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Sony quietly gets PlayStation 3 certification in China, we hope for a few more Dynasty Warriors players
Ever since 2000, game consoles have effectively (if not very assertively) been banned in China. There's already been signs of a warming attitude with official plans for the Nintendo 3DS XL coming this December, but Sony may have slipped out hints of a fuller thaw without anyone noticing until now. A Sina Weibo user just discovered that the 160GB and 320GB versions of the previous-generation PlayStation 3, the CECH-3012, passed through China Compulsory Certificate approval in July -- an odd move when the console couldn't actually go on sale in an official capacity in current conditions. Certification is still far from a guarantee that Sony will actually sell the PS3 in the country, most of all when it's a slightly outdated model of a console line that's edging ever nearer to a replacement. The government certainly hasn't commented on what the regulatory clearance means. If it ultimately leads to more gamers in Chengdu or Shanghai, however, we're all for it.
Sony announces a slimmer PlayStation 3, 250GB bundle launches September 25th for $269
A few years ago, Sony pulled the curtain back on a slimmed-down version of its PlayStation 3, and yet another Japan-only version since then. Today at the company's pre-Tokyo Game Show press event, the latest rumored redesign to the PS3 was announced. The new duo gets even smaller in stature and will arrive in stores with both black and white offerings, available in 250GB and 500GB models. The "charcoal black" option has a September 25th launch date for the 250GB bundle (with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception "Game of the Year Edition") and a $269.99 price tag, while the "classic white" model arrives on November 22 (at least in Japan -- this is a TGS presser after all). For those looking for more storage space, the 500GB, charcoal-only option will be available on October 30th in conjunction with the Assassin's Creed III release -- no word on pricing just yet, though. Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House introduced the new model, calling it 50 percent smaller than the original (rather large) PS3, and 25 percent smaller than the previous slimmed-down version. Sean Buckley and Ben Gilbert contributed to this report. %Gallery-165870% %Gallery-165860% %Gallery-165859%
Did Sony's latest PlayStation 3 redesign just get outed by Brazil's Anatel?
Remember that mysterious new PS3 variant that passed through the FCC not too long ago? Although that listing didn't have photos to confirm a redesign, a new one has hit Anatel (essentially Brazil's version of the FCC) with a quartet of pictures in tow. Specifically, it cites models CECH-4011A, CECH-4011B and CECH-4011C, matching up well with the 4K labeling from the aforementioned FCC visit -- if you'll recall, the current PS3 Slim has a 3K model number. According to Tecnoblog, the the three models point to a shockingly storage-cramped 16GB version, along with 250GB and 500GB variants. While this Anatel document appears to be from Sony, we'd be remiss not to mention that we haven't been able to load the photos as Tecnoblog has. In terms of looks, apart from appearing extra slim -- and decidedly less attractive -- the system notably seems to be rocking a top-loading disc drive (this would be a first for the PS3). For now, we'd advise taking this potential leak with a grain of salt, but rest assured that we'll inform you if we hear anything official from Sony.
Sony PlayStation Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition hands-on
Aside from the PlayStation Move Racing Wheel and Wonderbook, Sony has one more accessory to show off at E3 -- the Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition. Naturally, we hunted down this peripheral aimed at all-things audio to check it out for ourselves. The PWSHEE is the company's second full-on PS3 headset to date, expanding on what it offered with its Wireless Stereo Headset from last year. As we're told, the headset is also ushering in a new Pulse moniker for its PlayStation oriented ear-blasters, although there's no word on what we can expect down the line. For now, this unit packs a lot on paper for its $150 price, touting key features like 7.1 virtual surround sound, PS Vita and cellphone compatibility (thanks to a detachable cable with inline remote / mic), BassImpact technology for massive low-end pulse (get it?), audio profiles, higher-fidelity drivers than the WSH and hidden noise-cancelling microphones for chatting. Does it have the potential to live up to its hype and one-up its $80 predecessor? Join us past the break for our initial impressions. %Gallery-157587%
Sony's latest PS Move Bundles let you go Medieval, get your groove on
Good ol' gaming bundles can be enticing when you're on the prowl for a new console or accessory set, and we have to admit, we'd be excited to lay some motion-controlled moves down with Sony's latest PlayStation offerings. Back at E3, we had a chance to slice enemies with virtual swords in Medieval Heros: Deadmunds Quest, thanks to the PS Move's 1:1 tracking abilities. With the game releasing next week, Sony's decided to offer it in a $100 bundle, packing a PS Eye, Move controller and a copy of Sports Champions (which Deadmund shares its gameplay mechanics with). If you don't already own a PS3 -- and love getting your groove on -- the Everybody Dance bundle may be your $300 ticket to the wand-waving fun; it features a 320GB PS3 Slim, PS Eye and Move controller, along with a DualShock 3 for when Duty Calls. These likely won't be Sony's last PlayStation-related bundles to hit shelves before the year's through, but if it sounds like your kind of party you'll find more info at the source link below.
