Some interesting facts about the PS3

Even though we're basically on the eve of Sony's big launch of the PlayStation 3, we still had a few outstanding questions about some of the minutiae of the console. Yeah, we're dorky sticklers for detail like that. So here are a few interesting facts about the PlayStation 3 you may (or may not) be interested in knowing:

• After plenty of gameplay the console is cool -- or at worst warm -- to the touch on every surface. In a side by side test with the Xbox 360, the console is comparably virtually silent, and the Blu-ray drive is significantly quieter than the 360's DVD drive.
  
• USB keyboards and mice will be plug-n-play, no fuss at all. Who really wants to browse the web with a PlayStation controller anyway?
  
• Bluetooth mice and keyboards will not work with the system at launch.
• Any (A2DP) Bluetooth headset should theoretically work with the system, though Sony will have a recommended hardware list.
• The EyeToy is the only USB webcam that will work with the system. The original PS2 EyeToy should still work with the PS3.
  
• There are currently no plans for VGA out on the PlayStation3.
• The system will not support more than seven controllers.
• There are currently no plans for a cheaper, wired version of the SIXAXIS.
• With its media playback software one can have in-game custom soundtracks, as with the Xbox 360, Wii, etc.
• Despite rumor, Sony insists the US is still officially targeted for a 400k unit launch; Japan is still set for a mere 80k. Sony execs are actually expecting an upturn in unit production before launch, so those numbers may actually go up.
• Some titles have an option to install some amount of game data (in addition to saved data) to the drive. Genji can install 4GB worth of data to decrease load times (quoted to drop from 12-15 seconds down to 3-4); this game data can be removed at any time without affecting your saved games.
• The drive can be upgraded, although not on any official basis (read: YMMV, do so at your own risk, you may void warranty, etc.).
• You cannot leave voice or picture messages for other users on the PlayStation Network, only text.

[Will @ Nov 5th 2006 1:24PM]

And people say Sony is proprietary. With the PS3, you can use any bluetooth headset, any hard drive, any memory card, and any HDMI cable. With the Xbox 360, you're forced to use Microsoft's overpriced garbage.

[Steven @ Nov 5th 2006 1:52PM]

Overall, I'm pretty happy with what the PS3 has to offer right out of the box. One can only imagine what's to come in the next year....

[Reginald @ Nov 5th 2006 3:40PM]

"One can only imagine what's to come in the next year...."

What's to come in the next year. For one, the possibility that there will be enough PS3 consoles for sale. :-(

Sorry, I'm just bitter that I won't be able to score one just yet. Specs and performance sound good so far. Quiet, cool, plays Blue-Ray. More that I can say for my HTPC.

[Karl @ Nov 5th 2006 1:52PM]

No VGA out? Do you mean that there will not be a AV Multi->VGA adapter (much like you have a AV Multi->component/SCART adapter), or that there won't be a VGA port on the console?

Karl

[JeffNlA @ Nov 5th 2006 1:56PM]

No VGA and no bluetooth support at the start - baa haa haa

[Porsche 911 @ Nov 5th 2006 3:22PM]

Who needs VGA if you have HDMI? Did you ever heard of HDMI to DVI to VGA adapter. In addition, you stated no Bluetooth support, then how would the controller interact with the system. PS3 has a Bluetooth support from right out of the box, however, it just need a firmware update to cooperate with other hardware properly. Well Xbox360 does not have a Bluetooth support and it does not have a HDMI input, however, I still have an Xbox360, and look at that, I am not bitching like you. I cannot wait until I get my PS3 so I can play Resistance and watch Blu-Ray movies.

[scoot241 @ Nov 5th 2006 1:57PM]

What about "legacy" controllers such as the controllers for Guitar Hero, DDR, etc.?

How do you connect those to the PS3?

[itech @ Nov 5th 2006 2:00PM]

Probably something like this scoot.

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802566

[itech @ Nov 5th 2006 1:57PM]

Karl, there isn't a VGA port, and I don't believe the PS3 supports VGA in it's "Video Options". I'm sure you can get a AV Multi> VGA adapter, but the resolutions might get a bit funky.

[Charchris @ Nov 5th 2006 1:58PM]

Over-priced accessories or a multi-hundred dollar box... hmmmm....

[Kyle @ Nov 5th 2006 2:00PM]

WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU NEED 7 CONTROLLERS?!

[Brad Hodson @ Nov 5th 2006 4:06PM]

You could use 7 controllers for sports games (soccor, football, etc).

[Tony Rayo @ Nov 5th 2006 9:33PM]

Sports games... you could have a whole team play via one machine =).

