistic, we might have to stop supporting Sony."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/32222/Kotick-slams-PS3-for-high-dev-costs| title=Kotick slams PS3 for 'high' dev costs| date=June 19, 2009| first=Rob| last=Crossley| publisher=develop-online.| access-date=July 13, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705205448/http://www.develop-online.net/news/32222/Kotick-slams-PS3-for-high-dev-costs| archive-date=July 5, 2009| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}</ref> Kotick received heavy criticism for the statement, notably from developer ] who questioned the wisdom of the threatened move, and referred to the statement as "silly."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=219357 |title = BioWare: Activision PS3 comment "silly and biased towards what is popular." |access-date = July 19, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090717000546/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=219357 |archive-date = July 17, 2009 |url-status=live |df = mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
Despite the initial negative press, several websites have given the system very good reviews mostly regarding its hardware. ] United Kingdom praised the system saying, "the PS3 is a versatile and impressive piece of home-entertainment equipment that lives up to the hype the PS3 is well worth its hefty price tag."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4370234 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328170257/http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4370234 |archive-date=March 28, 2007 |title=PS3 Reviewed |access-date=April 21, 2007 |last=Carnoy |first=Dave |date=March 2007 |publisher=CNet.co.uk}}</ref> CNET awarded it a score of 8.8 out of 10 and voted it as its number one "must-have" gadget,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/must-have-gadgets/ |title=Top 10 Must-haves |access-date=February 22, 2007 |author=CNET Staff |date=November 21, 2006 |website=CNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506022823/http://reviews.cnet.com/must-have-gadgets/ |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-60gb/4505-10109_7-31355103.html |title=Sony PlayStation 3 (60 GB) Reviews |access-date=February 3, 2007 |last=Carnoy |first=David |date=November 14, 2006 |website=CNET |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517201609/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-60gb/4505-10109_7-31355103.html |archive-date=May 17, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, both ''Home Theater Magazine'' and ''Ultimate AV'' have given the system's Blu-ray playback very favorable reviews, stating that the quality of playback exceeds that of many current standalone Blu-ray Disc players.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hometheatermag.com/discplayers/1206playstation3/ |title=Sony PlayStation 3 |access-date=February 22, 2007 |last=Chiarella |first=Chris |date=December 2006 |work=Home Theater Magazine |publisher=Primedia Magazines, Inc. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828004603/http://www.hometheatermag.com/discplayers/1206playstation3/ |archive-date=August 28, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/1206ps3blu/index3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070120005118/http://www.ultimateavmag.com/hddiscplayers/1206ps3blu/index3.html|archive-date=January 20, 2007 |title=PlayStation3 Blu-ray Disc Player |access-date=February 22, 2007 |last=Buettner |first=Shane C. |date=December 2006 |publisher=Primedia Magazines, Inc. |pages=4 of 6}}</ref> | |||
In an interview, ], ] of ] argued for the choice of a complex architecture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/hirai-were-the-official-industry-leader|title=Hirai: We're the "official" industry leader|website=]|quote=''We don't provide the easy to program for console that want, because easy to program for means that anybody will be able to take advantage of pretty much what the hardware can do, so then the question is what do you do for the rest of the nine-and-a-half years?''|date=January 20, 2009|access-date=October 31, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905151613/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/hirai-were-the-official-industry-leader|archive-date=September 5, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> ] Gaming reviewed the PAL version and summed the review up by saying, "as the PlayStation 3 matures and developers start really pushing it, we'll see the PlayStation 3 emerge as the console of choice for gaming."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gaming.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=8185&page=6 |title=Review : Sony PlayStation 3 |access-date=April 25, 2007 |last=Haywood |first=Nick |date=March 23, 2007 |publisher=HEXUS.gaming |pages=6 of 6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202030656/http://gaming.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=8185 |archive-date=December 2, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> At ] 2007, ] founder ] stated, "I think that Sony has made the best machine. It's the best piece of hardware, without question".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gdc-whats-next-for-ps3 |title=GDC: What's Next for PS3? |access-date=April 25, 2007 |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=March 7, 2007 |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418075204/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gdc-whats-next-for-ps3 |archive-date=April 18, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Slim model and rebranding === | |||
The PlayStation 3 Slim received extremely positive reviews as well as a boost in sales; less than 24 hours after its announcement, PS3 Slim took the number-one bestseller spot on Amazon.com in the video games section for fifteen consecutive days. It regained the number-one position again one day later.<ref name="Slim Amazon Bestseller">{{cite web |title=PS3 Slim gets back Bestseller top spot on Amazon |url=http://www.qj.net/qjnet/playstation-3/ps3-slim-gets-back-bestseller-top-spot-on-amazon.html |date=September 1, 2009 |publisher=qj.net |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929111959/http://www.qj.net/qjnet/playstation-3/ps3-slim-gets-back-bestseller-top-spot-on-amazon.html |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> PS3 Slim also received praise from PC World giving it a 90 out of 100 praising its new repackaging and the new value it brings at a lower price as well as praising its quietness and the reduction in its power consumption. This is in stark contrast to the original PS3's launch in which it was given position number-eight on their "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006" list.<ref name="PS3 Slim Review PCW">{{cite magazine |title=Priced right, Sony's slim-line PlayStation 3 (120 GB) bundles the top-notch features of the earlier PlayStation 3 into a smarter, sleeker package |url=http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/301007/review/playstation_3.html |date=September 2, 2009 |magazine=] |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903151648/http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/301007/review/playstation_3.html |archive-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
CNET awarded PS3 Slim four out of five stars praising its Blu-ray capabilities, 120 GB hard drive, free online gaming service and more affordable pricing point, but complained about the lack of backward compatibility for PlayStation 2 games.<ref name="CNET PS3 Slim Review">{{cite web |title=Sony PlayStation 3 Slim – 120 GB Review |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-slim/4505-10109_7-33765068.html |date=August 19, 2009 |website=CNET |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905020249/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-slim/4505-10109_7-33765068.html |archive-date=September 5, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> TechRadar gave PS3 Slim four and a half stars out of five praising its new smaller size and summed up its review stating "Over all, the PS3 Slim is a phenomenal piece of kit. It's amazing that something so small can do so much". However, they criticized the exterior design and the build quality in relation to the original model.<ref name="TechRadar PS3 Slim Review">{{cite news |title=Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 120 GB review |url=http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/sony-playstation-3-slim-630534/review?artc_pg=5 |date=September 1, 2009 |work=TechRadar |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905205923/http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/sony-playstation-3-slim-630534/review?artc_pg=5 |archive-date=September 5, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Eurogamer called it "a product where the cost-cutting has—by and large—been tastefully done" and said "It's nothing short of a massive win for Sony."<ref>{{cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ps3slim-hardware-test-article |title=Hardware Test: PS3 Slim Article • Page 1 • Articles • |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=September 2, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094700/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ps3slim-hardware-test-article |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Super Slim model === | |||
