Digital Trends

Sony Playstation 3

November 15th, 2006 | by Scott Steinberg

Features and Design Cont'd

Options for theoretically jacking in a keyboard (the controller-based text input interface is a bit annoying, though you'll get used to it in due time), USB mouse or the PSP, which can double as a rear-view mirror in racing games or accept PSOne games (purchased online, transferred over and playable via emulator) further prove quite promising. Uploading content between devices is easy enough too, and support for such features should only become more extensive as users are encouraged to download movie trailers, songs and other unexpected goodies off Sony's PlayStation store. (An online storefront where Xbox Live Arcade-style below-the-radar games and retail software enhancements – e.g. additional maps or extra vehicles – will be sold, including exclusive outings like indie-flavored amusements flow, Go! Sudoku and Blast Factor, plus HD ports of old favorites such as Lemmings.)

Unfortunately, only Japanese PlayStation Network sign-ins are available prior to launch, so, being behind on my kanji at the moment, testing online multiplayer options – supposedly free, and allowing up to 40 players to go head-to-head simultaneously – and micro-transactions is as yet impossible. What's more, I wasn't able to experiment with instant messaging and voice/video chat (EyeToy USB camera required) options either. But there were no problems with Internet browsing, and frankly, it's a real trip to visit sites like www.embassymulti.com, set a bookmark and see your own face staring back at you from the TV screen. Flash pages such as www.playstation.com also work fine with the software.

As for the back of the PlayStation 3, it contains a digital out, A/V multi out, HDMI out and LAN/Ethernet connection. The power cord connector and main system power switch are also located here. (If you're a newcomer and wonder why the system isn't working, trying flipping this on and then pressing the machine's more obvious front-mounted power button…) Otherwise, there's simply a 2.5" serial ATA hard drive slot to be found on the side, with larger model hard drives rumored to be in the works that you'll be able to quickly swap out. All told, finding your way about the console is fairly straightforward, and an in-depth instruction manual should help beginners greatly.

The back of the Playstation 3

Also included in the package is:

• A composite video cable (unsuitable for HD video output, sorry – grab a component cable or HDMI connector ASAP instead).
• Ethernet cable (although 802.11b/g WiFi is built-in if you've got the 60GB model).
• Power cord (a standard three-prong connector).
• USB cable (for connecting and playing with or charging wireless controllers).
• One SixAxis motion-tracking controller (in addition to normal D-pad/joystick-based movements and button-driven commands, tilt your hands to dodge incoming blows or steer).
• And, if you're one of the first lucky 500,000 owners, a copy of NASCAR-spoofing, Will Ferrell-starring comedy Talladega Nights, which, living in the South, I personally find hilarious. (To be sure, it's an acquired taste.)