214w ago - A TAWKN (linked above) user who goes by dn2500f has had his 80GB PS3 with backwards-compatibility at Sony's repair center in Ontario, Canada for three weeks now.

Sony apparently only offered to give him a new model 80GB PS3, which does not include PS2 support (over 1,900 PS2 games that he can no longer play).

To quote: Today he called in to get a status update and was told that it was beyond repair, and because Sony doesn't make that model anymore they can't replace it... despite the fact that he bought four years' worth of Sony Care extended warranty for it, for a total of five years.

They offered to give him a new model 80GB PS3.

He argued with them that he is not just losing a PS3, but PS2 support (that's over 1900 PS2 games that he can no longer play), extra USB ports, plus the built-in card readers. Sony's reply? Too freaking bad. (Not a direct quote, obviously).

This guy is very angry at Sony, and rightfully so. They didn't offer him anything but a far inferior model than what he bought about 12 months ago, which he says is unacceptable - and I agree.

At the VERY least, they should be trying to make up for this to him and other users who paid $100 extra for a console that has only one life left to live.

If I were in his situation,...

227w ago - MobileToday (linked above) is reporting that there is no PSP phone as Sony refused Sony Ericsson to use the PlayStation brand after pitching to the board late last year.

Apparently there has been a fall out because of the refusal to use the PlayStation brand, so a PSP phone is looking far less likely now.

To quote: Sony is understood to have refused to allow Sony Ericsson the use of its PlayStation brand, after the handset manufacturer presented a pitch to the board late last year.

Sony Ericsson was planning to develop a PSP phone to capitalise on the growing success of the gaming sector, and after the success of Cyber-shot and Walkman handsets.

Sources said the refusal to sanction the brand on the handsets in December has prompted a fallout between Sony and the mobile phone joint venture.

Several sources close to the matter claimed Sony executives told colleagues at Sony Ericsson that it would only license the PlayStation brand if and when Sony makes handsets independently - effectively pushing for an exit From The joint venture with Ericsson.

242w ago - Sony has refused to comment on rumors that they will charge people to play online shooter 'MAG' (Massive Action Game).

Apparently Sony mailed out a survey asking gamers if they would be willing to pay a monthly or yearly fee to play the game. Many have been angered by the rumors, but some say they wouldn't mind paying for a lag free experience.

Sony revealed MAG at this years E3 and it will support up to 256 players in eight player squads. Sony have said that there is nothing out in the market today that is like it and that a game such as this would not be possible on other consoles.

To quote: Currently there is no evidence to prove the validity of the report, which a Sony rep pointed out to us when contacted this morning. We also got the obligatory: "We don't comment on rumor and speculation", too.