some news for europeans (especially us in UK) about ps3 launch

[majin]

INFO GATHERED FROM LONDON'S www.threespeech.com event with Phil Harrisson (December 12th 2006)

Playstation 3 european launch within the first 2 weeks of March 2007, as explained to me, Sony's financial year ends on the 3rd week of March and therefore they want to launch before the next financial year begins. Judging that UK consoles always release on a friday expect the european launch on either the 2nd or 9th of March. Though a strong hint was that they are hoping to drop the playstation 3 on the 3rd day of the 3rd month (march 3rd).

On the same day as playstation 3's euro launch SCE are to distribute there march firmware update with features including:

multi-tasking (included will be audio/video conferencing while browsing the xmb and its features/ gameplay).
new xmb display options
new animations for audio playback.
new photo album options.
playstation store auto ressume
psp remote play advanced access option (so that you can have access to your ps3's content anywhere that has a internet connection)

Firmware will be constantly updated, with the view of a tv tuner and tivo like service to be available in the 3rd quater of 2007.

Also it is hoped that the same week as the european launch of the system will also see the worldwide launch of the ps3's HDip Camera (specifications to be announced at a later date). In terms of other accessories, Sony dont see it as a necesity to manufacture playstation branded headsets, keyboards or mice, as put to me by Jonathun of SCE's threespeech.com 'Third party companies can offer these accessories to the consumer at a price which SCE could not compete'.

A extension to the Sony online store will also make its debut in march. Titled 'Sing Store', PS3 owners will be able to purchase songs for there 'Sing Star' kareoke programme from a slew of artists and will also be given the option to view the songs purchased as music videos via the video playback option within the xmb.

In terms of the european online store, while still being extremley vague, a spokesman for SCE europe was able to explain that Sony would have no defense if they were to charge the european consumer more than in other regions as there are no extra costs on digital distribution as apposed to a product with packaging etc. So expect a $15.00 download to cost people in the UK around £6.50.

other notes-

PS3 will be sold at £425 or lower, meaning we could have it cheaper then the previously stated price.(£329-£349 for 20 Gig and £379-£399 for 60 gig have been mooted.)
Dont expect to see 20GB models available in europe.
No VGA cables to be released.
No plans to make RSX available to Linux OS, due to security issues.
A service to reserve your playstation online id will be up and running this weekend or next.

He also confirmed that the GTHD Download that goes Live in the store on Christmas Eve (nice touch) will be 100% FREE and we will have free updates over 12 months until GT5 comes out.

casino royale on blu-ray will also be made free with a certain amount of european consoles for launch (not stated how much yet)

some good news for us if we get a price drop (i think being under £400 for the 60 gig is very important). sony just needs to focus on getting the systems out there and getting the good games made.

[emma roids]

just an over sized paper weight,,


360> wii> ps2> gameboy> master system> atari>,,,,,ps3. tbh

[X-Buster!]

Looking foward to playing Resistance online when I get my PS3 not to mention that late 2007/ early 2008 we will be getting MGS4 which has been heavily discussed to have online features much like Subsistance's features.

Can't wait for PS3 but I wouldn't say I am desperate as I am very much enjoying my 360 atm. One console at a time for me.

Although that said by end 2007 i'll have all three knowing me.

[majin]

Originally Posted by X-Buster!

Looking foward to playing Resistance online when I get my PS3 not to mention that late 2007/ early 2008 we will be getting MGS4 which has been heavily discussed to have online features much like Subsistance's features.

Can't wait for PS3 but I wouldn't say I am desperate as I am very much enjoying my 360 atm. One console at a time for me.

Although that said by end 2007 i'll have all three knowing me.

i wont be in a rush to get one aswell just like i aint in a rush to get a 360 (still playing my xbox/ps2) but i will definately have both the 360/ps3 by end of 2007 and 2007 looks like it will be a great year for both consoles with alot of big hitters on both systems......great time to be a gamer

[DarkRyu]

Ive already got my 60gb ps3 with mgs:4, ff, Formula One 06, Warhawk and Singstar on pre-order fom play.... should get it all for £650 on 07/03/2007 and then on to eBay it will go to make me over £1000

/Ryu

[Nemesis]

if i manage to resist the £500-£800 price tags on eBay then i'll defo be getting a ps3 on launch .....well depending that we get some in lol

[X-Buster!]

Originally Posted by DarkRyu

Ive already got my 60gb ps3 with mgs:4, ff, Formula One 06, Warhawk and Singstar on pre-order fom play.... should get it all for £650 on 07/03/2007 and then on to eBay it will go to make me over £1000

/Ryu

Your extremely hopeful to get MGS4 and FF on March 7th

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by X-Buster!

Your extremely hopeful to get MGS4 and FF on March 7th

lol yes indeed! didnt even spot that haha. but if u do manage to get em both do let me know so i can yoinkage them from u!

[DarkRyu]

Originally Posted by X-Buster!

Your extremely hopeful to get MGS4 and FF on March 7th

yup but if there not availible when the ps3 launches then i will just cancle my pre-orders on them,

/Ryu

[X-Buster!]

Originally Posted by DarkRyu

yup but if there not availible when the ps3 launches then i will just cancle my pre-orders on them,

/Ryu

The chances of them being ready for launch are about the same as Will Young being straight.