Sony has formally announced plans to bring true 3D gaming to the PlayStation 3.
Five advantages of the PS3 over, presumably, the Xbox 360
Source: Kotaku
In a presentation designed to outline the “five key advantages of PlayStation 3”, Sony stated: “All PS3 units will be firmware upgradeable to 3D.” The company also promised to “release 3D games”.
Sony has spoken about taking the PS3 3D before, even demoing a PS3 running 3D versions Gran Turismo Prologue and MotorStorm at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) back in January 2009. But this is thought to be the first time that the electronics giant has officially promised that the console will go 3D.
Rollout of “3D Gaming on PlayStation 3” will start next year, Sony’s presentation slides revealed.
Will PS3’s appear in cinemas?
Beyond the PlayStation, Sony will support broadcasters begin transmitting live events in 3D, while also persuading more cinemas to adopt digital projection equipment fitted with 3D kit. ®
The big fuss at CES this year is 3D HDTV technology. By wearing 3D glasses — yes, like these — while watching special 3D HDTVs, viewers experience a 3D pop-out effect. At Sony’s booth, it’s even running PlayStation 3 software, like MotorStorm and Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, in 3D. At this point, it’s all just for show. Sony has no official plans to release updated 3D versions of these games. But CES attendees have been rather impressed with the tech demos. IGN editor Chris Roper even wrote a short editorial on the topic, pondering whether or not Sony’s next console, PlayStation 4, could or should utilize the new 3D technology.
Releasing the PlayStation 4 with full-on 3D viewing capabilities would be a game-changing move, especially if the next Xbox and Nintendo systems don’t follow suit. As mentioned, it apparently sounds amazing, which is obviously a good thing for Sony fans. But it would also give the PS4 that same sort of nifty catch that has gotten so many people to buy a Wii. Wiggling joysticks around is nothing compared to seeing objects jump out of the screen.
At this point, I’d be willing to throw down $20 (I’m not a rich man) that the PlayStation 4 will be primarily a 3D viewing system. I’ll honestly be somewhat disappointed if it’s not. — Chris Roper, IGN
