Sony failed to supply a fully working unit for this feature because it didn’t want the unit directly compared to other consoles so we’ve reviewed it on the basis of the prototype loaned to us and reports from games industry experts. The console is relatively large, the size of bathroom scales, but runs surprisingly quietly and there is no brutish power supply — it’s built-in. The design is classic Sony cool, with a semi-translucent case, touch-sensitive buttons and a classy slot-loading disc drive.

That said, early reports describe the new Sony “Sixaxis” controller as cheap and lightweight with slightly awkward trigger buttons. This controller is tilt-sensitive, so you can play some games by wafting it around. A clever feature, yet not as sophisticated as the Wii.

Sony’s all-in-one home entertainment ambitions are evident in the PS3’s software menus. They will offer easier navigation of photos or videos and a web browser.

Sony’s online gaming service is free, and the console can download classic PlayStation games and other material, such as film trailers. The PS3 will rip your music from CDs onto its optional 60GB hard disk. It can handle files stored on USB media players and Sony’s own Memory Sticks or SD cards.

However, the biggest draw is a built-in Blu-ray disc player for movies. The PS3 is the only console able to output the current gold standard of video, 1080p, over a clutter-free digital HDMI connection. Sony insists this is the hallmark of next-generation gaming. Many experts think the advantages over an Xbox 360 are marginal.

And what of the games? After all its puff, this pricey machine needs to deliver something special. Well, it’s early days for the PS3. Sony’s launch line-up has obvious stars, but few heavy-hitting exclusives. Early glimpses of the big PS3-only games have led to criticism of loose controls and unadventurous gameplay. Some are wowing the pundits, but the key title Resistance: Fall of Man has so far drawn unflattering comparisons with Microsoft’s Gears of War.

On paper the PS3 is slightly more powerful and its quiet operation will be more living- room friendly than the Xbox. But the price tag is hefty and Sony still has much to prove.

OTHER SUPERCONSOLE REVIEWS

Nintendo Wii
Microsoft Xbox 360