Sony and Nvidia = PS3 GPU

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Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and NVIDIA Announce Joint GPU Development for SCEI's Next-Generation Computer Entertainment System

TOKYO and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) and NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA) today announced that the companies have been collaborating on bringing advanced graphics technology and computer entertainment technology to SCEI's highly anticipated next-generation computer entertainment system. Both companies are jointly developing a custom graphics processing unit (GPU) incorporating NVIDIA's next-generation GeForce(TM) and SCEI's system solutions for next-generation computer entertainment systems featuring the Cell* processor.

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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041207/SFTU096 )

This collaboration is made under a broad, multi-year, royalty-bearing agreement. The powerful custom GPU will be the graphics and image processing foundation for a broad range of applications from computer entertainment to broadband applications. The agreement will encompass future Sony digital consumer electronics products.

"In the future, the experience of computer entertainment systems and broadband-ready PCs will be fused together to generate and transfer multi-streams of rich content simultaneously. In this sense, we have found the best way to integrate the state-of-the-art technologies from NVIDIA and SCEI," said Ken Kutaragi, executive deputy president and COO, Sony Corporation, and president and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Our collaboration includes not only the chip development but also a variety of graphics development tools and middleware, essential for efficient content creation."

"We are thrilled to partner with Sony Computer Entertainment to build what will certainly be one of the most important computer entertainment and digital media platforms of the twenty-first century," added Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO, NVIDIA. "Over the past two years NVIDIA has worked closely with Sony Computer Entertainment on their next-generation computer entertainment system. In parallel, we have been designing our next-generation GeForce GPU. The combination of the revolutionary Cell processor and NVIDIA's graphics technologies will enable the creation of breathtaking imagery that will surprise and captivate consumers."

The custom GPU will be manufactured at Sony Group's Nagasaki Fab2 as well as OTSS (joint fabrication facility of Toshiba and Sony).

Note:

* "Cell" is the code-name for an advanced microprocessor under development by IBM, Toshiba and Sony Group.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation(R) game console and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these two platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

About NVIDIA

NVIDIA Corporation is a worldwide leader in graphics and digital media processors. The Company's products enhance the end-user experience on consumer and professional computing devices. NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs), media and communications processors (MCPs), and wireless media processors (WMPs) have broad market reach and are incorporated into a variety of platforms, including consumer and enterprise PCs, notebooks, workstations, PDAs, mobile phones, and video game consoles. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.nvidia.com.

Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to the development of the custom GPU, the benefits of the collaboration, the benefits, uses, and capabilities of the custom GPU and computer entertainment systems featuring the Cell processor, the fusion of computer entertainment systems and broadband systems, the agreement between the parties, and the manufacture of the custom GPU are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to whether SCEI and NVIDIA continue the collaboration, whether SCEI continues to use the NVIDIA custom GPU as the foundation for a broad range of its applications, market acceptance of SCEI's next-generation computer entertainment system,, market acceptance of new products and technology, delays in ramping new products into production, manufacturing delays and defects, incompatibility of technologies, reliance on third-party manufacturers, general industry trends including cyclical trends in the semiconductor market, delays in integration of our products, the impact of competitive products and pricing alternatives, and other risks detailed from time to time in the NVIDIA reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 24, 2004. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

NOTE: All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE NVIDIA Corporation
-0- 12/07/2004
/CONTACT: David Roman of NVIDIA Corporation, +1-408-486-6250, or
droman@nvidia.com; or Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Corporate
Communications (in Tokyo), 03-6438-8686/
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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041207/SFTU096
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/
/Web site: http://www.nvidia.com/
(NVDA)

CO: NVIDIA Corporation; Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
ST: California
IN: CPR CSE ECP ENT
SU: JVN PDT

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-- SFTU096 --
3580 12/07/2004 03:10 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

honestly no one really cares about the console hardware ..

as long as it works, provides smooth graphics, the consoles itself is not delayed ..

it'll keep the gamers happy

Nvidia, Cell, Blue-Ray.

The PS3 just might be THE most powerful/interesting machine next gen. And it has so much support (IBM, Toshiba, Nvidia, SONY...)

Originally Posted by Barton03

Nvidia, Cell, Blue-Ray.

The PS3 just might be THE most powerful/interesting machine next gen. And it has so much support (IBM, Toshiba, Nvidia, SONY...)

*sigh*... sound familar? *cough*XBOX*cough*...

too much emphasize on hardware...
hardware support != software support
software support = sales
hardware support = break even at best
profit on cell tech will be bad if PS3 doesnt dominate the market, since they've invested so much into this market and already in a deep hole themselves.

anyone remember the first gen PS2 games?... terrible terrible. The PS2 was so hard to develop for it wasnt even comparable to DC graphics and gameplay. so sad.

Hardware is all good and well.. but is there software to back it up?... rumours has it that sony and square-enix arent getting along and there goes the RPG fanbase if that happens. Also most of the PS2 games were ported into XBOX and GC, so that may happen with the PS3.

[QUOTE=taro-chanprofit on cell tech will be bad if PS3 doesnt dominate the market, since they've invested so much into this market and already in a deep hole themselves.
[/QUOTE]

And they won't dominate the market either.

The next gen console wars are going to be pretty even. Sony and MS are going to be going in on an even level.

