Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/joystiqs-playstation-vita-launch-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/joystiqs-playstation-vita-launch-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/joystiqs-playstation-vita-launch-guide/#comments Vita Launch GuideThe PlayStation Vita launches this week in the form of a "First Edition" bundle. The for-real hardware launch will take place on February 22. We'll be covering the hardware and its games continuously through that period, and rounding it up here for ease of reference.

Continue reading Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide

Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqNGPplaystationPlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPS Vita reviewPSPPsVitaPsVitaReviewsonysony playstationsony playstation vitasony ps vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationVitaSonyPsVitavideoVitaMon, 13 Feb 2012 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/#comments Look familiar? It should: that's the PlayStation Vita, Sony's up-and-coming challenger to the mobile gaming throne. It's made the rounds a few times before, from E3, to Tokyo Game Show, to San Francisco's Vita Hill Social Club, and it even took an early pass through Engadget's review gauntlet -- courtesy of the Land of the Rising Sun, of course. After a strong start in its homeland (followed by a quick holiday slump), the budding portable hit the books, brushed up on its English and barreled its way back into Engadget's game room, demanding another review. And why not? We're happy to oblige.

And here it is, an extremely familiar looking slab of plastic, glass and electronics that calls itself the North American 3G / WiFi PlayStation Vita. Sony's new region-free tradition ensures that it won't be too different than Japan's native model, but we're diving in for a more detailed look anyway. Read on for a peek at its content management system, backward compatibility, the particulars of its fancy new thumbsticks, the latest firmware update's contribution to the platform and much more.

Gallery: PlayStation Vita review

Continue reading PlayStation Vita review

PlayStation Vita review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NGPplaystationPlayStation VitaPlaystation Vita ReviewPlaystationVitaPlaystationVitaReviewportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPS Vita reviewPSPPsVitaPsVitaReviewreviewsonyvideoVitaMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian gets PlayStation Vita early thanks to faith, good works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/canadian-gets-playstation-vita-early-thanks-to-faith-good-works/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/canadian-gets-playstation-vita-early-thanks-to-faith-good-works/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/canadian-gets-playstation-vita-early-thanks-to-faith-good-works/#comments Today's lucky beggar award goes to Graham Innes in Canada, who wrote in to tell us that he found a PlayStation Vita sitting on his doorstep. It wasn't a total surprise, since he'd ordered one from Amazon, but what's weird is just how soon it arrived -- the early-bird First Edition doesn't launch until February 15th and the general release is a whole week after that. We're not sure what Graham did to deserve this, but we do know from our Joystiq buddies that he's not the only one -- Amazon.ca has apparently sent out a few of these premature parcels. If the injustice burns, console yourself with the thought that Graham and his blessed compatriots probably can't access the store to download any games.

Update: Graham emailed again. He has store access. He has games. Joyousness.

Canadian gets PlayStation Vita early thanks to faith, good works originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.cacanadaearlyearly-birdgames consoleGamesConsolegraham innesGrahamInneshandheldNGPplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaPSPPsVitasonysony playstation vitasony ps vitaSonyPlaystationVitaSonyPsVitavitaFri, 10 Feb 2012 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/no-discounted-umd-passport-transfers-to-vita-for-us-psp/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/no-discounted-umd-passport-transfers-to-vita-for-us-psp/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/no-discounted-umd-passport-transfers-to-vita-for-us-psp/#comments No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings
Hey, America ... no soup for you! Vita apparently means no discounted downloads of your beloved disc-based PSP games as Kotaku reports Sony won't be offering its "UMD Passport" service in the US. Since December, Sony has let existing Japanese PSP owners upgrade UMD games to Vita downloadable copies for around ¥500-1,000 ($6.50 - $13). Penny-pinching US gamers can perhaps console themselves with the fact that they can still get a discount for digital downloads of Vita games. Well, that or make hungry eyes for free at Vitas displayed in kiosks at select stores.

No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountjapanplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaportable gamingPortableGamingps vitapsppsp downloadsPspDownloadspsvPsVitasonysony playstationsony PSPsony vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPspSonyVitaumdUMD vitaUmdVitavita downloadsvita passportVitaDownloadsVitaPassportWed, 08 Feb 2012 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network ID moniter sacked, falls under Sony Entertainment Network umbrella on Feb. 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/playstation-network-becomes-sony-entertainment-network-feb-7th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/playstation-network-becomes-sony-entertainment-network-feb-7th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/playstation-network-becomes-sony-entertainment-network-feb-7th/#comments Listen up, those of you with PlayStation Network IDs. Sony Computer Entertainment International has announced that, as of February 7th, PSN IDs will change into SEN IDs as a part of its existing Sony Entertainment Network The company has aimed the move at clearly unifying the services of PSN and SEN, such as Music Unlimited. Fret not, however, as Joystiq notes that the change is basically a looks-only affair, meaning your current account information and related services will remain the same. Notably, the moniker refresh won't apply to the PSP, which will curiously remain under the PSN moniker for network services. The news comes as a part of SCEI's updated Terms of Service and privacy policy, both of which take effect on the same day. Those changes, by the way, appear to mainly be regarding location-based services for PS Vita, and parental controls for sub-master accounts. After all of the bad times PSN has been through, partnering up closer to SEN might just be the refreshed outlook on (online) life it needed all along -- and hopefully with less downtime. Hit up the source link below for the full details.

Update: We've adjusted the post to clarify that the PlayStation Network will remain named as such, but that PSN IDs have now become SEN IDs.

PlayStation Network ID moniter sacked, falls under Sony Entertainment Network umbrella on Feb. 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaminghdpostcrosslocation based servicesLocationBasedServicesmusic unlimitedMusicUnlimitedonline gamingOnlineGamingplaystation 3playstation networkplaystation onlineplaystation vitaPlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationOnlinePlaystationVitaprivacy policyPrivacyPolicyps vitaps3psnpsn idPsnIdpspPsVitasceasceisen idSenIdsonySony Entertainment NetworkSonyEntertainmentNetworkterms of serviceTermsOfServicetosSun, 05 Feb 2012 07:37:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PlayStation Network goes down (again) from 9AM ET, but it's for maintenance (again)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-from-9am-et-schedule-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-from-9am-et-schedule-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-from-9am-et-schedule-maintenance/#comments PSA: PlayStation Network goes down (again) from 9AM ET, but it's for maintenance (again)

There's presumably still some kinks left to be resolved, as Sony's PSN is once more scheduled to snooze from 9AM EST through 3AM. Longer than last month's efforts, it'll affect the PlayStation Store, Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited services on PlayStation Home. However, you will be able to continue online gaming if you sign in ahead of the downtime. Frustrated gamers can seek the full explanation at the source below.

