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Sony Playstation September 2012 News

 

New Smaller And Lighter PlayStation 3 To Hit The Worldwide Market

TOKYO, Sept. 19, in the year of our Lord 2012 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that a new PlayStation®3(PS3®) computer entertainment system (body color: charcoal black / classic white*1), featuring a new design and a downsized form factor, will become available worldwide this holiday season. The new PS3 will come in 3 models including extended built in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity of 500GB model and 250GB model, and a newly added 12GB flash memory model initially for Europe only. Availability of models, prices and launch dates of the new PS3 system in each region are as follows.

Thanks to a complete redesign of the internal architecture, the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3. By adopting a sliding disk cover, the new PS3 continues with the characteristic sleek curved body design, which fits various places in the home and enables users to enjoy an array of entertainment content.

With the extra HDD capacity which has been extended from 320GB and 160GB, users can store and enjoy more and more entertainment content including games, music, photos, and video on the new PS3. In addition, the new PS3 with 12GB flash memory offers opportunities to experience the world of PlayStation® at an affordable price point. Users can also expand the storage capacity of the 12GB flash memory PS3 by connecting a dedicated HDD (250GB) to be released concurrently with the new model5. In addition, a variety of accessories will be introduced by SCE to meet various kinds of needs from users including a vertical stand that offers more flexibility in how the new PS3 can be displayed*6.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and more than 4,100*7 downloadable PS3 games are available worldwide, thanks to support from a broad range of third party developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios.

SCE will further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform which is in the 7th year of its lifecycle, by continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles and offering users a choice from a variety of hardware models.

*1 The new PS3 in classic white will become available in Japan from November. Other regions and countries will follow this

*2 Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available.

*3 Prices will vary by country across Europe.

*4 PS3 with flash memory 12GB will be sold in Europe and Hong Kong

*5 When using dedicated HDD, flash memory cannot be used as inner storage

*6 Users will need to use the separately sold "Vertical Stand" to set the new PS3 in vertical position.

*7 Includes PS one® classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).

Product Outline
PlayStation®3 (CECH-4000 series)

*1 Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available at launch timing.

*2 Hard disk capacity calculated using base 10 mathematics (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes). System software versions 1.10 and later calculate capacity using binary mathematics (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), which will display lower capacity and free space. A portion of hard disk capacity is reserved for system administration, which varies depending upon system software version, and is not available for use.

*3 Usability of all connected devices is not guaranteed.

*4 "Deep Colour" and "x.v.Colour (xvYCC)" defined by HDMI ver.1.3a are supported.

*5 Power changes depending on countries or regions.

*6 PS3 with flash memory 12GB weights approximately 2.0kg

*7 For certain regions, Euro-AV cable will be included.
Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation®2 games.

Vertical Stand (CECH-ZST1J)

Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 (with attachment) (CECH-ZHD1)

* The "Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 " is for the new PS3 system (CECH-4000A) and cannot be used on the other models.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develop and markets the PlayStation®2 (PS2®) computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system. SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994. PS2® further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP® is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3® is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors. PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Mobile, a cross device platform. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC., and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Sony Computer Entertainment Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide

Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
HDMI, HDMI logo and High Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Blu-ray Disc is a trademark.
The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is under license.
PlayStation, PS3, RSX, DUALSHOCK are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Cell Broadband Engine is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

 

PlayStation Plus Will Become Available For PlayStation Vita In November 2012

TOKYO, Sept. 19, in the year of our Lord 2012 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that PlayStation®Plus, the subscription service package on PlayStation®Network, will become available for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) in November 2012.

By purchasing a PlayStation Plus membership on PlayStation®Store, PS Vita owners will be able to play free games, receive discounts for select titles, and enjoy other benefits unique to the service. A variety of convenient PlayStation Plus subscription options will be available in each country and region, including a 30 day plan (Japan: 500 yen, Asia: HK $38), a 90 day plan (North America: $17.99, Europe: €14.99) and a 365 day plan (Japan: 5,000 yen, Asia: HK$233, North America: $49.99, Europe: €49.99), meeting the different gaming needs of PS Vita owners.

PlayStation®3 (PS3®) owners with existing PlayStation Plus memberships, as well as first time members through PS Vita, will be able to enjoy PlayStation Plus features and services on both PS3 and PS Vita systems at no extra cost*1.

