News
A Whole Mess Of New PSP Games, Minis Now Out On PS Vita Store
By GameInformer, published 15-05-2012
PS Vita owners have a good reason to check out the Vita Store today, as more than a dozen PSP games and Minis have been added. Today's releases include Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas, Ys: I & II Chronicles Digital, and Age of Zombies. Here's the complete breakdown, straight from the PlayStation Blog: Available Today: PSP Titles:Cho Aniki Zero (Aksys Games Localization, Inc.)Strikers 1945 Plus (PM Studios, Inc.)Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 (UbiSoft, Inc.)Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas (UbiSoft, Inc.)Valhalla Knights 2: Battle Stance (XSEED JKS, Inc.)Ys: I & II Chronicles Digital (XSEED JKS, Inc.) PSP minis:Aero Racer (Halfbrick Studios)Age Of Zombies (Halfbrick Studios)Blast Off (Halfbrick Studios)Dynogems (StormBasic)Echoes (Halfbr...
Prototype 2 Leads Grim April Sales
By GameInformer, published 11-05-2012
According to U.S. retail tracker NPD, total video game sales in April 2012 fell 32 percent year-over-year from $930 million to $630 million. Physical software sales dropped even harder, from $533.7 million to $307.2 million, a 42 percent decline. Microsoft's Xbox 360 led console sales for the month with 236,000 units sold. Sony and Nintendo have not released hardware numbers at this time. “This year, Easter fell very early in April, which means most Easter-related purchases may have fallen into March this year, whereas last year, Easter fell late in April causing most sales to fall in that month," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. "We usually find that Easter-related purchases generate an extra 10 percent in revenue in the month they occur, so some of...
Twisted Metal Creator Hints At Next Project
By GameInformer, published 06-05-2012
Twisted Metal and God of War creator David Jaffe offered a few hints about his next game and it may feature at least one gun. In an interview with IGN, Jaffe commented on first-person shooters saying that he is a fan, but that the genre has grown stale over the last few years. "I love the genre, but I feel it has been allowed to go a little -- well, actually, quite a lot -- stale when it comes to moment to moment mechanics," said Jaffe. Jaffe added that he has been throwing around a lot of different ideas for games, and has narrowed them down to a few that he would like to pursue. Jaffe said, "there is a gun in [one of the games] and you hold it. And all the things that I can sit here and passionately discuss and preach to you are absolutely things that I'm thinking abo...
Mass Effect 3 Leads March Sales
By GameInformer, published 13-04-2012
Research firm NPD revealed March video game sales results for the U.S. Total video game sales declined 25 percent year-over-year from $1.47 billion to $1.1 billion. On the hardware side, Microsoft led console sales with 371,000 units sold. Nintendo and Sony have not announced hardware numbers at this time. “The Xbox 360 is the best-selling console system for the last 15, and the best-selling hardware platform overall for the past 8 months," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. On the software side, Electronic Arts' Mass Effect 3 unsurprisingly took the top spot with Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City coming in second with 582,000 units sold. “Mass Effect 3 sold more than twice as much as did Mass Effect 2 during its introductory month in January 2010," ...
The Augmented Reality Game Roundup
By GameInformer, published 11-04-2012
Augmented reality is the next big step taking us away from the harsh truths of reality. Instead of escaping into an entirely separate world, as we have been doing in video games for decades, augmented reality lets us merge virtual and real worlds together into something that has yet to prove itself as being particularly fun. Eyepet Eyepet is a game that went insane and tried to combine two technologically advanced, but not necessarily fun game types into one with both augmented reality and PlayStation Move controls. You could interact with a blindingly cute furry creature against the backdrop of your livingroom from the viewpoint of a very low resolution camera. The HD creature against the non-HD background is a little jarring, and problems arise when your real cat gets in the frame and ...
Atlus Discounts Its PSP Games, Including Persona Series
By GameInformer, published 28-03-2012
With Sony's Vita on the market, PSP hardware is now available at discount prices. Venerable JRPG publisher Atlus is following suit with a clearance sale on its PSP catalog -- including the critically praised Persona games. The digital ad below has all the details. It's a chance to get some very high-quality games for cheap.
This Generation's Must-Play JRPGs
By GameInformer, published 27-03-2012
It’s no secret that this generation of video games hasn’t been particularly kind to Japanese games in general, and Japanese RPGs in particular have fallen out of favor. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing in this once-beloved genre worth playing from the past five years. With this generation approaching its end, we decided to look back on the must-play JRPGs that came out on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, DS, and PSP. Blue Dragon (360) Of any new developer this generation, Mistwalker has been the greatest hope for JRPG fans. Founded by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, this team hasn’t had all hits, but they’ve still helped create some of the best Japanese RPGs in years. As Mistwalker’s first release, Blue Dragon seems like the true, cur...
MLB 12: The Show Vita Review: A Solid Player With A Hole In Its Swing
By GameInformer, published 22-03-2012
The Show’s Vita debut isn’t so much a port of the console release as it is an experience tailored to take advantage of the hardware and meet the needs of the gamer on the go. Sony offers touchscreen controls where they make the most sense. On the field, they can be used to place pitches – which ends up being the most reliable way, thanks to an overly sensitive left analog stick. One flick of the finger on the rear touchscreen in the direction of a desired base will initiate a steal, pick-off attempt, or fielding throw. All of the frontend and in-game menus offer handy touchscreen controls as well. Hitting X to select a mode and pressing down on the analog stick to scroll through a roster works just as well, but the touch controls speed up menu navigation. Touch controls ...
Call Of Duty Leads February Game Sales
By GameInformer, published 09-03-2012
U.S. market research firm NPD released its February 2012 sales numbers today. Total game sales declined by 20 percent year-over-year. Total game sales fell from 1.33 billion to 1.06 billion. Xbox 360 lead all hardware sales for the month with 426,000 units sold. The Wii sold 228,000 units. Sony has not released PlayStation 3 hardware sales at this time. “The best-selling hardware platform for the month was Xbox 360 for the seventh month in a row. While most hardware platforms posted declines versus last year, all current-generation platforms improved sales over January 2012 by more than 50 percent," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. "There are four days of retail sales reported for PlayStation Vita in this reporting period. Overall, hardware unit sales increas...
Exent's GameTanium Mobile Brings Game Streaming To Android
By HotHardware, published 29-02-2012
Game streaming sounded like a brilliant idea at the time, but there are serious hurdles to overcome. Many have tried and failed, and even Sony's PSPgo was a short-lived invention. So, do players like OnLive have a chance? In a world where more and more people are acquiring broadband each day, perhaps it can, but the road isn't paved in gold,...
Cast Your Vote For The Best PSN Games Of 2011
By GameInformer, published 28-02-2012
Sony is holding its second annual Gamers' Choice Awards, where players get to pick the cream of the PSN's crop. If the idea of honoring a 2011 game sounds so 2011, perhaps a discount or 10 may help you change your position. Voting for the awards begins today and lasts a week. Simply visit the PlayStation Store and make your selection among 10 categories. Participating in nine of the 10 categories gives you a series of special Gamers' Choice XMB themes. If you vote in the Best PSN Indie, you'll get a voucher code for an exclusive XMB. Winners will be announced on March 6, and winning games will be discounted 30 percent for a week. If you're a member of PlayStation Plus, that discount expands into a cool 50-percent off. Here are the nominees: Best PSN Exclusive:• In...
Sony Discusses The Launch And Future Of The Vita
By GameInformer, published 22-02-2012
Guy Longworth is Sony’s newest senior vice president of PlayStation brand marketing. He’s responsible for the marketing behind all of Sony’s platforms, including PlayStation 3, the PlayStation Network, and of the newest member of the Sony gaming family, the PlayStation Vita. The Vita has been in production for four years leading up to today, and even though Longworth has only been with Sony for about four months, he's here to answer our questions about Sony’s latest handheld. You said you’ve only been with Sony for a few months. Where were you before Sony? My background is consumer products. I started my career with marketing with Proctor & Gamble, Kraft foods, and Kellogg's and since then I did a software consumer services start-up Internet busin...
Lumines: Electronic Symphony Review – Fun With Few Surprises
By GameInformer, published 14-02-2012
Lumines was the highlight of the PSP launch for me, and in the months of weak software support that followed, Q Entertainment’s music-infused puzzle game was the only thing that kept me playing the system. A hardware generation later, Sony’s new handheld is launching with Lumines: Electronic Symphony, but I can’t muster the same enthusiasm. After further iterations released on XBLA, PSN, PS2, and PSP over the years, Lumines doesn’t pack the same punch it once did, though it is still an elegant and addictive formula. Electronic Symphony keeps the core gameplay largely unchanged, but surrounds it with a hit-and-miss assortment of new features. For example, you can use the Vita’s touchscreen to rotate and move the falling blocks, but it’s so clumsy and un...
PlayStation Vita Review
By GameInformer, published 13-02-2012
Is Sony’s new handheld gaming platform worth the price of admission? We break down its performance and hand out a final grade in anticipation of the February 22 release.Display The screen is the first thing you will notice about the Vita, and understandably so. Though it doesn’t have the resolution of the iPhone 4’s Retina display, this five-inch, 960x544 resolution OLED screen still delivers bright, colorful, and stunning visuals. The graphical fidelity is markedly better than the PSP and PlayStation 2, but not quite on the same level as the PlayStation 3. The fact that the image quality is even in the neighborhood of the high-powered console is an incredible feat in and of itself. During my review I saw no hints of ghosting or tearing, frequent problems on the PSP. Vid...
Sony Talks The Last Guardian, Demon's Souls, And The Vita Launch
By GameInformer, published 10-02-2012
2011 was one of Sony's best years in terms of first-party software releases. The company released many titles, such as LittleBigPlanet 2, Killzone 3, Uncharted 3, and Infamous 2. Sony also released its newest handheld, the PlayStation Vita, in late December in Japan. The Vita launches in North America and Europe later this month. We talked to the president of Sony's Worldwide studios Shuhei Yoshida about what the company learned from the Vita's Japanese launch and the mistakes they hope to correct this year. Game Informer: I first wanted to get your thoughts on the PlayStation Vita launch in Japan. It started out pretty well, but every week it seemed sales dipped and dipped. Shuhei Yoshida: In terms of sales, yes. But it’s within our expectation. It didn&r...
Sony Confirms PSP Passport Program Not Coming To Vita In North America
By GameInformer, published 08-02-2012
With the Vita launch in Japan last year, Sony unveiled a nice program allowing Japanese gamers to pay a small fee to download their original PSP games on the new handheld. As the North American launch of the Vita approaches, we've patiently waited to hear about a U.S. version of the UMD Passport plan. Sadly, it's not going to happen. Kotaku reports on official word from Sony that there will be no North American equivalent of the UMD Passport program. As such, you'll have to hold on to an old-school PSP to keep using your UMDs, although Sony says you will be able to re-download any downloadable PSP games tied to your Sony Entertainment Network account. I'm definitely annoyed by this but not surprised. Still, at least I'll be able to keep playing Corpse Party on the Vit...
Reader Discussion: Are You Buying A PS Vita?
By GameInformer, published 29-01-2012
I just realized that we are less than a month away from the release of the PS Vita, and I’m not nearly as excited as I should be for the release of new video game system. Sony’s PlayStation Vita releases on February 22 here in the states. I don’t think I’ll be waiting in line to get one. Granted, I’ve already played with the thing, so I’m not super eager to try it for the first time. But, I’m also not really excited to spend around $300 to own one. I think it’s a great piece of hardware, and I’m really looking forward to playing Uncharted: Golden Abyss and a few other games, but I’m still hesitant to buy a system on day one? I kind of feel like I got burned with my PSP purchase – which I don’t think I used nearly enou...
MLB 12: The Show Preview: You May End Up Purchasing It Twice
By GameInformer, published 26-01-2012
The 2012 baseball season has already delivered more drama than a daytime soap, and players haven’t even reported to Spring Training yet. Ryan Braun, the National League MVP, failed a drug test and may be suspended 50 games. Albert Pujols, the star of the reigning World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, opted to follow the scent of money to Anahiem rather than defend his title. The Chicago Cubs, a team desperately seeking a solution to a 100-year championship drought, hope former Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein can work his voodoo to remove The Curse of the Billy Goat from Wrigley Field. While video game baseball is free of the doping, betrayal, and the hundred years of sucktitude found in its real-life counterpart, developer Sony Computer Entertainment San Diego is ma...
Sony Reveals Top PSN Downloads For December
By GameInformer, published 21-01-2012
The PlayStation Blog released the bestsellers of the PSN during the month of December. Sonic CD took the lead, but there are some surprises sprinkled in there. I am happy to see LIMBO continuing to perform well despite releasing much earlier this year. Here's the list: Sonic CD inFAMOUS 2 Festival of Blood NBA JAM: On Fire Edition PAYDAY: The Heist Trine 2 Castle Crashers Saints Row 2 Resident Evil 4 Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection Voltron: Defender of the Universe Penny Arcade Adventures: OTRSPOD, Episodes 1 and 2 Scene It? Movie Night Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD Dungeon Defenders Battlefield 1943 Midnight Club Los Angeles Complete Edition Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare REAL STEEL LIMBO Sony's blog post also breaks down a few other best sell...
Japan's Best-Selling Games Of 2011
By GameInformer, published 16-01-2012
Games retail tracker Media Create published the best-selling games in Japan for 2011. The data comes from Japanese website 4gamer and was translated by Andriasang. Below are the top 10 games. The full top 30 can be seen through the link below. Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo): 1,160,169 Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo): 1,080,192 Monster Hunter 3G (Capcom): 985,498 Final Fantasy Type-0 (Square Enix): 746,203 Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Square Enix): 704,236 Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (Capcom): 682,651 (4,532,557) Rhythm Heaven: 654,403 Tales of Xillia (Namco Bandai): 627,346 Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 Professional (Square Enix): 602,664 Wii Sports Resort Wiimote Plus Pack (Nintendo): Here are the total hardware sales for 2011 in bold with life-to-date numbers in parentheses. Nintendo 3DS - 4,282,1...
The Best-Selling U.S. Games Of 2011
By GameInformer, published 13-01-2012
U.S. market retail tracking firm NPD released its December sales numbers as well as overall 2011 sales. Retail sales of video games generated revenues of $9.3 billion, which was an 8 percent decline over the $10.1 billion generated in 2010. "Overall industry results are not entirely surprising given that we are on the back end of the current console lifecycle, combined with the continued digital evolution of gaming," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. "Core gamers continue to be engaged and spend on established franchises across both the digital and physical format using multiple devices for different gaming occasions." On the hardware side, Xbox 360 was the best-selling hardware platform for 2011, outselling the second place console by more than 2.7 million units. For D...
The UK's Best-Selling Games Of 2011
By GameInformer, published 11-01-2012
Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was the UK's best-selling title last year, according to data released today by UKIE, a trade association that represents the UK's video game industry. This marks the third year in a row that Call of Duty took the top spot in the UK for the year. Modern Warfare 2 was the top game in 2009 and Black Ops in 2010. FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3 took the #2 and #3 spots, respectively. “In a year when overall consumer spending was down, the launch of so many high-quality titles showed that there was still strength in the UK’s boxed-product games market," said Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE. "However, whilst the boxed product market still remains a key revenue stream, digital is where much future growth lies and it is therefore vit...
The Big Gaming Remake Guide
By GameInformer, published 25-12-2011
Remaking classic titles with enhanced features and uprezzed graphics is all the rage these days and keeping track of them gets out of hand quickly. Here's a guide to help you remember which remakes are already out and which ones are on the horizon. The following lists focus mostly on titles that released recently, but includes a few older favorites and some that are on the way. The data includes the name of the remake or collection, the platforms, and which games are included. Some games were omitted because they are no longer available (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade games and Double Dragon). Click on the links for full reviews or more information on the collections. If we did a review back in the day and it's doesn't have a direct link on the site, the numerical sco...
Vita's Design Has Surprising Ties To Old-School Sony
By GameInformer, published 23-12-2011
James Gallagher, of the PlayStation Blog, attended the official launch of the PS Vita in Japan earlier in the week. He's compiled a few tidbits from his trip in a new post, which includes a surprising link between Sony's latest handheld system and the company's old-school consumer-electronic roots. In addition to passing along a few mundane details such as what's inside the system's box, Gallagher mentions a chat he had with Takashi Sogabe, from Sony's Corporate Design Centre. Sogabe's team designed the physical form that players will hold in their hand. Sogabe knows a thing or two about hardware design, Gallagher says, since he designed the original Sony Walkman cassette player. Sogabe told Gallagher that the system had undergone several iterations, including ...
PlayStation Vita US launch titles revealed
By TechRadar, published 22-12-2011
Sony has revealed the full line-up of games which will be available for the PlayStation Vita console when it launches on 22 February.There will be 25 games available in total, priced from $10-$50, with Sony calling claiming that "PS Vita will have the biggest and best lineup we've ever launched across the history of PlayStation platforms."Sony says there are over 100 games in development, but these are the titles that will be available from day one:SCEA Launch Day Titles Escape Plan (PSN Only), Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational, Hustle Kings (PSN Only), Little Deviants, ModNation Racers: Road Trip, Super StarDust Delta (PSN only), UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss, wipEout 2048. Third Party Publisher Launch Day Titles Army Corps of Hell (Square Enix), Asphalt Injection (Ubisoft), BEN10 GAL...
PlayStation Vita US launch titles revealed
By TechRadar, published 22-12-2011
Sony has revealed the full line-up of games which will be available for the PlayStation Vita console when it launches on 22 February.There will be 25 games available in total, priced from $10-$50, with Sony calling claiming that "PS Vita will have the biggest and best lineup we've ever launched across the history of PlayStation platforms."Sony says there are over 100 games in development, but these are the titles that will be available from day one:SCEA Launch Day Titles Escape Plan (PSN Only), Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational, Hustle Kings (PSN Only), Little Deviants, ModNation Racers: Road Trip, Super StarDust Delta (PSN only), UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss, wipEout 2048. Third Party Publisher Launch Day Titles Army Corps of Hell (Square Enix), Asphalt Injection (Ubisoft), BEN10 GAL...
Big in Japan Dec 12-18: FF XIII-2, PS Vita
By GameSpot, published 22-12-2011
Sony's new handheld comes in second to 3DS on hardware sales chart in launch week; Square Enix's latest RPG tops software charts. All eyes were fixed on the PlayStation Vita when it launched in Japan on December 17, so there's no surprise that Sony's new handheld made its presence known in the recent Media Creates sales chart on both the software and hardware sides. Not to be outdone, the release of a major Final Fantasy title in the country proved that role-playing game juggernauts can still sell, even with everybody talking about the availability of a new device. Square Enix may have stolen some of Sony's thunder in the week of December 12. The PlayStation 3 version of Final Fantasy XIII-2 debuted at first place on the sales chart for the week of ...
How Does Vita And 3DS Battery Life Compare To The Old-School PSP?
By GameInformer, published 21-12-2011
As handheld systems gain more utility and become more powerful, one seemingly important element is getting lost in the equation: battery life. One Japanese gamer decided to take the newest handhelds from Sony and Nintendo and pit them against an older PSP-3000 to see what wins. You can watch the sped-up video for yourself below, but the results shouldn't be terribly surprising. The 3DS crumbles under the added power drain of its 3D capabilities and is the first to go at around two-and-a-half hours. The PlayStation Vita lasts to a bit under four hours, while the PSP-3000 goes strong right up through the nine hour mark. Does battery life matter to you when choosing a handheld system? More importantly, does anyone actually keep the 3D turned on for their 3DS all the time? (Please visit ...
Twisted Metal, LocoRoco And More Bundle Up For Winter
By GameInformer, published 21-12-2011
Sony started selling popular games from its PSP library in dual packs earlier this year. Today the publisher announced that it would bundle up a few more games for release. Starting in January you’ll be able to buy PSP Dual Packs featuring MotorStorm: Arctic Edge and Twisted Metal: Head-on, Patapon and LocoRoco, and Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee and Hot Shots Tennis. Each pack retails for $14.99 and will be available via PlayStation Network and retailers nationwide. What game combo would you like to see Sony roll out next? [Source: Sony Blog]
PS Vita software lineup planned to 2013
By GameSpot, published 20-12-2011
Sony publishing president says company will not be repeating PSP game library "mistake"; Hot Shots Golf tops Japanese launch sales. Sony launched the PSP in March 2005, and one criticism that was leveled against the company during that window was the system's dearth of new games. With the PlayStation Vita having launched in Japan last week, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida does not plan on having the company make that mistake again. Japanese gamers were most concerned with hitting the links upon the PS Vita's debut. "In the past we launched PSP and then shifted our attention to PS3 when that came on the horizon, which we now concede was a mistake," Yoshida said in an interview posted to the PlayStation Blog. "So with PS Vita we are wor...
In Depth: Highs and lows for Apple in 2011
By TechRadar, published 20-12-2011
Highs and lows for Apple in 2011Apple's a company that's expected to come out with the next big thing—every month. While that certainly didn't happen in 2011, Cupertino nonetheless gave us lovely new toys.However, everything wasn't always rosy. The company was mired in lawsuits, worried developers and high-end users with its gradual drift away from the pro space, and had to face up to a future without its charismatic and visionary founder Steve Jobs, who sadly passed away in October.Join us for TechRadar's Apple highs and lows from the past twelve months, and let us know in the comments if there's anything you think we missed.Apple's highs of 20111. iPad 2Thinner, lighter, and officially 32 per cent lovelier, the iPad 2 took Apple's original tablet and ran with it. Some argued it didn't ...
PlayStation Vita Week One Sales Results
By GameInformer, published 20-12-2011
Sony's newest handheld got off to a decent start in Japan where it sold 321,407 units in its first two days. The sales number comes courtesy of Japan's retail tracker Enterbrain via Famitsu. First week sales account just for December 17 and 18. Sony said it shipped 500,000 Vitas in Japan for launch, though other reports claim the company made available an additional 200,000 units. That number hasn't been confirmed. For comparison, the first two days of sales for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan totaled 371,326 units while just one day for PSP hit 166,074 units. The PlayStation Vita releases on February 22, 2012 in North America and Europe. Source: Andriasang
Big in Japan Dec. 5-11: Monster Hunter 3G
By GameSpot, published 15-12-2011
3DS version of Capcom's multiplayer action RPG beats out Mario titles and Skyrim in latest Japanese chart update; Nintendo's 3D handheld dominates hardware sales. The Monster Hunter series is huge in Japan, so much so that even a port of a three-year-old PC installment of the franchise for the largely marginalized Xbox 360 was an instant best-seller in the country. Monster Hunter 3G for the 3DS is proving no exception to that popularity, as the game debuted at number one with 521,959 units sold on the Media Create's sales chart update for the week of December 5 through December 11. Why so angry, Bracchidios? Your game is number one on the charts. The game is a follow-up to the Wii title Monster Hunter 3, and features different control schemes for und...
[Update] Rats! DJ Deadmau5 Leaves PS Vita In A Cab
By GameInformer, published 11-12-2011
[Update] It seems that Deadmau5 was merely trying to get a rise out of Sony when he claimed that he misplaced the PS Vita that was entrusted to him. Apparently a man who performs in a giant cartoony mouse head has a sense of humor. "Sorry! didn't lose the lose the PS Vita! i just wanted to see how much management would freak out over it,... " he tweeted, adding a link to a photo of the unit tucked gently in an enormous padded case. Whew! Here I come, full night's sleep! [Original story] Deadmau5 performed at last night's VGA awards, providing tunes for the event. Afterward, he went to his hotel. So far so good, except for the part where he accidentally left a prerelease PS Vita that Sony had provided him behind in a cab. Drat. The DJ revealed the situation in an earl...
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd gets top honors at PlayStation Awards
By GameSpot, published 06-12-2011
Capcom's monster-killing game for PSP and PS3 nabs Sony Japan's highest awards; Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 also top winners in User's Choice category. As the year of 2011 reaches to a close, Sony Entertainment Japan held the annual PlayStation Awards on December 6 to honor developers for their hard work and high sales. According to the official website (via ), the awards covered games released between November 1, 2010, and October 31, 2011. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd sold a lot of copies; therefore, it won the highest award in Sony's event. The top winner as the game with the best sales number was Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. The game's development staff at Capcom received 4 million yen ($51,425). The rest of the winners who were awarded the ...
Big in Japan Nov. 21-27: Skyward Sword
By GameSpot, published 05-12-2011
New Zelda title is at the top spot of the Japan sales chart; Wii sales double but 3DS still number one. Trust Nintendo to pull rank on the Japanese sales charts after the release of one of its major IPs. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii secured the top spot of the recent Media Create sales update for the week of November 21-27. An elf's quest triumphed for the week of November 21. The Wii title sold 194,978 units in its debut week, beating out other titles, like Sega's 7th Dragon 2020 (122,498 units), Saint Seiya Senki (66,557 units), and the PS3 version of Metal Gear Solid HD Edition (61,192). For comparison's sake, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii sold 139,011 units in its first week of release in 2006, while The Le...
Updated: PS Vita: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 29-11-2011
PlayStation Vita: what you need to knowAfter much rumour and speculation, Sony announced the new PSP console - formerly codenamed NGP for Next Generation Portable - would be called the PlayStation Vita. And we've been playing with the new handheld. Read our thoughts in our Hands on: Sony PS Vita reviewBut when will the PlayStation Vita UK release date be and how much will it cost? Read on to find out.brightcove : 1091086359001PlayStation Vita UK release dateNobody expected Sony to miss the all-important Christmas shopping period, but it has happened. While the release date was originally planned for October 2011 - a flyer from Blockbuster put the original PS Vita release date at 28 October.Sony has now said that the PlayStation Vita UK release date is 22 February 2012 when 11 games will la...
PS Vita memory card prices revealed - Retail Radar
By GameSpot, published 28-11-2011
GameStop listing for first-party PS Vita memory cards lists 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB cards starting at US$30 and going to US$120; other Sony accessories revealed. Last month, Sony finally announced a global release date for its upcoming PlayStation Vita console, revealing the system would ship worldwide beginning February 22, 2012. Later, the publisher outlined the console's game transfer fees, saying that players who wish to play their PSP UMD-based titles on the Vita will have to repurchase them at a discounted price. Now, retailer GameStop has revealed prices for the four memory cards that will be available with the new console. The 4GB memory card will cost $29.99; the 8GB will cost $44.99; the 16GB will cost $69.99; and the 32GB memory card will cost $119.99, almost half the ...
Hands on: PlayStation Vita review
By TechRadar, published 25-11-2011
OverviewThere's a good reason PS Vita is often referred to as PSP 2.It addresses the step up Sony's handheld console has needed to make since almost day one.It's evolving from being the Nintendo DS competitor that didn't quite make it, to an all singing, all dancing touchscreen, motion controlled portable gaming console with tablet and multimedia aspirations thanks to a 5-inch OLED display that puts it up there with smartphones like the HTC Sensation.The important thing to grasp is that this isn't a revamped PSP, an easy mistake to make when you consider the PlayStation Portable has been made available in five largely identical models since its 2004 debut.Three of these, the PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000, are basically size revising updates, while the PSP Go aped sliding-case phones to create an...
Hands on: PlayStation Vita review
By TechRadar, published 25-11-2011
OverviewThere's a good reason PS Vita is often referred to as PSP 2.It addresses the step up Sony's handheld console has needed to make since almost day one.It's evolving from being the Nintendo DS competitor that didn't quite make it, to an all singing, all dancing touchscreen, motion controlled portable gaming console with tablet and multimedia aspirations thanks to a 5-inch OLED display that puts it up there with smartphones like the HTC Sensation.The important thing to grasp is that this isn't a revamped PSP, an easy mistake to make when you consider the PlayStation Portable has been made available in five largely identical models since its 2004 debut.Three of these, the PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000, are basically size revising updates, while the PSP Go aped sliding-case phones to create an...
Hands on: PlayStation Vita review
By TechRadar, published 25-11-2011
OverviewThere's a good reason PS Vita is often referred to as PSP 2.It addresses the step up Sony's handheld console has needed to make since almost day one.It's evolving from being the Nintendo DS competitor that didn't quite make it, to an all singing, all dancing touchscreen, motion controlled portable gaming console with tablet and multimedia aspirations thanks to a 5-inch OLED display that puts it up there with smartphones like the HTC Sensation.The important thing to grasp is that this isn't a revamped PSP, an easy mistake to make when you consider the PlayStation Portable has been made available in five largely identical models since its 2004 debut.Three of these, the PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000, are basically size revising updates, while the PSP Go aped sliding-case phones to create an...
Hands on: PlayStation Vita review
By TechRadar, published 25-11-2011
OverviewThere's a good reason PS Vita is often referred to as PSP 2.It addresses the step up Sony's handheld console has needed to make since almost day one.It's evolving from being the Nintendo DS competitor that didn't quite make it, to an all singing, all dancing touchscreen, motion controlled portable gaming console with tablet and multimedia aspirations thanks to a 5-inch OLED display that puts it up there with smartphones like the HTC Sensation.The important thing to grasp is that this isn't a revamped PSP, an easy mistake to make when you consider the PlayStation Portable has been made available in five largely identical models since its 2004 debut.Three of these, the PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000, are basically size revising updates, while the PSP Go aped sliding-case phones to create an...
