Come March 23, gaming and home theatre pundits alike will be flocking to their local electronic retailers to grab the black shiny entertainment hub, that Sony hopes will dominate the living rooms of Australians.
To the sounds of a 58 piece orchestea pumping out the sound track to Shadow of Colossus, the media delegates were given PS3 launch details. Not much here we did not know already. The highlights are;
PS3 confirmed to retail for AU$999.95, featuring a 60GB hard drive
30 PS3 software titles scheduled for launch, with Blu-ray disc-based games RRP set from AU$99.95
An array of PS3 peripherals and prices, including a SIXAXIS™ Wireless Controller (AU$79.95 RRP) and Blu-ray Disc Remote Control (AU$49.95 RRP), were also confirmed
Gran Turismo® HD Concept confirmed to be offered as a free download from the PLAYSTATION®Network
Australian PS3 to launch with Firmware Version 1.5 This is the current version and improves the visuals of PS2 titles on the PS3.
The first 20,000 Australian PS3 registrants on the PLAYSTATION®Network to be rewarded with Casino Royale on Blu-ray Disc
PS3 to be sold at all retailers currently offering PlayStation®2 (PS2™) and PSP (PlayStation®Portable)
Managing director, SCEA, Michael Ephraim hosted a media launch event today in Sydney. Commenting on the impending launch;
“On the 23rd March, the PLAYSTATION 3 will revolutionise the Australian living room, delivering the ultimate high definition entertainment experience. The PS3 will provide consumers with a truly integrated and flexible home entertainment computer system that will remain relevant and current for the next decade. It is a highly competitive offering; consumers not only get a first rate gaming system, but also the combination of a Blu-ray Disc movie player, offering full high definition pictures, the option of 7.1 surround sound, a 60GB hard drive to store music, movies, downloads, games and pictures, plus instant connectivity to the Internet. There are now 2.2 million units of PlayStation 2 in Australian homes and we believe that the penetration of the PS3 into homes, as HD TVs become more mainstream, could eclipse these figures, due to the unparalleled all round entertainment experience it offers consumers.”
Check back on iTWire for more information as it comes to hand.
