Announced by Sony at Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, is a new PS3 configuration. The limited edition Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PS3 Bundle will include a 160 GB PS3, a copy of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, a voucher to download PAIN from the PSN, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller. The 160 GB PS3 is taking the same route as the current 80 GB model, and will not include PS2 backwards compatibility. The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PS3 Bundle is set to be released in November for a retail price of $499.99.
Also announced is a Wireless Keypad attachment, similar to the Chatpad for Microsoft’s Xbox 360. The new accessory will attach to the top of PS3 controllers and feature a full QWERTY keypad as well as a feature that turns the key area into a touch pad for cursor navigation. The accessory also has shortcut keys for quick access to your friends list and messages. The Wireless Keypad makes use of Bluetooth, so you will not only have the ability to use it with the PS3, but also with mobile phones or other devices with Bluetooth that support it. A price has not been announced, but the Wireless Keypad will be sold starting in late November.
Today at Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Sony announced a new PSP model. Set to replace the current Slim & Lite PSP (PSP-2000), the PSP-3000 will include a built-in microphone, an enhanced screen designed to reduce glare outdoors, and enhanced video out with support for interlaced TVs. Other notable changes include a slimmer metal ring on the back of the unit (probably to reduce scratches), as well as a PlayStation logo button which replaces the Home button (probably to match the PS3 and lessen confusion with Sony’s upcoming Home service). The PSP-3000 will go on sale October 14th in North America, and October 15th in Europe.
PlayStation’s upcoming community service Home was not a big topic of discussion during Sony’s E3 press conference yesterday, but they did show a trailer which gave us a quick glimpse of what to expect. GameTrailers was also lucky enough to get a personal developer walkthrough of the current beta state of Home, including footage of game-specific rooms for Warhawk and Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune by third party developers. An extended beta of PlayStation Home is planned, but a date has not yet been set.
In their E3 press conference today, Sony has announced new bundles for the PS2 and PSP, as well as an update to a current PS3 configuration.
It’s apparent that Sony still has love for the PS2 with the announcement of a new bundle. Aimed towards the younger generation, the bundle will include a copy of Lego Batman and a DVD of the movie Justice League: The New Frontier. Expect to see the bundle on store shelves this fall with a retail price of $149.99.
A new Limited Edition PSP Entertainment Pack will be sold this fall for $199.99. The pack includes a silver PSP, the game Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, a voucher to download the full game Echochrome, the movie National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets on UMD, and a 1 GB memory stick pro duo.
Sony has also announced that an 80 GB PS3 Core Pack will be available this September for $399.99. This new configuration will replace the current 40 GB PS3 for the same price.
Speculation was once again correct as Sony announced that a video download service will be available for the PS3. Users will be able to rent and purchase movies and TV shows directly from the PS3 from a variety of studios. Content will be available in both standard definition and high definition. TV show purchases start at $1.99. Movie rentals range from $2.99 to $5.99, and movie purchases range from $9.99 to $14.99. All downloads will be able to be transferred and played on Sony’s PSP handheld system, and will also be able to make use of the video out found on the newer PSP-2000. The service will be available tonight when Sony updates the PlayStation Store.
As previously leaked Kmart and Circuit City ads suggested, Sony announced during their E3 press conference that the PS3 will receive a Greatest Hits selection of games. Similar to the previous Greatest Hits collection for PS2 and PS1, the best-selling games will be branded as Greatest Hits and will be sold for only $29.99. Leaked ads show that Greatest Hits games will be sold in red cases instead of the standard clear cases; a mockery of the old HD DVD cases perhaps? Expect to see PS3 Greatest Hits games on store shelves soon. Continue reading for a list of the first titles to receive the Greatest Hits treatment.
According to CVG, Sony Studio Liverpool is working on a portable version of Little Big Planet. Whether it’s going to be the exact same game or not has not been stated. Personally, I would love to see them have the level editor available so when your on the go you’ll be able to create a level and then when you get home you can send it to your PS3. Be warned this is a rumor, so take it with a grain of salt.
The fact that the Playstation Store could use an interface overhaul is nothing new. Personally it wasn’t a huge issue for me, but many complained the store was setup like a website. Well folks, Sony has been listening and I think you will like the new look.
Check out the screenshots.
Tags: gaming ps3 sony leipzig games convention