Hands on: PlayStation Vita review
By TechRadar, published 25-11-2011
OverviewThere's a good reason PS Vita is often referred to as PSP 2.It addresses the step up Sony's handheld console has needed to make since almost day one.It's evolving from being the Nintendo DS competitor that didn't quite make it, to an all singing, all dancing touchscreen, motion controlled portable gaming console with tablet and multimedia aspirations thanks to a 5-inch OLED display that puts it up there with smartphones like the HTC Sensation.The important thing to grasp is that this isn't a revamped PSP, an easy mistake to make when you consider the PlayStation Portable has been made available in five largely identical models since its 2004 debut.Three of these, the PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000, are basically size revising updates, while the PSP Go aped sliding-case phones to create an...
Big in Japan Nov 14-20: MW3
By GameSpot, published 25-11-2011
Activision's sales juggernaut shooter beats out new One Piece game and Level-5 RPG. The popularity of Modern Warfare 3 has gone beyond North America and Europe. The latest Activision shooter has beaten out two prominent Japanese intellectual properties made by well-known publishers in the recent Media Creates sales update: the PS3 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 sold 180,372, and is placed first; the Xbox 360 version was at seventh place, with 30,467 units sold. MW3 fever runs rampant in Japan on the recent sales chart update. The shooter was praised for its climactic campaign and variable challenges in the game's Spec Ops mode; check out GameSpot's coverage for more information. Japanese gamers should note that the version on the charts i...
PS Vita to stream PlayStation 3 games?
By TechRadar, published 24-11-2011
The Sony PlayStation Vita is set to have a remote play feature which will allow users to play all PlayStation 3 games through the handheld.This is according to Eurogamer, which is reporting that an upcoming firmware update to the PS3 will unlock this feature and open the handheld up to remote gaming via a PlayStation 3 console.There are a few caveats to the remote play functionality, however, and they have to do with the screen resolution. According to reports, you will only be able to play the games in PSP resolution which is just 480 x 272. The PS Vita will then upscale the content in real-time to match the resolution of its screen.We're not quite sure how good the quality of this will be, considering the PS Vita's screen resolution is double that at 960 x 544.Cool controlThere's been no...
PS Vita to stream PlayStation 3 games?
By TechRadar, published 24-11-2011
The Sony PlayStation Vita is set to have a remote play feature which will allow users to play all PlayStation 3 games through the handheld.This is according to Eurogamer, which is reporting that an upcoming firmware update to the PS3 will unlock this feature and open the handheld up to remote gaming via a PlayStation 3 console.There are a few caveats to the remote play functionality, however, and they have to do with the screen resolution. According to reports, you will only be able to play the games in PSP resolution which is just 480 x 272. The PS Vita will then upscale the content in real-time to match the resolution of its screen.We're not quite sure how good the quality of this will be, considering the PS Vita's screen resolution is double that at 960 x 544.Cool controlThere's been no...
Sony partners with Vodafone for Vita in Europe, AU
By GameSpot, published 22-11-2011
Vodafone announced as "preferred partner" for Sony's PlayStation Vita 3G connectivity in Australia, UK, and PAL territories. Last month Sony announced that its upcoming PlayStation Vita console would launch worldwide beginning February 22, 2012. Later, the publisher outlined the console's game transfer fees, revealing that players who wish to play PSP titles on the Vita will have to repurchase them at a discounted price. PS Vita will partner with Vodafone in Europe and Australia. Now, Sony has further outlined its plans for the new console ahead of its early-2012 release, announcing it has partnered with mobile phone carrier Vodafone to see the company as the "preferred provider" of 3G connectivity on the Vita in Australia, New Zealand, and other territori...
Big in Japan Nov. 7-13: Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Extend
By GameSpot, published 17-11-2011
New entry in Sega's rhythm game and Sengoku Basara offshoot occupy top spots of sales chart; 3DS again tops hardware sales with room to spare. Just like in North America and Europe, Japan has experienced a huge surge of new releases within the past few weeks. That surge is still continuing, thanks to two recent releases during the week of November 7 to November 13. Games about funky-haired digital idols were last week's top sellers. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva sold 184,673 units and was the top-selling title on the Media Creates chart. The rhythm title puts gamers in the shoes of virtual diva Hatsune Miku as they have to press inputs to match the rhythm of a track. This version of the game features nine new songs and 28 returning tracks from past Pro...
PSN Going Offline For A Day
By GameInformer, published 16-11-2011
Sony is taking PSN offline for routine scheduled maintenance tomorrow, November 17, from approximately 8am until 10pm PST. According to the PlayStation Blog, users will be unable to acces the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PSP, Account Management, and Account Registration. Additionally, you will not be able to sign in to PlayStation Network through us.playstation.com, but Sony says some users may still be able to play online during the maintenance. And don’t worry, any trophies you earn during this time will added to your profile once PSN is up and running again.
PSN going down for a day
By GameSpot, published 16-11-2011
Sony taking service offline from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific on November 17; new game sharing limits to be in place when PSN comes back online. The PlayStation Network is taking the day off tomorrow. In a post on the official PlayStation blog, Sony gave gamers a heads up that the PSN would be taken offline for "routine scheduled maintenance." The PlayStation Store will be closed for business tomorrow. The downtime is scheduled to begin November 17 at 8 a.m. Pacific and last until 10 p.m. While some users "may be able to play online" during the maintenance, Sony has said that PlayStation 3 and PSP owners will not be able to log into the PSN website, access the PlayStation Store, or register new accounts. Sony is using the maintenance time to introduce n...
Shippin' Out Nov. 13-19: Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Super Mario 3D Land
By GameSpot, published 13-11-2011
Ezio and Mario bring the Italian flavor to new release shelves alongside Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and Saints Row: The Third. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 may have come out last week, but that doesn't mean there aren't any more big multiplayer games or shooters on the way. Two Italians are back this week with Ezio in Assassin's Creed: Revelations and Mario in Super Mario 3D Land. Master Chief is set to deliver a big dose of nostalgia with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, as could Jurassic Park: The Game. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 introduces more fighters, and Saints Row: The Third will do something…ridiculous. Ezio wraps up his Assassin's Creed run this week. Assassin's Creed: Revelations marks the clos...
October US retail sales post rare climb - NPD
By GameSpot, published 12-11-2011
Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City lead industry to 1% sales growth last month as revenues reach $1.08 billion. The game industry has strung together five consecutive months of year-over-year losses at retail in the US, but that streak has ended in October. Today, The NPD Group reported a modest 1 percent climb in total game-industry sales, as console, portable, and PC software; games hardware; and accessories combined to sell $1.08 billion in the US at retail. Battlefield 3 launched a successful campaign at retail. The vast majority of the industry's revenues came via software sales, which were up 1 percent year-over-year to $649.5 million. Leading this category was EA's heavily hyped Battlefield 3, which sold 2 million units at retail in the US. Ho...
MLB 12 hits PS3 and PS Vita on March 6
By GameSpot, published 10-11-2011
Boston Red Sox All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to headline next year's baseball release from Sony. 2K may have the multiplatform Major League Baseball rights tied up, but as a first-party publisher, Sony has been producing its own critically lauded MLB games for years. Almost ready for another go around the bases, next year's entry now has a release date, platforms, and cover athlete. The Show winds up for another go around (MLB 11: The Show pictured). Sony announced this week that Boston Red Sox All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will be taking the role of cover athlete for the 2012 iteration. A release date of March 6 was also revealed for the PlayStation 3 and all-new PS Vita versions. Next year's entry will mark the first time Sony's basebal...
Uncharted 3 sells 3.8 million copies
By GameSpot, published 10-11-2011
Sony reports that Naughty Dog's latest PS3-exclusive game exceeded expectations with multimillion day-one tally, is on track to top its predecessors' sales totals. Gamers have bought into Drake's Deception by the millions. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced that the PlayStation 3-exclusive Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception posted day-one global sales of 3.8 million copies. Unlike this craft, Uncharted 3 did not crash and burn on takeoff. Released on November 1 in North America and November 2 in Europe, Uncharted 3 "has smashed sales expectations," according to Sony. Additionally, the Naughty Dog-developed title is on pace to be the best-selling game in the franchise to date. When Uncharted 2 launched in October of 2009, it took the game th...
Big in Japan Oct 31 - Nov 6: Super Mario 3D Land
By GameSpot, published 10-11-2011
New handheld adventure featuring Nintendo's mascot easily leads sales charts, pushes 3DS to top of hardware heap. Mario's first handheld excursion into the third dimension has put the plumber in first place. According to the recent Media Create sales update for the week of October 31, Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS sold 343,492 units on its debut week, easily topping the sales charts. Koopa genocide rules in-game sales for October 31. Although the 3DS's launch difficulties have been well documented, Super Mario 3D Land's Japanese debut actually outperformed its predecessors on the successful Wii console. Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii sold about 250,000 on its first week of Japanese release in 2007, and its sequel sold 339,901 in 2010. Alongside t...
Android, iOS overtake Sony PSP, Nintendo DS in US portable game revenue
By SlashGear, published 09-11-2011
According to new data from mobile analytics firm Flurry, Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android devices have now taken command of the US portable gaming market. Together, they control 58 percent of the industry’s revenue in 2011. That’s a huge jump from just two years ago when the Nintendo DS held 70 percent of portable gaming [...]
iOS and Android games grossing more than Sony and Nintendo
By TechRadar, published 09-11-2011
Game sales for Android and iOS devices now generate more revenue than those for the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS series, according to new projections.Flurry expects mobile and tablet games to own 58 per cent of the market and gross $1.9 billion by the end of 2011, while the combined total of Sony and Nintendo sales are likely to amount $1.4 billion.If the analytics firm's predictions hold true, it'll be the first time that Apple and Android games have brought in more cash than the old stalwarts of the handheld gaming industry.In 2009 Apple and Google controlled just 19 per cent of the market, while the DS had a whopping 70 per cent, while the already-fading PSP had an 11 per cent share.Big name troublesOf course both Nintendo and Sony have endured troubled times in the handheld arena over the ...
S&P places Sony debt rating on watch
By GameSpot, published 08-11-2011
Ratings agency considering downgrading PS3 maker's credit due to anticipated fourth straight year of losses. Sony closed out its 2009 fiscal year by posting its first loss since 1995, and the electronics company's fortunes haven't improved since then. That downward trend was highlighted last week, when Sony reported a ¥18.3 billion ($234.4 million) net loss for the July-September quarter on revenues that were down 9 percent to ¥1.5 trillion ($19.2 billion). Sony would likely like to make believe its losses were actually profits. That news has not been taken well by credit-rating agency Standard & Poor's, the organization that instigated a tumult following its downgrading of the United States' debt in August. Reuters reports that the S&a...
Sony To Limit PSN Game Sharing
By GameInformer, published 04-11-2011
Sony said today PlayStation Network users will only be able to play game content on up to two activated PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable systems. The change will go into effect starting November 18 for all content purchased on or after that date. Content purchased before the date will not be affected. This policy change includes PSP-1000/2000/3000 series and PSPgo. Sony says it plans to provide a new PlayStation Network account management website, where users can deactivate certain devices. For more on how to activate and deactivate devices head over to Sony's consumer services guide. [Source: PlayStation Blog]
Should You Buy The PlayStation 3D Display?
By GameInformer, published 03-11-2011
We take a look at the soon-to-release monitor/TV from Sony to determine if it's worth the $499.99 asking price. If you're like most of the GI editorial staff, you still need some convincing before you're sold on the need for a 3D television. Between the clunky glasses, lower resolution, occasionally blurry visuals, high cost of entry, and dearth of content built from the ground up with 3D in mind, home 3D is still a hard sell. For better or worse, Sony has jumped in headfirst with 3D, and the newest slate of games for the PS3 increasingly have the "3D Compatible" label prominently on display. To further open up the market, Sony created this new monitor built for use with PS3 3D games. We took the final model for a quick test drive, and here's what we discovered...
Big in Japan Oct. 24-30: Final Fantasy Type-0
By GameSpot, published 03-11-2011
Square Enix's long-awaited PSP RPG top seller for the week; 3DS outsells PSP. History has proven that any game with the words "Final" and "Fantasy" in the title will start off strong when it comes to sales in Japan. Unsurprisingly, then, Final Fantasy Type-0 placed highly in the Media Create charts for the week of October 24 to October 30. Square Enix's latest triumphs in sales for the week of October 24. The PSP role-playing game was at first place with 472,253 units sold. The action RPG was first unveiled at the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo under the moniker Final Fantasy Agito XIII, with its gameplay design going through numerous changes until its release last October in Japan. For comparison's sake, Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII sold close ...
Sony Loses Billions
By GameInformer, published 02-11-2011
Sony's Consumer Products & Services division (which contains the PlayStation and LCTV businesses) has reported a multi-billion yen loss for the second quarter ending on September 30. Although sales for both the PlayStation 3 and PSP were up from the same three-month period last year (PS3: 3.7 million units worldwide; up from 3.5. PSP: 1.7 million; up from 1.5 million), and PS3 software was up (37.4 million units sold as compared to 35.3 million units), none of it was enough to offset what Sony says are the manufacturing costs and weak sales of its LCTV division. The PS3 price drop, currency rates, and general weakness of video game sales were also cited as culprits. Overall, the Consumer Products & Services division lost 34.6 billion yen ($449 million) in the second quarter &n...
Updated: PS Vita: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 27-10-2011
PlayStation Vita: what you need to knowIt's here! And by "here!" we mean "nearly here!"After much rumour and speculation, Sony announced the new PSP - formerly codenamed NGP for Next Generation Portable - would be called the PlayStation Vita. But when will the PlayStation Vita UK release date be and how much will it cost? Read on to find out.brightcove : 1091086359001PS Vita UK price will start at £229.99The UK pre-order price for the Sony PlayStation Vita has been revealed, with both Play and Game offering the handheld for £279.99 (3G) and £229.99 (Wi-Fi). The handheld appears to be $299 in the US.As the more eagle-eyed of you will notice, this is a near like-for-like dollar and pounds pricing strategy, something us in the UK are unfortunately getting used to now.PlaySt...
Big in Japan Oct. 17-23: Macross F, Naruto Shippuden
By GameSpot, published 27-10-2011
Namco Bandai represents the majority of top 10 titles; 3DS sales spike due to new model colour. Publisher Namco Bandai is on a roll, if the recently updated Media Creates sales charts are anything to go by. The update details sales in Japan for the week of October 17 to October 23, with new titles like Gekijouban Macross F: Sayonara no Tsubasa Hybrid Pack (also known as Macross F: The Wings of Goodbye) for the PS3 and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact for the PSP sitting in the top two slots. The former sold 142,607 units, while the latter sold 53,148 units. Namco Bandai sure does love hybrid packs. The Macross F Hybrid Pack consists of the movie Macross F: Sayonara no Tsubasa and a flight action game based on events from the movie. The latter ...
Interview: Sony: PSN outage 'woke our customers up'
By TechRadar, published 24-10-2011
Sony Entertainment NetworkSony has revealed more information regarding its mass rebranding of its online services as the Sony Entertainment Network and has told TechRadar that the PSN outage earlier this year woke its dormant customers up, getting them back online rather than pushing them away.Back in September, at IFA 2011 in Berlin, Sony revealed that it would be grouping all of its (non gaming) online content together under the banner of the Sony Entertainment Network – which mainly comprises the company's two media offerings: Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited.So Saida, senior director of global business strategy and development at Sony, explained to TechRadar that despite the PSN outage this year, more customers than ever were now using Sony's online services and this repositioning...
Sega draws Shining Blade for PSP
By GameSpot, published 21-10-2011
Latest action role-playing game installment in Shining series due for spring 2012 in Japan. Action role-playing game fans in Japan may recall that the last entry in Sega's Shining series was Shining Hearts for the PSP. The latest issue of Famitsu reports (via Andriasang) that Sega has a new action-RPG entry in the Shining Heart series in the works for Sony's portable system. The cast of Shining Blade striking a pose. The latest entry stars a red-haired "Soul Blader" warrior called Reiji. Accompanying him in his quest to stop the Dragonia Empire in the game's world are Altia the bow-wielding elf and Fenrill the half-dog half-man fighter. According to Andriasang's report, Shining Blade's battle system is rumored to combine Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love's ...
Big in Japan October 10-16: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
By GameSpot, published 21-10-2011
Flight action reboot and Japanese edition of Just Dance trump Pro Evo Soccer in the latest sales update. Despite Ace Combat: Assault Horizon's mixed reviews since its release on October 11, the new entry in the long-running series was still well received by gamers in Japan, as evident in Media Creates' latest sales update. The PS3 version of Namco Bandai's flight action title made its debut at the top spot with 149,470 units sold. The Xbox 360 version of the game was in sixth place, with 20,523 units sold. For more information, check out GameSpot's review. The new Ace Combat left all other games in its metallic dust on the recent sales update. The Japanese version of Just Dance for the Wii also made it high on the list, just below AC:AH, with 90,039 ...
September US retail sales fall despite Madden NFL - NPD
By GameSpot, published 14-10-2011
EA Sports' gridiron sim edges out Gears of War 3, Dead Island; DS tops 50 million in US; Xbox 360 again leads hardware; total retail sales sink 6% to $1.16B. Not long after Epic Games released Gears of War 3 in September, Microsoft announced that the sci-fi shooter had sold more than 3 million units globally in just one week. However, even that solid start wasn't enough to halt the multiplatform blitz of Electronic Arts' perennial juggernaut Madden NFL from taking the top slot in the NPD Group's monthly US retail sales recap. Madden NFL 12 wasn't enough to lift September sales. NPD no longer issues unit sales figures for software, and Electronic Arts had not announced Madden NFL 12 sales across the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, and PSP...
NPD Report: Madden Tops September Sales
By GameInformer, published 14-10-2011
Madden NFL 12, Gears of War 3, and Dead Island led all September software sales, according to the latest NPD data. The reporting period for the month included August 28 through October 1. Below is the top 10 list of physical game sales for September which include PC sales. 1. Madden NFL 12 (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP)** Electronic Arts2. Gears of War 3 (360)** Microsoft (Corp)3. Dead Island (360, PS3, PC) Deep Silver4. FIFA Soccer 12 (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, 3DS) Electronic Arts5. NHL 12 (360, PS3) Electronic Arts6. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (360, PS3, PC)** Square Enix Inc7. Resistance 3 (PS3) Sony (Corp)8. Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (Wii,...
iPhone most popular dev platform in UK - Report
By GameSpot, published 06-10-2011
UK developers favour iPhone over traditional handhelds; iPad development also on the rise. Sixty-one percent of UK developers are making games for Apple's iPhone, according to a report by the UK games industry trade association TIGA. The iPhone is now the most popular development platform in the UK, closely followed by the PC with 59 percent of developers making games for it. The findings will be a blow to Nintendo and Sony, whose DS and PSP platforms command a smaller percentage of UK development--despite having been on the market much longer--at 29 and 36 percent respectively. The iPhone's getting a lot of love from UK developers. The findings come as part of a report from UK games industry trade body TIGA, which surveyed its 170 members. The repor...
Big in Japan September 19-25: Dark Souls
By GameSpot, published 29-09-2011
Demon's Souls successor secures top sales spot, followed by Team Ico HD bundle; 3DS handily tops hardware charts. While the rest of the world is still waiting for From Software's Dark Souls, plenty of gamers in Japan have been enjoying the punishing experience for more than a week. According to Media Create's sales chart update for the week of September 19 to September 25, Dark Souls sold 279,567 units on the PlayStation 3. (The game is exclusive to Sony's system in Japan.) Next week, gamers all over the world can kill enemies way bigger than these two. A spiritual successor to 2009's critically acclaimed Demon's Souls, Dark Souls has gamers once again thrown into a fantasy world with little in the way of preparation. The game also introduces a human...
Shippin' Out Sept. 25 - Oct. 1: FIFA 12, Pro Evo 12
By GameSpot, published 26-09-2011
Footy sims joined on new release shelves by Child of Eden on PS3, X-Men Destiny, and ICO & Shadow of the Colossus HD collection. Last week's new releases were led by Epic Games' critically praised Gears of War 3. This week's debut slate trades in lancers and blood for green grass and soccer balls. Leading the pack of new releases this week are two soccer simulators: FIFA 12 and Pro Evolution Soccer 12. The final week in September also sees non-sports titles hit shelves, including Child of Eden for the PlayStation 3, the latest Cabela's Big Game Hunter title, a new X-Men game, and two Sony-exclusive bundles. Time to hit the pitch. Charging forward first this week is FIFA 12 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, PSP, Wii, and 3DS. EA Sports has updated the ...
Vita Compatible With Ad Hoc PSP
By GameInformer, published 21-09-2011
Sony has some good news for multiplayer enthusiasts regarding the cross-compatibility of its two handhelds. As reported by Siliconera, a new graphic over at the Japanese PlayStation website confirms that you'll be able to connect up and play ad hoc multiplayer between PSP and Vita. So if you're playing a PSP game on your Vita and want to play a little multiplayer with a friend who only has a PSP, you're all set. It's not world-shaking news, but it's good to hear Sony is trying hard to have their various devices play nice together. Are there any PSP games that utilize ad hoc multiplayer that you'll be happy to play on Vita?
UPDATE: Chrono Trigger And Final Fantasy VI [Not] Launching On PSN This Week
By GameInformer, published 20-09-2011
[UPDATE] It appears Sony got this one completely wrong. On the official PlayStation Twitter feed, Sony backpedaled on its previous announcement. "Yesterday, we incorrectly reported Final Fantasy VI & Chrono Trigger coming to PSN this Tuesday. They are not. We apologize for the error." [Thanks, to reader Scott DeRuby for the tip.] Original story: September 19 2011 03:01 PM After separate rumors that Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI (III in the U.S.) were headed to PlayStation Network, the time has finally come. Surprisingly, Square Enix is dropping these two SNES-era RPG titans on the very same day. The PSN store usually updates on Tuesday so we should see it then. This news comes on the heels of Chrono Trigger's confirmation for both iOS and Android phones. There is ...
Sony’s Shu Yoshida Talks Vita, PSP Lessons, And Nintendo
By GameInformer, published 19-09-2011
The PlayStation Vita was definitely the star of TGS 2011. Sony’s dual analog sticks, touch capabilities, impressive graphics, remote play, and 3G functionality has the attention of portable-minded gamers everywhere. I got the chance to interview Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Computer Entertainment’s worldwide studios. We chatted about lessons learned from the PSP, Nintendo’s new second 3DS circle pad, HD remakes, and more. The PSP received many different hardware iterations, to mixed reactions of consumers. Do you think the Vita will experience a similar life cycle? We haven’t even released the PS Vita, so we don’t have any plans for future iterations. But as with any electronics product, things get better and cheaper or components advance, so we look at ...
Shippin' Out Sept. 18-24: Gears of War 3
By GameSpot, published 18-09-2011
Epic Games' trilogy capper joined by Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2, Kirby Mass Attack at retail; Black Ops: Rezurrection comes to PS3, PC. Gears of War 3 marks the end of Epic Games' current story arc starring Marcus Fenix and his merry band of cogs, and early reviews indicate the trilogy is going out with a bang. However, Epic's sci-fi shooter isn't marching to the front lines alone, as the third week of September also marks the arrival of two DS exclusives from Nintendo as well as a stockpile of downloadable fare. Sera's fate will be determined next Tuesday. As for Gears of War 3, the game begins with the last human city having been obliterated and series hero Marcus Fenix trying to protect the remaining humans from the Locust horde, as well as fr...
Shinobido 2 confirmed for PS Vita launch in US
By GameSpot, published 16-09-2011
Namco Bandai localizing ninja stealth action game from Tenchu: Stealth Assassins and Way of the Samurai developer Acquire. Sony has detailed a Japanese PlayStation Vita launch lineup packed with 26 titles ready to go when the system hits shelves December 17. While the electronics giant hasn't been as precisely detailed with international release dates and launch games, the lineup isn't entirely unknown. Namco Bandai Games America today announced that it would localize Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja and have it on US store shelves in time for the PS Vita's North American debut next year. Shinobido 2's ninjas may be masters of stealthy kills, but they're not exactly concerned with cleanliness. Shinobido 2 is a ninja stealth action game developed by Acqu...
Updated: PS Vita: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 14-09-2011
PlayStation Vita: what you need to knowIt's here! And by "here!" we mean "nearly here!" After much rumour and speculation, Sony has announced that the new PSP - formerly codenamed NGP for Next Generation Portable - will be called the PlayStation Vita. So what are the PlayStation Vita specs, when will the UK release date be and how much will it cost?brightcove : 1091086359001PS Vita UK price will start at £229.99The UK pre-order price for the Sony PlayStation Vita has been revealed, with both Play and Game offering the handheld for £279.99 (3G) and £229.99 (Wi-Fi).As the more eagle-eyed of you will notice, this is a near like-for-like dollar and pounds pricing strategy, something us in the UK are unfortunately getting used to now.There was originally a credible previously...
PlayStation Vita release date and details confirmed
By TechRadar, published 14-09-2011
Sony's PlayStation Vita has been given a release date of 17 December in Japan, with the games giant promising 26 games at launch and 100 in an unspecified 'launch window'. The Vita has sparked widespread interest although a price point of 24,980 Yen (approximately £206) for the WiFi-only unit means that it will come in at significantly more than the Nintendo 3DS following its radical price cut. brightcove : 1091086359001However, the PlayStation Vita forgoes the gimmick of 3D for dual analogue sticks, and also brings more graphics and processing power to boot. GamesFifa 12, F1 2011 and Uncharted: Golden Abyss are among the launch titles, alongside the might of Final Fantasy X HD – for a handheld that is looking to go one better than the PSP and provide genuine competition in the portable...
Sony Reveals New Colors For PSP and PS3
By GameInformer, published 14-09-2011
Today at Sony's pre-TGS 2011 presser, the company revealed some upcoming palette swaps for its core hardware. The fresh set of colors comes shortly after the price of the PSP was dropped to $99 [Update: for a wifi-free version only in Europe], and the PS3 to $249. The PSP can be seen in the media gallery below in a stylish black/red combination. The two new PS3 colors are red and blue. Keep in mind that these announcements were made in Japan, so we've got to assume that the fun new colors only apply to that country for now. We'll keep you updated as we learn more.
Sony Celebrates God Of War: Origins Collection's Release With A Trailer
By GameInformer, published 14-09-2011
When Kratos celebrates, he does so in an appropriately depraved bacchanalian fashion. Sony, on the other hand, marks special occasions (like today's release of the latest God of War compilation) with video. God of War: Origins Collection on PS3 contains both Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, the two installments originally developed for PSP by Ready At Dawn. They've both been beefed up for the collection, including HD visuals, improved framerate, and 3D support. Watch the trailer below for a taste of what you'll get for your $40. Fair warning: The video has some story spoilers, so if you haven't played either of the games on PSP, you may want to avoid it. You can learn more about the Origins Collection by reading my review. If you're too impatient, here's th...
Shippin' Out Sept. 11-17: God of War Origins
By GameSpot, published 11-09-2011
PS3 compilation of Kratos' PSP exploits joined in stores by NHL 12, and Twisted Pixel's Gunstringer; downloadable debuts topped by free Red Dead Redemption add-on. Between Resistance 3, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine, Driver: San Francisco, Dead Island, and Star Fox 3DS, the first full week of September was chock full of high-profile new releases. The second week lets up ever so slightly, with a new PlayStation 3 compilation of Kratos' portable conquests leading a slate featuring EA Sports' annual hockey sim, Twisted Pixel's first Kinect game, and a free downloadable add-on to last year's smash hit Red Dead Redemption. God of War Origins will let gamers find out what makes Kratos tick. Besides all-consuming rage. The God of War: Origins Collection brings togeth...
Shippin' Out Sept. 11-17: God of War Origins
By GameSpot, published 11-09-2011
PS3 compilation of Kratos' PSP exploits joined in stores by NHL 12 and Twisted Pixel's Gunstringer; downloadable debuts topped by free Red Dead Redemption add-on. With Resistance 3, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine, Driver: San Francisco, Dead Island, and Star Fox 3DS, the first full week of September was chock-full of high-profile new releases. The second week lets up ever so slightly, with a new PlayStation 3 compilation of Kratos' portable conquests leading a slate featuring EA Sports' annual hockey sim, Twisted Pixel's first Kinect game, and a free downloadable add-on to last year's smash hit Red Dead Redemption. God of War Origins will let gamers find out what makes Kratos tick. Besides all-consuming rage. The God of War: Origins Collection brings toge...
August NPD: Deus Ex Comes Out On Top In Depressing Month For Game Sales
By GameInformer, published 09-09-2011
Remember last month? Remember how very few worthwhile games were released? Well, if you needed a reminder, all you need to do is look over the depressing numbers coming out of this month's NPD sales data. According to NPD, overall retail sales for August are down a huge 23 percent. The only category where sales increased compared to August 2010 was portable hardware, thanks to the Nintendo 3DS price drop. Here are the top 10 games for the month: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (360, PS3, PC) NCAA Football 12 (360, PS3) Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, DS, Wii, PC) Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd (DS, Wii, PS3) Cars 2 (NDS, Wii, 360, PS3, PC) Just Dance Summer Party (Wii) Just Dance 2 (Wii) Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game (Wii, 360, DS, PS3, 3DS, PSP, PC) The Legend of Zeld...
Shippin' Out September 4-10: Resistance 3
By GameSpot, published 06-09-2011
PS3 has a big week with Insomniac's alt-history shooter, Disgaea 4, Uncharted Dual Pack; Warhammer 40K: Space Marine, Driver: San Francisco, Dead Island, Star Fox 3DS also out. One look at the release lineup for the first full week of September, and it's clear that the holiday release ramp-up has begun. Alien or no, it's hard to argue with a left hook across the jaw. PlayStation 3 gamers have, arguably, the most to look forward to this week. First and foremost of these releases for many will be Resistance 3, from Insomniac Games. The final chapter in Insomniac's Resistance trilogy, Resistance 3 is set in an alternate reality during the year 1957, after the US is overrun by a hostile alien race called the Chimera. It will follow ex-soldier Joseph Cape...
