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Sony celebrates PS3 success at GDC, 41 million sold worldwide
It's tough to get solid numbers out of Sony for hardware sales, usually they're cloaked behind a vague "shipped" figure, but at GDC this week the company gave us one rather impressive number: 41 million. That's the number of PS3 consoles the company says it has sold worldwide, and over 80 percent are sucking down data from ye olde internet. Confirming the moneymaking trend we heard about last month, in 2010 the PlayStation store saw a 60 percent boost in traffic and a 70 percent boost in revenue from a total of 70 million PSN accounts. Let's see... 70 million PSN user accounts, 41 million PS3 consoles, 80 percent of which are online -- that means almost everyone has one account for gaming and a second for griefing. Sounds about right.
Exclusive: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (PlayStation Phone) preview
Oh yes. After all the unbearable teasing since we unveiled the first ever photos of the PlayStation Phone, we've finally managed to get hold of the real deal for an in-depth preview. Honestly, we couldn't wait any longer with this thing floating around in China; we'd otherwise have to wait until MWC, where we expect the phone to be launched as the "Xperia Play" (and we shall refer to this name henceforth). Before you pop the cork for us, do bear in mind that what we're seeing here is subject to changes, so don't be alarmed by any missing features or exposed cables in our preview. When you're ready, head right past the break to find out what Sony Ericsson's cooking up. %Gallery-115003%
PS3 firmware 3.15 to add PSP Mini support, simplified console migration
Didn't the PS3 just get a firmware update? Something about posting all your hard-earned trophies onto your Facebook page? Yes, that sounds right. If you thought that was a big deal, wait 'til you get a load of this: According to the European PlayStation blog, yet another firmware update is imminent. And this one is pretty sweet -- seems that not only will console owners now be able to play PSP Minis, but if you've already bought a Mini for your portable and wish to play it on your PS3, you'll be able to download it to your console for free. Also included in the 3.15 update is a simplified utility for transferring data from one PS3 to another. Pretty great, right? Gamers, be sure to hit the source link for the deets.
Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store
Over in beautiful Cologne, Germany, Sony has just confirmed what we've suspected for months now. Exclusive to the PSN Store, loyal Sony gamers will soon have access to a new segment of titles, ones that'll be available anytime and anywhere that there's an internet connection. The 100MB (or less) selections -- which are being officially called Minis -- are designed to take advantage of the "smaller development cost on the PSP," and if all goes well, we'll see 15 games (such as Tetris, Hero of Sparta, MiniGore and Fieldrunners) launching on October 1st. There's been no mention yet of how expensive these "snackable" apps / games will be, but we're holding Sony to its promise of 50 by the end of 2009.Update: Press release after the break.
Sony working on a PSP non-game app store?
Now that Sony's committed itself to downloadable games with the PSP Go, it's only natural to wonder where that strategy might lead -- and the hot buzz says there's an "app store" of sorts due in August at Gamescom. The new section of the Playstation Store will supposedly impose a 100MB limit on content and set prices in the $2 - $6 range, but otherwise have no restrictions, meaning devs will be free -- and even encouraged -- to code up non-game apps as well. Of course, you'll still be able to snag other PSP titles from the other parts of the store, but if this actually happens it'll be interesting to see if Sony can channel some of the energy from the vibrant PSP homebrew scene into a more legit distribution channel. We'll keep an eye out.[Via Joystiq]
Sony bringing original HD short films to European PSN this month
Hancock may not see it's first run on the PlayStation Store, but Sony Europe's Shoot! project lined up six Hollywood producers to make a short film (in high definition, naturally) that "captures the essence of PlayStation." Jerry Bruckheimer's on the list, with PS3 & PSP formatted versions of the films due to hit the PS Store for free November 13, before hitting the film festival circuit. No word whether they'll be available outside the Euro store, but if the essence of PlayStation involves an attractive young crime scene investigator running fingerprints through a suspiciously user-friendly database while trance music pulses in the background, then we've seen at least one of them already.
