Sony unveils SingStar PS3 and new download service

Sony has confirmed that the next instalment in the SingStar series will launch alongside the PS3, together with a new download service that will give players access to a huge back catalogue of songs.

Players will be able to visit the new in-game SingStore and purchase extras such as menu skins, new voice effects and artist images as well as music videos. It's not yet known how much each song will cost, but Sony is considering letting people who own existing SingStar titles use their discs to unlock relevant tracks in the back catalogue.

A new online feature, My SingStar, will let users upload and share audio feedback, performances recorded with the EyeToy camera, snapshots and high scores. Playlists can be stored on memory stick or the console's hard disk drive, and players will receive regular alerts when new material is released plus recommendations based on their previous purchase decisions.

There are no technical changes to the game other than an overhauled interface and the use of high definition videos where available, but new silver microphones will come bundled with the game.

SingStar for PS3 will launch in Europe alongside Sony's next-gen console on November 17th. It will also be the first SingStar game to get a release in the US, despite the series' huge success over here.