Sony showing 18 unannounced PS Vita games at TGS
By GameSpot, published 01-09-2011
Publisher's booth will have 31 titles for upcoming portable in total at show; The Last Guardian MIA from 21-game PS3 lineup. Sony has made it official that the PlayStation Vita will be confined to Japan in 2011, with the North American and European rollouts not expected until early 2012. Japan will also be the site of a major update to the PS Vita library, as Andria Sang reports today that Sony confirmed that this month's Tokyo Game Show will play host to the announcement of 18 new titles for the device. Dynasty Warriors Next will be among 31 PS Vita games shown at TGS 2011. Sony did not provide a breakdown of who will be publishing the games that it plans to show at its PlayStation Vita Zone booth. However, the publisher did confirm by name 13 other...
Sony showing 18 unannounced PS Vita games at TGS
By GameSpot, published 01-09-2011
Publisher's booth will have 31 titles for upcoming portable in total at show; The Last Guardian MIA from 21-game PS3 lineup. Sony has made it official that the PlayStation Vita will be confined to Japan in 2011, with the North American and European rollouts not expected until early 2012. Japan will also be the site of a major update to the PS Vita library, as Andria Sang reports today that Sony confirmed that this month's Tokyo Game Show will play host to the announcement of 18 new titles for the device. Dynasty Warriors Next will be among 31 PS Vita games shown at TGS 2011. Sony did not provide a breakdown of who will be publishing the games that it plans to show at its PlayStation Vita Zone booth. However, the publisher did confirm by name 13 other games...
Big in Japan August 22-28: Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD version
By GameSpot, published 01-09-2011
PS3 action-RPG topped a quarter million sold in first week as new releases topped the charts; 3DS again led hardware sales by a wide margin. The Japanese exclusive PSP Remasters series seems to be bearing monetary fruit for Capcom and Sony, if the recent Media Creates sales charts are any indication. The PSP Remastered version of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd for the PlayStation 3 placed first on the charts for the week of August 22-28, with 287,829 units sold. HD monsters beat cyborg girls and giant mechs in Japan. Imageepoch's Black Rock Shooter: The Game debuted in second place with 105,277 units sold. The game casts players as a robot girl with a big gun called Black Rock Shooter that has to help humankind survive an alien invasion in a future ve...
Yakuza creator forms new studio - Report
By GameSpot, published 01-09-2011
Toshihiro Nagoshi sets up Ryu ga Gotoku Studio out of Binary Domain team; Yakuza Black Panther 2 announced in Japan for PSP. Though Sega's Yakuza franchise doesn't enjoy much popularity in the West, it remains a strong one for Sega, having topped the 5 million-units-shipped mark earlier this year. The man behind that franchise is apparently branching out, as Famitsu (via Andria Sang) reports today that franchise creator Toshihiro Nagoshi has formed a new development house called Ryu ga Gotoku Studio. Binary Domain will be Ryu ga Gotoku Studio's first project. According to Famitsu, Nagoshi, who also created the Monkey Ball series, has recruited a number of Yakuza veterans to join him at the new studio. These staffers include Masayoshi Kikuchi, Daisuke Sato,...
God Of War: Origins Collection Review
By GameInformer, published 30-08-2011
Since the original God of War released in 2005, Kratos’ epic has expanded to five games and three systems, including PSP. Those handheld entries from Ready At Dawn accomplish a rare feat, providing portable God of War experiences that earn their place beside the console installments. Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta are great games – without needing to apply the “for a handheld” qualifier. This fact is clearer than ever now that they are bundled together in God of War: Origins Collection. Because of the quality of the originals, the transition to PS3 goes well for both titles. A new HD coat of paint results in impressive visuals for both gameplay and cinematics, and the action flows smoothly thanks to the improved framerate. The graphics aren&rsquo...
Asia Shippin' Out August 28-September 3: Bodycount
By GameSpot, published 29-08-2011
Codemaster's new shooter debuts on the end of Ramadan month alongside new Sims expansion and action-RPG sequels. Just before Sony unleashes their barrage of year-end heavy hitters starting with Resistance 3, gamers will get to check out a bevy of new releases for the week of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Shooter fans can try out the new Codemasters release Bodycount that will be out this Tuesday. Developed by the Guildford Studio, the FPS features a cover-lean mechanic and arcade-style shooting inspired from the likes of Serious Sam and Sega's The Club. Players control an ex-army soldier who works in a private military group called The Network and goes around solving the fictional world's conflicts using his lethal expertise. The FPS will be out this Tuesday. Next up is the expansion for...
Asia Shippin' Out August 28-September 3: Bodycount
By GameSpot, published 29-08-2011
Codemaster's new shooter debuts on the end of Ramadan month alongside new Sims expansion and action RPG sequels. Just before Sony unleashes its barrage of year-end heavy hitters starting with Resistance 3, gamers will get to check out a bevy of new releases for the week of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Shooter fans can try out the new Codemasters release Bodycount that will be out this Tuesday. Developed by the Guildford Studio, the FPS features a cover-lean mechanic and arcade-style shooting inspired by the likes of Serious Sam and Sega's The Club. Players control an ex-army soldier who works in a private military group called The Network and goes around solving the fictional world's conflicts using his lethal expertise. The FPS will be out this Tuesday. Next up is the expansion for The...
PS Vita has 'better chance' than 3DS - EA
By GameSpot, published 26-08-2011
EA Labels president Frank Gibeau says there was "some confusion" about Nintendo's handheld, lauds new features in Sony's upcoming portable. The PlayStation Vita's release plans haven't been finalized yet, but there's no shortage of people in the industry willing to weigh in on its prospects. Last month, Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli expressed his skepticism about the handheld, saying it "might be too late" in a world focused on tablets and mobile devices. Earlier this month, Heavy Iron Studios' president and CEO Lyle Hall joined the naysayers, saying simply, "People don't want it." The Vita is set to launch in North America and Europe next year. Now Electronic Arts' recently appointed president of EA Labels Frank Gibeau has offered his assessment of the hardw...
Big in Japan August 15-21: Rhythm Heaven
By GameSpot, published 26-08-2011
Oddball rhythm game climbs back to top spot, dethroning Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs; 3DS still in hardware pole position. While still in the top 10, both the Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs took a small step down for the week of August 15-21 from the prior week's Media Create chart to make way for an old musical friend. Hit golf balls tossed by a diminutive monkey and mandrill in Rhythm Heaven. Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Felyne Village G finished the week at second place with 40,997 units sold, while Super Pokemon Rumble landed at fifth place with 32,144 units sold. Pushing them aside was the resurgent Rhythm Heaven on the Wii, which climbed back up to the number one spot with 48,190 units sold. Multiple new titles also debuted on...
Big in Japan August 15-21: Rhythm Heaven
By GameSpot, published 26-08-2011
Oddball rhythm game climbs back to top spot, dethroning Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs; 3DS still in hardware pole position. Update: We've corrected the hardware sales numbers at the bottom of the article, as the PS3 numbers were not stated. We apologize for this mistake. While still in the top 10, both the Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs took a small step down for the week of August 15-21 from the prior week's Media Create chart to make way for an old musical friend. Hit golf balls tossed by a diminutive monkey and mandrill in Rhythm Heaven. Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Felyne Village G finished the week at second place with 40,997 units sold, while Super Pokemon Rumble landed at fifth place with 32,144 units sold. Pushing them aside...
Insomniac not signed on for Resistance 4
By GameSpot, published 24-08-2011
Studio creative director Marcus Smith says sci-fi shooter series could be handed off like Spyro franchise, company ready to branch out. Insomniac Games is slated to deliver the final chapter in its Resistance trilogy on September 6 with the release of Resistance 3. And if a Resistance 4 is on Sony's docket, as of yet, Insomniac isn't signed on to make it, according to studio creative director Marcus Smith. Insomniac may soon be putting the Resistance franchise to bed. Asked by Gaming Union whether the Resistance franchise will remain Insomniac's flagship franchise going forward, Smith demurred, saying that the studio has a number of other franchises it is currently pursuing and the alternate-history sci-fi shooter isn't one of them. "As far as Resistance ...
EA Sports' game plan: Follow the fans
By GameSpot, published 19-08-2011
Q&A: Newly appointed label head Andrew Wilson explains the consumer-focused approach driving expansion into cross-platform services, Kinect- and Move-capable FIFA, and consumer apathy for 3D games. Earlier this week, GameSpot caught up with former EA Sports president Peter Moore at Gamescom to get his appraisal of an array of industry issues now that he has ascended to the position of chief operating officer of Electronic Arts. Moore's EA Sports successor, Andrew Wilson, also sat down to discuss his new domain with GameSpot. During the discussion, the executive covered the early gamer reaction to the Season Ticket program, EA Sports' spotty support of handhelds, customer apathy over 3D support, and bringing Move and Kinect support to FIFA 13. New E...
Big in Japan August 8-14: Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs
By GameSpot, published 19-08-2011
Sega soccer title and Kirby game bumped down by latest Capcom and Nintendo titles; 3DS sales shoot back up due to price cut. Gamers should never underestimate the power of offshoot titles, particularly if they come from large franchises like Monster Hunter and Pokemon. For the week of August 8-14 on the Japanese Media Creates sales chart, Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-off titles took the top two spots, respectively. Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Felyne Village G sold 98,269 units in its debut, while Super Pokemon Rumble sold 86,294 units. Fun fact: Capcom stated that the majority of Monster Hunter Diary's players are women. Capcom's spin-off title is an action game focused on the Monster Hunter world's Felyne race. Players control a group of Fely...
Smooth PlayStation Vita launch is vital, says CEO
By TechRadar, published 18-08-2011
Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan exec has admitted that the launch of the PlayStation Vita is a critical time for the gaming giant. The Vita's predecessor, the PSP, is unlikely to be held up as a pinnacle of marketing prowess, and has never reached the heights that its key rival, the Nintendo DS, has managed consistently for years. But, with the PlayStation Vita UK release date likely to be in early 2012 and the Japanese launch set for the end of 2011, Sony is aware that it cannot make the mistakes it made in the underwhelming PS3 launch. Bright startRyan told Future Publishing's CVG that his key task was ensuring that the Vita is given the best possible start in life."It's obviously a top priority," he admitted. "We're going to launch early next year and it's critical that a marke...
In Depth: PS Vita: what you need to know
By TechRadar, published 17-08-2011
It's here! And by "here!" we mean "nearly here!" After much rumour and speculation, Sony has announced that the new PSP - formerly codenamed NGP for Next Generation Portable - will be called the PlayStation Vita. So what are the PS Vita specs, when will the UK release date be and how much will it cost?PS Vita UK price will start at £229.99The UK pre-order price for the Sony PlayStation Vita has been revealed, with both Play and Game offering the handheld for £279.99 (3G) and £229.99 (Wi-Fi).As the more eagle-eyed of you will notice, this is a near like-for-like dollar and pounds pricing strategy, something us in the UK are unfortunately getting used to now.There was originally a credible previously rumoured pricing. Given that the Wi-Fi only version of the new PlayStation Vita would be ...
Sony PS Vita specs revealed, still big on RAM
By TechRadar, published 17-08-2011
New specifications have been revealed for the Sony PS Vita and it seems that the handheld has not lost any of its power, despite reports insisting the console's RAM had been slashed to make it cheaper.According to a new Sony press release this isn't the case as the specs reveal that it will indeed have 512MB of RAM and some 128MB of VRAM to go alongside this. Feature focusOther features include a screen resolution of 640x480 (VGA) and frame rates will be 60 frames per second. This can be doubled, however, to 120fps but the resolution is cut to 320x240 (QVGA).Sony is still keeping some details close to its heart. These include how much on-board storage the device will eventually have and we still don't know when the PS Vita UK release date will be.Sony has had something of a busy week – i...
PSN picks up discount movie rentals
By GameSpot, published 17-08-2011
Beginning today, Sony's online platform offering select movie rentals in standard def for $.99, high-def for $1.99. Between cutting the price of the PlayStation 3 to $250 and introducing a €99 PSP in Europe, Sony evidently had money on its mind during its 2011 Gamescom press conference. One announcement that didn't make it into that media briefing was the introduction of a discount movie rental program for the PlayStation Network. Want to watch JFK: Reckless Youth (Part 1) on your PS3 for $1? Now you can do so, in standard definition at least. Beginning today, PSN users in the US and Canada can download and watch a range of movies in standard definition for $.99 or high definition for $1.99. Sony has been offering movies for rent since 2008, wh...
Hands-On With Resistance: Burning Skies
By GameInformer, published 17-08-2011
Sony just announced that Nihilistic Software is taking the reins from Insomniac for an all-new Vita entry in the series and we got to play around with it. Nihilistic is most recently known for its work on PlayStation Move Heroes starring a mishmash of Sony mascots. While this title wasn’t really the most faithful to the original properties, Resistance: Burning Skies looks and plays almost exactly like its PS3 big brothers. The game begins on Ellis Island in 1951, the same year as Resistance 1 and parts of the second game. You control a fireman named Todd Riley who wakes up on the island with tubes jacked into his arm. He grabs his fireman’s axe and helmet and takes out. It turns out that this place became a Chimera research facility in Resistance’s alternate history and ...
PSP E-1000: budget PlayStation Portable announced
By TechRadar, published 16-08-2011
Sony has announced that a new, low-cost PlayStation Portable model will launch in Europe later this year.The new PSP E-1000 will not have Wi-Fi, but will only cost €99 - which equates to about £86, although Sony is yet to confirm a UK price.The announcement was made during Sony's Gamescon 2011 keynote, which also saw the company reveal a significant PS3 price cut.The device, which will have the same matte finish as the PlayStation 3 console, will still enable users to download games through the use of the Media Go PC mounting service.Cheap UMDsSony is also offering a host of UMD games for the device at a heavily discounted, App Store-matching price of €9.99.Those titles will include FIFA 12, Invizimals: The Lost Tribe, EyePet Adventures, plus many more, according to the official PlayS...
Sony announces new budget PSP model
By TechRadar, published 16-08-2011
Sony has announced that a new, low-cost PlayStation Portable model will launch in Europe later this year.The new PSP E-1000 will not have Wi-Fi, but will only cost €99 - which equates to about £86, although Sony is yet to confirm a UK price.The announcement was made during Sony's Gamescon 2011 keynote, which also saw the company reveal a significant PS3 price cut.The device, which will have the same matte finish as the PlayStation 3 console, will still enable users to download games through the use of the Media Go PC mounting service.Cheap UMDsSony is also offering a host of UMD games for the device at a heavily discounted, App Store-matching price of €9.99.Those titles will include FIFA 12, Invizimals: The Lost Tribe, EyePet Adventures, plus many more, according to the official PlayS...
Live Blog: Sony's Gamescom Press Conference
By GameInformer, published 16-08-2011
Sony is getting ready to present its titles at its Gamescom 2011 press conference in Germany, and we're live blogging the event. The press conference starts at noon central time here in the States (assuming Sony's got the trains running on time), so stay tuned for all the news from Sony's bash. Press Conference should be starting in 15 minutes or so.... (Note: Updates will appear at the bottom of this story.) Bad electronica playing as a prelude. At least it's not "Euro Techno." Instead it's just anonymous "Press Conference Techno." Sony announces that it's going to begin in 10 minutes. "Starting shortly." Starting. Usual video montage of games. Uncharted 3, Resistance 3, etc. Andrew House on the Stage, President a...
'People don't want' PS Vita - Heavy Iron
By GameSpot, published 15-08-2011
Developers offer grim assessment of upcoming portable, saying Sony will have a tough time finding audience with prevalence of iOS and Android devices. Nintendo is having a tough time with its 3DS. Not six months after the device launched, Nintendo slashed the price tag on its 3D-enabled handheld by 32 percent in the US, and analysts heralded the move as evidence that the market is shifting away from gaming-specific hardware. Now, according to Heavy Iron Studios heads Lyle Hall and Matthew Seymour, Sony and its PlayStation Vita are also in trouble. It seems safe to say that Heavy Iron Studios will be staying away from the PS Vita. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Heavy Iron Studios' president and CEO Lyle Hall said that the PS Vita is going to have a h...
PSP Vita A "Car Wreck" Reckons Devs
By GameInformer, published 15-08-2011
A pair of developers over at Heavy Iron Studios (UFC Personal Trainer) think that Sony's Vita handheld is doomed in the face of multi-function devices like smart phones. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, two Heavy Iron developers – Lyle Hall and Matthew Seymour – give their opinion on the Vita. "If people aren't willing to pay $249 for a Nintendo 3DS why would they pay $299 for Vita?" asked Hall. "People don't want to carry more than one thing in their pocket, that’s why Android and iPhone have done so well, they are the devices of choice, they offer multiple functions outside of gaming." "With all due respects to Sony and Vita, it's a car wreck," added Hall. "And how about Xperia Play? I'd love to pull up the numbers o...
God of War Origins Video Shows Side-By-Side Comparison Of PSP And PS3
By GameInformer, published 12-08-2011
Sony's upcoming HD remaster collection God of War Origins collects Ready at Dawn's amazing PSP God of War games Chains of Olympus and Ghosts of Sparta. As they did with the PS2-era games with God of War Collection, the games have been given a new HD coat of paint, buffing up the textures to look better on your flat panel.To show you the improvement, Sony posted this video on its official Youtube account. This side-by-side view of PSP and PS3 demonstrates what higher resolution textures can do. (Please visit the site to view this media)
NPD Charts Show Worst Month For Game Industry Since 2006
By GameInformer, published 12-08-2011
According to the latest sales data released by the NPD Group, July was a rough month for the game industry.“There is no getting around the fact that video game sales in the new physical retail channel suffered its lowest month since October 2006," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. “Although there was a decrease in each video game category contributing to the whole, the category with the greatest dollar decline versus last year was console hardware, which was caused by a decrease in unit sales as the average selling price for console hardware was essentially flat to last year.”While NPD did not provide specific number of units sold for the various hardware systems, it did say "“Unit sales of all hardware platforms declined versus last July, and also declined...
July US retail sales lowest since Oct. 2006 - NPD
By GameSpot, published 12-08-2011
Stat-tracking firm reports dour results as total revenues slip 26 percent to $707.7 million last month; NCAA Football leads software, Xbox 360 tops consoles. Global financial markets may be fluctuating wildly of late, and if one thing can be said for US game industry retail sales, it's that they've at least been consistent. That is to say, they've been consistently down. Today, the NPD Group issued its monthly US retail sales report, revealing total revenue that fell a precipitous 26 percent year-over-year to $707.7 million. It may not be a bull market, but NCAA Football 12 is still doing well. Total US retail sales of new games, accessories, and hardware was a particularly sore spot for the industry, as sales fell 20 percent to $687 million. Accordi...
Big in Japan August 1-7: Kirby Mass Attack
By GameSpot, published 11-08-2011
Kirby's latest handheld adventure second to Sega's new soccer game in latest Japanese sales chart; 3DS slips to fifth place in hardware race. Japanese gamers love soccer, puffballs, and exaggerated takes on Iron Chef, if the latest Media Create charts for Japan are anything to go by. Kirby and his clone army are on fire this week in Japan. The week of August 1-7 belonged to the debut of J-League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou 7 Euro Plus. According to the tracking firm, the Sega-published soccer game for the PSP sold 101,022 units and finished atop the software charts for the week. Just below the soccer game was HAL Laboratory's new Kirby game on the DS. Titled Kirby Mass Attack, the game made its debut in second place with 74,915 units sold. Described ...
PSP gets Madden 12 bundle
By GameSpot, published 10-08-2011
$160 hardware package including football sim, Need for Speed: Shift, 2GB memory stick arrives alongside EA Sports' latest gridiron game. EA Sports' Madden franchise is sitting this season out on Nintendo's handheld platforms, with only the PSP and iOS editions of Madden NFL 12 scheduled for on-the-go enjoyment. Sony is underscoring that snub today with the unveiling of a Madden NFL 12 PSP hardware bundle set to arrive alongside the football sim on August 30. Will the PSP fall prey to the Madden cover curse? The $160 package will include a black PSP-3000, UMD copies of Madden NFL 12 and Need for Speed: Shift, and a 2GB memory stick. The stand-alone PSP-3000 system has been selling for $130 with no games or memory card since a price drop in February. T...
Quick 15: God Of War Origins Collection
By GameInformer, published 09-08-2011
Considering the game initially released on PSP in 2008, you may have already seen the first 15 minutes of Chains of Olympus. However, you haven't seen them like this, remastered in HD for the God of War Origins Collection on PS3. Join me and Ben Reeves as we chat about these PS3 versions of Ready at Dawn's two excellent handheld entries, laugh about walking across beams, and discuss the God of War series in general. During all of this chatter, you'll see Kratos tear apart an army with a variety of weapons and moves (I'm playing on new game plus, so Kratos isn't his weak, early game incarnation), as well as tackle a boss battle with a Persian general. Check out the video below, and don't forget to mark the Origin Collection's release date on your calendar: It hi...
Big in Japan July 25-31: Rhythm Heaven
By GameSpot, published 04-08-2011
Nintendo's offbeat rhythm game still on top despite new Queen's Gate and Devil Survivor game; 3DS tumbles to fourth place. Even with a second demonic invasion and fan service aplenty, Rhythm Heaven for the Wii is still holding out strong in first place on the latest Media Create chart for Japan for the week of July 25 to July 31. The demanding and quirky rhythm game sold 81,938 copies on its second week. Meanwhile, newcomers Queen's Gate: Spiral Chaos for the PSP and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 for the DS are at second and third place respectively. The former sold 66,959 units, while the latter sold 63,008. One of the very few safe-for-work pictures from Queen's Gate: Spiral Chaos. Queen's Gate: Spiral Chaos is a role-playing game based on ...
Rumor: PS Vita Launching October 28?
By GameInformer, published 30-07-2011
While it's far from a sure thing, a flyer supposedly leaked from Blockbuster pinpoints the release of Sony's new handheld – in the UK, at least. According to the advertisement pictured below (courtesy of IGN), the hardware is set to launch on Friday, October 28 in the UK. That's only three month away, but it would ensure that Sony hits the target release for this holiday season along with giving people plenty of time to buy games before the year ends. Given the lack of confirmation from Sony (and abundant speculation on the device's release date), I'm going to wait for an official announcement before I believe anything regarding when the Vita will be available. (Source: IGN)
Big in Japan July 18-24: Rhythm Heaven
By GameSpot, published 29-07-2011
Nintendo's demanding rhythm game tops the Media Create sales charts, followed by newest entries in the Sengoku Basara and No More Heroes series. Nintendo's Rhythm Heaven series can still keep a beat, as evidenced by the franchise's first installment on the Wii topping the Media Create Japanese sales charts in its first week of release. The Wii version of the game sold 118,173 copies for July 18-24, easily making it the week's best-selling title. The hellishly demanding Rhythm Heaven. Rhythm Heaven wasn't the only new release to make its mark on the charts. The latest PSP game in Capcom's historical action series, Sengoku Basara: Chronicle Heroes, came in second with 82,798 copies sold, while Grasshopper Manufacture's Move-compatible PlayStation 3 port ...
Sony sales slip 10%
By GameSpot, published 29-07-2011
Electronics giant's overall sales slide for April-June quarter due mainly to earthquake; NA PSN logins now similar to pre-security-breach levels. Earlier today, Nintendo reported its financial results for the April-June quarter, and made headlines with a drastic $80 price drop for the 3DS. At the same time, primary competitor Sony was releasing its own financial results, though the news to come from it was significantly smaller. Despite losses, Sony said the earthquake recovery is proceeding faster than expected. For the three months ended June 30, Sony brought in revenues of $18.46 billion, down 10 percent year-over-year. The company also posted a quarterly net loss of $191 million, compared to a net profit of $289 million the year before. Sony said ...
Sony sales slip 10%
By GameSpot, published 29-07-2011
Electronics giant's overall sales slide for April-June quarter due mainly to earthquake; NA PSN logins now similar to pre-security-breach levels. Earlier today, Nintendo reported its financial results for the April-June quarter, and made headlines with a drastic $80 price drop for the 3DS. At the same time, primary competitor Sony was releasing its own financial results, though the news to come from it was significantly smaller. Despite losses, Sony said the earthquake recovery is proceeding faster than expected. For the three months ended June 30, Sony brought in revenues of $18.46 billion, down 10 percent year-over-year. The company also posted a quarterly net loss of $191 million, compared to a net profit of $289 million the year before. Sony said ...
PS3, PSP best-selling systems of June quarter
By GameSpot, published 28-07-2011
Sony's console and handheld each move 1.8 million units from April through June; Xbox 360 trails with 1.7 million units sold as Wii adds an extra 1.56 million to installed base. The console wars are being fiercely contested, but the latest round in the hardware fight has gone to Sony. The quarterly financial filings of Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have provided some insight into the battle, revealing that the PlayStation 3 and the PSP were the best-selling systems of the previous quarter, albeit by a slim margin. The PS3 and its portable cousin were the best-selling hardware of the quarter. Each company provided sales figures for the three months ended June 30 in their most recent filings, with Sony noting that the PS3 and PSP (which enjoyed a Februar...
Sony Reports $191 Million Loss For Quarter
By GameInformer, published 28-07-2011
Amid lowered year-upon-year PlayStation 3 and in the shadow of the natural disasters that have hit Japan, Sony is reporting a 15.5 billion yen ($191 million) net loss for the first quarter. Sony blames the earthquake in March, although it noted that the recovery is going faster than expected. Still, a drop on year-on-year PS3 sales can't help matters either, as the system sold 1.8 million units for the first quarter as compared to 2.4 million in the previous year's period. The company says that it still expects to sell more PS3s when the year comes to a close; predicting 15 million in sales. Other areas had better news: PS3 software sales were up slightly to 26.1 million from 24.8 million units, and even with the Vita breathing down its neck, PSP sales were up from 1.2 million to ...
Developer: PS Vita has 'ten times' more RAM than PSP
By TechRadar, published 28-07-2011
While Sony remains tight-lipped about the exact amount of RAM it plans to put in the forthcoming new PlayStation Vita handheld, one developer has revealed this week that the new console has "about ten times" the amount of RAM that was in the original PSP.Developers have been privy to the Vita developer kits, but are supposed to have agreed not to discuss the details with anyone.However, developer Dani Sánchez-Crespo, the CEO of PSP games studio Novarama, spoke to Develop magazine this week, revealing that, "The first PSP had 32 MG of RAM and we have about ten times that now."Ten times more RAMThe developer added that PS Vita will "have a whole lot of headroom in terms of GPU power, CPU power and indeed RAM."Sony is alleged to have cut back its original plans to include 512 MB of RAM in th...
Sony in the red due to quake-hit production
By TechRadar, published 28-07-2011
Sony has reported that it made a net loss of 15.5 billion yen (£122 million) for the three months from April to June 2011, with sales declining by 18 per cent year on year.It blames the chasm in its finances on the earthquake that hit Japan earlier this year, which caused production delays and squeezed component supplies. It also reckons "unfavourable exchange rates" and "the deterioration of the electronics business environment" have had a negative impact. TVs down, gaming weirdThe worst hit department was Sony's TV unit, which has also revised its sales forecast for the rest of the year downwards. Sony's computer entertainment division had some interesting news; PlayStation 3 sales are down, possibly due to the PSN hack that took the gaming network down for over a month earlier this yea...
EA: 'Apple iPad is fastest-growing game platform'
By TechRadar, published 28-07-2011
EA has revealed that the Apple iPad is its fastest-growing game platform, suggesting that the dominance of the home console in the games industry is finally coming to an end.While home consoles made up around 80 per cent of the games business a decade ago, they now make up around half that. iPad gaming growthEA CEO John Riccitiello revealed this telling fact to website IndustryGamers this week, following the company's recent announcement of better-than-expected financial results."Consoles today are 40 per cent of the game industry, so what do we really have?," said the EA boss. "We have a new hardware platform and we're putting out software every 90 days. Our fastest growing platform is the iPad right now and that didn't exist 18 months ago. "Every 5 years you'd see a new console or platfo...
Everything You Need To Know About Twisted Metal
By GameInformer, published 26-07-2011
With its October 4 release date quickly approaching, fans of car combat should have their calendars marked for the return of Twisted Metal. It’s been ten years since the series has seen a full-scale console release (Head-On for PS2 was a PSP port), and the overall vehicular combat scene has been a ghost town in the last decade. Things are about to change thanks to the franchise’s imminent return, and we’ve got all the info you need to get you up to speed. Rough Drafts Despite repeatedly stating on Twitter that he was not working on a new Twisted Metal title, David Jaffe and Eat Sleep Play co-founder Scott Campbell appeared at the Sony E3 2010 press conference with news to the contrary. Flanked by Sweet Tooth and his iconic ice cream truck, Jaffe announced that there wou...
Big in Japan July 11-17: Star Fox 64 3D
By GameSpot, published 22-07-2011
Nintendo's rail shooter makes the charts but trails Konami's Powerful Pro Baseball and Namco Bandai's latest Taiko no Tatsujin as 3DS sales pick up. The recent listings of the Media Create sales charts (via Siliconera) have been taken over by a boatload of new Japanese releases. The most recognizable on the list is the 3DS iteration of Star Fox 64. The game debuted in the sales charts at sixth place with 32,475 units sold. For more recent information, check out GameSpot's coverage on the game's multiplayer components. Slippy and company take sixth place amid big-headed baseball players and drum mania. The current first- and second-place residents are Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 2011 for the PS3 and Taiko no Tatsujin Portable DX (Deluxe) for the PS...
