PlayStation 3 India Release takes off in Delhi

Gaming! Gaming! And some more Gaming! This seems to be the mantra of the Indian youth lately. And hitting the right nerve of the gamers in the country, are the big console makers. 2006 saw the launch of the next-gen Xbox 360 and now its Sony’s PlayStation 3.

On Thursday, Sony India unveiled the PlayStation 3 (PS3) gaming console in the country. In addition, Sony India also launched PS3 hardware, a software line up of over 12 first- and third-party titles. The launch kicked off at the ‘InterContinental The Grand’ hotel at Connaught Place, Delhi.

The 60 GB version of the PS3, boasts of High Definition (1080p) next-generation gaming and movie experience as it includes the Blu-ray Disc (BD) drive, integrated Wi-Fi adapter and multiple memory card slots.

It is powered by the Cell Broadband Engine and has the new SIXAXIS wireless controller that lets gamers to physically turn, twist, and bank their controllers to command the on-screen action.

Tim Stokes, Sales & Marketing Director, SCEE explains, “We’re thrilled that we are able to bring PS3 to gaming fans in India after the successful launches in Japan, North America and Europe. With the incredible technology and value packed into PS3, we have seen a rapid adoption of the system around the world, and we expect also see similar results in the booming Indian market.”

Masaru Tamagawa, MD, Sony India says, “With today’s launch of PS3, we are officially ushering in a new era in true next-generation entertainment across India. The innovative PS3™ system features powerful technologies and capabilities that have never been brought together in one system, including the Cell Broadband Engine, BD drive, HDD and online connectivity as standard features. The results are breathtaking new interactive worlds to explore, astonishing multimedia functionality, and a fully integrated online experience – all in high-definition clarity. The value we are providing consumers with PS3 is beyond compare.”

Currently, around twelve games will be available for the PS3. The price of each title is Rs. 2799. They are:

“We are delighted to support the launch of the PlayStation 3 in India with a strong line-up of EA games that are latest and most powerful in terms of gameplay. We will continue to show our commitment to the interactive gaming market in India by launching more PlayStation 3 games during the rest of the year,” says Ajay Khanna, General Manager, Electronic Arts, India.

Jayant Sharma, CEO, Milestone Interactive, India, the authorized distribution partner of EA’s PlayStation 3 titles said, “We are very excited with the support that EA is providing to the PlayStation3 launch in India. And we are sure that their titles will accelerate the growth of the PlayStation console format in India. EA’s PlayStation 3 titles will retail at an MRP of Rs. 2799 and will available at all major retail stores across the country,” says.

The PS3 also has an HDMI output that supports Full-HD resolution up to 1080p for games and movies.

Sony has put a price tag of Rs.39,990 on the PS3 in India. If you are planning to buy an additional SIXAXIS wireless controller, you will have to shell out Rs, 2,990. Gamers can also purchase the Blu-ray Remote Control and HDMI Cable, both of which cost Rs. 1,990.

So the console war in India has begun. Will it be Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PS3 or perhaps the Nintendo Wii (if launched here, ofcourse), who will attain the numero uno spot in the battle of the consoles.