Game consoles, in today’s market, offer more than just a place to store and play games. Most of them offer online communities and multimedia functionality. Sony’s PlayStation 3 fits right in with the rest of today’s game consoles with new technologies and multimedia advancements.
The PlayStation 3, like other game consoles, comes with a variety of hard drive sizes. The larger the unit, the more functionality the unit has. Offering different consoles gives consumers the ability to choose how much they want to spend and what exactly they want with their console.
The 80 GB console supports some PS2 games, while the 60 GB console supports most older games. If you have old PS2 games that you’d like to play on your new PS3, you’ll need to get the one that supports the most games. (The 60GB has been discontinued, but other options are available.)
You can connect your new PS3 to your home network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. In addition to an Ethernet port, the PS3 also has an HDMI output, SPDIF and Playstations AV output (for analog audio and video).
The PS3 measures 12.8 inches x 3.8 inches x 10.8 inches, making it the perfect size for just about anywhere in your home. You can easily stand it up or lay it on its side for comfort. Whichever way it is stored, the optical disc drive is easy to access as it is front-loading. There’s no need to press an eject button, just slide a disc into the slot and you’re on your way to entertainment.
The front of the box has a hidden compartment. In this compartment, you will find slots for CompactFlash cards, SD Memory Card and Memory Stick Duo. Additionally, also on the front of the console, there are four USB ports. These USB ports are for your convenience as you can connect any USB device.
Just like other game consoles, the PS3 now has wireless controllers. The only reason to plug them into USB ports is to charge them. The only downside to these controllers is that the batteries are not replaceable. When the battery life is exhausted, the entire controller will need to be replaced. (Other game consoles have replaceable packs.)
One thing these controllers have that some others don’t is motion sensitivity. The technology isn’t as advanced as what’s found on the WII, but it’s still there. There are different actions that occur, depending on your movements and the game you are playing. Also, unlike the Wii, the motion sensors can be turned off, allowing you to play without disturbing movements.
In addition to new gaming technologies, the PS3 offers a host of multimedia features. Images can be presented in albums or slideshows, like no other game console offers. Your favorite music can be stored and played endlessly. DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and even other video formats can be viewed through your new PS3.
PS3 consoles can be found between $300 and $500; it all depends on the size of hard drive you are looking for. Regardless of the price, the PS3 offers you a whole new world of entertainment. From movies to games to online communities, it’s today’s console.