The Game Boy: The Future of Gaming As Predicted by E3 2011, Pt 1
By MaximumPC, published 20-07-2011
E3 is finally far enough behind us that I can start to make sense of it. Taken all at once – it pretty much sounded like a bunch of ungodly screaming occasionally punctuated by the word “transfarring” (which isn't even a real word). You tried to roll with the punches, I'm sure – to stand before News Godzilla without fleeing while shouting something in badly lip-synced Japanese – but it eventually broke you. So, what happens next? Now that the news/preview/interview barrage dust has finally settled, what does it all mean? Well, since I did one of these things last year and I'm nothing if not a slave to habit, here are a few thoughts on this year's show. Brand New Consoles That Are Already Behind The Times Now: Nintendo took the wraps off its latest box-shaped chunk of insan...
PS Vita "developed entirely differently"
By GameSpot, published 20-07-2011
Develop 2011: Sony discusses the possibilities for social networking, augmented reality, and a new development model for PS Vita. Who was there: Kish Hirani, head of developer services at SCEE. What he talked about: Hirani started by showing off the PlayStation Vita units to the audience and explained that there were only five units in Europe at the moment. He then ran through the technical specifications compared to the PSP-3000 and explained that the way it had been designed meant that gamers would get "a whole range of games" from casual to AAA. Dual thumbsticks for the Vita was a frequent request from developers. He then went on to show off some of the PS Vita's early augmented-reality applications. First, he loaded a tech demo from Japan Studio ...
Big in Japan July 4-10: L.A. Noire
By GameSpot, published 15-07-2011
1940s detective game and Infamous 2 take top slots in sales charts debut; PS3 still in third place below PSP and 3DS. Japanese gamers may have seen role-playing games debuting, and sometimes staying, on the top spot of the Media Create sales charts, but the week of July 4 marks the first time in months that two well-known titles outside of Japan finally made their mark. The aforementioned titles are L.A. Noire (Rockstar Games and Team Bondi) and Infamous 2 (Sony and Sucker Punch). The exploits of Cole Phelps are a hit in Japan. According to the charts, the PS3 version of L.A. Noire sits on the top spot with 58,436 units sold. The Xbox 360 version of the adventure game just missed the top 10, placing at 11th place with 12,621 copies sold. Sucker Pun...
L.A. Noire, Xbox 360 Top June NPD Charts, 3DS Sales Sluggish
By GameInformer, published 15-07-2011
It looks like Rockstar's L.A. Noire has some legs. The open-world detective game topped the NPD charts for the second straight month, beating out another game from the 2K family, Duke Nukem Forever.Overall, sales of both video game software and hardware were down from the same month a year ago (falling off 12 percent and 9 percent respectively). Hardware sales totaled $366.6 million and software sales totaled $469.5 million.Other games making a splash on the top ten include Sony's Infamous 2, which placed third (keep in mind it's a PS3 exclusive, not multiplatform) and Nintendo's remake of Ocarina of Time, which according to a press release from Nintendo sold 283,000 units.While we don't know the sales for PlayStation 3, Xbox spokesman Major Nelson tweeted "Just s...
L.A. Noire, Duke Nukem top slumping June sales - NPD
By GameSpot, published 15-07-2011
One-two punch from Take-Two tops best-seller chart as total industry revenues down 10 percent to $1.03 billion. The gaming industry is enduring a summer swoon, as the industry-tracking NPD Group today announced its June retail sales figures, showing shrinking revenues year-over-year across the board. L.A. Noire was on top for the second straight month. Even with grim news for the industry as a whole, there were some individual winners. Take-Two Interactive fared better than the rest for the month, with L.A. Noire (on the publisher's Rockstar label) and Duke Nukem Forever (on its 2K Games brand) taking the top two spots on the charts. It was the second consecutive month L.A. Noire claimed the title of best-seller, while Duke Nukem settled for second pla...
Capcom exec hints at Monster Hunter for PS Vita, 3DS
By GameSpot, published 14-07-2011
Publisher's European COO says multiplayer action game will "probably" come to both handhelds, confirms at least four games in the pipe for Sony's next-generation portable. While Capcom's Monster Hunter series started on the PlayStation 2, no installment of the multiplayer-focused action franchise managed to break the million-unit mark until it went portable on the PSP. The series may soon be branching out in the handheld space even further, as Capcom Europe COO David Reeves implied Monster Hunter would make its way to the PS Vita and 3DS in an interview with the Middle East-focused MEGamers. Capcom's hit franchise is looking for new hunting grounds. "I think down the road, you could probably see a Monster Hunter iteration somewhere. Probably on both of...
Sony ends PSP Digital Comics updates
By GameSpot, published 07-07-2011
Game giant releases final update of four-color fiction for portable, shifting efforts to "bringing the comic service to other Sony devices." Sony has offered gamers new comics to read every week since the PSP Digital Comics store launched in 2009, but that practice is no longer "to be continued." The book has closed on PSP Digital Comics. Sony has announced via the PlayStation Blog that this week's PSP Digital Comics update will be the very last. According to Sony, the Digital Comics team will now shift its focus to "bringing the comic service to other Sony devices," presumably the forthcoming PlayStation Vita. Although weekly updates to the PSP Digital Comics store are ceasing, the store itself--which boasts over 4,000 titles--remains open for business. Th...
Fat Princess devs form Carbon Games
By GameSpot, published 06-07-2011
Former Titan Studios core team head up new Seattle-based independent shop; development of studio's first game under way. Fat Princess--2009's well-received action strategy game--was developed by Titan Studios, but the shop handed off development duties for its downloadable content to Atomic Operations. Now, Titan has left the regal-yet-gluttonous franchise entirely, with "core" former developers heading up a new shop, Carbon Games. Carbon Games is rising from the ashes of Titan Studios. Based in Seattle, Washington, the independent developer is working on new "small, unique games" in the way it did with Fat Princess. The developer did not share what it is currently working on, but it did note that it has started development of its first game. Further...
PlayStation Store Update: Ape Escape Moves
By GameSpot, published 05-07-2011
Motion-sensing simian collection title tops slim list of new downloadable offerings for PS3 as Burnout Paradise gets discounted bundle, Ninjamurai hits PSP. It's a slow week for gaming retailers, and those hoping that Sony's weekly PlayStation Store update would pick up the slack are likely to be disappointed. Sony pushed its update live, with a thin slate of new offerings headlined by PlayStation Move Ape Escape for the PlayStation 3. The newest Ape Escape was among the first few games announced for Sony's camera-based motion controller for the PlayStation 3, back in 2009. The game sees players fending off a monkey invasion after a UFO wrecks behind their house, with gameplay heavily oriented around the Move controller. With 15 levels to play and 500 unique monkeys in need of cap...
PSA: Sony's "Welcome Back" Offer Expires Soon
By GameInformer, published 30-06-2011
Remember that time Sony lost all of your personal information when hackers compromised PlayStation Network? Those were the good old days! But if you haven't taken advantage of Sony's "Welcome Back" deals, you're almost out of time. Sony's offer of two free PS3 games and two free PSP games to all PSN users is set to expire on July 3, so if you haven't downloaded your free games yet, you'll want to do it soon. As a reminder, the PS3 games available are: Infamous, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD, Dead Nation, and the Wipeout HD + Fury expansion pack bundle. The free PSP titles are: LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force, and Killzone Liberation. More importantly, you can can also activate a free month of PSN Plus, which has been offering all kin...
Big in Japan June 20-26: Meruru No Atelier
By GameSpot, published 30-06-2011
New Atelier series and Gundam entry on top of the list; 3DS back in second place on hardware sales. Be it a Dragon Quest or a Pokemon title, Japanese gamers love their role-playing games. This has become evident again with the release of PlayStation 3 RPG Meruru No Atelier: Arland no Renkinjutsushi 3 (or Atelier Meruru: Alchemist of Arland 3), which sold 82,585 units in its first week of release according to the recent Media Creates sales chart. The game lets RPG enthusiasts control a female alchemist named Meruru Rede Arls, who is given the task of making the kingdom of Earls as prosperous as its neighbor, the kingdom of Arland. She will do this by doing odd jobs involving item transmutations, battling enemies in turned-based combat, and even upgrading facilities and amenities in ...
Look to Euro for Aussie Vita pricing: SCEA
By GameSpot, published 29-06-2011
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia head says euro pricing gives a "good indication" of what the new handheld will cost Down Under. The PlayStation Vita may already have a price set in the US and Europe, but Australian pricing still remains a mystery. Sony's local operations, however, have given a big hint as to what the possible cost of the new portable will be. Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand head Michael Ephraim said while most local gamers tend to look toward US pricing as an indicator, the unit's European pricing is a much more accurate gauge of how much the Vita will cost in Australia. The Vita is priced at 249.99 euros for the Wi-Fi model, while 3G will cost 299.99 euros. At today's conversion rate, that will roughly equate to A$340 and A$407, respec...
Makai Kingdom conquering PSP in Japan this September
By GameSpot, published 29-06-2011
Developer Nippon Ichi also announces Disgaea 4 updates and downloads. Fans of Nippon Ichi strategy role-playing games like the Disgaea series can definitely look forward to more of their favorite titles rereleased for the PSP. The PlayStation 2 title Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome (known as Phantom Kingdom in Japan) will be out for Sony's portable system in Japan on September 22. According to a recent article on Dengeki PlayStation, the new additions in the port include a new character (a young girl with red pigtails and a short cape who may be main character Zetta's daughter) and a new scenario called "Papa Is the Strongest Demon King." If past ports are of any indication, players can expect more cameos from other games in the Nippon Ichi stable in Makai Kingdom. A...
Potential PlayStation Network, LulzSec hacker arrested in UK - Report
By GameSpot, published 21-06-2011
19-year-old man arrested in raid being questioned over PSN breach, suspected of being part of hacker ring; group denies any connection. British police have apprehended a man they suspect of being part of LulzSec, according to Develop. The British magazine quotes a Scotland Yard spokesperson as saying that the investigative police force has connected a 19-year-old Essex resident it arrested earlier today with the hacker group, which has been blamed for a recent wave of cyberattacks. Companies victimized by the attacks include Elder Scrolls and Fallout publisher Bethesda Softworks and Eve Online publisher CCP Games. The Briton arrested today is suspected of being part of LulzSec. On its official website, London's Metropolitan Police have only offic...
Gametech 2011: Snack-sized gaming won't hurt portable space: SCEA
By GameSpot, published 21-06-2011
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia boss says bite-sized gaming growing quickly, but appetite for "immersive" experiences still large. SCEA's Michael Ephraim. Who was there: Michael Ephraim, head of Sony Computer Entertainment's Australia and New Zealand businesses. What they talked about: At Gametech 2011 in Sydney today, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia spoke to the local gaming industry about its upcoming plans for the release of Vita, the company's successor to the PlayStation Portable. But a key part of SCEA head Michael Ephraim's speech focused on the supposed tension between mobile, snack-sized games and more traditional portable gaming. Ephraim said that recent years have seen a seismic up-shift in the gaming market, driven by the huge uptak...
Report: PlayStation Vita To Use Skype
By GameInformer, published 20-06-2011
Microsoft may have just bought Skype, but Kinect might not be the only device using the Internet voice-communication service. Could PlayStation Vita also use Skype? GameGeneration took the above photo showing the Skype logo shown in conjunction with Vita during a Brazilian PlayStation conference. We're not really sure of the context of the slide, but we're sure that the logo being there isn't a coincidence, either. The PSP supports Skype, and before visions of cats and dogs getting married runs through your head, it's not far-fetched to see the Microsoft-owned Skype continue its current relationships – even if it's with a Microsoft competitor like Sony. After all, why not take Sony's money? [via GameSpot]
Microsoft/Sony Cheery About May Hardware Sales
By GameInformer, published 14-06-2011
The NPD's monthly results were posted yesterday, and both Microsoft and Sony have independently released their own statements regarding the Xbox 360 and PS3, respectively. Microsoft cheered the loudest, boasting 270,000 Xbox 360 units sold; up 39 percent from last year. Microsoft says that it has led the monthly console sales race the past 11 of 12 months. Sony was less boistrous, but had its own good news to share. According to the company, sales are up 14 percent from last year. And remember, this was during the whole PSN debacle. NPD analyst Anita Frazier noted that PSP sales also grew five percent in the month, but characterized sales of Nintendo's 3DS as "light." As of the time of this writing, Nintendo hadn't officially commented on the month's sales.
L.A. Noire tops slumping May sales - NPD
By GameSpot, published 14-06-2011
Rockstar claims month for second year in a row as total sales slip 14 percent to $743 million; Xbox 360 leads hardware with 270,000 units. Today, the NPD Group released its May US retail sales report, revealing that the game industry could not maintain two consecutive months of sales growth. After April 2011 numbers spiked 20 percent year-over-year, May's total game-industry haul for new console, portable, and PC games, as well as gaming hardware and accessories, fell 14 percent to $743.1 million. NPD fingers L.A. Noire as the best-selling game in May. Rockstar Games appears to be making a habit out of releasing the top game in May. Following on from Red Dead Redemption's platinum debut in May 2010, the Team Bondi-developed L.A. Noire placed atop NPD...
What Wasn't Shown At E3?
By GameInformer, published 11-06-2011
E3 is the chance for all the developers and publishers in the industry to show what they've got. But that doesn't mean that they bring all the games they're working on to the convention. Here's a look at some of the titles that didn't make it to the show this year.Of course, there are lots of reasons a company doesn't show a certain game at E3. Sometimes they want to highlight other games that might be coming out sooner. Or perhaps the title simply isn't in a state to be shown.Some of the games listed below are actual titles we already have heard about (ex. May Payne 3), and others are merely franchises that currently don't have any announced games for them – like Kingdom Hearts, but we're pretty sure that will exist in due time.Enjoy these games....
Spain apprehends alleged PSN hackers - Report
By GameSpot, published 10-06-2011
New York Times reports three men await formal charges in connection with personal data theft from PlayStation 3's online infrastructure. In April, hackers broke into Sony's online network, gaining access to the personal information and passwords of some 77 million PSN and Qriosity accounts. The attacks were believed to have been conducted by Anonymous, a decentralized group of hackers who it turns out might not be as unknown as their name suggests. The hackers might not have been as anonymous as previously thought. According to the New York Times, Spanish police today confirmed that they apprehended three men in connection with the Sony security breach. The police believe they were involved not only with the attacks on Sony, but with other strikes aga...
Spain apprehends alleged PSN hackers - Report
By GameSpot, published 10-06-2011
[UPDATE] Wall Street Journal reports three men caught in connection with PSN denial-of-service attack, not the theft of users' personal data. In April, hackers broke into Sony's online network, gaining access to the personal information and passwords of some 77 million PSN and Qriosity accounts. The attacks were believed to have been conducted by Anonymous, a decentralized group of hackers who it turns out might not be as unknown as their name suggests. The hackers might not have been as anonymous as previously thought. According to the New York Times, Spanish police today confirmed that they apprehended three men in connection with the Sony security breach. The police believe they were involved not only with the attacks on Sony, but with other strike...
E3 2011: Activision Publishing CEO sounds off on Wii U, Vita, and Call of Duty: Elite
By GameSpot, published 10-06-2011
Q&A: Eric Hirshberg discusses the new console and portable, explains why Call of Duty won't fade like Guitar Hero; Sledgehammer Games' COD "action adventure" on hold. LOS ANGELES--At this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendoall held major press events. So did two major third-party publishers: Ubisoftand Electronic Arts. However, the biggest third-party publisher, Activision, didn't stage a media event. It was the third year running the company didn't hold a traditional press briefing, although it did tease some games during a star-studded concert at E3 2010. The company did have a massive booth in the Los Angeles Convention Center's South Hall which loudly promoted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty: Elite, Modern Warfare 3's controv...
Sony restores final downed PSN services
By GameSpot, published 09-06-2011
Game company confirms last of Qriocity functionality is now back online, marking end of seven-week hacker outage. Though Sony Corp. continues to be battered by the hacker collective known as LulzSec, the company has taken one of the final steps in putting to rest the opening salvo in its security breach drama. Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that it has restored full functionality to its Qriocity service in all regions save Japan. Seven weeks on, and Sony's hacker headache is over…right? With the return of the Qriocity service, Sony customers can now access in full the Video on Demand and Music Unlimited services through the PlayStation 3, PSP, and PCs. As part of its partial service restoration in mid-May, Sony had previously brough...
E3 2011: Vita to be profitable within 3 years - Sony
By GameSpot, published 08-06-2011
Kaz Hirai tells Reuters that upcoming PSP successor will take some time to pay dividends for electronics giant. Sony has said it plans on a 10-year cycle for its gaming systems. That's a good thing for the upcoming Vita, as the electronics giant doesn't expect the upcoming handheld to even turn a profit for the first one-third of that span. Sony hopes to make this profitable by 2015. Sony consumer products head Kaz Hirai told Reuters this week that the company's goal with the Vita is to make the system profitable within three years. When it launches later this year, the portable will come in two models: A $250 Wi-Fi only model and a $300 3G-enabled model. Sony's long-haul approach to console planning is nothing new. When the company launched the Play...
Sony's PSP Sales Reach 70 Million Worldwide
By HotHardware, published 07-06-2011
Sony's PlayStation Vita is the next big thing from Sony's handheld gaming department, but if you're curious as to how the long-lived PlayStation Portable line is doing, here are the numbers. Sony has just revealed that a whopping 70 million PSP handhelds have been sold globally up until now, starting way back in December of 2004. That's a...
Sony Announces 3D, HD Remasterings Of God Of War, Ico, Shadow Of The Colossus
By GameInformer, published 07-06-2011
Sony's E3 2011 press conference included an exciting announcement for fans of good games: PS2 classics Ico and Shadow of the Colossus in one PS3 HD/3D collection, and both excellent PSP God of War games in a second.The Ico/Shadow collection has long been rumored, and it's great to finally have confirmation. The God of War PSP titles -- Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta -- are both highly regarded and I salute Sony for breaking the chains that bind them to the soon-to-be-defunct PSP platform.Sony didn't announce a price point or release date for either collection, but we can assume those will be following shortly.
Sony Officially Names The NGP: PlayStation Vita Gaming Handheld Coming For $249
By HotHardware, published 07-06-2011
And now, we know the name for Sony's Next Generation Portable. The NGP, as it's called, will now be forever known as the PlayStation Vita, and unlike the PSPgo launch, it's looking more and more like Sony may just get this one right. The Vita will be sold as a standalone handheld gaming console (with Wi-Fi), or as a 3G device exclusively from...
Sony PSVita gets trademarked, logo appears
By TechRadar, published 06-06-2011
Sony has filed for trademark on the name PSVita, pretty much putting to bed the many rumours surrounding the official name for the NGP.Sony always insisted that NGP (Next Generation Portable) was a mere codename for its upcoming handheld and a variety of sites been pointing to Vita as the official name for the PSP2. The trademark which has been filed at the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM), an organisation that looks after European trademarks, is PSVita and there is a logo.Vita-liteExpert more information on the Sony PlayStation Vita tonight, as the Sony E3 press conference is set to kick off at the ungodly UK hour of 1am.The PSVita UK release date is pencilled in for 11 November and is set to offer some powerful specs, with the device said to be packing a quad-core p...
Free Stuff: Sony's PlayStation Welcome Back Program is Online
By MaximumPC, published 03-06-2011
Sony has had more than its share of issues lately, but just days after switching all its PlayStation services back on, they’re ready to woo jilted customers. That’s right, the Sony Welcome Back program is online. The free games and other perks will be available for your consideration until July 3. If you haven’t taken advantage by then, the deals go bye-bye. Owners of the PlayStation 3 will get their choice of two games from a list of five: Dead Nation, infamous, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD, and Wipeout HD + Fury. PSP owners get to pick two games from LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force, and Killzone Liberation. So if you have both systems, that’s 4 free titles for you. All users can also take advantage of a free month of PlayStation Plus service. This pre...
PSN 'Welcome Back' Program Now Live
By GameInformer, published 03-06-2011
Last month, Sony outlined how it planned to compensate PlayStation Network users for their inconvenience from the service outage. Today, the "Welcome Back" program is live. In a post on the official PlayStation Blog, Susan Panico, senior director of the PSN, outlines what players will be getting: [A]ll PSN members who had signed up before the outage (April 20, 2011) will be able to select two games for the PS3 and two games for the PSP systems.For PS3 owners, go to the ‘Welcome Back’ section in the PlayStation Store, and select 2 titles from the following list: Dead Nation inFAMOUS LittleBigPlanet Super Stardust HD Wipeout HD + Fury For PSP owners, go to the ‘Welcome Back’ section of PlayStation Store on your PSP system and select 2 titles from the fo...
PSN Welcome Back free content now available
By GameSpot, published 03-06-2011
Sony launches special section of PlayStation Store offering free games for those put out by PlayStation Network outage. Last month, Sony announced it would be offering free games as a make-good to the 77 million people put out by the PlayStation Network data breach and downtime. However, when the PlayStation Store came back up this week after being offline for a month and a half, the promised gratis games were not available. Sony is offering up to four free games to those put out by the PSN outage. That changed today when Sony rolled out its Welcome Back program. The PlayStation Store now has a new section dedicated to offering the free content. In North America, PlayStation 3 owners can choose two games from the following list for complimentary dow...
PSN Welcome Back free content now available
By GameSpot, published 03-06-2011
Sony launches special section of PlayStation Store offering free games for those put out by PlayStation Network outage. Last month, Sony announced it would be offering free games as a make-good to the 77 million people put out by the PlayStation Network data breach and downtime. However, when the PlayStation Store came back up this week after being offline for a month and a half, the promised gratis games were not available. Sony is offering up to four free games to those put out by the PSN outage. That changed today when Sony rolled out its Welcome Back program. The PlayStation Store now has a new section dedicated to offering the free content. In North America, PlayStation 3 owners can choose two games from the following list for complimentary dow...
Uncharted: Golden Abyss leads official NGP game unveilings
By GameSpot, published 03-06-2011
E3 2011: Wipeout 2048 titled; AR game Reality Fighters revealed; Little Deviants, Super Stardust Delta, and Sound Shapes previewed. Though it has neither confirmed nor denied the NGP will be called the PS Vita, Sony did reveal some new details about its Next Generation Portable--namely, the first official wave of games for the handheld. Uncharted's NGP debut finally has a title, Golden Abyss. Previously teased at the NGP's coming out party in January, the first Uncharted NGP game has an official subtitle, Golden Abyss. The game will feature an all-new story, and won't be a sequel or a "direct prequel" to the PlayStation 3 Uncharted series. According to John Garvin, developer Bend Studio's creative director, the studio spent six months incubating vari...
Sony NGP Select Games Get Early Preview
By SlashGear, published 03-06-2011
Just earlier today, Sony confirmed that the NGP handheld will be backwards compatible with all those PSP games you’ve purchased in the past. The company also decided to do an early preview of select NGP games during its private event at the Sony Pictures soundstage in LA. Sony demoed a good roster of titles including [...]
Uncharted NGP Preview: Golden Abyss Is Just As Big As Its PS3 Siblings
By GameInformer, published 02-06-2011
Like the two God of War games that came out on the PSP, Uncharted: Golden Abyss seeks to take the formula that worked so well for one of Sony’s best console franchises and shrink it down for the new portable device. Unlike those previous efforts, though, Sony is introducing some new gameplay elements into its beloved series to help showcase the impressive technology powering the NGP. In my original hands-on with this game back in January, it was little more than a tech demo, but at a recent NGP event where I got to check it out again, it had been fleshed out significantly to include deeper gameplay and actual story elements. Golden Abyss takes place before the first Uncharted game for PS3, but Sony is considering it a stand-alone story. In this adventure, Drake teams up with Jason D...
Sony NGP Backwards Compatibility Confirmed And Detailed
By SlashGear, published 02-06-2011
The Sony PSP successor codenamed the NGP is expected to debut at the upcoming E3 2011 conference. When the NGP was first announced, it was said that the device would be able to play previously downloaded PSP games. At a press event today, Sony has gone further to confirm and detail this backwards compatibility. The [...]
First hands-on with Sony's NGP
By TechRadar, published 02-06-2011
Clearly there are going to be two big stories from E3 2011 – Nintendo's successor to the Wii (code-name: Project Café) and Sony's successor to the PlayStation Portable (code-name: Next Generation Portable).And - whatever the final pricing, product naming, software partners, and first-party and third-party games that are currently in development - Sony is sure to reveal its detailed plans and hopes for the new handheld in Los Angeles next week. On Monday 6 June at around 1am British Summer Time, to be fairly exact. If you happen to be up late and starting at the internet wanting to be the first to know about the future of the PlayStation brand...PSP2 could be huge!For now, the UK's Official PlayStation Magazine has already managed to get some hands-on time with Sony's new NGP, with OPM's...
Sony NGP hands-on reviews begin to surface
By TechRadar, published 02-06-2011
Clearly there are going to be two big stories from E3 2011 – Nintendo's successor to the Wii (code-name: Project Café) and Sony's successor to the PlayStation Portable (code-name: Next Generation Portable).And - whatever the final pricing, product naming, software partners, and first-party and third-party games that are currently in development - Sony is sure to reveal its detailed plans and hopes for the new handheld in Los Angeles next week. On Monday 6 June at around 1am British Summer Time, to be fairly exact. If you happen to be up late and staring at the internet wanting to be the first to know about the future of the PlayStation brand...PSP2 could be huge!For now, the UK's Official PlayStation Magazine has already managed to get some hands-on time with Sony's new NGP, with OPM's ...
E3 2011 Predictions: Day One
By GameInformer, published 02-06-2011
E3 is next week, which means loads of announcements, system news, and other assorted gaming information. To prepare for the hype, the editors at Game Informer have gazed into their respective crystal balls and are bringing you the results. In our first day, we've got predictions on the NGP, Nintendo's next system, and how Sony plans to deal with the PSN outage fallout. JoeSquare Enix's line-up seems to be focusing on Eidos titles like Hitman, Deus Ex, and Tomb Raider. My prediction is that we see more announcements of Japan-developed RPG projects besides Final Fantasy XIII-2, though they'll probably just be in a sizzle reel of CG clips. Personally, I'm hoping for a new Valkyrie Profile. Unfortunately, I think anyone hoping for a Kingdom Hearts 3 reveal is going to be d...
Rumor: Syphon Filter 4 Coming?
By GameInformer, published 31-05-2011
There are rumors that Sony is going to reveal Syphon Filter 4 at E3. The PS3 game will be a follow up to the Logan's Shadow PSP title. There are forum reports that there was a page on Sony's community site – which has now been taken down – detailing that the stealth game would be coming to the PS3 at the end of next year. We'll have to wait until next week to possibly find out more.
PSN Fully Restored This Week
By GameInformer, published 31-05-2011
Sony says that all of PSN's services will be back up and running this week, including the PlayStation Store. In a press release on Sony's official blog, the company says that PSN's functions will be fully operational in all territories – including Japan – "by the end of the week." This includes previously down services like: Full functionality on PlayStation®Store In-game commerce Ability to redeem vouchers and codes Full functionality on Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3, PSP, VAIO and other PCs Full functionality on Media Go Sony had previously stated that PSN would be fully operational by the end of May.
Big in Japan May 16-22: Akiba's Trip
By GameSpot, published 27-05-2011
Square Enix RPG gets bronze medal thanks to strip-happy action title and 3D-enhanced fighting game. The long-running king of the Japanese charts has finally been dethroned by two new kids on the block. According to this week's sales chart on Media Create, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional is now at third place with 19,290 units sold, with the top two slots occupied by Akiba's Trip for the PSP and Dead or Alive: Dimensions for the 3DS. The first-placed title is an action game where the main character is given the task to protect the Japanese electronics hub known as Akihabara against a rising vampire threat. Players will have to master the art of stripping their opponents down to their skivvies and exposing their bodies to sunlight. Akiba's Trip has sold 58,150 units wit...
New $160 PSP bundle includes MLB 11: The Show, Gran Turismo
By GameSpot, published 26-05-2011
Sony announces portable pack for "grads and dads"; includes piano black PSP-3000, 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, and baseball and driving games. Though Sony is preparing to launch its Next Generation Portable by year's end in the United States, that's not stopping the Japanese game maker from enticing gamers to purchase a PSP-3000 by bundling it with two popular games. Is this the last hurrah for the PSP? Sony has announced the newest Limited Edition PSP Entertainment Pack (pictured at right). The $160 bundle includes a piano black PSP-3000, a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, and two system-exclusive PSP titles: MLB 11: The Show and Gran Turismo. For more on the titles inside the pack, check out GameSpot's reviews of MLB 11: The Show and Gran Turismo. [ Watch V...
Sony Sells Just Over 14 Million PS3 In A Year
By GameInformer, published 26-05-2011
Sony has reported its financial info for the past fiscal year, and although it reported a 260 billion yen loss for the year due to the tsunami and deferred tax on assets, things were looking pretty good for Sony Computer Entertainment. Sony's Networked Products & Services division, which houses Sony Computer Entertainment – was one of two areas of the company where sales were not down (the other being the HDTV/Electronics division). NP&S reported 35.6 billlion yen (approximately $434 million) in profit. 14.3 million PlayStation 3s were sold in fiscal year 2011, down slightly from the projected 15 million, but up from last year's figure of 13 million. The division also benefited from lowered production costs of the system. Sales of PSPs and PS2s were both down from la...
