Playstation 3

The PlayStation 3 , officially abbreviated as PS3) is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles.

A major feature that distinguishes the PlayStation 3 from its predecessors is its unified online gaming service, the PlayStation Network, which contrasts with Sony's former policy of relying on video game developers for online play. Other major features of the console include its robust multimedia capabilities, connectivity with the PlayStation Portable, and its use of the Blu-ray Disc as its primary storage medium. The PS3 was also the first Blu-ray 2.0-compliant Blu-ray player on the market.

The PlayStation 3 was first released on November 11, 2006 in Japan, November 17, 2006 in North America, March 16, 2007 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and March 23, 2007 in mainland Europe and Oceania. Two stock-keeping units were available at launch: a basic model with a 20 GB hard disk drive (which was not released in Europe or Oceania) and a premium model with a 60 GB hard drive and several additional features. Since then several revisions have been made to the console's available models, most notably with the release of a new slim model in September 2009 to coincide with rebranding of the console and its logo.

In March 2011 the European Court of Justice sitting at The Hague issued an order, applying only to the Netherlands, for European customs officers to seize all shipments of the PlayStation 3 as part of an ongoing patent dispute between Sony and LG Corp., the latter claiming that Sony had infringed a number of patents relating to the playback of Blu-Ray discs. LG Corp. also filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission. The injunction was lifted on March 10, 2011, and LG was fined for its actions.

Coming to PlayStation Plus: SOCOM 4 Beta for free, Ricochet HD discount & Split Second full game trial

Hi everyone,

First off, we have a couple merchandise updates: the bonus offer PlayStation Plus subscribers get when they sign up for the 1 year package is ending on 3/29, so the next few weeks mark the last time you’ll be able to take advantage of this opportunity! Additionally, the previously announced full game trial for MAG is getting switched to a MAG demo for all PSN subscribers. The MAG demo comes down on March 29.

Second, we’d like to preview our upcoming publishes by calling out some of the free games, huge discounts and exciting exclusives coming your way over the next couple weeks.

Free Games
PlayStation Plus subscribers will get SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs Beta, along with the PlayStation Move Heroes full game trial for free in the March 22 publish.

Then on March 29, Plus subscribers will get Comet Crash and Vector TD for free! Take back your comet from the enemy in Comet Crash using build turrets, lasers, and a number of other units to obliterate your foes, or join up with a few friends in Co-op mode to fight together. Players can also go head-to-head in Versus mode and see who is worthy of conquering the massive Comet.

Huge Discounts
On March 29 you get Ricochet HD, the futuristic brick-breaking title, for a whopping 75% off the regular store price! Ricochet HD offers 150 levels of action, and the 10 unique planetary vistas are certainly easy on the eyes.

We’re also offering the classic PSone snowboarding title Cool Boarder 2 at a 50% discount starting on the 29th.
Starting on March 22, we’re offering a 20% discount on Swarm, but this offer will only last for two weeks.

Exciting Exclusives
For all the X-Men, Iron Man, and Street Fighter fans out there we’re offering Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds38 Avatars bundle exclusively to Plus subscribers on the 29th.

Were also offering Plus subscribers exclusive access to the full game trial for Split Second on the 29th. Navigate your way through explosions, plane crashes and building collapses as you race for money and fame.