While the PS Vita has yet to grace Japanese store shelves, it would seem hackers are already poking around Sony’s new hardware. SKFU – a name you may recognize from the early days of PS3 hacking scene has released a firmware extractor for system software version 00.945.040. Judging from the version string, it seems likely this is a development build […]
Sony is launching a currently Japan-only initiative dubbed UMD Passport that will allow existing UMD owners to purchase digital conversions of titles they already own at a discount for PS Vita. Previously, the idea was merely being considered, but now it’s official. How does it work? The program, which is run on a PSP — presumably for verification purposes, prompts […]
Sony Computer Entertainment is busy ramping up support for its cross-platform framework PlayStation Store in November, announcing an closed beta test open exclusively to developers. Entry into the closed beta test is limited, with sign-ups now accepted on Sony’s official site. Subject to license agreement, developers will receive an early version of the PS Suite SDK (software development kit), along […]
PS Vita owners will be able to purchase and download hits from the PSP’s backcatalog — possibly at a discount price if you own the UMD. What’s still up in the air is whether save data between the two portables will transfer over. To that end, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has said it is ‘looking into’ save data transfer, further […]
Given the franchise’s sterling reputation and cult following, you’d think a localized rendition of Valkyria Chronicles 3 would be a lock. Not so, says Sega. The dismal news comes from Sega console sales manager Hiroshi Seno, who told GameSpot that the title would not see a release in the US or Europe due to the dwindling popularity of PSP in both […]
The impending release of PS Vita will continue the trend of import-friendly Sony gaming devices. Responding on Twitter, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida confirmed that Vita is region free. This has been rumored for far too long, so it’s great to finally receive official word. That means you’ll be able to import a Vita when it releases […]
After the damaging PSN hacking incident that led to weeks of downtime and left over 70 million accounts compromised, things are finally looking up for Sony. Speaking at the IFA press conference in Germany, Sony CEO Howard Stringer reportedly told those in attendance that over 3 million new accounts have been created since the network intrusion. What’s more, sales are better than ever. […]
Square Enix has announced that Parasite Eve 2 will hit the North American PSN later this week. Originally uncovered via ESRB listings, the original Parasite Eve joined the PSOne Classics library around the time its spiritual successor – The 3rd Birthday – was released on PSP. It was suspected the sequel would be released soon after, but Square decided to hold […]
Despite earlier “reports” claiming that the Vita’s RAM allotment had been cut to 256MB due to budget constraints, a fresh spec sheet released by Sony Computer Entertainment lists the Vita as being equipped with 512MB RAM. In addition, the Vita boasts a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 and a SGX543MP4+ GPU with 128MB of VRAM. No compromises have been made from the […]
With Ready At Dawn gearing up to release a remastered bundle of both God of War PSP titles for PS3 this September, Sony has released a comparison video showing off the fruits of their labor. The result is impressive, to say the least. The updated release runs at a steady 60 frames per second, in addition to a “4x resolution […]
With the domestic release of the PlayStation Vita still a ways out, Sony is positioning the PSP as its core portable focus this holiday season in North America. To that end, the company is releasing a PSP Entertainment Pack that includes a black PSP-3000, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, and both Madden NFL 12 and Need for Speed SHIFT on UMD. […]
The elusive PlayStation Vita is now one step closer to reaching your hand, as FCC filings have revealed that the handheld has passed quality assurance testing. While Sony has been cagey on divulging a firm release date, it did say it was aiming for a worldwide debut this year at E3. With FCC approval, production will begin to ramp up […]
A recent demonstration of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Type-0 at an Odaiba event will be released in demo form, Famitsu has revealed. No firm release date was provided, though it’s expected to drop ahead of the game’s scheduled October debut in Japan. The demo will feature four missions, each with varying difficulty levels and a set objective. Type-0 is part […]
The online experience on PSP left much to be desired. Sony is making it a priority with PlayStation Vita — which boasts four specific modes that streamline the online experience. The first, dubbed Near, is a “location-based gifting system” akin to the 3DS’ SpotPass.
If you thought Capcom couldn’t top Street Fighter X Tekken, think again, as the company announced a Hello Kitty X Street Fighter merchandise line today. The unlikely mashup of Sanrio’s cutesy cartoon cat and Capcom’s brawling fighters debuts in fall 2012, promising “a broad range of merchandise featuring Hello Kitty dressed in the distinct costumes from the Street Fighter series of […]
Sony rallied a sizable amount of support with its PSN-sponsored Japan relief fund, announcing today that it raised approximately $1.587 million combined across North America, Europe and Asia. The lion’s share of that figure goes to European territories, raising a generous €609,155, followed by $425,644 in North America. Japan and Asia regions contributed 23,300,700 yen. Sony will donate the funds to […]
The console space has become increasingly more viable for small-budget indie studios with digital avenues like Xbox Live and PSN. With PS Vita, Sony hopes to rally even more support from indies, as it believes innovation will stifle if the barrier to entry is too high.
The recent Wii U announcement hasn’t pushed Sony to ramp up R&D efforts on its next hardware platform, nor have rumors spurring about a possible E3 2012 unveil for Microsoft’s next box. In fact, Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton feels that the PS3 is “just hitting its stride” in terms of adoption rate and having a broad content […]
Pre-E3 coverage of Sony’s upcoming handheld — the NGP, Vita, whatever you’d like to call it — is beginning to trickle out. Eurogamer has written up a glowing preview of wipEout 2048, the latest installment in Sony’s hit futuristic racing series. Among the highlights, is the fact that it will support cross-platform play between the NGP and PS3. While details […]
The return of the PlayStation Store is no longer a moving target, as Sony officially announced today that it will fully restore PSN services by the end of this week in North America, Europe, and certain parts of Asia. The planned rollout excludes Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, due to complications Sony is dealing with in the aforementioned regions. In appreciation of customer loyalty, Sony […]