Says Blu-ray allowed Konami to deliver cutting edge graphics, more expansive gameplay and more surround sound.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots screenshot

Sony has told PlayStation fans that the recent raft of high profile releases, including Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, SingStar and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, is "only the beginning of an ongoing software avalanche for PS3".

In a post on the official US PlayStation blog, Scott Steinberg, VP of Product Marketing, pointed towards upcoming PS3 exclusives LittleBigPlanet, SOCOM: Confrontation, MotorStorm Pacific Rift and Resistance 2 as evidence of his claim.

He said: "With highly anticipated titles such as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Grand Theft Auto IV and SingStar and with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, this is only the beginning of an ongoing software avalanche for PS3 that includes titles such as LittleBigPlanet, SOCOM: Confrontation, MotorStorm Pacific Rift and Resistance 2 that only PS3 owners will be able to exclusively enjoy. We look forward to your feedback on Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots."

Steinberg added that the PS3's Blu-ray technology had allowed MGS4 developer Konami to deliver "more cutting-edge graphics, more expansive gameplay and more surround sound".

"Thanks to PS3's Blu-ray technology, this is the biggest Metal Gear Solid yet and sets a new benchmark in the gaming industry as the first PS3 game developed on a dual layer Blu-ray disc. This means the Konami team is able to deliver more cutting-edge graphics, more expansive gameplay and more surround sound. Add a DUALSHOCK 3 controller into the mix and you'll find yourself right in the middle of the action," he said.

Steinberg also encouraged US PS2 owners to upgrade to a PS3 by taking advantage of the MGS 4 PS3 bundle.

How do you feel about the PS3 in 2008? Are you a PS2 owner considering upgrading for MGS4? Let us know in the comments section below.