About Playstation 3
The Playstation 3 was also major player in the seventh generation, offering HD gaming, a massive library of games, online play, but most importantly, it offered a builtin Bluray player.
Some History
The PlayStation 3 launched in Japan on November 11, 2006, followed by its release in the US and Canada on November 17, 2006. Sony’s use of advanced technologies, including the Cell microprocessor and Blu-ray format, led to manufacturing challenges—especially with Blu-ray diodes—causing launch shortages and delays in PAL regions. However, by December 2006, Sony confirmed that production issues had been resolved. Industry analysts and Sony executives emphasized the interdependence of the PlayStation 3 and Blu-ray format, with Rich Marty of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment calling the PS3 "critical to the success of Blu-ray," while Phil Harrison highlighted the role of Blu-ray Disc movies in driving PlayStation 3 adoption.
The PlayStation 3's high launch price initially hindered its popularity. In July 2007, Sony dropped the price of discontinued 60 GB models by $100 in the US and Canada, followed by an October 18, 2007 announcement of a similar price cut for the 80 GB model. Sony also introduced a new $399 40 GB model, set to launch on November 2, 2007, featuring fewer capabilities, including the removal of PlayStation 2 backward compatibility. Within weeks, sales of the new models saw a 192% increase at major retailers. In November 2008, Sony released a 160 GB model, and on August 18, 2009, it announced the PS3 Slim, which sold **one million units in under a month**. A **250 GB Slim model** followed, launching on September 1 or 3, depending on the region.
Fun Facts
- 🔹 The PS3 was the first console to include a built-in Blu-ray player, making it a popular choice for both gaming and home entertainment.
- 🔹 Sony originally priced the PS3 higher due to its advanced hardware—its Cell processor was so powerful that it was even used in scientific research!
- 🔹 The PlayStation Network (PSN) debuted on the PS3, introducing free online multiplayer, PlayStation Plus, and digital game downloads.
- 🔹 The PS3 controller, the DualShock 3, was the first PlayStation controller to feature motion-sensing technology, similar to the Wii’s motion controls.
- 🔹 Sony later released its own version of motion controls call Move, which utilized special controllers and the PS3 camera.
- 🔹 The Move controllers were also used by Sony's first VR system for their next system, the playstation 4.
The Playstation 3 Line of Consoles
