****Update I Played The PS3 In Best Buy Today!****

[msuman2k4]

*Update* Wednesday, October 18, 2006 11.00am

*I HAVE PLAYED THE PLAYSTATION 3*

Standing at the front of the line. Behind the curtain was where everything was set up.


Not to think that I would have ever uttered those words before November 17 but it has happened. It’s almost to overwhelming to all take in right now. The atmosphere and everything is just buzzing with Playstation 3 here. They have had to create a longer line for more people to wait in. This is attracting a huge crowd. Let me put it to you like this, anyone between the age of 13 and 35 that has walked through the door has asked about what is going on. Before we walked into the Magnolia area the first 4 of us were patted down and wanded like you would be at an airport. This was to check for any kinds of recording devices. They were very strict about this. Again, I am sorry it took me so long to write this up, my hands are still shaking. And now on to what you have all been waiting for.

The System:

Besides the fact that the console is EXTREMELY shiny, it is amazing to look at. We were playing on the 60 GB version with full working wireless and wired internet. But we’ll get into that in a bit. Each of us got to turn it off, on, and reset it. Trust me it was an experience in its own. The buttons on the front ARE touch sensitive using body heat. The unit also had each type of flash card already in the system so we could see how to access, edit, and delete content that was stored. From the moment you turn it on you know it’s a Sony! The colorful background and music make you feel comfortable while holding the AMAZING new Six Axis controller. Ill get into that in a bit as well. The unit we were using was connected through HDMI as I previously mentioned in an earlier update. We were playing on a Bravia as well with full 7.1 surround. The stereo had a black plastic cover over it so we couldn’t see the model, but it obviously hasn’t released yet.

The XMB:

As with the videos flying all over the internet, the new cross media bar is present with FULL functionality. What did I just say? FULL? That’s right. Everything was accessible. This model had been reset to use for today so that meant creating a Playstation user ID immediately after we turned on the console. Since there were 4 of us we each got to create a user ID with each of our controllers. The layout of the XMB is the same as the more recent pics released on the internet. Configuration for all the settings, pictures, videos, music, it was all there. There was preloaded content on the HDD. It was not confirmed whether or not it would launch preloaded with the system. The friends option was also present. We added each of our Playstation user ID’s and each of us showed up on the list. We were also showed a demo of how the camera will work during the XMB and during a game. No we weren’t using the new Eye Toy, actually the eye toy for the PS2, but it still showed us what to expect. You can choose to record while in the XMB, or broadcast during a game.

Blu-Ray:
After playing around with the XMB it was time to see why the console is $600. The rep pulled out “Click” on Blu-ray. After maneuvering through the menus and watching some of the movie we were all impressed. The quality looked amazing and the sound was incredible in 7.1. I was very impressed with the loading times as well. Especially loading the disc in the slot, very fast! Both of the games we played were also on Blu-ray discs.

Games:

After getting enough of Adam Sandler, it was time to actually try out the system for gaming. Before I get into the games let me talk about the controller.

Controller:

As of late there have been very few negative comments about the controller. I can safely say that if you like the current controller, you will be right at home with this guy. Yes, it is lighter. Yes, the vibration is gone. But Sony has made up for this. It seems to be VERY responsive with its motion sensing capabilities. Even though we only played one game that utilizes it, it was enough. To the comments about the controller feeling like a cheap piece of plastic, you are very mistaken. It’s something new, and has been changed. Remember, were supposed to be Welcoming Chang3 remember? Anyways you get used to it, that comment was very drastic. The Playstation button takes you to the XMB and pauses the current game, allowing you to go back and look at a picture, play a quick song, or browse the internet for cheats before continuing in the game. The trigger buttons feel okay as well, a good change for games like Resistance. People with sweaty hands though, take warning, you may need a towel next to you. The controller feels a lot better with dry hands.

Games Cont:

Now back to the games. Resistance and Lair, still just demos, are games that look pure amazing. Now of course it doesn’t hurt to be playing on a 1080p set, but they really are stunning. The combination of the power of the PS3 and the motion sensing made Lair a very fun game. Lair will be released on March 1, 2007. Resistance was amazing as well. If you like fps then you will need to get this on launch. Again with the graphics and surround sound, you forget about even having the vibration in the controller. The vibration from the subwoofer was enough, maybe even better. If a grenade goes off in real life, does it just shake your hands? NO. It rocked the sub we were using and made it feel like it went off outside the store.