Sony sees profit thanks to rising PlayStation 3 sales
By TechRadar, published 26-05-2011
Sony has revealed that its PlayStation arm has brought profits to the company, with news that sales of the PS3 are on the rise.Last year, Sony's Networked Products & Services division, which houses the PS3 and PC devices, made a pretty poor loss of £624 million. This year, however, the division has made all-singing-and-dancing profits of £267 million.While this doesn't take into account the damage the PSN hack will cause the company – this will reportedly cost Sony £106 million – it does prove that the popularity of the PS3 has never been greater, even if the rest of Sony has hit a bit of a slump.As this was a profits report, Sony's statement regarding the PS3 is drier than one of James Bond's Martinis, but it did explain that at least this part of the company is doing well. "A cate...
Sony posts $3.17 billion loss, PlayStation division sees $434 million profit
By GameSpot, published 26-05-2011
Electronics giant takes in $87.78 billion in annual revenue; 14.3 million PlayStation 3s, 8 million PSPs, 6.4 million PS2s sold during the year. Today, Sony announced its earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. The results were close to those that had been forecast Monday, with the company suffering a loss for the year of ¥259.6 billion ($3.17 billion) on revenue of ¥7.18 trillion ($87.78 billion). The previous fiscal year, the company lost ¥40.8 billion ($498.59 million) on revenue of ¥7.21 trillion ($88.11 billion). The PlayStation division swung from big losses to a solid profit last fiscal year. In its report, Sony said that the biggest factor in the shortfall was the result of a …360 billion ($4.4 billion) c...
Sony Announces PS3 Black Ops Bundle And New PSP Pack
By GameInformer, published 25-05-2011
Sony announced two new retail bundles today, the most notable of which packs in Activision's ultra-successful Call of Duty: Black Ops and the First Strike DLC pack with the PlayStation 3.The Black Ops bundle features the aforementioned game content and a brand new 160GB PlayStation 3 for $299, the current standard retail price for the 160GB model. So, you're basically getting Black Ops and First Strike for free, a great deal if you're one of the four or five humans on Earth that haven't already bought the game. The Black Ops bundle will be available nationwide at retailers on May 31.Sony's also continuing to find new ways to move PSP units in spite of the upcoming NGP handheld launch. The latest is the a limited edition PSP "entertainment pack" (pictured belo...
Sony’s PSN Firmware Update Makes Its Way To PSP
By GameInformer, published 24-05-2011
Following the PlayStation 3 firmware updates that Sony has been rolling out these last couple weeks, Sony has finally started to update its PSP firmware. Sony just released firmware update 6.39 for PSP systems. This update guides users through the process of changing their PSN password, and according to the PlayStation Blog, "system software stability during use of some features will be improved." One of Sony’s other blog entries also noted that Sony’s PSN network is down today as it goes through routine maintenance. Gamers hoping to jump online and change their password should be aware that PSN users will not be able to access the account management settings until approximately 5:00 pm PST. Sony has noted that players will be able to play online as well as sign in ...
What Games Do You Want To See In The PSP Remaster Series?
By GameInformer, published 23-05-2011
Today's announcement of the PSP Remaster series is an exciting proposition for gamers who missed out on some great titles by not having a PSP. Which begs the question: What PSP game would you like to see transformed into an upgraded PS3 title? I'm sure there will be no shortage of readers who would pick the God of War PSP games or MGS: Peace Walker, but the series I'm most interested in is Valkyria Chronicles. The series' mixture of action and strategy is intriguing to me (shame on me for having still not played the first game), and a lot of gamers have lamented Sega's decision to stick to portable releases for the franchise's sequels. A remastered version of Valkyria Chronicles II could be the second chance the series needs to make an impression on PS3 owners. So ...
Sony unveils PSP Remaster series
By GameSpot, published 22-05-2011
New line will let gamers play PSP titles on their PS3s, take console sessions on the go; Monster Hunter Portable 3rd to be first offering. This weekend, Sony announced the PSP Remaster series for the PlayStation 3. The new line of titles will deliver on a potential long desired by owners of both platforms--the ability to transfer a PS3 game save to a PSP and continue the game on the go. The PSP Remaster series will let players transfer game saves from PS3s to PSPs--and vice versa. According to Sony, the PSP Remaster series will consist of PSP games remastered for the PS3 with high-definition graphics on a Blu-ray disc. These titles may also have other new features, such as DLC and stereoscopic 3D support. Game saves from the PS3 versions of titles w...
PSP Remaster Series Coming To PS3, First Title Announced
By GameInformer, published 22-05-2011
Today Sony announced a new line of PS3 games it's dubbing the PSP Remaster series -- PSP games that have been upgraded with HD graphics and much more. Here are the first details. Those who are worried that Sony intends to release a bunch of lackluster PSP ports can rest easy: In addition to the HD visuals, Sony is promising new content for the games, plus control schemes designed for the PS3 controller. Stereoscopic 3D support and ad-hoc multiplayer will also be supported for certain games. Sony also revealed that save files can be swapped between the PS3 and PSP versions of the games, allowing you to play on your television at home, then take the game on the road with your PSP, something that Hideo Kojima showed interest in last year. The first game that will be released in the PSP R...
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One arrives Oct. 18
By GameSpot, published 20-05-2011
Insomniac's four-person co-op, PS3-exclusive 3D action adventure hits this fall; preorder incentives include retailer-specific in-game items; series sales hit 22 million. Ratchet & Clank fans who've been craving the duo's high-energy hijinks finally have a date for their next outing. This morning, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that the next installment in the series, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, will ship on October 18 exclusively for the PlayStation 3. The game has not yet been rated. Ratchet & Clank get cracking again on October 18. The ninth game set in the Ratchet & Clank universe, All 4 One is set after the events of 2009's A Crack in Time. The title stems from the fact that the game sees Ratchet and Clank team up...
Sony shows off markerless AR tech
By TechRadar, published 20-05-2011
A video of Sony's latest augmented reality (AR) tech shows AR that works without using any physical markers like a barcode. The technology, which Sony has dubbed SmartAR, has been developed specially by the company, and can track objects at high speed, as well as trigger virtual images using existing objects around the home. Speculation is now rife that Sony will include this impressive SmartAR tech in its upcoming PSP successor, dubbed the Sony NGP and set to be revealed towards the end of this year. In your face, 3DSNintendo's handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS, offers quite impressive AR using the device's camera; but it requires 2D barcode cards to trigger the augmentations. If you don't have the cards, you can't use the AR. Another feature that Sony says is unique to SmartAR is that u...
PlayStation Store to return May 24 - Report
By GameSpot, published 19-05-2011
Sony is reportedly telling its development partners to expect its online marketplace to come back next week. With the online gaming components of the PlayStation Network restored, users of the service are wondering when the PlayStation Store will be back. According to Gamasutra, Sony is telling its development partners that the online marketplace for the PlayStation 3 and PSP will return on May 24, next Tuesday. The PlayStation Store will reportedly be back next Tuesday. The industry site reports the date was revealed in a memo sent out to the aforementioned partners, some of whom have been publicly complaining that the PSN outage is hurting them financially. The memo also reportedly revealed the schedule for updates to the PlayStation Store, which w...
PlayStation Store to return May 24 - Report
By GameSpot, published 19-05-2011
Sony is reportedly telling its development partners to expect its online marketplace to come back next week. With the online gaming components of the PlayStation Network restored, users of the service are wondering when the PlayStation Store will be back. According to Gamasutra, Sony is telling its development partners that the online marketplace for the PlayStation 3 and PSP will return on May 24, next Tuesday. The PlayStation Store will reportedly be back next Tuesday. The industry site reports the date was revealed in a memo sent out to the aforementioned partners, some of whom have been publicly complaining that the PSN outage is hurting them financially. The memo also reportedly revealed the schedule for updates to the PlayStation Store, which w...
PlayStation Store to return May 24 - Report
By GameSpot, published 19-05-2011
Sony is reportedly telling its development partners to expect its online marketplace to come back next week. With the online gaming components of the PlayStation Network restored, users of the service are wondering when the PlayStation Store will be back. According to Gamasutra, Sony is telling its development partners that the online marketplace for the PlayStation 3 and PSP will return on May 24, next Tuesday. The PlayStation Store will reportedly be back next Tuesday. The industry site reports the date was revealed in a memo sent out to the aforementioned partners, some of whom have been publicly complaining that the PSN outage is hurting them financially. The memo also reportedly revealed the schedule for updates to the PlayStation Store, which w...
Sony at E3 2011: what to expect
By TechRadar, published 19-05-2011
What confirmed E3 rumours and surprise E3 announcements can we expect from Sony and its PlayStation at E3 2011 in Los Angeles next month?Sony hosts the second of this year's three major press conferences at 5pm PST on Monday 5 June (that's 1am BST on Tues 6 June, for those British PlayStation fans who are willing to wait up to watch the news streamed live online). This follows Microsoft's E3 press conference at 9am PST earlier that same day, with Nintendo set to reveal its own show-and-tell the following day on Tuesday 6 June at 9am PST.The actual E3 show itself doesn't kick off until Wednesday June 7 through to Friday June 9 at the immense LA convention centre downtown. But tradition has it that the big news announcements from the major three console manufacturers dominate the first two d...
Sony takes PSN password reset page down
By TechRadar, published 18-05-2011
In yet another embarrassing PSN faux pas, Sony has had to take down its mandatory password reset page.Some bright spark decided that the password could be reset by using only your PSN account email and date of birth to verify your identity – but both those details were compromised in the great PSN hack of April 2011. So it would be just as easy for a hacker to pose as you and reset your password as it would be for you to do it yourself. How embarrassing As of this afternoon, Sony has made PSN sign-in unavailable on its websites including the site that users are directed to by password reset emails, although you should still be able to sign in on a PS3 or PSP. Sony said: "Unfortunately this also means that those who are still trying to change their password via Playstation.com or Qriocity...
'PlayStation Phone' hits US on May 26 for $200
By GameSpot, published 17-05-2011
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play will arrive next Thursday preloaded with seven games, including Madden NFL 11 and The Sims 3. In February, Sony Ericsson finally took the wraps off the Xperia Play, the long-rumored "PlayStation Phone." During a presentation in Barcelona, Spain, the company announced that the combination Phone and gaming handheld would go on sale the following month in a variety of territories. However, the phone didn't arrive anywhere until April 1, when it hit parts of Europe. Later in the month, it spread to Canada, but remains unavailable in the US. The Xperia Play (finally) comes to the US next week. That will change next week, as Sony Ericsson has announced that the Xperia Play will be available in the US on May 26--next Thursday--for $200....
E3 2011: what to expect from this year's show
By TechRadar, published 17-05-2011
This year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is soon upon us, with the sixteenth outing of the games industry's biggest international trade show in LA on 7-9 June 2011 sure to reveal a wide range of interesting new videogames, as well as the latest console, PC and handheld gaming tech from Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft and many others.The biggest E3 news announcements, E3 rumours and the annual E3 press conferences from the likes of the aforementioned big three, alongside major games publishers such as EA, Konami, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Activision and many more, are closely watched, monitored and pored-over by games designers, publishers and committed gamers alike. TechRadar will bring you full details of all of the major E3 2011 news announcements from all of the major gaming hardware brands...
Free 'welcome back' PlayStation games detailed
By TechRadar, published 17-05-2011
Sony has revealed which games will be available to gamers as part of its 'Welcome Back' package, otherwise known as the 'Sorry we compromised your credit card and personal information' package.Although the PlayStation Network has returned at last after massive security breaches caused Sony to shut it down in late April, we're still waiting for Sony to hit 'play' on the PlayStation Store service.When it does make an appearance, PS3 gamers with PSN accounts will be able to choose two games to download for free. The selection available offers Dead Nation, inFamous, Little Big Planet, Rachet, Wipeout HD and Clank: Quest for Booty. Meanwhile, PSP users have the option of two games from LittleBigPlanet PSP, ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force and Killzone Liberation.Subscription freesSony is also th...
PlayStation Network 'Welcome Back' program offers free games
By GameSpot, published 17-05-2011
PS3 and PSP owners getting two titles for each system; Infamous and Little Big Planet among console offerings while handheld fans can grab ModNation Racers, Killzone Liberation, more; free video rentals, Home items also offered. With the PlayStation Network now back up and (partially) running, Sony has revealed its make-good program to recompense users for the three-plus weeks of downtime. In addition to the previously announced free month of PlayStation Plus, Sony will be offering PlayStation 3 owners two free games for download 30 days after the PlayStation Store comes back online later this month. The company will also be offering free video rentals and assorted other items to PSN users. PSN users can potentially get four free games from Sony. P...
Sony Offers Free Infamous, LittleBigPlanet As "Welcome Back" For PSN Outage
By GameInformer, published 16-05-2011
Sony's Patrick Seybold just revealed on the PlayStation Blog how the company is going to make up for the great PlayStation meltdown in North America. Highlights include two free PS3 games, two free PSP games, free movie rentals, and much more.The goodies are available to all PlayStation Network and Qriocity users after the services are back in full capacity.When that time comes, all PSN users can download two of the following games in a 30-day window for free to keep forever: Dead Nation Infamous LittleBigPlanet Super Stardust HD Wipeout HD + Fury Same deal for PSP on two of these games: LittleBigPlanet (PSP) ModNation Racers Pursuit Force Killzone Liberation Further bonuses include:* A selection of “On Us” rental movie titles will be available to PlayStation Network cu...
PSN Kept Offline By Japanese Government
By GameInformer, published 16-05-2011
This weekend we brought you news that PlayStation Network was being restored in most parts of the world, with the glaring exception of Japan. Today we learned what's causing the delay in Sony's homeland. The Japanese government. Nikkei is reporting that the Japanese government will not allow Sony to bring PSN back online in the country until the company provides more information on the attack. Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry official Kazushige Nobutani outlined to areas that Sony needed to elaborate on before services could be restored. "The first is preventative measures. As of May 13, Sony was incomplete in exercising measures that they said they will do on the May 1 press conference." The second area involves how Sony plans to regain the confidence of its con...
Sony details currently available PSN, Qriocity functions
By GameSpot, published 16-05-2011
Company says online gaming for PS3 and PSP, friends functions, Netflix, more now available; missed content en route when PlayStation Store relaunches. It's been nearly a month since Sony first brought down its PlayStation Network and Qriocity services due to a security breach that exposed confidential information for more than 77 million accounts. The good news is that some of that functionality was restored over the weekend, and Sony today updated the PlayStation Blog with the specifics of what can be expected from the services. Zipper will be deploying first aid for SOCOM 4's online community. At the top of most lists for gamers is the ability to engage in online gameplay for PlayStation 3 and PSP titles. PSN and Qriocity users can also now sign in...
Japanese officials blocking PSN relaunch
By GameSpot, published 16-05-2011
Regulators in Sony's home nation demanding greater transparency on new security measures, consumer confidence. PlayStation 3 and PSP owners had cause to celebrate over the weekend, when Sony announced that it had begun enabling some functionality of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity, as well as relaunching Sony Online Entertainment games. However, despite Sony's claims to have rebuilt the services with a greater emphasis on security, Japanese officials are demanding greater transparency before authorizing their relaunch. Sony still faces hurdles before relaunching the PSN in Japan. The Dow Jones Newswire reports that Japan's Media and Content Industry department at the Ministry of Economy is holding up the relaunch of the services until Sony offers grea...
PlayStation Network Service Being Restored
By GameInformer, published 15-05-2011
After nearly a month of being offline (and taking fire from all corners of the industry), Sony is beginning to restore PSN back to functionality today. In a press release, Sony announced that PSN service is coming back to America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East today. Japan and the rest of Asia are not included in this phase of the restoration, and no announcement was made regarding when these regions will be addressed. So, what exactly is coming back online? Here's the word straight from the announcement: "The first phase of restored services for these countries and regions will include: Sign-in for PlayStation®Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords Restoration of online game-play across PS3 and PSP Playback rental video c...
Rumor: God Of War Portable Collection On PS3?
By GameInformer, published 15-05-2011
The God of War Collection (which included the two PS2 entries remastered in HD) was a huge hit on PS3. Now a similar treatment may be in the works for the two PSP installments. According to The Magic Box, Ready At Dawn's handheld entries in the series (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) are slated for an HD collection. The current rumor is that the collection would hit Asia on July 7, though no mention is made of North America or other territories.That release date seems pretty early to me, though not completely implausible. At any rate, we'll keep you posted with any new developments.(Source: Magic Box)
Mortal Kombat, Xbox 360 Top April NPD Charts
By GameInformer, published 13-05-2011
Many had wondered whether the Mortal Kombat still had enough juice to decapitate Portal 2 at retail. Well, wonder no more. Selling over 900,000 units, the game tops this months NPD sales charts, edging out Valve's vaunted puzzle/shooter.Further down the list, the LEGO series continued to show its retail might, with LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars coming it at number three. Other notables included EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters and Crysis 2, which landed at five and six, respectively. Mainstays Call of Duty: Black Ops, Just Dance 2, and Pokemon White also kept their top ten streaks aliveTotal game industry sales came in at an impressive $9612 million, besting a total of $802.4 million posted during the same quarter last year. Hardware accounted for $279.9 million of t...
SoulCalibur V coming to Xbox 360, PS3 in 2012
By GameSpot, published 11-05-2011
Namco Bandai announces "true sequel" to SoulCalibur for next year on Microsoft and Sony's consoles. Since the release of SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny in 2009, Namco Bandai has remained tight-lipped about the future of its weapon-based beat-'em-up. One of the reasons could be down to the PSP game's poor performance--it failed to make the publisher's top 10 sales list for April-September, being beaten by the likes of Afro Samurai and We Ski & Snowboard. New characters and a generational shift are promised for SoulCalibur V. SoulCalibur will be returning to home consoles next year, though, as publisher Namco Bandai has announced that the fifth game in the series will be coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2012. Project Soul team producer Hisa...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 19 2011
By SlashGear, published 08-05-2011
Welcome to this week’s edition of the SlashGear Week in Review. We had some interesting things going on in the tech world during the week. One of the interesting stories was the white iPhone and if it was thicker or not. Apple’s Phil Schiller insists that the white iPhone is no thicker than the black one, but it does use a different sensor and camera design. The biggest news in the world this week was the fact that Osama Bin Laden was killed. One man unknowingly tweeted about the raid when it was going on mentioning a helicopter hovering, which wasn’t usual. Apple whipped out a new version of the iMac AIO computer this week. The machine gained Thunderbolt, Intel Sandy Bridge processors and FaceTime HD video chatting among other things. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablet ...
Nokia think pink with new N8
By SlashGear, published 02-05-2011
With all the fuss over the white iPhone 4 last week, we can’t really blame Nokia for trying a little color variant hype of its own. Debut the pink Nokia N8, the sixth hue in which the high-resolution cameraphone is available in, following the black, red, yellow, silver and blue models from the initial launch. Spec-wise it’s business as usual, with a 3.5-inch 640 x 360 AMOLED display, 12-megapixel camera, Xenon flash and HDMI output. There’s also pentaband WCDMA/HSPA, USB-on-the-Go support, Bluetooth 3.0, an FM transmitter and 720p video recording. “Following the fantastic response to the range of colors we launched for the Nokia N8, it seemed a natural step to extend this choice” Rachael Bell, senior designer at Nokia reckons. “The Nokia N8 in pink com...
Full PSN Service To Be Back "Within This Month"
By GameInformer, published 01-05-2011
UPDATE: The official Sony press release has been posted, saying that services like gaming, music, and video will all return this week. It makes reference to a "phased restoration" of services that will occur region by region, concluding with full service within the month. The initial phase of restorations will include the following: * Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems -This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games * Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers * Access to account management and password reset * Access to download un-ex...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 18 2011
By SlashGear, published 01-05-2011
Welcome to the latest edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! Monday bought with it news that Nintendo was set to unveil a replacement for the Wii console at E3 this summer. The console itself is due to land for purchase sometime next year according to reports. The biggest story of the week has been the Sony PSN outage. Sony admitted that the Dev accounts and user accounts were hacked by outside sources. A really cool LEGO helmet that looks like the ones the Minifig astronauts wear that is sized for kids to be able to put on turned up. The helmet is very cool and has speakers inside to read LEGO comics to the kids via a digital file right off a USB drive plugged into the back of the helmet. Apple is facing its first class action suit over the tracking of user location details on the iP...
PlayStation Network and Qriocity back online from this week; Compensation detailed
By SlashGear, published 01-05-2011
Sony has confirmed that it will begin a phased restoration of PlayStation Network and Qriocity streaming services this week, rolling out region by region, and bringing back newly-strengthened online gaming, music downloads, PlayStation Home access and more. Meanwhile Sony has also detailed its “complimentary offering and “welcome back” appreciation program” with which it hopes to sooth frustrated PSN users. The full list of services coming back online includes online gaming on both PS3 and PSP systems, including those titles which demand online verification and downloaded games, PlayStation Home, Friends Lists and chat functionality. On the media side, there’s access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity services – though only for existing subscribers...
Sony rolling out 'Welcome Back' program for PSN users
By GameSpot, published 01-05-2011
PlayStation Network users to get 30 free days PlayStation Plus, free "entertainment content" for download following outage; some services going back online this week, PlayStation Store coming back later this month. On Tuesday, Sony said that some services of the PlayStation Network would come back online within a week. Today, the company gave a comprehensive response to the ongoing PSN outage in which it identified exactly which aspects of the network would be coming back online. Basic PlayStation Network service will be restored next week. According to senior director of corporate communications and social media Patrick Seybold, online gameplay for both the PlayStation 3 and PSP will be restored later this week. PlayStation Home will also be back, as wil...
Big in Japan April 18-24: Pokemon Typing DS
By GameSpot, published 30-04-2011
Nintendo's portable keyboard and typing tutorial bundle tops the Japanese sales charts as PSP outsells 3DS two-to-one. It's been weeks since Pokemon Black and White last appeared in the top 10 of Media Create's Japanese sales charts, but it's impossible to keep the collectible critters at bay for long. Nintendo's pugnacious pocket monsters returned to the top 10 for the week of April 18-24, as Battle & Get! Pokemon Typing DS claimed the top spot on the charts with 59,363 copies sold. Perfect for learning to type while on the bus, the subway, or waiting in line! As the name suggests, Pokemon Typing DS is a typing tutorial game for Nintendo's dual-screened handheld. But rather than cram a keyboard onto the system's touch screen, the game comes bundl...
Big in Japan April 18-24: Pokemon Typing DS
By GameSpot, published 30-04-2011
Nintendo's portable keyboard and typing tutorial bundle tops the Japanese sales charts as PSP outsells 3DS two-to-one. It has been weeks since Pokemon Black and White last appeared in the top 10 of Media Create's Japanese sales charts, but it's impossible to keep the collectible critters at bay for long. Nintendo's pugnacious pocket monsters returned to the top 10 for the week of April 18-24, as Battle & Get! Pokemon Typing DS claimed the top spot on the charts with 59,363 copies sold. Perfect for learning to type while on the bus, the subway, or waiting in line! As the name suggests, Pokemon Typing DS is a typing tutorial game for Nintendo's dual-screened handheld. But rather than cram a keyboard onto the system's touch screen, the game comes bun...
Sony confirms personal PSN data compromised, 'some services' back up 'within a week'
By GameSpot, published 26-04-2011
PS3 maker says "unauthorized person" has gained access to identifying information including username and password; credit card data possibly revealed; US Senator expresses dismay. Sony has entered the seventh day of its PlayStation Network outage, and the situation has turned from bad to worse. Offering an update on the "external intrusion" that gave the Japanese electronics company cause to brings its online service for the PlayStation 3 and PSP offline, Sony has confirmed that personal information has been compromised. PS3 owners have had their personal information compromised. "We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illeg...
Sony announces two Android tablets
By GameSpot, published 26-04-2011
Technology giant bringing pair of PlayStation Certified Android 3.0-enabled devices to market; codenamed S1 and S2; coming fall 2011 at TBA price. The S1, one of Sony's new tablets coming this fall. In January, Sony made official its PSP successor, the Next Generation Portable. However, that's not the only handheld device the technology giant is preparing for release in 2011. Sony has today announced two new tablet devices, currently codenamed S1 and S2. Both devices will run Google's Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" operating system, sport the Tegra 2 processor, can connect to both Wi-Fi and 3G/4G, and are pegged for release in the global market during fall 2011. Sony has not announced a price for either device. The S1 boasts a 9.4-inch screen, as well as both fro...
Sony unsure if credit card info compromised in PSN outage - Report
By GameSpot, published 26-04-2011
Corporate spokesperson expresses uncertainty if "external intrusion" behind ongoing PlayStation Network has exposed subscribers' personal information. As if the fact the ongoing PlayStation Network outage entering its sixth day wasn't bad enough news for Sony, now comes word that the company isn't sure if the service's 75 million subscribers have had their personal information compromised. PSN users may want to keep an eye on their credit card accounts. According to a PC World report, Sony spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka said that the company had "not yet determined" if the confidentiality of PSN users' personal or credit card information had been undermined by the "external intrusion" that brought the network down. As of press time, Sony Computer Entertainment...
PSN down for sixth day
By GameSpot, published 25-04-2011
Sony blames "time intensive process" for continuing PlayStation Network outage, promises new information as soon as it's available. For PlayStation gamers, it has been almost a week of frustration. Today, Sony offered a small update on the sixth day of the PlayStation outage. In a brief post on the official PlayStation Blog, Sony Computer Entertainment America senior director of corporate communications and social media Patrick Seybold thanked PSN subscribers for their patience. The PlayStation Network remains down for a sixth day. "I know you are waiting for additional information on when PlayStation Network and Qriocity services will be online," he said. "Unfortunately, I don't have an update or timeframe to share at this point in time. As we previousl...
Sony 're-building system' to fix PSN outage
By GameSpot, published 24-04-2011
Game giant offers update on days-old shutdown of the PS3's online service, says it is "working around the clock" to find a fix. It hasn't been the best week for Sony. After shutting down the PlayStation Network Wednesday night with no explanation, the company admitted late Friday that it had suspended the PS3 and PSP's online service due to an "external intrusion." The company did not elaborate, but did say it would offer an update on the situation soon. Sony is working "around the clock" to fix the PSN outage. That update came late Saturday, when Sony Computer Entertainment America senior director of corporate communications and social media Patrick Seybold made a post on the official PlayStation Blog. "We sincerely regret that PlayStation Network and ...
Big in Japan April 11-17: Super Robot Taisen
By GameSpot, published 22-04-2011
Namco's latest mech battle royale for PSP leads packed slate of new releases on Japanese sales charts; Homefront and Pilotwings Resort debut as 3DS retakes hardware lead from PSP. Media Create's Japanese sales charts for the week of April 11-17 saw a significant amount of turnover, with new releases accounting for seven of the top 10 games. The only remaining games from the previous week's chart were Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional, Earth Defense Force 2 Portable, and the tenacious Dynasty Warriors 7 (which clung to the 10th spot in its sixth week on the charts). Not even a super deformed art style can make the iconic stars of Super Robot Taisen less recognizable. As for the newcomers to the chart, they were led by Namco's latest super defo...
Big in Japan April 11-17: Super Robot Taisen
By GameSpot, published 22-04-2011
Namco's latest mech battle royale for PSP leads packed slate of new releases on Japanese sales charts; Homefront and Pilotwings Resort debut as 3DS retakes hardware lead from PSP. Media Create's Japanese sales charts for the week of April 11-17 saw a significant amount of turnover, with new releases accounting for seven of the top 10 games. The only remaining games from the previous week's chart were Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional, Earth Defense Force 2 Portable, and the tenacious Dynasty Warriors 7 (which clung to the 10th spot in its sixth week on the charts). Not even a super deformed art style can make the iconic stars of Super Robot Taisen less recognizable. As for the newcomers to the chart, they were led by Namco's latest super defo...
PSP Go still in production for North America
By GameSpot, published 22-04-2011
Sony confirms handheld, which has apparently been discontinued in Japan, is still being made for the US and Canadian markets. This week saw rumors surface that Sony had ceased production of the PSP Go. That speculation was apparently confirmed on Wednesday, when Japanese sources quoted Sony as saying that production of the UMD-less variant of the handheld had been discontinued. That account was backed up by the official Japanese PlayStation site, which listed the PSP Go as out of stock and no longer shipping. The PSP Go: Still alive in North America. At the same time, the North American Sony Style store listed the PSP Go as still in stock for $200. Now Sony is explaining why. In a brief statement provided to GameSpot, US Sony reps flatly said that, "We are...
[Update #2]: Sony Stops Production Of PSP Go, But Not In US
By GameInformer, published 22-04-2011
[Update #2]: It looks like Sony isn't ready to throw in the towel on the PSP Go just yet. While production of the handheld is history in Japan and Europe, the PSP Go will still be available in America. Sony of America confirmed the news with Joystiq, stating unequivocally: "We are continuing production of PSP Go for North America." So I guess that makes us...winners? [Update #1]: Sony of Japan has confirmed that it has stopped production of the PSP Go. According to Japanese site AV Watch, Sony says it's no longer shipping the PSP Go in order to focus on its next handheld, the NGP. The company did however say it was sticking by the regular PSP, which it will continue to support since it "continues to sell." [via Gamasutra] [Original Story]: A Japanese blogger is...
