The 80GB PlayStation^®3 system was available in North America (U.S. and Canada) in August 2008.

The 160GB PlayStation^®3 system was available in North America (U.S. and Canada) in November 2008.

The 160GB PS3™ system model has a 160GB hard disk drive (HDD). This is twice the capacity of the 80GB PS3™ system model. Both the 80GB and 160GB PS3™ system models come standard with Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.), Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) player, built-in HDD, 1080p high-definition output, Wi-Fi connectivity, two USB ports and the DUALSHOCK^®3 wireless controller.

You can connect a high-speed, USB-certified hub*.
*Commercially available high-speed, USB-certified hubs sold separately.

The Cell Broadband Engine is the digital soul behind the PlayStation^®3 system. Years in the making, engineers from Sony, SCEI, IBM, and Toshiba have developed an advanced microprocessor unlike any other. The Cell Broadband Engine has up to eight Synergistic Processor Units (SPUs) or "cores" to help balance the processor workload thus making it more powerful and more efficient than traditional "single-core" processors. Breakthroughs in fidelity, believability, and hyper-reality enabled by the raw power of the Cell Broadband Engine processor provide limitless experiences.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface* (HDMI) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, an A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor such as a digital television.
*HDMI cable not included. Additional equipment may be required to use the HDMI connector.

The SIXAXIS™ motion-sensing system found in the PlayStation^®3 allows users to maneuver the controller as a natural extension of their bodies. With this system, sensors read when a player angles, tilts, thrusts, or pulls the controller, all in real-time and with high precision. The SIXAXIS technology is found in both the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller and the DUALSHOCK^®3 wireless controller.

The PlayStation^®3 hard disk drive is removable and upgradeable. You can upgrade the hard drive by removing it and replacing it with a larger-capacity drive.
Find out more in the Knowledge Center.

With Blu-ray Disc, the PlayStation^®3 system offers game developers unprecedented power to express their creativity and a larger canvas to create a level of interaction, sophistication, and reality that has never existed in gaming. As a result, consumers can experience a whole new generation of high-definition gaming.

System Software Update 3.50 enables the PlayStation^®3 system to play 3D Blu-ray™ movies in 1080p.

Stereoscopic 3D is the future of gaming. In the coming months, we’ll be releasing immersive 3D games like Eyepet, The Fight: Lights Out, Gran Turismo 5, MotorStorm: Apocalypse, Killzone 3, and the Sly Collection, with many more titles in the future.
In addition, 3^rd party publishers will be including stereoscopic 3D in PlayStation^®3 games like Mortal Kombat Fatality, Tron Evolution, Shaun White Skateboarding, NBA 2K11 and Crysis 2.

The following games and demos are already available in stereoscopic 3D through the PlayStation^® Store:

• WipEout HD
• Super Stardust HD
• PAIN
• MotorStorm Pacific Rift (demo)

To perceive a 2D image in 3D, a few things have to happen. The image needs to be shown simultaneously from two slightly different angles. Each eye is required to process only one set of images, therefore a filter typically in the form of glasses needs to be used to create the proper effect. Our brain combines the images from both angles to create depth perception which we know as the 3D effect.

Most new 3D televisions utilize 3D Active Glasses and a high-speed television display to generate the 3D effect. 3D active glasses use shutters on the lenses which open and close alternating left- and right-eye images to deliver the most immersive 3D experience imaginable. Put on 3D Active Glasses and watch as images leap right into your living room. And since each frame you see is shown in HD resolution, the 3D action comes alive with razor-sharp detail.

Once you put a Blu-ray™ game or movie in your PS3™, you can access 3D content through the XMB menu like any other game or movie. 3D can be turned on or off from the disc’s menu. Remember to turn on 3D viewing on your TV as well.

Sony offers great options for 3D televisions in their BRAVIA line, but stereoscopic 3D gaming on the PS3™ will work with most manufacturers’ televisions.

Certain 3D HDTVs manufactured prior to 2010 use a unique method of processing the 3D signal that is incompatible with the current 3D Blu-ray™ technology. These manufacturers may offer a converter box to address this issue. Please consult your TV owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for more information.

You must have a 3D capable TV to enjoy games in stereoscopic 3D. However all PS3™ games will still play on your television with the same excellent HD image quality you’ve come to expect.

Stereoscopic 3D gaming is the ultimate visual gaming experience. But all stereoscopic 3D games for PS3™ come with an option to play it in 2D mode on a regular television. In either case, you can expect the same excellent HD image quality you’ve always known.

This will depend on the game and the publisher. Many publishers may provide a free downloadable patch which will enable the 3D content.

Some publishers release games in 3D that use an old technology that does not require a 3D HDTV. This technology typically requires users to wear glasses with two different color lenses to generate the 3D effect. Publishers often include these cardboard 3D glasses with their games. Upon comparison, these games do not look as good as games designed to take advantage of 3D games which require 3D active glasses. Games designed for the best 3D experience on the PS3™ system will have this logo on the box front:

In order to create the most immersive visual experience, titles are presented in 720p resolution at 60 fps.

You’ll need to use active shutter glasses compatible with your 3D HDTV system. Consult your 3D HDTV owner’s manual or manufacturer’s web resource for guidance.

For the best viewing experience, we recommend a High Speed HDMI cable capable of handling 10.2 Gbps. However, your current HDMI cable may be able to handle a 3D signal.