Sony drops PS3 price to $250 in US, €250 in Europe
Sony just wrapped its Gamescom 2011 keynote with this juicy nugget: base PlayStation 3 models will run you just $250 in the US, €250 in Europe, and ¥24,980 in Japan. Announced at the same show two years ago with a $300 price tag, the base PS3 Slim model includes a 160GB hard drive. A lower price will provide a nice cushion for that $299 Call of Duty: Black Ops bundle, which just hit stores earlier this summer. Meanwhile, the 320GB model will see a $50 drop as well, with new pricing for both models kicking in immediately in the US and Europe, and August 18th in Japan. Sony also lifted the curtain on a €99 (about $140) budget PSP model, which adds a slick new design while dropping WiFi functionality. Because, really, who needs their handheld console to connect to the web? All that internet gaming stuff was so 2011.
Sony intros new PS3 Slim in Japan: lighter, consumes less power
Fresh from the Land of the Rising Sun comes news that Sony has updated the original PS3 Slim (CECH-3001B) with a lighter, less power-hungry model. The new Japanese PS3 CECH-3000B weighs in at 5.7 pounds -- as opposed to its 6.6 pound elder brother -- and even lowers its wattage to 200W from the previous 230W. Based on information handed to us by SCE in February, we're surmising that you'll need HDMI / HDCP in order to get 1080p video playback from Blu-ray Discs; otherwise, it'll be limited to 480i over piracy concerns. Other non-AACS content -- games included -- should be exempt from the restrictions. The unit will retail at the same ¥34,980 price point (or $435 for the Yanks) as the original Slim, and while a relatively plain 320GB flavor seems to be on tap for now, a 160GB Tales of Xillia bundle will purportedly hit this September. No announcement has been made for its North American counterpart, but with the system already in the FCC's clutches, you can bet it'll be making an intercontinental trek in short order.
Batarang controllers to be thrown at E3, come back in October
If multiple batmobiles, a bat-usb stick, and a bat-puter aren't enough to convince you Bruce Wayne is a vain egomaniac, maybe these Batman: Arkham City batarang controllers will give you pause. In traditional bat-gadget fashion, these Xbox 360 and Ps3 controllers boast a cheesy bat-aesthetic (such as bat-start and select / back buttons), dual rumble motors, comfort-soft grips, and seven switchable splashes of LED color. Although physically the two controllers are pretty similar, Ol' Bats seems to favor the PlayStation 3, giving its controller not only the popular Xbox 360 button / analog layout, but an internal battery, detachable charging cable, and batman-themed USB RF receiver, to boot. The Xbox variant? A dated, wired affair -- but hey, at least it's got that Xbox guide button, right? The controllers will be on display next week at E3, courtesy of Power-A, and will hit store shelves when Batman: Arkham City ships in October, leaving you little excuse not to be geared up and ready when the bat-phone rings. Hit the break for the official press release... or, you know, have Robin do it for you.
