PlayStation 3 FAQ

The PlayStation 3 ranges in price from 9 for the 80GB version to 9 for the 160GB version.

Full Blu-ray disc games typically sell for . Downloadable PSOne games playable on both the PlayStation 3 and the PSP sell for . Downloadable games developed specifically for the PlayStation 3, such as Calling All Cars, can go for . Sony also offers sale prices on downloadable content from time to time.

The biggest differences involve PlayStation 2 backward compatibility support, hard drive size, and memory card readers. Check out our PlayStation 3 configuration page to see the differences between all the models.

The first PlayStation 3 models, the 20GB and 60GB versions, have the internal Emotion Engine hardware that provides full backward compatibility with PlayStation 2 and PSOne games. Sony removed the Emotion Engine when it shipped the original 80GB version and replaced it with software emulation, which was almost as good as having the actual hardware. The new 40GB, redesigned 80GB, and 160GB systems removed PS2 backward compatibility altogether and only offer PSOne backward compatibility support.

Blu-ray is a high-density optical disc format used for PlayStation 3 games and high-definition movies. A dual-layer Blu-ray disc can hold 50GB of data compared to 8.5GB for dual-layer DVDs. The PlayStation 3 can play both Blu-ray game discs and Blu-ray movie discs.

The PlayStation 3 has an HDMI port and an AV multi-out port. The HDMI can output a combined high-definition video and digital audio signal to an HDMI-enabled display. Sony makes component, s-video, and composite AV cables that work with the system's AV multi-out port. The system also has an optical output for non-HDMI digital audio support.

PlayStation 3, Rear AV Panel.

You will need a broadband Internet connection to access the PlayStation Network. The PlayStation 3 has internal Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port built right into the box. If you connect your console to your home network, you'll be able to access the online service from your system's XMB menu.

The Dual Shock 3 controller has all the functionality of the Sixaxis, as well as internal rumble support.

Remote Play lets you stream content from the PlayStation 3 to the PSP over a Wi-Fi connection. Content is limited to photos, music, video files, and Web browsing, but Sony plans on adding limited game support that will allow you to use the PSP to augment the PS3 game experience. Sony has demonstrated using the PSP as a rearview mirror in PS3 racing games.

Sony originally targeted PlayStation Home for the holiday season of 2007, but the release window has been delayed to Fall 2008.

top