Sony Computer Entertainment America said Wednesday that it would release four video games that support stereoscopic 3D output on Thursday. But although Sony plans to launch several stereo-3D (S3D) titles tomorrow, there are no HDTVs that support appropriate output from Sony itself at the moment. Moreover, there are few such TVs on the market from other companies as well.

All PlayStation 3 systems are already equipped with everything they need to play stereoscopic 3D games thanks to a free firmware update released in April, 2010. Starting tomorrow, owners of the PS3 and S3D-capable TVs that utilize active shutter glasses will be able to enjoy two games and two demos that support stereo-3D technology. In addition, Sony has announced The Fight: Lights Out title that will combine PlayStation Move controller with S3D to deliver an immersive and realistic gaming experience.

“We’re extremely excited to be at the helm of a whole new gaming experience unlike anything offered before,” said John Koller, director of hardware marketing at SCEA.

Even though Sony seems to be optimistic about the reception of  stereo-3D by gamers, many industry insiders claim that it will take years before the technology becomes adopted by the masses, who will have to acquire new TV-sets first. Even Sony itself starts to sell its stereoscopic 3D Bravia TVs only later this month and the lion’s share of the company’s TV lineup for 2010 and 2011 will still be 2D TVs. Moreover, the S3D technology adopted by Sony and others include active-shutter glasses, which may cause headaches and may not provide the best experience in general.

Tags: Sony, Stereo 3D, Playstation