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Sony's PlayStation 3 launches across North America on Friday, although we've been testing the (identical) Japanese retail version since last week. We'll begin this review by assessing the PlayStation 3's feature set, before moving on to regard its handling of various software mediums and its future potential.

There are two models of the PlayStation 3 available: 20Gb and 60Gb versions. As well as increased hard disk capacity, the 60Gb model incorporates wi-fi compatibility and features slots for Memory Stick, SD and Compact Flash data cards. The only other difference is an aesthetic one, where the more expensive 60Gb PS3 is finished with chrome trim that is absent from the 20Gb model. The price of opting for these extras is just $100, with the 20Gb PS3 retailing at $499 and the 60Gb PS3 at $599. European prices are expected to be similar bar the all important currency symbol, so expect €499 and €599 respectively.

Unlike MicroSoft's Xbox 360, where its core package includes a wired joypad, both PlayStation 3 packages include wireless controllers. The SIXAXIS, as Sony has branded its motion sensor-equipped PS3 controller, is considerably lighter than previous Dual Shock iterations. The PlayStation 3 automatically detects up to seven of these joypads; the only time it's necessary to attach wires is when you want to recharge the controller by hooking it up to the PS3 via a USB cable (included with the console but not with separately purchased SIXAXIS controllers). We tested the SIXAXIS' motion sensor with Namco's Ridge Racer 7, tilting the controller to steer a high-powered sports car. The hardware recognition is accurate and the software reacts as would be expected; however, innovative use of this feature has yet to be seen.

Quality Control
From a technical perspective, the PlayStation 3's main selling points are its Blu-Ray drive and 1080p output via HDMI. HDMI supports resolutions from 480p to 1080p (and everywhere in between), and these can be selected from the PS3's System Settings menu. Other video-out options include D-Video and Component from the system's AV multi-out port (PlayStation 2 video cables are compatible). It is technically possible to use RCA composite leads with the PS3, but 480i NTSC images cannot do justice to the PlayStation 3's visual capabilities. An optical audio-out socket facilitates digital audio via an external amplifier, but unfortunately it's only possible to have one audio signal emitted at any given time, which means that TV-and-surround sound system combos are out of the question - it's a case of one or the other.

The PlayStation 3's disc drive is a versatile creation, capable of reading a variety of formats: Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, CD, CD-R and PS2/PS1 game discs are all playable on the PS3. The Blu-Ray drive reads at only 2x, but this isn't a notable issue where Blu-Ray-based PS3 games are concerned (if the drive speed is an issue for you, games such as Genji and Ridge Racer 7 can be partially installed on the PS3's hard disk for improved loading times) and nor does it adversely affect movie playback. Indeed, the PS3's image quality is sufficiently impressive to make it a worthwhile purchase even as a primary Blu-ray movie player. Black levels and image contrast are especially well tuned. (A dedicated PS3 BD-ROM remote control, which proves far easier to use than a SIXAXIS controller when watching Blu-Ray movies, is available from Sony.)

Other playback features are similarly optimized. The audio player's visualizer software depicts sound waves variously as psychedelic mountain ranges, foam and confetti. PS2 and original PlayStation software is playable, too, but there are 200 titles in the back catalogue (which, to give some perspective on this problem, is a catalogue that runs into five figures) that either cannot be played, or play imperfectly. Sony is working to eradicate all incompatibility issues in a forthcoming firmware update.

There are no disc writing features in the PlayStation 3 and the hard disk cannot be used as a TV recorder, but there are plenty of other uses for the PS3's HDD. Game demos and movie previews can be downloaded from Sony's PlayStation Store, which is directly accessible from the OS. Audio can be ripped to the hard disk at any bit rate and in virtually every format (Sony's own ATRAC standard is featured), while movies can also be ripped from cameras, data CDs and flash cards. More intriguingly, with Sony's backing it will be possible in the near future to mount any third-party operating system to the PS3's hard drive. This opens up the possibility of running Linux on the PlayStation 3, further smudging the line between game console and personal computer.

Navigation of the PS3's default operating system is simple as the format expands on the PSP's rolling menu system. All functions can be accessed from a central screen, which is displayed against a self-perpetuating background of shifting, ambient light. One such function, which is key to the future PS3 experience, is its online facility. Besides a hotlink to the PlayStation Store, there is a built-in Internet browser, a chat feature and a friends list for online gaming.

The integration of online gameplay is in some ways lacking when compared with Microsoft's Xbox Live service. In-game chat is text only and some games even limit players to using preset phrases in communication. Also, you have to exit a game entirely in order to read newly received messages from other users. When those messages are invitations to join in online games, this can be a frustrating experience.

The PS3's Internet browser is generally quick and uncluttered, yet sadly the text input method is similar to that of most cell phones. Even when using a USB keyboard (most USB peripherals can be connected to the PS3's four USB ports and used without the need for drivers), a text input window appears whenever you attempt to type an address. It's not helpful; we remain hopeful that a future firmware upgrade will enable direct character input.

Intelligent Design
The PS3's design is both bold and stylish, sporting glossy black plastic (almost Perspex in appearance) curved convexly (the antithesis of Microsoft's concave Xbox 360) to house hardware weighing 7kg. Like the 360, it can be stored horizontally or vertically. In operation, the PS3 is a quiet machine. The disc drive is significantly less noisy than that of the Xbox 360, while hard disk access registers as virtually silent.

Again in contrast to the 360, the PS3's power adapter is housed inside the system's casing, leaving only an AC cord to trail to the wall outlet. There are pros and cons to this decision: on the one hand it ensures that the PS3 is aesthetically pleasing, but on the other, it increases the need for internal temperature control (handled by a liquid cooling system using copper piping, and vents/fans at the back of the console) and also increases the mass of the system. Reassuringly, however, we can report no problems to date with overheating issues.

As a games machine, which is ultimately what the majority of consumers are likely to buy it as, the PlayStation 3 has potential to serve as a platform for previously impossible productions. Games in development (particularly scheduled 2007/8 releases such as Konami's Metal Gear Solid 4 and SquareEnix' Final Fantasy XIII) and, to a lesser extent, highlights of the launch day software line-up (Resistance: Fall of Man and Ridge Racer 7) attest to the PS3's graphical prowess.

Although not all PS3 releases run natively at 1080p (many are designed to output at 720p), those which do - again, Ridge Racer 7 being a choice example, as it runs in 1080p at 60 frames per second - show a marked improvement over many Xbox 360 titles (most notably when compared with the considerable number of sub-720p Xbox 360 games). Granted, the difference between these formats is not yet sufficient to herald a revolution, but if we extrapolate potential performance from the formats' initial software, Sony's PlayStation 3 is undeniably superior.

Editor's Opinion
The PlayStation 3 is a machine with great potential, clearly loaded to the gills with useful features and clever tricks, but which lacks the software and full functionality to make it an essential purchase. Sony's console is impressively future-proofed, but that future is not here yet.

Jonti Davies
November 16, 2006 15:54