The Super Slim model of PS3 has received positive reviews. Gaming website ''Spong'' praised the new Super Slim's quietness, stating "The most noticeable noise comes when the drive seeks a new area of the disc, such as when starting to load a game, and this occurs infrequently." They added that the fans are quieter than those of Slim, and went on to praise the new smaller, lighter size. | |||
Criticism was placed on the new disc loader, stating: "The cover can be moved by hand if you wish, there's also an eject button to do the work for you, but there is no software eject from the triangle button menus in the Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface. In addition, you have to close the cover by hand, which can be a bit fiddly if it's upright, and the PS3 won't start reading a disc unless you do ." They also said there is no real drop in retail price.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dodds|first=Gavin|title=PlayStation Super Slim 500 GB – Review|url=http://spong.com/feature/10110802/Review-PlayStation-3-Super-Slim-500GB/2|publisher=Spong|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114081311/http://spong.com/feature/10110802/Review-PlayStation-3-Super-Slim-500GB/2|archive-date=November 14, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Tech media website ] gave new Super Slim 4 out of 5 stars ("Excellent"), saying "The Super Slim PlayStation 3 shrinks a powerful gaming machine into an even tinier package while maintaining the same features as its predecessors: a great gaming library and a strong array of streaming services ", whilst also criticising the "cheap" design and disc-loader, stating: "Sometimes doesn't catch and you feel like you're using one of those old credit card imprinter machines. In short, it feels cheap. You don't realize how convenient autoloading disc trays are until they're gone. Whether it was to cut costs or save space, this move is ultimately a step back." The criticism also was due to price, stating the cheapest Super Slim model was still more expensive than the cheapest Slim model, and that the smaller size and bigger hard drive should not be considered an upgrade when the hard drive on a Slim model is easily removed and replaced. They did praise that the hard drive of the Super Slim model is "the easiest yet. Simply sliding off the side panel reveals the drive bay, which can quickly be unscrewed." They also stated that whilst the Super Slim model is not in any way an upgrade, it could be an indicator as to what's to come. "It may not be revolutionary, but the Super Slim PS3 is the same impressive machine in a much smaller package. There doesn't seem to be any reason for existing PS3 owners to upgrade, but for the prospective PS3 buyer, the Super Slim is probably the way to go if you can deal with not having a slot-loading disc drive."<ref>{{cite web|last=Bakalar|first=Jeff|title=Sony PlayStation Super Slim Uncharted 3 Limited Edition Bundle Review|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-super/4505-10109_7-35454667.html|website=CNET|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008050538/http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-playstation-3-super/4505-10109_7-35454667.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Pocket-Lint gave Super Slim a very positive review saying "It's much more affordable, brilliant gaming, second-to-none video and media player." They think it is "A blinding good console and one that will serve you for years to come with second-hand games and even new releases. Without doubt, if you don't have a PS3, this is the time to buy." They gave Super Slim 4-and-a-half stars out of 5.<ref name="pocket-lint.com" /> | |||
Technology magazine '']'' gave the Super Slim model a positive review, stating the console is almost "nostalgic" in the design similarities to the original "fat" model, "While we don't know whether it will play PS3 games or Blu-ray discs any differently yet, the look and feel of the new PS3 Slim is an obvious homage to the original PS3, minus the considerable excess weight. Immediately we would be concerned about the durability of the top loading tray that feels like it could be yanked straight out off the console, but ultimately it all feels like Sony's nostalgic way of signing off the current-generation console in anticipation for the PS4."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sawh|first=Michael|title=Sony PS3 Super Slim review: Hands-on|url=http://www.t3.com/reviews/sony-ps3-super-slim-review|work=]|access-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014063934/http://www.t3.com/reviews/sony-ps3-super-slim-review|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Notes== | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
== External links == | |||
{{Commons}} | |||
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=== Official websites === | |||
* . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307110655/http://asia.playstation.com/hk/en/ps3 |date=March 7, 2009 }}. | |||
* . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224192921/http://au.playstation.com/ps3/ |date=February 24, 2011 }}. | |||
* . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513231814/http://ca.playstation.com/ps3/ |date=May 13, 2013 }}. | |||
* . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025123452/http://nz.playstation.com/ps3/ |date=October 25, 2014 }}. | |||
* . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125021327/http://uk.playstation.com/ps3/ |date=January 25, 2010 }}. | |||
* . {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218202026/http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3 |date=February 18, 2010 }}. | |||
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Latest revision as of 19:02, 24 December 2024
Sony's third home video game console, part of the seventh generation "PS3" redirects here. For other uses, see PS3 (disambiguation).
| |
Also known as | PS3 |
---|---|
Developer | Sony Computer Entertainment |
Manufacturer | Sony, Foxconn, Asus |
Product family | PlayStation |
Type | Home video game console |
Generation | Seventh |
Release date | |
Introductory price | 20 GB model US$499.99 (equivalent to $760 in 2023), ¥49,980 60 GB model US$599.99 (equivalent to $910 in 2023), ¥60,000, €599.99 |
Discontinued | |
Units shipped | 87.4 million |
Media |
|
Operating system | PlayStation 3 system software |
CPU | 3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine with 1 PPE and 8 SPE cores (on die, one disabled) |
Memory | 256 MB XDR DRAM system and 256 MB GDDR3 video |
Storage | |
Display | Video output formats |
Graphics | 500 MHz RSX Reality Synthesizer |
Sound |
Audio output formats
|
Controller input | Sixaxis, DualShock 3, PlayStation Move, Blu-ray Remote and others |
Connectivity |
(details)
|
Online services | PlayStation Network |
Best-selling game | Grand Theft Auto V, 29.52 million copies |
Backward compatibility |
|
Predecessor | PlayStation 2 |
Successor | PlayStation 4 |
Website | playstation.com/explore/ps3 |
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). The successor to the PlayStation 2, it is part of the PlayStation brand of consoles. It was first released on November 11, 2006, in Japan, November 17, 2006, in North America, and March 23, 2007, in Europe and Australasia. The PlayStation 3 competed primarily against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles.
The PlayStation 3 was developed on the purpose-built Cell processor, co-developed with Toshiba and IBM; SCE's president Ken Kutaragi envisioned a home entertainment system akin to supercomputers. It was the first console to use the Blu-ray disc as its primary storage medium, the first to be equipped with an HDMI port, and graphically was the first to be able to output at 1080p (Full HD) resolution. The console launched together with the PlayStation Network online service, and was also the first to be controllable from a handheld console through its Remote Play connectivity. In September 2009, the Slim model of the PlayStation 3 was released; it no longer provided the hardware ability to run PS2 games, but it was lighter and thinner than the original version. A Super Slim redesign was released in late 2012, further refining the console.
During its early years, the system received a mixed reception, due to its high price ($599 for a 60-gigabyte model, $499 for a 20 GB model), a complex processor architecture, and lack of quality games, but was praised for its Blu-ray capabilities and "untapped potential". The reception improved over time. The system had a slow start in the market but managed to recover, particularly after the introduction of the Slim model, and managed to sell 87.4 million units to outsell the competing Xbox 360 and become the eighth-bestselling video game console in history. Its successor, the PlayStation 4, was released in November 2013; Sony started discontinuing the PlayStation 3 within two years' time, with shipments of new units ending in most of the world by 2016, and the final units produced until May 29, 2017 in the Japanese market.