PSA: PlayStation Network goes down (again) from 9AM ET, but it's for maintenance (again) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceMusic UnlimitedMusicUnlimitedplaystation 3PlayStation Networkplaystation network outagePlayStation StorePlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationNetworkOutagePlaystationStorePSNPSN outagePsnOutagePSPpsp goPspGoscheduled maintenanceScheduledMaintenancesonysony playstation networkSonyPlaystationNetworkVideo UnlimitedVideoUnlimitedThu, 02 Feb 2012 03:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony schedules PSN maintenance today, wants you to know this time it's on purpose]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/sony-schedules-psn-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/sony-schedules-psn-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/sony-schedules-psn-maintenance/#comments Sony knows you're likely scarred for life after its many security snafus, so it's doing all it can to keep you in the loop in regards to its PSN. The network will be experiencing a temporary outage today to make room for "routine scheduled maintenance" starting at 11AM ET and ending at approximately midnight. As usual in these scenarios, you won't have access to any PlayStation services on your PS3 or PSP, including PlayStation Home and Sony's Music and Video Unlimited offerings. That said, if you were shootin' and slashin' fools before the downtime, you should have no hassle continuing with your current session -- though access to any of the aforementioned services is still out of the question. Desperate to know exactly when the PSN will be back up and running? Keep it locked on the Playstation Twitter feed to find out.

Sony schedules PSN maintenance today, wants you to know this time it's on purpose originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystation 3playstation networkplaystation network outagePlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationNetworkOutagePSNPSN outagePsnOutagePSPpsp goPspGoscheduled maintenanceScheduledMaintenancesonysony playstation networkSony PlayStation3sony psnSonyPlaystation3SonyPlaystationNetworkSonyPsnThu, 19 Jan 2012 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony racks up over 6.5 million in PlayStation sales over holiday season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sony-racks-up-over-6-5-million-in-playstation-sales-over-holiday/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sony-racks-up-over-6-5-million-in-playstation-sales-over-holiday/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sony-racks-up-over-6-5-million-in-playstation-sales-over-holiday/#commentsLooks like Sony is reaping the benefits of strong holiday sales for its range of consoles coming under the PlayStation umbrella. After introducing the PS Vita early in December, the company managed to shift about 500,000 units in its own backyard, while ageing predecessor, the PSP, continued to sell 1.6 million units worldwide. Not to be outdone, the PS3 nearly broached the 4 million mark, bringing Sony closer to its fiscal year-end goal of 15 million for the five-year old gaming powerhouse. The system's motion control add-on, Move, also moved a considerable 1.7 million units, with the PS2 still puttering along and enjoying "robust sales in emerging countries." Brand equity? Sony's got it in spades.

Continue reading Sony racks up over 6.5 million in PlayStation sales over holiday season

Sony racks up over 6.5 million in PlayStation sales over holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolesgamingholiday salesHolidaySalesMovePlayStationportable consolesPortableConsolesPS VitaPS2PS3PSPPsVitasalesSonyvideo gamesVideoGamesTue, 10 Jan 2012 04:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita shown running Sega Genesis titles (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/playstation-vita-shown-running-sega-genesis-titles-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/playstation-vita-shown-running-sega-genesis-titles-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/playstation-vita-shown-running-sega-genesis-titles-video/#comments Still mulling whether or not to pick yourself up a PlayStation Vita? Obsessed with retro gaming titles? If you answered "yes" to both, you should probably start socking away a few extra coins, buster. YouTube user frwololo has just upped a video showcasing the Half Byte Loader running the Picodrive emulator on Sony's PS Vita -- the first major proof that this kind of wizardry is indeed a possibility. The nuts and bolts of how it happened are being kept under wraps for now, and he seems certain that Sony's inbuilt security will make the mod unusable as soon as it's released. That said, there's still a lot of hope to be found in the clip just after the break, and c'mon -- who doesn't need a little hope to kick off a year where we're all supposed to perish?

Continue reading PlayStation Vita shown running Sega Genesis titles (video)

PlayStation Vita shown running Sega Genesis titles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleemulationemulatorgaminggaming handheldGamingHandheldgenesishackhackedhomebrewhomebrew emulatorHomebrewEmulatorPicodriveplaystationplaystation portablePlaystationPortableps vitapsppsp vitaPspVitaPsVitaretroROMsegasega genesisSegaGenesisvideovintageMon, 02 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation Vita review (Japanese edition)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/playstation-vita-review-japanese-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/playstation-vita-review-japanese-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/playstation-vita-review-japanese-edition/#comments

It's hard to believe that Sony's venerable first portable has just reached its seventh birthday. The PSP launched in 2004: a year when the Motorola RAZR V3 claimed top phone prizes and tablets were called tablet PCs. Since then, its closest rival has undergone several substantial transformations, but the PSP has remained largely untouched, aside from getting a little slimmer. Sony's hoping its new portable superstar is less evolutionary, more revolutionary. And it may have to be. Mobile gaming is snapping at its heels, with game developers continuing to boost the scale and polish on smartphone offerings. Even Sony has been attempting to get in on the mobile action, with underwhelming results so far.

So here's the PlayStation Vita, attempting to breath new life into the portable gaming market. There's no 3D screen, it doesn't do phone calls (although our test model is the 3G-connected variant) but there is, however, a load of power underneath that 5-inch OLED hood. It looks to be the answer to more "traditional" gamers' prayers, but there are plenty of questions we've been itching to answer. Is a portable gaming console still a valid gaming option? How long will the battery last? What's that rear touchscreen all about? Read on and see how Sony's next-generation portable stacks up.

Gallery: Sony PlayStation Vita review (Japanese edition)

Continue reading Sony PlayStation Vita review (Japanese edition)

Sony PlayStation Vita review (Japanese edition) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NGPplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystation Vita ReviewPlaystationVitaPlaystationVitaReviewportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPS Vita reviewPSPPsVitaPsVitaReviewreviewsonyvideoVitaWed, 21 Dec 2011 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita won't play grandpa's games -- for now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/playstation-vita-wont-play-grandpas-games-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/playstation-vita-wont-play-grandpas-games-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/playstation-vita-wont-play-grandpas-games-for-now/#comments

While Sony confirmed that the PS Vita will be able to dive into the PSP's back-catalog from launch, it looks like it'll miss out on anything pre-millennium. An updated page from the PS Vita's Japanese site has backed up rumors that PSOne Classics and other "archive games" won't be available when the quad-core console arrives in Asian stores next month. However, it's not all bad news for anyone hoping to relive those jaggy-edged gaming triumphs of the late 90's -- the official response adds that plans for older titles will be announced in due course.

