Form 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of May 2005
Commission File Number: 001-06439
SONY CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
7-35 KITASHINAGAWA 6-CHOME, SHINAGAWA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN
(Address of principal executive offices)
The registrant files annual reports under cover of Form 20-F.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F,
Form 20-F X Form 40-F __
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-______
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SONY CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Katsumi Ihara
(Signature)
Katsumi Ihara
Executive Deputy President,
Group Chief Strategy Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 17, 2005
List of materials
Documents attached hereto:
i) A press release regarding: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to Launch its
Next Generation Computer Entertainment System, Playstation(R)3 in
Spring 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. TO LAUNCH ITS
NEXT GENERATION COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM,
PLAYSTATION(R)3 IN SPRING 2006
Unrivaled Performance with the Introduction of Cell Processor
and Many Advanced Technologies, and
Backwards compatible with PlayStation(R) and PlayStation(R)2
Los Angeles, CALIF., May 16, 2005 - At a press conference held in Los Angeles,
California, today, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) revealed the outline
of its PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, incorporating the
world's most advanced Cell processor with super computer like power. Prototypes
of PS3 will also be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the
world's largest interactive entertainment exhibition held in Los Angeles, from
May 18th to 20th.
PS3 combines state-of-the-art technologies featuring Cell, a processor jointly
developed by IBM, Sony Group and Toshiba Corporation, graphics processor (RSX)
co-developed by NVIDIA Corporation and SCEI, and XDR memory developed by Rambus
Inc. It also adopts BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc ROM) with maximum storage capacity of
54 GB (dual layer) , enabling delivery of entertainment content in full
high-definition (HD) quality, under a secure environment made possible through
the most advanced copyright protection technology. To match the accelerating
convergence of digital consumer electronics and computer technology, PS3
supports high quality display in resolution of 1080p(*) as standard, which is
far superior to 720p/1080i.
(*)1080p/720p/1080i: "p" stands for progressive scan method, "i" stands for
interlace method. 1080p is the highest resolution within the HD standard.
With an overwhelming computing power of 2 teraflops, entirely new graphical
expressions that have never been seen before will become possible. In games, not
only will movement of characters and objects be far more refined and realistic,
but landscapes and virtual worlds can also be rendered in real-time, thereby
elevating the freedom of graphics expression to levels not experienced in the
past. Gamers will literally be able to dive into the realistic world seen in
large screen movies and experience the excitement in real-time.
In 1994, SCEI launched the original PlayStation(R) (PS), followed by
PlayStation (R)2 (PS2) in 2000 and PlayStation(R)Portable (PSP(R)) in 2004,
every time introducing the latest advancement in technology and bringing
innovation to the interactive entertainment software creation. Over 13,000
titles have been developed by now, creating a software market that sells more
than 250 million copies annually. PS3 offers backward compatibility enabling
gamers to enjoy these enormous assets from PS and PS2 platforms.
PlayStation family of products are sold in more than 120 countries and
regions around the world. With cumulative shipments reaching more than 102
million for PS and approximately 89 million for PS2, they are the undisputed
leaders and have become the standard platform for home entertainment. After 12
years from the introduction of the original PS and 6 years from the launch of
PS2, SCEI brings PS3, the newest platform with the most advanced next generation
computer entertainment technology.
With the delivery of Cell based development tools that has already begun,
development of game titles as well as tools and middleware are in progress.
Through collaboration with world's leading tools and middleware companies, SCEI
will offer full support to new content creation by providing developers with
extensive tools and libraries that will bring out the power of the Cell
processor and enable efficient software development.
Preparations are under way for launch of PS3 and new generation software in
the spring of 2006.
"SCEI has continuously brought innovation to the world of computer
entertainment, such as real-time 3D computer graphics on PlayStation and the
world's first 128 bit processor Emotion Engine (EE) for PlayStation 2. Empowered
by the Cell processor with super computer like performance, a new age of
PLAYSTATION 3 is about to begin. Together with content creators from all over
the world, SCEI will accelerate the arrival of a new era in computer
entertainment."
Ken Kutaragi, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc..
Supporting comments from third party developers and publishers
..............................................................
(In alphabetical order of company name)
"With the new generation PlayStation platform, we can create "GUNDAM WORLD" with
the quality no one has ever imagined. The philosophy, connecting millions of
Cell together, makes reality get closer to the world of SF films. We are
delighted to share the vision of Ken, ARCHITECT, Kutaragi."
Shin Unozawa, Managing Director, Leader, Game Software Group,
President, Video Game Company, BANDAI CO.,LTD.
"The PLAYSTATION 3 has us really excited! So much so in fact that we are already
working our hardest to get Devil May Cry 4 out for this new platform. New
hardware always yields more options for developers to create exciting and fresh
gameplay experiences. I believe that the PS3 is one piece of hardware that will
test the mettle of our development team and help us to create some of the most
amazing games, limited only by our imagination."
Keiji Inafune, Managing Executive Officer, Research & Development Division,
Capcom Co., Ltd.
