Archive for PS3

Sony PlayStation Move launch details

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on June 15th, 2010

Sony unveiled details about Playstation Move at E3 today. The complete PlayStation Move Sports Champions bundle with the PlayStation Eye, Move and a game will cost $99.99, while the Move controller by itself will cost $49.99, and the navigation controller is $29.99. If you don’t already have a PS3, you can pick up a new console bundle with everything for $399.99.

Europe will be getting the the Move before we do, on September 15th. It will hit North America on September 19th.

500GB PlayStation 3 coming, with new Wi-Fi, Move

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on June 14th, 2010

An “industry source” speaking with games site CVG, says that Sony will release two new PS3 bundles this year, both including the PlayStation Move motion controller, and one of them featuring a huge 500 GB hard drive. One of the bundles will include a 250GB PlayStation 3 and the Move motion controller.

The other bundle will include a 500GB PlayStation 3 and the Move. That may be overkill. Then again, maybe Sony knows something we don’t. Maybe they have plans that take up a lot of space.

PlayStation 3 is HDTV ready with a Father’s Day bundle

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on June 3rd, 2010

The PS3 was technically never capable of playing games or movies in high definition right out of the box, but with this special Father’s Day PS3 bundle, it is. There’s an HDMI cable packed in. Of the many PlayStation 3 bundles so far, none have come with anything other than standard composite cables, requiring add-on component cables for 720p/1080i or an aftermarket HDMI cable for 1080p.

Your dad can rest easy knowing that he can enjoy LittleBigPlanet or a Blu-ray movie on his HDTV without having to run out and get the proper cables.

PS3 Twistdock looks stylish

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on June 2nd, 2010

Console docking stations are usually ugly and cheap, but this one actually looks decent. Even stylish. It even swivels. This dock will hold either the original PS3 or the PS3 Slim. It holds the console and charges two controllers at once while giving you four extra USB ports.

Sure, it takes up more space then just laying your console down, but if you love your console, why not display it as if in a museum? Maybe shine some light down on it while you’re at it. It will cost you about $100 in the UK right now.

Sony to reveal PSN+ subscription service at E3

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on May 25th, 2010

Word on the street is that Sony is set to reveal a premium tier of the PlayStation Network service, labeled PSN+, during E3 2010. Unlike Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold service, PSN+ will focus on giving paid subscribers additional bonuses without limiting online multiplayer between paying and nonpaying users.

Subscribers will have access to a rotating list of PSP Minis and PSone Classics, exclusive in-game DLC, discounts to the PlayStation Store and “first hour” demo access on full retail titles. After the first hour of gameplay, players will be able to purchase the full title, but demo access will only be available once the entire title has been downloaded.

Sony selling ‘PlayStation Protection Plan’

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on May 4th, 2010

Sony’s game consoles are solidly built and super reliable, sure there’s the occasional issue, but they don’t exactly suffer the RRoD. Even so, things can happen. And if you’re willing to pay for peace of mind, Sony has a new service agreement.

The “PlayStation Protection Plan,” extends the full warranty on your PlayStation 3 or PSP for another year or two. Sony’s plan requires you to mail your system to Sony and wait for the repair or replacement system; GameStop’s warranty allows you to turn in your system and leave with a replacement. Apparently controllers and cables are included with the GameStop protection plan, while Sony only covers the system itself.

PS3 OtherOS class action lawsuit filed in the US

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 29th, 2010

You might remember that the 3.21 firmware update for Sony’s PlayStation 3 disables the OtherOS functionality from the console. That means that you can’t install Linux on it anymore. Hackers have been busy doing their thing and righting this wrong, trying to get the feature back on the console, but Anthony Venture on the other hand has filed a class action lawsuit against the company.

The lawsuit covers all PS3 consoles purchased from November 17th 2006 to March 27th 2010. The lawsuit calls for compensatory damages, restitution, injunctive relief and legal fees to be paid by Sony, and they are talking a $5 million figure.

