PlayStation3 and PSN

The PlayStation3 was introduced in May 2005 just a year after the new model of PS2 was released.  The model that was first shown was not a working model it was just to show the specs that the console would have, they also showed examples of games that would be on it using alternate devices like PCs to show what the graphics would be like. The first prototype of the consol had two HDMI ports, three Ethernet ports and six USB ports however the second prototype had four USB ports, one Ethernet port and one HDMI port.

The PS3’s disc format is the Blu-Ray disc these discs can hold massive amounts of information which allows developers to put a lot into the games they are making without worry of running out of space, this means that the PS3 can also be used as a Blu-Ray player. It can also play DVDs and CDs making the PS3 a good multimedia device. The PlayStation3 gives out high quality video and audio through its HDMI port giving up to 1080p HD resolution, however it is also compatible with the component/AV cable like the PS2 used. You can use both a power cable and Component cable from a PS2 with a PS3, this makes the consol more accessible for those who might not have access to a HDMI compatible TV or monitor.

Unlike it’s predecessors the PS3 had a built in memory hard drive meaning you didn’t need memory cards in order to save data. The first model of PS3 was the 20GB version; this model was only released in Japan. The first model to be released overseas was the 60GB that also had play back capability with PS2 games; this was the only model that ever had this function. Since then there has been a 80GB version and then in more recent years the 120GB, 160GB and 320GB have been released in the PS3 slim version.

The PlayStation Network is an important part of the PS3 it gives players the opportunity to browse through an online store and choose from a wide variety of games that might not have a physical release. The PSN has given small developers the opportunity to make games to release online for people to download, thus opening up the game industry a little more so people can show their work. It allows people to play online with people all over the world and was designed for use on the PS3, PSP and the new PSvita system. The PSN also has downloadable versions of some older games for the original PlayStation that can be downloaded straight onto the PS3’s internal hard drive. Some could be downloaded onto to the PSP while others could be used on the PS3.

In more recent years Sony have released PlayStation Network cards that are like gift cards that you can spend on the PSN. It is a type of virtual money that you can buy in any game retail store in set amounts of money, such as £10, £15, £25 etc. you are then given a code to put in on the PSN that then gets added to your online wallet. Then those credits can be spent on anything on the PSN store, it’s a way that you can buy things online without having to input your personal bank account details.

The PSN itself is free to use however there is a subscription option called the PlayStation Network Plus which you pay monthly to get exclusive content not available to the general public.