Sony Says 'Sayonara' to the PSP Go, Will You Miss It?
By HotHardware, published 21-04-2011
Sony this week announced that it's putting to rest its PSP Go handheld game console and will no longer produce or ship additional units once inventory runs out. To anyone who follows the portable gaming scene, this shouldn't come as any surprise, unless you're simply shocked it took Sony this long to throw in the white towel. Despite Sony's...
Is Anyone Really Surprised the PSP Go Was A Failure?
By SlashGear, published 20-04-2011
When Sony launched the PSP Go in 2009, it was expected to be the next big thing by some fans. They said that it would capitalize on the growing downloadable-content trend, and gamers wouldn’t even miss the UMD drive. More importantly, they said, with such future-focused features, it could justify its $250 price tag. But then gamers actually got their hands on the device. And they quickly realized that all the so-called benefits of owning the PSP Go were, well, non-existent. When discussing the reasons the PSP Go failed, it’s hard to pinpoint a single issue. The device was rife with problems from the beginning that made it dead on arrival. And towards the end, it seemed that only Sony saw it as a worthwhile buy. Take, for example, the exorbitant $250 price tag. At that rate, consumers...
PSP Go production officially ends - Reports
By GameSpot, published 20-04-2011
Japanese outlets quote Sony as saying that manufacture of the short-lived handheld has ended so that the company can focus on the NGP. One day after rumors spread that production of the PSP Go had ceased, several reports out of Japan indicated that the handheld's short lifespan is officially at an end. Japanese website AV Watch quotes Sony Computer Entertainment officials as saying production and shipment of the portable has ended. The site quotes an SCE spokesperson as saying the handheld was discontinued so that the company could "focus" on the Next Generation Portable, due out later this year. The PSP Go (2009-2011) This account of events was backed up by a report on Japanese tech blog Phileweb, which was translated by gaming blog Andria Sang. That rep...
[Update]: Sony Stops Production Of PSP Go
By GameInformer, published 20-04-2011
[Update]: Sony of Japan has confirmed that it has stopped production of the PSP Go. According to Japanese site AV Watch, Sony says it's no longer shipping the PSP Go in order to focus on its next handheld, the NGP. The company did however say it was sticking by the regular PSP, which it will continue to support since it "continues to sell." [via Gamasutra] [Original Story]: A Japanese blogger is reporting that Sony has ceased production of the PSP Go. The blogger, who claims to work for a Sony retail partner in Japan, wrote a post that was translated and summarized by the gaming blog Andriasang. In the write up, the blogger claims that his sales manager had received word from Sony that it had stopped manufacturing the Go and that the store should not expect to get any furthe...
Sony PSP Go production axed as focus shifts to NGP
By SlashGear, published 20-04-2011
Farewell, sweet PSP Go, there’s obviously only room for one gaming slider with PlayStation pretensions. Sony has apparently confirmed that production of the PSP Go has been stopped, telling AV Watch that its current stock will be the final units available. Sony will continue to support the PSP Go, and firmware updates are apparently still in the works, but for now the PSP-3000 will be the only portable gaming hardware the company sells. That’s aside from the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play, of course. According to Sony, clearing out the PSP Go will allow them to focus on the NGP, the Next Generation Portable expected to hit the market later in 2011. More on the Sony NGP in our recent SlashGear 101 feature. Relevant Entries on SlashGearAxed Nokia 5MP slider stars in final photoshoot...
Sony kills PSPgo 'to concentrate on NGP'
By TechRadar, published 20-04-2011
Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that it will no longer be producing the PSPgo. The company is ditching the diminutive handheld in favour of the upcoming Next Generation Portable (NGP) which should be out later this year. Sony told Japanese site AV Watch that with the PSPgo out of the way, it is free "to focus on" NGP development. PSPgoneRumours that the PSPgo was to be canned first surfaced yesterday, with a blog post scribed by a Sony employee pointing out that the PSPgo is no longer available to buy in Japan. A Sony spokesperson told TechRadar, "Before the end of the year we are launching NGP which we believe will revolutionise portable gaming."In the meantime, the current generation of PSPs continue to be in demand... and we will continue to meet that demand."Existing stock of...
Smartphones eat portable gaming market as revenues slide
By SlashGear, published 18-04-2011
Smartphone gaming continues to ratchet up the pressure on traditional mobile platforms like the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, with market analysts Flurry releasing stats that show iOS and Android gaming almost doubled their market share against the old-school consoles. The Nintendo DS dived from 70-percent in 2009 to 57-percent in 2010, while the PSP share slipped from 11-percent to 9-percent, judged by revenue. Interestingly, it’s only the portable segment which is really feeling the squeeze. Smartphone gaming revenue increased from 5- to 8-percent of the US market, while console gaming revenue grew from 71- to 76-percent. In contrast, traditional portable gaming revenue dipped from 24-percent to 16-percent. Overall, though, it’s billed as bad news for the mobile gaming segment...
Shippin' Out April 17-23: Portal 2, Mortal Kombat, SOCOM 4
By GameSpot, published 17-04-2011
Plentiful new release slate led by puzzle, fighting, and shooting games; Conduit 2, Xbox Live Arcade Triple Pack, Final Fantasy IV: Complete Collection also out. It's a busy week at retail, as a slew of high profile new releases make their debut on Tuesday including Valve's long-awaited puzzle game and Warner Bros.' fighter reboot. Leading the pack this week is Valve Software's Portal 2. The game follows the events of the first Portal, which saw gamers taking on the role of a human lab rat, Chell, who used a portal gun to create interdimensional openings on ceilings, walls, and floors in an effort to escape the Aperture Science labs. Along the way, players were guided through the diabolical tests by the deceptively sincere, yet altogether sadistic, artificial intelligence known as...
Shippin' Out April 17-23: Portal 2, Mortal Kombat, SOCOM 4
By GameSpot, published 17-04-2011
Plentiful new release slate led by puzzle, fighting, and shooting games; Conduit 2, Xbox Live Arcade Triple Pack, Final Fantasy IV: Complete Collection also out. It's a busy week at retail, as a slew of high-profile new releases make their debut on Tuesday, including Valve's long-awaited puzzle game and Warner Bros.' fighter reboot. Leading the pack this week is Valve Software's Portal 2. The game follows the events of the first Portal, which saw gamers taking on the role of a human lab rat, Chell, who used a portal gun to create interdimensional openings on ceilings, walls, and floors in an effort to escape the Aperture Science labs. Along the way, players were guided through the diabolical tests by the deceptively sincere, yet altogether sadistic, artificial intelligence known as GLaD...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 16 2011
By SlashGear, published 17-04-2011
Welcome to this week’s edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! It has been another busy week in the tech world with all sorts of cool and new tech and gear turning up so let’s get to it. Monday Adobe Photoshop touch apps for the iPad surfaced that allow the user to interact with content on Photoshop running on a computer using the Apple tablet. It’s really cool and turns the iPad into a heck of a drawing pad. Apple has been going about its business and hiring new employees for key positions inside the company. A couple of the new hires at Apple were former gaming company marketing types leading to the conclusion that Apple might be getting ready to take on Sony and Nintendo in the gaming realm. Some cool parody videos surfaced this week that use characters from Star Wa...
[Update] Rumor Roundup: Nintendo's New HD Console
By GameInformer, published 15-04-2011
[Update]IGN's news director Jim Reilly just dropped a few bits of new information on the new Nintendo system's controller.This new information came via Reilly's Twitter account. His first tweet said "There will be first and third party 'Wii 2' games at E3. No clue if they'll be playable." This was quickly followed by two more updates, "Dual analog sticks on the controller. Can stream game content from the console. Not sure if it'll be full games, mini-games, or apps." and "New Nintendo controller allows players to stream entire games to the device from the console -- like a miniature television."When some of his followers questioned the validity of the claims he responded, "No, I'm not trolling. Calm down. If it's on t...
US March game sales slip 4%, DS top hardware - NPD
By GameSpot, published 15-04-2011
[UPDATE] Xbox 360 sells 433,000 units as Pokemon Black & White combine for 2.4 million; 3DS first-weeks sales hit 400,000; Homefront and Dragon Age II also medal in weaker-than-expected retail software market. Today, the NPD Group reported its sales results for the March 2011 reporting period, which saw a mild decline versus February's slight uptick. Overall during the month, retail sales of software, non-PC hardware, and non-PC accessories declined 4 percent to $1.53 billion. However, for the first quarter of the year, sales were nearly flat, declining just 1 percent according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Record Pokemon sales helped boost the DS into first place. As one might expect during the month that saw the March 27 launch of the 3DS, ha...
Patapon 3 Review: A Rhythm Of Pain
By GameInformer, published 15-04-2011
The Patapon series is one of the few standout franchises on the PSP. When the original came out, it was clever and unique. Your troop of soldiers attacked, defended, and fled at your command. Rather than issuing commands like in a traditional RTS, you tapped the face buttons in rhythm with a metronome. Each sequence of beats issued a different order. Patapon 2 and 3 both work in the same way on the battlefield. The same old beat doesn’t have to get stale, but this one unfortunately has.At first I was pleased to see the new systems in place. Rather than equipping and managing multitudes of soldiers, players only deal with four combatant characters, one of which is the super powered Uberhero who serves as your avatar. Everyone has decent armor and weapons, and you never have to worry a...
New Patapon 3 Trailer Herald's Tomorrow's Launch
By GameInformer, published 12-04-2011
Take a glimpse at this new trailer to see some of the outrageous boss battles and hear some of the new metal guitar riffs in the soundtrack. With Sony's new NGP portable on the horizon, quality PSP titles are getting more and more scarce so it's good to see the Patapon franchise pop up for what's probably a last hurrah. Keep your eyes peeled for all the new features coming in tomorrow's release. (Please visit the site to view this media)
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 15 2011
By SlashGear, published 10-04-2011
Welcome to another edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! Early Monday I ran across a cool printer hack that turns your ink jet into a printer that prints with invisible ink. The ink is lemon juice and the person that needs to read the invisible ink sprays it with an iodine solution to make the letters viewable. The commercial for the Touchwood SH-08C from DoCoMo has turned up on YouTube. The commercial uses a big handmade wooden ramp with xylophone keys that play classical music when a ball rolls down the ramp. A dude showed off the prank he played on his wife on April Fool’s day. He took his name on her iPhone, changed it to AP Mobile, and then sent a text saying that the Pentagon had confirmed the Roswell crash was alien. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer got its official product p...
Big in Japan March 28 - April 3: PSP reclaims lead from 3DS
By GameSpot, published 08-04-2011
Nintendo handheld's run atop the hardware charts ends six weeks after launch; Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional tops software sales in debut week. When the 3DS launched in Japan February 26, it instantly shot to the top of the hardware sales charts, ending the PSP's run of five straight weeks as the country's best-selling system. Tracking firm Media Create today released its sales figures for the week of March 21-27, revealing that Sony's handheld has retaken the hardware sales crown after five weeks of trailing Nintendo's newest portable. If Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 is just now going pro, what happened to all that money it made last time around? The PSP sold 57,379 systems for the week, opening up a significant lead over the 3DS's 42,...
Big in Japan March 28 - April 3: PSP reclaims lead from 3DS
By GameSpot, published 08-04-2011
Nintendo handheld's run atop the hardware charts ends six weeks after launch; Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional tops software sales in debut week. When the 3DS launched in Japan February 26, it instantly shot to the top of the hardware sales charts, ending the PSP's run of five straight weeks as the country's best-selling system. Tracking firm Media Create today released its sales figures for the week of March 21-27, revealing that Sony's handheld has retaken the hardware sales crown after five weeks of trailing Nintendo's newest portable. If Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 is just now going pro, what happened to all that money it made last time around? The PSP sold 57,379 systems for the week, opening up a significant lead over the 3DS's 42,...
Sony's Tretton Suggests NGP Will Have Higher Than Expected Price
By GameInformer, published 06-04-2011
If you've been following our coverage of Sony's NGP handheld, you'll remember that most of the official comments from company executives have suggested that unit would be affordable. This was thought to be a response to the early struggles of the PS3, which launched at $599.In previous stories, we've reported quotes from Sony's senior vice president of product development, Shuhei Yoshida that gave the impression that an affordable price point was an important part of the company's NGP plans from the start.However, new comments, in an interview with Fast Company, from SCEA president Jack Tretton seem to be trying to set up new expectations for consumers. While this doesn't confirm a price point, the tone of the quotes appears to be trying to prime Sony's aud...
Sony on top as Japanese game market sinks 14%
By GameSpot, published 05-04-2011
PSP sells 2.6 million, PS3 sells 1.4 million in island nation during 2010, reports Enterbrain; Pokemon Black and White, Monster Hunter Portable 3 top sellers. When the NPD Group used to release hardware sales numbers for the US market, the PSP regularly finished dead last in the platform race. However, in Japan, it's a different story, as titles such as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection have boosted the fortunes of Sony's portable since it was introduced in the territory in 2004. The PSP was the top system in Japan during the 12 months ended March 31, 2011. Last week, Famitsu publisher Enterbrain released its sales figures for the 12 months ended March 31, 2011, which proved the PSP's popularity in Japan agai...
Sony on top as Japanese game market sinks 14%
By GameSpot, published 05-04-2011
PSP sells 2.6 million, PS3 sells 1.4 million in island nation during 2010, reports Enterbrain; Pokemon Black and White, Monster Hunter Portable 3 top sellers. When the NPD Group used to release hardware sales numbers for the US market, the PSP regularly finished dead last in the platform race. However, in Japan, it's a different story, as titles such as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd and Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection have boosted the fortunes of Sony's portable since it was introduced in the territory in 2004. The PSP was the top system in Japan during the 12 months ended March 31, 2011. Last week, Famitsu publisher Enterbrain released its sales figures for the 12 months ended March 31, 2011, which proved the PSP's popularity in Japan agai...
NGP could be delayed by Japanese earthquake
By GameSpot, published 05-04-2011
Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton says supply-chain disruptions caused by disaster may delay the forthcoming portable in some regions. By any reckoning, the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan were humanitarian tragedies on a massive scale. However, the twin disasters--and subsequent nuclear crisis--have also created a massive logistical nightmare for Japanese industry, causing many companies such as Toyota and Honda to shutter factories. The NGP may be delayed by the tragic events in Japan. Unfortunately for gamers, another one of the companies affected is Sony. The electronics giant has also temporarily shut down several plants in Northern Japan for repairs, as well as others in other regions because of parts shortages. As ...
NGP could be delayed by Japanese earthquake
By GameSpot, published 05-04-2011
Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton says supply-chain disruptions caused by disaster may delay the forthcoming portable in some regions. By any reckoning, the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan were humanitarian tragedies on a massive scale. However, the twin disasters--and subsequent nuclear crisis--have also created a massive logistical nightmare for Japanese industry, causing many companies such as Toyota and Honda to shutter factories. The NGP may be delayed by the tragic events in Japan. Unfortunately for gamers, another one of the companies affected is Sony. The electronics giant has also temporarily shut down several plants in Northern Japan for repairs, as well as others in other regions because of parts shortages. As ...
Sony NGP May Be Delayed Due To Japan Quake
By SlashGear, published 05-04-2011
Sony’s Next Generation Portable (NGP) gaming device may have a delayed global launch due to last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan. According to Bloomberg, Sony may only be able to introduce the NGP in one region this year instead of starting sales by the end of the year in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton made this announcement but has not yet confirmed which region would be first to get the handheld. Tretton says that they hope to get to at least one market by the end of the year and that this delay may give game developers more time to complete their software. Back in January, Sony exec Kazuo Hirai said the device would deliver the power of the PS3 in a handheld and that the device was designed with reasonable pri...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 14 2011
By SlashGear, published 03-04-2011
Welcome to another edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! Let’s get right into it. Early in the week Amazon rolled out its Appstore test drive feature. The feature allows you to test out some of the apps available on the store on a virtual Android device for 30 minutes. A Montana Radio Shack store is offering a wild deal for people that sign up to have new service installed. The store will give a gift certificate for a 380 handgun or a shotgun to those that purchase service. Sony Ericsson announced that it was going to offer up a new Android bootloader unlock tool. The catch is that the tool will only be offered for certain handsets in its 2011 lineup. We went hands on with the Nokia C7 Astound for the T-Mobile network early in the week. The phone is small and for now all you get...
Big in Japan: Final Fantasy IV Collection
By GameSpot, published 02-04-2011
Square Enix remake for Sony's handheld tops 100,000 sold as 3DS and PSP hardware race goes down to the wire. Like the nation itself, Japanese game sales rebounded in the weeks following last month's massive earthquake. Game sales finished down sharply in the first full week after the quake, but tracking firm Media Create today released its figures for the following week of March 21-27, and the numbers were much improved. Final Fantasy IV was released in North America as Final Fantasy II for the Super Nintendo. Square Enix's PSP launch of Complete Final Fantasy IV led all games with sales of 104,173 copies, nearly three times more than the next best-selling title on the charts. Set for North American release on April 19, The Complete Collection includes...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
By TechRadar, published 01-04-2011
The PlayStation phone is the device equivalent of El Dorado, in that it's spent a long time as a golden fable to trot out when conversation slows. Now the fusion of gamepad and Android phone has emerged into the modern world in the form of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.It's a time when iPhones have permeated the globe, able to deliver tactile gaming on the go, and Nintendo's 3DS is making waves by bringing portable 3D fun to the masses.Even within the Sony stable, the Xperia Play has rivals to overcome. There's the NGP, successor to the PSP, on the horizon, which will arrive boasting more processing power than Deep Blue (well, apparently a quad-core chip and graphics processor).What's more, it must establish itself over a selection of fast and competent Android handsets, such as Sony Erics...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
By TechRadar, published 01-04-2011
The PlayStation phone is the device equivalent of El Dorado, in that it's spent a long time as a golden fable to trot out when conversation slows. Now the fusion of gamepad and Android phone has emerged into the modern world in the form of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.It's a time when iPhones have permeated the globe, able to deliver tactile gaming on the go, and Nintendo's 3DS is making waves by bringing portable 3D fun to the masses.Even within the Sony stable, the Xperia Play has rivals to overcome. There's the NGP, successor to the PSP, on the horizon, which will arrive boasting more processing power than Deep Blue (well, apparently a quad-core chip and graphics processor).What's more, it must establish itself over a selection of fast and competent Android handsets, such as Sony Erics...
Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
By TechRadar, published 01-04-2011
The PlayStation phone is the device equivalent of El Dorado, in that it's spent a long time as a golden fable to trot out when conversation slows. Now the fusion of gamepad and Android phone has emerged into the modern world in the form of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.It's a time when iPhones have permeated the globe, able to deliver tactile gaming on the go, and Nintendo's 3DS is making waves by bringing portable 3D fun to the masses.Even within the Sony stable, the Xperia Play has rivals to overcome. There's the NGP, successor to the PSP, on the horizon, which will arrive boasting more processing power than Deep Blue (well, apparently a quad-core chip and graphics processor).What's more, it must establish itself over a selection of fast and competent Android handsets, such as Sony Erics...
Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play on sale now: Are you buying?
By SlashGear, published 01-04-2011
Just as promised – though in smaller numbers than originally expected – the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play has finally gone on sale, offering PlayStation-style gaming while on the move. The UK, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan will get the handset today, with a further six markets over the next two weeks and then Verizon availability later in the year. We reviewed the XPERIA Play yesterday, finding it to be a device with promise but still lacking the comprehensive software portfolio gamers will demand. Sony Ericsson has confirmed a list of over 60 titles – you can find it in the press release below – only six of which are PS One ports. However, Sony has also recently confirmed that its Music Unlimited se...
Music Unlimited headed to NGP, PSP, and Xperia Play
By SlashGear, published 01-04-2011
If you are a music fan that has a PS3 and access to Sony’s Music Unlimited service you can stream all the music you ears can handle from the web. The service comes in a basic offering and a premium offering. The difference is the basic offering at £3.99 monthly gives you streaming of genre specific channels while the premium at £9.99 monthly offers you access to more channels and on demand play of any track the service offers. Sony is set to expand the places you can access that Music Unlimited service and bring it to more devices. One of the key devices that will get the music plan is the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play smartphone. The service may also come to other Android devices. Sony will also be enabling Music Unlimited on other Sony branded devices. The coming NGP portable game ...
The PS3 Is the Best Entertainment Device
By SlashGear, published 31-03-2011
When it comes to being entertained in the living room, there are some things that practically all consumers are looking for. They want a device that’s affordable, offers a nice selection of content, and can survive the next few years without becoming obsolete. Admittedly, there are many such devices on store shelves right now. Consumers can opt for the Apple TV, Roku’s set-top boxes, and even HDTVs that come with built-in apps. The choices are endless, and for the most part, the entertainment opportunities are, as well. But if I were to choose a single device that can best them all and deliver the kind of entertainment that would satisfy just about any customer in the living room, it would be hard not to pick Sony’s PlayStation 3. Now, I know that there are some out there — e...
Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play Review
By SlashGear, published 31-03-2011
Frankly, it’s a surprise it’s taken them this long. The idea of a PlayStation phone hasn’t been so much a persistent rumor as it has a cellular cloud hanging over both Sony and Sony Ericsson. It overshadowed the launch of the PSP Go and has been responsible for untold speculation about terse relations between the divisions. Throw in more pre-announce leaks than average, and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play has quite the reputation to live up to. Can the first gaming-centric Android smartphone deliver both the polished day-to-day experience we now expect, and live up to the PlayStation branding? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut. Hardware The family similarity between the PSP Go and the XPERIA Play is obvious. Both have a slide-out gaming keypad and a chubby...
3DS Outsold by PSP In Japan
By GameInformer, published 31-03-2011
It may only be for a week, but 600 PSP Go sales pushed Sony's portable just ahead of the 3DS for the week ending March 27 in Japan. The score: PSP 51,079, 3DS 50,710.Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection is the big driver here, which topped the week's overall sales charts and broke six figures with 104,173 units moved in its first week out.The 3DS is lagging well behind Nintendo's lofty first-month goals for the unit despite a sold-out launch. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said back in September that he expected Japan to account for 1.5 million of the expected 4 million worldwide units, and the system checked in at just 792,954 Japanese sales at the end of its inaugural month. The tragic natural disaster that Japan is still struggling with more than likely has something t...
Palm: The Rise and Fall of a Legend
By MaximumPC, published 29-03-2011
Perhaps the most convoluted soap-opera in the history of technology... I was there, when the Pilot landed. It was the summer of 1996, and the US Robotics Pilot 5000 had just arrived in the bootLab (‘boot Magazine’ was the then-newly-launched precursor to Maximum PC). With unprecedented ferocity, we editors were fighting gladiator style for dibs on reviewing this tiny bit of pocket-sized plastic with its dingy monochrome screen. Not even the latest uber-PC or 3D graphics card generated such editorial lust. There was something magic about the initial Pilot. Something simple, elegant, genuinely useful. It was one of the few products we all knew would be worthy of a “Kick Ass” award almost immediately upon touching it. That first Pilot may not have been the first PDA, but it was...
3DS Impressions: Our Take On Nintendo's New Handheld
By GameInformer, published 29-03-2011
Announced last March, Nintendo’s 3DS has been highly anticipated by gamers the world over. Any new Nintendo handheld is big news; the company has dominated the category since the release of the original Game Boy in 1989. While competitors from Sega to Sony have tried to make a dent in Nintendo’s market share, all have failed. The 3DS, which is the successor to the most lucrative game system in history in the DS, is Nintendo’s hope for staying on top of the handheld mountain. The 3DS released in America on March 27, and while Nintendo hasn't announced how many units were purchased yet, the Japanese launch – in which the unit was virtually sold out across the country – points to a strong first day in America (though our unscientific research may s...
Shippin' Out March 27-April 2: 3DS, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12
By GameSpot, published 27-03-2011
New release slate championed by Nintendo's new handheld and software for it; EA Sports' latest golf game, Shift 2: Unleashed, WWE All Stars, Dynasty Warriors 7 also out. It's a bustling week at retail this week, but one product screams louder than the rest. Today, Nintendo released the 3DS, its latest portable in the DS family. The system is already available in Japan and the United Kingdom, and sells for $250 in North America. Gamers can choose from two color options: cosmic black or aqua blue. In addition to the system, a slew of new 3DS titles make their debut this week. Gamers looking to take take their 3D gaming on the go can grab Pilotwings Resort, Super Street Fight IV: 3D Edition, Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, Super Monkey Ball 3D, Steel Diver, Nintendogs + Cats, F...
Shippin' Out March 27-April 2: 3DS, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12
By GameSpot, published 27-03-2011
New release slate championed by Nintendo's new handheld and software for it; EA Sports' latest golf game, Shift 2: Unleashed, WWE All Stars, Dynasty Warriors 7 also out. It's a bustling week at retail this week, but one product screams louder than the rest. Today, Nintendo released the 3DS, its latest portable in the DS family. The system is already available in Japan and the United Kingdom and sells for $250 in North America. Gamers can choose from two color options: cosmic black or aqua blue. In addition to the system, a slew of new 3DS titles make their debut this week. Gamers looking to take their 3D gaming on the go can grab Pilotwings Resort, Super Street Fight IV: 3D Edition, Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, Super Monkey Ball 3D, Steel Diver, Nintendogs + Cats, Face Ra...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 13 2011
By SlashGear, published 27-03-2011
Welcome to another SlashGear Week in Review! This week was a big one in the mobile world with CTIA underway and lots more going in. We learned that AT&T had offered to purchase T-Mobile for $39 billion. AT&T hopes to repurpose some of the T-Mobile spectrum for 4G service. The full details of the HTC Evo 3D and Evo View 4G tablet surfaced early in the week. The Evo 3D has a 4.3-inch screen and a 1.2GHz processor and should be an interesting device. The Asus Eee Slate EP121 got an official release date. The tablet will hit the UK on April 20 and it will sell for the equivalent of $1627 here in the US, which is a lot of green. Microsoft might be eyeing 2015 for a replacement for the Xbox 360 game console. The tip on the date comes from the portfolio of a designer working with Micros...
Nintendo 3DS Review
By SlashGear, published 25-03-2011
Nintendo has a reputation for kooky, eccentric products, and on that front the 3DS is no different. Upgrading the now-familiar clamshell console with a glasses-free 3D display, it promises a new breed of games, impromptu social gaming with StreetPass, and the instant allure of 3D photography and Augmented Reality. Still, while Nintendo has been busy getting its freak on, the mobile gaming market has become a whole lot more serious. Just about every gadget that wants a place in your pocket – your cellphone and PMP included – wants to take care of your gaming needs as well, and so the 3DS has more competition than ever before. Can the console deliver, or do its eccentricities count it out? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut. Hardware Style-wise the 3DS is classic...
Ready At Dawn Working On "AAA" Console Game
By GameInformer, published 23-03-2011
The developer known for making the best PSP games on the market is breaking back onto the console scene with an unnamed new IP. A line on Ready at Dawn's jobs page asks applicants if they are "ready to work on an exciting new AAA IP for the home console." It doesn't get much plainer than that, though no particular console is named specifically. (In case the studio changes the jobs page, here's a capture of the relevant info) Unfortunately, that's all the information about the mysterious project that's available... but if the new game is as good as the studio's previous work, we should be in for a treat. (Source: GameSpot)
All NGP games will be downloadable
By GameSpot, published 21-03-2011
SCEE president wants simultaneous digital and retail launches for games, though not every game will receive a physical release. One of the problems Sony has run into with the PSP Go is that it can only play downloadable games, and large chunks of the PSP catalog aren't offered through digital distribution. It's a problem the company doesn't expect to have when it launches the Next Generation Portable later this year, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe head Andrew House. Speaking with MCV, House confirmed for the British trade magazine that all NGP games will be downloadable. Physical media optional. "One thing we learnt from PSP is that we want to have simultaneous delivery in digital and physical for NGP," House said. "Just to clarify that, all...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 12 2011
By SlashGear, published 20-03-2011
Another week in the history books and another Week in Review for you to check out. We started the week last week with the alarms not working on older OS versions of the iPhone. At least the alarms were an hour early and not an hour late. The only fix for me was updating to the latest version of the OS. Terminix and its ad agency created a billboard in Dallas last week using thousands of live roaches. The board was designed to warn people of the germs roaches carry and to set an example to all the roaches watching of what can happen if they come into your home. Analysts claim that Apple sold a million iPad 2 tablets last week. Best Buy is said to have sold out in ten minutes. The Japanese market Prius will get an option for lithium ion battery packs. A cheaper model will continue to use t...
Sony NGP Games To Get Digital Release From Day One
By SlashGear, published 19-03-2011
Sony’s PSP successor, the NGP, is readying to launch later this year and sure to have a great line up of games. The manufacturer is promising that from day one digital release games will be available for download at the same time the physical games become available. In an interview with MCV, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe President Andrew House discussed their new game distribution strategy. “One thing we learnt from PSP, is that we want to have simultaneous delivery in digital and physical for NGP. Just to clarify that, all games that appear physically will be made available digitally. Not necessarily all games have to be made available physically. And having the option of a digital-only method affords more creative risk-taking, and that’s because you don’t-have th...
Sony: Physical NGP Games Will Have Simultaneous Digital Release
By GameInformer, published 18-03-2011
Sony is looking out for you, whether you want to put an NGP cartridge on a shelf or download it. Andrew House, president of Sony Europe, has gone on the record explicitly saying any NGP game with a physical retail release will be available for download on the same day. “One thing we learned from PSP, is that we want to have simultaneous delivery in digital and physical for NGP,” House told MCV. “Just to clarify that, all games that appear physically will be made available digitally.” How important is it to you to have games available both at the store and online? What do you predict you’ll end up buying more often.
