- Worldwide launch
- PS1 & PS2 compatibility
- hard drive ‘required’
- no pricing details announced
After holding firm since last May, Sony has today stated that their next console, the PlayStation 3, will launch this November, and not in “Spring 2006” as originally planned for at least Japan. Expanding on the release the console maker claims that the PS3 will be in Europe, North America, and Japan in early November.
Confirming the expected delay with their normal style, Sony paid little attention to the previous launch window - although their briefing in Japan confirmed that Blu-Ray security issues caused the delay.
A 60GB hard drive will ship with the console; it will be required, and designed for the possibility of an upgrade.
PlayStation Network Platform, the online offering, will be free – so far with no paid for option. The PSNP will offer multiplayer lobbies and matchmaking, as well as downloadable content, and the ability for text/voice/video communications. The download content is reported to possibly include PS1 and PS2 games.
Meanwhile, in PlayStation Portable news today, a “Base Model” PSP is set to retail from March 22 at 209 euro in Ireland. While this autumn, an EyeToy-like camera, and a GPS receiver will be in shops. A new download service, with an unspecified release, will allow users to obtain “selected popular” games from the original PlayStation format.

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