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Tokyo Game Show 2012 wrap-up: Sony's new PS3, 'Prototype-SR' and assorted gaming peripherals
After a few humid and sweaty days in Tokyo, TGS 2012 is drawing to a close. While the public days continue through the weekend, us media types are headed back to our respective homelands until next September. The lasting impression from the week -- aside from eating massive amounts of gyoza -- will undoubtedly be the news Sony dropped the day before the show started at its own press event. A new, even slimmer PS3 is on the way and two new colors for the PS Vita were outed -- at least for Japan. On the show floor, though, we encountered some peripherals well-suited for other gaming tech like Nintendo's 3DS XL, Xbox 360 and PC rigs. You can peek at those for yourself in the Sony Tokyo Game Show gallery that follows and relive all the action in the wrap-up that lies just beyond the break. Also, don't forget to check out our pals over at Joystiq for more coverage from this week's happenings. %Gallery-166241%
Neurowear wants to read your mind, geotag your feelings (video)
Geotagging your photos? Old hat -- Neurowear wants to geotag your mood. The folks that brought animated cat ears to the human race is now using NeuroSky's brainwave-reading headgear to suss out your emotional state and share it with your friends. We dropped in on the group at Tokyo Game Show to take a look at an early prototype. After strapping a familiar Mindwave mobile headset to this editor's skull, a companion iPhone app sprung to life, reading off relaxation levels and assigning cartoon faces to the user's mood. The reading could then be recorded on a map, tagging how the user felt at a given location and time and allowing them to share that information with their friends. Had a great time at a new coffee shop? Now you can prove it, and encourage your social contacts to join you. It's an interesting idea, but its still a long way from hitting the app store -- the demo we were given was only a concept app, and the geotagging portion of the demonstration was simulated. It may be awhile before you can tweet your feelings directly. Need another way to express yourself? Don't worry -- Nerosky is adding a brainwave controlled tail, dubbed Shippo, to its line of cranium controlled animal parts. Check it out (as well as our quick neurotagging demo) after the break. %Gallery-166239%
Sony's HMZ-T2 3D headset at TGS: gaming at close range (video)
Sony's second generation 3D visor didn't make a big splash back at IFA, but the HMZ-T2 certainly has a pigeonhole at Tokyo's premier gaming event. In addition to the headset's substitutional reality prototype, the standard model stakes claim to almost a fifth of PlayStation's demo area. With all the local buzz, we decided to weigh in on how the $900 headgear shapes up as a gaming display. The answer? Heavily. Out of necessity, the HMZ-T2 crams the majority of its hardware in front of the users eyeballs, bearing most of its weight on the nose. Over extended gaming sessions, we could see this becoming uncomfortable -- and indeed, in our short time with the device we found our neck relaxing, begging to give in to the weight of the device. As silly as hung-head gaming might appear, however, the visual effect certainly does the trick -- creating the illusion of a large 3D television 4-6 feet in front of the user. It didn't add anything to Hot Shots Golf 6 in terms of gameplay or experience, but it certainly comes in a more compact form than a full size television. The fancy headgear could surely be a boon for gamers living in a tight space, but folks with room (and cash) to spare are probably better off with a proper flat screen. On the other hand, visors are way more futuristic looking. Don't believe us? See us get our Geordi La Forge on after the break.
