Sony Reveals First PS3 3D Titles, Japan Launch Date

Sony, the platform-holder most aggressively backing 3D gaming initiatives, has revealed that the first few PlayStation 3 games to get 3D support will launch in Japan on June 10. According to a translation from Andriasang, Wipeout HD and Star Strike HD (Super Stardust HD) players new and old will be able to get 3D support for free; current owners simply upgrade, and new players can get the games with 3D support for the same price as always (¥1,800 ($20) and ¥800 ($8), respectively). The third title, Mr. Pain (simply Pain in North America), normally priced at ¥1,000 ($10), requires a separate ¥300 ($3) purchase to unlock the 3D mode, whether users already own the title or are purchasing it for the first time. As Sony will also soon launch its 3D line of Bravia television sets, it's logical that the company is backing 3D heavily across its gaming products alongside its other home electronics. The company has said that many of its internal game development studios are at work on 3D games. According to the report, Sony will promote the new 3D televisions by offering these three titles for free with purchase alongside a 3D demo of Motorstorm 2. Sony did not reveal launch plans, dates or any specific details for its North America or Europe 3D rollout, although firmware updates for the PlayStation 3 tend to roll out simultaneously worldwide, meaning the Western 3D OS update may also occur on June 10th. Microsoft has been far more discreet about discussing 3D initiatives on its Xbox 360 platform; thus far, however, the company's revealed a joint partnership with LG Electronics to market 3D Xbox 360 games alongside the company's televisions -- that relationship is limited to South Korea for now, however.