The game is scheduled for February-ish next year and like it’s predecessors will be upgraded with expansions (that sell at about $20 a pop).    In case you’re wondering if your system can handle it, here’s the system requrements for XP and Vista for desktops and laptops.

Oh and if you have an Atom powered machine don’t bother wondering if Sims 3 will run on it.  It’ll probably die just on the installation.

PC Desktop:
XP (Service Pack 2)

• Processor Pentium IV 2.0 GHz / Athlon XP 2000+
• Memory 1 GB
• Graphics GeForce FX 5900 / Radeon 9500Graphics Ram 128 MB

Vista (Service Pack 1)

• Processor: Pentium IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
• Memory: 1.5 GB
• Graphics: GeForce FX 5900 / Radeon 9500
• Graphics Ram: 128 MB

Laptop:
XP (Service Pack 2):

• Processor: Pentium IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
• Memory: 1.5 GB
• Graphics GeForce: Go 6200 / Radeon mobile 9600
• Graphics Ram: 128 MB

Vista (Service Pack 1):

• Processor Pentium: IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
• Memory: 2.0 GB
• Graphics: GeForce Go 6200 / Radeon mobile 9600
• Graphics: 128 MB