OxfordPress.com

PS3 is like the Xbox 360, but with free online play

ATLANTA — Even Santa may have trouble finding Sony's latest bundle of video gaming joy — the long-awaited PlayStation3 — which hits store shelves Friday. This next-generation console has already created a frenzy among gamers, who've snatched up preorders online and at local stores.

But is the PlayStation 3 worth all the hype? Here's what you need to know about the system:

What is it?

A "next-generation" console that promises games worthy of the latest high-definition televisions. The PS3 is available in two versions, a $499 base unit and a deluxe $599 version — guess which one your kids will want? — both of which feature a Bluetooth controller, a Blu-Ray disk drive and standard Ethernet port. For the first time, PlayStation also has a hard drive, 20 gigabytes in the base version vs. 60 gigabytes in the deluxe unit.

The more expensive model has built-in wireless capability, meaning it will work seamlessly with most home networks, allowing users to transfer music or photos onto the PS3 hard drive.

Why does your kid want it?

The PS3 features eight processors. A typical home computer has only one. Once developers get up to speed on spreading the workload among these processors, the realism in PS3 games will be unrivaled. Games scheduled for release in the next few months are expected to even more fully utilize the PS3's hardware.

— It's a long-term investment. Sony spokesman Al De Leon says the company plans to support the PS2 for 10 years, which bodes well for those investing hundreds of dollars into the PS3.

— Higher-resolution games. The PS3's best resolution is 1080p (progressive scan) compared to 1080i (interlaced) for the Xbox. Sports and other motion-sensitive content — like video games — appear smoother on a progressive scan monitor. While playing on a 1080p HDTV set with HDMI inputs is the optimal PS3 gaming experience, the console will support normal TV, 720p and 1080i resolutions. (An HDMI cable is not currently available for the PS3.)

— The wireless motion-sensor controller promises new levels of interactivity. Instead of pressing a button to escape an enemy's grasp during game play, players simply shake the controller. However, the PS3 version lacks a vibration feature available in Xbox 360 and Playstation2 controllers.

— Free online play. Sony promises an online experience similar to that of Xbox Live, Microsoft's immensely popular game subscription service — without the $59.99 annual fee.

— Plenty of games are available for the system. Along with seven titles unique to the PS3, there are 21 games available on the launch day, with a $59.99 suggested retail price. First-person-shooter "Resistance: Fall of Man" is regarded as the standard-bearer for Sony's new system. Sports games include "NBA Live 07" and "Fight Night Round 3." The Xbox 360 launched with 18 games.

— Backwards compatibility: All original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 discs should work on the new system, while most original Xbox games do not work on the Xbox 360.

— Blu-Ray DVD drive plays high-definition movies. Blu-Ray players currently sell for about $1,000, making the PlayStation3 a comparative bargain. The first 500,000 PS3 units will ship with the Blu-Ray DVD version of the Will Ferrell comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." Blu-Ray discs can hold five times the data as traditional DVDs, making it possible to store movie collections (or massive games) on one disc. Compatible with traditional DVDs and audio CDs, Blu-Ray drives can quickly rip CDs to MP3s using built-in software.

— Four USB ports that can be used for peripherals such as a keyboard or mouse.

— Built-in Web browser.

Are there any competing systems?

Microsoft's Xbox 360 debuted last November and has similar capabilities. The 360 also comes in two versions, a base model without a hard drive ($299), and a deluxe version with a 20GB hard drive ($399). The base system plays normal DVDs; a separate hi-def DVD player sells for $199.

The $250 Nintendo Wii, scheduled for release on Sunday, is a far different beast than the more powerful "next-generation" consoles from Sony and Microsoft. However, it will feature a motion-sensing controller. Bolstered by Nintendo's solid stable of kid-friendly games, the Wii will appeal to younger gamers. It will offer 32 games by the end of the year, including "Legend of Zelda," according to Nintendo.

What's the verdict on PS3?

The biggest factor for hardcore gamers will be the free online play and the backward compatability of the PS3. The base console will suffice for those who aren't worried about using the console for music, photos or other media.

What's in the box?

Both versions of the PS3 contain the following:

— PS3 hardware

— 1 wireless controller

— 1 USB cable (for recharging the wireless controller)

— 1 composite audio-visual cable

— 1 Ethernet cable

— 1 power cable

George Mathis writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.