PlayStation Vita won't play grandpa's games -- for now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamingPlayStationplaystation portableplaystation vitaPlaystationPortablePlaystationVitaportable gamingPortableGamingPSps vitaPSonepsone classicsPsoneClassicspspPsVitasonysony playstationSonyPlaystationvitaTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony announces UMD Passport program in Japan, offers Vita PSN discounts to UMD owners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/sony-announces-umd-passport-program-in-japan-offers-vita-psn-di/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/sony-announces-umd-passport-program-in-japan-offers-vita-psn-di/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/sony-announces-umd-passport-program-in-japan-offers-vita-psn-di/#comments When Sony mentioned that the Vita wouldn't support the PSP's existing UMD library, we had to wonder what would become of the little discs. Sony hinted that something was on the way for physical media aficionados at TGS, but wasn't ready to go into detail yet. Today, however, SCEJ announced the UMD Passport program -- a service that will let Japanese PSP owners register UMD games through a PSP app to secure discounts for repurchasing titles on the new console. The discounted games average between ¥500-1,000 (about $6 and $13, respectively) a pop, but can go for as high as ¥2,400. The UMD registration app hits the Japanese PlayStation store on December 6th, and Sony hopes to make the system compatible with roughly 200 titles. Hit the source links below for Sony's official press release and an initial list of Passport compatible games, in Japanese, of course.

Sony announces UMD Passport program in Japan, offers Vita PSN discounts to UMD owners originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitapsppsvPsVitasonysony playstationsony PSPsony vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPspSonyVitaumdUMD vitaUmdVitavita passportVitaPassportFri, 11 Nov 2011 03:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Timber! iOS and Android take 60 percent cut of mobile gaming dollars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/timber-ios-and-android-take-60-percent-cut-of-mobile-gaming-dol/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/timber-ios-and-android-take-60-percent-cut-of-mobile-gaming-dol/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/timber-ios-and-android-take-60-percent-cut-of-mobile-gaming-dol/#comments The last time we reported on these figures, paid iOS and Android games were chipping away happily at the US market share of those two old oaks, Sony and Nintendo. Well, peer through the cloud of leaves and sawdust and you'll see that the job is done: the two newcomers will generate $500 million more than DS and PSP titles this year, according to stats from Flurry. Click past the break to see the trend since 2009 crystallized into a cold, hard pie chart.

On the other hand, there's a bit of good news for everybody: the overall American mobile gaming market is growing at a rapid pace -- this year's total revenue of $3.3 billion represents a 25 percent increase on 2010, so new devices like the PlayStation Vita and the Transformer Prime should find plenty of room to take seed.

Continue reading Timber! iOS and Android take 60 percent cut of mobile gaming dollars

Timber! iOS and Android take 60 percent cut of mobile gaming dollars originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidappleApple iOSAppleIosgaming revenuesGamingRevenuesgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidiOSmarket shareMarketSharemobile gamingMobileGamingmobilepostcrossnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo dsNintendo3dsNintendoDsplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepsprevenuessonysony pspSonyPspThu, 10 Nov 2011 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Kazuo Hirai: liveblog from AsiaD!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/sonys-kazuo-hirai-liveblog-from-asiad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/sonys-kazuo-hirai-liveblog-from-asiad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/sonys-kazuo-hirai-liveblog-from-asiad/#comments We're back! AsiaD's concluding today, but we've got a couple of big hitters left on the schedule. Kicking things off this morning -- yeah, it's morning, we're in the future -- is Sony's Executive Deputy President, Kazuo Hirai, and we're guessing he'll be shooting it straight regarding the PS Vita, those nasty "outages" and whatever else he feels like keeping us abreast on. Join us after the break for the blow-by-blow!

Continue reading Sony's Kazuo Hirai: liveblog from AsiaD!

Sony's Kazuo Hirai: liveblog from AsiaD! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgaminggooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidkazKaz HiraiKazHiraiKazuo HiraiKazuoHirailiveblogplaystationplaystation 3playstation portableplaystation suitePlaystation3PlaystationPortablePlaystationSuiteps vitapspPsVitasonytablettablet ptablet sTabletPTabletSvaiovitaxperia playXperiaPlayThu, 20 Oct 2011 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[In case you didn't know, PS Vita will play nice with PSP in ad-hoc mode]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/in-case-you-didnt-know-ps-vita-will-play-nice-with-psp-in-ad-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/in-case-you-didnt-know-ps-vita-will-play-nice-with-psp-in-ad-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/21/in-case-you-didnt-know-ps-vita-will-play-nice-with-psp-in-ad-h/#comments
Check out this tasty morsel of PS Vita info making the rounds: you'll be able to face your PSP-totin' friends via ad-hoc mode with games you've snagged from the PS Store (so long as the title supports it). We must've been so enamored by those vibrant PS Vitas at TGS that we missed this sweet bite courtesy of Sony PlayStation Japan. Sure, it doesn't kill the sting of its three to five hour battery life, but hey, we'll just consider it another justification for picking up the hot little number once it hits shelves.

In case you didn't know, PS Vita will play nice with PSP in ad-hoc mode originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-hocad-hoc gamesad-hoc gamingAd-hocGamesAd-hocGaminggaminghandheldjapanminipostplaystationplaystation portableplaystation vitaPlaystationPortablePlaystationVitaportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitapspPsVitasonyvideo gamesVideoGamesvitaWed, 21 Sep 2011 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Fusion Micro mod weds PSP and GameCube hardware, but battery won't last the honeymoon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/fusion-micro-mod-weds-psp-and-gamecube-hardware-but-battery-won/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/fusion-micro-mod-weds-psp-and-gamecube-hardware-but-battery-won/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/fusion-micro-mod-weds-psp-and-gamecube-hardware-but-battery-won/#comments It may not be the first console we've seen modded and squeezed into portable clothing, but we've got to admire the sheer pluck of cramming all the GameCube's goodnesss into PSP hardware. Modder Ashen, also responsible for the stockier GameCube Fusion, has managed just that, with some heavy-duty adjustments and modifications. The Fusion Micro is a fair bit chunkier than the original PSP, mainly due to the fan and heat sink behind all that busy hardware. Other modifications include an extra analog stick on the right to mimic the GameCube controller and two card slots for games and emulation. Despite this impressive engineering, however, it won't stand up to extensive plays; this unholy union of Nintendo and Sony can only squeeze out about two hours of gaming from its 5000mAh battery. Click on after the break to see Zelda in action, alongside a full break-down of the controls and modifications.

