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Tokyo Game Show 2011 wrap-up

Richard Lai — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:01:00 EST

All good things must come to an end, and likewise with this year's Tokyo Game Show which wrapped up yesterday. Despite the PS Vita's dominance and the lack of newly-announced hero hardware at the show, we were still able to keep ourselves entertained with the odd peripherals here and there, alongside some very interesting exhibits both at TGS and the Amusement Machine Show next door -- head past the break to humor yourselves. Alternatively, feel free to catch up on our TGS coverage while you're here (we have a list after the break as well), and don't forget to check out our awesome buddies over at Joystiq for even more gaming news.

Gallery: Tokyo Game Show 2011 wrap-up

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Tokyo Game Show 2011 wrap-up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ViviTouch haptic technology hands-on: electroactive polymer giving a 'high definition feel'

Richard Lai — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST

Haptic feedback isn't exactly something that'd blow people's mind these days, with most mobile devices and gaming controllers already packing a little vibrator to spice up one's gaming experience. While these motors do the job just fine for delivering the sensation of large engines and explosions, their monotonic performance and relatively high minimum output threshold means they can't reproduce finer vibration. For instance, you wouldn't be able to feel a guitar string fade away after a strum, nor would you feel the finer end of a spring recoil. This is where Bayer MaterialScience's ViviTouch -- previously dubbed Reflex -- tries to fill the void.

For those who aren't familiar, the magic behind ViviTouch is its electroactive polymer (or EAP in short) -- imagine a thin sheet that consists of two electrode layers sandwiching a dielectric elastomer film, and when a voltage is applied, the two attracting electrodes compress the entire sheet. This slim, low-powered ViviTouch actuator module can be placed underneath an inertial mass (usually a battery) on a tray, thus amplifying the haptic feedback produced by the host device's audio signal between 50Hz and 300Hz (with a 5ms response time).

Gallery: ViviTouch haptic technology hands-on

Continue reading ViviTouch haptic technology hands-on: electroactive polymer giving a 'high definition feel'

ViviTouch haptic technology hands-on: electroactive polymer giving a 'high definition feel' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PlayStation Vita battery life: as little as three hours on a charge

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:02:00 EST

We've had plenty of QT with the Vita on the floor at TGS, but battery life is hard to judge when you can't take the device away with you. Back at our earlier hands-on in June we were told that longevity should be on a par with first-gen PSPs, which were all rated at 4-6 hours and -- with the PSP-1000 -- achieved around 3.5-5.5 hours in real-world tests. Now though, Sony says the Vita has just enough juice for 3-5 hours' gaming. We need to play this thing to death before we can be sure, but this does sound like a potential 15-25% drop in minimum play time. Do we care at this point? Not particularly. We're too busy salivating over this.

Sony PlayStation Vita battery life: as little as three hours on a charge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visualized: PS Vita in eight unlikely colors, mockup game cards chill on the sidelines

Sean Buckley — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:46:00 EST

We found a veritable rainbow of PlayStation Vita prototypes hiding out in the rear of Sony's TGS setup, surrounded by accessories, mock retail packaging, and faux game cards. PlayStation representatives assured us the colorful consoles were just for looks, and only the basic black will be available when the system launches in December. Hit the gallery below for a multicolored peek, or just skip past the break for a view of Gravity Daze's mockup retail box.

Gallery: PS Vita colors, games and accessories

Continue reading Visualized: PS Vita in eight unlikely colors, mockup game cards chill on the sidelines

Visualized: PS Vita in eight unlikely colors, mockup game cards chill on the sidelines originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Razer unveils arcade fightstick prototype at TGS, looks to gaming community to hammer out the details

Sean Buckley — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:54:00 EST

It seems like the folks at Razer are taking the company's "for gamers, by gamers" motto to heart, today unveiling a new customizable PC / Xbox 360 arcade stick at Tokyo Game Show that won't even hit production until the fightstick community disassembles, mods, and judges the heck out of it. The yet-to-be-named arcade controller will first make its way to select applicants of a closed beta program, putting the rig in the hands of some 200-plus gamers who, after having their way with it, will provide the outfit with tips on how to fine-tune the final product.

Razer's TGS staff gave us a brief overview of the unit, and let us swap around wires, pop out buttons, and fiddle with the rig's faceplate. The prototype unit is built with Sanwa Denshi components, but Razer tells us that mod-minded gamers are free replace, modify, or otherwise tinker with any of the controller's major parts without fear of voiding its warranty -- only the stick's control board is off limits. Beta registration is already open, and the first test units should ship out sometime next month. Check out the gallery below for an eyeful, or point your peepers up top for a demo straight from the TGS show floor. Want more text? Hit the break for an official press release.

