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The Next Generation Of Console Gaming:

The evolution of video game consoling from its early years to the present "seventh" generation cannot be discussed without acknowledging the role of video game consoles like Xbox,

Sony PS3 or Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii.

The Influence of the Xbox on Console Gaming

Video game system reviews always feature Microsoft's Xbox 360 as the original black box which had a significant impact on the video gaming industry. In 2001 when the Xbox was originally launched, it faced fierce competition from other new brands of consoles like Nintendo's GameCube, and the already well-entrenched Playstation 2. However Xbox managed to dominate the rest. one of the main reasons is that Microsoft is one of the most powerful and reputed brand, and the second reason is their financial strength. With its stupendous success, the Xbox, also called as first seventh generation device, managed to:

Raise the bar for the competition, so that Sony and Nintendo are now responding with keenly anticipated unreleased game consoles like Sony PS3 or Sony PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii
Microsoft's towering presence in the PC market made it possible for the curious PC gamer to try out a console
Popularise online gaming with consoles, with the launch of Microsoft's Live Service in November 2002.
Cause widespread technical interest and curiosity. Apart from the software, the Xbox's hardware was designed and also marketed as a simplified version of the PC -, for instance, a hard drive, easy online access, a GeForce 3 graphics card were all familiar to the PC gamer.

Sony PlayStation 3

The Sony Playstation 3 or the Sony PS3 is the successor to the PlayStation 2, and it is the unreleased video game console of the seventh generation era in the PlayStation series. Its main competitors would be Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii. The Sony PS3's release would be on November 11, 2006 in Japan and on November 17, 2006 worldwide. It would be released in two initial configurations:

The premium version of Sony PS3 would come packaged with Wi-Fi connectivity, HDMI output, internal 60 GB hard drive, and with multiple flash memory card readers.
The alternate and second configuration would not have HDMI, or a memory card reader, or Wi-Fi, but would instead be equipped with a 20 GB internal hard drive. While the HDMI support is cannot be upgraded, the hard drive can be upgraded. Besides Wi-Fi and memory support can be added with the help of adaptors.

Games In Development

Sony has indicated that there are as many as 15 PS3 games ready for launch.As of March 2006, over 230 PS3 games have been announced by multiple developers like Ubisoft, Namco, Konami, and Sega, and there are may secret projects under development. Some developers have already made announcements about their games- the eagerly anticipated ones being Assassin's Creed, Killzone PS3, resident Evil 5, Grand Theft Auto IV, Heavenly Sword, Warhawk, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, and Metal Gear Solid 4:Guns of the Patriots.

Backward Compatibility of Sony PlayStation 3

Sony has announced that the Sony PlayStation 3 will most certainly share backward compatibility with both PlayStation and Sony PlayStation 2, and that every PS1 and PS2 video game which observes its respective system's Technical Requirements Checklist(TRC) will be playable on the Sony PS3 at launch .

Online Play and Price

Responding to the immensely successful Xbox Live Network, Sony has announced its unified online service meant for the Sony PlayStation 3 console. This service has been aptly titled "PlayStation Network Platform", where the service would be free, and would include multiplayer support. However developers could charge a subscription fee if they wish. This concept is being jointly developed by both Sony Online Entertainment, and Sony Computer Entertainment.

Interface and Operating System

The PS3 would be using the Cross Media Bar or the CMB, already being used in the PSX and PlayStation Portable devices. This version would include the ability to explore photos, to play movie trailers and music from the hard drive, options for different user profiles, a Friends Menu and a full Internet browser, and compatibilty for a Mouse and a USB keyboard.Sony hopes that the pre-installation of Linux in the PS3 hard drive, would encourage the creation of homebrew games and other independent content creations, and that with its varied features, the PS3 would ultimately supplant the PC in every home.

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