[Thanks Ashen.]

Continue reading Fusion Micro mod weds PSP and GameCube hardware, but battery won't last the honeymoon

Fusion Micro mod weds PSP and GameCube hardware, but battery won't last the honeymoon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ashenconsole modConsoleModfusionfusion microFusionMicrogamecubehackhackedmicromodmoddedNintendo GameCubePlayStation PortableportablePSPvideoMon, 19 Sep 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Keiji Inafune: handheld consoles don't need to fear the smartphone... yet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/keiji-inafune-handheld-consoles-dont-need-to-fear-the-smartpho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/keiji-inafune-handheld-consoles-dont-need-to-fear-the-smartpho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/keiji-inafune-handheld-consoles-dont-need-to-fear-the-smartpho/#comments Yeah, we know that the whole mobile-gaming-is threatening-dedicated-gaming thing has been done to death, but when some of the industry's software MVPs start weighing in on the matter, well... that's when our ears perk up. Nintendo has made clear that it's shunning smartphones as a gaming platform, and now it's Mega Man co-creator Keiji Inafune's turn to windmill into the argument. Speaking with our sister site Joystiq, he opines that the two worlds aren't set to eclipse each other just yet, illustrating it wonderfully through the medium of simile: "I think it's very similar between cellphone cameras and professional digital cameras. You don't use a smartphone camera for an interview, and you don't use a really professional camera to take some small pictures when you're going to work." Hard to knock the underlying logic, but it's pretty tough to pretend that handset gaming isn't seriously denting handheld gaming. For the full spiel, be sure to give that source link a tap.

Keiji Inafune: handheld consoles don't need to fear the smartphone... yet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Keiji InafuneKeijiInafunemobile gamesmobile gamingMobileGamesMobileGamingnintendo 3dsNintendo3dsplaystation vitaPlaystationVitapspsmartphone gamessmartphone gamingSmartphoneGamesSmartphoneGamingMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony announces WiFi-less PSP E-1000, hits Europe this fall for €99]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/16/sony-announces-wifi-less-psp-model-hits-europe-this-fall-for-9/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/16/sony-announces-wifi-less-psp-model-hits-europe-this-fall-for-9/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/16/sony-announces-wifi-less-psp-model-hits-europe-this-fall-for-9/#comments
Sony had more than just a PS3 price cut to reveal at its Gamescom press conference today: it also announced that it will be releasing a new budget-priced PSP model that sports a new design and curiously ditches the WiFi capability that the PSP has had since its debut. No word of a North American release just yet, but folks in Europe will be able to pick it up this fall for €99 (or about $140, though we're guessing the actual US price would come in below that; the standard PSP-3000 currently demands €130 in Europe). Hit the gallery below for a closer look.

Update: Sony has now also confirmed that the device will be dubbed the PSP E-1000, and that it will indeed only be available in PAL territories.

Gallery: PSP E-1000

Sony announces WiFi-less PSP E-1000, hits Europe this fall for €99 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newse-1000gamescomplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepsppsp e-1000PspE-1000sonywifiTue, 16 Aug 2011 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayStation Vita goes up for pre-order at Best Buy Canada]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/sonys-playstation-vita-goes-up-for-pre-order-at-best-buy-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/sonys-playstation-vita-goes-up-for-pre-order-at-best-buy-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/sonys-playstation-vita-goes-up-for-pre-order-at-best-buy-canada/#comments It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here -- or at least its pre-order page is. Sony's hotly anticipated PlayStation Vita has been on our minds since January, and now it's making its Canadian North American pre-order debut via Best Buy Canada. The product pages for both the WiFi-only and 3G editions list a release date of March 30th -- which lines up with previous reports that the console won't be gracing your stocking this Christmas -- but we'd take that estimate with a heaping fistful of salt. If you're itching to throw down some Canadian dollars, however, feel free to hop on over to the source to secure yours now.

[Thanks, Silverfox]

Sony's PlayStation Vita goes up for pre-order at Best Buy Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolegamesgamingnext generation protableNextGenerationProtableNGPplaystationplaystation portablePlaystationPortableportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPSPPsVitaSony NGPsony playstationSony Playstation VitaSony VitaSonyNgpSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationVitaSonyVitaSat, 06 Aug 2011 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation Vita handheld will miss Christmas in US and Europe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/sony-playstation-vita-handheld-will-miss-christmas-in-us-and-eur/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/sony-playstation-vita-handheld-will-miss-christmas-in-us-and-eur/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/sony-playstation-vita-handheld-will-miss-christmas-in-us-and-eur/#comments How can this be? Sony's new handheld console already passed through the FCC and was even leaked on a UK Blockbuster flyer that stated an October release date. Yet apparently these clues count for nothing, because Bloomberg reports Kazuo Hirai as saying that the Vita won't launch in the US and Europe until early next year -- with only Japan getting the device before Christmas. Why would Sony be content to miss out on all that festive trade? We have absolutely no idea, but it looks like we'll have to email Santa a revised wish list.

[Thanks, Jerry]

Sony PlayStation Vita handheld will miss Christmas in US and Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolegaminghandheld consoleHandheldConsolengpPlaystationPlaystation VitaPlaystationVitaps vitapspPsVitaSonySony Playstation VitaSonyPlaystationVitaVitaThu, 04 Aug 2011 05:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation Vita clears the FCC hurdle, gets tantalizingly close to US release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/sony-playstation-vita-clears-the-fcc-hurdle-gets-tantailizingly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/sony-playstation-vita-clears-the-fcc-hurdle-gets-tantailizingly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/sony-playstation-vita-clears-the-fcc-hurdle-gets-tantailizingly/#comments That label up there may not look like much, but the WiFi test report shown after the break makes one thing exceptionally clear: Sony's PlayStation Vita just cleared FCC testing. For those unfamiliar with the process, this is widely regarded as the final step before a consumer electronics device is shipped to retailers here in the States, and given that "fall" date we've been hearing about, it sure looks as if Sony's on pace to keep its promise. So, you did save room on this year's wish list for yet another console... right?