Updated: Android 3.0: all the latest updates
By TechRadar, published 16-03-2011
Information about Android 3.0 - Android Honeycomb - is coming thick and fast now as a raft of Android 3.0 tablets are lined up for release this year.Here's what we know about Android 3.0 so far. On 20 October, we reported that Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets were rumoured to be heading out to engineers in time for Christmas. This resulted in a huge range of tablets arriving at CES 2011, with UK release dates later in the year, but none of the tablets on show were actually running Android 3.0.Android 3.0 release dateAndroid 3.0 release date is looking like early 2011.In a video on All Things Digital posted on 7 December 2010 Google's Andy Rubin showed off a prototype Motorola Android 3.0 tablet and confirmed that the Android 3.0 release date will be "some time next year".As of mid-February 20...
Updated: Android 3.0: all the latest updates
By TechRadar, published 16-03-2011
Information about Android 3.0 - Android Honeycomb - is coming thick and fast now as a raft of Android 3.0 tablets are lined up for release this year.Here's what we know about Android 3.0 so far. On 20 October, we reported that Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets were rumoured to be heading out to engineers in time for Christmas. This resulted in a huge range of tablets arriving at CES 2011, with UK release dates later in the year, but none of the tablets on show were actually running Android 3.0.Android 3.0 release dateAndroid 3.0 release date is looking like early 2011.In a video on All Things Digital posted on 7 December 2010 Google's Andy Rubin showed off a prototype Motorola Android 3.0 tablet and confirmed that the Android 3.0 release date will be "some time next year".As of mid-February 20...
Shippin' Out March 13-19: Homefront, Shogun 2, Yakuza 4, Halo: Reach DLC
By GameSpot, published 14-03-2011
New release slate led by THQ's war-at-home shooter, Sega's period strategy game, Japanese mob title, and the Defiant Map Pack for Bungie's shooter; Top Spin 4, MotoGP 10/11, Gods Eater Burst, and Okamiden also out. It's a bountiful spring break at retail, as several high-profile new releases are out this week, including THQ's war-at-home shooter, Sega's open-world crime game, and 2K's latest tennis title. Leading the pack this week is THQ's Homefront for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Due out on Tuesday, the game was developed by Kaos Studios and is a story-driven shooter set after North Korea invades and occupies the United States. The single-player component sees the player as a member of the American resistance fighting the Korean People's Army in an attempt to regain con...
MotorStorm: Apocalypse European release "under discussion"
By GameSpot, published 14-03-2011
Sony says that decision to release the game on Friday is currently "under discussion," as game is postponed in Japan. Sony's MotorStorm series has been something of a poster child for the PlayStation line over the past few years. The first game was used to demonstrate the technical prowess of the PlayStation 3 console at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2005, while Arctic Edge, the third game in the series, was launched just ahead of the PSP Go in 2009. The newest game in the series, however, may become renowned for rather different reasons. MotorStorm: Apocalypse is set in an earthquake-ravaged city, with other natural disasters affecting the city while players race around it. While the game is clearly set in a fictional universe, it is due to arrive in Europe a mere week aft...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 11 2011
By SlashGear, published 13-03-2011
It’s that time again, welcome to this week’s edition of the SlashGear Week in Review. Biggest news in the tech world this week has to be the iPad 2, hitting shelves on Friday and promptly selling through Apple’s initial stocks for online orders. We posted up our review of the iPad 2 mid week. The new iPad 2 is clearly far ahead of competitors on most levels. Samsung says that its Galaxy Tab 10.1 is on schedule and no changes will be made to the device. This is after reports surfaced last week that Samsung was rethinking the Tab 10.1 and changes might be made. Western Digital announced that it plans to purchase Hitachi GST in a deal that will cost WD $4.3 billion. The deal still has to get regulatory approval before it can complete. National Geographic has taken the c...
Big in Japan Feb. 28 - March 6: Final Fantasy Dissidia
By GameSpot, published 11-03-2011
Square Enix's PSP fighting game sequel cruises to top spot on sales charts, 3DS retains hold atop hardware sales chart with more than 200,000 units sold in second week. During the 3DS' launch week in Japan, the glasses-free 3D handheld easily topped the hardware sales charts, but found its best-selling title peaking at third place, behind a pair of newly release games for Sony's systems. Japanese tracking firm Media Create today released its sales data for the 3DS' second week on sale, and the story was much the same. Duodecim brings back some familiar Final Fantasy faces. For the week of February 28 to March 6, the 3DS sold 209,623 systems, well ahead of the second place PSP's 76,246 total. However, the best-selling 3DS game was Professor Layton and t...
Big in Japan Feb. 28 - March 6: Final Fantasy Dissidia
By GameSpot, published 11-03-2011
Square Enix's PSP fighting game sequel cruises to top spot on sales charts, 3DS retains hold atop hardware sales chart with more than 200,000 units sold in second week. During the 3DS's launch week in Japan, the glasses-free 3D handheld easily topped the hardware sales charts, but found its best-selling title peaking at third place, behind a pair of newly released games for Sony's systems. Japanese tracking firm Media Create today released its sales data for the 3DS's second week on sale, and the story was much the same. Duodecim brings back some familiar Final Fantasy faces. For the week of February 28 to March 6, the 3DS sold 209,623 systems, well ahead of the second place PSP's 76,246 total. However, the best-selling 3DS game was Professor Layton an...
PlayStation Suite Unveiled for Android 2.3 and Above [NVIDIA CONFIRMS]
By SlashGear, published 11-03-2011
We’ve got here an official press release straight from the horse’s mouth confirming the announcement that Sony Computer Entertainment will be delivering what they’re calling the “PlayStation®Suite” aka PS Suite for all Android devices version 2.3 Gingerbread and above. This announcement also confirms that Sony will be simultaneously be launching a “”PlayStation®Certified” License Program to Provide PlayStation® Content and Development Support for Android™ Based Portable Devices. This is big coming from NVIDIA because they run the graphics on PlayStation 3, which could very well mean that the port will be both easy and QUICK! The license program will be giving an opportunity for hardware manufacturers to get support for development and logo licensi...
Sony NGP UK release date: 11 November?
By TechRadar, published 11-03-2011
It's possible that those residing in Europe will be able to get their grubby mitts on a Sony NGP before the year is out.This is according to MCV, who has speaking to "sources" about a Sony NGP UK release date and they have delivered with news that 11 November is being mooted as a probable launch date for at least one territory.The assumption originally was that the first place to get the device would be Japan, but Europe may well sneak the launch.PSP2 specsA worldwide simultaneous launch seems out of the question, due to the amount of NGP's you would need to make to satiate demand.The Sony NGP (it will probably end up being called the PSP2) is packing a phenomenal amount of hardware, which may not be up there with the pants-on-fire power of the PS3 but it does have an OLED touchscreen, a q...
Black Ops Tops NPD Again, Console Sales Up
By GameInformer, published 11-03-2011
Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops maintained its now customary spot atop the NPD February 2011 video game sales charts, and made history in the process. NPD's Anita Frazier broke the news in a press release, stating, "Call of Duty: Black Ops was the best-selling game in February, retaining the top selling spot since launch in November. It has now become the best-selling game in history, topping Wii Play." The month also saw strong debuts by Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, Bulletstorm, and Killzone 3. It should be noted that Bulletstorm and Killzone 3 did not launch until February 22, and Killzone (a PS3 exclusive) tallied all its sales on one platform.Elsewhere in the industry, there was more good financial news. Total physical sales were up 4 per...
Call of Duty: Black Ops top US game of all time, Xbox 360 sells 535,000 in Feb. - NPD
By GameSpot, published 11-03-2011
[UPDATE] Microsoft's console sets record as latest COD proves most popular software in US history with 13.7 million units sold; domestic sales up 3% overall. After a downbeat January that saw US game sales slip 5 percent overall, the NPD Group had a more upbeat report for February sales. Last month, domestic retail sales of PC and non-PC games, non-PC hardware, and non-PC accessories rose 3 percent to $1.36 billion. Sales of non-PC gaming goods rose even more, climbing 4 percent to $1.33 billion. Call of Duty: Black Ops is now the top game of all time in the US. Of the various sectors, hardware rose the most, climbing 10 percent year-over-year to $466.9 million. Microsoft was all too happy to trumpet the success of the Xbox 360, saying platform so...
Call of Duty: Black Ops top US game of all time, Xbox 360 sells 535,000 in Feb. - NPD
By GameSpot, published 11-03-2011
[UPDATE] Microsoft's console sets record as latest COD proves most popular software in US history with 13.7 million units sold; domestic sales up 3% overall. After a downbeat January that saw US game sales slip 5 percent overall, the NPD Group had a more upbeat report for February sales. Last month, domestic retail sales of PC and non-PC games, non-PC hardware, and non-PC accessories rose 3 percent to $1.36 billion. Sales of non-PC gaming goods rose even more, climbing 4 percent to $1.33 billion. Call of Duty: Black Ops is now the top game of all time in the US. Of the various sectors, hardware rose the most, climbing 10 percent year-over-year to $466.9 million. Microsoft was all too happy to trumpet the success of the Xbox 360, saying platform so...
Angry Birds launching on Facebook in May - Report
By GameSpot, published 09-03-2011
Avian-flinging, pig-bashing sensation to premiere on social network in two months' time. Having already proven wildly popular on the iPhone, iPad, Android, and PC, Angry Birds arrived on Sony's PSP and PlayStation 3 in January. Soon, the Angry Birds train will pull into a new station: Facebook. Angry Birds: Coming in May to Facebook. According to a report on The Next Web, Angry Birds creator Peter Vesterbacka has confirmed that the game will be coming to the social network starting in May. Previous reports had the game launching this month. Details on the Facebook edition were slim, other than it would have "completely new aspects to it that just haven't been experienced in any other platform," according to Rovio CEO Mikael Hed. Hed also said that the ga...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 10 2011
By SlashGear, published 06-03-2011
Welcome to the latest edition of the SlashGear Week in Review! There were big goings on this week in the tech world with a new tablet and lots more so let’s get to it. The Kinect was hacked into a 3D scanner for turning the person it scans into a 3D foam bust. The pieces it makes are like foam puzzle pieces. An ad agency in New Zealand created a new board for park benches that presses an ad into the legs of the people that sit down. When those ad pressed folks start to walk around people behind them can read the ads. Fujitsu unveiled a really cool 22-inch screen that has no cords at all. The display uses inductive power and wireless data links for a very clean look. TazTag announced that it would be showing off a new tablet at CeBIT 2011 called the TazPad. The little tablet is pret...
Sony Drops PSPGo Price To $150
By HotHardware, published 05-03-2011
Well, at least no one can complain about the price tag on Sony's PSPgo any longer. Or wait... can they? When Sony's disc-free PlayStation Portable launched, the reactions were mixed. But almost everyone had a reaction of some sort. Some said it was the future of gaming. Others said physical media wasn't dead yet. Over the years, it has been...
NGP getting augmented reality games
By GameSpot, published 04-03-2011
GDC 2011: AR cards one of the new features revealed at Sony developer session; virtual treasure hunts, item exchanges, area recognition also planned; NGP not as powerful as PS3. When Nintendo ships the 3DS on March 27, the portable will come with six augmented reality games. These titles will be based on a real-life card that is placed on a flat surface, which a player then centers the portable's outward-facing camera on. Once recognized, the AR card will initiate a game that will appear to be set in the real world, altering the surface and requiring the player to physically move the 3DS to center on targets or various other aspects of gameplay. The NGP will be able to play augmented reality titles. Now another handheld will also be bringing AR games to m...
Sony Explains Why NGP Isn't Actually As Powerful As A PS3
By GameInformer, published 03-03-2011
There was a lot of hype about the incredibly powerful technology behind Sony's upcoming NGP handheld when the device was first shown off a little over a month ago. One of the biggest pieces of speculation -- aided by the fact that they showed several PS3 demos running on the system -- was that this pocket-sized device had as much power as a PlayStation 3. Sony has now clarified that this is not quite the case. Speaking during an NGP panel at the Game Developer's Conference, Sony platform research manager David Coombes explained why having a handheld with the same level of technology as the PS3 would not work: "Well, it's not going to run at 2 GHz because the battery would last five minutes... and it would probably set fire to your pants." While setting your pants on ...
Official Sony Site Indicates Possible PSPgo Price Drop
By GameInformer, published 03-03-2011
Sony recently dropped the price of the original, disc-based PSP hardware to $129.99. Now, a posting on the Sony official site indicates that a price drop on the download-only PSPgo is in the works.Under a posting entitled "Step Your Game Up with PSP," this passage makes things pretty clear:"Now you can enjoy the sleek, totally-digital PSPgo system for $149.99 MSRP and the unsurpassed PSP-3000 system for $129.99 MSRP. Same great features, now at incredible values." However, Joystiq points out that the major video game retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Gamestop are still listing the PSPgo for its current price of $199 – a price which has been standard since the unit experienced its first discounting in October of 2010. While it might not be official yet, w...
Patapon 3 - PSP - Screenshots
By Game Revolution, published 02-03-2011
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Studio Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system Genre: Rhythm/Action Players: 1 – 8 Players Launch Date: Fall 2010 ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending OVERVIEW Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio/Pyramid, PataponTM3 sees the return of the innovative, rhythm-based 2D action game exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Patapon 3 - a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Patapon and Patapon 2 titles - introduces a new warrior, a Superhero Patapon, that players can use to head into musical battle, devastating opponents with deadly, rhythmic attacks. Players will go on multiplayer Quest with friends ...
[UPDATE]Sony Debuts Xperia In U.S. At GDC And We Go Hands-On
By GameInformer, published 02-03-2011
Sony's long rumored "PSP Phone" is finally getting a U.S. showing and we're here to report all the announcements and give the device a full hands-on treatment. Original story: March 1, 6:33PM To start things off, Sony announced that the Xperia is the official mobile handset of Major League Gaming. MLG's Sundance DiGiovanni explained that Xperias will be demoed across the country at many MLG events this year. Reps from gaming engine Unity announced that its 3.3 kit will feature compatibility with Xperia's controller on Android. Unity will soon announce a development contest for its community of developers. Reps for Havok were also here and revealed that Xperia is the first time Havok will be featured on the Android platform. Hopefully, this will spread to the res...
Google gifts free Chrome notebooks to games developers
By TechRadar, published 01-03-2011
Google is courting the world's leading games designers this week, gifting free laptops to devs at the Games Developers' Conference in San Francisco.Google reps handed blue cards to developers at two sessions at this year's GDC event, which were then able to be exchanged for a Chrome OS laptop after the events.The annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) opened in San Francisco on Monday this week.Free laptops for developersThe game designers were given Cr-48, the bespoke laptop hardware that runs on Google's Chrome OS. Devs were also given Google stickers to decorate their new laptops (and to show off to colleagues the fact that they had bagged the best freebie at this year's GDC no doubt!).Google is clearly hoping that some of the world's best games creators will look to produce web applic...
Panasonic Jungle - MMO handheld canned
By TechRadar, published 01-03-2011
Panasonic has decided to drop development of its handheld MMO console, the Jungle.Announced back in October, the Jungle was meant to be Panasonic trying once more to push into the lucrative gaming sector.However, the electronics giant has said that it is no longer part of its plans for 2011, explaining in a statement picked up by Reuters: "Panasonic decided to suspend further development due to changes in the market and in our own strategic direction."Maybe it took one look at the mindblowing technology inside the Sony NGP and the 3D-capable Nintendo 3DS and decided it couldn't quite compete.Jungle bungleMost who are savvy with goings on in the games world could have predicted that Panasonic wasn't on to a winner with the Jungle.Releasing a handheld in an already crowded marketplace which ...
Review: Nintendo 3DS
By TechRadar, published 28-02-2011
The UK release of the Nintendo 3DS on 25 March will see Europe welcome the latest offering from arguably the most innovative company in the gaming world.Nintendo is responsible for iconic household names like Super Mario, SNES and Gameboy all of which have made a massive contribution to how we play today.But the Japanese company has also been busy redefining the modern medium with its most recognised bit of kit - the Wii, dragging everyone from nine year old girls to 79-year-old grandaddys around the TV to wave a white remote in the air.Nintendo's current handheld line – the Nintendo DS – has had a similar amount of pull on the public, creating a world where everyone's a gamer. You might be Brain Training on the bus or leaping over spike pits at lunch, either way you're a part of a vid...
Big in Japan Feb. 14-20: Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Catherine
By GameSpot, published 26-02-2011
PS3 and Xbox 360 editions of crossover fighting game storm Japanese sales charts, but adulterous Atlus RPG tops the list, more than doubling next best-selling title. The ongoing Marvel vs. Capcom feud will likely go down as a draw, but on the Japanese sales charts, round one of the Marvel vs. Capcom 3 vs. Catherine fight was a decisive victory for the Atlus role-playing game. Media Create today released its Japanese sales figures for the week of February 14-20, showing the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the anime-styled RPG easily besting sales of Capcom's crossover fighter in the games' opening week. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was the second best there was at what it did for its Japanese launch week. The PS3 version of Catherine topped the charts wi...
PSP $130 as of Feb. 27
By GameSpot, published 25-02-2011
With the NGP on the horizon, Sony drops the price of its current-generation portable by $40; worldwide sales nearly 68 million. Last month, Sony showed off its Next Generation Portable, the dual-thumbstick, touchscreen-enabled device intended to take on the 3DS and iOS devices. Set for release later this year in as-yet unidentified territories, the device will succeed the PSP, first released in the Western market in 2005. The PSP will be just $130 starting next week. To further entice gamers to pick up the PSP, Sony today announced it will slash $40 off the price of the current-generation portable starting February 27. Originally, the system had been offered for $250 at its North American launch, before having its price cut to $200 in 2006. A discount to ...
Sony System Sales Slide, LBP 2 Sells 350K
By GameInformer, published 23-02-2011
Sony's hardware and console sales have taken a distressing decline. A recent analysis of Sony NPD data by industry news website Gamasutra shows a trend of disappointing sales figures for the console maker.The PlayStation 2, which has enjoyed a surprisingly long reign as a viable console in the marketplace, appears to be making a final descent into irrelevance. PS2 sales were only 1.5 percent of hardware unit sales in January and its software accounted for only 0.7 percent of software sales. The PSP, now on its way out with the announcement of Sony's NGP, had a decline of 24 percent compared to the same month last year, with 76,000 unit sales for January. In fairness, the fact that Sony got 76,000 people to actually buy a PSP could be impressive, depending on your perspective.The G...
Shippin' Out February 20-26: Killzone 3, Bulletstorm
By GameSpot, published 20-02-2011
New release slate led by Guerrilla Games' third Helghan title, People Can Fly's shooter; Knights Contract, de Blob 2 also out. Last week Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds led all new releases, but this week's focus replaces fighting with first-person shooting. Leading the pack this week is Killzone 3. Due out on Tuesday exclusively for the PlayStation 3, the title is the second Killzone title to debut on Sony's high definition console, following 2009's adored Killzone 2. Killzone 3 will be available in two versions, a standard $60 release and a $130 limited-edition package with a replica mask and helmet of the series' signature Helghast armies. While the headgear is the centerpiece of the extra goodies, the collector's edition will also include a 6.5-inch articulated cloak...
Big in Japan Feb. 7-13: Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3
By GameSpot, published 18-02-2011
Namco Bandai RPG, Sengoku Musou 3 Z both score 200K-plus debuts; PSP outsells PSP Go 1,000 to 1. Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable 3 may no longer be at the top of Media Create's weekly Japanese sales charts, but software for Sony's console and portable continues to reign supreme. For the week of February 7-13, Media Create reports that Namco Bandai's role-playing game Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3 for the PSP sold 222,068 units, followed closely by Koei Tecmo's PlayStation 3 beat-'em-up Sengoku Musou 3 Z, which sold 208,548 units. Japanese gamers turned out in droves for Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3. Both Namco Bandai's and Koei Tecmo's titles launched during the week, but they weren't the only debuts to crack Media Create's top ...
US game sales down 5%, Black Ops tops again - NPD
By GameSpot, published 18-02-2011
Sinking hardware, software sales send overall stateside revenues sliding; Just Dance 2, Dead Space 2, Little Big Planet 2, Zumba Fitness make top 10. Following months of sales declines in 2010, the US game industry started 2011 with…another month of sales declines. According to NPD figures released today, overall sales of PC games, non-PC games, hardware, and accessories sank 5 percent during the January reporting period, going from $1.22 billion to $1.16 billion. Of the various sectors, hardware sank the most, falling 8 percent to $324 million. The only company to release sales figures was Microsoft, which reported that 381,000 Xbox 360s were sold during the month, a 15 percent year-on-year increase. Neither Sony nor Nintendo issued sales figures for their platforms as of p...
US game sales down 5%, Black Ops tops again - NPD
By GameSpot, published 18-02-2011
Sinking hardware, software sales send overall stateside revenues sliding; Just Dance 2, Dead Space 2, Little Big Planet 2, Zumba Fitness make top 10. Following months of sales declines in 2010, the US game industry started 2011 with…another month of sales declines. According to NPD figures released today, overall sales of PC games, non-PC games, hardware, and accessories sank 5 percent during the January reporting period, going from $1.22 billion to $1.16 billion. Of the various sectors, hardware sank the most, falling 8 percent to $324 million. The only company to release sales figures was Microsoft, which reported that 381,000 Xbox 360s were sold during the month, a 15 percent year-on-year increase. Neither Sony nor Nintendo issued sales figures for their platforms as of p...
The XPERIA Play’s Gaming Appeal Is Practically Non-Existent
By SlashGear, published 17-02-2011
Apple’s iPhone has done quite a bit to change the mobile market. It has ushered in the touch-screen craze, delivered an easy way to get third-party programs onto the platform, and generally changed how all other mobile phones are judged. But one of the most significant changes the iPhone initiated was the growth of gaming on smartphones. Thanks to the Apple App Store, more and more people are downloading games like Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, and countless others. The iPhone is now a full-fledged gaming device that, by all measures, can be compared to the Nintendo DS and Sony’s PSP. That success has prompted Apple competitors, like Sony Ericsson, to double down on gaming for mobile phones. Announced at the Mobile World Congress, Sony Ericsson’s upcoming XPERIA Play runs Android and ...
ST-Ericsson “Focusing strongly” on the Windows Phone Platform
By SlashGear, published 17-02-2011
Mobile chip maker ST-Ericsson is focusing strongly on the Windows Phone platform, to be ready when Nokia starts ramping up production of WP7 phones, according to Reuters. So far, Microsoft has only allowed use of its software on Qualcomm’s chipsets, but ST-Ericsson CEO Gilles Delfassy said that would change. “We expect this situation will not prevail. Now everything has changed. The environment is different. We will be ready when Nokia ramps big volumes.” he said in a Reuters interview. ST-Ericsson, is a joint venture between Sweden’s Ericsson (ERICb.ST) and STMicroelectronics (STM.PA) of France and is a key supplier to Nokia, among other major phone makers. There were previous leaks that Nokia was using ST-Ericsson hardware for MeeGo. We will just have to wait an...
Sony Debunks Rumor Of Withdrawing From iTunes And Announces Own Music Unlimited Service
By SlashGear, published 17-02-2011
Last week there were rumors that Sony was planning to withdraw from Apple’s iTunes store after Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Michael Ephraim’s interview resulted in some quotes taken out of context. However, today Sony has cleared the air of the rumor and announced the launch of their Music Unlimited service, which will be available today in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. “Sony Music as I understand it has no intention of withdrawing from iTunes, they’re one of our biggest partners in the digital domain. I think those words were either taken out of context or the person who spoke them was unclear on the circumstances,” said Shawn Layden, Sony Network Entertainment COO. Sony’s Music Unlimited is a subscription based service where the user will pay a flat fee of $10...
Updated: Android 3.0: all the latest updates
By TechRadar, published 17-02-2011
Information about Android 3.0 - Android Honeycomb - is coming thick and fast now as a raft of Android 3.0 tablets are lined up for release this year.Here's what we know about Android 3.0 so far. On 20 October, we reported that Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets were rumoured to be heading out to engineers in time for Christmas. This resulted in a huge range of tablets arriving at CES 2011, with UK release dates later in the year, but none of the tablets on show were actually running Android 3.0.Android 3.0 release dateAndroid 3.0 release date is looking like early 2011.In a video on All Things Digital posted on 7 December 2010 Google's Andy Rubin showed off a prototype Motorola Android 3.0 tablet and confirmed that the Android 3.0 release date will be "some time next year".As of mid-February 20...
Players Decide The Best PSN Game Of 2010
By GameInformer, published 16-02-2011
There was a glut of good games released for Sony platforms in 2010, many of which were downloadable. Sony wants you decide which were the very best of 2010 by downloading themes which correspond to the game you want to win. Whichever game wins will be available on PSN at a price 30 percent less than usual, while PlayStation Plus subscribers can get it for 50 percent off. The voting will last from February 22 until March 1. The nominees: Best PS3 Downloadable Game Castle Crashers Costume Quest Death Spank PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Best PlayStation Network Exclusive Game Dead Nation Hustle Kings Joe Danger Sam & Max Ep. 1 Soldner-X2 Best PSP Downloadable Game God of War: Ghost of Sparta Lunar Silver Star Harmony Phantasy Star Portab...
Sony Reveals Xperia Play Specs, Service Provider
By GameInformer, published 13-02-2011
Sony held the Sony Ericsson's MWC 2011 press event today, where they finally revealed the long-rumored PlayStation-inspired phone. Labeled the Xperia Play, the device utilizes Google's Android Gingerbread platform, is "PlayStation certified," and is on the Verizon Network. "This Spring, expect to see a lot of people with their heads down and thumbs up," said Sony Ericsson's marketing head for North America, Peter Farmer. "Xperia Play combined with the power of the Verizon Wireless network gives you everything you need in a smartphone and the one thing you want – the ultimate gaming experience." Due out this March, the phone will launch with 50 downloadable titles, play PSN games, and eventually be able to host original PlayStation titles....
PlayStation phone coming March
By GameSpot, published 13-02-2011
Sony Ericcson formally announces release date for the Xperia Play; details software partners. BARCELONA, SPAIN--It's been a busy month for Sony and its PlayStation Portable line. A few weeks ago, the Japanese manufacturer announced that it would be releasing a successor to the PSP, in the form of a brand new device dubbed the Next Generation Portable (NGP). At an event in Barcelona before the opening of Mobile World Congress today, following months of rumour, speculation and leaked images, Sony Ericsson formally announced that the PlayStation phone, dubbed the Xperia Play, will be released worldwide in March 2011. The Xperia Play. Sony Ericsson announced that the Xperia Play will run the Android 2.3 'Gingerbread' operating system when it ships. It also c...
Big in Japan Jan. 31-Feb.6: Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth 2
By GameSpot, published 12-02-2011
Latest in Capcom's Phoenix Wright spin-off series leads the Japanese sales charts, followed by new Macross, White Knight Chronicles, and Dragon Ball games. It has been months since a portable-exclusive game has appeared on the NPD Group's top 10 best-seller list, but handheld games routinely dominate Media Create's Japanese sales charts. Today the company released its sales figures for the week of January 31 to February 6, which consisted of eight handheld games (six for PSP, two for DS) and just two console titles, both Nintendo-published Wii games. Best-seller? No objection, your honor. The latest installment in the Phoenix Wright spin-off series topped the charts in its debut week. Japanese gamers were more than ready to pick up again with the fran...
IDAPT i1 Eco charges your gadgets while saving the world
By SlashGear, published 10-02-2011
IDAPT is pretty keen on universal charging, but with its latest model there’s a dash of earth-friendliness in there too. The IDAPT i1 Eco boasts compatibility with over 4,000 devices – assisted by the fact that there’s a regular USB output on there – and automatically shuts off when your gadgets are rejuiced. Two devices can be recharged simultaneously, and using IDAPT’s interchangeable IDAPT Tips the i1 Eco can handle Apple gadgets as well. In the box are three standard Tips – a 30-pin Apple dock connector, miniUSB and microUSB – while input options include 12V from your car or 100V-240V AC for travelling. IDAPT expects the i1 Eco to go on sale in Q2 2011, and be priced at around €20. Press Release: IDAPT i1 Eco – Dual Universal Charger ...
Updated: Mobile World Congress 2011: what to expect
By TechRadar, published 10-02-2011
After the sheer madness and reams of shiny gadgets of CES 2011, we barely have time to pause for breath before the annual mobile phone-a-thon of Mobile World Congress 2011 is upon us.While CES saw a near-record number of top end mobile phones released from the Las Vegas jamboree, MWC 2011 still promises to be the place to see all manner of new handsets and tablets.So we've trekked across the digital rumour-space and looked for all the info on what to expect from the Barcelona event - keep coming back as we'll be constantly updating it whenever some new morsel of info or spy shot comes into view.MicrosoftLast year we saw Microsoft unleash Windows Phone 7 officially onto the world in a Barcelona hotel, with Steve Ballmer calling the announcement a 'mile post' in the launch of the company's n...
Could the Xperia Play be a Verizon Exclusive?
By MaximumPC, published 10-02-2011
A chart posted on phone retailer Wirefly's site today may have given us the last real piece of the Xperia Play puzzle, the carrier. The chart was comparing the Xperia Play to the Apple iPhone, and under carrier, it listed the Play as being available only on Verizon. We expect Sony Ericsson to give us the details on the upcoming Mobile World Congress. The Xperia Play has a slide-out game pad much like the PSP. It will be running a 1GHz processor, a 4-inch 854x480 screen, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread under a slightly modified skin. Verizon has been anxious to snap up all manner of exclusive Android phones, so this doesn't come as too much of a surprise. Since Verizon is CDMA, we assume there will be a different SKU for the international GSM market. Do you think Wirefly's information is...
