There's general agreement that Sony stumbled out of the gate with the PlayStation 3. Months of intense hype were followed by a late launch (fully a year after the Xbox 360) and a staggering $600 price tag for the deluxe model.
Even worse, the PS3 didn't initially have any real must-have exclusive titles, and despite the power of its vaunted Cell processor, multiplatform games from third-party developers didn't look appreciably better than the respective titles on the Xbox 360.
Since then, the company's been modifying the PlayStation product line to better fit the competitive market landscape. As of August 2008, a new "bargain" PS3 is available with a larger, 80GB hard drive, and a "deluxe" model is due in November, doubling the capacity to 160GB.
Both, however, lack backward compatibility with PS2 games and do not come with flash card readers. If those features are a must, it might be best to pick up the 80GB "Metal Gear" bundle version on eBay w... More »
Sony's Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller posted a special second birthday wish for the PlayStation 3 via the PS Blog today as follows:
November 17 is a special date for us at SCEA because, as many of you fans know, it’s when we launched PLAYSTATION 3.
Two years ago today, we delivered our next-generation console, providing consumers with a gaming and home entertainment system unlike anything in the market – the power of the Cell Broadband Engine, out-of-the-box HDMI support for 1080p resolution, and a Blu-ray drive for high-definition movies and expansive games.
The PS3’s launch was also when the Resistance franchise was born, and the original title’s success has spawned a blockbuster sequel with Resistance 2 and a unique PSP installment with the upcoming Resistance: Retribution.
But that’s just what we started with, and PS3 has come a long way since November 17, 2006. If you stood in line the night before ... More »
Konami announced today that the Meme expansion should be available for download next week. November 25th to be exact, which places the release on a Tuesday. I would have expected it on a Thursday, but I suppose most be too busy with the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Meme expansion of course adds three new maps to Metal Gear Online, along with two new characters; Revolver Ocelot and the lovely Mei Ling, who has the means to transfix enemies by strutting her stuff.
Press Release: Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH reveals new MEME EXPANSION for Metal Gear Online
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that the latest downloadable content for its Metal Gear Online title for PLAYSTATION®3 will be released on November 25th. Entitled MEME EXPANSION, the download adds new characters and gameplay elements to Hideo Kojima’s hugely popular online epic.
The MEME EXPANSION unveils two new special characters, which are playable for the firs... More »
Engadget (linked above) writes: Hey, pal - remember that 160GB PS3 Drake's Fortune bundle we told you about back in August?
Well thanks to the totally awesome skills of one intrepid reader, we now know that they're available for purchasing pleasure at your local Best Buy (and other spots, we like to imagine).
From what we can tell based on that extremely blurry photo you see, the package will sell for a holiday-destroying $499.99, so you'd better hope grandma drops a big check on you this season.
While perusing the aisles of my local Target this evening, I noticed something that caught my attention.
Nintendo has apparently just released a controller combo pack that includes a Wii Remote, Nunchuck, and Mario Kart Steering wheel, without telling a soul in the press. This is very bizarre as game companies usually like us to be aware of even the most mundane of its business moves (e.g. picture pack releases on Xbox Live.)
This is an officially licensed set that includes all authentic Nintendo accessories. Somewhat surprising though, is the $74.99 price point for the bundle.
Some may seek out the pack thinking they are getting a good deal, but don’t let this fool you. Nintendo has done nothing for the consumer in terms of savings. Bought separately, all of the items in the bundle cost the exact same price as the bundle. Technically, you would save two cents by purchasing them individually. Wii Remote ($39.99) + Wii Wheel ($14.99) + Nunchaku ... More »
Per Grace Chen (Senior Manager, PlayStation Store) via PS Blog today:
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PlayStation Store weekly update.
Downloadable Games
Age of Booty ($9.99)
Fight for pirate supremacy in this game of strategy and cannon-blasting action that’s fun for all ages. Sail the high seas alone or with friends as you build your pirate empire by plundering villages, sinking ships, and sending your enemies to the briny deep! Upgrade your ships with new, more powerful weapons, and explore 25 different maps or create your own to share! With so many features, Age of Booty is a treasure chest of fun! Download the game today!
File size: 44 MB
Add-on Game Content
LittleBigPlanet - MotorStorm Stormers Costume ($1.99)
A premium costume for SackBoy!
File size: 1.04
LittleBigPlanet - Sack-Eating Plant Costume (SCEE contest winner) (free)
A community co... More »
I don't know about anyone else, but I've been holding onto two copies of Persona 3 for quite some time now. The original came in this nice box with an art book, and then FES came out and I just couldn't bring myself to give up to original. So there you go.
Will the same thing happen? Atlus says no.
"We are today able to announce that at no point in the future will we announce the release of a "FES" version of Persona 4," said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "The very finest, most definitive version of Persona 4 will be the one released on December 9, 2008."
Now if only we could convince them to quit letting places like amazon release awesome pre-order junk, I will be extremely happy. I want my tele-teddy darn it!
Press Release: Atlus Announces That There Will Only Be One (Very Awesome) Version of Persona 4
Unprecedented announcement-of-no-announcement shocks industry
Wal-Mart will be offering several in-store deals on electronic items on Saturday, November 8th.
Topping the list, they are offering an 80GB PlayStation 3 (likely not backwards-compatible unless from old stock) for $399 with a $100 Gift Card.
They also have an online Nintendo DS Lite Holiday Value Bundle for $149 which includes: Your choice of Nintendo DS Lite, your choice of two (2) DS games and a Princess Peach or Mario accessory tin kit.
Finally, they are offering the Ratchet & Clank PSP-3000 bundle and PS2 console, both of which include a $30 gift card.
Those interested can check out the deals HERE or linked above!
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