PlayStation 3 Online Plans Revealed

Sony Computer Entertainment revealed the online features of the upcoming games console, PS3. As the console is set for launch on November 11 in Japan and November 17 in the U.S., it was about time that they revealed some further information.

Sony is trying to provide a wide array of PS3 online and network services, some of them for free. PS3 will have similar online features with the PSP, as the entry way into the PlayStation network is Xross Media Bar (XMB). The XMB is the basic PlayStation navigation system that covers all the areas of online entertainment, including networking, gaming and movies and music. Through XMB, PS3 owners will be able to browse the web, download games and gaming content, shop online, download music, and chat with other players.

Also, PS3 owners will have available an online store, where they can purchase games, download demos and game-related content. They will be able to create a PlayStation profile which will provide them the possibility of setting up an electronic wallet, which they can use to purchase content in the PlayStation store.

First party games will be available for download, and will cost less than US$ 15 at launch. Recently, Sony announced the official list of games that will be available with the launch of the PS3. The list includes games like Full Auto Battlelines, Madden NFL 07, Ridge Racer 7, Need for Speed Carbon and Call of Duty 3.