NGP Killzone in Sony Cambridge's sights - Report
By GameSpot, published 07-02-2011
Little Big Planet PSP studio handling development duties for upcoming Next Generation Portable series installment. In the weeks following the official announcement of Sony's Next Generation Portable, the developers for the Uncharted and Resistance NGP titles have surfaced. Now, the team responsible for development of the NGP Killzone title is known…and it's not series developer Guerrilla Games. From the makers of Little Big Planet for the PSP comes Killzone for the NGP. In an interview with Gamerzines, Guerrilla Games senior producer Steven Ter Heide said that unlike with the franchise's most recent portable outing Killzone: Liberation, development of the NGP Killzone title will be handled outside of the Dutch developer's offices. Ter Heide said Sony ...
Is Sony's PlayStation Suite set to arrive on iOS and Windows?
By TechRadar, published 07-02-2011
Sony's recent announcement of a forthcoming new handheld – codenamed 'Next Generation Portable' – was accompanied by a reveal of equally important news about a new download store for handhelds and mobiles, dubbed the PlayStation Suite.The PlayStation Suite will deliver both new and retro PlayStation games to Sony's new handheld console, as well as providing games for Google Android devices such as the forthcoming Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.PlayStation on iPhone?What is potentially far more interesting (and wide-reaching) is the promise that we may see PlayStation Suite game downloads made available on Apple's iOS and PCs running Microsoft Windows, if recent comments from Sony boss Kaz Hirai are anything to go by."There are a variety of operating systems, but we're focusing first on Andr...
Sony unveils PlayStation phone
By GameSpot, published 07-02-2011
Long-rumoured and oft-leaked Xperia Play handset finally officially confirmed; full details coming February 13 at Mobile World Congress. Sony's plans to launch a PlayStation phone have been well outlined through leaks in various forms over the past few months, with details of the operating system, the phone's looks, and its technical specifications all emerging. A release date for the Xperia Play is yet to be officially confirmed. Sony Ericsson today finally put the rumors to bed with a reveal of the Xperia Play handset. The device does, as predicted, have a very similar form factor to the PSP go--which was itself prematurely revealed before its official unveiling at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo--and will run the Android operating system. A full ...
SlashGear Week in Review – Week 6 2011
By SlashGear, published 06-02-2011
Welcome to another edition of the SlashGear Week in Review. Lots of tablet and smartphone news this week with a few other cool items tossed in for good measure. Overall, it was a good week to be a geek. Canalys offered up some stats on the smartphone OS wars that show Android was the world’s leading smartphone platform in Q4 2010. LG offered up some details on the Optimus 3D ahead of its official MWC 2011 debut. The smartphone has a 4.3-inch screen and a dual-core CPU. We learned the Nintendo 3DS browser and eShop have been delayed until May. The browser and game store were originally expected to ship loaded on the new portable console. Samsung has done some backtracking on the sales numbers for the Galaxy Tab after bragging about the sales numbers for a while that have climbed pas...
Big in Japan Jan. 24-30: The Last Story, Valkyria Chronicles 3
By GameSpot, published 05-02-2011
Mistwalker's latest Wii RPG and Sega's PSP strategy sequel take top two spots as new releases dominate Japanese sales charts. If the Wii role-playing game The Last Story really is the final game from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, at least the revered developer gets to go out on top. Tracking firm Media Create has released its Japanese sales charts for the week of January 24-30, with The Last Story in the best-seller spot for its debut week. The Last Story may yet serve as a happy ending for Sakaguchi's career. The Last Story sold 114,722 copies in its first week on sale, leading a flood of new releases that claimed seven of the top 10 spots on the charts. Sega's PSP strategy RPG Valkyria Chronicles III was a relatively close second, selling...
Big in Japan Jan. 24-30: The Last Story, Valkyria Chronicles 3
By GameSpot, published 05-02-2011
Mistwalker's latest Wii RPG and Sega's PSP strategy sequel take top two spots as new releases dominate Japanese sales charts. If the Wii role-playing game The Last Story really is the final game from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, at least the revered developer gets to go out on top. Tracking firm Media Create has released its Japanese sales charts for the week of January 24-30, with The Last Story in the best-seller spot for its debut week. The Last Story may yet serve as a happy ending for Sakaguchi's career. The Last Story sold 114,722 copies in its first week on sale, leading a flood of new releases that claimed seven of the top 10 spots on the charts. Sega's PSP strategy RPG Valkyria Chronicles III was a relatively close second, selling...
PSP phone ad surfaces
By GameSpot, published 04-02-2011
Norwegian Android blog acquires what appears to be first advertisement for Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play, expected to be announced later this month. The Xperia Play may not pack the same gaming punch as Sony's NGP, but it does address gamers' long-held desire for a mind-meld of the company's gaming and communication divisions. With Sony Ericsson's "PSP Phone" expected to be formally announced later this month at the Mobile World Congress, images and video of the in-development device have proliferated on the Internet. Now, those leaks appear to include the gaming phone's first commercial. One more look at Xperia Play. Norwegian enthusiast website Droidnytt has posted to YouTube what it claims to be Sony's first broadcast ad for Xperia Play, one that echoes S...
NGP Wishlist
By GameInformer, published 03-02-2011
Sony’s NGP (Next-Generation Portable) was recently announced in Tokyo with great fanfare at the PlayStation Meeting. Once unveiled, the folks at Sony broke down some of the system’s features including front and rear touch screens, two cameras for the possibility of augmented reality, dual analog sticks, gyroscope, accelerometer, graphics on par with the PS3, and more. Still, what good is an impressive feature set without the software to back it up? Though the original PSP was fine multimedia machine, it only had a few winners in its game library, which was not nearly enough to compete with Nintendo’s DS. Not to mention that the PSPgo was DOA. Can Sony make amends with its upcoming handheld? According to Sony, 82 publishers have already signed on to support the NGP with f...
Enslaved sells 460,000, Namco Bandai returns to profit
By GameSpot, published 03-02-2011
Publisher and toy maker posts $45.3 million profit as acclaimed action adventure game underperforms. Following Sony, Konami, Electronic Arts, Square Enix, and THQ, Namco Bandai became the latest game company to post earnings results this week. For the nine months ending December 31, 2010, the publisher and toy maker reported net sales of ¥288 billion ($3.5 billion), up from ¥282.8 billion ($3.4 billion) the year prior. Net income--aka profit--was ¥3.7 billion ($45.3 million), way up from the ¥11.7 billion loss ($143.3 million) the company posted the year prior. Enslaved didn't do as much monkey business as Namco had hoped. In terms of games, the company's best-selling title for the current fiscal year remains Tekken 6. The PlaySt...
7-11 Japan Opening 100 Green Stores
By SlashGear, published 03-02-2011
How can 7-11, with its glaring fluorescent lights, coolers, and Slurpee machines go green? Well, they have had success with a pilot program in Japan, and are now expanding it to 100 new stores, as well as renovating 100 existing stores to the new green model. The new stores will use LED lighting, solar-power, and reflective flooring to reduce the need for overhead lights. The stores will have roof mounted solar panels that will produce approximately 30% of the electricity used. The LED lights also use sensors to detect when less light is needed and automatically adjust. There will also be charging stations for EVs at the stores. In 2009, 7-11 opened its first US green store, but the cost of these stores (about 30% more than a standard 7-11) is prohibitive, especially for small franchi...
Androids Get Thumbs In Xperia Play Commercial
By GameInformer, published 03-02-2011
The long rumored PSP Phone is now called Xperia Play. It so legit its even got its own commercial now. What’s funny is that Sony Ericcson still hasn’t officially announced the device. This has to be the worst kept secret in history. Check out the video below. (Please visit the site to view this media) [via Joystiq]
Sony Reaping Rewards of PS3 Software & Production Costs
By GameInformer, published 03-02-2011
Sony reports that it has sold 6.3 million PS3 units, 57.6 million PS3 games, and even 16.5 million PSP titles in the last quarter (ending December 31) to bank a profit of $564 million during that time. The numbers are also bolstered by the fact that PS3 hardware manufacturing costs are down and that the PS2 still sold 5.3 million units of software. Despite the good news, PS3's 6.3 million units during the quarter is down slightly from the 6.5 million it notched this time last year. However, the console has sold better this overall financial year (15 million) as compared to the last (13 million). On the software side, PS3 software sales have increased a full 10 million, while PSP's also rose a more modest 1.5 million for a quarterly total of 16.5 million. Sony says the PSP hardware...
Sony game division income up 135%
By GameSpot, published 03-02-2011
Sales of 6.3 million more cheaply produced PS3s help Networked Products & Services division post operating profit of $564 million. Today, Sony became the latest company to report its earnings for the October-December quarter of 2010. Overall, the company's profits were down slightly, slipping 8.6 percent to 72.3 billion yen ($893 million) on overall revenues of 2.206 trillion yen ($27.2 billion). The company said the biggest factor behind the decrease was slowing sales of LCD televisions, with Sony's movie division also losing income. Sony's game division helped make it profitable during Q4 2010. However, there was a bright spot on Sony's books--its Networked Products & Services division, the parent department of Sony Computer Entertainment. Though...
Hands on: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review
By TechRadar, published 03-02-2011
If you cast your minds back to the murky depth of Christmas, you'll recall TechRadar brought you word of two new phones on their way - the Sony Ericsson Anzu and Hallon.The former has emerged as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, but the latter one was a mystery - only the fact it was a reboot of the Vivaz form factor was available as a clue to what it would be.But you can rely on TechRadar to come up with the goods - and we've got you an early hands on Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo review to take a look at.The phone shares very few similarities with the original Vivaz - only the form factor and key arrangement remain to help you see any evolution in the line.Unlike the Xperia Arc, the 'human curvature' form factor remains here - the back is rounded to make it easier to hold in the hand, although wh...
Looking Back On The PSP
By GameInformer, published 02-02-2011
When it was released in 2004, the PSP was a portable with promise. Its large screen displayed near PS2-quality graphics, and gamers imagined a handheld that could bring console experiences on the road. Seven years later, we can look back on the system as neither a smash success or terrible failure. While it did possess more power than any portable in history, its game library was mostly unremarkable and its sales were trounced by the Nintendo DS. Let’s take a look back at some of the more notable talking points about Sony’s first handheld attempt.A New FormatSony tried hard to push PSP’s new format, the UMD (Universal Media Disc). These optical discs could hold up to 1.8 gigabytes of data, and could be used for games and movies. With Blu-Ray just around the corner, Sony ...
Nintendo president refuses to comment on Sony NGP
By TechRadar, published 02-02-2011
Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata has insisted that he will not be lured into a war of words over the newly announced Sony NGP, after a joke about the iPad was used against him last year. Iwata's latest baby – the Nintendo 3DS – is due for launch this year, but some of the shine was taken off the launch by Sony's decision to announce its PSP2, or the Sony NGP, soon afterwards. Iwata declined to comment on the NGP, however, because he feels journalists took his quotes out of context a year ago when he compared the new iPad to a large iPod Touch. "You may feel that I should share at least my own personal impressions," he told investors."...my first impression [of the iPad] was somehow misinterpreted and spread as if the president of Nintendo had discredited iPad by calling it, 'merely a ...
Watch The PlayStation Meeting And Reveal Of The NGP
By GameInformer, published 29-01-2011
Didn't get a chance to fly out to Tokyo this week for the PlayStation Meeting and the big reveal of the NGP? Sony's got you covered. The PlayStation.Blog has posted videos of the presentation so you can check out the announcement, gameplay demos, and more from the meeting. The videos were broken up into segments: (Please visit the site to view this media) (Please visit the site to view this media) (Please visit the site to view this media) (Please visit the site to view this media) (Please visit the site to view this media) In case you missed our NGP coverage, including Phil Kollar's hands-on impressions on the device and upcoming games, click here to catch up!
Catch up: this week's most popular posts
By TechRadar, published 29-01-2011
Good news for iPhone and iPad owners – an official BBC iPlayer app is (probably) on its way.And the treat for Android fans is that the HTC Desire 2 has leaked ahead of Mobile World Congress 2011.This was also the week where the successor to the PSP2 – codenamed the Sony NGP – was announced. Read on for this week's most popular stories on TechRadar…Top five news storiesHas Nintendo really blown its Wii 2 strategy?While Nintendo has recently announced its plans for the 3DS release across Europe, there are still questions to be answered about its – still to be revealed - strategy for 'Wii 2', with some observers questioning whether a 'two console strategy' could work in the future.One analyst in particular that seems to be gunning for Nintendo is Wedbush Securities analyst Micheal P...
The Last Word: January 23-29
By GameSpot, published 29-01-2011
Despite some downbeat headlines, the week was dominated by the unveiling of Sony's new handheld, the Next Generation Portable. Has it only been a week? The past several days seem much longer. The year isn't even a month old but already some of the year's biggest game news has arrived. Last week it was the 3DS price and launch date. This week, it was the unveiling of Sony's Next Generation Portable (NGP), arguably the most powerful handheld device ever made. Flexing impressive CPU and GPU muscle, the device also has a bevy of other features PSP owners were clamoring for--including dual thumbsticks. GameSpot was there at its debut and has many news reports, previews, and videos from first-hand from the event in Tokyo. The NGP debuted to much fanfare this week....
Big in Japan Jan. 17-23: Kingdom Hearts PSP Final Mix
By GameSpot, published 29-01-2011
Re-release of last year's Birth By Sleep with international version's extras tops the chart with ease; Monster Hunter Portable 3, Donkey Kong Country Returns take second, third again. It's not uncommon for a game to claim a spot atop Media Create's weekly Japanese sales charts more than once. It's a little bit more unusual for an entire year to pass between those stints as the country's reigning best-seller. After a year-long nap, Birth By Sleep is back on top. However, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep has accomplished that feat, albeit with an asterisk. The Final Mix release of the Square Enix role-playing (a Japanese release of the international edition of the game) topped the sales charts for the week of January 17-23, 2011, with 77,317 copies sold. T...
Sony’s Next Generation Portable pricing reasonable but no 3D
By SlashGear, published 29-01-2011
Sony’s PSP refresh, code named Next Generation Portable (NGP), is a major overhaul two years in the making. But Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai promises that this time around they designed the device with the price in mind. Having faced criticism in the past for their 2006 PlayStation 3 models for $499 and $599 and their 2009 PSP for $249, Sony is trying to play it safe with the NGP although no specific pricing details have been revealed yet. “That’s something we spent a lot of time on this time around with NGP, to make sure that we don’t go off the deep end,” says Hirai. However, keeping it affordable may also have been a factor in Sony’s decision to not incorporate 3D in the upcoming NGP scheduled for release before the end of this year. Wit...
Sony NGP won't cost the same as the PlayStation 3
By TechRadar, published 28-01-2011
Sony has confirmed that despite the mountain of cutting-edge technology inside the Sony NGP it won't be in the same price league as the PlayStation 3.The PlayStation Next Generation Portable (PSP2) was announced yesterday, with Sony revealing that there will be a quad-core processor powering the device, alongside a 5-inch OLED screen, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. All of this technology sounds pretty phenomenal but at the same time rather pricey. And when you add in a rather loaded remark at the press conference that it is "as powerful as a PS3," what you get is a lot of journalists coming to the conclusion that it will cost the same as the console.Price pointAccording to Sony's Shuhei Yoshida, who was interviewed by Game Informer, though, it is going to be cheaper than the console, with Yosh...
Sony Bend-ing Uncharted on NGP
By GameSpot, published 28-01-2011
Syphon Filter and Resistance: Retribution developer will craft Nathan Drake's first handheld adventure under Naughty Dog's direction. One of the highlights of Sony's Next Generation Portable (NGP) presentation last night was an extended demo of a new Uncharted game for the system (see below). The series' first portable outing was put through its paces on the new handheld, including a variety of climbing moves controlled by the portable's front touch screen and rear touch pad. Sony Bend will be in charge of Nathan Drake's first handheld adventure. When the Uncharted game was being demonstrated by Sony Computer Entertainment senior vice president of product development Shuhei Yoshida, he said it was an original title being developed under the supervision of...
3G Details Surface For Sony's NGP
By GameInformer, published 28-01-2011
When Sony officially unveiled the NGP yesterday, we didn't have much information on its 3G functions. Today we have learned a few more tidbits. Speaking with Eurogamer, SCEE CEO Andrew House stated that while every model of the NGP will feature built-in Wi-Fi, only one will feature 3G connectivity, and that there will be some form of cost associated with using the 3G service. He also stated that simultaneous play over 3G will "depend very much on the degree of data traffic that's being driven by that online game." Instead, House is stressed to Eurogamer the potential of asynchronous gameplay, where gamers don't have to necessarily be playing at the same time in order to interact with each other. The PlayStation Store can be accessed via both Wi-Fi and 3G. Also at the...
PlayStation Suite to bring PS One games to Android
By GameSpot, published 27-01-2011
Sony's first open-source attempt will bring original PlayStation classics to Google's mobile OS in an effort to "add a wide variety of devices to the PlayStation family." Last night, Sony took the wraps off of its Next Generation Portable (NGP), the successor to the PSP. The powerful portable hogged the limelight at the show, with Sony Computer Entertainment president and CEO Kaz Hirai showing off first-party games such as Uncharted and Little Deviants. Also on hand were third-party developers offering NGP support, including reps from Epic, Konami, Tecmo Koei, and Activision--the last of which promised a new Call of Duty game. Original PlayStation games are coming to Android devices via PlayStation Suite. However, Sony also announced another initiative at ...
Sony Next Generation Portable Wrap-Up
By GameSpot, published 27-01-2011
Check out GameSpot's complete coverage of Sony's powerful new handheld device with videos, photos, hardware specs, software titles, and more. After months of rumors and leaks, Sony has finally taken the wraps off one of the worst-kept secrets in the industry--a successor to the PSP that is currently codenamed Next Generation Portable. GameSpot was on hand at the portable's unveiling in Tokyo last night and covered the handheld's debut in depth. [ Watch Video ] Comment on this videoWatch this video in High Def The Hardware On the outside, the device looks similar to the original PSP, but it has some key differences. The analog nub has been replaced with more pronounced analog sticks--two of them in fact--opening opportunities for more familiar control schemes. There are...
Sony Next Generation Portable Wrap-Up
By GameSpot, published 27-01-2011
Check out GameSpot's complete coverage of Sony's powerful new handheld device with videos, photos, hardware specs, software titles, and more. After months of rumors and leaks, Sony has finally taken the wraps off one of the worst-kept secrets in the industry--a successor to the PSP that is currently codenamed Next Generation Portable. GameSpot was on hand at the portable's unveiling in Tokyo last night and covered the handheld's debut in depth. [ Watch Video ] Comment on this videoWatch this video in High Def The Hardware On the outside, the device looks similar to the original PSP, but it has some key differences. The analog nub has been replaced with more pronounced analog sticks--two of them in fact--opening opportunities for more familiar control schemes. There are...
Everything You Need To Know About Sony’s NGP
By GameInformer, published 27-01-2011
Yesterday in Japan, Sony unveiled the successor to its PSP handheld. The device, currently codenamed “NGP” for “next-generation portable,” has a 5-inch OLED screen, dual analog sticks, and a touch-screen interface. Of course, those are only the most superficial details. We were there for the press conference, and we’ve already posted loads of info and hands-on impressions. Sifting through all of those stories might be a little daunting, so we’ve compiled the essential information into this one handy location. Read on for everything you need to know about the NGP, with links to our complete stories. HardwareSony’s packing a lot of tech into the NGP, including a 5” OLED screen with a resolution of 960 x 544 pixels, front and rear facing touch ...
Sony Introduces Next Generation PSP Gaming Handheld: Quad-Core NGP
By HotHardware, published 27-01-2011
Can you believe this? That's not the PSP, that's the next PSP. And not the next PSPgo. Are you still with us? We hope so. Sony's PSPgo was more of an experiment than anything else. It relied solely on digital downloads, not accepting UMDs or physical discs of any kind. It was a drastic shift in approach for the company's handheld business,...
Sony's NGP Uses Flash Media, Proprietary Memory Cards, And Trophy Support
By GameInformer, published 27-01-2011
I'm just about wrapping up my barrage of stories about Sony's newly-announced handheld, codenamed the NGP (next generation portable), but I was able to squeeze a few bits of new and clarified information out of my interview with Sony Computer Entertainment president of worldwide studios Shu Yoshida. During the reveal of the device at the PlayStation Meeting 2011, Sony announced a "new game media" for use on the system. Yoshida clarified that the NGP will be using flash-based cartridges. I asked him whether digital distribution is still an important part of the company's portable strategy following the rocky PSPgo: "Digital distribution’s role and scope and ratio of sales will definitely increase. It’s just a matter of time as people get faster Intern...
Sony Ericsson's PSP Phone Becomes Xperia Play
By GameInformer, published 26-01-2011
Rumors about Sony Ericsson's PSP Phone have been circulating for so long now that it’s hard to even think about them as just rumors. The device is real, but are you going to want to toss out your old phone for one? Engadget got its hands on an early prototype of the PSP Phone, which is now being called the Xperia Play, and the staff seemed pretty impressed with the unit so far. The phone has what you’d expect from a smartphone these days. The unit’s 4-inch multitouch 854 x 480 LCD produces a clear image with rich black levels, and the internal chipset clocked in speeds of up to 1GHz; coupled with an Adreno 205 GPU, the Xperia Play should offer up some impressive gaming diversions. Speaking of games, Engadget didn’t have access to any of Xperia’s mobile ...
Updated: Mobile World Congress 2011: what to expect
By TechRadar, published 25-01-2011
After the sheer madness and reams of shiny gadgets of CES 2011, we barely have time to pause for breath before the annual mobile phone-a-thon of Mobile World Congress 2011 is upon us.While CES saw a near-record number of top end mobile phones released from the Las Vegas jamboree, MWC 2011 still promises to be the place to see all manner of new handsets and tablets.So we've trekked across the digital rumour-space and looked for all the info on what to expect from the Barcelona event - keep coming back as we'll be constantly updating it whenever some new morsel of info or spy shot comes into view.MicrosoftLast year we saw Microsoft unleash Windows Phone 7 officially onto the world in a Barcelona hotel, with Steve Ballmer calling the announcement a 'mile post' in the launch of the company's n...
Internet discounts latest PSP2 photo 'leak'
By TechRadar, published 25-01-2011
Squeezing as many last minute rumours out of the PSP2 as possible before its official reveal on 27 January, a photo posing as an official hand-out detailing the device has made its way online.While many sites have been eager to suggest this is the illusive new gaming device, we are just as eager to point out that it probably isn't. We'd expect more from Sony than these scrappy handouts and, quite frankly, we're hoping for a better looking PSP2. Hmm, looks familiarThis version looks a lot like the spy shots of the PSP phone prototypes that have been floating about for some time.Accompanying the suspicious device are a stylus, SD memory card and a PSP2-branded memory stick. As some sites have pointed out, the PSP2-branded stick is based on an old PlayStation design; Sony is unlikely to go ba...
The Daily Slash: January 24 2011
By SlashGear, published 25-01-2011
Without giving away the whole surprise, we’ve got some big things in store for you readers over the next few weeks. New voices, free stuff, a whole new look for one of our outlets, and a variety of mini-updates you’re going to flip over. Today we’re bringing you a wild assortment of updates from all corners of the tech world, most of which are previews of devices you’ve almost certainly already got your eye on. Behold the coming of the next generation – stick with us as we cover it. R3 Media Network Editor’s Choice ADW Launcher EX Updated, Several Awesome Additions Added Motorola Xoom Launching for $699 at Best Buy February 17th Android Code NOT Copied, Florian Mueller Story Found Bunk 75% of AOL subscribers “don’t realize” they don’t need it 6...
SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: January 24 2011
By SlashGear, published 24-01-2011
Let’s start this fine Monday with a launch straight into space: once with an Android Device, another time with a Samsung balloon full of paper planes. Next lets get back to Earth with the continuation of the 3D wave with some Tegra 2 3D Chips that’ll be popping up this spring. Grab a big fat update to ADW Launcher EX with several new docks and fixes. Next order of business, Florian Mueller’s been found bunked out – who is he? He’s the guy who found a bunch of Oracle codes in Android’s open source code, saying the suit against Android has total footing -doesn’t appear that way any more. Then remember that $10K iTunes gift card prize for the 10 billionth app downloaded? The mother of the girl who won it hung up on the “you won” call. Chec...
Report: Sony PSP2 to have 3G connection, OLED screen
By Thinkdigit, published 24-01-2011
The rumored revamp of the Sony PlayStation Portable will have a multitouch OLED screen, a much faster processor, and 3G connectivity, a report from Nikkei, a Japanese newspapaer says. The biggest departure from the original PSP and PSP Go models would be the 3G connection, which is said to be supplied by NTT Docomo in Japan. There's no information about whether a monthly fee would be required, how much it would be, or whether the connection would support both phone calls and data. Presu [...] Read the entire article
Sony PSP2 'to come with 3G connection'
By TechRadar, published 24-01-2011
The latest PSP2 rumour suggests that the gaming handheld will come with 3G data connectivity. The data connection will mean that multiplayer games can be played from afar, as well as giving the PSP2 the potential to download videos, films and games wirelessly. The PSP2, which will launch officially on 27 January, is also said to be toting Wi-Fi for when you're at home. Crispy OLEDThat's not all – the display is said to be an OLED touchscreen affair, which will mean crisp, delicious graphics and games which can be played without the keypads. But if the PSP2 is set to offer 3G, then why bother with a separate PSP phone (to be revealed at Mobile World Congress)? The main difference based on these rumours is that the PSP2 won't actually make calls, but the Sony Ericsson PlayStation phone wil...
PSP2 to have 3G support, OELD screen - Report
By GameSpot, published 24-01-2011
Sony's yet-to-be-announced handheld will connect to 3G networks for game downloads, according to Nikkei. Paper also reporting publisher is developing a chip to enable high-res images to be downloaded and displayed quicker. Despite Sony's continued silence over the existence of the new PSP2 system, rumors of the device have been circulating around the industry for more than a year now. The evidence for the existence of a new PSP has been piling up, with development kits, leaked photos, rumors of a touch-sensitive pad, and even a few verbal slipups by Sony Computer Entertainment president Kaz Hirai all supporting the fact that Sony is indeed developing the handheld. PSP2: now with 3G?Image credit: VG247. Japanese newspaper Nikkei is now reporting (gated li...
PSP2 Functionality Reports Leak Out Of Japan
By GameInformer, published 23-01-2011
Japanese website Nikkei reports that Sony's handheld sequel will ship later this year with 3G support, no phone functionality, and an OLED touchscreen. Japanese telcom company NTT DoCoMo is providing the 3G service in Japan; no mention was made of a European or American carrier. According to the report, the handheld uses the 3G connection for online multiplayer and software downloads. It also offers wireless LAN support. Sony is expected to officially announce the PSP2 on January 27 at a press conference in Tokyo. [Source: VG247]
Big in Japan Jan. 10-16: Another Century's Episode Portable
By GameSpot, published 21-01-2011
Namco Bandai mech combat game ousts Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable 3 after more than a month atop chart; PS3, PSP top hardware. It has been more than a month since Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable 3 was released in Japan, and not a single title has been able to challenge its reign atop Media Create's software sales charts. However, that reign ended during the week of January 10-16, if only just barely, as Namco Bandai's mech action game Another Century's Episode Portable for the PSP just edged out Capcom's perennially popular action game, selling 70,217 units to 68,274 units. Mech suits are as fashionable as PSPs in the year 3000. Aside from a change at the top, Media Create's mid-January week did not yield much by way of moving and shaking. Donkey...
Mortal Kombat hits stores April 19
By GameSpot, published 21-01-2011
Warner Bros. nails down date for latest installment in notoriously gory fighting franchise on PS3, Xbox 360. The fighters of the next Mortal Kombat tournament can finally start making their travel plans (and funeral arrangements), as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today set an April 19 release date for the blood-soaked Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 brawler. Given that Reptile's spit is actually acid, this move adds injury to insult. As the first installment in the franchise since 2008's T-for-Teen-rated Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, the upcoming Mortal Kombat was designed with the goal of "reestablishing the brand," according to WBIE president Martin Tremblay. That means a return to the series' signature over-the-top fatalities and copious quanti...
Sony announces new PS3 preview events
By TechRadar, published 20-01-2011
If you fancy a chance of playing early preview versions of this year's biggest PS3 games, then Sony has your back – with the company announcing the first details of its new consumer-focused 'PlayStation Access' events this week.Sony's first UK PlayStation Access events take place inLondon from 4-6February and Glasgow from 18-20 February, with Sony promising early game demos and other PS3 and PSP teasers including giveaways, competitions and exclusives.GT5 time trialsSony announced: "Both events will be kicking off on the Friday evening, which will play host to our 18+ session. We will then have 4 more sessions that will take place over the course of the weekend, involving intimate developer sessions, a FIFA Interactive World Cup tournament, where we will be taking the winners from each s...
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Sony PSP Go : (6.8/10)
2 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Sony PS Vita : (8.1/10)
15 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Sony Playstation 3 : (7.7/10)
6 expert reviews
0 user reviews
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Sonic Generations : (8.5/10)
3 expert reviews
0 user reviews