History
The PlayStation 3 began development on March 9, 2001 when Ken Kutaragi, then the President of Sony Computer Entertainment, announced that Sony, Toshiba, and IBM would collaborate on developing the Cell microprocessor. At the time, Shuhei Yoshida led a group of programmers within this hardware team to explore next-generation game creation. By early 2005, focus within Sony shifted towards developing PS3 launch titles. In September 2004, Sony stated that the PlayStation 3 would utilize Blu-ray and that the console would also play DVDs and CDs, and the following December, Nvidia was announced as a design partner for the console's graphics chip. Sony officially unveiled PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, at E3 2005, along with a boomerang-shaped prototype design of the Sixaxis controller. A functional version of the system was not present there, nor at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although demonstrations (such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots) were held at both events on software development kits and comparable personal computer hardware. Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (notably a Final Fantasy VII tech demo).
The initial prototype shown in May 2005 featured two HDMI ports, three Ethernet ports and six USB ports; however, when the system was shown again a year later at E3 2006, these were reduced to one HDMI port, one Ethernet port and four USB ports, presumably to cut costs. Two hardware configurations were also announced for the console: a 20 GB model and a 60 GB model, priced at US$499 (€499) and US$599 (€599), respectively. The 60 GB model was to be the only configuration to feature an HDMI port, Wi-Fi internet, flash card readers and a chrome trim with the logo in silver. Both models were announced for a simultaneous worldwide release: November 11, 2006, for Japan and November 17, 2006, for North America and Europe.
On September 6, 2006, Sony announced that PAL region PlayStation 3 launch would be delayed until March 2007, because of a shortage of materials used in the Blu-ray drive. At the Tokyo Game Show on September 22, 2006, Sony announced that it would include an HDMI port on the 20 GB system, but a chrome trim, flash card readers, silver logo and Wi-Fi would not be included. Also, the launch price of the Japanese 20 GB model was reduced by over 20%, and the 60 GB model was announced for an open pricing scheme in Japan. During the event, Sony showed 27 playable PS3 games running on final hardware.
Launch
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. There were reports that many of the initial systems were obtained by businessmen who paid mainly Chinese nationals to buy the system without any software to resell on eBay, and, as a result of this, there were more hardware units sold than there were games. Ridge Racer 7 was the highest selling game on launch day. Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17, 2006. Reports of violence surrounded the release of the PS3. A customer was shot, campers were robbed at gunpoint, customers were shot in a drive-by shooting with BB guns, and 60 campers fought over 10 systems. The PS3 was released on the same day in Hong Kong and Taiwan as well.
The console was originally planned for a global release through November, but at the start of September the release in Europe and the rest of the world was delayed until March. Since it was a somewhat last-minute delay, some companies had taken deposits for pre-orders, at which Sony informed customers that they were eligible for full refunds or could continue the pre-order. On January 24, 2007, Sony announced that PlayStation 3 would go on sale on March 23, 2007, in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand. Its European launch price was €599 (€629 in Ireland, £425 in Britain), R6499 minimum in South Africa, AU$999.95 in Australia, NZ$1199.95 in New Zealand.
On March 7, 2007, the 60 GB PlayStation 3 launched in Singapore with a price of S$799. In the United Arab Emirates, the system retailed for 2499 dirhams on March 23, slightly less than the price in Europe. Sony also hosted a large launch party with singer Shakira performing at the Dubai Autodrome.
The PS3 sold 600,000 units in the first two days of its release in Europe. It became the fastest-selling home system in the United Kingdom with 165,000 units sold in two days, and became the second-fastest-selling system in the UK overall, the fastest being the PlayStation Portable. Some British retailers claim that the PS3 was subjected to as many as 20,000 pre-order cancellations, while others cited a "huge demand" for the system. System sales for the following week were down 82%, selling 30,000 units, with a 60% drop in sales of the two most popular titles, MotorStorm and Resistance: Fall of Man. Its UK launch price of £425 was higher than its Japanese and American prices, with value-added tax cited as a reason by a staff member. The continental Europe price was €599, while in Ireland it was €629.
Over 27,000 units were sold in Australia over the course of the first ten days of sales and nine of the top ten best-selling games, including systems and handheld, of the week were for the PS3; overall, software and hardware sales resulted in A$33 million netted for Sony. One analyst called it "a spike in retail spending not previously witnessed at the launch of any other system in Australia". In New Zealand, over 4,800 units were sold in the first week generating "over NZ$6.8 million dollars in hardware and software retail sales."
On April 27, 2007, it launched in India, with the 60 GB model retailing for ₹39,990 (US$1000 at the conversion rate at the time). In Mexico, the 20 GB model launched with a price of 10,495 pesos, or US$974 at the time. The console was launched in South Korea on June 16, 2007, as a single version equipped with an 80 GB hard drive and IPTV.
Slim model
Following speculation that Sony was working on a 'slim' model, Sony officially announced the PS3 CECH-2000 model on August 18, 2009, at the Sony Gamescom press conference. New features included a slimmer form factor, decreased power consumption, and a quieter cooling system. It was released in major territories by September 2009. At the same time, a new logo was introduced for the console to replace the previous "Spider-Man" wordmarks (named due to their use of the same font as the logos of Sony's then-current Spider-Man films), with a new "PS3" wordmark evoking the design of the PlayStation 2 wordmark replacing the capitalized PlayStation 3 lettering.
Super Slim model
In September 2012 at the Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced that a new, slimmer PS3 redesign (CECH-4000) was due for release in late 2012 and that it would be available with either a 250 GB or 500 GB hard drive. Three versions of the Super Slim model were revealed: one with a 500 GB hard drive, a second with a 250 GB hard drive which was not available in PAL regions, and a third with a 12 GB flash storage that was available in PAL regions, and in Canada. The storage of 12 GB model was upgradable with an official standalone 250 GB hard drive, and a vertical stand was also released for the model. In the United Kingdom, the 500 GB model was released on September 28, 2012; and the 12 GB model was released on October 12, 2012. In the United States, the PS3 Super Slim was first released as a bundled console. The 250 GB model was bundled with the Game of the Year edition of Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and released on September 25, 2012; and the 500 GB model was bundled with Assassin's Creed III and released on October 30, 2012. In Japan, the black colored Super Slim model was released on October 4, 2012; and the white colored Super Slim model was released on November 22, 2012. The Super Slim model is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the Slim model and features a manual sliding disc cover instead of a motorized slot-loading disc cover of the Slim model. The white colored Super Slim model was released in the United States on January 27, 2013, as part of the Instant Game Collection Bundle. The Garnet Red and Azurite Blue colored models were launched in Japan on February 28, 2013. The Garnet Red version was released in North America on March 12, 2013, as part of the God of War: Ascension bundle with 500 GB storage and contained God of War: Ascension as well as the God of War Saga. The Azurite Blue model was released on October 8, 2013, as a GameStop exclusive with 250 GB storage.
Games
See also: List of PlayStation 3 gamesPlayStation 3 launched in North America with 14 titles, with another three being released before the end of 2006. After the first week of sales it was confirmed that Resistance: Fall of Man from Insomniac Games was the top-selling launch game in North America. The game was heavily praised by numerous video game websites, including GameSpot and IGN, both of whom awarded it their PlayStation 3 Game of the Year award for 2006. Some titles missed the launch window and were delayed until early 2007, such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, F.E.A.R. and Sonic the Hedgehog. During the Japanese launch, Ridge Racer 7 was the top-selling game, while Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire also fared well in sales, both of which were offerings from Namco Bandai Games. PlayStation 3 launched in Europe with 24 titles, including ones that were not offered in North American and Japanese launches, such as Formula One Championship Edition, MotorStorm and Virtua Fighter 5. Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm were the most successful titles of 2007, and both games subsequently received sequels in the form of Resistance 2 and MotorStorm: Pacific Rift.
