New PlayStation 3 takes quantum leap

THE PlayStation 3 - set to be the most powerful games console in the world - was today put on show for the first time. Maker Sony claims its state-of the-art graphics and use of the latest technology from Hollywood provide the most realistic computer games experience ever.

The launch is crucial for the electronics giant in its battle for sales with Microsoft's new Xbox 360 games console and Apple's iPod music player.

At a high-profile launch in Los Angeles today, experts were given the first chance to try out the PlayStation 3. They found a console 10 times more powerful than current home computers and effects on screen similar to those found in Hollywood blockbusters.

Users of the PS3, which is roughly the same size as two laptop computers, will be able to plug in memory cards from cameras and music players, allowing them to show pictures on a TV or listen to music. It will go on sale in Britain in the new year for about £200.

Jen-Hsun Huang of Nvidia, the company that created the PS3's graphics system, said it was powerful enough to let players see what kind of paint was on the wall of a room they were running through.

'You can see whether a shirt is silk or cotton,' he said. 'We have spent over a billion dollars in research and development. This console will produce the most realistic games ever seen.'

The Xbox 360, which will go on sale in Britain before Christmas, is about half as powerful as the PS3. However, Microsoft hopes that by releasing its console before Sony it will be able to steal sales with a clear run at this Christmas's selling season.