Gallery: Razer's unnamed mod-friendly fight stick, first look

Continue reading Razer unveils arcade fightstick prototype at TGS, looks to gaming community to hammer out the details

Razer unveils arcade fightstick prototype at TGS, looks to gaming community to hammer out the details originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita's Torne app pulls in live TV streams served up from a PS3

Richard Lawler — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:19:00 EST

Need another reason to be interested in the PlayStation Vita? Sony announced during tonight's press conference that it will tie in with the only-available-in-Japan Torne DVR adapter (PlayTV in Europe and nonexistent in NA) for the PlayStation 3. Once synced up, it allows users to remotely tune into live TV streams Slingbox-style, browse listings and remotely schedule recordings via an app on the portable device. It should be ready to go at launch, while the ability to export recorded shows to the Vita like one of Monsoon's boxes will be added later. For now however, we can only look on in envy and hope rumors of a PlayTV 2 eventually come true, and come out here.

PlayStation Vita's Torne app pulls in live TV streams served up from a PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita's slick augmented reality demoed in Reality Fighters, we go hands-on (video)

Richard Lai — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:31:00 EST

Back in January, we caught a glimpse of a hilarious PS Vita title dubbed Reality Fighters, and as the name suggests, it's a Street Fighter-like game that makes use of the device's augmented reality feature. Well, SmartAR, to be precise, which has already been proven to deliver slick AR in large space without the need of a marker, and that's exactly what we experienced earlier today at TGS 2011.

What happens in this game is that you can first create your own fighting avatar -- not only does it let you map your face using either camera on the Vita, but there's also a whole range of body shapes, facial features, weapons and fashion accessories to add to your character. Once you have your fighter ready, you then have three options: use the current surroundings as your battle backdrop, or use one of the many default backdrops (and the final version of the game will allow players to create their own backdrop), or use a marker. We only managed to try the first two AR modes with the brief hands-on time we had, but both worked seamlessly for us -- see for yourself in our hands-on video above.

Surprisingly, this game only uses just one of the four CPU cores on the Vita! But then again, we've already seen SmartAR running smoothly on the Xperia Arc, which goes to show how relatively little number crunching power is required for SmartAR. Expect to see this funny game to come out in February.

PlayStation Vita's slick augmented reality demoed in Reality Fighters, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Suite SDK beta coming in November, offering new games in spring 2012

Richard Lai — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:06:00 EST

We haven't heard much about the PlayStation Suite for quite some time, but at the TGS 2011 opening keynote today, Sony announced that it'll finally be rolling out an SDK for said cross-platform framework in November. Furthermore, Sony's expecting new games and apps to be available for the PlayStation Suite in spring, which means willing C# developers will be busy over the next few months should they wish to deploy their software across certified devices -- these currently include the PS Vita, Xperia Play, Tablet S and the upcoming Tablet P. Of course, we're also hoping that Sony will convince at least one other manufacturer to get its NVIDIA Tegra devices certified for the PlayStation Suite, otherwise it'll be tough to get the ball rolling for everyone.

Continue reading PlayStation Suite SDK beta coming in November, offering new games in spring 2012

PlayStation Suite SDK beta coming in November, offering new games in spring 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS extended slide pad add-on, first hands-on

Sean Buckley — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST

Nintendo may be AWOL on the TGS show floor (as usual), but that's not stopping Capcom from strutting the big-N's hardware in its stead -- we dropped by its booth for a gameplay-free handling of the 3DS extended slide pad add-on. The control-extending cradle is every bit as bulky as it looks, killing any hope we had of cramming the rig into our pocket. The trade-off? It's much more comfortable to hold than the naked 3DS, giving our meaty hands a smooth, contoured surface to grip. The new right-hand circle pad feels just as solid as the handheld's dedicated pad, and didn't significantly obstruct our access to the 3DS' face buttons. All in all, the cradle is a comfortable, if awkwardly large extension to the 3DS that doesn't seem to compromise the handheld's existing input. Hit up the gallery below to size up the plump peripheral for yourself.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS extended slide pad add-on, first hands-on

Nintendo 3DS extended slide pad add-on, first hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're live from the Tokyo Game Show 2011!

Richard Lai — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:12:00 EST

That's right! We're back in Japan for this year's Tokyo Game Show, and obviously we'll be getting intimate with the closer-to-final PlayStation Vita along with, hopefully, some of its just announced launch titles. While Nintendo's absent as usual (though it did throw its own party on Tuesday), we're still expecting some fresh goodies from the Xbox and PlayStation folks that should keep us entertained for awhile, plus we'll be scanning the show floor for the eccentric peripherals and other odd pieces, so wish us luck. Oh, and be sure to also check out our sister site Joystiq to get your extra dosage of TGS -- you know you want it.

To follow all the action from TGS, use the tag TGS 2011.