PlayStation Plus features and services for PS Vita include*2:

Games
Members will be able to play the full versions of designated content for PS Vita available on PlayStation Store as long as membership is effective, at no extra cost. The lineup of games that will be offered and other details will be announced at a later date.
Discounts
Members will have access to exclusive discounts on designated content for PS Vita.
Online Game Save
Members will automatically or manually be able to upload game save data files for compatible games to Online Game Save Storage with 1GB of space on the PlayStation Network*3.
Automatic content downloads and updates
PS Vita will automatically download designated game demos and game updates, and also download system software updates*4. PS Vita will automatically start up to download content and will enter standby mode after the download has completed.
Automatic Trophy sync
PS Vita will automatically start up at a designated time to sync Trophy information with PlayStation Network servers.

SCE will continue to strengthen and expand PS Vita platform to meet the gaming and entertainment needs of PS Vita owners.

*1 PS3 users who will purchase membership to PlayStation Plus for the first time will also be able to enjoy PlayStation Plus services and features for PS Vita.
*2 Content will vary by region.
*3 PlayStation Plus members will have 2GB of online game save storage in total, and members will have access 1GB of space for PS3 and PS Vita respectively.
*4 As the install requires users agreement, it will not be installed automatically.

 

Sony Computer Entertainment To Launch PlayStation Store For PlayStation Mobile On October 3

TOKYO, Sept. 19, in the year of our Lord 2012 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that it will start to deliver dedicated content for PlayStation®Mobile, delivering the world of PlayStation® on open operating system-based devices*1, through PlayStation®Store on October 3. In the dramatically evolving smartphone and tablet market, SCE will offer appealing PlayStation-like content to a variety of popular mobile devices.

The service will start in nine countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia with more countries to follow. At launch, users will be able to enjoy approximately 30 new titles from a variety of genres including Adventure, Action, Puzzle, Sports, and Simulation, at an affordable price point of between 50 yen and 850 yen (including tax)*2, created by third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios. Further content will be released frequently for PlayStation®Mobile as new titles become available.

SCE also announced Fujitsu Limited and Sharp Corporation will join the PlayStation Certified license program*3. By collaborating with Fujitsu and Sharp which not only have the significant share in the Japanese smartphone market but also offer a wide range of devices across the globe, SCE will deliver the unmatched PlayStation experience to even more smartphone and tablet users around the world.

"Fujitsu's ARROWS series smartphones and tablets feature "Usability" realized by human-centric technology, and "High Spec" represented by Japan's first quad-core CPU adopted model" said Takahiro Matsumura, Senior Vice President, Ubiquitous Business Strategy Unit, Fujitsu Limited. "We are excited to be partnering with Sony Computer Entertainment, and offer PlayStation-like gaming experiences for ARROWS users."

"We are very pleased to be able to offer exciting PlayStation-like gaming experiences through our products to the customers all around the world" said Itsuki Kouchi, Division Deputy General Manager & Marketing Department General Manager, Global Product Development Center, Communication Systems Group, Sharp Corporation. "Sharp will continue shaping its smartphone development philosophy, "Feel Logic", and one of its elements, "Feel Creation".

Furthermore, the PlayStation Mobile Developer Program which includes the official version of PlayStation Mobile SDK will become available to the development community in November. This will be rolled-out in a phased manner in 11 countries and regions including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The PlayStation Mobile Developer Program will allow developers to easily distribute their content through PlayStation Store on a commercial basis and market their games to millions of dedicated gamers with PlayStation™Certified devices and PlayStation Vita. The license agreement for the SDK is US$99 annually*4.

SCE will further accelerate the expansion of PlayStation Certified devices and continue to collaborate with content developers to drive the delivery of compelling entertainment experiences through PlayStation Mobile.

About PlayStation®Mobile

PlayStation®Mobile marries fun, engaging PlayStation-style gaming with the convenience of PlayStation™Certified mobile devices and offers mobile users a superlative store navigation and purchase experience. It allows a wide range of developers to produce PlayStation-like game experiences in an easy, time-efficient development environment. PlayStation Mobile content is also compatible with PlayStation®Vita.

*1 As of September 19, Android based PlayStation™Certified devices and PlayStation®Vita.

*2 Prices in Japan based on the information as of September 19.

*3 The license program to expand PlayStation Mobile, dedicated for portable hardware manufacturers. SCE will not only license logos but also provide necessary development support. As of September 19, 2012, the line-up of PlayStation™Certified devices include the HTC One series of smartphones, HTC One™ X, HTC One™ S, and HTC One™ V and Xperia™ arc, Xperia™ PLAY, Xperia™ S, Xperia™ ion, Xperia™ acro S, Xperia™ TX, Xperia™ T, Xperia™ V, Xperia™ SL from Sony Mobile Communications AB, and "Sony Tablet" S, "Sony Tablet" P and Xperia™ Tablet S from Sony Corporation. Model name may vary by region. Sales model may vary by area.

*4 The fee is for the US market. The fee differs by countries and regions.

 

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