Razer BlackShark gaming headset hands-on (video)
At the end of August, Razer outed a black and green-cloaked version of its BlackShark gaming headset. The original unit first broke from cover just ahead of E3, but on that particular show floor, the aviator-inspired set of cans was sporting the blue and orange hues consistent with its Battlefield 3 branding. Here at TGS, we were able to take a closer look at the version that lacks a game-specific allegiance. The hardware is identical with the lone exception being the new paint scheme. If you're unfamiliar with the BlackShark, the headset does a stellar job of recalling classic pilot units complete with detachable boom mic for use with your PMP of choice. The $120 peripheral also features quite comfy heavily-padded, leather-esque earcups and the same material wraps the headband with a dash of bright green stitching -- all held over from the BF3 model. We weren't able to test the audio quality on the show floor, so until our review unit arrives, consult the gallery below and the video that just past the break for a closer look. %Gallery-166225%
Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL spotted at TGS, we go hands-on (video)
Nintendo is starting to make a habit of quietly releasing products at trade-shows they don't attend. Kyoto's premiere gaming outfit still isn't present on the TGS show floor, but Capcom has once again seen fit to trot out the firm's latest kit: The Circle Pad Pro for 3DS XL. Just like last year's model, this beefy cradle puts the already large 3DS XL outside the realm of pocket-ability, trading the handheld's slim profile for a luxuriously thick grip. Indeed, the fatty accessory makes the console quite comfortable to hold, adding a smooth, slightly contoured back, larger shoulder buttons and, of course, that all important starboard analog pad. The new Circle Pad's bulk is slightly more forgivable for the size of its host device. Yes, the attachment makes the XL a bit more unwieldily, but its supersized form already made it a non-contender for most pants pockets. Sadly, the accessory still sports its predecessor's greatest fault: it blocks the 3DS' cartridge slot. Gamers will have to get used to undocking their console, or else make a habit of buying more downloadable titles. Mum's still the word on pricing and availability, but the accessory was shown with a copy of Monster Hunter 4, which is due out in March of next year. We wouldn't be surprised to see it show up in early spring. Hungry for more? Check out our gallery below for an eyeful, or peek past the break for quick video overview. %Gallery-166218%
Of PlayStation Vita owners, 'almost all' own PlayStation 3 as well
Sony isn't sharing exact numbers, but Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles John Koller teased that "almost all" PlayStation Vita owners are also PlayStation 3 owners. We were discussing the potential crossover between Vita and PS3 -- the obvious comparison to Nintendo's latest offering, the Wii U, and its tablet controller. The Vita and the PS3 are capable of producing similar functionality, and, if anything, with higher fidelity, as the Vita is a standalone console. Koller says Sony invites the comparison. "We tell our PlayStation fans all the time that what the Wii U is offering is something that Vita and PS3 can do quite easily," he says. It's not just about the functionality, however, it's about whether implementing that functionality makes any sense. "It's dependent on the content. So we need to make sure the content isn't force fed. And, to us, making sure that the gamer receives the right type of experience is what's most important. So we're gonna pick our spots, but that technology does certainly exist here." It wouldn't be hard to imagine Sony bundling the Vita and its new PS3 model together for holiday sales, pushing up against this holiday's Wii U launch. Koller says not just yet, though. "As we look at the lineup, there are gonna be some opportunities to do that. Whether we want to bundle the hardware together remains to be seen," he explains. It sounds like we'll be hearing more on that front in the future, as "retails asks for it all the time," Koller says. For now, however, he's happy knowing that the vast majority of Vita owners are already prepared for cross-functionality between the two consoles. "In the meantime, you look at the Vita consumer and a very high percentage -- almost all of them -- own a PS3. So you see that crossover works."
