Sony unveils PlayStation 3

Prices or a specific lineup of games that will be available were not provided, though Sony showed off numerous demonstrations of games in development, including "Fight Night: Round 3" from Electronic Arts and a new version of the racing game "Gran Turismo."

A demonstration of "KillZone," a first-person shooter that was panned when it was first released last year, drew cheers from the crowd Monday for its rich graphics.

Sony unveiled the PS3 prototype ahead of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, the annual video game industry gathering that formally opens on Wednesday.

Several thousand people packed into a Sony Pictures soundstage in Culver City to hear and see the announcement, which was broadcast on a massive TV screen for those too far back from the stage to see it. The crowd was enthusiastic but often quiet, perhaps lulled by the ambient lighting and soothing tones of light techno music that suffused the soundstage.

Microsoft offered further details of its own next-generation console in a news conference Monday night, including the news that the Xbox 360 would be backward compatible with approved games for the original Xbox.

At stake for both companies, and for third-place Nintendo, is gaming dominance for years to come. Moreover, with all the new platforms heavily focused on multimedia, analysts expect that whichever company wins the next round of console wars essentially wins the living room.

The PlayStation 2, released in 2000, dominates the worldwide console market, and the video game business has become a central profit driver for Sony, even as some of its other divisions have struggled.

MORE FROM GAMES

Games Section Front

Top 5 best video game quotes Sony, Microsoft to launch virtual worlds Gaming by the people, for the people Google gets into video games — with ads 'Warhammer Online' delivers the goods Nintendo adds cameras, music playback to DS Top 5 least embarrassing game-based movies Nintendo: More Wiis in stock this holiday Report: Japan's video game market shrinks EA signs game deal with ‘300’ director Games Section Front   Add Games headlines to your news reader: