Sony to launch PlayStation 3 in November

Sony has finally released launch details for the PlayStation 3, its delayed next generation console. The new console will debut in November and will come in two varieties, one with a 20 gigabyte hard drive for $499 and another with a 60 gigabyte hard drive for $599, making even the cheapest option around $100 more expensive than Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Microsoft has gained ground on Sony, the current market leader, with the Xbox 360, selling over three million units since November 2005. Indeed Microsoft could end up with head-start of around 10 million units before Sony’s console comes to market.

Sony executives at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) game convention unveiled a new wireless movement-sensitive controller that sets it apart from the Xbox 360 and the Wii free-hand controller from Nintendo. Sony’s CEO Kaz Hirai also highlighted the PS3’s allegedly superior computing power, with a microprocessor dubbed the Cell jointly developed by Sony and IBM.

The PS3 will also provide access to online services, with additional content, voice messaging, and a marketplace featuring Sony music available for download. Unlike Microsoft’s Xbox 360, which offers a similar online service, the PS3 version will be free.

Sony has sold over 101 million PlayStation 2 units, compared with 24 million Microsoft Xbox units and 21 million Nintendo GameCube units.

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