We're live from the Tokyo Game Show 2011! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony shows off PlayStation Vita's initial setup process and user interface (video)

Sean Buckley — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:11:00 EST

While we're still months away from seeing the PlayStation Vita show up in the stores, Sony continues to tease us with more live demonstrations here at the SCEJ press conference -- what we saw just now was a quick walkthrough of the initial setup procedure, and our first look at the interface in action. Setup is simple and predictable: select your region, create or log into your PSN account, enter your birthday -- pretty standard for today's handheld gaming devices. The UI itself looks primed to make smartphone users feel right at home, spreading a cloud of large, friendly app icons across the Vita's five-inch touchscreen.

Our hosts skipped through a few media applications, showing off a pair of movie trailers and concurrently running the device's music player and photo viewer. We didn't see it live today, but Sony suggested that cross-app multitasking is compatible with games as well, stating that a player could hop out of a game session, pop-into a Twitter app, and then jump right back into the game. We'll give you a more detailed account once we've hit the TGS show-floor. Can't wait? Peek our gallery below, or see Sony's live demo above.

Gallery: PlayStation Vita user interface

Filed under: Gaming

Sony shows off PlayStation Vita's initial setup process and user interface (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces bucketload of PlayStation Vita launch games, teases PSP downloads for UMD lovers

Richard Lai — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:12:00 EST

Wondering how many games the PlayStation Vita will be launched with on December 17th? 26 is the answer, with 100 games in total to be released. Launch titles include Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, Power Smash 4, Fish On, Project N.O.E.L.S and more in the photo above. These will be followed by Metal Gear Solid HD Edition, Rayman Origins, FIFA, etc. If new titles aren't enough to whet your appetite, Sony announced that as many as 500 to 600 PSP titles will be available for download via the PlayStation Network, given that you're willing to re-purchase your last-gen favorites. Don't toss out your UMDs just yet though -- Sony said they are working on a solution to bring your old games to your new handheld, mentioning "special download plans" that they will discuss at a future point. We wouldn't hold our breath, but hit the break for a splash image featuring the full list of launch games you will be able to get -- good luck with the Japanese.

Continue reading Sony announces bucketload of PlayStation Vita launch games, teases PSP downloads for UMD lovers

Sony announces bucketload of PlayStation Vita launch games, teases PSP downloads for UMD lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated)

Richard Lai — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:25:00 EST

Sony's just announced in Tokyo that the PlayStation Vita will debut in Japan on December 17th, and it'll partner with NTT DoCoMo for the console's prepaid 3G service. Customers will have two choices of connection here: 980 yen ($13) for 20 hours, and 4,980 yen ($65) for 100 hours -- see press release after the break. Alas, the rest of the world will still have to wait until 2012, but you'll know more concrete dates as soon as we do. For now, head over to our sister site Joystiq for the SCEJ press conference liveblog.

Update: Capcom's Yoshinori Ono came on stage to mention that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 would launch simultaneously with the console. Square Enix also announced that the PS2's Final Fantasy X will be remastered for the PS Vita, and it'll be in PS3-like quality; sadly, there was no date nor demonstration.

Update 2: The first 500 units sold will come with 100 hours of prepaid 3G connectivity. Want in? Pre-orders open on October 15th.

Update 3: We now have a video demonstration of the Vita's interface. Enjoy!

Gallery: Sony PlayStation Vita

Continue reading Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated)

Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS slide pad add-on is official, ships December 10th in Japan

Richard Lawler — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:23:00 EST

Nintendo didn't say so on stage during the pre-Tokyo Game Show 3DS press conference tonight, but it really is shipping that odd-looking circle pad add-on. The "extended slide pad" is up on the gaming company's Japanese home page right now, with a shipping date of December 10th and a price of ¥1500 ($19.50). There's also a list of supported games available, including Monster Hunter Tri G, BioHazard Revelations, Snake Eater 3D and more. It's powered by a single AAA battery, which our country cousins at Joystiq note probably indicates you won't be getting any extra playtime added to your 3DS by slapping this "boat" on the bottom. Check the source link below for the official info -- we'll keep our eyes peeled in Tokyo for North American release info and of course, the color matched Misty Pink edition you're already looking for.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS slide pad add-on is official, ships December 10th in Japan

Nintendo 3DS slide pad add-on is official, ships December 10th in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS to add 3D video capture, upgraded eShop and more

Richard Lawler — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:36:00 EST

Satoru Iwata came on stage at Nintendo's pre-Tokyo Game Show shindig and announced the 3DS will be getting a few upgrades soon. No word on any hardware changes -- yet -- but owners can expect 3D video capture as well as upgrades to the Street Pass Mii Plaza and eShop. The press conference is still ongoing, so check back for more details as they're announced or watch the live video stream (in Japanese) embedded after the break.

Update: And it's all over! Nothing else new to speak of on the hardware front, and we didn't catch any more news about those software changes either. We're just getting our TGS team on the ground in Japan now, so expect more news in the days to come.