Finally what about the Online? What is it called? What does it look like? Let me assure you we are still wondering ourselves. After trying to connect to the Playstation Network we were greeted with a screen that said coming November, 17, 2006. We assume you will figure that out tomorrow from the Playstation Show. Any other questions? Post away, I probably have the answers!


*Update* Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10.05am

FINALLY we are inside the store waiting in the roped off section leading to the Magnolia area. The media, and store manager are standing at the front of the line along with the Sony Rep. I can see it! 200 ft away behind the black curtain is the ps3 in an enclosure with 4 wireless controllers sitting next to it. We, the first four, are going in now. My next post will be the one you have all been waiting for. Oh and just a sidenote, they just brought in an ethernet cable, you know what that means.

*Update* Wednesday, October 18, 2006 9.55am

With only 5 minutes to go everyone is eagarly waiting to get in as we have JUST WITNESSED THE PLAYSTATION 3 BEING HOOKED UP!! It is official and in the setup ready to be played and molested by me and 30 other people who have been waiting over night to play. There is a terms and conditions form that everyone just had to sign, not sure what that was all about. This is the way it is going to work as explained by the manager. The area is roped off to anyone who just wants to walk up and play. They have now hung black sheets to close off the room in the magnolia center. 4 people will be allowed in at a time. Total playing time is 1/2 hour per group. The games that are playable are still unknown untill we get in. This is supposed to be a final unit that will be in stores on the 17. This means a final XMB and online setup right? I can't wait to let you guys know the scoop. Stay tuned!!

*Update* Wednesday, October 18, 2006 9.32am

We are now inside in between the doors to the outside and the doors into the store. The kiosk is not what is being set up though. The pictures i first posted indicated where the kiosk will go. We will not be playing on a little kiosk. We will be playing in the Magnolia Entertainment section of the store. For those who don't know, this is a special area that higher income Best Buy stores recieve to help sell expensive pieces of hardware including plasmas, lcds, and sound systems with price tags in $8,000 range. Everyone is trying to peek in to see what the setup looks like and from what i can see, it looks like a Bravia. There is also surround sound and a large couch set up to play on. Still no PS3, but all of the wires are plugged into the tv and surround. I see an HDMI cable and power cable, now all we need now is a PS3 to plug them into. The official kiosk will be hitting all Best Buys Nationwide in late october, early november, as dictated by the media manager for the store. To answer the other question about it being in all best buys the answer is no. Only a select few stores with the Magnolia setup will recieve this special treatment. This will be a one day event. The PS3 we will be playing is on loan from the Sony building in downtown Traverse. Ill try to answer more questions in the next post, the manager is getting ready to talk to us!



*Update* Wednesday, October 18, 2006



Still in line outside, it feels like about 40 right now. We have all been given a release date sheet for all of the games coming at launch and in the future for the Playstation 3. All of the dates listed are shipping dates. For those of you who keep asking where I am from the answer is Traverse City, Michigan. The line outside the store was 32 the last time i counted. Everyone is calling their friends and since alot of the people here are in college, the classes start later in the day, which is the same case for me. For everyone saying we don't have a life, we do. If you have been counting the days till November 17 like the rest of us then you should be here too. There are workers inside the store still setting stuff up. We can't see much because all of the glass doors on the front of the store are tinted but we have been told that we will be allowed to wait in between the doors untill the store opens so we have some heat to warm up. Everyone is playing their PSP's on Best Buy's wireless internet so we got a bunch of games going right now. We even have somebody deejay'ing out of the back of their car. The spirits are up and everyone is excited to get a chance to play. More coming soon!












After strolling into my Best Buy today i noticed a line and that could have only meant one thing. The PS3 kiosk was there? No, not till tommorow, but there was already a line forming outside the store to see the newly setup kiosk area. I have never seen this kind of reaction, not even for the 360.

This is where the kiosk will display. Sorry for the bad quality, i had to be quick with the camera phone.



This is the area where the games will be displayed. Notice the space to right, all the original shelving was taken down for the new display. You can see this display in the back right of the top picture.



The media manager at my Best Buy kept reasuring everyone that the PS3 WOULD BE PLAYABLE the next morning. I will be one of the 20 people already camping out right now. Im writing this on my laptop as I sit out here with the rest of the PS3 boys. Thank god for wireless. More to come soon!

