14 DAY TRIAL // With the PlayStation 3 Slim released on September 1, a lot of videogame fanatics are already wondering what Sony is planning next in its bid to get a 10-year life cycle for its console and to at least wrestle second spot from Microsoft's Xbox 360 for this generation. A few bits and pieces of information seem to be pointing to Sony preparing to move to full 3D gaming at some point in the final part of 2010.
This year, the company showed some games that are already out, like MotorStorm and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue running in full 3D at the Consumer Electronics Show but that demo was conducted with the help of special glasses, like those that are being used in cinemas around the world. Apparently, the limitations were not with the gaming console but with the display.
And now Sony has announced that its consumer division plans to launch the first HDTV supporting full 3D gaming in 2010, although no clear period was indicated. CNET got a representative to state that a Bravia line TV, which is fully compatible with the 3D output from the PlayStation 3 Slim, could be in full production by the end of 2010.
It appears that the technology needed for the 3D can be built into the TV or will be somehow connected to the link between the Sony console and the TV, which could become proprietary and exclusive to the company. This would mean that all new titles could be played in 3D with minimal adjustments from the developers.
At the moment, the PlayStation 3 Slim is selling like hotcakes and will probably offer Sony a lead in September over the Xbox 360 and maybe even over the Nintendo Wii. The move to 3D is designed by Sony as a way to conserve momentum, along with the motion tracking wand set to come in early 2010.