The PS3 Was Released On This Day 17 Years Ago

Expert Verified By

The Most Underrated PlayStation Console?

Story Highlights
  • The PS3 turns 17 today.
  • It introduced features like support for Blu-ray Discs and PSN.
  • The console took some to get started, eventually selling over 87.4 million.

Just five years after the iconic PS2 was released, Sony announced the PS3 in 2005. As one of the first seventh-generation consoles, the PS3 had the task of following up on Sony’s best-selling console.

The gaming giant introduced new additions like Blu-ray disc support and the PlayStation Network for online connectivity with this console, introducing millions to a new age of gaming.

The PS3 celebrates its 17th anniversary today, and it is still quite relevant for millions of fans.

Why it matters: This console taught Sony various crucial lessons. Its initial failure motivated the company to pursue a strong start with the PS4, eventually allowing it to dominate Microsoft after tough competition against the Xbox 360.

PlayStation 3

After over a year of anticipation, the PS3 was finally made available for the Japanese market on 11 November 2006.

This console was perhaps PlayStation’s most ambitious. Boasting the custom-designed ‘Cell’ processor, online connectivity, HD gaming capabilities, and Linux support, Sony was aiming to make the console an all-encompassing entertainment center.

Unfortunately, this meant the initial model was priced much higher than anybody had expected. The Cell processor also made third-party development difficult for most studios, leading to notoriously inferior third-party ports.

This led to a poor start for the console, but Sony was eventually able to cut costs after removing features like PS2 backward compatibility. Third-party support also improved after developers eventually became accustomed to the custom hardware.

The PS3 introduced PlayStation fans to the PSN, which powers online experiences to this day on the PS5. However, unlike today, PSN did not require a subscription for online gameplay during this era.

ps3 sales

Over the course of its lifespan, Sony released incredible games for the PS3. Its library is remembered as the console’s best aspect, with games like Uncharted 2, God of War 3, and The Last of Us redefining expectations.

Sony sold over 87.4 million PS3 consoles, contributing to a total of over 500 million PlayStations sold and outselling the Xbox 360.

While poor third-party support, an egregious price, and an egotistical approach from Sony held this console back in its earlier years, these sales figures highlight the company’s commitment to course correction, which allowed it to eventually outshine the competition.

 

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Tomb Raider Developer Crystal Dynamics Is The Latest Studio To Face Layoffs

Crystal Dynamics, the developer studio behind Tomb Raider games, has just announced that it is cutting its workforce.

CD Projekt Red: Single-Player Games Like The Witcher & Cyberpunk Are Here to Stay

The co-CEO of CD Projekt Red believes that the demand for single-player games like The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk Sequel will not disappear.

5 Out of 8 Major AAA Japanese Studios Already Hit Record-Breaking Share Prices This Year

Japan's AAA presence in the gaming industry has gotten stronger, as 5 of the 8 companies in the region reached record-breaking share prices.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle Tops PlayStation Pre-Orders

With Indiana Jones and the Great Circle now available to pre-order for the PS5, the game is topping the PlayStation charts.

Rocksteady’s Next Batman Game Being Developed Using Unreal Engine 5

Rocksteady's latest job openings confirm that the team is working with Unreal Engine 5 for its next AAA project.