174w ago - Update: According to Andriasang.com, the PS3's digital tuner and DVR kit Torne will be updated to version 2.0 this June, which includes long recording, watch while recording and an improved Torumiru information display among the new features.

Today Sony of Japan (linked above) has announced news of a new 250GB model alongside their new PS3 Digital TV recorder add-on dubbed Torne.

According to the release, it's scheduled to be coming out in March, 2010 for 9,980 yen and will allow users to upload content to the PSP.

The 250GB PS3 will hit Japan on February 18, 2010 for 34,980 yen, and a combo pack will be released alongside Torne for 42,800 yen.

The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly also states that Torne users will earn PS3 trophies using the new device sinply by watching the last episode of several popular TV series.

Press Release, roughly translated: PS3 ® can record digital terrestrial broadcasting, ground dedicated peripherals Torne - Retail Price 9,980 yen (including tax) will be available Mon.

PS3 HDD 250GB with Torne to pack deals with a set of PlayStation 3 - Retail price 42,800 yen (including tax) released the same day in limited quantities.

176w ago - Today Sony Computer Entertainment of Japan has announced that This Is It, The Michael Jackson PS3 bundle will be hitting Japan on January 27, 2010.

Priced at ¥33,500 (US$366), the bundle includes a 120GB Hard Disk Drive "Charcoal Black" PS3, a Blu-ray copy of This Is It, a wireless DUALSHOCK 3, a power cord, one AV cable and one USB cable.

According to VG247.com, SCE has no plans to release the bundle in the UK unfortunately.

The PS3 bundle will be released in Japan on January 27, the same day the disk version of This Is It documentary goes on sale in The Land of the Rising Sun. The Blu-ray version of the film includes special vignettes of Thriller and Smooth Criminal as well as a special PS3 wallpaper.

Press Release: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT JAPAN TO INTRODUCE PLAYSTATION®3 BUNDLE PACK FEATURING MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT

PlayStation®3 with 120GB Hard Disk Drive and Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT in Blu-ray Disc™ Come in One Box

Tokyo, January 6, 2010 - Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. responsible for business operation in Japan, today announced that a "PlayStation®3 'Michael Jackson's...

179w ago - According to UFFSite.net (linked above), Final Fantasy XIII for PS3 has hit Japan already with a sealed copy images of the game making their way to the Internet alongside screenshots from early sections of the game.

Needless to say, Square Enix and Sony are hoping for some hefty sales figures as a result.

Additionally, FinalFantasy-XIII.net has revealed a report by a Japanese magazine which states a Final Fantasy XIII PlayStation Home Space and FF13 costumes are also on the way to Sony's virtual world.

Final Fantasy XIII Home Items include:

• Air Ship Figure (¥200)
• Carbuncle Stuffed Animal (¥200)
• Cocoon Ball (Balance Ball) (¥150)
• Eden -- Chair (¥100)
• Eden -- One Person Sofa (¥150)
• Eden -- Planter Set (¥100)
• Eden -- Shelf A (¥100)
• Eden -- Shelf B (¥100)
• Eden -- Sofa Table (¥100)
• Eden -- Table (¥100)
• Eden -- Taxidermy (¥150)
• Eden -- Observation Room (¥600)
• Flower Sabotender Figure (¥200)
• Lightning Costume Set (¥600)
• Lightning Gun Sword Gun Mode Figure (¥200)
• Lightning Gun Sword Sword Mode...

181w ago - Konami announced today via the official Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Web site that it will hit PSP consoles in Japan on March 18, 2010.

Peace Walker will be the first Metal Gear title for a portable platform directed by series' creator Hideo Kojima.

The story will take place following the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

For those curious, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker will be coming exclusively to Sony's PlayStation Portable.

To quote: "There is currently no announcement on the North American version of the game.

Hopefully Konami will release the game here in the US somewhere around that date."

181w ago - Numerous sources, including Famitsu Magazine and Amazon Japan, are now reporting that Quantic Dream's multi-protagonist adventure game Heavy Rain will be hitting Sony PS3 systems in Japan on February 18, 2010.

This means a North American release date will likely be around the same time for those wondering.

To quote: "Multiple Japanese retailers, including Amazon, report Heavy Rain is scheduled for February 18.

Instead of dialing combos, players activate context sensitive commands that are sort of like rapid fire quick time events. Norman can die during the fight and if he does the story continues with another character.

Game Star's product description says the twists and turns lead to over twenty endings."