Hyperkin's PS3 Remotext weds Blu-ray remote with keypad controller, DualShock 3 frets
With the PSN finally back up, it's time for important things -- you know, messaging your buds for a Black Ops pwning spree or hitting up Netflix. Hyperkin's Remotext for PS3 wants to help you get back into action with its hybrid remote / controller / chatpad. It features a slide-out Blu-ray remote panel, QWERTY keypad -- better positioned than SONY's offering -- and two analog nubs with a near-complete set of gaming controls. There's no sign of rear triggers, and Bluetooth connectivity is absent too, but it does come with a wireless USB receiver and rechargeable battery so you're not left scrounging between the couch cushions for AAs. Although we're doubtful it'll prove functional for gaming, it could be appropriate for PS3s that spend more time sitting at the movies than getting their Move on. The DualShock 3 shouldn't have much to worry about, but we'll find out at E3, when the Remotext will be officially showcased. There's no word on pricing or availability yet, but if you're dying for more in the meantime, a press release is beyond the break.
PlayStation now offers customer service via Twitter, probably won't help you jailbreak your PS3
Got a question about a PlayStation product? Have a Twitter account? If you answered yes to both, then you'd be interested to know about @AskPlayStation -- the official account for all of your PS concerns. They'll assist you via tweets Monday through Friday from 9:30AM - 5:00PM PST and will answer in real-time between the hours of 2 and 5 PST. Hit up the source link to get all of your inquiries answered -- just behave yourselves, OK?
GAEMS Xbox 360 traveling case gets sleek redesign, still won't help you spell correctly
The last rendition we saw of the GAEMS console-carrying case looked more like a giant lunch box than a solution to your portable gaming needs. If you're still interested in bringing your Xbox 360 on the road, the company has redesigned the case and it now supports the fat and slim versions of the 360 and even the PS3-skinny. What's new in this compact carrying case is the fact there's actually room to store the console, controllers and power brick. It comes bundled with a remote, HDMI cable and power supply to power the speakers and LED screen. If you're road trippin' any time soon and want this beast, you can save yourself 20 bones by pre-ordering before April 20th and you'll receive the $300 case come June.
160GB PS3 Slim, 320GB Move bundle coming to US and Europe this fall
The leaks weren't wrong, they just weren't the whole story. A 160GB PlayStation 3 Slim is indeed coming to the US -- Europe, too -- but additionally, there's a heftier 320GB Sports Champions Move bundle. The former standalone console is available now stateside for $299, and according to the GamesCom press conference, Europeans will have to wait until October for 299 Euros. As for the biggie, which includes the game and one-player Move package, that's due out September 19th in US (or September 15th across the pond) for $399 and 349 Euros, respectively -- just in time for holiday shopping sprees.
Hori's mesmerizing PS3 Slim LCD dock now available for import
Love at first sight may be debatable, but we had a feeling we'd be into Hori's PS3 Slim LCD dock just as soon as we laid eyes on it. A few months after first appearing overseas, the simplistic device -- which mounts an 11.6-inch LCD atop your PlayStation 3 Slim console -- is ready to be imported into these great States of America. Play-Asia is coming through in the clutch once more, offering the gizmo to those situated far, far from the Land of the Rising Sun for $259.90. It's in stock and ready to ship within 24 hours, so we'd get it on it if you were planning to get on it. Just sayin'. [Thanks, Craig]
Netflix Watch Instantly title search flips on for all PS3 users
Being tied to a disc hasn't made for the easiest Netflix Watch Instantly experience on the PlayStation 3, but it has its benefits, and now that includes the ability for all users to search its library directly on the console. This feature's been available to some for months before it was even announced the Xbox 360 would get parity in a fall update, but we can confirm it's currently rolling out to all PS3 users. It should automatically update the next time you're watching, so just slide left from Instant Queue on the top bar to live the glorious life of title searching that you deserve. %Gallery-95206%
White PS3 Slim with 160GB HDD hits Japan July 29th, new 320GB HDD option
Looks like we've (almost) solved the mystery of PlayStation 3's FCC-bound CECH-2501 models. Sony just announced a "classic white" PS3 Slim (as opposed to the "ceramic white" original) for Japan, model CECH-2500, coming July 29th with 160GB HDD. For 34,980 yen (about $400 translated to US currency) you can now start off with 320GB of storage in your "charcoal black" model -- not to worry, the aforementioned 160GB still retails for 29,980 yen ($342). So, when are we gonna see this elsewhere in the world, hm? Update: Post edited to make clear that the new "classic white" model is only available with a 160GB HDD.