This time Sony won't be coming in with a huge headstart. Hopefully they don't get cocky, otherwise they could take a serious blow to their ego.

Originally Posted by Carnage

And they won't dominate the market either.

The next gen console wars are going to be pretty even. Sony and MS are going to be going in on an even level.

This time Sony won't be coming in with a huge headstart. Hopefully they don't get cocky, otherwise they could take a serious blow to their ego.

Hardware sales are usually a loss for consoles at time of release. As for the MS/Sony comparison, XBOX Next will have a huge headstart (almost 1 year). Its the reverse scenario from this generation.

As for Sony getting cocky, take a look at the PSP. Fighting on console and portable gaming. They will be pressed for time to develop for PSP, which means PSP will have a lot of PS2 and PS1 games and nothing really outstanding.

Remember, this is $ony we're talking about. The most support by developers by far.
I haven't heard of disgruntled developers so far. With them announcing their collaboration only now, I doubt we'll see PS3 for quite some time. With nVidia on board, I shudder thinking of the console's pricetag and I doubt $ony is as willing as Microsoft is to lose money on hardware in a market they are currently dominating.
I thought M$ was stupid for launching their console so early but with PS3 taking its time to shape up, I think they have a great chance to take more marketshare from $ony and that's a good thing.
They still need to woo the Japanese developers though and broaden their horizons away from just the mature male North American market (*cough* FPS/sports *cough*).

Originally Posted by taro-chan

rumours has it that sony and square-enix arent getting along and there goes the RPG fanbase if that happens.

Ya damn right! I follow Squeenix like a cult..I would appreciate sony with ATI chipset.. nvidiia has jaggies

..and they won't add texture support for backwards compatibility.. To make old 3d games look crazy awesome.. So I'll be relying on epsxe for years to come..bastards.

Taro, do you have any articles related to square-enix and sony being in dispute?

Square-enix isn't the RPG juggernaut they used to be. Still a big name though.

But they stopped putting out quality titles a few FF's ago.

I stopped playing at FFX, and doubt I'll get back into the series.

Originally Posted by Carnage

Square-enix isn't the RPG juggernaut they used to be. Still a big name though.

But they stopped putting out quality titles a few FF's ago.

I stopped playing at FFX, and doubt I'll get back into the series.

My stance is.. they *might* bring out some good stuff.. if they smarten up.
I think they have a bad set of directors, thats all.. They're trying for cash-grabs, (lining their pockets with gold?) and not as much in high quality production. Personally, if I were them, I'd start pushing out ring-tone service on their website for cellphones for the revenue, so they can support their high maintenance, and in turn, use that revenue to support the high costs of blockbuster games.

You'd think with the calibre of games Enix produced, matched with the fantastic labels of Squaresofts past...It is a match made in heaven.

Fools...

1st reaction: cool! 2nd reaction: expensive!

Think I'd rather get a Nintendo Revolution...

rumours are just rumours.
sony isnt that happy that FFXII isnt released yet (obviously) and Square is talking its time with the massive delays. As for the other stuff, Sony's PSP is getting advert children for PSP, while FFI&II is remade on SP as well as a list of new titles exclusive to DS system.

Square Enix was also saying sometime in the summer that it may consider developing for XBOX. If Sony loses its Square exclusives, it will drive them out of the game. The other developers for Sony all have ported their games to PC and other consoles, (ie. GTA series). The only thing that has remained exclusives to the PS is GT, Jak, Ratchel and those are on their 4th 3rd and 3rd installments already.

Sony's games arent really that interesting to me as a console user other then their libary of RPGs. XBOX with XBL and lan. GC with its innovative and different games.

Not really looking forward to the PS3 as I can see GT5, Jak4,Ratchel4, killZone2, and other rehashes on that system. Halo 3 will come, ninja gaiden 2, Forza 2 etc for XBOX Next, and as for Nintendo Revolution, Mario, Zelda, Metroid, mario kart, and another smash bros.

games are about fun factor and honestly, PS2 doesnt do it for me. It does not keep my attention long enough to hold significance. Its more of the same, just a little better.

FYI: Zelda series has sold more then all of the FF series combined.

Carnage: FFX-2 is not produced under the same producer of the series and yes that was the worse FF ever IMO. Too easy, too dumb and too annoying. X-2 is what i think caused a dispute between the producer of FF series with the management, and something about FFXII being his last game (unless things have changed)

The PS2 still seems to get the first crack at everything (i.e. Konami - I love their musical stuff, main reason I got a PS2) as well as the Namco stuff. I bought all 3 because of all their exclusives and the Xbox for the versatility. I love that console. Can't beat the multimedia capabilities of it. I hope it lasts me a long time . And Nintendo for the party games and the pure fun factor.
Sadly, I think I'll only go for just a single console for the next round. I don't have the time I used to have for gaming (plus the DS and PSP )

Originally Posted by sfu_lifer

Sadly, I think I'll only go for just a single console for the next round. I don't have the time I used to have for gaming

thats why whomever square enix supports the most will get my vote. Although i would love to see them return to Nintendo, but thats another story. =D

PS3 looks awesome regardless, but ya.. $$.

I would've rather preferred them choosing ATi graphics, oh well... still can't wait to see what the games will be like.