Nintendo 3DS to add 3D video capture, upgraded eShop and more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo launching 'Misty Pink' 3DS handheld on October 20th

Darren Murph — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:19:00 EST

You heard right -- The Big N's own Satoru Iwata just announced that a "Misty Pink" Nintendo 3DS console would be shipping (at least in Japan) on October 20th. Funnily enough, that was just after showing a chart proving that right around half of all DS gamers are ladies. (But Iwata -- what if the dudes dig pink, too?) At any rate, no specific price was mentioned, giving us some level of certainty that no premium will be attached.

Gallery: Nintendo announces pink 3DS gaming handheld in Tokyo

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS Conference 2011

Nintendo launching 'Misty Pink' 3DS handheld on October 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NeuroSky shows off upcoming Mindwave headset, other new chip applications

Paul Miller — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:53:00 EST

We've seen plenty of applications for NeuroSky's brainwave-sensing chip already, but it looks like we're going to be seeing... more. Luckily, some of these are pretty neat. A sweat-band embedded "Thket Brain Athlete" product will allow athletes and trainers to track concentration levels through a workout or through a particular activity (a golf swing, for instance) and analyze that performance later. An iPad app (for the Japanese market, we're assured) allows you to concentrate on a girl avatar until she kisses you. Just like real life! NeuroSky itself will be selling its own Mindwave headset (a PC version of the iOS-compatible XWave) starting as soon as next month, which will be packed with a few games. Of course, the technology is still a little rough and one dimensional -- it can track attention, meditation, and blinks -- and NeuroSky is still on the lookout for the "killer app," but as it gets cheaper and more ubiquitous, we're sure to see some good come out of this nascent market. The Brain Athlete band and software should be out next month for $350, while NeuroSky's headset will retail for a much more palatable $80-$100. Check out video of both after the break.

Gallery: NeuroSky shows off upcoming Mindwave headset, other new chip applications

Continue reading NeuroSky shows off upcoming Mindwave headset, other new chip applications

NeuroSky shows off upcoming Mindwave headset, other new chip applications originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caption contest: not feeling so Mega today

Tim Stevens — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:11:00 EST

This year's Tokyo Game Show is naturally full of people in interesting costumes, but there was just... something about this Mega Man that caught our eye, making him stand out from the sea of similarly giant-headed mascots. Despite having a laser for an arm he just didn't look like he was having a particularly good day.

Josh T.: "Ladies, here's one you don't want to miss. Tall, handsome, shoots fireballs, ice, or electricity from his left arm, total sex machine. Bidding starts at $200."

Tim: "You'd be making this face too if you had a saggy diaper that leaks."
Darren: "P90x... what a rip-off."
Paul: "If I have to star in one more shameless reissue cash-in..."
Sean: "...but not as dour as the day he posed for the original Mega Man box art."
Vlad: "Stewie was far from happy. He'd specifically asked for an aquamarine supervillain outfit, not turquoise. Philistines!"
Chris: "When he gets like this, autograph sessions usually end in a fatality or two."
Richard Lai: "Have you seen the size of his cannon in the Mega Man movie? No wonder he's mad."

Caption contest: not feeling so Mega today originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pictures of Sony's new technicolor PSPs, and Monster Hunter 3 Special Edition preview

Tim Stevens — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:51:00 EST

Nothing spices up waning interest in an aging console like a special edition, and while one could say that announcing three special editions is something of a stretch for the word "special," these certainly are some... vibrant color schemes. At its press event yesterday, Sony announced a couple of new, pupil-assaulting two-tone color schemes for the PSP, along with a Monster Hunter edition that left many an otaku fainting in the aisles thanks to its gold highlights and redesigned analog nub. Read on for our impressions of all three noble beasts.

Gallery: Sony's PSP special editions

Continue reading Pictures of Sony's new technicolor PSPs, and Monster Hunter 3 Special Edition preview

Pictures of Sony's new technicolor PSPs, and Monster Hunter 3 Special Edition preview originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Move shooting attachment preview: it's a shooting attachment!

Paul Miller — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:04:00 EST

We're not sure what we were expecting to experience when we picked up this gun-style "shooting attachment" for the PlayStation Move, but it was hardly full of surprises. Basically, it's a comfy, lightweight attachment that makes holding your Move controller feel like holding a gun, and pulling the trigger button feel like pulling a trigger. We do love the retro look, quality Sony construction (we're pre-rolling our eyes at the inevitable crappy third party versions and their inferior plastics) and pretty much everything else about the attachment. The biggest perk is that for shooting games you'll be able to hold your arm out straight more naturally, instead of pointing "up" at the screen with the traditional Move controller grip. Unfortunately, the Big 3 Gun Shooting title we tested it on wasn't showing off 1:1 aiming to really let us know how this would feel in that scenario, but for the on-rails-shooter lovers out there (the attachment puts the face buttons out of thumb's reach, so it's useless for more in-depth games like SOCOM 4 or Killzone 3) we'd say there are worse things you could spend $20 on. Check it out on video after the break.

Gallery: PlayStation Move shooting attachment preview

Continue reading PlayStation Move shooting attachment preview: it's a shooting attachment!

