Dick Smith PS Free pre-launch party

Last night Dick Smith Electronics hosted a PS Free Night. The special event was designed to promote preorders of the PlayStation 3 prior to its March 23 launch. With eight PS3s set up around the Macquarie Centre store in North Ryde, NSW, many customers also got their first chance to play a PlayStation 3. Some lucky punters took the opportunity to challenge the celebrities on hand for the event, FHM star Imogen Bailey and Rugby League star Willie Mason.

Around 200 people turned up for the night, ranging from small children to grandparents.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

The crowd went silent as Bulldogs star player Willie Mason and FHM pin-up girl Imogen Bailey took to the stage and gave a short promotional talk hyping up the Playstation 3.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

Willie Mason gives Motorstorm a bash, using the Sixaxis controller to steer the car around the dirt track. Raoul Bedford, Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, provided the crowd with commentary on Willie's performance. (Sorry folks, we have to report that Willie's star shines much brighter on the footy paddock than behind a game controller.)



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

The Dick Smith store brought in a real guitar hero, Matt Wakeling, to play some tunes and entertain the audience.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

A small boy gets behind the wheel playing Need for Speed Carbon.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

Imogen Bailey and Sony Computer Entertainment's assistant public relations manager, Rebecca Rice teach the audience how to play Motorstorm using the Sixaxis.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

Every arcade fighter has been hanging out for Virtua Fighter 5 on the PS3 -- now was finally their chance to play it.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

Dick Smith staff were carefully guarding each PS3 demo unit. They were also on hand to offer advice to customers about how to play the games.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3

Customers enjoy a virtual bout of boxing in Fight Night: Round 3.



Related: CNET.com.au's review of the PS3