[Hatebreed]

PS3’s European Launch to Reignite the Battle of Gaming Consoles?

In total, Microsoft has sold 5.1 million of its consoles, while both Nintendo and Sony have yet to reach the 2-million mark for either of their gaming machines.

The markets Sony is ready to be launched on March 23 are vast enough to absorb the millions of Play Station 3 consoles, provided Sony doesn’t face production difficulties once more.

Also, European gamers may have another reason to buy a PS3. At GDC 2007, Sony has announced a customizable, networked community service for the console, in which users will be able to navigate in 3D while being represented by avatars. It is the first practical step of a new gaming concept Sony calls Game 3.0, together with LittleBigPlanet, a community-based game where users play, create and share what they build.

Sony's 'Home' for PS3 users appears to be a mix of SecondLife and Nintendo's Mii. However, the avatars don't look like cartoon figures. They are very customizable and designed to look like real life humans. Fortunately, you get some free clothes when you start out, so your avatar doesn't have to run around naked. If you want to be more chic, just buy a few clothes online. Players can communicate via voice, text chat (supported by a USB keyboard or a virtual keyboard) and through canned speech and gesture. The environment looks like a luxury resort.

The first (closed) beta testing phase will take place from April to August, and will host around 15,000 users. The next (open) beta will allow for some 50,000 users, and will continue from August until October - when the Home service is planned to go live.

As you can see, Sony has every chance of regaining its lost position as long as the European launch proceeds well. If it doesn’t…the battle of the consoles could very well be a battle between Microsoft and Nintendo.

- Playfuls