PS3 firmware 3.30 adds remote play from PC, bitstream audio options

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 25th, 2010

Aside from additional trophy sorting and 3D gaming readiness, the latest v3.30 system update has a few surprises in store. There’s a toggle for Bitstream Direct (output audio with the original digital signal prioritized) or Mix (mixed with sound effects such as button sounds and then converted to bitstream format) on Blu-ray movies. Future VAIO PC owners can even use remote play without any PSP intermediary.

Some other, unconfirmed reports include updated Flash compatibility, enhanced region free Blu-ray movie playback.

PS3 owners can watch live Major League Baseball, for a price

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 22nd, 2010

It’s not just 3D gaming that’s coming to the PS3. Major League Baseball will be streamed live to consoles by the end of this week, but don’t get your hopes up for free baseball. It will cost you.

How much? We’re talking $100 for the standard package, or $120 for the premium one. We don’t yet know what the difference is. MLB.TV subscribers will also have access to back games. It might be worth it to die-hard fans, but otherwise many of us will pass.

PlayStation Network Updates now move to Tuesdays

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 16th, 2010

Right now, Xbox Live releases content like new downloadable games on Tuesdays while PSN doesn’t offer content until Thursday. But in May, Sony will now move weekly updates to Tuesdays to compete with Microsoft.

Now you’ll be able to get content as soon as your Xbox friends so you can stick your tongue out at them and act all superior. Or if not superior at least equal. Take that Microsoft.

Sony Nunchuk called the Navigation Controller

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 12th, 2010

We know that Sony’s upcoming PlayStation Wiimote will be called the PlayStation Move. And now we know what to call the nunchuk part. The Navigation Controller.

The info comes from the device’s filing with the FCC, which had to disclose its final title. Sadly we don’t have any shots of the Navigation Controller’s insides, since Sony has opted to lock those down for another six months. Oh well.

PS3 owners may get cash back after OtherOS uninstall

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 9th, 2010

Even if you don’t run an alternative operating system on your PS3 you could potentially be getting some money under consumer protection laws. Apparently, Iapetus at the NeoGAF forums took the issue up with Amazon (who sold him the PS3), quoting a European consumer protection law that states all products bought must be “fit for the purpose which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase,” netting him £84 ($130) in the process.

He didn’t have to return his PS3, nor be within warranty. Might be worth talking about with your retailer, if you still have the receipt. This particular law will only apply to you if you live in Europe. We aren’t sure if there are any similar laws in the US.

Hori slaps an LCD on your PS3

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on April 6th, 2010

Hori’s HP3-87 adds an 11.6-inch screen to your PS3 using a wraparound structure. It includes stereo speakers, two headphone jacks, and composite or component input options. The resolution is 1,366 x 768, so it will handle the 16:9 signal with its 500:1 contrast ratio, 7ms response time, and 200 nits of brightness.

Those in Tokyo can get it on May 27, when the HP3-87 goes on sale for ¥26,040 ($276). We aren’t sure when it will have an international release, but hopefully soon, so we can get our PS3s portable too.

Sony signs up six major studios for HD movies on PlayStation Network

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on March 9th, 2010

PS3 users have some good news today. Sony has just announced that it has signed all six major studios to deliver HD movies on the PlayStation Network. Sony is the first company to make this happen. We’re talking 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. and obviously, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

There are initiallly 19 HD movies available to buy or rent. Stuff like “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Star Trek,” “District 9,” “Inglourious Basterds,” and “The Wizard of Oz,”. They are only available in the US right now, but Sony plans to unleash them in the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain soon.

Don’t turn on your PS3 until PSN bug is fixed

Posted in PS3 by Conner Flynn on March 1st, 2010

So that PlayStation Network problem that hit late last night is apparently a serious disaster now. Sony is now saying that you shouldn’t use “fat” PS3 models at all, since a clock-related bug might cause some data loss.

Go ahead and use your PS3 slim. It isn’t affected. And that’s why there have been conflicting reports since last night. Sony says it is working to get it fixed in the next 24 hours, but for the moment fat PS3 owners should just go outside and experience real life. Maybe meet a girl, settle down.