We're only 34 days from the PS3 launch, when we'll all get a chance to futz around with the console's Cross Media Bar and PlayStation Network, but Eurogamer is doing it now. They spent some time with the PS3 online interface and PlayStation Store, the latter of which we now know uses real monies, not a convoluted points pricing scheme, forcing you to do conversions on how much you're actually spending on that horse armor.

Says Eurogamer of the so-called Wallet, "everything simply lists a price in your local currency, so European types will see a Euro price, British people will see prices in Pounds Sterling, and so on." Another interesting aspect of the Store is that you'll not only be able to view all buyable, downloadable content, but view game specific versions of the Store, making it easier to find exactly what you're looking for for the games you own.

Online features appear on par with the Xbox Live Gold service, with voice, text chat, friends lists and more built-in.

Plus, it's all free. Despite my gut feeling that Sony would charge for real online gaming, "all of the online services, from sign-up right through to voice and video chat, are free, as is normal multiplayer gaming." And by "normal", they mean non-subscription, head to head gameplay. Check out Eurogamer for further details.

We expect further official announcements about Sony's online plans next Thursday, so keep your eyes on Kotaku for expert, one-handed liveblogging action. Michael McWhertor

PS3 Online: How It Works [Eurogamer]