Frank-ProvoWhen the PlayStation 3 was unveiled this year, one of its many touted features was built-in router functionality, which would allow the system to share an Internet connection with a PC or another device without the need for a standalone router.
Now it appears that functionality is being removed from the final specs.
Speaking to Japanese publication Nikkei Electronics, Sony CEO Ken Kutaragi said that "the PlayStation 3 will no longer act as a home network router." The functionality was removed because it was deemed too costly to implement, and because third-party router hardware has become so commonplace and affordable.
The system will still ship with 3 individual Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be used to connect the system to the Internet, link multiple PS3's together, or to connect planned accessories (such as an HD video camera attachment).