PlayStation 3 revealed and due in Spring 2006

Sony has finally revealed details on its next console. The PlayStation 3 will ship in Spring 2006 (we don’t have a date yet) and looks to be a pretty powerful machine.

• 3.2 GHz Cell processor
• 256 MB XDR RAM at 3.2 GHz
• 256 MB GDDR VRAM at 700 MHz
• Detachable hard disk (2.5 inch)
• Support for up to seven Bluetooth controllers
• Six USB ports
• Blue-Ray drive

The GPU (The RSX “reality synthesiser”) is based on Nvidia technology and will be capable of 1080p HD resolution.

• 100 Billion shader operations per second
• 300 + million transistors
• More powerful than 2 Geforce 6800 Ultras

The curved top of the console seems to be an odd choice, considering that many people have moaned about the problems the original Xbox had with regard to stacking and fitting in with other entertainment devices. When comparing the system to the Xbox 360 the two systems appear to be pretty similar. The Cell chip is a pretty untested technology, but if Sony are to believed the PlayStation 3 should be considerably more powerful than the Xbox 360 – but they would say that.

One interesting revelation is the newly designed controller. People had expected the PlayStation 3 controller to remain pretty similar to the Dual Shock 2, but it has taken on a rather strange shape. I can’t say it looks all that comfortable, but we’ll just have to wait until we get our hands on it to find out.

We’ll bring you any more news as soon as we hear anything more on the PlayStation 3. Check out the images of the console below.