"Each generation of PlayStation has made a dramatic improvement in how we create
and play videogames. PLAYSTATION 3 will be a breakthrough in how the world
experiences entertainment. EA is fully aligned with Sony Computer Entertainment
- we share their vision and applaud their success. "
Larry Probst, Chairman and CEO, Electronic Arts
"President Kutaragi has thrown down a gauntlet. That gauntlet is called the
PLAYSTATION 3. We here at Koei have gladly taken up the challenge, and are
striving day and night to take full advantage of all the PS3's new
possibilities. Our goal is to combine cutting-edge technology with a full range
of artistic expression to deliver the ultimate form of entertainment, and please
people everywhere."
Keiko Erikawa, Chairman & C.E.O., KOEI Co., Ltd.
"With the arrival of the next generation computer entertainment system
PLAYSTATION 3, I believe it will be possible for graphic expressions, more
beautiful than before, to coexist with more deep and evolved game play which
utilize the Cell architecture. I also have high expectations for the evolution
by the online features that will be enhanced. We will utilize the features of
the new platform and will strive to create contents that will bring new
excitement for our users world wide, so please have high hopes for Konami. "
Kazumi Kitaue, CEO, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc
"Each time SCEI launches a console, the video games business moves to the next
level. With PLAYSTATION 3 it looks as if it might be time for interactive
entertainment to become, finally, the world's dominant artistic medium. "
Sam Houser, President, Rockstar Games (Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.)
"We at Namco have used and will continue to use the advancements in audio-visual
technology to deliver games that are not only appealing to the eyes and ears,
but that stir emotions, speak to the heart, and remain in players' minds for
years to come.
We are confident that the PLAYSTATION 3 is an entertainment system that will
enable us to do just that."
Shigeru Yokoyama, CT Company President, Namco Ltd.
Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer, SEGA Corporation
"Next-generation hardware platforms will enable SEGA to create new game concepts
that offer more immersive interactive experiences. SEGA continues to pursue the
fusion of creativity and technology by publishing only the best, more innovative
content to gamers around the world."
Yoichi Wada, President, SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
"Square Enix is extremely honored to have had the chance to provide you with
this technical demonstration of what the Cell processor can bring to the
PLAYSTATION 3 and the world of gaming. We are committed to fully backing SCEI's
new computer entertainment system and plans to bring the FINAL FANTASY series to
the PS3 are just beyond the horizon."
Yves Guillemot, President and CEO, Ubisoft
"Ubisoft was one of the first major international developers to have its teams
start focusing on next generation consoles. We are looking forward to developing
outstanding games on Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s new system. Its powerful
features will help take the industry to an even higher level in the very near
future."
PLAYSTATION(R)3 Specifications
Product name PLAYSTATION(R)3
CPU Cell Processor
PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
1 VMX vector unit per core
512KB L2 cache
7 x SPE @3.2GHz
7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
* 1 of 8 SPEs reserved for redundancy
total floating point performance : 218 GFLOPS
GPU RSX @550MHz
1.8 TFLOPS floating point performance
Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2 channels
Multi-way programmable parallel floating point
shader pipelines
Sound Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-base
processing)
Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz
256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
System Bandwidth Main RAM 25.6GB/s
VRAM 22.4GB/s
RSX 20GB/s (write) + 15GB/s (read)
SB 2.5GB/s (write) + 2.5GB/s (read)
System Floating Point 2 TFLOPS
Performance
Storage HDD Detachable 2.5" HDD slot x 1
I/O USB Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0)
Memory Stick standard/Duo, PRO x 1
SD standard/mini x 1
CompactFlash (Type I, II) x 1
Communication Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) x 3
(input x 1 + output x 2)
Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
Controller Bluetooth (up to 7)
USB2.0 (wired)
Wi-Fi (PSP(R))
Network (over IP)
AV Output Screen size 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
HDMI HDMI out x 2
Analog AV MULTI OUT x 1
Digital audio DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1
Disc media CD PlayStation(R) CD-ROM
* read only PlayStation(R)2 CD-ROM
CD-DA CD-DA (ROM), CD-R, CD-RW
SACD SACD Hybrid (CD layer), SACD HD
DualDisc DualDisc (audio side), DualDisc
(DVD side)
DVD PlayStation(R)2 DVD-ROM
PLAYSTATION(R)3 DVD-ROM
DVD-Video DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R,
DVD+RW
Blu-ray Disc PLAYSTATION(R)3 BD-ROM
BD-Video BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE
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, the
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation(R)Portable
(PSP(R)) handheld 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. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to
enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo
audio. 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 platforms in the
respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
# # #
* Storage media (HDD, "Memory Stick", SD memory card, and CompactFlash) are sold
separately.
* "Dolby" is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
* "DTS" is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
* "CompactFlash" is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
* "HDMI" is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.
* "Blu-ray Disc" is a trademark.
* "Bluetooth" is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
* All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
* "Memory Stick" and "Memory Stick PRO" are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
* "PlayStation", the PlayStation logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
(c)2005 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.