Sony PlayStation 3 Site Launches in Japan

Three weeks ahead of the first public unveiling of its PlayStation 3 console, Sony Computer Entertainment has launched an official website for the new console.

The website, which is available in Japanese, is the first of an expected series of marketing efforts aimed at building hype between now and the Nov. 11 launch of the console in Japan. The spartan site includes a few images of the console and the basic specifications—all details that Sony has already made public—but little else at present.

Sony Headquarters

It is accompanied by a companion “concept site” that includes a video interview with Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of the hit GranTurismo racing game series, talking about the PlayStation 3. More videos are promised.

Another key moment for Sony in the launch buildup will be next month’s Tokyo Game Show, where visitors are being promised the chance to play 27 PlayStation 3 games. Sony hasn’t confirmed if they’ll be running on development hardware or the real consoles, but both should give visitors the chance to experience the real look and feel of the games.

Local media will likely feature the event prominently, and that should help Sony build anticipation for the new consoles. Shortages at launch are almost certain, but a big question that remains is how well the console will sell in the long term given its relatively expensive price tag of 59,800 yen (US$511).

-Martyn Williams, IDG News Service (Tokyo Bureau)

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