E3 2006: The PS3 finally comes out.

(Pictures courtesy of GamePro.com)

I'd almost forgot that E3 is this week!! For those without the know, E3 is one of the biggest gaming expo's of the year (Rival only by the Tokyo Game Show.) A majority of game companies gather together to show off their latest games, consoles, and anything else game related. Closed to the public (Us regular gamers that don't work in the media field), E3 is a gamer's paradise that happens every year. This year is very big because the PS3 and Nintendo Wii will make their debut with playable game demos (Alright!!) Also, the Xbox 360, handheld systems, and PC will be showing off their much anticipated games coming out this year too. Sony had their press conference today and finally answer the questions on most gamer's mind: The price and date of the PlayStation 3.



The PlayStation 3 is doing a Xbox 360 maneuver and releasing the console in two packages. The 20 GB hard drive version will cost $499.99 while the 60 GB hard drive version will cost $599.99 (The hard drive is included.) I won't deny the fact that the system is pricey but the system isn't coming out until November 17 so us gamers have plenty of time to save up some cash. Another bit of good news is that Sony confirmed about 2 million PS3's will be ready to ship this November so hopefully a shortage won't occur (Maybe not do to it's higher price tag than the 360 or Wii.)

There is a bit of news that is both good and bad (Bad if you're a die-hard Nintendo fan that dislikes Sony.) Sony revealed the new PS3 controller and it's design just like the PS2 Dual Shock controller (Accept it's wireless.) This is great news for gamers that hated the vampire teeth controller but Sony has added a new feature. Motion sensors are inside the controller that will react to your hand movement, just like Nintendo's newest controller. Who didn't see this coming? Honestly, not me but I'm not too shock to see another company cashing on a potential hit. This is sure to cause a ruckus among the game forums around the net because, truthfully, Sony is copying Nintendo's idea but this is not unusual for companies to do (Dirty but not unusual.) I do remember Nintendo being the first to release a rumble pack and a analog stick to their controllers, only to be copy (And become the standard) for other game companies controllers. Honestly, I'm thrilled about the PS3 even with the high price and no announcement of launch games (I'd expect to here something soon about that.) What are your thoughts about the PS3?

Nintendo and MircoSoft are having their press conferences tomorrow. Nintendo's will be at 9:30am PDT and MS is having theirs at 12:00am PDT. Can't wait to see what they announce.

GC