Sony pushes out firmware 5.0 for PSP
"Soon-ish" has turned to "now-ish." PSP owners eager to get their minds into the PlayStation Network (and thus, the PS Store) right on their handheld can now do so... right after they suck down the freshly released firmware 5.0, of course. Aside from the obvious changes, the PlayStation format software can now be output in full-screen size on a connected device, the sleep timer feature can now be used under [Music], the system automatically reverts to USB mode when a USB cable is connected and the [Original] theme has been redesigned. Get it while the gettin's good.
Video: PSP surfs over to PlayStation Store via firmware 5.0
Good news, PSP fans -- the PlayStation Store is closer than ever to hitting your handheld, and we've got the video to prove it. Sony has hosted up a clip to give us all a better idea of what firmware 5.0 has in store for the PSP, and while there aren't any real surprises, it's always good to get a sneak peek. We're told that users will soon be able to create an account and access the PlayStation Network right on the PlayStation Portable, and the PS Store access is the same as on the PS3. Enough chatter -- give the video a look in the read link.
Puzzle Quest and expansion puzzling PSN this winter
For PS3 owners somehow unacquainted with Puzzle Quest, we suggest stocking up on antibiotics and extra time. D3Publisher has revealed plans to bring not only the original Puzzle Quest but also its recent fan-named expansion, Revenge of the Plague Lord, to the PlayStation Store this winter, a move that according to our calculations will make it scientifically impossible not to have lost sleep playing the puzzle-RPG hybrid.Both titles will be released as a single purchase and download, though the publisher has not announced how much the time sink combo will cost. We're currently waiting to hear back from our man on the street, who's diligently checking the alleys to see how much a twofer of digital crack goes for these days, anyway. [Via PS3F]
PSP nabbing PlayStation Store this fall, online multiplayer over PS3
Evidently fearing some outbreak of freedom and excitement, Sony has notoriously guarded its PSP's WiFi access closely, adding features such as Remote Play at a snail's pace, and keeping such obvious adds as "ad-hoc" over the internet at bay. But no longer(ish). Sony is bringing ad-hoc online multiplayer to the PSP this fall, with a firmware update to allow the portable to network over the PS3. You'll also be able to get social during gameplay, with text and voice chat in the new online mode. Additionally, the PSP is finally barging on to the PlayStation Store via WiFi, and Sony's going to kick things off with a free downloadable game, "Mainichi Issyo Portable." The best news is that this is compatible with all three PSP generations, so just because you can't afford The Screen of Awesomeness doesn't mean you're out in the cold. [Via Joystiq]
HD movies featuring stereo sound in PlayStation Video Store
Though we suspect this is totally normal judging by the fact that not all HD flicks available via Apple TV have 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound, it is a wee bit disappointing. One particular tipster wrote in to express his frustration with Sony's recently launched PlayStation Video Store, noting that his HD movie rental featured only stereo sound. When contacting Sony on the matter, a Store specialist informed him that no refunds were allowed and there was no way to determine how audio was packaged prior to downloading. So yeah, if multi-channel audio is paramount, you may want to think twice about emptying your wallet in the PS Store.
A photographic ride through the new PlayStation Store
Those of you who didn't stay up late last night and check out the new PlayStation Store on your own now have nowhere to go. Stuck inside your cube with no early lunch, no way to slip out at 3:00 -- nada. Thankfully, the crew over at PS3 Fanboy has the goods to satisfy your appetite until you get home. Tap the read link for a gallery of hands-on shots, and chime in below with your likes / dislikes once you've had a chance to meander around yourself.
PlayStation video download service is live
The long delay until Sony launched its video download service (actually more like a few hours), is over. HD and SD rentals, and SD purchases from an assortment of movie studios is now available in the Playstation Store by selecting the video button at the top left. Need to know what's available in your region but aren't near your PS3? Check out the website for a list of what awaits.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
PSN reaches a million accounts in Japan
While most of us here in the States continue to try to wipe the sleep from our eyes after a long Memorial Day weekend, Sony's Japanese arm has announced that the PlayStation Network has seen its one millionth user account created in Japan. The company adds that the service, which first went live in the region November 2006, is used by nearly 400,000 players each month.The celebrate the achievement, SCEJ is offering up a thousand ¥1,000 PSN promotional tickets to use online, meaning if you happen to have access to a Japanese PSN account you have until June 9 to throw your virtual hat into the ring for a freebie.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
European PC Store PlayStation Day 2008 update
Today is a special day. Over in Europe, a celebration is underway: PlayStation Day 2008. Our very own Jem Alexander is at the London event and you can read up on the live coverage over at PS3 Fanboy. While Jem brings you all the juicy SCEE news, you can celebrate in your own way. In honor of today's festivities, the European PC Store is getting a special update:Playable content: Street Skater PS1 game (£3.49) Trailers: Secret Agent Clank (free) Okay, that's not really much of an update. It's a nice thought, though -- especially with the regular update still on the way this Thursday. If you've got a PS3, you might want to check out the PS3 PlayStation Store update, too. It's way better than this.
