Introduction
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a video console produced by Sony. It is one of the main competitors in today’s computer games console market, due to its high definition graphics, fantastic selection of games and fast online play.
The PS3 was announced first for release in Japan and then soon spread across the globe, prompting millions of units to be sold worldwide. Upon its original release, the PS3 was launched in quite a chunky body, which was subsequently scaled down for its second release. The latter model is now the most popular.
The PS3’s selling features include its excellent graphics, large selection of games, online play, trophy features, multimedia support, PSP support and Blu-ray support.
Comparison to PS2
When compared to the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 3 has come a very long way from its predecessor. The PlayStation 3’s stunning high definition graphics are far improved from its predecessor’s lower-resolution graphics and even that of the Xbox 360, making it a favourite among gaming aficionados.
Another favoured aspect of the PS3 is its ‘plug and play wirelessly’ feature. The PS2 required some legwork on the player’s part in order to join in with the online action – something the PS3 has managed to improve upon considerably.
As mentioned earlier, the PlayStation 3 also supports the reading of Blu-Ray discs, which was something unheard of in the PlayStation 2 era. More detail on Blu-Ray discs is given later on in this guide.
Online Play
Along with the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 revolutionised the world of online play. Many gamers often argue amongst one another over which video game console is the best for playing online. It is worth mentioning however that in order to play online through the Xbox 360, a subscription fee of £40 a year is required. An account on the PlayStation Network is free, making the PS3 a popular choice amongst the gaming community.
Playing online via PS3 is simple. It doesn’t matter whether you have the original PlayStation 3 or the slimline version. All you need is a broadband connection, a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet cable, the PlayStation 3 itself, and an online playable game. Then, connect the PlayStation to the Wi-Fi or broadband connection and you are up and running. Once connected to the internet, users can play online with friends, download map packs and other downloadable content, surf the internet, or watch TV programmes on the PlayStation 3’s integrated iPlayer.
During online play, PS3 users often use microphones to communicate with other players. Because of this, it may be a suggestible idea to only play with headphones on when children are around, due to the fact that some players can occasionally use aggressive or taboo words.
Playing online is now one of the biggest parts of today’s gaming industries. Users of the PS3 should ensure that they look out for online scams, much like when browsing the internet on a personal computer, by never giving out any personal details unless requested to do so by the software during registration/installation.
Storage and Discs
Sony’s PlayStation 3 runs alongside its own internal hard drive, which varies in size from model to model. Thanks to this hard drive, there is no need for memory cards like the ones used in previous PlayStation models. The hard drive comes in sizes ranging from 20 gigabytes to a massive 320 gigabytes. The PS3 can use the hard drive as a method of storing a player’s progress in a game information, but it can also store entire games, libraries of music and videos that come from PlayStation discs, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs and even the internet.
PlayStation discs come in the standard disc shape and size and look no different from any ordinary form of disc.
All PlayStation 3 deals include support of both CDs and DVDs, and can play both formats of disc through the console’s integrated media and video players. Videos and music can then be controlled using either the original dualshock PlayStation 3 controller, or alternatively with an additional PlayStation media remote that can be purchased separately, which is shaped to look like a standard TV remote control.
New to the market is Blu-ray, and PlayStation 3 makers Sony have done a good job of supporting it through the PS3, meaning that the console is also a state-of-the-art Blu-ray disc player. A standalone Blu-ray player can often cost in the hundreds of pounds, meaning that PS3 owners save money with a product that doubles as both a gaming platform and an HD movie player.
The PlayStation 3 can also view photos in its integrated photo viewer, and with additional programs, users can edit and crop photos to create a tailored media experience with their own personal images.
Accessories
Throughout the various PlayStation 3 deals, many of them include accessories and peripherals that are designed to make the gaming experience more enjoyable. Among these, the most popular are likely the EyeToy, Guitar Hero and Rock Band accessories.
The EyeToy was first released for the PlayStation 2, powered by the PS2’s USB port. It is a camera that uses motion-sensor technology to capture the movements of the player in front of it. The actions of the player then influence what happens on the screen. For example, if the player was to wave their hand towards a player on screen, the player may fall over or retaliate.
Now, an updated EyeToy is also available on the PS3, along with a number of compatible games, ranging from children’s educational software, to martial-arts-based games.
Following the release of games in the very popular Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises, numerous different musical peripherals have since become available with which to play them on. The aim of these games is to score as many points by following a pattern of notes that must be hit in the correct sequence, using a colour-coded drum set, guitar or another accessory. Players can purchase additional guitar decals, numerous guitar shapes, microphones, drum sticks and entire drum sets to use alongside these games in order to add to the gaming experience.
PlayStation 3 bundles generally offer the gamer the option of buying a selection of these accessories when purchasing the console.
