Sony Playstation 3 (40 GB) Console

The long awaited PlayStation 3 is finally available in all stores and prices are steadily decreasing.

I bought the PS3 as an upgrade to my previous consoles (The PS2 and Nintendo Wii). Being a heavy gamer, having the latest and most popular games console is a must.

I didn't buy it just because of it's looks. I bought it because of the wide features on the PS3... it allows me to connect my PSP to it and browse my files. Anyone that has used or owned a PSP will be able to navigate around the GUI with ease. The web browser is really quick and it allows you to connect to the Internet using WIFI or the internal Ethernet connection. It is ready to use out of the box with the ability to choose an alternative language upon first startup. There are regular firmware updates that add features or improve existing features.

Another great feature of the PS3 is that it allows the user to install "Other OS" so you can install various flavors of Linux on it. Making the console more than just a media center.

When I first started using this console with the standard RGB cable. The quality of the pixels looked very grainy. But when I had bought a 1080p HDMI cable and had it connected to my HD LCD TV. The difference was greatly noticeable by the level of colour and the sharpness of the gameplay.

What I like about the PS3 is that the online service is completely free, so you can be up and running straight away and not worry about renewing your subscription every month. I downloaded the Gran Turismo HD and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Demo from the Online Network and when I was done with them I simply removed it from the hard disk. The PS3 has a unique download manager, that allows you to download multiple games from the Sony online network and whilst you are waiting for the download to complete you can still play any other game from disc or already pre-installed on your hard drive, and when the download has completed a small pop up message appears to let you know it has been done so you can go back to the menu and run the game. This means you can still use your PS3 even though it is busy with another task. This is the advantage of the Cell CPU.

The PS3 uses a 2.5" SATA Hard Disk and it is easily removable, meaning you can change your existing 40GB hard disk and have it fitted with a massive 250GB if you have the extra cash. The maximum the X-Box 360 Elite can handle is 120GB and it is not as easily expandable since it needs to be official X-Box hardware, whereas the PS3 does not. If you install Linux it will only use 10GB of the hard disk.

The PS3, like the XBOX 360 uses wireless controllers and uses the USB port to recharge the controllers. I was surprised by how long the battery lasted on my controller, perhaps because it is new. The rechargeable battery is integrated into the controller, even though it seems so light. Therefore it does not need to be bought separately like the Nintendo Wii and 360.

I honestly believe this console is here to stay for at least another 5-7 years because of what it is capable of. If anything £299 is more than reasonable for what you get for your money. If you have a HDTV, you will be able to use it to it's full potential. If you have a standard TV, it may feel to you like your Playing on a PS2 and you will be limiting your experience.

There is so much more I want to say... But I'll leave it to you to discover them when you have bought it :D.

This is an honest review, no fanboys.