At E3 2007, Sony was able to show a number of their upcoming video games for PlayStation 3, including Heavenly Sword, Lair, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Warhawk and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune; all of which were released in the third and fourth quarters of 2007. It also showed off a number of titles that were set for release in 2008 and 2009; most notably Killzone 2, Infamous, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, LittleBigPlanet and SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Confrontation. A number of third-party exclusives were also shown, including the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, alongside other high-profile third-party titles such as Grand Theft Auto IV, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Assassin's Creed, Devil May Cry 4 and Resident Evil 5. Two other important titles for PlayStation 3, Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII, were shown at TGS 2007 in order to appease the Japanese market.
Sony have since launched their budget range of PlayStation 3 titles, known as the Greatest Hits range in North America, the Platinum range in Europe and Australia and The Best range in Japan. Among the titles available in the budget range include Resistance: Fall of Man, MotorStorm, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Rainbow Six: Vegas, Call of Duty 3, Assassin's Creed and Ninja Gaiden Sigma. As of October 2009 Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Devil May Cry 4, Army of Two, Battlefield: Bad Company and Midnight Club: Los Angeles have also joined the list.
As of March 31, 2012, there have been 595 million games sold for PlayStation 3. The best selling PS3 games are Grand Theft Auto V, Gran Turismo 5, The Last of Us, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
The last game released on the PlayStation 3 was Shakedown: Hawaii, on August 20, 2020.
Stereoscopic 3D
In December 2008, the CTO of Blitz Games announced that it would bring stereoscopic 3D gaming and movie viewing to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 with its own technology. This was first demonstrated publicly on PS3 using Sony's own technology in January 2009 at the Consumer Electronics Show. Journalists were shown Wipeout HD and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in 3D as a demonstration of how the technology might work if it is implemented in the future. Firmware update 3.30 officially allowed PS3 titles to be played in 3D, requiring a compatible display for use. System software update 3.50 prepared it for 3D films. While the game itself must be programmed to take advantage of the 3D technology, titles may be patched to add in the functionality retroactively. Titles with such patches include Wipeout HD, Pain, and Super Stardust HD.
Hardware
The basic design of the PlayStation 3 remained the same across all three major hardware revisions with a black plastic case with a convex top side when placed horizontal, which could also be placed vertical, with the convex on the left side. The original case design had piano black plastic with a Spider-Man-font-inspired logo that PlayStation designer Teiyu Goto stated that "was one of the first elements SCEI president Ken Kutaragi decided on and the logo may have been the motivating force behind the shape of PS3".
Technical specifications
Main article: PlayStation 3 technical specificationsThe PlayStation 3 uses the 64-bit Cell microprocessor, developed jointly by Sony, Toshiba and IBM, as its CPU. The processor consists of a 3.2 GHz PowerPC-based Power Processing Element (PPE) and seven Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs). To improve manufacturing yields, the chip is initially manufactured with eight SPEs. After production, each chip is tested, and if one defective SPE is identified, it is disabled using using laser trimming, allowing the processor to function with seven SPEs. This approach minimizes waste by utilizing processors that would otherwise be discarded. Even in chips without defects, one SPE is still disabled to ensure uniformity. Of the seven active SPEs, six are available for developers, while the seventh is reserved for the console’s operating system. The Cell processor has access to 256 MB of XDR DRAM main memory.
Graphics processing is managed by the RSX Reality Synthesizer, designed by Nvidia and paired with 256 MB of GDDR3 video memory. The RSX chip can produce resolutions ranging from standard-definition (480i/576i) up to high-definition (1080p). Initially, Sony’s hardware development team did not plan to include a dedicated GPU, believing the Cell microprocessor could handle all graphics processing tasks. However, game developers, including Sony’s ICE team (the central graphics technologies group for its game studios), demonstrated that without a dedicated GPU, the PlayStation 3’s performance would fall short, particularly when compared to the Xbox 360. This feedback prompted the late-stage addition of the RSX GPU during the console’s development.
Physical media games for the PlayStation 3 were sold on Blu-ray discs and the console features a 2× speed drive which is also capable of reading Blu-ray movies, DVDs, and CDs.
It was originally available with hard drives of 20 and 60 GB but various sizes up to 500 GB were later made available (see: model comparison). All PS3 models have user-upgradeable hard drives.
The system has Bluetooth 2.0 (with support for up to seven Bluetooth devices), Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 built in. Wi-Fi networking is also built-in on all but one early model. A couple of early models also had a built-in flash card reader (compatible with Memory Stick, SD and CompactFlash).
Models
Main article: PlayStation 3 modelsPlayStation 3 has been produced in various models: the original, the Slim, and the Super Slim. Successive models have added or removed various features, reduced the console's initial purchase price and weight, and increased storage capacity (with exceptions).
Controllers and accessories
Main article: PlayStation 3 accessoriesNumerous accessories for the console have been developed. These accessories include the wireless Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers, the Logitech Driving Force GT, the Logitech Cordless Precision Controller, the Blu-ray Disc Remote, the PlayStation Eye camera, and the PlayTV DVB-T tuner/digital video recorder accessory.
At Sony's E3 press conference in 2006, the then-standard wireless Sixaxis controller was announced. The controller was based on the same basic design as the DualShock 2 controller for the PlayStation 2 but was wireless, lacked vibration capabilities, and had a built-in accelerometer that could detect motion in three directional and three rotational axes (six in total, hence the name Sixaxis).
At its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced the DualShock 3 controller with the same function and design as Sixaxis, but with vibration capability added. The controller is heavier than the standard Sixaxis controller and capable of vibration forces comparable to DualShock 2. It was released in Japan in November 2007 and rolled out to the rest of the world throughout 2008.
During E3 2009, Sony unveiled a motion controller, the PlayStation Move, partly in response to the popularity of the competing Nintendo Wii. The Move’s "wand" controllers use internal inertial sensors detect motion while the position of a glowing orb is tracked using a PlayStation Eye or PlayStation Camera. It went on sale in late 2010.
Statistics regarding reliability
According to Ars Technica, the number of PlayStation 3 consoles that have experienced failure is well within the normal failure rates in the consumer electronics industry; a 2009 study by SquareTrade, a warranty provider, found a two-year failure rate of 10% for PlayStation 3s.
In September 2009, BBC's Watchdog television program aired a report investigating the issue, calling it the "yellow light of death" (YLOD). Among the consoles that experienced the failure, they found that it usually occurred 18–24 months after purchase, while the standard Sony warranty covers one year after purchase. After this time period, PlayStation 3 owners can pay Sony a fixed fee for a refurbished console.
Sony claimed that, according to its statistics of returned consoles, approximately 0.5% of consoles were reported as showing the YLOD. In response to the televised report, Sony issued a document criticizing the program's accuracy and conclusions; specifically that the faults were evidence of a manufacturing defect. The document also complained that the report had been inappropriate in tone and might damage Sony's brand name.
