No doubt, every new video game console launch is a fascinating event for all gamers. More than six years after the PlayStation2™ launch in Japan, it's finally been time for Sony's next generation console to hit the market. The PlayStation3™ has officially been launched in Japan today, Saturday November 11th, 2006.
Highly praised by its makers, the PlayStation3™ now finally has to prove its true power and acceptance in the market. Despite its relatively high price compared to the Xbox360™ and yet to be launched Nintendo™ Wii, there has been a big rush on the console in Japan. With only 80,000 consoles expected to be available in the market today, thousands of video game enthusiasts have been lined up hours before stores were expected to open this morning at 7am local time.
We have compiled an overview of today's PlayStation3™ launch lineup, along with further information, including shipping schedule details, region compatibilities, image galleries and more.
Launch Lineup - 5 Japanese PlayStation3™ games in stock today
Today's launch date line up includes the two console models (20G/60G), two first party, a number of Hori/Logitech licensed accessories and finally five game releases.
The PlayStation3™ uses the same Multi AV out as the PS One™ and PlayStation2™, which makes PlayStation2™ compatible Component, S-Video and other leads compatible with the PS3™ as well. Check out our full range of
PlayStation3™ compatible cables.
Also don't forget, the PlayStation3™ plays Blu-Ray movies. We are carrying a variety of
Japanese Version Blu-Ray Movies.
Play-Asia.com Shipping Schedule - FREE PS2™ Games with every PS3™ Console
Almost every customer with a confirmed PlayStation3™ console preorder is expected to receive a shipping confirmation e-mail today, remaining orders will ship on Monday. We further have limited supply of the
20GB Model in stock to ship within 24 hours. Supply on the more demanded
60GB Model is tighter and new orders for this model are currently estimated to be processed within 1-5 working days.
If you want a PS3™ console so be shipped right away, we recommend you to order the smaller 20GB model.
The
PS3 Memory Card Adapter has not come in yet due to insufficient supply in the market. We hope to receive a shipment next week, along with more
PS3 Wireless Controllers, which are also sold out at the moment. All as of now confirmed PS3™ console orders that contain either of these two accessories will be split shipped to avoid delays.
There's no shortage on PlayStation3™ software for the time being, all five launch titles are stocked at Play-Asia.com to be shipped within usually 24 hours.
Last but not least, for a limited period of time and as long as supplies last, Play-Asia.com will include two
FREE Asia/Japanese version PlayStation2™ games of our choice with every PlayStation3™ console purchase (20GB/60GB Model).
PlayStation3™ Region Compatibility
Each PlayStation3™ Console has been designed to play back PlayStation3™, PlayStation2™ and PlayStation™ software as well as Blu-Ray and DVD Movie discs. Territorial lockout exists on most of these formats. Based on our information gathered so far, every PlayStation3™ game released so far appears to be region free. However we will try to reconfirm this during next week when the first US PS3™ consoles and games are available.
Japanese PlayStation3™ Console Region Encoding:
| PlayStation3™ Software | region free* |
| PlayStation2™ Software | NTSC/J only |
| PlayStation™ Software | NTSC/J only |
| Blu-Ray Movies | Region A (Japan/USA/Asia) |
| DVD Movies | Region 2 (Japan/Europe) |
*Update: Based on our tests so far, all PlayStation3™ games appear to be region free.
Image Gallery & Videos
Video Downloads (use right mouse click / save as for downloading)
Resistance: Fall of Man Loading (0:53)
Resistance: Fall of Man Ingame (1:48)
Resistance: Fall of Man Options (0:17)
Ridge Racer 7 Loading (0:53)
Ridge Racer 7 Menus (0:33)
Ridge Racer 7 Game Starting (1:12)
PlayStation3™ Image Gallery
Assorted Images from the launch in Japan today (Source: Famitsu)