[fpn @ Nov 5th 2006 2:03PM]

It probably means there won't be any way to get VGA out of it. If you've got a nice monitor, however, a simple adapter will turn the HDMI port into a DVI port (all HDMI is is DVI video + digital audio on one cable).

[james f. @ Nov 5th 2006 2:05PM]

Wow for 20% more than a 360 its quieter and runs cooler! Gee Golly thats great! I'm so glad they focused on that instead of, oh I don't know, GAMES!

Since the PS2 build quality was a nightmare I'm glad they've seemingly addressed that. But Sony shows that they clearly could care less about their base audience. A DVD-9 based, corded controller system at 399 would slit Microsofts throat and bring home the market share that would guarantee must have titles on ps3. But instead they want us to shovel the cash for their last bid at propreitary hardware in a world thats steadily going to downloadable content. Video Game consoles aren't cars or houses and "luxury" features don't matter much when you don't have the games to back it up with.

That said I'll be camping to profit off the fanboys! See you on EBAY!

[Paul @ Nov 5th 2006 2:08PM]

good stuff. i think sony did a good job keeping this monster cool and quiet.

[shon Dempsey @ Nov 5th 2006 2:08PM]

xbox fanboys are sad they already spend their $500 allowance for the year. However, the same xbox fanboys should understand the potential for what can be unlocked just from a system update (1080p anyone, oh and i believe thats comes standard straight out of the box on the sony system). And what 1st party accessories ARENT expensive for ANY console?? I believe i saw some Wii DOGTAGS for $30 at target.. and that crap has nothing to do with the console!!

[gargamelo @ Nov 5th 2006 2:15PM]

"USB keyboards and mice will be plug-n-play"

Nice, well i have been playing FPS games with those toys the past 10 years on my PC, so to the golden fracking question.

Can "THE" �ber FPS controls be used inside games or not ?

If not i guess ill spend those 5-600 beans on a new 8800 GTX instead.
Get it Sony ?

[J. Evans Turner @ Nov 5th 2006 8:54PM]

Any FPS control that shows as an HID-compliant keyboard to Windows (like the Belkin Nostromo N52) should work fine. The PS2 supported USB mouses and keyboards, so it's not even a @#$%ing question as to whether-or-not the PS3 will...What about my question, Engadget?

If the PS3 has so-called "Bluetooth" controllers, is this simply misinformation where any RF wireless device is called "Bluetooth", or is it a real Bluetooth device? When you put the controller into discovery mode, does a PC with a USB 2.0 adapter see the controller? How could ENGADGET OF ALL PLACES have not tried this with their test unit? For crying out loud!!!

[Paul @ Nov 5th 2006 2:18PM]

@gargamelo
i dont think games will/should support keyboard/mouse for fps. it would totally destroy the level playing field of consoles. i only play fps on my pc for the reason that it is so much more comfortable, but console players need to be limited to console controllers, otherwise there will be soo many people crying about it.

[FSD24 @ Nov 5th 2006 2:19PM]

ps3 is basically a perfected version of the xbox360....ppl that would pay for more quality are gonna go for the ps3...

[Ryan @ Nov 5th 2006 2:24PM]

In-game custom soundtracks? yes if the music resides on your PS3, only the 360 can stream music and video from a PC, while playing a game or otherwise.

[Otsego @ Nov 6th 2006 12:23PM]

yeah they allowed you to stream to your xbox b/c that puny thing they call a HDD.

[Jake @ Nov 5th 2006 2:31PM]

Will external USB hard drives work with the system? I can't find an answer to that anywhere on the internet. I would really appreciate it if you guys tried it out.

[Tim @ Nov 5th 2006 2:43PM]

"(1080p anyone, oh and i believe thats comes standard straight out of the box on the sony system)"

And yet the "microsoft system" was still the first 1080p console. Hmm.

[Porsche 911 @ Nov 5th 2006 3:45PM]

However, does that 1080p have a future, considering it has no HDCP support? Is that 1080p native or up-conversion? Xbox360 has no digital video with HDCP support, and come no now; there are more televisions, which can support 1080p through a HDMI and or DVI than an analog component and or VGA. Well I cannot wail until I get my new PS3 and my new 1080p BRAVIA XBR LCD. Nevertheless, why did Microsoft release a firmware update right before PS3 was supposed to be released, is it because they were afraid of their competition?

[Cody @ Nov 5th 2006 2:43PM]

The only USB keyobard and mouse i have is a wireless Microsoft Desktop (not bluetooth, just RF or something.) Is there any chance plugging the USB wireless receiver for the keyboard/mouse into the PS3, will allow me to use them?