PlayStation Move shooting attachment preview: it's a shooting attachment! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ctrl+S PS3 controller for professionals and burgeoning arthritics

Paul Miller — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:34:00 EST

We really thought we'd seen it all when it comes to handheld video game controllers, but this upcoming "Ctrl+S" model from UNIQ brings a surprising quantity of new ideas. The most basic innovation is the weird "UNIQ wing" that sticks out from the rear edges of the controller, allowing you to passively support the controller with the insides of your index fingers instead of having to "grip" the controller to hold it up. Yeah, that sounds lazy, but the idea is to reduce muscle stress and cramps, which makes sense for people who game a few hours a day. The relaxed posture is also supposed to help improve thumb mobility, though we'll have to test it out with a game to see if that's actually the case. Around back are some nicely oversized and easily worked analog triggers, along with a grid of repositioned "face buttons."

The feel of the prototype we were playing with felt just a little too light and a little too "cheap," but that's typical for prototypes, and the promises of improved ergonomics and optimized control placements are certainly compelling. The best news is that the controller will be highly customizable, with tweaks available for the analog sticks, "wings," and even the force feedback motors. We'll see how well this impacts gameplay when the controller hits the market in December for $69.99. Check it out on video after the break.

Gallery: Ctrl+S PS3 controller for professionals and burgeoning arthritics

Continue reading Ctrl+S PS3 controller for professionals and burgeoning arthritics

Ctrl+S PS3 controller for professionals and burgeoning arthritics originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 holds breath waiting for Gran Turismo 5 release, turns blue at TGS

Tim Stevens — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:11:00 EST

We knew it was coming, and now here it is: Sony's special edition PS3. To commemorate the impending release of GT5 the console is turning blue, and while the rather vibrant version we saw in the official press photos from August didn't do much for us, seeing the thing in the flesh (admittedly behind glass) gave us quite a different impression. It has the same matte finish as the current PS3 slim, but the rich blue gives it almost a metallic effect. It's really quite a looker, and while we wouldn't normally splurge for such "special" editions, how often does a new Gran Turismo come around? Once a decade at most. This Gran Turismo 5 Racing Pack hits Japan on November 3 for 35,980 yen. That's about $420 of those dollars you've been saving for oh so long.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 edition PlayStation 3

PS3 holds breath waiting for Gran Turismo 5 release, turns blue at TGS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3D Blu-ray on the PS3: it works! (video)

Tim Stevens — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:06:00 EST

We've been waiting for 3D Blu-ray support to hit the PS3 for a good long while now, and Sony's been promising it would happen for, well, exactly that same amount of time. Yesterday the company confirmed that the 3D-enabling 3.50 firmware update is less than a week away, dropping on September 21, and here's proof that it works: a demonstration unit up and running at TGS. Fully animated evidence after the break.

Gallery: 3D Blu-ray on the PS3

Continue reading 3D Blu-ray on the PS3: it works! (video)

3D Blu-ray on the PS3: it works! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIV wireless router sure to make the next 14,000 hours of your life zip by

Paul Miller — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:52:00 EST

Our first impulse when we spotted this abstractly formed Final Fantasy XIV-branded 802.11n router on the TGS show floor was that Planex Communications was some sort of rogue IP-infringing KIRFufacturer. It turns out that's not the case. Planex Communications is a totally upstanding manufacturer of all things networking and Japanese-video-games-branded, and the fact that this ¥9,980 (about $116 US) router was located a few feet from Square Enix's own booth should quell any other misgivings. Now, as for misgivings about dedicating the majority of your life over the next couple years to another treadmill of XP, loot, and Moogles, those are in your hands.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV wireless router

Final Fantasy XIV wireless router sure to make the next 14,000 hours of your life zip by originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft announces five new exclusive Kinect games from Japanese developers

Tim Stevens — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:57:00 EST

From what we're feeling, consumer sentiment on the Kinect seems rather divided, and frankly the opinions of those within the Engadget team is similarly split. Ultimately, though, it won't be the hardware itself that decides the fate of this peripheral, it'll be the games. At E3 this year Microsoft didn't really wow us with any Kinect titles that turned the thing into a must-buy, but the five games announced today are at least showing some creativity and a lot of potential. Read on for all the details.

Gallery: Microsoft's TGS 2010 Kinect exclusives

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Microsoft announces five new exclusive Kinect games from Japanese developers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live from Sony's TGS 2010 press conference

Tim Stevens — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:21:00 EST

Microsoft has had its time in the sun, kicking things off here at the 2010 Tokyo Game Show. Now it's Sony's turn with its press conference. This is a somewhat smaller affair and, unlike Microsoft's, is being conducted entirely in Japanese -- with no translation provided. We're relying heavily on Ittousai, our international man of mystery, to tell us what's going on, and then we'll do our best to tell you what's going on. Sound like fun? It sure does, so come along and click on through.

