PlayStation 3 launch day is here @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on November 17, 2006

News: After all the waiting... the wait is finally over.

Sony's PlayStation 3 has finally gone on sale in America today and the big stories are swirling in from all sides.

In addition to the freezing temperatures and bad weather, people waiting in line for a PS3 had to deal with another problem: violence. A man was shot in Kentucky after teenage robbers targeted the line waiters. Meanwhile, in California, four people were shot with BB guns from a moving car. Dozens of stores required assistance from the police to quell fights and "mini-riots."

For those that were able to purchase an exlusive PS3, many expressed a desire to sell it on eBay. As of this writing, almost 17,000 consoles have been put up for auction on eBay with the average winning bid hovering just uner $3,000. For those that decided to keep their shiny new toy, reports are coming that say signing up for the PS3 Online service is frustrating.

While some intrepid capitalists are making out like bandits on eBay, a report from electronics chain iSuppli estimates that Sony is losing $306.85 on each 20GB PS3 it sells and $241.35 on each 60GB model. Ouch. Such is the price to stand on the absolute bleeding edge of technology.

But what about the games? The reviews have begun to pour into Game Rankings and they're a mixed bag. Call of Duty 3, Resistance and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance are all basking in good reviews and good sales while most everything else is considered above average. Everything, that is, except for Genji: Days of the Blade (which is being called beautiful, but shallow) and Untold Legends (which is being called below average). And then there's Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire, which is being savaged in the reviews while being called "launch lineup filler."

We'll have more PlayStation 3 launch coverage (including our first reviews) throughout the weekend and netx week.