Sony explains missing PlayStation 3 price drop on old models, EU exclusivity of Flash memory version
Call it the "SuperSlim," the "Ultrasvelte," or the "LipoStation 3" -- just as long as "it stays positive," says Sony Computer Entertainment America VP of marketing, handhelds and home consoles John Koller. The new, even thinner version of the PlayStation 3 doesn't have a new name to distinguish itself from the myriad other PS3 models. Like Apple's third iPad iteration, the third iteration of the PlayStation 3 is simply, "The PlayStation 3." And like the second PS3 console, Koller says the new model is Sony's new standard, with previous models going the way of the Puerto Rican shrew (poor little guy is totally extinct). The new PS3 comes in two models for North America, 250GB and 500GB, which Koller says is a result of North American consumers being more "digitally inclined" than other territories. "We have to provide the hard drive size and the opportunity for them to be able to, out of the box, utilize that content," he argues. But this philosophy may be flawed -- one of Sony's main competitors, Nintendo, is applying the same logic to its Wii U, albeit with starkly different results. Nintendo argues that it doesn't want to pass the rapidly declining cost of memory on to the consumer, so you'll be able to attach any form of external memory to its console. That functionality also exists in the PS3 -- Flash memory via USB or a full-on internal HDD replacement -- but Koller says consumers are more inclined to purchase additional consoles rather than replacing internal storage. "When you look at some of the earlier chassis, and the really early adopters -- the 20GB, and the 60GB -- that consumer had a choice. They could either go out and buy another hard drive -- and it's an easy install, so we make it easy for the consumer if they want to take a hard drive off the shelf and plug it in, they can do that. They had a choice of doing that, or purchasing another PlayStation 3. And what's been happening is we're seeing a lot of adoption of second consoles in-house," Koller says. That philosophy is why Europe's the only territory getting a 12GB Flash-based PlayStation 3. Sure, consumers can expand the system's memory with Flash -- the new model allows for internal memory expansion as well, except for the 12GB version -- but that doesn't line up with SCEA's goals in its territory. "The smaller Flash drive isn't coming to North America, and a lot of that reason is the digital consumer," Koller says. "We really want to make sure, out of the box, that there is an option for them to be able to download that content. That is really critical for us, very very important."%Gallery-165870%
Sony 'Prototype-SR' spotted at TGS 2012: the HMZ-T2 tacks on a camera, plays with user perception (video)
Remember the Sony HMZ-T2 3D head-mounted display that we tried on back at IFA? Well, it's being prominently featured here at TGS, too. Tucked away at a smaller, much more modest booth around the corner, however, is something a smidge more interesting. Kept behind glass and a safe distance away from our grubby mitts and sweaty foreheads resides the "Prototype-SR" (Substitutional Reality) that was outed on YouTube last week. Essentially, the unit appears to be the HMZ-T2 with a front-mounted camera for head tracking and camera functionality -- the sort of thing that will provide what's being called a 360-degree immersive entertainment experience. From what we can tell from the booth monitors, the unit displays 3D video overlaid in real space for the person wearing the device. Details are scarce and extremely limited demos were available in an apparent lottery (no luck here). You can rest assured that if we're able to snag one, though, we'll be sure to offer up some impressions. For now, take a look at the camera-wielding set of hi-tech goggles in the gallery below and the aforementioned video awaits just past the break.
Razer's customizable fight stick returns to TGS for final beta, is still nameless (video)
Remember that disassembly friendly, unnamed Xbox 360 arcade stick Razer trotted out at TGS last year? It's back, and while it hasn't gained any traction in the moniker category, it's received a few notable hardware tweaks. Razer's TGS team told us the stick has been through a total of thirteen revisions since it entered closed beta last year, and is now entering its final beta before production. Leveraging feedback from over 200 enthusiasts, Razer has made a number of tweaks to the controller, including alternative joystick tops, an included miniature screwdriver and a honeycomb screw-mount bottom so modders can install custom PCBs. The new unit also wears an acrylic cover, allowing perspective buyers to swap Razer's default artwork for a custom inlay. Just like last year, this unit features Sanwa Denshi components -- but picky players will be able to swap them out for their preferred parts without fear of voiding their warranty. Razer couldn't tell us how long the final beta phase would last, and only said that the stick would be released once it was "perfect." Our host did hazard a guess, however, that it would be out by early next year. Want to see more? Relive our TGS booth visit after the break.
Turtle Beach Ear Force NLa and N11 stereo Wii U headsets hands-on (video)
Nintendo may be MIA at TGS this year (as usual), but that hasn't stopped Turtle Beach -- it brought a pair of Wii U headsets to the show anyway. We dropped by the outfit's booth to take a peek, finding seemingly empty boxes in lieu of product. Turns out they weren't so empty -- the Ear Force N11 and NLa headsets are so lightweight, we didn't even notice they were there. After a brief unboxing, this editor wrapped each set around his head, finding the headband tension of both the over-ear N11 and the on-ear NLa to be just as light as the accessories themselves, squeezing my skull with only the gentlest of pressure. The sets' earmuffs seemed built for comfort as well, soft, and not the least bit irritating. Staff on hand told us that the internals weren't quite final, but sound quality aside, we could easily see settling in with either of these products for a long, comfortable gaming session. Both sets arrive later this year -- $35 for the white, on-ear Ear Force NLa cans, and $50 for its black over-ear cousin. See our impressions for yourself in the video after the break.