European PSN Store PlayStation Day 2008 update
So PlayStation Day 2008 is here and that promised update has arrived as well. Well, not entirely. There have been a few modifications from what was noted last week. There's no Blast Factor Advanced Research add-on, but we do get an extra trailer for MotorStorm Pacific Rift and a special compilation video for PS Day. Playable content: Condemned 2 demo (free) Haze demo (free) Blast Factor Advanced full game (£4.99) High Velocity Bowling full game (£4.99) Street Skater PS1 game (£3.49) Add-on content: High Velocity Bowling Character - Mike (£0.69) Trailers: Buzz! Quiz TV (free) Secret Agent Clank (free) Siren Blood Curse (free) MotorStorm Pacific Rift (free) PLAYSTATION Network PS Day Showcase (free) It also looks like Siren: New Translation has a "new translation" for its western release. It's now dubbed Siren Blood Curse. Also, check out the PC Store's update, if you've got a PSP.
Latest images of 1942: Joint Strike
Click for high-resolution image. We already have a healthy number of shooter titles ready for download off the PlayStation Store; however, there's still a lack of vert-scrolling shooters. 1942: Joint Strike, a remake of a Capcom classic, will hopefully revive an interest in this offshoot sub-genre. If this sort of title sparks curiosity inside of you, then make sure to check out the gallery to see more about the game. 1942: Joint Strike is expected to fly out sometime this Summer 2008.%Gallery-21210%
PS3 firmware v2.30 is out: new PS Store and DTS-HD MA now yours for the taking
It's April 15th which means one thing: taxes PS3 firmware 2.30 is due. Right on cue, Sony made good on the new PlayStation Store and DTS-HD Master Audio sound reproduction sure to make audiophile-types lean in for a listen. The Store is acting a bit sluggish at the moment, something that's likely to get sorted once the rolling update is completed. Nevertheless, users are claiming easier navigation and richer experience. So whatcha looking at -- get out of here kid, there's on-line updating to be done.[Thanks, Paul R., Nathan, and everyone who sent this in]
PS3 firmware v2.30 walkthrough: DTS-HD MA support / new PS Store included
Oh sweet mercy, what have we here? A sneak peek (on video) of the looming PlayStation Store revamp and a confirmation of DTS-HD Master Audio output in the next PS3 firmware update, that's what. Over on the PlayStation Blog, we're casually walked through the impending v2.30 update, and just as we had heard, Blu-ray fans can shout in unison as the inclusion of their favorite audio codec (as well as DTS-HD High Resolution Audio) is just days away. Word on the street has v2.30 headed down the pipes on April 15th, and if you're eager to catch a glimpse of some more stills from the made-over PS Store, head on over to Joystiq. Read - PlayStation 3 firmware v2.30 walkthrough video Read - Revamped PlayStation Store imagesRead - DTS' own confirmation of the good news (Thanks, sTeViO!)
UMD-nied: Echochrome PSP goes download-only in NA
At last, the PSP version of Sony's Escher-esque puzzler, Echochrome, is no longer "up in the air" for the North American market. When it comes down to earth, however, it'll strictly be in the form of a digital download. Newsweek's N'Gai Croal confirms that the game will only be available through the PlayStation Network store, thereby ruling out a retail-bound UMD like that released in Japan. The PSP version will come with 56 unique levels, a number roughly in line with the (PSN-only) PlayStation 3 version. So, what about those 100 levels on the Japanese Echochrome UMD? For now, it looks like they'll only be obtainable if you import the game. Echochrome is out in North America this May.
