November 17 is a special date for us at SCEA because, as many of you fans know, it’s when we launched PLAYSTATION 3. Two years ago today, we delivered our next-generation console, providing consumers with a gaming and home entertainment system unlike anything in the market – the power of the Cell Broadband Engine, out-of-the-box HDMI support for 1080p resolution, and a Blu-ray drive for high-definition movies and expansive games. The PS3’s launch was also when the Resistance franchise was born, and the original title’s success has spawned a blockbuster sequel with Resistance 2 and a unique PSP installment with the upcoming Resistance: Retribution.
But that’s just what we started with, and PS3 has come a long way since November 17, 2006. If you stood in line the night before launch, the PS3 that you took out of the box when you got home isn’t the same system that it is today. We’ve added new features and enhancements that you all have asked for, such as Trophies, XMB access in-game, Remote Play with PSP, DLNA Media Server capability, and BD-Live support, to name just a few. Along the way, we became the first gaming system to be recognized by Guinness World Records for Folding@Home and, because of the strong PS3 install base, helped Blu-ray win the format war.
PlayStation Network has truly hit its stride with unique downloadable games and a video delivery service featuring movies, TV shows, and original programming that you can watch in HD with your PS3, or bring with you on your PSP. And with 14 million active accounts and 273 million pieces of content downloaded, we know that you’re thirsting for this digital entertainment.
Of course, most important to all of you is the game library, and we’ve seen exclusive titles launch that showcase the PS3’s capabilities, from Metal Gear Solid IV: Guns of the Patriots, which takes full advantage of Blu-ray’s massive 50GB capacity to deliver the best installment in the storied franchise, to LittleBigPlanet, whose infectious charm and user-generated content make it a genre-defying experience. There’s something for every type of gamer on PS3, and the efforts of SCE’s first-party development studios (the industry’s largest ) along with our third-party partners will continue to deliver knock-out titles.
Thanks to all of you, PS3’s momentum is stronger than ever. There are nearly 17 million PS3 systems around the world, and in the United States, PS3 hardware sales are up nearly 100 percent from where we were at this time last year. Software sales have tripled from a year ago. Yes, we’re proud about everything we’ve accomplished, and we’re even more psyched about where we’re going with our holiday software lineup (our best to date) and the new Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PLAYSTATION 3 Bundle, which features a 160GB PS3 and is available now.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without your continued support and all of the feedback you’ve provided here on this blog. We don’t have a crystal ball, but we know that you can look forward to many great games and PS3 enhancements over the next 12 months, starting with the upcoming launch of PlayStation Home’s open beta, which will bring the PS3 community closer together. Then, just around the corner, you’ll have Killzone 2, inFAMOUS, and tons more. So please join me in wishing a happy second birthday to PS3!
congrats ps3, wish you more bdays and games to come!
btw it’s my B-day too!
Happy Birthday PS3.
You too jbat17.
Happy Birthday PS3!!!
3rd! happy-Bday PS3!!
Happy Bday to PS3,
to mine: happy 1st bday :)
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! I can still remember standing in the cold 2 years ago to get my hands on this bad boy. It has been the best console that I have ever owned. Keep up the good work. This year has been awesome and I am will to bet next year will be even better, Killzone 2, God of War III anyone?
Happy Birthday PS3!!!
YHappy Birthday, PlayStation 3. I have had a great time with you, from work related applications to playing games. Looking forward to more quality time spent with the best console in the world. Here’s to you!
Yey, party! Happy birthday PlayStation 3!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PS3! I am loving my PS3 more everyday! PS3 is the best system out there. Cant wait for Killzone 2, inFAMOUS and HOME! :)
Whoo!
Happy Birthday PS3!
Actually, if a ps3 as a ten year life, then it could be thought that its life is one tenth of a human life. Therefore, I think this would technically be the ps3’s 20th birthday.
Sidenote:
Can someone see to it that the Watchmen trailers are put on the Store this thursday? I’m itching to watch them on my TV in hi-def, and there aren’t any downloadable version of the new trailer.
