The PlayStation 3 launched in the US and Japan in November, 2006, but it's only now--four long months later--that Sony's next-generation console is hitting Australian (and European) shores. And whilst some of the recent news coming from Sony hasn't been all positive, there's no denying that many Australian gamers are pumped that the last entrant in the next-generation console race is finally here to take on the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
If you're an Aussie PlayStation fan, you've probably spent the last few months obsessing over every snippet of PS3 news you could find. You're probably up on the console's impressive tech specs, read all about how it compares to its next-gen competitors, and maybe even ranted with GameSpot editors on what Sony needs to do to improve the PS3's long-term chances. So instead of rehashing what you already know, the crew here at GameSpot AU has focused solely on Aussie-specific questions in this special PS3 profile. Want to know the ins and outs of the Aussie PS3 offering? Read on to find out the essentials.
How much does the PlayStation 3 cost in Australia, and are we paying more than the rest of the world?
While the US and Japan got their choice of either the 20GB or 60GB model of the PlayStation 3, us Aussies are only being offered the 60GB version, which will retail for A$999.95. Australian retail PS3s will come with the 60GB console (including the built-in Wi-Fi and memory card slots, which the overseas 20GB model does not have), one Sixaxis controller and USB recharge cable, a composite cable, an Ethernet cable, and an AC power cord. No game or movie demos come preloaded on the console, although Sony is offering a free copy of the Blu-ray version of Casino Royale to the first 20,000 Aussies who sign up for the PlayStation Network.
In terms of pricing, the console is cheaper in the US, with the equivalent 60GB model costing $599, or approximately A$753 in Australian money. However, gamers in the UK (who share the same launch date as we do) have to pay 425 pounds, or approximately A$1,038. The folks over in New Zealand have to pay NZ$1,199.95 (A$1,051), while Europe has to shell out 599 euros (A$1,002). Bottom line: Australians are paying more than Americans but less than many other countries.
What about the 20GB PS3? How come we Aussies aren't getting that version?
Australia was originally going to receive the 20GB version, and it was priced at A$829.95. Sony Computer Entertainment had a change of heart it would seem, as it decided not to bring in the lower-end model after the company pushed back the Australian and European release dates from November, 2006, to March, 2007.
According to Sony Computer Entertainment Australia managing director Michael Ephraim, the company dropped plans to bring the 20GB model into Australia following its experiences in the US, where the top-end 60GB model made up 97 percent of all PS3 sales. Ephraim isn't against the idea of eventually bringing the 20GB model into Australia, however. "We will look at the demand and the need for a 20GB SKU, but everything is telling us--including consumers talking to retailers via preorders--that everyone wants the top-end SKU because it has all the functionality," he said.
Is there any difference between the Aussie PS3 and international models?
Aussie and European PS3s are, for the most part, identical to US and Japanese versions--you can check out the Australia-specific details here. The biggest difference--and one that has caused a great amount of hostility so far--is that the Australian/European PS3 will have limited backward compatibility with PlayStation 2 games compared to the US model.
We've covered this in great detail before--check out our extensive feature canvassing GameSpot editors' reactions. In brief, the lack of the PS2's Emotion Engine chip in the PS3 means PS2 games have to be emulated via software (most PS1 games should work). Sony has said that 1,782 out of 2,451 PS2 games will be backwards compatible at launch, but Aussie gamers will need to download the latest firmware version for the PS3--version 1.6--to get the software emulation. Australian PS3s will come with firmware version 1.5 pre-loaded. The 1.6 upgrade is due for release on March 23--the same day as the PS3's Australian/European launch. Sony has set up a Web site where gamers can check which PS2 games will be compatible. Unfortunately, it looks like not all the backwards compatible games will work bug-free on the PS3. On its website, Sony has given each game a rating of between one and three--three bars means the game works perfectly, two means it works with minor issues, and one means it plays but with "noticeable" issues.
So the firmware upgrade is a requirement for Aussie PS3s? What if I don't have an Internet connection to download it?
If you want to be able to play PS2 games, then you'll definitely need that firmware upgrade. In addition to backward compatibility, firmware update version 1.6 will include other improvements and additions to the PS3's underlying system, including a new download manager tab, an onscreen QWERTY keyboard, better Bluetooth support, and more.
If you are unable (or unwilling) to connect your PS3 online, then the firmware update will be made available on Sony's official PS3 site for download to disc or memory cards.
OK, how about PS3 games? How much will those cost?
Sony first-party titles such as Resistance: Fall of Man, Genji: Days of the Blade, MotorStorm, and more will retail for A$99.95. Third-party titles will sell for as much as A$119.95. In the US, PS3 games normally retail for $59.99, or approximately A$75.
Sony says about 30 games--which include full games and PSN downloadable ones--will be available during the console's launch period in Australia.
And how about PlayStation Network games? How much will they cost?
The PlayStation Store will have at least 29 demos, trailers, and video downloads come Friday, March 23. In addition to free demo levels of MotorStorm, Genji: Days of the Blade, Ridge Racer 7, and Gran Turismo HD, the Australian store will feature downloadable games such as Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (A$16.95), Blast Factor (A$8.45), GripShift (A$8.85), and Lemmings (A$13.37). Most other games will be available for between A$5 and A$20.
Can I play PS3 games from overseas?
There are no region locks for PS3 games at this stage, so anything you buy from overseas (from the US, for example) should work with an Australian PS3. PS2 and PS games will still be region locked, however, so don't think you can get away with buying that US version of God of War II and play it on your Aussie PS3.
What about Blu-ray and DVD movies? Are they also region locked?
Unfortunately, yes. Aussies won't be able to play international Blu-ray or DVD movies. Remember, for DVD, you'll need to get Region 4-encoded discs. For Blu-ray, Australia is Region B.
What first-party accessories will be available in Australia on launch day?
Locally, Sony has confirmed that extra Sixaxis controllers (A$79.95), a Blu-ray disc remote control (A$49.95), a component AV cable (A$39.95), and an S-Video cable (A$29.95) will be the available first-party accessories on launch day. No word yet on when other accessories already available in the US--such as the memory card adaptor for PS2/PS cards--will reach our shores.
GameSpot Australia will have updates on hardware, games, compatibility, and other PlayStation 3 launch-related issues as soon as they become available. As mentioned, the PS3 hardware is scheduled for launch on March 23.
How successful do you think the PlayStation 3 will be in Australia? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts.
The PS3 in Profile: An Aussie Guide
The months of waiting for Aussie PlayStation fans is finally over this week, with the PlayStation 3 hitting shops Down Under on March 23. So what can local gamers expect from Sony's latest console?
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