Continue reading Sony PlayStation Vita clears the FCC hurdle, gets tantalizingly close to US release

Sony PlayStation Vita clears the FCC hurdle, gets tantalizingly close to US release originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsfccgaminghandheldhandheld gamingHandheldGamingpch 1101pch-1101pch-1101 hPch-1101HPch1101playstationplaystation portableplaystation vitaPlaystationPortablePlaystationVitapspsonyvitaWed, 03 Aug 2011 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita out in October, says Blockbuster UK flyer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/playstation-vita-out-in-october-says-blockbuster-uk-flyer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/playstation-vita-out-in-october-says-blockbuster-uk-flyer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/playstation-vita-out-in-october-says-blockbuster-uk-flyer/#comments PlayStation Vita out in October, says Blockbuster UK Flyer Blockbuster may have had its share of trouble here in the States, but that doesn't mean its British brother isn't doing well enough to have (and leak) a big-shot release date or two. According to a flyer brandishing the Blockbuster logo and that good 'ol co.uk extension, the PlayStation Vita will land in the United Kingdom on October 28th. That's ominously close to Halloween -- not that we're suggesting anybody is having pre-holiday PSV boot-shakes, or anything -- and the flyer's fall release prediction squares up nicely with Sony's "end of 2011" launch window. As always, we suggest taking rumors and leaks such as this with a grain of salt -- but considering Sony's sinkable record regarding loose lips, we'd understand a low sodium approach. Hit the break to get a peek at the Blockbuster UK flyer -- ready and waiting for your judgement.

Continue reading PlayStation Vita out in October, says Blockbuster UK flyer

PlayStation Vita out in October, says Blockbuster UK flyer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlockbusterBlockbuster-UKgamingnext generation portableNextGenerationPortablengpplaystationplaystation portableplaystation vitaPlaystation-VitaPlaystationPortablePlaystationVitaps vitapspPsVitarelease daterelease datesrelease-dateReleaseDateReleaseDatessonysony ngpSonyNgpUKVitaMon, 01 Aug 2011 01:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PSN 'Welcome Back' promotion extended... for one more day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/sony-psn-welcome-back-promotion-extended-for-one-more-day/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/sony-psn-welcome-back-promotion-extended-for-one-more-day/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/sony-psn-welcome-back-promotion-extended-for-one-more-day/#comments Welcome back. Again. Chances are, anyone planning to grab those PSN freebies took their share when the promotion launched last month, but just in case you've been holding out, Sony's giving you another 24 hours (from now) to download your pair of free PS3 and PSP games, 100 virtual items from PlayStation Home, and 30 days of PlayStation Plus. After then, you better be prepared to pay up for your copy of Dead Nation or LittleBigPlanet. The whole gratis shebang goes offline for good at 9AM Pacific Time tomorrow -- just before the PlayStation Store is set to open for business in Japan.

Sony PSN 'Welcome Back' promotion extended... for one more day originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downgamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityonline gamingOnlineGamingoutagePlayStationPlayStation Homeplaystation networkplaystation plusplaystation storePlaystationHomePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPlusPlaystationStoreps3psnPSPqriocityrestorationrestoresecuritysonysony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3upMon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony rolls up the PSN 'Welcome Back' mat this Sunday, takes free entertainment with it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/sony-rolls-up-the-psn-welcome-back-mat-this-sunday-takes-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/sony-rolls-up-the-psn-welcome-back-mat-this-sunday-takes-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/sony-rolls-up-the-psn-welcome-back-mat-this-sunday-takes-free/#comments Four weeks ago today, Sony announced its 'Welcome Back' campaign following the weeks-long PSN outage that began in April. Now, the program is entering its final weekend, giving you just two more days to download your pair of free PS3 or PSP games, along with 100 virtual items from PlayStation Home and 30 days of PlayStation Plus. To claim your gratis package from the PlayStation Store, click on the "Welcome Back" tab and make your pick. Sure, a few handouts may not make up for those countless days you spent offline, contemplating a switch to other networks, but free stuff is free stuff, so head over to PSN to claim what's rightfully yours before the clock strikes midnight on July 3rd.

Sony rolls up the PSN 'Welcome Back' mat this Sunday, takes free entertainment with it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downgamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityonline gamingOnlineGamingoutagePlayStationPlayStation Homeplaystation networkplaystation plusplaystation storePlaystationHomePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPlusPlaystationStoreps3psnPSPqriocityrestorationrestoresecuritysonysony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3upFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony sells 70 million PSP units worldwide, still firmly in DS' rearview mirror]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sony-sells-70-million-psp-units-worldwide-still-firmly-in-ds-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sony-sells-70-million-psp-units-worldwide-still-firmly-in-ds-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sony-sells-70-million-psp-units-worldwide-still-firmly-in-ds-r/#commentsSony's PlayStation Vita is obviously the company's handheld of tomorrow, but it's the PlayStation Portable that's being credited with the assist. The PSP has been a flagship device for Sony since December 12, 2004, and during its time on the market, a grand total of 70 million have been moved globally. That's the number belted out here at E3, which sounds downright ginormous at first listen. Unfortunately, that's nowhere near the 100 million DS units that Nintendo had shipped... back in 2009. It's worth mentioning that this tally includes the original PSP-1000, the slimmer / lighter PSP-2000, the not-too-different PSP-3000 and the critically panned PSP go, and we're guessing the Vita will eventually be lumped in here as well at some point. So, Mario's still laughing, but hey -- at least Sony's sold 298 million UMD units, right?

Continue reading Sony sells 70 million PSP units worldwide, still firmly in DS' rearview mirror

Sony sells 70 million PSP units worldwide, still firmly in DS' rearview mirror originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011gaminghandheldpspsalessonyMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayStation Vita official: $249 for WiFi, $299 for 3G]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sonys-playstation-vita-official-3g-available-only-through-atandt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sonys-playstation-vita-official-3g-available-only-through-atandt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/sonys-playstation-vita-official-3g-available-only-through-atandt/#comments Details about Sony's new handheld have been trickling out for months in the form of spec sheets and fantastic footage of its quad core capabilities. All that, and we still didn't know how much she'd cost or when we could get our grubby paws around one. Thankfully for those tuned in at E3, said mystery is a mystery no more -- the Vita will be listed at $249 for the WiFi-only model, or $299 for the 3G version. Sony's Kaz Hirai confirmed will be available exclusively through AT&T, with both models shipping worldwide toward the end of 2011. For those of you camped out overseas, prices are set for ¥24,980 (WiFi) and ¥29,980 (3G) in Japan, while those closer to that other pond will see tags of €249 and €299.