Happy Birthday PS3!!!!
Can’t wait for Killzone 2 and GOD OF WAR 3!!!!
Presents?
It’s been a quite bouncy 2 years….too much overhype. Good thing the KZ2 beta lived up to its hype, because it really is the only title that did.
Happy bday, and see you next year.
Happy b day ps3, Ill have a cake for you when i get home!
Happy Birthday PS3 :), nice work Sony.
I picked mine up on launch day! Couldn’t be happier! Now bring on HOME!!!
Happy BDay. The console has come a long way since it’s launch in 2006. Thanks for the added features and for reaching out to the community with this blog. Please continue to improve our experience and redefine what a console could be. Take it to the next level Sony.
Congrats to PS3! Looking forward to more, as always, awesome games!
Happy Birthday to the first PS3’s!
I would also like to point out the major improvements that have been made over the years to the firmware as well. Thanks for some in-game XMB and trophies.
Happy B-Day PS3! My launch 60 gig is the heart of my HT! Thanks!
“There’s something for every type of gamer on PS3,…”
That is why PS3 will become greater then the rest. That is how PS1 became the top system for it’s generation and that is how PS2 was the top system for its generation. Sony systems have always had great games for every type of gamer in the passed and will do so in the future.
I have a 60gb, since day one with little to no problems.
Happy Birthday PS3 and you will have many many more to come :)
Happy B-Day to the PS3!!! Lol I was telling all my friends at school :D, btw when you said for the next 12 months starting with the Home beta, does that mean Home beta will be in December or January?
Happy bday!!! Maybe some presents for the milions of PS3s worldwide?? I mean, what’s a birthday without presents?!? Haha
HOORAY!!
Let’s have some cake! (i’ve got the munchies)
I was just commenting on this in the blog redesign post, i was hoping you guys would post something like this!
man, what a fast 2 years!
I swear i’ve spent more time on my PS3 than much else since it launched…and all the functionality we have gained since launch through great firmware updates!
And i just got a PSP! So remote play BLEW ME AWAY!!
And it’s just going to get better and better!
Happy Anniversary!
:)
Happy Birthday, PS3!
I made you a cookie but I eated it.
happy birthday PS3 u rock cant w8 for playstation home and killzone 2
Happy 2 year birthday PS3, i can still remember those 2 wet days waiting in line for my 1st ps3, good times!
Congrats on 2 great years. I picked up my 60GB at launch and have had zero problems in 2 years.
How about a nice little present for us early adopters> :-)
so…. do we get a present?
I love birthday parties and my PS3.
The PlayStation has changed my life, hands down. I will continue to support the system until the PS4 is available. Thanks Sony !
and maaaaany MORE!! XO
Happy Birthday PS3. My 60gb model is still awaiting a birthday gift from Sony. *hint hint* ;)
Happy Birthday!!!
I got you an Xbox for your birthday!
but it came broken from the factory..
Sorry :(
Dear PS3, It’s our 2nd year anniversary so I think it’s time we take this relationship to 2nd base if you want to move in.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday PS3!!!!!! Here’s to continued success!!
*raises champagne glass*
Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday, PS3!!!
Speaking of Home’s open beta. WHEN???
Happy birthday! i have had my ps3 for 2 years already… time goes so fast
cant wait to see what the ps3 have in store for us in the coming year
thanks!
Happy Birthday PS3! I only got my system last February, and it has come a LONG way just since then! I look forward to what lies ahead.
(PS1 Classics that people actually want, please.)
Happy Birthday PS3! I can’t wait for the next wave of titles ahead!
Happy birthday ps3. I remember how you were a machine that had 2 simple SKUs. A 20GB model without wifi and a 60GB model with wifi, both containing ps2 backwards compatability. Then as you got older you seemed to not care about those pesky ps2 games and added more GBs even though users could just swap out the original drives for larger drives that costs less than $100. I remember how everyone was aghast at your hefty $500-$600 original price. Then as you saw your competition clearly outpacing you, you decided you could be $500.