179w ago - For those who don't yet own a PS3, it's nice to know that Sony intends to continue fully supporting the PS2 console in 2010.

Sony is seeking to emphasize that the PlayStation 2 has an extensive game library in comparison to the Nintendo Wii.

Speaking to GamePro.com (linked above) in a recent interview, Sony's Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller has stated the following, to quote:

"Yes, we have a very firm stance, and we're going to continue to support the PlayStation 2 wholeheartedly. The PS2 obviously had a price drop this year, which gets forgotten because of the PS3 noise, but it's still selling exceedingly well.

It's a new demographic, a consumer that's maybe a "last gamer" or a consumer that's new to gaming. With this economy, coming in at $99, a lot of these consumers are choosing between a PlayStation 2 and a Wii, and you're looking at a PS2, which is $99 and carries 2000 games."

186w ago - The PS2 turns nine years old this week, which Sony originally launched in the US sporting a $299 price tag.

The slimline PlayStation 2 console, introduced in 2004, still remains available on store shelves for a retail price of $99.

According to Sony Computer Entertainment America, the console has a worldwide installed base of nearly 140 million, with a library approaching 10,000 games having sold more than 500 million copies combined.

Although Nintendo's GameCube and Microsoft's original Xbox ceased production years ago, Sony today declared that the PS2 "shows no signs of slowing down" at the tail end of its 10-year life span.

According to the NPD Group, the PS2 sold 146,000 last month, down from 173,500 in September 2008 and 215,000 in September of 2007.

To quote from Sony's Senior Public Relations Specialist Abby Reyes:

"There's no set date for when the life cycle of PlayStation 2 will end. As long as people keep playing, and publishers keep putting out great new titles, the console's life cycle will continue.

The longevity of the PlayStation 2 can be directly attributed to its versatility. Because it's not only a game console, but a home entertainment hub, it has found its place in one out of every three U.S. households....

231w ago - Sony has suggested that it's recently released PlayStation Home will be present on future platforms, although right now the team is just focused on making the service as good as possible.

To quote: In an interview with CVG, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) Home service manager Dan Hill answers that question, stating that Home's potential is almost limitless and Sony sees it having a very long life.

"Home is a brand-new service and no-one else is doing anything of this scale or ambition," said Hill. "Its potential is almost limitless in terms of where it could go. We see it as having a very long and fruitful life."

As for immediate cross-platform plans and making the service available on the PSP, Hill left that prospect open to speculation, though hinted it is something the company is looking into.

"We're looking at possible future directions for the service, but at the moment we're focusing on making Home as good as it can be, and getting content, activities and spaces into the service that are genuinely going to add something to the PlayStation experience, and make it a very special place for our community."

236w ago - Yesterday we reported news of Microsoft starting a new wave of XBox Live bans on modded XBox 360 consoles.

Today, Microsoft's Major "Larry Hyrb" Nelson has confirmed it stating the following via his blog linked above:

Xbox 360 Console banning: I've gotten a few messages and seen some forum threads pop up on console bannings so I thought I'd post and let folks know what's up.

In our our continued effort to keep gameplay safe and secure for our community of more than 14 million members, Microsoft has taken action against a small percentage of Xbox 360 consoles that have been illegally modified in order to play pirated games.

You should know that modifying your Xbox 360 console is also a violation of the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void your warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE.

The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive, both from manufacturers and the local companies that support them.

We will continue to employ and bolster anti-piracy security measures to counter piracy in the gaming...

243w ago - Mark Valledor, the Marketing Manager at SCEA has just posted that entry into the LittleBigPlanet BETA will be striking you at a number of gaming sites in the next dew days.

He teased "Of course I would be surprised if the Public Beta didn't show up in places where you'd expect to get all the latest LBP info and updates."

To quote: Where will this elusive beta strike next?

If I were a betting man, (and I am) I'd say it would be sure to hit more of your favorite gaming sites in the next few days.

I'd be looking for sites that have been covering games for years. Staking out passionate gaming communities or locations online where you can view the latest gaming videos. Of course I would be surprised if the Public Beta didn't show up in places where you'd expect to get all the latest LBP info and updates.

All I can say is we are super happy to give some of you a chance to get a sneak peak at what LittleBigPlanet is all about. I have officially stopped doing office work for the next few weeks in anticipation of all the levels you all are going to make. (I'm going to be too busy playing...