Sony announces launch titles, accessory prices

Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced the official launch window titles for the PS3. The list includes:

Resistance: Fall of Man
NBA 07
Genji: Days of the Blade
Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII
Call of Duty 3
EA Sports Fight Night Round 3
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
F.E.A.R.
Full Auto 2: Battlelines
Madden NFL 07
MARVEL:ULTIMATE ALLIANCE
Mobile Suit Gundam: CROSSFIRE
NBA 2K7
Need For Speed Carbon
NHL 2K7
RIDGE RACER 7
Sonic the Hedgehog
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
Tony Hawk's Project 8
Untold Legends Dark Kingdom

In addition to these game details, Sony confirmed that the PS3 will use the XMB interface that is already used by the PSP. It also announced the PlayStation Store, which will offer online, downloadable content such as game demos, game-related content and downloadable casual games, which will be available for under $15 at launch. The first half-million PlayStation 3 consoles will also ship with a Blu-Ray copy of "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," which stars Will Farrell.

Finally, Sony announced the official accessories for the PS3. Additional Wireless Controller (SIXAXIS) will be $49.99, the Memory Card Adaptor for transferring game save information from PlayStation and PlayStation 2 Memory Cards onto the HDD of PS3 will sell for $14.99, and a BD Remote was also announced that will be available following launch for $24.99.

From the release:

In addition to a wide array of software titles, SCEA today also unveiled the online and network services provided through PS3, which will offer distinctive benefits to consumers and developers alike. Consumers will be able to enjoy a wide array of PS3 network capabilities, with basic features offered absolutely free from day one. Developers will benefit from the open platform policy of SCEA, which will allow them more freedom and creativity in the development of their games and online/network services. The end result will be more than just a place to play games, but a rich online environment with strong community aspects as distinctive as the titles themselves.

The entry way into PLAYSTATION Network is XMB(TM) (Xross Media Bar), which is the navigation system that enables a complete suite of entertainment experiences in three key areas: gaming; network and web connectivity; and other entertainment contents such as movies and music. The intuitive XMB interface, which is already featured on more than 20 million PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) shipped worldwide, allows PS3 users to experience multiplayer games across the network; communicate with other players via chat, voice or video; browse the web; download gaming content; store/view pictures and video; download and listen to music; and shop online.

Through the online PLAYSTATION(R) Store, consumers can find such items as game demos, game-related content and downloadable casual games, including titles developed by Sony Computer Entertainment World Wide Studios exclusively for download and play only on PS3, such as Blast Factor. Once users create a unique, secure PlayStation profile, they cannot only communicate with other PS3 users, they can also utilize an electronic wallet to purchase content in the PLAYSTATION Store. Downloadable first party games will cost less than $15 at launch. More content will be added on a regular basis.

Peripherals to Accompany Comprehensive PS3 Package

PS3 is an incredible value for the consumer and comes standard with advanced technologies, such as the Cell Broadband Engine(TM), built-in BD player, internal hard disk drive (HDD), HDMI output standard*, Wireless Controller (SIXAXIS(TM)) and network capability -- everything required to start enjoying the PS3 right out of the box. SCEA offers a 20GB HDD PS3 system for $499 and a 60GB HDD unit for $599, which includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity (60GB HDD model only). To further highlight the power of PS3's BD player, the Company also announced today that packed in with the first half million PS3 systems shipped in North America will be one of this summer's biggest blockbuster hits from Sony Pictures Entertainment, "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," starring Will Farrell. "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" will be sold separately in stores nationwide beginning December 12, 2006.

"As the industry leader, SCEA has always offered comprehensive entertainment systems that stand the test of time," said Kaz Hirai. "The PS3 system features technologies that are truly next-generation. With so much packed into our system, we're confident that the PS3 will be just as 'future-proof' as our other PlayStation products, allowing consumers to enjoy a myriad of digital entertainment content for many years to come."

Beyond the standard PS3 system package, SCEA also announced today the roster of peripherals that will accompany the arrival of PS3. The peripherals that will be available in North America on day one will include separately sold Wireless Controller (SIXAXIS), available for $49.99, a Memory Card Adaptor for transferring game save information from PlayStation(R) and PlayStation(R)2 Memory Cards onto the HDD of PS3 for $14.99, and coming soon, a BD Remote Control for $24.99.

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