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Q. What is a PS3?

A. The PS3 is the latest console release by Sony.  It is the most technologically advanced gaming console yet.  The Sony PlayStation 2 is its predecessor, and before that was the Playstation.  These were both very popular and advanced for their time.  The PS3 is a computer system capable of playing not only video games, but also DVDs, Blu-Ray DVDs, internet access and content downloading , video chat, digital photo viewing, digital video,  audio, and much more.
Q:  When did the system come out?
A:  The system launched worldwide in Japan on November 11, 2006.  In North America the PS3 came out on November 17, 2006.   Europe and Australia/Asia must wait until March of 2007 to get the system.
Q. Why is there so much hype over the PS3?
A.   The PS3 looks more like a real computer system than any of its predecessors.  The PS3 has similar functionality to a PC in the sense that it can play DVDs, browse the internet, download music, video conference, and receive external USB devices.  Its hardware is at the very top of the line even when comparing the best PCs.  It is a mini supercomputer for gaming, and its Blu-ray disc drive is very valuable.
Q. Why is the PS3 so expensive?
A. The PS3 should actually cost more than what it currently does. The PS3 is somewhat more expensive than other consoles because it has so many features that other previous consoles do not have.  The hardware used in the PS3 is more expensive than the actual cost on the system; Sony loses an estimated 200 dollars per console sold.  The 20 GB PS3 is a value when considering its hardware  because many Blu-ray DVD players right now are currently more than the $500 cost of the 20 GB system, which comes with a Blu-ray player.

Q. What are some of the disadvantages of the PS3?
A.  Real disadvantages are hard to find with a system that is so valuable, but people have been able to come up with a few.  For one, the fact that the PS3 supports a wide variety of storage media and that can create confusion on the best medium to store and transfer information. 
Some people think that the price is too high, but that is addressed above.  Yes the Nintendo Wii is cheaper, but it offers very little as of now compared to the PS3, in terms of a complete multimedia experience.  If you’re looking for fun family gaming and nothing else, the Wii does the trick at a cheaper cost.
Also, some people think that Blu-ray Disc format has yet to take off as a standard format, and that HD-DVD might end up taking over the whole market, leaving you with a worthless DVD player.  This potential outcome, combined with the high cost of the Blu-ray DVD player might cause Sony to halt PS3 production. 
 

Q. Which Console is better? The PS3, Xbox 360, or Nintendo Wii?
 

A. Better depends on what you’re looking for.  If you want the most advanced hardware, then go for the PS3.  If you’re a Nintendo fan, and enjoy their own gaming line with games like Mario and Zelda, you should get the Nintendo Wii.  The Xbox 360 offers a great combination of price to performance as well.  It all depends on what you are looking for in a system, and whether that system supports the particular games that you want to play.  Just know that no other system on the market is as versatile in hardware than the PS3.  If you have a game preference that can only be found on Nintendo of Xbox 360, then you should get those.
Q: Does the PS3 Offer Free Online Gameplay?
A. Yes, the PS3 will offer unlimited multiplayer internet gameplay for the games that support it.  The only exception will be MMORPGs.  You  have to also pay to download content specific to the PS3, but not for content that you could normally download for free with your PC.