[coolguy]

wow this is cool. i wonder if all the best buy's will be geting the kiosk tomorrow. i have 2 best buys near me the one closer to me is a dump.
and the one that is kinda far is a nicer store.
so i will go to the nicer store tomorrow lol.
its geting close guys

[FrankieG889D]

That's kind of sad.. camping out to play PS3.. I would never do that.

[soldier one]

Be sure to sneak some picss of it in action as well, ill try to get at mine but im so busy this week it may be unlikely, ill try though.

I wonder how much that bag in the left of the first pic costs, even though its for ps2. *wink*

Edit: Im about to throw my computer across the room, this server problem is getting to me. 34 times now that i tried to click submit 35-36-37-38-45-50-55

[coreyh]

cool.

let us know how it is, okay?

thnx

[ps3isawesome]

Oh!!!! that is sweet I want to go to my best buy right now to look at it.

[shadow26]

yeah, the server issue is out of hand- but anyway, thats amazing, im going to a best buy straight after school tomorrow, i hope your prepared for the night, lol
oh- but what happened to the whole couch, surround sound with bravia tv layout?

[darkswordsman]

This is great news. Thanks for the news, this news really is letting us know that the PS3 is coming and coming fast! I will try to head down to the bestbuy near me tomarrow and see what is up. I am really hoping that I get a chance to play"(obviously).

This whole server issue is really getting annoying. I barely get a chance to do anything without the damn server issue message coming up. I couldnt even get on to the forums till an hour ago because of the server.

Like now damn it, I cant even edit this damn message.

[PS3GamerKyle]

Wow.. that's amazing.. I'll see what's in my Best Buys tomorrow.

does anyone know if this is nation-wide or just his particular store? I hope all stores have PS3 kiosks by the end of the week.

[BlindSight]

Sweet. Im going to my Best Buy tomorrow to see if they have it.

[Compton G]

That is sad that camping out to play PlayStation 3. If I were you, I will be wearing a ski-mask so I won't be the laughing stock of my friends. Even if you don't have any friends that's sad. The only good thing in here is you can take the information and feed us here.

[soul-sama]

I will be at best buy tomorrow. I must. be. there.

hell. I'll apply there lmao

I need a job

[The_One]

That's kind of sad.. camping out to play PS3.. I would never do that.

Frankie secretly thinks to himself:
"I wish there was a Best Buy near me, then I could camp out and play a PS3 too!"

[msdstc]

I thought it wasn't coming until friday? Are you in canada, or us?

[YoungMullah88]

That is sad that camping out to play PlayStation 3. If I were you, I will be wearing a ski-mask so I won't be the laughing stock of my friends. Even if you don't have any friends that's sad. The only good thing in here is you can take the information and feed us here.

thats called being a devoted fan. if i had my way, i too will be out there but not that early.

[King.Kong]

That's pretty cool, hopefully I'll be able to go to my local Best Buy this week and see what all the fuss is about!

[doomsdayjohn]

that was in the us hes from michigan but any new for canada?

[DAVERAGE]

I think ima w8 till all the launch hype is over...probaly have one by marrch april

[BoyHorror]

Holy ****. Where at in Michigan?!?!? Im in Royal Oak.. you close at all? If so, Im getting my ass to BB right affter school tomarrow..

[Matticus2k]

Holy ****. Where at in Michigan?!?!? Im in Royal Oak.. you close at all? If so, Im getting my ass to BB right affter school tomarrow..

I was wondering the same. I'm in Grand Rapids and like to know what Best Buy that is.

I see your id is msuman ... does that mean you are in Lansing. I'm a huge MSU fan too ... it's too bad they're disappointing us right now.

[Nstriker20]

camping out just to play the PS3, wow thats hardcore men.

[madhouzdv]

MY best buy has the same thing

[buckeyefan]

buckeyes sure did own the spartans

[FrankieG889D]

Frankie secretly thinks to himself:
"I wish there was a Best Buy near me, then I could camp out and play a PS3 too!"

I would have posted back sooner, but this server issue is getting really bad.

And, nah yo.. there is a Best Buy near me... about 10 mins actually.. I wouldnt camp out but I would go tomorrow if I had my own car.

And I guarantee i will get an error after I press "Submit Reply"

[BoyHorror]

go blue. heheh............................