Sony PlayStation Vita Sapphire Blue hands-on (video)
After breaking from cover at yesterday's pre-TGS presser, the two new PlayStation Vita color variants have gotten cozy at the Sony booth on the show floor. Unlike the quick photo opp that we snagged a few hours ago, we were able to actually fondle the "sapphire blue" model in all its metallic-hued glory. Speaking of shiny exteriors, both the blue and red schemes feature a bit of sparkle along with the slathering of new paint. The duo look quite glittery, giving the two some added flair over the regular ol' black and white versions in addition to the color change. The hardware is the same as the existing models and the key difference is strictly visual. As you can see in the gallery below, the backsides of these Vitas is also covered with the same shimmering color as their facades. The pair will arrive in Japan in November and we're keeping a close watch on availability elsewhere.
Sony's PlayStation Vita gets a blue and red-hued makeover, we take a closer look (eyes-on)
After the new PS3s had their moment in the spotlight at Sony's pre-TGS press event, the company also announced color variants for the PS Vita. We weren't able to fondle the pair just yet, the key difference is quite obvious: "cosmic red" and "sapphire blue" exteriors. Both of the new models share the same glossy coating as the original model, so they're sure to attract your fingerprints. These two round out the paint schemes at four when you include the "crystal white" version that's already been unveiled. While we snag a spot in line for a hands-on at the Sony booth, take a peek at the gallery that follows for a quick look at the duo.%Gallery-165877%
Sony PlayStation 3 (2012) up close and personal (eyes-on)
Just after their pre-TGS announcement, we were able to snag a closer look at Sony's new slimmed-down PlayStation 3 consoles. While we weren't able to put our grubby mitts on the pair, we did get a peek at some of the exterior differences. Aside from the obvious color variations (at least in the white model that's definitely headed for Japan), the first change that immediately jumps out is the absence of the visible disc slot on the console's front. We surmise that discs now load via a sliding tray mechanism of some sort -- a feature that we'll definitely take a closer look at when we grab a full hands-on on the show floor. There's also a grooved design up top, which makes a departure from the smooth casing from the previous models. From the display we took a gander at, an attachable base is included to secure the unit when used vertically. Want a closer look for yourself? Dive in to the gallery below to do just that. %Gallery-165865%
Sharp and Fujitsu join PlayStation Certified program, PS Mobile SDK available this November
Move over HTC -- both Sharp and Fujitsu are joining Sony's PlayStation Certified program, allowing games in the PlayStation Mobile marketplace to be purchased and played on various portable devices from the two hardware manufacturers. In Fujitsu's case, its ARROW series of smartphones and tablets will carry the PlayStation Mobile titles, while Sharp isn't getting specific just yet. Beyond the partnership announcement, Sony's PlayStation Mobile SDK comes out of beta this November and becomes available for any developer. Licences cost $100/year, and the SDK becomes available on a region-by-region basis starting with Japan, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, allowing for cross platform development on PlayStation Certified devices and the Vita. Update: The PlayStation Mobile store will launch on October 3rd in nine countries, including Japan, the US, Canada and the UK, carrying 30 titles on the opening day, with more coming as they roll off the production line.
PS Vita and PS3 cross-buy: more discounts, less freebies
Sony's PS3 / Vita cross-buy program might not be as simple as "buy one, get one" after all. Taking the stage at its pre-TGS press event, Sony announced a new Hot Shots Golf game as one of the program's first adopters -- citing a price reduction, rather then a free game, for users who pick up either the PS3 / Vita version of the title. In contrast, Sony stated at Gamescom that buyers of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault would receive a second copy of the game for free upon purchase, indicating that cross-buy discounts may vary from title to title. Remember kids: just because you bought it once, doesn't mean you won't have to buy it again.