[Porsche 911 @ Nov 5th 2006 3:53PM]

I am quite sure that would work, I think USB Bluetooth and RF keyboards and mice should work, knowing that they are USB. For USB Bluetooth and RF devices, we have to pair them with each other (USB receiver end with the keyboard/mouse end). If you look at this way, we are not pairing the Bluetooth and RF keyboards/mice with the system�s Bluetooth; instead, we are paring it with each other and connecting it to an USB input. Technically, we are using the USB input.

[Johan @ Nov 5th 2006 2:57PM]

"After plenty of gameplay the console is cool -- or at worst warm -- to the touch on every surface. In a side by side test with the Xbox 360, the console is comparably virtually silent, and the Blu-ray drive is significantly quieter than the 360's DVD drive."

Unless I am loading, my XBOX 360 is silent, and it is slightly warm to the touch, but hey, at least it isn't the size of a PC!

"USB keyboards and mice will be plug-n-play, no fuss at all. Who really wants to browse the web with a PlayStation controller anyway?"

If I can plug in a wireless RF Logitech Keyboard/Mouse combo and have both work on my 360, I would assume almost all work. So is this really something to brag about?


"Bluetooth mice and keyboards will not work with the system at launch."

O dandy, I cant even find bluetooth keyboards/mice that work with my Powerbook without an adapter...

"Any (A2DP) Bluetooth headset should theoretically work with the system, though Sony will have a recommended hardware list."

Thats sweet. However, you can just plug in any 2.5mm mic into the wireless 360 controllers and it works. Personally, I don't see why people would prefer spending 60 bucks on a bluetooth headset the same quality as a $10 corded radio shack one I use with my 360. A cord going from your arms to your head really isn't that bothersome.

"The EyeToy is the only USB webcam that will work with the system. The original PS2 EyeToy should still work with the PS3."

Well, thats expected, same as the 360, no complaints going here.

"There are currently no plans for VGA out on the PlayStation3."

Umm, weak? I personally don't use HDMI. I could easily go out and upgrade to it, as all of my components support it besides my Reciever and my 360, but with everyone complaining about how some components wont accept other components, and tons of other bugs with HDMI, why not just stick with component? Btw, I did try running HDMI from my boxes straight to my TV, and I noticed no difference in picture quality, only in the contrast and color levels of the pictures. I do however, use VGA to hook up my 360 to a spare computer monitor I have lying around whenever the main TV is occupied. I would definately prefer that they have a VGA and not an HDMI.

"The system will not support more than seven controllers."

Are there going to be seven person games? I mean like real games like FPS or sumthing, not turn based worms or that crap.

"There are currently no plans for a cheaper, wired version of the SIXAXIS."

I would hate that controller. I mean, who sits still playing games? Personally, I move around ALOT, and it seems that would affect my character in game. Plus, rumble rocks. But as for the wired version, no point.

"With its media playback software one can have in-game custom soundtracks, as with the Xbox 360, Wii, etc."

Fun, but unless its games where there is aleady a loud soundtrack that isn't all that relevant to the game (Burnout), I feel that it distracts me from the games too much.

"Despite rumor, Sony insists the US is still officially targeted for a 400k unit launch; Japan is still set for a mere 80k. Sony execs are actually expecting an upturn in unit production before launch, so those numbers may actually go up."

Pssh, doubt it. With all their battery problems as well, sony doesn't seem to be doing all that well this year.

"Some titles have an option to install some amount of game data (in addition to saved data) to the drive. Genji can install 4GB worth of data to decrease load times (quoted to drop from 12-15 seconds down to 3-4); this game data can be removed at any time without affecting your saved games."

Now that, Is awesome. (wishes his 360 could do that for games like oblivion..)

"The drive can be upgraded, although not on any official basis (read: YMMV, do so at your own risk, you may void warranty, etc.)."

Um, if I remember, people took the 360 harddrive, and modded it to have a SATA port coming out the back. So why are you guys bragging about this?


"You cannot leave voice or picture messages for other users on the PlayStation Network, only text."

Now this is something I HATE about playstations. The online system. I had a PS2 with a network adapter for like 3 years. I HATED the online experience. First off, not enough people played. second off, all of it was hosted by the game creator, so very, very few games actually had online. I love XBL. 50 bucks a year is definately worth what they bring us. I mean, look at Halo2. I have not found a game even slightly as easy to play online for the PS2, and I doubt the PS3 will be much different.