The device, also known as the PS Vita, offers up six-axis motion sensors, dual analog controls (proper ones, with thumbsticks), front- and rear-facing cameras, an OLED touchscreen, and a touchpad on the back, too. The company showed off a number of top-tier titles, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, a hack-and-slash RPG called Ruin, a new ModNation Racers, LittleBigPlanet, and Street Fighter x Tekken, each showing off plenty of motion and touch interactivity... things that we couldn't be more elated to try for ourselves in due time. They're all looking quite good, and honestly a bit more advanced than what the 3DS has delivered so far -- for the same money.

Update: Check out our hands-on impressions from E3!

Gallery: PlayStation Vita

Continue reading Sony's PlayStation Vita official: $249 for WiFi, $299 for 3G

Sony's PlayStation Vita official: $249 for WiFi, $299 for 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newse3e3 2011E32011gamingnext generation portableNextGenerationPortablengpplaystationplaystation portableplaystation vitaPlaystationPortablePlaystationVitaps vitapspPsVitasonysony ngpSonyNgpvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony NGP confirmed to be backwards compatible with downloaded PSP games]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-ngp-confirmed-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-downloaded-ps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-ngp-confirmed-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-downloaded-ps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-ngp-confirmed-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-downloaded-ps/#comments There was a bit of confusion over what sort of backwards compatibility the Sony NGP would have when it was announced earlier this year, but it looks like that particular mystery's now been cleared up. Eurogamer reports that the NGP (or whatever it's eventually called) will be indeed compatible with existing PSP games -- of the downloadable variety only, of course. What's more, the site says that it has actually seen Resistance: Retribution demonstrated on the handheld, and that all PSP games are run via a software emulator that will let you turn upscaling on or off to suit your preference -- games will also be able to take advantage of the NGP's dual analog sticks (to control your character's view in Resistance, for instance). As Eurogamer notes, that sounds similar to Sony's remastering effort for PSP titles on the PS3, which also promises to add cross-device playability. Might the NGP also get in on that act? We should know more at E3 next week.

Sony NGP confirmed to be backwards compatible with downloaded PSP games originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibilitybackwards compatibleBackwardsCompatibilityBackwardsCompatiblee3e3 2011E32011ngpps vitapspPsVitasonysony ngpSonyNgpupscalingThu, 02 Jun 2011 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony NGP may become 'PS Vita,' give us 100 percent of our RDI of handheld gaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-ngp-may-become-ps-vita-give-us-100-percent-of-our-rdi-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-ngp-may-become-ps-vita-give-us-100-percent-of-our-rdi-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-ngp-may-become-ps-vita-give-us-100-percent-of-our-rdi-of/#comments If you're like us, you've been spending most of your time in the lead up to E3 scouring the source code of gaming company sites searching for clues about next week's announcements. We happened to miss Sony's "Vita" namedrop in the code of a post about the "future of handhelds," but one reader managed to catch it before the company removed it completely. The inclusion of the name is the latest in a series of slip ups that lend credence to the notion that the decidedly generic Next Generation Portable title isn't the official name for the company's less investment heavy handheld. There's certainly the possibility that Sony was using the name PS Vita while developing the device internally, though mentions seem to be popping up more and more as we push closer to the big event. Either way, we're certain to get a big dose of vitamin Sony in a matter of days.

Sony NGP may become 'PS Vita,' give us 100 percent of our RDI of handheld gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3gaminggaming portableGamingPortablehandheldsnext generation portableNextGenerationPortablengpplaystationplaystation portablePlaystationPortableportable gamingPortableGamingps vitapspPsVitasonyvideo gamesVideoGamesvitaThu, 02 Jun 2011 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to remaster select PSP titles for PlayStation 3, allow cross-device continuous gameplay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/sony-to-remaster-select-psp-titles-for-playstation-3-allow-cros/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/sony-to-remaster-select-psp-titles-for-playstation-3-allow-cros/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/sony-to-remaster-select-psp-titles-for-playstation-3-allow-cros/#comments
As much as you love your PSP, we suspect that its low graphics definition is starting to bug even the most devoted fans. Sure, you can wait for the almighty NGP, but for the time being, Sony's offering the next best thing for you game connoisseurs: the PSP Remaster series for PlayStation 3. As the name says for itself, Sony will be porting select portable game titles to the PS3 in high-def Blu-ray flavor, and some may even come with new add-on content plus stereoscopic 3D support. But that's not all: gamers will also be able to share game save data between the two platforms, meaning you can pick up where you left off on your preferred device. Pretty neat, though it'll be interesting to see how much Sony and the studios wants to charge for what are essentially the same games you already own. The first PSP Remaster title announced is Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, but this is only heading to Japan at an unknown date -- gamers in other countries will just have to keep squinting at the PSP for now.

Continue reading Sony to remaster select PSP titles for PlayStation 3, allow cross-device continuous gameplay

Sony to remaster select PSP titles for PlayStation 3, allow cross-device continuous gameplay originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dconsolecontinuous game playContinuousGamePlaygamegamingMonster Huntermonster hunter 3monster hunter portable 3rdMonsterHunterMonsterHunter3MonsterHunterPortable3rdPlayStationPlaystation 3playstation portablePlaystation3PlaystationPortableportablePS3PSPPSP RemasterPspRemasterremasterSCESCEISonySony Computer EntertainmentSonyComputerEntertainmentstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dupscaleupscalingvideoMon, 23 May 2011 04:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reportedly tells developers PlayStation Store will return May 24th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-reportedly-tells-developers-playstation-store-will-return-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-reportedly-tells-developers-playstation-store-will-return-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-reportedly-tells-developers-playstation-store-will-return-m/#comments We wouldn't recommend setting aside time to enjoy your "Welcome Back" package just yet, but it looks like we now have our first solid indication of when the PlayStation Store will finally return to PlayStation 3 and PSP users. According to a memo reportedly sent by Sony to its publishing partners and obtained by Gamasutra, the store is set to return on Tuesday, May 24th -- assuming there aren't any more unforeseen hiccups, that is. That will also, of course, bring with it a backlog of new games and other content that should have been released by now, although those will apparently be released in stages over the following weeks, rather than all at once.

