PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, incorporating the world’s most advanced Cell processor with supercomputer-like power is out for a global release in November (11 November in Japan, and 17 November in North America, and in March 2007 in Europe and Australasia).

Some FAQs regarding PS3:
In Japan, the 20GB config will cost 33,399 yen, whilst the 60GB package will have an open price. In North America the 20GB and 60GB configs will cost $499 and $599 respectively.

The 20GB system will not include a memory ... read more

card reader or built-in Wifi, whilst the 60GB system will include both of these extras. Both configurations will include an HDMI port, as announced at TGS 2006. The 60GB and 20GB configurations will support bluetooth wireless controllers..

You will be able to view movies and play games in 1080p on both packages, provided you have a compatible TV. Many have assumed that you cannot view movies in 1080p because of the Image Constraint Token. This is not the case. Whilst it is true that movie studios are able to downgrade the movie’s resolution for those not using HDMI, only one studio has commited to doing this (Warner Bros.). Even Sony has backed away from using ICT. Rest assured, you can still view movies in 1080p using component cables on the 20GB package.

Ken Kutaragi (president of Sony Computer Entertainment, revered by video-game enthusiasts the world over as the father of the PlayStation) has confirmed 100% backwards compatibility with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games. The PS3 will upscale legacy games into high definition, much like the Xbox 360 does with original Xbox games.

On paper, the PS3 is 2x more powerful than the Xbox 360 and 15x more powerful than the Nintendo Revolution is predicted to be. It has a processing capacity of 2.18 TFLOPS, which is put into context when you realise that some of the fastest computers in existence can only do 36 Terraflops. It is said to be 35x more powerful than the PlayStation 2 is.

At E3 2006, Sony showed off a large number of playable games. Whilst they all looked impressive, many who were present could not see a big difference in terms of visuals between the PS3 and Xbox 360. However, Gran Turismo HD far surpassed anything seen before, as it was demonstrated in 1080p at 60 frames per second.

PS3 games will be playable online, and the "basic" service will be free. This may be a similar system to Xbox 360’s Silver and Gold services, but Kutaragi did suggest the basic service would allow games to be played online. Extra online services will include the ability to download games, music and high definition videos to the hard drive.

Yes the hard drive will be required, and it will be included with every PlayStation 3 unit. One package will include a 20GB hard drive, whilst the more expensive SKU will include a 60GB hard drive.