In a bold move, Sony has created ripples in the online service gaming industry, by launching it's highly awaited but under wraps online service next-gen console, PlayStation 3, Sony has certainly sprung a surprise in more ways than one.
Details of the features that equip PS3 were revealed in a press release from Sony's headquarters in London, UK. This was to be expected since the PS3 launch in North America and Japan is just a few weeks away.
Sony's PS3 bears marked resemblance to its own existing gaming device, PlayStation Portable. Gamers who are familiar with PSP will find that the user interface for PS3 is the same with the identical menu structure, a horizontal strip of icons with vertical listing of detailed menu options and even the same icons.
The built-in web browser is another common feature between PS3 and PSP. Additional features in PS3 gamers to maintain a record of wins and losses by creating additional online profiles and also maintain 'friend status' through a Friends Button. These features already exist in Sony's fierce competitor in this field which is Microsoft Xbox Live.
The biggest surprise has been saved by Sony in pricing the PS3. In a daring move, Sony is offering the web browser for free which is sure to make the guys at Nintendo sweat since they only have a limited offer going with the Wii's optional Opera browser.
Sony is offering the service free which includes connecting to the PS3's online network, using matchmaking services, voice chat and playing multiplayer games. The only cost element applies to MMORPGS and other games. Since Microsoft's Xbox Live is certainly not a free service, this move by Sony is bound to shake things up in the online gaming industry.
So where is Sony planning to make money on the PS3? Keen watchers of the tussle between the two giants say that Sony is banking on online transactions of the game and music content to rake in the profits. Unlike Xbox Live, gamers will not have the option to exchange points for games or rewards. For a pre-determined fee, gamers can purchase rewards from the PS3 online service. These purchases are funded from the Wallet that stores cash which each player has banked, using a web-based 'shopping cart' interface.
On offer here is not only regular stuff like new cars and tracks in new Gran Turismo games but game demos and digital music from Sony Connect.
Industry watchers wait at the edge of their seats to see what Microsoft's reaction to this move by Sony will be. In the meantime, predictions are already being made that Sony will definitely outsell Nintendo's Wii by the end of 2007.