Continue reading Live from Sony's TGS 2010 press conference

Live from Sony's TGS 2010 press conference originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're live from TGS 2010 in Tokyo!

Paul Miller — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST

Yeah, we're braving the cultural divide and on the ground in Tokyo, Japan for the Tokyo Game Show 2010, which will be happening over the next few days. Naturally, being Engadget, we'll be focusing on the hardware side, with stuff like Move, Kinect, and the possible (if unlikely) 3DS sighting, but if you need a full-on games fix, you can head over to Joystiq for all of that sort of news. It's a collaboration of the highest order. Trust us.

We're live from TGS 2010 in Tokyo! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live from Microsoft's TGS 2010 press event

Tim Stevens — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:14:00 EST

It's a stormy, miserable day in Tokyo. The rain is falling sideways and the wind is whistling its way through the sea of vending machines, but inside the Makuhari Messe convention center it's warm and dry. That's good, because that's where the games are, and that's where we are, hanging out with Major Nelson and the crew from Joystiq. Microsoft is about to kick off the 2010 Tokyo Game Show and we have the blow-by-blow waiting for you just a click away.

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Live from Microsoft's TGS 2010 press event originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Japan meetup wrap-up and farewell Japan!

Joshua Fruhlinger — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:41:00 EST

So there are ways to wrap up trips and there are ways to wrap... up... trips. After four weeks of Engadget souls roaming the trains of Tokyo for TGS and CEATEC, we finally closed things out with a massive reader meetup with Engadget Japan. About 500 rabid (but very friendly) Engadget Japan fans lined up in Roppongi to meet the editors and see some mind-boggling, sometimes hysterical, and always interesting presentations. Thanks to Maywa Denki for his artistic impressions of Engadget readers (and the amazing Otamatone musical...thing). Also big ups to Samo Dengi (composer of music for Tekken), Cerevo, Acer, Microsoft, and Sony. But most of all, thanks to our amazing readers world-round, and thank you Japan! We are humbled, honored, and oh, so tired. See you next year! Rainen mata oaishimashooo! Video of the event after the break (taken on a 3G Android device, btw!).

Gallery: Engadget Japan meetup 2009

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Filed under: Announcements

Engadget Japan meetup wrap-up and farewell Japan! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Project Natal hands-on goes round two with Katamari Damacy, Space Invaders

Ross Miller — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:03:00 EST

Several months have passed since our last encounter with Project Natal, Microsoft's controller-free, gesture-based interface. Developer enthusiasm and rumored release dates aside, since that time there hasn't been much in the way of new, concrete details or any title announcements. That didn't stop Kudo Tsunoda and gang from coming to Tokyo Game Show to give the Japanese audience a taste of the title. We managed to get ourselves some more time with the system, which included previous demos Ricochet and Burnout Paradise, along with newcomers Beautiful Katamari and Space Invaders Extreme. This time around, things felt a bit more glitchy than before, with some weird graphical maladies around our virtual wrists and a few occasions where recalibration was required (which is simply accomplished by covering up the sensor with your hand for a couple seconds). Our Engadget Japan correspondent Ittousai couldn't get his hair to detect, but Tsunoda inferred that it was something they were working on as the project continued. Going through the menus, we spotted Lumines among the other games on the console -- Tsunoda wouldn't comment on it, but he did note that adding Natal support isn't something that's likely to be patched into existing titles. Care to take another peek at what you'll look like when Natal eventually comes to your living room? Video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Video: Project Natal hands-on goes round two with Katamari Damacy, Space Invaders

Filed under: Gaming

Video: Project Natal hands-on goes round two with Katamari Damacy, Space Invaders originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Podcast 164 - 09.27.2009

Trent Wolbe — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST

It's been a crazy week in news, and after a couple cross-country flights the podcast crew is together and ready to break it all down. Join Josh, Paul and Nilay as they take on Microsoft's Courier tablet concept and rumored Pink smartphones, dish on the HTC Leo and Windows Mobile, debate the finer points of net neutrality, and talk over the highlights from the Intel Developer Forum and the Tokyo Game Show. Yeah, there's a ton here -- grab a snack and tune in!

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Song: Today

Hear the podcast

00:02:34 - Microsoft's dual-screen Courier booklet emerges, isn't near production
00:06:18 - Codex and InkSeine -- the roots of Microsoft's Courier?
00:33:30 - Microsoft's Pink phones revealed?
00:43:00 - HTC Leo looking confirmed for O2 UK debut, will be free on the right plan
00:46:20 - Steve Ballmer talks 'three screens and a cloud' and more with TechCrunch
00:50:00 - Ballmer: Windows Mobile 7 should have been out, like, yesterday
00:55:58 - FCC chairman formally proposes net neutrality rules
00:58:45 - AT&T, Verizon poised to fight FCC's net neutrality stance on the wireless front
01:10:00 - AT&T's 3G MicroCell tested and reviewed by Charlottean: yes, it works
01:13:56 - Intel announces Moblin 2.1 for phones
01:18:07 - Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing)
01:17:25 - Video: Moblin 2.1 for MIDs and phones, sort of in action
01:21:15 - USB 3.0 has a SuperSpeed coming-out party at IDF
01:22:44 - Video: Intel's Light Peak running an HD display while transferring files... on a hackintosh
01:28:40 - 13 PS3 motion control games confirmed for next year, motion-enhanced Biohazard 5 coming Spring 2010
01:30:03 - Nintendo finally confirms new $199 Wii price

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Contact the podcast

1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.

Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget

Filed under: Podcasts

Engadget Podcast 164 - 09.27.2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: a brief history of game console teardowns

Ross Miller — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:42:00 EST

Granted, none of these are teardowns we haven't already seen ad nauseam, but seeing every Sony and Microsoft console ripped to shreds and placed side-to-side in a series of glass cases is still a sight to behold. Peruse the display yourself, found at Tokyo Game Show and shown courtesy of the Museum of GAME Science, in a video tour after the break.

Continue reading Video: a brief history of game console teardowns

Filed under: Gaming

Video: a brief history of game console teardowns originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony hacks 15 percent from PSP's price in Japan

Darren Murph — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:46:00 EST

While Sony seemed more than willing to show off its new PSP Go Converter and even more willing to gloat about its one millionth PS3 Slim sale, this little tidbit was pushed away in some neglected corner of the Tokyo Game Show. Thankfully for you, we're dedicated to leaving no stone unturned, and now we've discovered that the outfit is fixing to cut 15 percent from the PSP-3000's price tag... but only in Japan. Starting on October 1st, the UMD-friendly handheld will be offered in The Land of the Rising Sun for ¥16,800, or just over $185 using current conversion tables. So Sony -- any plans to hook the rest of the world up? You don't want to see us pout.

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Sony hacks 15 percent from PSP's price in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alienware's redesigned Area-51, Aurora, and updated M15x hands-on

Ross Miller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:17:00 EST

Okay, so it's not quite the invasion that the company touted, but Alienware definitely gave itself a fairly sizable retail space at this week's Tokyo Game Show, on hand to show off its Area-51 / Aurora revised desktops and its upgraded m15x laptop. We think you can already grasp the gist of the lineup from the company's long-standing modus operandi: large, powerful, and covered inside and out with LEDs. Enjoy the sight of six hard drives aligned in a wall by way of the gallery below, and stay tuned after the break to see a very brief demonstration on how those "scales" on top of the desktops work.

Gallery: Core i7-equipped Alienware M15x hands-on

Gallery: Alienware's updated Aurora / Area-51 desktops hands-on

Continue reading Alienware's redesigned Area-51, Aurora, and updated M15x hands-on

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Alienware's redesigned Area-51, Aurora, and updated M15x hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TGS 2009 video moment of zen: game chair rocks

Ross Miller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:36:00 EST

What's one way to capture the attention of a jaded tech writer who's seen his fair share of game chairs in life? Simple: put glasses filled with rocks on an active model and watch as onlookers get caught in its hypnotic dance. Video after the break.

Continue reading TGS 2009 video moment of zen: game chair rocks

TGS 2009 video moment of zen: game chair rocks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go Converter gives you a more well-rounded portable with support for last-gen's peripherals

Ross Miller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:02:00 EST

Honestly, when we first heard the phrase "PSP Go Converter," we were really hoping it something to do with that UMD-to-digital good will program we heard about back at E3 -- but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Instead, the attachment lets you utilize accessories so far only compatible with last-gen PSPs, such as the 1Seg tuner, GPS receiver, and camera -- and if that's not your thing, we're sure it makes the device a tad more aerodynamic, as well. Sony also announced a number of other accessories, including a bluetooth stereo headset. Full press release and pics from the show floor just below.

Gallery: PSP Go Converter gives you a more well-rounded portable with support for last-gen's peripherals

Show full PR text

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES PERIPHERALS FOR PSP(R) (PLAYSTATION(R)PORTABLE)GO

Expands the Entertainment World of PSPgo with Attractive Peripheral and Accessory Line-up

Tokyo, September 24, 2009 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced today that it will release Bluetooth(R) Stereo Head-set Receiver and Converter Cable Adaptor for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)go (PSP-N1000) on December 24, 2009, in Japan, at a recommended retail price of 4,980 yen and 1,980 yen (both including tax), respectively. These peripherals will also become available in North America, Europe/PAL territories and Asian countries and regions beginning January 2010*1.

Bluetooth Stereo Head-set Receiver

With a sleek design that matches perfectly with PSPgo, users will be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment content sounds comfortably through the Bluetooth wireless technology with the combination of commercially available head-phone and head-set. The Bluetooth Stereo Head-set Receiver pairs easily with PSPgo by simply holding the power button of the receiver, and operation buttons on the receiver will also enable users to instantly play, stop, pause, forward, rewind, and adjust the volume of music and videos. Additionally, the receiver can be paired with up to eight Bluetooth devices by using the Multi Pairing Feature.

