Sony gears up for European PS3 launch

With less than a month to go for the PlayStation 3's European launch, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has announced new hardware specifications and games' pricing.

The European PS3 will feature the Cell Broadband Engine microprocessor, a 60GB hard drive, Blu-ray Disc player, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a wireless controller.

It also bundles a new combination of hardware and software emulation enabling the PS3 to be compatible with a broad range of original PlayStation (PS) titles and a limited range of PlayStation 2 (PS2) titles.

"PS3 is first and foremost a system that excels in playing games specifically designed to exploit the power and potential of the PS3 system," said David Reeves, President of SCEE.

"Rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility, in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, truly taking advantage of this exciting technology."

Some PS2 titles will become compatible on the PS3 system through regular downloadable firmware updates, which will be made available through the PlayStation Network, from http://www.playstation.com or via PS3 game discs.

The first such update is planned for the 23 March 2007 launch date.

Users will be able to check whether their titles are compatible with PS3 at http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc, a website that will be available on 23 March.

Games receive price tag

SCEE has also announced pricing details for its first-party title launch line-up.

The company confirmed that its five disc-based launch titles, including MotorStorm and Resistance: Fall of Man, will be priced at €59.99 (£39.99).

Additionally, SCEE also said that titles developed especially for download from the PlayStation Network such as BlastFactor, flOw and Super Rub a Dub, together with iconic gaming brands such as Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, will be made available for an introductory period at prices which range from €2.99 to €9.99 (£2 to £7).

Other first-party content available on the PlayStation Network, such as game items and premium video content, will be priced on an easy to understand sliding scale of charges starting at €0.99 and increasing depending on the scope of the product.

This could range from a new SingStar track to a premium pack for MotorStorm, which would include a new track, additional vehicles, liveries and multiplayer modes.

David Reeves said: "With over 30 first and third-party disc and network games available at launch, we are confident that this will be one of the most successful launches of all time."

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