Sony Uncovers PS3 Online and Gaming Details

Game lovers, who were worried that they might be forced to play the same PS2 games on their new PS3 console, now have a reason to cheer up. Video game console leader Sony Corp. on Thursday disclosed that the company is not only releasing 21 games in the US on launch day November 17, but it also has a provision of free online gaming.

Tokyo, Japan based-world's largest media conglomerates, Sony, in a stifling hot multimedia studio in San Francisco, demonstrated the online service for its upcoming PlayStation 3, which will enable players compete and chat online and download games, music and movies.

The gaming community has long been demanding the details about the online service for Sony's long-awaited PS3 console. With the recently launched online service, called the PlayStation Network, the PS3 owners will be able to play games online for free.

The PlayStation Network uses a navigation system already ready for use on Sony's hand held game player, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), Japanese consumer electronics giant said.

The service will let users purchase downloadable games, in-game items, movies, music and compete and chat with other gamers on the network. Sony said its service would allow PS3 users to download game content like weapons or maps; store and view pictures and video; browse the web; and shop at the online PlayStation Store. The service was developed by Sony's Online Entertainment unit, and was demonstrated by that unit's chief, John Smedley.

"We think it will be the world's largest online gaming network", said Smedley. "Our systems are going for launch on November 11th (in Japan) and November 17th (in the US)." Sony has incorporated the PC gaming social network, XFire, into the PS3, which will enable PC users see their PS3 friends playing games.

As a part of its attempts to build enthusiasm for the new console, Sony said it will have at least 21 games for the new PlayStation 3 in the holiday season. Titles will include "Resistance: Fall of Man" and "Genji: Days of the Blade," Sony Computer Entertainment said Thursday in a statement.

After announcing the launch of online service, Kaz Hirai, chief executive of Sony's U.S. game division, said, "Now the only thing left to wait for is Nov. 17,'' and "This is the most advanced computer entertainment system that has ever been created.''

Sony is rolling out games to protect sales of the system from rivals Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo Co., which is debuting its Wii system in November.

The software giant, Microsoft has its own Xbox Live online service for its next-generation Xbox 360, which was rolled out last year and is a potential rival to Sony’s PS3.

The leading manufacturer of consumer electronics, Sony, will charge US$599 for a premium version with wireless networking, a larger hard disk drive, and memory card slots, while a slimmed-down version will cost US$499. The figures compare to US$299 and US$399 for the Xbox 360 and US$250 for Nintendo's Wii console, which is scheduled for launch on Nov. 19 in the U.S.

The accessories will cost some extra bucks. A wireless game controller will cost US$49.99, a memory card adaptor will be US$14.99 and a remote control for the Blu-ray movies will be US$24.99.

The obtainable games for the PS3 will cost $59.99, the same as the Xbox 360 but more than the $49.99 for Wii games.