The PlayStation 3 was the second next-gen console to be launched in India. GameGuru.in (GG) decided to have a chat with Mr. Ken Nakazawa (KN), Divisional Head, Sony India regarding the PS3 in India. Here is the whole interview:
GG: Sony has a strong base in India. Inspite of that, why was the PS3 launch delayed for this long in the country. Secondly, why was it not launched in India with the other PAL territories?
KN: Sony has adopted a Blu-ray zone-wise (A / B/ C) phased launch for the PS3. With India constituting a part of ‘Zone C’, the PS3 was launched at the same time as countries in this zone namely Russia, China etc.
GG: What other PS3 related games and accessories are you planning to launch. Can you elaborate on the PlayStation Network?
KN: The PlayStation3 is available with a stellar line-up of over 12 game titles that include the critically acclaimed Resistance: Fall of Man, MotorStorm, Genji, Days of the Blade, FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION and Ridge Racer 7. Other game titles include Def Jam: Icon, Fight Night Round 3, NBA Street 4 Homecourt 2007, Need for Speed Carbon, The Godfather: The Don’s Edition, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007, Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom.
Optional accessories that are available at an additional cost are:
The PS3 also supports the following via the PS3 System Software (XMB):
PLAYSTATION Network is a safe and secure system allowing consumers to play and communications globally via a single account. All you have to do is register free on the PLAYSTATION Network and with their globally unique Online ID access all Network features such as online multiplayer gaming, chat, voice or video communication, download free content or in the near future shop at the online PlayStation Store.
GG: So how are the PS2 and PSP doing in India?
KN: PS2 and PSP have fared phenomenally well in the past year. But after the recent price reduction, sales for these have more than doubled. Sony PS2 is now available at Rs. 7,990/- while the PSP is priced at Rs. 9,990/-
GG: There is a major next-gen console war prevalent at present. Do you think the PS3 will be able to out beat Microsoft’s Xbox 360 gaming console. Especially, bearing the fact that the PS3 is practically twice the price of the Xbox 360. Assuming that the Nintendo Wii would hit India, do you see it as a competition to the PS3 as well. Between the Xbox 360 and the Wii, whom would you cite as a bigger competition to the PS3?
KN: The small and nascent console gaming market in India is gaining a big boost with the entry of new brands, in-turn removing barriers for consumers who would have previously not considered games as an entertainment option. We are happy that there are more brands to help us grow and develop the market.
Sony has always shattered stereotype concepts and the world of gaming is no different. With a 60 GB hard disk, a Blue-ray optical drive, Cell and RSX microprocessors, Bluetooth wireless controllers and built in Wi-Fi adapter, PS3 is all set to bring unparalleled high definition experience to India.