[Huleboeren @ Nov 5th 2006 5:16PM]

The thing about you x360 not making any noise - now thats a load of bullshit.
Its always loading when youre playing a game - the noise is ALWAYS there. (Unless youre in the dashboard or playing regular DVDs)
I have a X360 and I feel deaf when i have been playing on it for awhile and then turn it off.
"Omg, its so quiet in here"

[Thai Luong @ Nov 6th 2006 12:50AM]

Johan:

"O dandy, I cant even find bluetooth keyboards/mice that work with my Powerbook without an adapter..."

What do you mean? My Powerbook uses bluetooth with no fuss. Unless you have a PB without a bluetooth adapter built in, which means that there's no point in complaining.

"Thats sweet. However, you can just plug in any 2.5mm mic into the wireless 360 controllers and it works. Personally, I don't see why people would prefer spending 60 bucks on a bluetooth headset the same quality as a $10 corded radio shack one I use with my 360. A cord going from your arms to your head really isn't that bothersome."

I would like to move around the room and listen to my music wirelessly without any cables. This would alow me to do that. Also, if you say that the one cable is pointless to get rid of, then your saying that people are idiots for getting bluetooth headsets for their phones. Everyone has their opinion, but why speak one so closeminded? I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time, there's a multimillion dollar industry making those things you find so pointless.

"I would hate that controller. I mean, who sits still playing games? Personally, I move around ALOT, and it seems that would affect my character in game. Plus, rumble rocks. But as for the wired version, no point."

I believe that you and Sony are both agreeing on the pointlessness of a wired controller.

"Um, if I remember, people took the 360 harddrive, and modded it to have a SATA port coming out the back. So why are you guys bragging about this?"

Because this won't be a mod. It'll be a simple swapout that won't change the look of the system. That's what's cool about it.

"Now this is something I HATE about playstations. The online system."

Sony's trying really hard this time around. Just because it can only sent text doesn't mean that it's gonna suck. And even if it does suck (which, most likely, it will), let's not judge it till we play it. Who knows, it might have something that XBL doesn't.

"No one wants opining. But a fair, unbiased debate is nice." - Some guy.

[Bill @ Nov 6th 2006 10:25AM]

The fact that you think that contrast, color and brightness levels found in Digital connections over analog are nothing important to games makes you sound ill informed. In fact I dont believe you have a TV with HDMI or DVI. If you did you would be using it. I can see the same differences in VGA to DVI as well. Also there is a lower response time with HDMI/DVI then Component connections.

[Armin @ Nov 5th 2006 3:07PM]

Can you use mouse and keyboard to play games, like FPS games?

[Chris Compton @ Nov 5th 2006 3:11PM]

The PS3 is starting with a lot of the features it took Xbox almost a year to get into their box. I would say for a beginning the system actually is impressive. I think all the systems will be ok, but the PS3 is still going to have the best 3rd and first party support. I would rather play ratchet and clank, Metal Gear, and FFXIII before all other games. So everyone have a nice day I have 2 PS3s ordered if anyone wants one.

[Mitch @ Nov 5th 2006 3:15PM]

"ps3 is basically a perfected version of the xbox360....ppl that would pay for more quality are gonna go for the ps3..."
Except with a better processor, better graphics, true 1080p (not upscaled bs), and more than two playable games (Gears of War and Halo).

[PreGHz @ Nov 6th 2006 12:36AM]

I think that you guys are both agreeing with each other.

[Sean @ Nov 5th 2006 3:22PM]

""ps3 is basically a perfected version of the xbox360....ppl that would pay for more quality are gonna go for the ps3..."
Except with a better processor, better graphics, true 1080p (not upscaled bs), and more than two playable games (Gears of War and Halo)."

Care to explain why Resistance: Fall Of Man, Genji, and Motorstorm can't even manage 1080i, nevermind 1080p then? The majority of PS3 launch titles wont even make use of 1080i. All 360 games did. Now... given they have had an extra year, you'd think they'd have perfected it yeah? Apparently not!

The 360 CAN do 1080p native, as confirmed by Microsoft. It's not something they're really bothered about, but other developers can do as they wish. Infact, Splinter Cell Double Agent runs in 1080p according to Ubisoft. So, the 360 has the first 1080p console, the first 1080p game, the first unified online architecture, the first marketplace... Other than Blu-Ray, Sony have nothing innovative at all.

[SOCOMRAIDER @ Nov 5th 2006 3:54PM]

Well, if you can upgrade the hard drive... I'll get the lower end version and slap a much bigger SATA drive in that beast. Maybe one of those 160 or 200 GB monsters.

I don't need the WiFi, my house is hardwired. And I don't need the memory card reader, I have two already!

