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You can plug a PS4 into the Xbox One, but Microsoft says you probably shouldn't
Microsoft's Albert Penello confirmed to Gamespot at the Tokyo Game Show that the Xbox One's HDMI input would work with any device, including its rival the PlayStation 4, but that's not the whole story. In a forum post on NeoGAF, Penello expands on the quote by mentioning it "won't be a great experience," citing HDMI latency affecting interactive content, and adds that he indicated as much in his original response to the question. He's still traveling and promised more details later, but it's easy to fill in the blanks on how the console is intended to be used. While it can work as an HDMI passthrough for any device, the process introduces some additional lag. That's fine for audio/video because it will still be in sync, but not so great if you're playing games . The Xbox One is designed for placement between the cable / satellite TV box (assuming owners want to use the overlay features or control with Kinect, and have pay-TV service) and wherever it's going, whether into a receiver or directly into the TV. You can plug anything else into it, like a PS4 or even an Xbox 360, but just because you can doesn't always mean you should.
Chew to reload: Light-gun concept game tries to make eating vegetables fun (video)
The Tokyo Game Show isn't just triple-A console titles and new hardware. Oh no, there's Food Practice Shooter too. It's the work of Takayuki Kosaka from Kanagawa's Institute of Technology, with the noble aim of getting kids to eat more vegetables. How? By making vegetable eating an integral part of a light-gun game. The shooting part is pretty standard: you pull the trigger and shoot the veggie enemies on screen just like any point-and-shoot game you've played in the arcade. However, to reload, you need to pluck one of three vegetable-based snacks from the cups on the surface in front of you. (We'd assume real-life tests would use vibrant, fresh carrot sticks -- these snack substitutes were a little too tasty in their own right). Then you chew. The PC running the concept game connects to a head-set with a distance sensor pointing at your cheek -- you calibrate your chewing before you get into the game itself. As you chew on each snack, it recharges one of three ammo category, whether it's green peppers, tomatoes or carrots. Gnaw faster and you'll recharge more ammo. The game also snaps a brief shot of the player once they've finished reloading -- it's also another opportunity to calibrate the sensor to your (non-masticating) face. Catch our test subject's smile on the high score screen -- you'll find it at the end of our video, which is right after the break.
Microsoft: stand the Xbox One any way you like, as long as it's flat
We're still a couple of months away from the launch of the Xbox One, but if you've already cleared out a welcoming cubbyhole in anticipation, then we hope you've pictured the next-gen console lying down. Speaking with GameSpot at the Tokyo Game Show, top Xbox bod Albert Panello said the One doesn't "support vertical orientation," or: you shouldn't stand it up. Panello explains the console's slot-loading drive simply wasn't designed for operating in that position, and if you're a rebellious type that laughs at the threat of busted hardware, you'll be ignoring official advice "at your own risk."
PlayStation Vita TV seeing 'strong response' outside of Japan, Sony looking into EU / US launch
As if it weren't already expected enough, PlayStation Vita TV is almost certainly headed to territories outside of Japan. "During the presentation yesterday, the European / American users showed a very strong response, more than we expected, and there has been a strong inquiry / request / demand that they want the product," SVP and Division President of Business Division 1 at Sony Computer Entertainment Masayasu Ito told Engadget in an interview today. "Of course we are thinking of launching in the EU and US, but in terms of timing we have to watch the timing and watch the environment carefully," he added. That echoes statements made by Sony, who told us "We are considering every opportunity, but have nothing to announce at this time" a few weeks back. What Ito expanded on, though, was how the system might change before heading to other regions. "If we have to add further services or not. It's not that we have decided, but cloud gaming services, how can we work on that? So we are looking at each of the possible items before launching in Europe or the United States," he told us. Interesting indeed, especially considering the upcoming Gaikai game streaming functionality for PlayStation game consoles. It sounds like the rest of the world won't see Vita TV this year, but rest assured, it's almost certainly on the way. Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
PlayStation 4's SVP explains delayed Japan launch, cites domestic Vita success