Sony reportedly tells developers PlayStation Store will return May 24th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>outageplaystationplaystation 3playstation storePlaystation3PlaystationStoreps3psnpspsonyThu, 19 May 2011 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network restoration spreads across the world (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/15/playstation-network-restoration-spreads-to-europe-and-the-middle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/15/playstation-network-restoration-spreads-to-europe-and-the-middle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/15/playstation-network-restoration-spreads-to-europe-and-the-middle/#comments Now that North America has been thoroughly blanketed in the beautiful green light of a working PlayStation Network, it's time for other countries to sign on too, and the first out of the gate are the United Kingdom, Ireland and unspecified nations in the Middle East. Sony's official PlayStation Europe Twitter account reports that parts of the EMEA are beginning to light up now, and while there's no convenient map for you to monitor the rollout this time around, you can still get updates straight from the source -- follow the Twitter feed at our source link and Sony should let you know when to get your game on.

Update: Looks like it's not just the EMEA, as PSN's spreading across the world -- as of noon PST, it's lighting up the smiles of bereaved gamers and music lovers in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South America as well.

Update 2: We're hearing that the UK, Ireland and the Middle East actually went dark again for a tad, but now they should be up again.

Update 3: Sony's having a bit of difficulty getting millions of passwords reset in such a short time, due to a number of things, including ISPs that are automatically blocking or delaying the huge influx of email password change requests. Give it time, folks.

PlayStation Network restoration spreads across the world (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 May 2011 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EMEAIrelandMiddle EastMiddleEastPlayStation 3PlayStation NetworkPlayStation PortablePlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationPortablePS3PSNPSPSonyUKUnited KingdomUnitedKingdomSun, 15 May 2011 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/#comments Look away now, Kaz, because it looks like this KIRF NGP is on track to beat the real deal to market. Known as the iReadyGo RG on Chinese forum CNGBA, this shameless rip-off is set to be a near-carbon copy of Sony's upcoming console with the same 5-inch touchscreen, though it isn't clear whether this will also be of OLED nature or of identical resolution. Other differences include the missing touchpad on the back, as well as the buttons' color scheme that's no doubt "inspired" by the Xbox 360 controller. The rest of the rumored specs include a 1GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, 720p camera, HDMI-out, and video playback compatibility for MP4, WMV, AVI, and many more. But what's most interesting is that apparently we'll be seeing some Android love here, and indeed, iReadyGo is currently recruiting six senior Android developers. No word on pricing or availability yet, but we'll probably wait for Sony's quad-core offering, thank you very much. Head past the break for a shot of the RG's glossy back.

[Thanks, rrw]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China

Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pA8AndroidChinaCortex-A8fakegaminghandheldhandheld consolehandheld gamingHandheldConsoleHandheldGamingHDMIiReadyGokeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakeKIRFNGPPSPsanzhaishanzhaiSonySony NGPSonyNgpThu, 05 May 2011 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Kaz Hirai addresses PlayStation Network hack, we're liveblogging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/sonys-kaz-hirai-will-address-playstation-network-hack-at-1am-et/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/sonys-kaz-hirai-will-address-playstation-network-hack-at-1am-et/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/01/sonys-kaz-hirai-will-address-playstation-network-hack-at-1am-et/#comments Sony's PlayStation Network has been down for over a week, and it's a royal mess for all involved -- as you've no doubt heard, an external intrusion by unknown hackers compromised the personal information (supposedly including everything but credit card numbers) of potentially millions of users. This morning, Sony VP Kaz Hirai (formerly of the PlayStation division) will address the world from the company's headquarters in Japan, and our friends at Engadget Japanese are on the scene to bring us first-hand details in just a few minutes. Additionally, there appears to be an official livestream that will begin at 1AM ET, so keep it locked right here and potentially find some video at our source link.

Update: We're hearing that Sony's "goodwill gesture" may not be an incredibly significant one -- affected users can expect a free 30-day subscription to PlayStation Plus and a free software download of some sort, while Qriocity customers will get an extra 30 days of service on the house.

Update 2: As many as 10 million credit card numbers may have been exposed, though Sony says it has no proof that any actually have been compromised, and claims that it's received no reports of credit card fraud thus far. It is, however, working with the FBI to investigate the hack.

2:00 JST: The show's begun -- following a little bit of Mozart, Sony has trotted out three solemn-looking executives. More updates after the break.

Continue reading Sony's Kaz Hirai addresses PlayStation Network hack, we're liveblogging

Sony's Kaz Hirai addresses PlayStation Network hack, we're liveblogging originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 May 2011 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newshackhackedhacksKaz HiraiKazHirailiveblogoutagePlayStationPlayStation 3PlayStation NetworkPlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPS3PSNPSPSonyvideoSun, 01 May 2011 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Go to America: I'm not dead (yet)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/psp-go-to-america-im-not-dead-yet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/psp-go-to-america-im-not-dead-yet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/psp-go-to-america-im-not-dead-yet/#commentsPSP Go It looks like proclamations of the PSP Go's demise may have been a bit premature. While it does appear that Japan and Europe are giving up on the downloadable content-only device, Sony of America told our good friends at Joystiq that the UMD-less PSP is still a "go" in North America. Production and sales will continue, presumably until we can get our greasy paws on the NGP this holiday season.

PSP Go to America: I'm not dead (yet) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolediscontinuedend of lineEndOfLinegaminghandheldhandheld consolehandheld gamingHandheldConsoleHandheldGamingmobile gamingMobileGamingplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepsppsp goPspGosonysony pspsony psp goSonyPspSonyPspGoThu, 21 Apr 2011 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: The PSP Go is no more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/confirmed-the-psp-go-is-no-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/confirmed-the-psp-go-is-no-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/confirmed-the-psp-go-is-no-more/#comments The Sony PSP Go is today being reported to have "completed" its production and shipment in Japan, seemingly foreshadowing a worldwide discontinuation of sales. Such is the word from Impress Watch, which cites an official statement from Sony Computer Entertainment that promises support, firmware updates, and repairs for the PSP Go, but no further stock of the handheld. We doubt it'll be missed too much, what with its high price and inability to play UMD games, but if you're afraid this signals a similar demise for the PSP-3000, worry not. Sony has said it'll focus on shifting as many units of that classic device as possible until the NGP strides in and revolutionizes everything.

