PlayStation is the gaming console introduced by Sony Corporation of Japan, that has changed the world of videogames completely in the last decade.

Sony took the craze of videogames to the next level when it launched its PlayStation Online services in mid-2006 under the brand name of "PlayStation Network" (PSN), to enable Multi-Player Online Gaming, with players based at any Internet-accessible location in the world.

In 2008, PlayStation Network (popularly known by the acronym PSN) has crossed the magic figure of 10 million subscriber accounts globally, with the total number of downloads till now crossing an incredible number of 170 million.

BASIC FEATURES

The PlayStation Network or PSN offers some great features as follows:

1. Groups/Match-making services for instant online gaming.
2. Scores and Rankings to enable comparison between players.
3. Rewarding of Trophies for achieving the targets in selected games.
4. Feature of Virtual Presence or "Avatars".
5. A list of friends of the user, permitting up to 100 players.
6. Voice Chat and Video Chat facility.
7. Integration with Instant Messaging.
8. Integration with Internet Browser and Google Search.
9. A unique virtual reality feature called "PlayStation Home".
10. A unique feature called "Life With PlayStation".

PSN provides its regular online services for free to its users for multi-player gaming. It charges for the downloadable gaming software as well as for subscription to premium services such as Massively Multi-Player Online Gaming.

PLAYSTATION STORE

This is a special online service for the subscribers to the PS Network to enable them shop online. The PlayStation Store uses both real currency as well as PS Network Cards. The store is updated on a weekly basis with games, demos, add-ons, game teasers, movie trailers, wall-papers, movies, and television shows.

PLAYSTATION HOME

PlayStation Home is going to be a revolutionary addition to the world of online gaming. Sony proposes to bring out this unique feature very soon, which will be a 3-D virtual community-based service for the PSN. The PS Home will enable its users to design their own 3-D avatar or icon for their PS-3 console. In the virtual community, the users will be able to interact with other users, play games, call over friends to their home space, and so on.

PLAYSTATION QORE

It is another unique and very interactive lifestyle gaming program added as a part of the PSN package. One more product by the name of "PS Official Magazine HD" is being offered on a weekly basis, produced by Future Publishing.

LIFE WITH PLAYSTATION

This is another amazing application that displays weather forecasts and other information around the world. There is a "Live Channel" through which the user can get all the latest news, information and weather reports through a "3D Globe". The user can zoom in to any region in the world and receive information provided by Google News, The Weather Channel, and other sources. Now the PSN even allows its video content to be uploaded on to "YouTube" from within the games.

SUMMARY: PlayStation is one of the most popular and most widely used gaming consoles in the world. PS Network has revolutionized the online gaming industry and provided a great entertainment tool to the lovers of online gaming.