PlayStation 3 Launches and Sells Out in Japan

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On November 11, Sony launched PlayStation 3 in "Clear Black" in Japan, as a part of a worldwide simultaneous launch, and the next-gen console's quota is already sold out, inspite of pretty high price (about JPY60.000 for a 20GB HDD model and 'open price' for a 60GB HDD one) and huge queues (for example, over one thousand people queued to buy the new entertainment system in one of Tokyo's shops). PlayStation 3 is positioned as the most advanced computer system at the moment that serves as a platform to enjoy next generation computer entertainment contents in the home, realized through the combination of Cell and RSX processors, in addition to the playability of a vast catalog of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software titles.

Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed HDD as standard in PlayStation 3, users will be able to download a variety of contents as well as access on-line games and services over the network. Equipped with basic input/output ports, PlayStation 3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays. For use in living rooms, maximum heat and noise reduction has been achieved with a noise level equivalent to that of the current slim-line PlayStation 2. With the overwhelming computational power of the Cell processor, PlayStation 3 is capable of playing back content from Blu-ray disc at a bit rate of multiplex 48Mbps with ease, the maximum bit rate defined in BD standards.

The new controller for PlayStation 3, called SIXAXIS, has been created by refining and improving the PlayStation controller which has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide. The controller for PlayStation 3 employs a high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that is capable of processing all parameters within the controller itself, thereby eliminating the need for any additional settings on the display system. By applying this technology, it will become possible to freely control the PlayStation 3 system over the network.

While further enhancing the joy of entertainment on PlayStation 2 and
PlayStation Portable, Sony says it will vigorously promote PlayStation 3 as the next generation computer entertainment platform.

So, PlayStation 3's debut in Japan was a success. But the rest of the world is waiting too...

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