[Blings @ Nov 5th 2006 4:08PM]

Yah, the Ps3 is ok, it's almost a perfection to the imperfection of the Xbox 360.



http://www.blingsgadget.blogspot.com

[ben english @ Nov 5th 2006 4:21PM]

All you sony bitches piss me off.
Do you really think the PS3 will be better than the xbox 360?
The processor of the xbox was nearly 3 times better than the PS2 did it really make a difference NO!
Its tit for tat as processor and ram goes. One has double the ram one has slightly better processor. Big woop.
If you look at the confirmed facts the only real difference is:
Built in blu-ray - Does not improve games
No voice chat or voice messages - Are we living in the past that is terrible!
Free online - would you rather pay �10 a year for a perfect online or have a free crappy one, hang on give me a sec on that one.

You lot really are naive fools being taken for a ride.

[Joel @ Nov 5th 2006 4:28PM]

Hear here!

Cheaper in Hong Kong... Lik-sang, Sony... Tut Tut...

[Kirk @ Nov 5th 2006 4:34PM]

I like all the new info, but there is nothing about operating with the PSP. Where is that info.

Is there going to be any????

[Brian @ Nov 5th 2006 4:39PM]

a PS3 fan will be able to kick a 360's fan's ass any day in a year; with the 360 dude stuck sitting on his/her ass letting muscles turn to mush, the PS3 will have muscle building power, as the user lifts the system to the desired location, plus the slight arm movement of the controller, but the wii will give gamers the best cardio workout of them all, lol...
now where's my shuffle.

[FSD24 @ Nov 5th 2006 4:45PM]

sean, your r3t4rded.

but lets face the facts, a console can be as good as it wants to be, but what really matters is the games....and ps3 wins again!! haha stupid 360 fans

[Dom @ Nov 5th 2006 5:10PM]

Well, everyone complains bout build quality, i have a 11 year old PS1 that still works flawlessly, 3 PS2's, the fat ones, and a Sony stereo, they all works flawlessly, maybe its because most people dont treat their things how theyre supposed to.

[thunderleg @ Nov 5th 2006 9:37PM]

"Well, everyone complains bout build quality, i have a 11 year old PS1 that still works flawlessly, 3 PS2's, the fat ones, and a Sony stereo, they all works flawlessly, maybe its because most people dont treat their things how theyre supposed to."

So the lawsuit that Sony essentially lost in regards to their optical drives means that the fault is the users? While I'm very much aware of how badly people take care of their equipment, Sony is to blame for that. Google "Sony ps2 lawsuit". You can't miss it.

On topic, a 7 controller game would be really fun. It just takes an imaginative developer to create something. Mario Party-type games would work, but why stop there..? However, I'm not sure if the $1000 investment is worth it...

Now what if there were more than 1 PS3 within radio distance of each other? 14 controllers would be pretty irritating to set up..

I'm not getting a PS3 for at LEAST a year, if not much longer. Once I see how things develop, then I'll choose between PS3 and Wii. The 360 has very, very little I'm interested in.

[once!\\\ @ Nov 5th 2006 5:17PM]

"Not everyone believes in Sony's Playstation 3 vision.

http://www.gametrailers.com/bonusround.php?ep=1&pt=2

[Justin @ Nov 5th 2006 5:51PM]

The only reason I'm buying a PS3 is cause my company whored me on my bonus this year. I'd much rather have a MacBook Pro...

[nick @ Nov 5th 2006 6:14PM]

"Who needs VGA if you have HDMI? Did you ever heard of HDMI to DVI to VGA adapter."

VGA is nice to have if you want to hook up a computer monitor to the console instead of a more expensive HDTV. It works quite nice and can be used for games and movies.

I suspect the lack of VGA in the PS3 is due to DRM restrictions because of Blu-Ray.

I also suspect an HDMI to DVI to VGA conversion would violate DRM restrictions and certainly wouldn't work for displaying movies. I'm unsure about if games would still work.

[John @ Nov 5th 2006 6:21PM]

Well i look at it this way...who gives a crap about blu-ray i want a game system to play games not watch stupid movies and on top of that u probably guessed it i dont own an hdtv either so when it comes down to it for the people that cant afford all this expensive bullcrap *for the hardcore gamers* go xbox 360 and get on live November 07 HALO 3.See microsoft was smart hey lets come out with a core system for the people that cant afford everything right away and make the hard drive seperate,oh and a memory card for 40bux even tho it dont hold much its still a nice gesture for the poor.......Thanks for reading my comment im sure alot of people will appreciate it.