This must be what it means to be ahead of its time. The PlayStation 3 (PS3), launched by Sony in 2006, was not merely “the next game console.” Equipped with the cutting-edge Cell Broadband Engine processor and adopting the new media format of Blu-ray Disc, it rapidly evolved both video and audio to a level previously unimaginable for game consoles. With HDMI output, Full HD support, and 7.1ch surround sound, it was truly a core component of “home entertainment.” It is no exaggeration to say that its appearance changed the meaning of a device placed in the living room.

When the PS3 first appeared, the format war between Blu-ray and HD DVD was in full swing. However, the PS3's compatibility with Blu-ray became one of the major factors that significantly influenced the eventual outcome. As a result, the PS3 rapidly spread to many households also as a Blu-ray player, garnering attention as a multimedia machine capable of delivering high-quality movie experiences in addition to games. Both movies and games entered the era of high resolution, and the boundary between them was increasingly blurred by the PS3.

Surprisingly, early models of the PS3 were also capable of running PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software. This seemed like a “tribute” to the gaming culture Sony had cultivated. For long-time fans, being able to enjoy old games, already considered masterpieces at the time, in a new environment was a special delight. It was truly a bridge connecting the past and the future, possessing a unique charm that was both nostalgic and innovative.

Nevertheless, the PS3's journey was far from smooth sailing. Various obstacles stood in its way: the high initial price, high-cost factors such as Cell and Blu-ray, and the presence of cautious software companies regarding new development. However, with the spread of high-definition televisions, price revisions, and an abundance of software releases over time, the PS3 gradually began to demonstrate its true value. The pace of sales steadily accelerated, and before long, it recorded global shipments exceeding 77 million units. It eventually grew to surpass its formidable rival, the Xbox 360.

In March 2017, all models of the PS3 were shipped out, and it quietly ended its role. However, the technology and gaming experiences the PS3 brought, as well as its many masterpiece titles, are still firmly etched in the memories of gamers. Even after its time as a console is over, the PS3 is a celebrated machine that should be remembered as “the one that pioneered the future of gaming.”