Use in supercomputing
Main article: PlayStation 3 clusterPS3's hardware has also been used to build supercomputers for high-performance computing. Fixstars Solutions sells a version of Yellow Dog Linux for PlayStation 3 (originally sold by Terra Soft Solutions). RapidMind produced a stream programming package for PS3, but were acquired by Intel in 2009. Also, on January 3, 2007, Dr. Frank Mueller, Associate Professor of Computer Science at NCSU, clustered 8 PS3s. Mueller commented that the 256 MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: Fedora Core 5 Linux ppc64, MPICH2, OpenMP v 2.5, GNU Compiler Collection and CellSDK 1.1. As a more cost-effective alternative to conventional supercomputers, the U.S. military has purchased clusters of PS3 units for research purposes. Retail PS3 Slim units cannot be used for supercomputing, because PS3 Slim lacks the ability to boot into a third-party OS.
On March 22, 2007, SCE and Stanford University released the Folding@home software for PlayStation 3. This program allows PS3 owners to lend the computing power of their consoles to help study the process of protein folding for disease research.
In December 2008, a group of hackers used a cluster of 200 PlayStation 3 computers to crack SSL authentication.
In November 2010 the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) created a powerful supercomputer by connecting together 1,760 Sony PS3s which include 168 separate graphical processing units and 84 coordinating servers in a parallel array capable of performing 500 trillion floating-point operations per second (500 TFLOPS). As built the Condor Cluster was the 33rd largest supercomputer in the world and would be used to analyze high definition satellite imagery.
Software
Main articles: PlayStation 3 system software and List of PlayStation applicationsSystem software
Sony has included the ability for the operating system, referred to as System Software, to be updated. The updates can be acquired in several ways:
- If PlayStation 3 has an active Internet connection, updates may be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Network to PlayStation 3 and subsequently installed. Systems with active Internet will automatically check online for software updates each time the console is started.
- Using an external PC, a user may download the update from the official PlayStation website, transfer it to portable storage media and install it on the system.
- Some game discs come with system software updates on the disc. This may be due to the game requiring an update in order to run. If so, the software may be installed from the disc.
The original PlayStation 3 also included the ability to install other operating systems, such as Linux. This was not included in the newer slim models and was removed from all older PlayStation 3 consoles with the release of firmware update 3.21 in April 2010. The functionality is now only available to users of original consoles who choose not to update their system software beyond version 3.15 or who have installed third-party, modified and unofficial versions of the firmware instead.
Graphical user interface
Main article: XrossMediaBar – PlayStation 3 XMBThe standard PlayStation 3 version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced "Cross Media Bar" and abbreviated XMB) includes nine categories of options. These are: Users, Settings, Photo, Music, Video, TV/Video Services, Game, Network, PlayStation Network and Friends (similar to the PlayStation Portable media bar). TheTV/Video Services category is for services like Netflix and if PlayTV or torne is installed; the first category in this section is "My Channels", which lets users download various streaming services, including Sony's own streaming services Crackle and PlayStation Vue. By default, the What's New section of PlayStation Network is displayed when the system starts up. PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore photos with or without a musical slide show, play music and copy audio CD tracks to an attached data storage device, play movies and video files from the hard disk drive, an optical disc (Blu-ray Disc or DVD-Video) or an optional USB mass storage or Flash card, compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse and a web browser supporting compatible-file download function. Additionally, UPnP media will appear in the respective audio/video/photo categories if a compatible media server or DLNA server is detected on the local network. The Friends menu allows mail with emoticon and attached picture features and video chat which requires an optional PlayStation Eye or EyeToy webcam. The Network menu allows online shopping through the PlayStation Store and connectivity to PlayStation Portable via Remote Play.
Digital rights management
PlayStation 3 console protects certain types of data and uses digital rights management to limit the data's use. Purchased games and content from the PlayStation Network store are governed by PlayStation's Network Digital Rights Management (NDRM). The NDRM allows users to access the data from up to 2 different PlayStation 3's that have been activated using a user's PlayStation Network ID. PlayStation 3 also limits the transfer of copy protected videos downloaded from its store to other machines and states that copy protected video "may not restore correctly" following certain actions after making a backup such as downloading a new copy protected movie.
Photo management
- Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery is an optional application to view, create, and group photos from PS3, which is installed separately from the system software at 105 MB. It was introduced in system software version 2.60 and provides a range of tools for sorting through and displaying the system's pictures. The key feature of this application is that it can organize photos into groups according to various criteria. Notable categorizations are colors, ages, or facial expressions of the people in the photos. Slideshows can be viewed with the application, along with music and playlists. The software was updated with the release of system software version 3.40 allowing users to upload and browse photos on Facebook and Picasa.
- PlayMemories Studio
PlayMemories is an optional stereoscopic 3D (and also standard) photo viewing application, which is installed from the PlayStation Store at 956 MB. The application is dedicated specifically to 3D photos and features the ability to zoom into 3D environments and change the angle and perspective of panoramas. It requires system software 3.40 or higher; 3D photos; a 3D HDTV, and an HDMI cable for the 3D images to be viewed properly.
Video services
- Video editor and uploader
A new application was released as part of system software version 3.40 which allows users to edit videos on PlayStation 3 and upload them to the Internet. The software features basic video editing tools including the ability to cut videos and add music and captions. Videos can then be rendered and uploaded to video sharing websites such as Facebook and YouTube.
- Video on demand
In addition to the video service provided by the Sony Entertainment Network, the PlayStation 3 console has access to a variety of third-party video services, dependent on the region:
Since June 2009, VidZone has offered a free music video streaming service in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In October 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment and Netflix announced that the Netflix streaming service would also be available on PlayStation 3 in the United States. A paid Netflix subscription was required for the service. The service became available in November 2009. Initially users had to use a free Blu-ray disc to access the service; however, in October 2010 the requirement to use a disc to gain access was removed.
In April 2010, support for MLB.tv was added, allowing MLB.tv subscribers to watch regular season games live in HD and access new interactive features designed exclusively for PSN.
In November 2010, access to the video and social networking site MUBI was enabled for European, New Zealand, and Australian users; the service integrates elements of social networking with rental or subscription video streaming, allowing users to watch and discuss films with other users. Also in November 2010 the video rental service VUDU, NHL GameCenter Live, and subscription service Hulu Plus launched on PlayStation 3 in the United States.
In August 2011, Sony, in partnership with DirecTV, added NFL Sunday Ticket. Then in October 2011, Best Buy launched an app for its CinemaNow service. In April 2012, Amazon.com launched an Amazon Video app, accessible to Amazon Prime subscribers (in the US).
Upon reviewing the PlayStation and Netflix collaboration, Pocket-Lint said "We've used the Netflix app on Xbox too and, as good as it is, we think the PS3 version might have the edge here." and stated that having Netflix and LoveFilm on PlayStation is "mind-blowingly good."
In July 2013, YuppTV OTT player launched its branded application on the PS3 computer entertainment system in the United States.
Audio capabilities
The PlayStation 3 has the ability to play standard audio CDs, a feature that was notably removed from its successors. PlayStation 3 added the ability for ripping audio CDs to store them on the system's hard disk; the system has transcoders for ripping to either MP3, AAC, or Sony's own ATRAC (ATRAC3plus) formats. Early models were also able to playback Super Audio CDs, however this support was dropped in the third generation revision of the console from late 2007. However, all models do retain Direct Stream Digital playback ability.
