ajc.com 2008 Holiday Guide

Even Santa Claus may have trouble finding Sony's latest bundle of video gaming joy, the long-awaited PlayStation3, which hits store shelves Friday. This next-generation console has already created a frenzy among gamers, who've snatched up pre-orders online and at local stores.

Sony Computer Entertainment (ENLARGE)

The Sony PlayStation 3 will offer highly realistic, high-resolution graphics and a Blu-Ray DVD drive.

Microsoft Corp. (ENLARGE)

The Microsoft Xbox 360, unlike the PS3, has a controller that can vibrate.

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But is the PlayStation 3 worth all the hype? Here's what you need to know about the system:

What is it?

A "next-generation" console that promises games worthy of the latest high-definition televisions. The PS3 is available in two versions, a $499 base unit and a deluxe $599 version — guess which one your kids will want? — both of which feature a Bluetooth controller, a Blu-Ray disk drive and a standard Ethernet port. For the first time, PlayStation also has a hard drive: 20 gigabytes in the base version or 60 gigabytes in the deluxe unit.

The more expensive model has built-in wireless capability, meaning it will work seamlessly with most home networks, allowing users to transfer music or photos onto the PS3 hard drive.

What's so good about it?

The PS3 has eight processors; a typical home computer has only one. Once game developers get up to speed on spreading the workload among these processors, the realism in PS3 games will be unrivaled. Games scheduled for release in the next few months are expected to utilize the PS3's hardware even more fully.

• It's a long-term investment. Sony spokesman Al De Leon says the company plans to support the PS2 for 10 years, which bodes well for those investing hundreds of dollars into the PS3.

• Higher-resolution games. The PS3's best resolution is 1080p (progressive scan), compared with 1080i (interlaced) for the Microsoft Xbox. Sports and other motion-sensitive content, such as video games, appear smoother on a progressive scan monitor. While playing on a 1080p HDTV set with HDMI inputs is the optimal PS3 gaming experience, the console will support normal TV, 720p and 1080i resolutions. (An HDMI cable is not currently available for the PS3.)

• Wireless motion-sensor controller. This promises new levels of interactivity. Instead of pressing a button to escape an enemy's grasp during game play, players simply shake the controller. But the PS3 lacks the vibration feature available in Xbox 360 and PlayStation2 controllers.

• Free online play. Sony promises an online experience similar to that of Xbox Live, Microsoft's immensely popular game subscription service — without its $59.99 annual fee.

• Plenty of available games. Along with seven titles unique to the PS3, there are 21 games available on launch day, with a $59.99 suggested retail price. First-person-shooter "Resistance: Fall of Man" is regarded as the standard-bearer for Sony's new system. Sports games include "NBA Live 07" and "Fight Night Round 3." The Xbox 360 launched with 18 games.

• Backward compatibility. All original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 discs should work on the new system, while most original Xbox games do not work on the Xbox 360.

• Blu-Ray DVD drive. It plays high-definition movies. Blu-Ray players currently sell for about $1,000, making the PlayStation3 a comparative bargain in this respect. The first 500,000 PS3 units will ship with the Blu-Ray DVD version of the Will Ferrell comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." Blu-Ray discs can hold five times the data of traditional DVDs, making it possible to store movie collections (or massive games) on one disc. Compatible with traditional DVDs and audio CDs, Blu-Ray drives can quickly rip CDs to MP3s using built-in software.

• Four USB ports. They can be used for peripherals such as a keyboard or mouse.

• Built-in Web browser.

What about competing systems?

Microsoft's Xbox 360, which debuted last November, has similar capabilities. The 360 also comes in two versions, a base model without a hard drive ($299) and a deluxe version with a 20-gigabyte hard drive ($399). The base system plays normal DVDs; a separate high-definition DVD player sells for $199.

The $250 Nintendo Wii, scheduled for release Sunday, is a far different beast than the more powerful "next-generation" consoles from Sony and Microsoft. But it features a motion-sensing controller. Bolstered by Nintendo's solid stable of child-friendly games, the Wii will appeal to younger gamers. Nintendo says it will offer 32 games by the end of the year, including "The Legend of Zelda."

So what's the verdict on the PS3?

The biggest factors for hard-core gamers will be the free online play and the backward compatability. The base console will suffice for those who aren't worried about using the console for music, photos or other media.

And just what's in the box?

Both versions of the PS3 contain:

• PS3 hardware.

• 1 wireless controller.

• 1 USB cable (for recharging the wireless controller).

• 1 composite audio-visual cable.

• 1 Ethernet cable.

• 1 power cable.