Sony @ E3

I finally had the opportunity to test out the PlayStation 3 (PS3) along with Sony’s entire lineup of yet to be released games (on all platforms). The PS3 graphics were amazing, and the new PS3 controller was interesting. The Sony PS3 will be available on November 17, 2006 and will cost $499 for the 20GB hard drive model or $599 for the 60GB version. They both will be Blu-ray capable and include the new PS3 controller.

The new PS3 controller is similar in shape to the old PlayStation you’re used to playing with. It has a motion sensing system that gives you the capability of intuitive gameplay. The three-posture-axis of roll, pitch and yaw can be detected with your movements in real-time. This is similar to what the Nintendo Wii can do, but not quite as interactive. The DUALSHOCK vibration feature from the old controllers will be removed since it interferes with the sensor, and the shape of the L2/R2 buttons (located on top of the controller) have been enlarged. This Bluetooth controller can also be swapped seamlessly anytime from wireless to wired and it can be charged automatically.

Some of the PS3 games that caught my eye were Formula One 06 (Racing), The Eye of Judgement (Live Puzzle – an interactive way to play a card game using the next generation camera), Heavenly Sword (Action-Adventure), MotorStorm (Racing), Resistance: Fall of Man (First Person Shooter), SingStar (Music – this will take karaoke to the next level) and Warhawk (Action-Adventure). No release dates were announced on these titles.

We’ll see how sales go for the PlayStation 3, but so far Sony has been extremely successful with PlayStation 2 product. It launched six years ago in 2000 and since then has sold more than 37 million units in North America (with a total of 103 units shipped worldwide). But if you haven’t jumped on the PlayStation 2 bandwagon yet, now is a good opportunity since the average price seems to be about $130.

There’s also an exciting lineup of games on the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation Portable (PSP) soon to be released. Some of the PlayStation 2 titles include ATV Offroad Fury 4 (Racing, September 2006), God of War II (Action-Adventure, First Quarter 2007), NBA ’07 (Sports, October 2006), Rogue Galaxy (Role-Playing Game, October 2006) and one of my classic favorites SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault (Shooter/Military Strategy, Fall 2006).

Additionally, the new PSP titles include ATV Offroad Fury Pro (Racing, October 2006), Gangs of London (Shooter, Fall 2006), Killzone: Liberation (Third-Person Action, October 2006), Lemmings (Puzzle, May 2006), LocoRoco (Platform/Action, September 2006 – this one is really cute!), NBA ’07 (Sports, October 2006), Rachet & Clank: Size Matters (Action Platform, First Quarter 2007), SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 (Shooter/Military Strategy, Fall 2006) and World Tour Soccer ’06 (Sports, June 2006).

Most of these products are due to hit the shelves before Christmas so keep your eyes and wallets open.