PlayStation 3 can also play music from portable players by connecting the player to the system's USB port, including from Walkman digital audio players and other ATRAC players and other players that use the UMS protocol. The PlayStation 3 did not feature the Sony CONNECT Music Store.
OtherOS support
Main article: OtherOSPlayStation 3 initially shipped with the ability to install an alternative operating system alongside the main system software; Linux and other Unix-based operating systems were available. The hardware allowed access to six of the seven Synergistic Processing Elements of the Cell microprocessor, but not the RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' graphics chip.
The 'OtherOS' functionality was not present in the updated PS Slim models, and the feature was subsequently removed from previous versions of the PS3 as part of the machine's firmware update version 3.21 which was released on April 1, 2010; Sony cited security concerns as the rationale. The firmware update 3.21 was mandatory for access to the PlayStation Network.
The removal caused some controversy; as the update removed officially advertised features from already sold products, and gave rise to several class action lawsuits aimed at making Sony return the feature or provide compensation. On December 8, 2011, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg dismissed the last remaining count of the class action lawsuit (other claims in the suit had previously been dismissed), stating: "As a legal matter, ... plaintiffs have failed to allege facts or articulate a theory on which Sony may be held liable."
As of January 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit partially reversed the dismissal and have sent the case back to the district court.
Leap year bug
On March 1, 2010 (UTC), many of the original PlayStation 3 models worldwide were experiencing errors related to their internal system clock. The error had many symptoms. Initially, the main problem seemed to be the inability to connect to the PlayStation Network. However, the root cause of the problem was unrelated to the PlayStation Network, since even users who had never been online also had problems playing installed offline games (which queried the system timer as part of startup) and using system themes. At the same time, many users noted that the console's clock had gone back to December 31, 1999. The event was nicknamed the ApocalyPS3, a play on the word apocalypse and PS3, the abbreviation for the PlayStation 3 console.
The error code displayed was typically 8001050F and affected users were unable to sign in, play games, use dynamic themes, and view/sync trophies. The problem only resided within the first- through third-generation original PS3 units while the newer "Slim" models were unaffected because of different internal hardware for the clock.
Sony confirmed that there was an error and stated that it was narrowing down the issue and were continuing to work to restore service. By March 2 (UTC), 2010, owners of original PS3 models could connect to PSN successfully and the clock no longer showed December 31, 1999. Sony stated that the affected models incorrectly identified 2010 as a leap year, because of a bug in the BCD method of storing the date. However, for some users, the hardware's operating system clock (mainly updated from the internet and not associated with the internal clock) needed to be updated manually or by re-syncing it via the internet.
On June 29, 2010, Sony released PS3 system software update 3.40, which improved the functionality of the internal clock to properly account for leap years.
Features
PlayStation Portable connectivity
Main articles: Remote Play and PlayStation Store (PC) for PSPPlayStation Portable can connect with PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. For example, Formula One Championship Edition, a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time rear-view mirror. In addition, users are able to download original PlayStation format games from the PlayStation Store, transfer and play them on PSP as well as PS3 itself. It is also possible to use the Remote Play feature to play these and some PlayStation Network games, remotely on PSP over a network or internet connection.
Sony has also demonstrated PSP playing back video content from PlayStation 3 hard disk across an ad hoc wireless network. This feature is referred to as Remote Play located under the browser icon on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. Remote play has since expanded to allow remote access to PS3 via PSP from any wireless access point in the world.
PlayStation Network
Main article: PlayStation NetworkPlayStation Network is the unified online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service provided by Sony Computer Entertainment for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable, announced during the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The service is always connected, free, and includes multiplayer support. The network enables online gaming, the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Home and other services. PlayStation Network uses real currency and PlayStation Network Cards as seen with the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home.
PlayStation Plus
Main article: PlayStation PlusPlayStation Plus (commonly abbreviated PS+ and occasionally referred to as PSN Plus) is a premium PlayStation Network subscription service that was officially unveiled at E3 2010 by Jack Tretton, President and CEO of SCEA. Rumors of such service had been in speculation since Kaz Hirai's announcement at TGS 2009 of a possible paid service for PSN but with the current PSN service still available. Launched alongside PS3 firmware 3.40 and PSP firmware 6.30 on June 29, 2010, the paid-for subscription service provides users with enhanced services on the PlayStation Network, on top of the current PSN service which is still available with all of its features. These enhancements include the ability to have demos and game updates download automatically to PlayStation 3. Subscribers also get early or exclusive access to some betas, game demos, premium downloadable content, and other PlayStation Store items. North American users also get a free subscription to Qore. Users may choose to purchase either a one-year or a three-month subscription to PlayStation Plus.
PlayStation Store
Main article: PlayStation StoreThe PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Portable (PSP) game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The Store offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games, add-on content, playable demos, themes and game and movie trailers. The service is accessible through an icon on the XMB on PS3 and PSP. The PS3 store can also be accessed on PSP via a Remote Play connection to PS3. The PSP store is also available via the PC application, Media Go. As of September 24, 2009, there have been over 600 million downloads from the PlayStation Store worldwide.
The PlayStation Store is updated with new content each Tuesday in North America, and each Wednesday in PAL regions. In May 2010 this was changed from Thursdays to allow PSP games to be released digitally, closer to the time they are released on UMD.
On March 29, 2021, Sony announced that it would shut down the PS3 version of the Store on July 2, though previous purchases on the store will remain downloadable. However, on April 19, following fan feedback, Sony reversed their decision and confirmed that the PS3 store would remain operational.
What's New
What's New was announced at Gamescom 2009 and was released on September 1, 2009, with PlayStation 3 system software 3.0. The feature was to replace the existing , which displayed news from the PlayStation website associated with the user's region. The concept was developed further into a major PlayStation Network feature, which interacts with the to display a ticker of all content, excluding recently played content (currently in North America and Japan only).
The system displays the What's New screen by default instead of the menu (or menu, if a movie was inserted) when starting up. What's New has four sections: "Our Pick", "Recently Played", the latest information, and new content available in PlayStation Store. There are four kinds of content the What's New screen displays and links to, on the sections. "Recently Played" displays the user's recently played games and online services only, whereas, the other sections can contain website links, links to play videos, and access to selected sections of the PlayStation Store.
The PlayStation Store icons in the and section act similarly to the What's New screen, except that they only display and link to games and videos in the PlayStation Store, respectively.
PlayStation Home
Main article: PlayStation HomePlayStation Home was a virtual 3D social networking service for the PlayStation Network. Home allowed users to create a custom avatar, which could be groomed realistically. Users could edit and decorate their personal apartments, avatars, or club houses with free, premium, or won content. Users could shop for new items or win prizes from PS3 games, or Home activities. Users could interact and connect with friends and customize content in a virtual world. Home also acted as a meeting place for users that wanted to play multiplayer video games with others.
A closed beta began in Europe from May 2007 and expanded to other territories soon after. Home was delayed and expanded several times before initially releasing. The Open Beta test was started on December 11, 2008. It remained as a perpetual beta until its closure on March 31, 2015. Home was available directly from the PlayStation 3 XrossMediaBar. Membership was free, but required a PSN account.
