Big things were expected of at this year's Tokyo Game Show, but it is worth noting that thus far they have - in the main - failed to materialise, despite Ken Kutaragi's opening address offering the ultimate platform from which to regain lost ground. Talking technical about the future of networked consoles, the significance of high-definition visuals, and the numerous non-gaming functions the PlayStation 3 can perform, Kutaragi failed to reveal any new games for the forthcoming system. What he did reveal, is that the pricing of the console has be reassessed (a sure sign that even Sony are getting nervous regarding the high price) and that the 20 GB model will now cost 49,980 Yen. Previously the budget model was to cost a whopping 62,790 Yen (420 Euros, 285 GBP). A HDMI port has also been added to the 20 GB system.

Kutaragi was big on talk of the internet and console convergence, claiming that the technology behind the (we presume he means the mighty Cell chip), will allow for all manner of cleverness we haven't even thought of yet, with far more input from the user's end than ever before. In a speech laden with vagaries, the good news for those attending was was the promise of 200 consoles on display at the show, and this should at least help alleviate the critics who still haven't had enough hands-on time to be convinced of the console's promise.

Perhaps the second most significant news to the price cut, was word that and titles will be available to play on the PS3 directly over the network. Initially, only smaller titles will be available, but as connections and the network improve we're promised access to increasingly advanced titles from the Playstation 'cannon' on-demand. The new service will also cover MegaDrive and Engine titles, we're promised. Kutaragi has vowed to work with third-parties to bring their games online, and said a pricing structure would be worked out.

A service sounding a touch like YouTube will allow users to share and swap videos via the PlayStation network, also covering photos and other media too. Also intriguing is the promised Global Mapping System, where users of the PS3 will be able to upload images and information about their surroundings, the network gradually building up a picture of the world as a result. Kutaragi hopes that services such as this, where the public can interact over the network, and with Sony, will inspire developers to create new types of games... though by sound of things he hasn't quite got the specifics nailed-down yet.

So, Kutaragi's speech, which finished with some footage of the visually arresting Afrika (whilst not actually showing what the game does), was something of a mixed-bag. Whilst the technology talk certain speaks of Sony's ambitions, and the network stuff also sounds 'promising', there was little to blow us away in the first instance. No new games, no killer features... more over, listening to Kutaragi's speech you could be forgiven for thinking that gaming is just a side feature for the PS3. Let's just hope TGS itself illuminates more of the gaming side of things, shall we.

By Luke Guttridge