Dear Future Gamer

In regards to Derek Motts' question for information on PlayStation3 (FG51), it has been pencilled in for a Q4 2002 launch in Japan, with a Q2 2003 USA launch. UK launch dates haven't been finalised yet. On board the console, which looks very much like a Sony Discman, is the new DVD eighth generation RAM drive, capable of multiplay movie tracking and playback. It comes with 2Gb of 500MHz RAM, 1,024bit 4dfx graphics chipset capable of 12 trillion trillion half-arc sector pixellations per second, the same technology that was used in Jurassic South Park 4. Sound is provided by a 3D spatial 4,096-voice ASP chip with the new Creative 'Sounds Real As Feck' patented technology.

The CPU is an Intel AMD Biogel 980 with speech recognition and triple H Emotion Engine built in. There's an in-built plasma screen capable of displaying up to 1,024x768 resolutions at 48bit colour depth. Joystick ports are eight in number. New joystick technology, such as laser sensing and blood motion, is in-built to each joystick pad. Outputs include SuperSuperVHS for compatibility with old technology, there's a DBX port for output to any HD-DBX recorder system except the Pioneer HG7. Games scheduled for launch are FIFA 2003: Road to Bali, Granny Turismo Deathrace, Manic Miner 3D (at long last) and Tomb Raider XVIII.

I hope this information helps Derek in deciding to keep his money for another three whole years until it comes out.

Fraser Hetherington

FG: Well said, Fraser. We can all speculate on a new machine's tech specs until the cows come home, but what's the point?