Sony's PlayStation Portable dropping by ¥3,000 to ¥13,800
Just because Sony's focus during the Tokyo Game Show is on its two newest consoles, the Vita and the PlayStation 3, doesn't mean the company's forgotten about the PlayStation Portable. During its press conference this evening, Sony dropped ¥3,000 (about $40) from the ¥16,800 (about $215) base price of the PSP in Japan, putting the console at ¥13,800 (about $176). It's unclear if any price drop will affect North American or European consumers, but we'll update as we find out more.
Sony announces Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue PlayStation Vita variants, arriving in Japan November 15th
If Sony's handheld wonder lacks the visual pop your discerning sense of style craves, you're in luck: the Vita's getting a new look. Sony teased a rainbow of colorful handhelds at TGS last year, but opted to launch the handheld in a classic black facade and added a white version back at E3 that is slated for October. Now, the outfit has revealed two new options: "cosmic red" and "sapphire blue." The details on pricing and availability are still coming in, but the pair will hit shelves in Japan on November 15th. In the meantime we'll offer details for US and Europe as soon as they become available.%Gallery-165866% Sean Buckley contributed to this report.
PlayStation Plus added to Vita this November, existing users already in
PlayStation Vita owners will get access this November to the promised PlayStation Plus program, previously exclusive to Sony's PlayStation 3 console. Like on PS3, Vita PS Plus subscribers will get "free games, receive discounts for select titles, and enjoy other benefits unique to the service." Sony detailed some of those unique benefits on its US blog, including "Instant Game Collection" (free games), "Discounts" (um ... discounts), "Online Game Storage" (1GB of cloud storage for game saves and DLC), "Automatic Updates" (auto-start and download/install of game demos and updates), and "Automatic Trophy sync" (which syncs your earned Trophies to PSN). In so many words, it's exactly what you get on the PS3, but on the Vita. When it launches this November, it'll come in a few pricing options: 90 days for $18 or one year for $50 (30 day subs are locked to Asia). Folks who already have subscriptions on the PS3 will get PlayStation Plus on Vita included in their existing subscription, which seems perfectly swell if you ask us.
Sony announces a slimmer PlayStation 3, 250GB bundle launches September 25th for $269
A few years ago, Sony pulled the curtain back on a slimmed-down version of its PlayStation 3, and yet another Japan-only version since then. Today at the company's pre-Tokyo Game Show press event, the latest rumored redesign to the PS3 was announced. The new duo gets even smaller in stature and will arrive in stores with both black and white offerings, available in 250GB and 500GB models. The "charcoal black" option has a September 25th launch date for the 250GB bundle (with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception "Game of the Year Edition") and a $269.99 price tag, while the "classic white" model arrives on November 22 (at least in Japan -- this is a TGS presser after all). For those looking for more storage space, the 500GB, charcoal-only option will be available on October 30th in conjunction with the Assassin's Creed III release -- no word on pricing just yet, though. Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House introduced the new model, calling it 50 percent smaller than the original (rather large) PS3, and 25 percent smaller than the previous slimmed-down version. Sean Buckley and Ben Gilbert contributed to this report. %Gallery-165870% %Gallery-165860% %Gallery-165859%
We're live from Tokyo Game Show 2012 in Tokyo, Japan!
This week Japan's capital city welcomes gamers from around the globe for some show and tell with the country's finest at TGS. As for us, we're particularly anxious to see what Sony may have in store. Will we see another PS3 redesign? Perhaps some buzz about it's next-gen console? Will we see some energized color options for the PS Vita? We're eager to find out. Worried you're too far away to be in the loop with the happenings here? Fret not! We've got you covered on all of the proceedings at Makuhari Messe, so keep your peepers locked here for all of the latest news over the next few days. Sean Buckley contributed to this report.