The PlayStation 4 launches on November 15th. Well, it does in the US. For Japanese gamers, they're going to have to wait over three months before they're able to buy Sony's next-gen console. But why? A lot of Japanese gamers are not happy, and SCEJA's CEO excused the later launch, saying that the company needed more time to ensure the game selection was up to standard for Japanese audiences. However, it wasn't quite enough to quash complaints from its native fans. In a roundtable interview at TGS 2013 with Sony's SVP of PlayStation hardware, Masayasu Ito explained that in Japan, its portable devices continue to sell well -- in comparison to Europe and the US. Thus, the company decided to launch the PS4 in the west first, where there was already "much more excitement" about next-generation consoles. (It also explains why Sony Computer Entertainment Japan focused on refreshed Vita hardware and the Vita TV before this year's Tokyo Game Show even began). "Until now, we've placed emphasis on the launch titles that are ready for Europe and the US... As I said, in Japan, portable devices are selling very well. So, first and foremost, gaming titles released in Japan would be first for Vita and portables. That's why the PS4 will come later." However, that's not to say that Sony Japan's game studios aren't already at work on PS4 titles: Knack, for example, is being developed in the Land of the Rising Sun. "Our worldwide studios look at worldwide titles rather than directing attention to the Japan-centric titles. So what's being worked on in Japan is not Japanese-specific, but could (also) be applied on a worldwide basis." He added that Japan will see around 19 games at launch, with "continuous titles" appearing after that. As a note, both the US and European PS4s can expect roughly 33 games within a "launch window" that will last until the end of 2013. Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
Sony bringing PS3 titles to Gaikai in 2014, future PS4 owners rejoice
At the Tokyo Game Show today, Shuhei Yoshida announced that Sony will soon launch a library of PlayStation 3 titles via its Gaikai cloud-gaming service. Yoshida also confirmed that the games will be available to play on the PS4 -- as previously rumored -- as well as on the PS Vita and Vita TV. Given that the PlayStation 4 won't natively support PS3 titles when it launches stateside later this year, the cloud-based options should come as a huge relief to those looking to pick up the company's latest console and, you know, have something compelling to play. Look for this service to hit the US in 2014 -- no word yet on when it will launch in Europe. Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
We're live from the Tokyo Game Show 2013!
Tokyo e, yookoso. Well, actually, Japan's biggest gaming show is in Chiba, but we're not going to complain. Sony's already revealed its Vita handheld refresh, the new Vita TV mini-console and more global launch dates for the PlayStation 4, while Microsoft returns after a one-year hiatus, to show off its next-generation console. We've already seen Sony's keynote, but there's still a whole lot of halls to explore. Heck, maybe we'll find out exactly what the next-generation iteration of brain-reading cat ears is. Follow our tgs2013 tag and for even more gaming news, our sister site Joystiq has got you covered. Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
Hands-on with the new PlayStation Vita (update: video!)
Just like the PlayStation Portable before it, the PlayStation Vita comes in iterations. There's the standard, original Vita, and then there's the new, even nicer version. Sony unveiled that new iteration recently at a Japanese event, and we got our first hands-on with it today at Tokyo Game Show 2013. So, what's different? Not too much. As it turns out, it's still a Vita. The good news is that it's a far lighter, more comfy version of the Vita you already know and (maybe) love. Rounded edges make holding the Vita distinctly less abrasive -- the sharper angles on the original Vita were pretty from a design perspective, but not so much from an ergonomic standpoint. The buttons have been rejiggered as well, with a solid click for each (the start / select / PS Home buttons are also all now circles instead of ovals). And hey, the micro-USB port for charging is an unbelievably welcome addition. Gone are the days of your proprietary Vita charging cable (though there's still a port for it as well, should you refuse to change). And that's not the only ergonomic improvement: the new Vita is dramatically lighter than its predecessor, making it all the easier to take on-the-go. We're told that its battery life is also much improved, but we've yet to see that play out in real life, so we'll reserve judgment for now. Update: We've added video just below walking through the new Vita -- please excuse us, as we called the new Vita's LCD screen an LED in the video. Chock it up to jet lag! Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
Sony confirms PS4 gesture and voice control, HDMI capture for games (update)
Looking for more PlayStation 4 news? Here's a bit now that Sony's Tokyo Game Show keynote address is over. A couple of features we'd hoped to hear more about have been confirmed, and the first is that the PS4 camera will support both voice and gesture control. It's no surprise that the system will take full advantage of the add-on's dual cameras and four mics for people who want to wave at their TVs, but it's nice to have that confirmed. Second, in a move that will mostly benefit game reviewers and YouTube video walkthrough experts (thanks for your help on these GTA V missions, all of you), the PlayStation 4 will allow unencrypted HDMI output for games. On the PS3 it didn't, treating games the same as Blu-ray movies, so anyone capturing video in HD needed to use component cables. That's on top of the console's "Share" button that sends clips of gameplay straight to Ustream, Facebook or PSN. Check out our liveblog for everything else discussed tonight including the PS4's mobile apps, indie gaming and Vita TV. Update: Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida tells us via Twitter that HDMI capture on PS4 won't be available at the console's launch this November, but "in the future."
Hands-on with the PlayStation Vita TV, Sony's $100 microconsole (update: video!)
