Sony launches PlayStation 3

Gaming in India will never be the same with Sony launching a high-tech and high-definition game console, reports Pritika Ghura.

Sony India announces the launch of PlayStation 3, a computer entertainment system on Thursday in the Capital. This next generation home entertainment gaming console provides high definition quality product which allows consumers to play games, watch movies and videos, listen to music and share photos. This game console also enables one to browse the Net and is 40 times faster than Play Station 2. Priced at Rs 39,990, it aims to tap the growing gaming industry in the country.

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Speaking on the occasion, Masaru Tamagawa, managing director of Sony India Pvt Ltd says, "The innovative PS3 system features power technologies and capabilities that have never been brought together in one system, including the Cell Broadband Engine, BD drive and online connectivity as standard features. The result is a breathtaking new interactive world to explore eye-popping multimedia functionality and a fully integrated online experience."

"Other features of Playstation 3 are new SIXAXIS wireless controller that allows gamers to physically turn, twist and bank their controllers to command the on-screen action and the Blue-ray Disc that provides a high definition gaming and movie experience and 50 GB of data capacity for video game developers to store content. This is five times higher than capacity of a DVD," says Tim Stokes, sales and marketing director of Sony India.

Though PS3 has been successfully launched in Europe, North America and Europe, the launch plan in India includes the 60 GB version and region-free gaming, a model slightly different from the one offered in Europe.

Strokes adds that Sony has to keep four things in mind when they launch a gaming console in India -- price, gaming content, investment and timing. "Seeing the boom in Indian economy, we have launched it at the same time when PS3 is being launched in other parts of the world."

As per the NASSCOM figures, the gaming industry in India is worth $45 million, which includes mobile and PC gaming. "It is expected to reach $425 million by 2010," says Jayant Sharma, chairman and CEO of Milestone Interactive Software Limited.