Converter Cable Adaptor

With the new Converter Cable Adaptor*2, PSPgo users will be able to utilize the existing peripherals for PSP such as 1Seg Tuner*3, GPS Receiver and Camera designed for PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series on the PSPgo system that adopts Multi use connector.

Additional peripherals and accessories will be released for PSPgo in conjunction with PSPgo launch in Japan to enhance its portability and convenience of users' use, including:

AC Adaptor 2,100 yen (including tax)
USB Cable 1,575 yen (including tax)
AV Cable 2,200 yen (including tax)
D-Terminal AV Cable 2,800 yen (including tax)
Component AV Cable 3,000 yen (including tax)
Cradle 4,800 yen (including tax)
Accessory Pack 6,000 yen (including tax)
Display Protection Film 800 yen (including tax)
Privacy Film 1,000 yen (including tax)
Pouch & Hand Strap (Black/White) 1,000 yen (including tax)/each
PSPgo Pouch (Black/Grey) 1,600 yen (including tax)/each
PSPgo Leather Case & Hand Strap 4,200 yen (including tax)
Car Adaptor 1,980 yen (including tax)

SCE will continue to further expand the PlayStation platforms with these new peripheral and accessory line-up with introducing the new PSP line-up, PSPgo.

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

PSP Go Converter gives you a more well-rounded portable with support for last-gen's peripherals originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 Slim sells 1 million units in 3 weeks, chin chin!

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:02:00 EST

We're not big into tracking sales figures but a million consoles sold is pretty notable. Especially when your 3 year-old console achieves that number in just 3 weeks. Of course, the sale bump is the result of the PS3 receiving a price adjustment, some minor cosmetic slimming, and internal tinkering that most notably decreased power draw (and noise). Good on ya Sony. But we'd love to see auction sales statistics for the same three weeks -- we expect there was an appreciable uptick in demand for first gen consoles with hardware-based PS2 emulation, SACD playback, and 4x USB ports immediately after the PS3 Slim was announced, and its mysteries revealed.

Continue reading PS3 Slim sells 1 million units in 3 weeks, chin chin!

Filed under: Gaming

PS3 Slim sells 1 million units in 3 weeks, chin chin! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13 PS3 motion control games confirmed for next year, motion-enhanced Biohazard 5 coming Spring 2010

Ross Miller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:23:00 EST

Sure, the company's Tokyo Game Show keynote was a bit of a bore, but in a second press conference for Japanese media, Sony did what it could to make up for it by revealing Biohazard 5: Alternative Edition, the first PS3 title we've heard of to support the new motion controllers -- and better still, it's due out Spring 2010. Also confirmed is the existence of 13 first-party titles with motion support coming at some point next year, including Pain, EyePet and Flower. Both Biohazard 5 (known in the US as Resident Evil 5) and a LittleBigPlanet tech demo were shown on stage, and pics from the announcement are being uploaded now, so stay tuned!

Update: Some new details of the LittleBigPlanet motion control demo from our friend Ittousai of Engadget Japan. In the presentation, one player was playing the normal way via DualShock while a second person was "assisting" by means of the motion control.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet motion control tech demo

Filed under: Gaming

13 PS3 motion control games confirmed for next year, motion-enhanced Biohazard 5 coming Spring 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII bundle announced, ships December

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:08:00 EST

Sony Japan just announced the very first 250GB PS3 bundle. For ¥41,600 (compared to ¥29,980 yen for the standard Japanese PS3), gamers in Japan will receive a limited edition Final Fantasy XIII rig with 250GB disk and Lightning emblazoned across the the body. The PS3 normally ships with a 120GB hard drive but the 250GB version has been rumored ever since the FCC leak. Available for purchase in Japan on 17 December.

Gallery: 250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII bundle announced, ships December

Filed under: Gaming

250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII bundle announced, ships December originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 Motion Controller confirmed for next spring, finally ready for its close-ups

Paul Miller — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:55:00 EST

We've heard plenty about Sony's PS3 Motion Controller, but we hadn't actually seen a press shot of it until now. Looks pretty PlayStation-ey, wouldn't you say? Sony has also confirmed that spring 2010 is the launch window (with those rumors of a March date in Japan floating around). It can't come soon enough! At the TGS announcement Kaz Hirai reiterated that the controller will meet the "stringent" requirements of hardcore gamers -- which is always a comfort, no matter how much of that gamer-pleasing will have to come from the actual games themselves. Hit up the read link for Joystiq's live coverage of the Sony keynote from TGS!

Update: Press release!

Gallery: PS3 Motion Controller finally ready for its close-ups

Continue reading PS3 Motion Controller confirmed for next spring, finally ready for its close-ups

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

PS3 Motion Controller confirmed for next spring, finally ready for its close-ups originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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