Confirmed: The PSP Go is no more originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>confirmeddiscontinuedgaminghandheldmobile gamingMobileGamingplaystationportable consolePortableConsolepsppsp goPspGoripscesonysony computer entertainmentSonyComputerEntertainmentWed, 20 Apr 2011 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony said to have stopped PSP Go production, curiously fails to deny it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/sony-said-to-have-stopped-psp-go-production-curiously-fails-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/sony-said-to-have-stopped-psp-go-production-curiously-fails-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/sony-said-to-have-stopped-psp-go-production-curiously-fails-to/#comments Oh, what tangled webs of non-denials we all weave. A Japanese blogger working for an official Sony retail partner has reported intel from the PlayStation maker that production of its PSP Go handheld has been halted. Moreover, the Sony Style Japan online store no longer lists the portable and searching for it provides no results. You can only access its product page via a direct link (provided below), but even that shows it as out of stock. So, what has Sony got to say on the matter to allay fears that its troubled console lives on? Well, demand for "current generation PSPs" will continue to be met, apparently, and the NGP is going be really, really awesome when it launches at the end of the year. Hey, if there's zero demand for the PSP Go and you produce zero PSP Go units, then you are technically matching supply to demand. Well played, Sony, well played.

Sony said to have stopped PSP Go production, curiously fails to deny it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discontinuedend of lineEndOfLinegaminghandheldhandheld consoleHandheldConsolejapanmobile gamingMobileGamingplaystation portablePlaystationPortableproductionpsppsp goPspGorumorsonysony styleSonyStylespeculationTue, 19 Apr 2011 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS and Android continue chipping away at mobile gaming market, consoles remain strong]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/ios-and-android-continue-chipping-away-at-mobile-gaming-market/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/ios-and-android-continue-chipping-away-at-mobile-gaming-market/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/ios-and-android-continue-chipping-away-at-mobile-gaming-market/#comments Let's face it -- smartphones (namely, iOS and Android devices) are slowly chipping away at the portable gaming market. If you recall, Apple took a nice slice of the market-share pie -- and as you'll notice in the picture above, we're seeing the same trend this time around. According to data from Flurry and NPD Group, iOS and Android are earning a sizable chunk of the revenue in the portable gaming software sphere, with the Nintendo DS's dominant market share dropping from 70 percent in 2009 to just 57 percent in 2010 to accommodate the newcomers. We may be seeing the decrease in relative revenue because the PSP and DS are on the way out to make room for the NGP and 3DS -- however, this chart speaks only of the current-gen portables. But hey, it's easy for almost anyone to spend a single buck on a full-fledged game, right? Head past the break for some more videogame revenue stats, if you please.

Continue reading iOS and Android continue chipping away at mobile gaming market, consoles remain strong

iOS and Android continue chipping away at mobile gaming market, consoles remain strong originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanalyticsandroidappledsFlurryFlurryAnalyticsgoogleiosmarket shareMarketSharenintendonpdnpd groupNpdGroupnumbersportable gamingPortableGamingpsprevenuesoftwaresonystatstatisticstatsvideogameMon, 18 Apr 2011 04:35:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS outsold by PSP in Japan, gets dumped for a dating sim]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/3ds-outsold-by-psp-in-japan-gets-dumped-for-a-dating-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/3ds-outsold-by-psp-in-japan-gets-dumped-for-a-dating-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/3ds-outsold-by-psp-in-japan-gets-dumped-for-a-dating-sim/#comments3DS outsold by PSP in Japan, gets dumped for a dating sim When a new console launches you expect it to hit the ground with a big "thwomp" that knocks the competition aside. Nintendo's 3DS, however, has had something of a softer landing. It released in Japan on February 26th and had been positioned high and proud at the top of the sales charts. However, it's already been usurped by the humble PSP, which according to Media Create sold 58,075 units in the week of March 28th to April 3rd. The 3DS, meanwhile, sold 42,979. This is in large part thanks to PSP dating sim Amagami, an old PS2 game that's just been re-released for the portable. It seems nostalgia trumps 3D wizardry again, and with the PSP getting cheaper in Europe this week, the competition is even getting tougher.

3DS outsold by PSP in Japan, gets dumped for a dating sim originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamagamidsjapanmedia createMediaCreatenintendoplaystationplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepspsalessales chartSalesChartsonysuccessFri, 08 Apr 2011 08:21:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP starts streaming Music Unlimited on April 14th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/psp-starts-streaming-music-unlimited-on-april-14th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/psp-starts-streaming-music-unlimited-on-april-14th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/psp-starts-streaming-music-unlimited-on-april-14th/#comments What started as loose-lipped tattle is now official: the PSP will get a taste of Sony's Music Unlimited streaming music service starting on April 14th. The service, tortuously entitled "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" by Sony, requires a PlayStation Network ID to access all that digital audio. Once setup, Sony promises a "synchronized music experience" across your PSP, PS3, PC, and other network-enabled Sony devices like Bravia TVs and Blu-ray players -- a claim backed by a cloud-based catalog of some seven million tracks supported by a "music sync" functionality that will automatically organize your Music Unlimited library after perusing the local files and playlists found in your existing media player (yes, iTunes is supported). Click through the break for the full press release and a good video overview of the service while you ponder the $3.99 basic and $9.99 premium monthly service fees.

Continue reading PSP starts streaming Music Unlimited on April 14th

PSP starts streaming Music Unlimited on April 14th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicmusic streamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicStreamingMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepspqriocitysonystreamingvideoFri, 08 Apr 2011 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service coming to NGP, will hit Xperia Play this year and PSP 'in a matter of weeks']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/sonys-music-unlimited-streaming-service-coming-to-ngp-will-hit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/sonys-music-unlimited-streaming-service-coming-to-ngp-will-hit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/sonys-music-unlimited-streaming-service-coming-to-ngp-will-hit/#comments It may sound patently obvious at this point, but there's still cause to celebrate -- Sony's streaming subscription music service, Music Unlimited, is headed to both the PlayStation Portable and its pair of divergent spiritual successors the Next Generation Portable and Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play. Eurogamer sat down with Sony Network Entertainment VP Shawn Layden, who spread the news readily, confirming that the service would be activated (at least in the UK) on PlayStation Portable "in a matter of weeks." Meanwhile, Android phones including the infamous PlayStation handset will get Music Unlimited "this year," and SNE "will make it happen" on the NGP as well, presumably sometime after the company reveals when its beast of a portable game station will actually come out. All in the name of taking your tunes with you wherever you happen to travel -- a concept that's getting rather popular right now.

Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service coming to NGP, will hit Xperia Play this year and PSP 'in a matter of weeks' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaudiomusicmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocitynext generation portableNextGenerationPortableNGPplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepspQriocityseserviceSonysony ericssonSonyEricssonstreamingstreaming audiostreaming musicStreamingAudioStreamingMusicxperia playXperiaPlayFri, 01 Apr 2011 02:40:00 EST