The PlayStation Vita TV is an aberration, but it's also another smart move from a company that's been on the gaming offensive since its February kickoff event for the PlayStation 4. In short, Vita TV is a Vita without a screen, encased in a small white plastic box and meant to plug into your home entertainment system. It plays Vita games, it runs Vita game carts, and it does all the other Vita stuff (media streaming, PSOne games, etc.). The Vita TV's only major difference from the handheld version is that Vita TV streams PlayStation 4 games from within the same WiFi under its "PS4 link" app, while it still goes under the Remote Play moniker on the portable iteration. We didn't get hands-on time with Vita TV at its coming out event in Tokyo last week, but we did today at the Tokyo Game Show. Sadly, though the PS4 streaming was demonstrated on-stage by Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida earlier in the day, we couldn't try it out ourselves. We did get to check out the UI, though, and we spent our time playing UmJammer Lammy (sequel to staff favorite PaRappa the Rapper). Head below for our thoughts on the time we spent with Vita TV.
Sony plans to sell 5 million PlayStation 4 consoles by the end of the fiscal year
Ambition? Sony's got that. The company just announced during its Tokyo Game Show keynote that it plans to sell a solid five million PlayStation 4 consoles by the end of the fiscal year. It's a bold enough goal on its own, but doubly so when one considers the bomb the company dropped last week: the PS4 won't even launch in Japan until February. To put that number into perspective, Nintendo's floundering Wii U only sold slightly more than half of that much during its own launch window. Perhaps a better comparison would be the sales of its own predecessor, the PlayStation 3, which didn't reach the five million mark until almost a year after launch. Although five million is little more than a drop in the pond for the kind of numbers Sony undoubtedly expects to sell over the next several years, it could give the company a competitive edge over its competition. Update: We caught up with Sony's Andrew House after the keynote, who clarified that the five million sales goal was for the fiscal year, ending in March. Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
Live from Sony's Tokyo Game Show 2013 keynote!
We've got a good idea on what Sony's got planned for at least part of its keynote. Some western release dates and prices for the likes of the Vita TV and new Vita are pretty likely, as are more details and games for the incoming PlayStation 4 -- c'mon, it's barely two months away from launch. We'll be offering rolling commentary at the company's Tokyo Game Show keynote, as soon as it starts.
Sony's TGS 2013 keynote is later today, get your liveblog here!
While Sony spilled the beans on the existence of a new Vita handheld and mini-console already, we're still waiting to hear when it'll arrive in countries beyond Asia. The annual Tokyo Game Show is surely the perfect time and place to fill us in on more specifics -- and if there's more to say about the PlayStation 4, we'll be all-ears too. Microsoft might have returned to the show this year, but there's no press event, so the stage is all Sony's. Join us as we follow the announcements in classic Engadget style, because we'll be blogging everything that happens at 10:30am (9:30pm EDT), live from Japan. Check the magic clock below for your timezone of choice, bookmark here for the liveblog and offer up your hopes and dreams for this year's TGS in the comments below. September 18, 2013 9:30:00 PM EDT Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
PlayStation 4 coming to Japan February 22nd, three months after US launch
In addition to a major PS Vita announcement, Sony's ongoing event in Japan has brought some less positive news for the home crowd. Japanese gamers have to wait until February 22nd to get hold of a PlayStation 4 -- three months later than the mid-November PS4 launch in the US. The console will be priced at 41,979 yen (the US price is $399), or 46,179 yen with the PlayStation camera, and Sony will again be offering a first limited edition pack with free games at the same price. When the launch date was announced, the live audience literally groaned with disappointment. Kawano-san, SCEJA's President, explained that the delay was because the company needed time to re-version Western titles for the Japanese audience and ensure a full array of launch titles. However, that's unlikely to allay complaints from Sony's Japanese fan base. Three months is quite a wait. Check out all our Tokyo Game Show 2013 coverage right here at our hub!
New PlayStation Vita coming October 10th: lighter, thinner, more battery life
If the news is big enough for a Sony livestream (and with an English translation, no less), then it's going to be good, right? Sony has announced a new version of its PS Vita, just weeks after announcing a price-drop across both the US and Europe. (Japan was treated to the discount back in February.) The Vita PCH-2000 is 15 percent lighter and 20 percent thinner than the original model and will add an additional hour of life to the battery. The new (WiFi-only) Vita will land in Japan first, on October 10th priced at 18,980 yen (about $190), and Sony isn't yet ready to reveal (or even confirm) availability in other parts of the world. But remember, that price tag is still cheaper than when the original Vita launched, priced at 24,980 yen. Further hardware improvements (alongside pink, black, blue, grey, lime green, and yellow color options) include a micro-USB charger -- like your smartphone -- and 1GB of onboard storage. Interestingly, the screen tech has been changed to LCD from OLED, but we'll have to see it in the flesh before we jump to any conclusions on performance -- that's what is likely responsible for the drop in price. Alongside those colors, Sony's already planned for three special edition models: Gundam Breaker, God Eater (camouflage!) and Otomate. Check out the gallery below and read on past the break for more.
