Let The Video Games Games Begin

(CBS/AP)  Sony Corp. has unveiled three flavors of its new PlayStation 3 video game machine in what is likely a new round of console wars with rivals Microsoft Corp. and Nintendo Co.

The new machine, set for release in the spring of 2006, is about the same size as the current generation PlayStation 2 but has a more rounded look. Besides black, the PS3 will be available in silver and white.

Sony officials said Monday the PS3's new processor technology — called Cell — will offer high performance for movie-like realism in games, high-definition movies and other features.

"The PS3 is truly is a system to be placed in the center of the living room," said Ken Kutaragi, creator of the original PlayStation console as well as the more recent PlayStation Portable handheld.

Prices or a specific lineup of games that will be available were not were not provided, though Sony showed off numerous demonstrations of games in development.

"At the end of the day, what matters is great game software that tells a story, engages players and keeps people coming back," said CBSNews.com Technology Analyst Larry Magid. "Sony already has the head start with its highly successful PS/2 line and has already lined up an impressive list of software companies to write titles for its new PlayStation."

The PS3 will use the Blu-ray disc format, capable of holding 50 gigabytes of information, which is about six times the capacity of existing DVDs, as well as slots for memory cards, a detachable hard drive and Bluetooth wireless for up to seven wireless controllers.

The PS3 also will be able to run the thousands of games available for the older PS2 and PS1, officials said.

Magid, who attended the demonstration, says watching Sony's PlayStation 3 is almost like watching a movie.

"The graphics processor in the new Sony PlayStation is pretty impressive," he said. "It rendered images during the game that looked almost as if they came from a movie studio."

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