Home featured places to meet and interact, dedicated game spaces, developer spaces, company spaces, and events. The service underwent a weekly maintenance and frequent updates. At the time of its closure in March 2015, Home had been downloaded by over 41 million users.
Life with PlayStation
Main article: Life with PlayStationLife with PlayStation, released on September 18, 2008 to succeed Folding@home, was retired November 6, 2012. Life with PlayStation used virtual globe data to display news and information by city. Along with Folding@home functionality, the application provided access to three other information "channels", the first being the Live Channel offering news headlines and weather which were provided by Google News, The Weather Channel, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Space Science and Engineering Center, among other sources. The second channel was the World Heritage channel which offered historical information about historical sites. The third channel was the United Village channel. United Village was designed to share information about communities and cultures worldwide. An update allowed video and photo viewing in the application. The fourth channel was the U.S. exclusive PlayStation Network Game Trailers Channel for direct streaming of game trailers.
Outage
Main article: 2011 PlayStation Network outageOn April 20, 2011, Sony shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity for a prolonged interval, revealing on April 23 that this was due to "an external intrusion on our system". Sony later revealed that the personal information of 77 million users might have been taken, including: names; addresses; countries; email addresses; birthdates; PSN/Qriocity logins, passwords and handles/PSN online IDs. It also stated that it was possible that users' profile data, including purchase history and billing address, and PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. There was no evidence that any credit card data had been taken, but the possibility could not be ruled out, and Sony advised customers that their credit card data may have been obtained. Additionally, the credit card numbers were encrypted and Sony never collected the three digit CVC or CSC number from the back of the credit cards which is required for authenticating some transactions. In response to the incident, Sony announced a "Welcome Back" program, 30 days free membership of PlayStation Plus for all PSN members, two free downloadable PS3 games, and a free one-year enrollment in an identity theft protection program.
Sales and production costs
Region | Units sold | First available |
---|---|---|
Canada | "about 1.5 million" as of October 6, 2010 | November 17, 2006 |
Europe (includes UK and other PAL regions) |
30 million as of December 19, 2012 | March 23, 2007 |
Japan | 9.3 million as of June 27, 2013 | November 11, 2006 |
United Kingdom | 5.5 million as of June 27, 2013 | March 23, 2007 |
United States | 22.9 million as of June 27, 2013 | November 17, 2006 |
Worldwide | 87.4 million (as of March 31, 2017) | November 11, 2006 (details) |
Although its PlayStation predecessors had been very dominant against the competition and were hugely profitable for Sony, PlayStation 3 had an inauspicious start, and Sony chairman and CEO Sir Howard Stringer initially could not convince investors of a turnaround in its fortunes. The PS3 lacked the unique gameplay of the more affordable Wii which became that generation's most successful console in terms of units sold. Furthermore, PS3 had to compete directly with Xbox 360 which had a market head start, and as a result the platform no longer had exclusive titles that the PS2 enjoyed such as the Grand Theft Auto and Final Fantasy series (regarding cross-platform games, Xbox 360 versions were generally considered superior in 2006, although by 2008 the PS3 versions had reached parity or surpassed), and it took longer than expected for PS3 to enjoy strong sales and close the gap with Xbox 360. Sony also continued to lose money on each PS3 sold through 2010, although the redesigned "slim" PS3 cut these losses.
PlayStation 3's initial production cost is estimated by iSuppli to have been US$805.85 for the 20 GB model and US$840.35 for the 60 GB model. However, they were priced at US$499 and US$599, respectively, meaning that units may have been sold at an estimated loss of $306 or $241 depending on model, if the cost estimates were correct, and thus may have contributed to Sony's games division posting an operating loss of ¥232.3 billion (US$1.97 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2007. In April 2007, soon after these results were published, Ken Kutaragi, President of Sony Computer Entertainment, announced plans to retire. Various news agencies, including The Times and The Wall Street Journal reported that this was due to poor sales, while SCEI maintains that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement.
In January 2008, Kaz Hirai, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, suggested that the console may start making a profit by early 2009, stating that, "the next fiscal year starts in April and if we can try to achieve that in the next fiscal year that would be a great thing" and that " is not a definite commitment, but that is what I would like to try to shoot for". However, market analysts Nikko Citigroup have predicted that PlayStation 3 could be profitable by August 2008. In a July 2008 interview, Hirai stated that his objective is for PlayStation 3 to sell 150 million units by its ninth year, surpassing PlayStation 2's sales of 140 million in its nine years on the market. In January 2009 Sony announced that their gaming division was profitable in Q3 2008.
After the system's launch, production costs were reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the Emotion Engine chip and falling hardware costs. The cost of manufacturing Cell microprocessors had fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the 65 nm production process, and Blu-ray Disc diodes had become cheaper to manufacture. As of January 2008, each unit cost around $400 to manufacture; by August 2009, Sony had reduced costs by a total of 70%, meaning it only cost Sony around $240 per unit. The PlayStation 3's actual manufacturing cost at launch was never officially disclosed; SCE's Phil Harrison said in a 2019 interview that during the system's launch "it was a worry because 600 bucks was actually too cheap, because the machine was so expensive to make", before telling the interviewer that he can't disclose the real figure but that it would "make your eyebrows shoot clear off the top of your head".
Critical reception
Early PlayStation 3 reviews after launch were critical of its high price and lack of quality games. Game developers regarded the architecture as difficult to program for. PS3 was, however, commended for its hardware including its Blu-ray home theater capabilities and graphics potential.
Critical and commercial reception to PS3 improved over time, after a series of price revisions, Blu-ray's victory over HD DVD, and the release of several well received titles. Ars Technica's original launch review gave PS3 only a 6/10, but second review of the console in June 2008 rated it a 9/10. In September 2009, IGN named PlayStation 3 the 15th-best gaming console of all time, behind both of its competitors: Wii (10th) and Xbox 360 (6th). However, PS3 has won IGN's "Console Showdown"—based on which console offers the best selection of games released during each year—in three of the four years since it began (2008, 2009 and 2011, with Xbox winning in 2010). IGN judged PlayStation 3 to have the best game line-up of 2008, based on their review scores in comparison to those of Wii and Xbox 360. In a comparison piece by PC Magazine's Will Greenwald in June 2012, PS3 was selected as an overall better console compared to Xbox 360. Pocket-Lint said of the console "The PS3 has always been a brilliant games console," and that "For now, this is just about the best media device for the money."
Original model
PS3 was given the number-eight spot on PC World magazine's list of "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006", where it was criticized for being "Late, Expensive and Incompatible". GamesRadar ranked PS3 as the top item in a feature on game-related PR disasters, asking how Sony managed to "take one of the most anticipated game systems of all time and—within the space of a year—turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet", but added that despite its problems the system has "untapped potential". Business Week summed up the general opinion by stating that it was "more impressed with what the PlayStation 3 could do than with what it currently does".
