PlayStation 3 Launches

Nov. 17 2006

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(CBS) GameCore is a column by CBSNews.com's Chad Chamberlain that focuses on gamers and gaming.

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Ever since the launch date of Sony’s PlayStation 3 hit the streets, thousands of loyal fans hit up their friendly neighborhood game shops to get their pre-orders in. In just a matter of hours, just about every location doing pre-orders sold out.

But that wouldn't deter the thousands of Sony fanatics from purchasing their PS3. Some went as far as to travel to other states to get their pre-orders in because only those with a pre-order receipt were guaranteed to score the coveted game system. Pitched camping tents, fold-out chairs and mini-camp sites packed with Sony fans lined many city streets, wherever PS3’s were being sold.

They started lining up as early as last week and the lines never seemed to dwindle. The scene was very much the same here in New York especially at the famous Sony Style Store on Madison Ave. Never have I seen such a huge mass of people gathered around this store several days before the expected release of the PS3.

And today was no different.

Just three hours before the first unit was to be sold, the hundreds of fans camped outside braved even the stormiest of nights to get their hands on this highly anticipated console. Bundled up under beach blankets and sleeping bags, these fans were not letting a little storm prevent them from buying their PS3.

As the time drew closer, more and more people were let into the great hall which was colorfully adorned with PS3 play stations areas. Strategically placed throughout the hall were several Sony, flat panel, high-definition TV’s connected to a PS3, featuring a variety of playable PS3 titles expected to be released with the unit. NBA 07, Resistance: Fall of Man, Genji: Days of the Blade, Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire, were just a few of the games on display for the fans that were ushered in from Mother Nature’s tumultuous downpour.

Angel Paredes was the first of many to camp out at the Sony Style Store; he arrived Monday night at 8:30 p.m. One has to imagine just how much daily hygiene might have taken a back seat to the patience it takes to camp out on the gritty streets of New York. But at least he wasn't alone in this endeavor as he was quickly joined by countless others hoping to be able to buy a PS3.

As the night progressed, various celebrities made cameo appearances – from Dougie Fresh to DJ Clue to Nick Cannon. Ludacris (also known as Luda), the well known rap soloist, began the night with some adoring words for the PS3 and of course no night with Luda would be complete if he didn’t perform his chart topping, "Get Out The Way" song. He performed the song as he was ushered in through the crowd of ecstatic fans by at least four bigger than life bouncers. If ever there was a way to part a massive crowd as that one, Luda had the magic words and the bouncers to boot.

After being graced by the comedic words of Charlie Murphy, and dazzled by the grace of Karima Adebibe (the current Lara Croft Model), it was time for money to exchange hands. The long-awaited PS3 was placed in the hands of Angel Paredes. I suppose being the first ever to purchase a PS3 in the States is quite a luxurious burden to bear but one that he seemed to accept quite graciously even in the midst of reporters, mikes jammed into his face and bright flashes from photographers’ cameras.

But nothing topped the night so much as when yours truly scored a larger-than-life quick interview with the current President/CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc, Kaz Hirai. Riding on the crazy PS3 media blitz, Hirai was certainly more than energetic in our 1 on 1. Check out video to see what he had to say.

Several thousands units went on sale today and only time will tell just how PS3 will fare in the next generation's battle for dominance.

Click here to see photos from the exclusive event.

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By Chad Chamberlain
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