tgs-2012
Latest
Team Ninja reveals Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus headed to PS Vita
At a private event in Tokyo, Team Ninja head Yosuke Hayashi announced that Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus will be coming to PlayStation Vita in early 2013. Hayashi didn't reveal further details, though it stands to reason it will receive the same treatment that the original Ninja Gaiden Sigma received on the Vita via Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus, which was released earlier this year.
Redesigned PS3 caught on camera, up close and personal
After Sony's Tokyo Game Show 2012 press conference, our compadres at Engadget got lots of close-up shots of the re-redesigned PlayStation 3 hardware. While they weren't able to get hands on the unit, it appears that the disc-tray now operates on a sliding mechanism. Furthermore, the newer, slimmer unit seems to come with a stand to stabilize the console in the vertical position.Head over to Engadget for lots of pictures.
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%
God Eater 2 dines with Vita and PSP in 2013
Namco Bandai is planning a simultaneous PlayStation Vita and PSP debut for God Eater 2, a sequel that promises faster, more strategic battles and even larger divine delicacies (see: huge monsters) than before.The action RPG will feature mixed-system ad hoc multiplayer (we're still trying to confirm online capabilities) and the same content across both versions, though the PlayStation Vita will enable superior graphics. God Eater 2 is expected in Japan sometime during 2013. The previous game, dubbed God Eater Burst in America and Europe, was released in 2011.
Tecmo Koei reveals dark fantasy action game 'Toukiden' for Vita, PSP
Tecmo Koei has revealed a new way to feed your lust for demonic blood: a dark fantasy, samurai action title dubbed Toukiden for the PlayStation Vita and PSP.Developed by Omega Force, the team behind the Warriors franchise, Toukiden will launch sometime in 2013. The new game will have some cross-platform play between both handheld devices.Toukiden was revealed during Sony's TGS 2012 keynote with a brief trailer, which a female protagonist slicing giant spiders and ogres in a feudal Japan-style setting – which leads us to believe it's based on a true story.
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.
Live from Sony's TGS 2012 press conference [update: it's over]
We're live at Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference, which is currently underway. Head past the break for the latest.
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.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade takes a stab at PS Vita
Vanillaware's Wii action game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, is being ported to the PS Vita. The new edition will be available on March 28, 2013 and be further bolstered by DLC, Sony said during its TGS 2012 press conference.The PS Vita port has only been confirmed for Japan so far, but we expect plenty of people are interested in revisiting or becoming acquainted with this overlooked gem.
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.
Vita getting Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue models in Japan
Sony Japan has announced the upcoming launch of two brightly colored PlayStation Vita models, just as an overworked store clerk completes his striking, beautifully binary wall of alternating black and white units. (Don't worry, he's still better off than the guy with the watermelon stand in a car chase.)As of November 15th, checkered retail shelves in Japan will have to make way for the Vita's "Cosmic Red" and "Sapphire Blue" models. In the meantime, we'll be sure to let you know if we hear about this pair coming to the US or Europe.%Gallery-165876%
PlayStation Store for PS Mobile opens its virtual doors on Oct. 3
PlayStation Mobile users, you may have just felt a brief phantom tug at your wallet. That's because Sony just announced the PlayStation Store for PlayStation Mobile is coming on October 3.The first countries allowed to access PlayStation Mobile content through the PlayStation Store are Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia. At launch on October 3, there will be 30 games available for download on PlayStation Certified Mobile devices.In addition to the news of new e-commerce avenues, Sony says the PlayStation Mobile SDK will be rolling out to wannabe mobile developers in November at the cost of $99.99 annually. PlayStation Mobile arose from the ashes of PlayStation Suite, and adds two new hardware partners to the PlayStation Mobile Certified License program today: Fujitsu and Sharp.[Note: Image taken from Sony's E3 2012 keynote.]
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.
PlayStation Plus comes to PS Vita in November [update]
During Sony's TGS keynote, Sony Computer Entertainment president Andrew House revealed that PS Plus would launch on the PS Vita this November. The service will be available to PS Vita owners for 500 yen per month in Japan or $17.99 every three months in the US; $49.99 for the year.Update: A press release from Sony confirms existing PS Plus subscribers on PS3 will get PS Vita membership gratis and new PS Plus subscribers on PS Vita will be able to access the PS3 bonuses. In addition to the savings, PS Plus members on Vita can send their saved game data to the cloud – 1GB total for PS3 saves and 1GB total for PS Vita saves.
PlayStation 3 redesigned again, launching Sept. 25 [updated with US date and price]
Update: The slimmer 250GB PS3 model (in black) will be available in the U.S. on September 25 for $269, bundled with the "Game of the Year" edition of Uncharted 3 and a voucher for $30 worth of content in the free-to-play shooter Dust 514, according to the PlayStation Blog. A non-bundled version of the new 250GB console will be priced at $249 eventually; however, a Sony press release notes that only bundles "will become available at launch timing." The 500GB model will launch for $299 on October 30. The blog also revealed a special, limited edition Assassin's Creed 3 bundle was in the works, but did not announce price. In a press release, Sony noted that Japan will get the white model and that "other regions and countries will follow." Europe and Hong Kong will also get their hands on a 12GB flash memory console on October 4, priced at €229 ($296). A 500GB unit with FIFA 13 will be available for €299 ($389). Original Story: The PlayStation 3 is just a little addicted to plastic surgery, as Sony just announced at Tokyo Game Show the second major revision of the console. The latest model is available in two flavors: 500GB and 250GB models in "Charcoal Black" and a 250GB system in "Classic White." The black model launches on October 4, while the white model hits on November 22. The black and white 250GB unit will retail for 24,980 yen ($317.61). The new model is a 50% size reduction vs. original PS3, and 25% vs. the previous slim model. We hope to get a closer look at the new console after the conference to identify other changes made to the system. The new model has been rumored since July, with further rumors speculating the console revision skipped an intended Gamescom debut due to there being too many boxes of the old console still in the marketplace. %Gallery-165879%
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.
Team Ninja set to announce new console game at Tokyo Game Show
Team Ninja will announce a new game at this week's Tokyo Game Show. Posting on Twitter, Team Ninja notes the announcement of Dead or Alive 5 at last year's event, and the Tecmo subsidiary wants to repeat that with a newly announced console title this year. Team Ninja is currently developing Dead or Alive 5 and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge. The only Team Ninja release that's not a DoA or Ninja Gaiden entry remains Metroid: Other M.Joystiq is in Tokyo this week, ready to report whatever this may be and every other piece of juicy news from the Makuhari Messe convention center. Japan's headline gaming event kicks off on Thursday, September 20, running through to Sunday, September 23.