Developers also found the machine difficult to program for. In 2007, Gabe Newell of Valve said "The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think it's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted". He continued "I'd say, even at this late date, they should just cancel it and do a do over. Just say, 'This was a horrible disaster and we're sorry and we're going to stop selling this and stop trying to convince people to develop for it'". Doug Lombardi VP of Marketing for Valve has since stated that Valve is interested in developing for the console and is looking to hire talented PS3 programmers for future projects. He later restated Valve's position, "Until we have the ability to get a PS3 team together, until we find the people who want to come to Valve or who are at Valve who want to work on that, I don't really see us moving to that platform". At Sony's E3 2010 press conference, Newell made a live appearance to recant his previous statements, citing Sony's move to make the system more developer-friendly, and to announce that Valve would be developing Portal 2 for the system. He also claimed that the inclusion of Steamworks (Valve's system to automatically update their software independently) would help to make the PS3 version of Portal 2 the best console version on the market.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has criticized PS3's high development costs and inferior attach rate and return to that of Xbox 360 and Wii. He believes these factors are pushing developers away from working on the console. In an interview with The Times Kotick stated "I'm getting concerned about Sony; the PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and they don't make it easy for me to support the platform." He continued, "It's expensive to develop for the console, and the Wii and the Xbox are just selling better. Games generate a better return on invested capital (ROIC) on the Xbox than on the PlayStation." Kotick also claimed that Activision Blizzard may stop supporting the system if the situation is not addressed. " to cut the price, because if they don't, the attach rates are likely to slow. If we are being realistic, we might have to stop supporting Sony." Kotick received heavy criticism for the statement, notably from developer BioWare who questioned the wisdom of the threatened move, and referred to the statement as "silly."
Despite the initial negative press, several websites have given the system very good reviews mostly regarding its hardware. CNET United Kingdom praised the system saying, "the PS3 is a versatile and impressive piece of home-entertainment equipment that lives up to the hype the PS3 is well worth its hefty price tag." CNET awarded it a score of 8.8 out of 10 and voted it as its number one "must-have" gadget, praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games. In addition, both Home Theater Magazine and Ultimate AV have given the system's Blu-ray playback very favorable reviews, stating that the quality of playback exceeds that of many current standalone Blu-ray Disc players.
In an interview, Kazuo Hirai, chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment argued for the choice of a complex architecture. Hexus Gaming reviewed the PAL version and summed the review up by saying, "as the PlayStation 3 matures and developers start really pushing it, we'll see the PlayStation 3 emerge as the console of choice for gaming." At GDC 2007, Shiny Entertainment founder Dave Perry stated, "I think that Sony has made the best machine. It's the best piece of hardware, without question".
Slim model and rebranding
The PlayStation 3 Slim received extremely positive reviews as well as a boost in sales; less than 24 hours after its announcement, PS3 Slim took the number-one bestseller spot on Amazon.com in the video games section for fifteen consecutive days. It regained the number-one position again one day later. PS3 Slim also received praise from PC World giving it a 90 out of 100 praising its new repackaging and the new value it brings at a lower price as well as praising its quietness and the reduction in its power consumption. This is in stark contrast to the original PS3's launch in which it was given position number-eight on their "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006" list.
CNET awarded PS3 Slim four out of five stars praising its Blu-ray capabilities, 120 GB hard drive, free online gaming service and more affordable pricing point, but complained about the lack of backward compatibility for PlayStation 2 games. TechRadar gave PS3 Slim four and a half stars out of five praising its new smaller size and summed up its review stating "Over all, the PS3 Slim is a phenomenal piece of kit. It's amazing that something so small can do so much". However, they criticized the exterior design and the build quality in relation to the original model.
Eurogamer called it "a product where the cost-cutting has—by and large—been tastefully done" and said "It's nothing short of a massive win for Sony."
Super Slim model
The Super Slim model of PS3 has received positive reviews. Gaming website Spong praised the new Super Slim's quietness, stating "The most noticeable noise comes when the drive seeks a new area of the disc, such as when starting to load a game, and this occurs infrequently." They added that the fans are quieter than those of Slim, and went on to praise the new smaller, lighter size. Criticism was placed on the new disc loader, stating: "The cover can be moved by hand if you wish, there's also an eject button to do the work for you, but there is no software eject from the triangle button menus in the Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface. In addition, you have to close the cover by hand, which can be a bit fiddly if it's upright, and the PS3 won't start reading a disc unless you do ." They also said there is no real drop in retail price.
Tech media website CNET gave new Super Slim 4 out of 5 stars ("Excellent"), saying "The Super Slim PlayStation 3 shrinks a powerful gaming machine into an even tinier package while maintaining the same features as its predecessors: a great gaming library and a strong array of streaming services ", whilst also criticising the "cheap" design and disc-loader, stating: "Sometimes doesn't catch and you feel like you're using one of those old credit card imprinter machines. In short, it feels cheap. You don't realize how convenient autoloading disc trays are until they're gone. Whether it was to cut costs or save space, this move is ultimately a step back." The criticism also was due to price, stating the cheapest Super Slim model was still more expensive than the cheapest Slim model, and that the smaller size and bigger hard drive should not be considered an upgrade when the hard drive on a Slim model is easily removed and replaced. They did praise that the hard drive of the Super Slim model is "the easiest yet. Simply sliding off the side panel reveals the drive bay, which can quickly be unscrewed." They also stated that whilst the Super Slim model is not in any way an upgrade, it could be an indicator as to what's to come. "It may not be revolutionary, but the Super Slim PS3 is the same impressive machine in a much smaller package. There doesn't seem to be any reason for existing PS3 owners to upgrade, but for the prospective PS3 buyer, the Super Slim is probably the way to go if you can deal with not having a slot-loading disc drive."
Pocket-Lint gave Super Slim a very positive review saying "It's much more affordable, brilliant gaming, second-to-none video and media player." They think it is "A blinding good console and one that will serve you for years to come with second-hand games and even new releases. Without doubt, if you don't have a PS3, this is the time to buy." They gave Super Slim 4-and-a-half stars out of 5.
Technology magazine T3 gave the Super Slim model a positive review, stating the console is almost "nostalgic" in the design similarities to the original "fat" model, "While we don't know whether it will play PS3 games or Blu-ray discs any differently yet, the look and feel of the new PS3 Slim is an obvious homage to the original PS3, minus the considerable excess weight. Immediately we would be concerned about the durability of the top loading tray that feels like it could be yanked straight out off the console, but ultimately it all feels like Sony's nostalgic way of signing off the current-generation console in anticipation for the PS4."
Notes
- ^ Initially used HDMI 1.3a specification, but was upgraded (via firmware update) to 1.4 to support stereoscopic 3D for gaming and Blu-ray video playback. The PlayStation 3 does not support any other HDMI 1.4 capabilities.
- On September 29, 2015, Sony confirmed that sales of the PlayStation 3 were to be discontinued in New Zealand, but the system remained in production in other markets.
- Shipments of new units to Europe and Australia ended in March 2016, followed by North America which ended in October 2016.
- Of the 90 million total units sold by April 2018, 32.8% of that total were for the PlayStation 3 version.
- 20 GB model was not available in PAL regions
- Original 20 GB model
- 60 GB and CECHExx 80 GB models
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We don't provide the easy to program for console that want, because easy to program for means that anybody will be able to take advantage of pretty much what the hardware can do, so then the question is what do you do for the rest of the nine-and-a-half years?
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External links
Official websites
- Asia. Archived March 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
- Australia. Archived February 24, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
- Canada. Archived May 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
- New Zealand. Archived October 25, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.
- United Kingdom. Archived January 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
- United States. Archived February 18, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
Auxiliary sites by Sony
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