The new Xbox 360 is here -- we go head-to-head with the 360 Original, PS3 Slim, and Wii
Although we had a chance to play with the new Xbox 360 at E3, that was under Microsoft's gentle supervision -- now that the stealthbox is hitting stores and we've got a couple of our own to play with, we're ready to dive deep and figure out what's what. In person in the living room, the new 360 isn't quite as small as you'd think -- although it's definitely thinner and narrower, Microsoft clearly had to jury-rig its big "lift off the old Xbox to reveal the new one" moment at E3, because the new unit is actually a bit deeper by about a half-inch. We'll forgive them in interests of show business, but just know that you won't be saving a ton of space with this new version. We also went head-to-head with the OG PS3 and the Slim, as well as the Wii -- as you'd expect, the new Xbox 360 is much smaller than the original PS3, noticeably smaller than the Slim, and a hilariously gargantuan monster compared to the Wii. We just did a quick noise comparison video, and we've got some early notes, so check it out below! P.S. Fun note: the older 360 pictured here RROD'd almost immediately after we unboxed the new unit. Karma! %Gallery-95658% %Gallery-95652% %Gallery-95659% %Gallery-95660% We're going to be continually updating this post throughout the day, so hit us up with questions and keep checking back!
TwistDock is the PS3 organizer for M. Night Shyamalan fans
Looking for a dock... with a twist? Frankly we weren't either, but that didn't stop us from being intrigued by the aptly titled TwistDock for the PS3 from Vogel's, a docking station for a console that we didn't think needed one. On the front the TwistDock houses a PS3, either original or Slim, and on the back (here comes the twist) two controllers can be slotted in and charged, shown after the break. There's also a USB hub for connecting other goods and overall it pledges to keep your layout "clean, stylish and sexy." That would be lovely progression from our current entertainment center's "dusty, cluttered and tangly" label. Can it deliver? It's on display at this year's E3, and we'll go see for ourselves.
Engadget's crappy gaming system contest: we have a winner!
Congratulations to commenter BananaForce -- his crappy gaming system is the winner in our contest. He's soon to be the proud owner of the beautiful custom PS3 Slim from Rockstar Games that you see above. We had over 600 valid entries in the contest, and it was our pleasure to root through all of the photos you sent into us. We've chosen some of the more hilarious and enticing ones and thrown them into a gallery for your perusal below. Thanks again to Rockstar Games for providing the gear -- and be sure to be on the lookout for the next contest. %Gallery-92761%
Engadget giveaway: Show us your crappy gaming setup and win a custom PS3 Slim from Rockstar Games!
That's right folks, the crew at Rockstar Games is celebrating the launch of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City, and they've offered up a custom Grand Theft Auto PS3 Slim to give away. We have just one of these to give away, and the package will contain the following: a custom decorated 120GB PS3 Slim (with a two tone paint job in black and Lexus pearl white, an LED-backlit skyline and logo on the unit, a custom power panel with laser etched back lit power and eject buttons) along with a color-matched controller. So you want this, right? If so, we need to see your current gaming setup -- the crappier, the better. To be eligible to win, you'll need to drop a link in comments of a photo of your gear (if you don't include a photo, you can't win). The deadline to get your pics in is by Friday, April 23rd, 2010, at 12:30pm ET. After we get all the contributions, we'll go through every single one to find the worst of the worst -- and that person will win this very special PS3 Slim. The full rules are after the break -- so get commenting and good luck!
Geohot brings back other OS support with PS3 3.21OO custom firmware
Well, Geohot promised a workaround for Sony's removal of the "install other OS" feature in PS3 firmware 3.21 and now Geohot has delivered. While it's not available to the public just yet, Geohot's 3.21OO custom firmware will apparently be simple to install and, as you can see in the video after the break, it works just as you'd expect and simply restores the "other OS" option to its previous place. Geohot even says that the custom firmware might actually enable the other OS feature on the PS3 Slim, but he hasn't yet had a chance to try it out. [Thanks, Milo]
