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The King of Pop is dead, but his legacy is live N kickin’, and it seems like it’d get even bigger as time goes by. One company that has recognized Jakson’s extremely attractive merchandising potential is Sony Japan that recently announced it would release a limited edition This is it! package of the king that suppose to include a slim PS3 console, boasting a 120GB storage and a nifty Blu-ray drive. This special pack – a result of the collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan – is set to go live on January 27, either in Black or White colors, priced at Â¥33,500 (about $361), nothing a fan can’t afford these days.

[via SCEJ]

Yes, we all heard about it time after time on recent weeks, but now it’s for real, as Sony finally makes the PS3 Slim edition official, at GamesCom show, ending up months of rumors and speculation about the new gaming console. And speaking about the slim console, turns out it will be available in the first week of September, worldwide, priced at merely $300 (that’s 300 Euros, or 29,980 Yen) and packing a 120GB HDD along with all the good features we know from the regular PS3. In addition, the slimmer version actually have clickable buttons on front, while sized 32 percent less than previous model. Furthermore, the new edition apparently consumes 34 percent less power and the bundle includes a wireless DualShock3 controller to comfortably rock your gaming experience from your living room sofa, as vertical stand is optional for extra $24. Sony will also release Firmware version 3.0, next to the Slim debut, so you will enjoy animated themes with avatars, some cool UI changes, modified friends lists and even a new status indicator, when running your brand new matte black console for the first time. For more details about the PS3 Slim announcement, the full specs, and some video footage to watch, hit the jump or pass the break.

Update1: Apparently, you won’t be able to play any Playstation 2 games with your new PS3 Slim console, which is a bummer (!) if you think about it, since not having a PS2 backwards compatibility will force everyone get rid of their cool games collection, but this way or another, if you keep searching for some cool advantages inside the latest Slim edition, then mind you this hot box will presumably support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit-streaming through your fancy hi-fi receiver. Huzzah!

Update2: Looks like Sony’s new PS3 Slim console is officially up and available across US retailers like Best Buys and GameStops (earlier than expected) for $299, so you can go down to your local store and get it NOW. Meanwhile, If you happen to have it at your disposal, already, and curious to see the inside parts of the box, hit the break and take a look, both at the image (one of few) and video footage that iFixit group has recently published.

Update3: A 250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII edition officially announced, set to be released in Japan somewhere around December for ¥41,600 Yen. Image is right after the break.

Update4: And moments after, Amazon.co.uk has listed a 250GB version as well, but this time you’ll have to settle with the ordinary black. Pre-order price is set for £285 ($455) and delivery is scheduled to October 1st.

Update5: Apparently, the 250GB Playstation Slim version is about to hit US shelves on November 3rd for $349.99, so you have only couple of weeks to get yourself this extra capacity-size edition.

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It’s not that we were totally surprised when Sony’s new gaming console abruptly showed up in a June 09 Qore edition – after all, rumors are floating around for quite some time – Yet, having a first look on a future portable gaming device can definitely rock our geeky heart, which barely stands the endless expectation for the official announcement to take place. And with so many neat features crammed inside, It shouldn’t take long until we snack ourselves a copy or two. But until we’ll manage to fulfill this dream, you all should probably like to know that Sony’s new PSP GO – as for on the go – seems to be offered with a 3.8-inch screen display, along with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, rounded sleeky slider design and 16GB of internal Flash, expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. Other essential traits to be noted include a smooth integration with PlayStation 3 gaming console (full network support), thin-and-light body design (43% lighter than PSP-3000), “10-year life-cycle products” guarantee (meaning long term viability) and various new action-game titles like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid – in plan. With no pretensions to be crowned as a PSP-3000 successor and without determined price-tag given, all that’s left is a vague “This Fall” release announcement, which Sony executives were willing to share. And while waiting for this dates to arrive, hit the jump and watch the video itself.

Update1: Sony just announced the PSP Go at the E3 convention, to be available on October 1 in North America and Europe for $249, with a month later release in Japan. Turns out it’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than Sony’s first PSP-1000 console, as most other specs remain the same, with few surprises at the corner – like a built-in WiFi connection, a new auto-playlist feature which randomly plays your favorite music and called Sense Me, a new video delivery service, and a lack of the UMD drive, implying you’ll be loading your games either through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation’s network. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, you can read the full PR announcement after the break.

Update2: In case you were all wondering what will happen to your old UMD games, once getting the PSP GO, maybe you should know that Sony will be offering for purchasing digital copies of those gamese, but maybe – just maybe – the company will be generous enough to make it even free of charge. Stay tuned.

Update3: If inner parts will make you excited, the folks at levelup.cn have managed to get their hands on one of the few available PSP Go devices out there and as expected, dissected it into pieces. Hit the jump to see the picture or click the link for even more.

Update4: Firmware update 6.10 is out, and those of you who’ve managed to get their hands on a PSP GO console (even though it’s not officially out yet) will now enjoy Bluetooth internet tethering for remote internet access. Additionally, you’ll find a new SensMe feature that literally creates audio playlists based on moods.

Update5: It’s here. Sony’s new PSP GO console finally goes live and can be found at your local retailers for $249.99. Gamind Party !

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How many times have you encountered with difficulties to write on your PS3 game console through the lame virtual keyboard UI and the retard SIXAXIS controller? Well, guess what, hot news are coming from the Leipzig Games Convention, as Sony unveils a wireless keypad attachment, that hooks onto your SIXAXIS/DIALSHOCK3 game pad and lets you use the built-in keypad comfortably, whenever you need it. Mind you, the unit is compatible with other Bluetooth enabled devices, such as mobile phones and other gadgets. Still no word on price but we do know it will go live around November 2008, in 8 different assimilated languages.

Update: you can now pre-order it at Amazon for $49.99. Regretfully, you will have to wait until November for shipping.

[via joystiq]

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Sony has officially announced a new 80GB PS3 package, to go live in September for $399 price tag. The new expected version has exactly the same 40GB features, including a Blu-ray player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, and Cell Broadband Engine, but you also get double storage capacity for the same price. checkout the press release after the break.

Meanwhile, we hear that the PS Store video service goes life, offering movies and TV shows available for renting or buying.

Update1: It seems like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand are going to get the new 80 gigs model on August 27th, with prices standing at €399 in Europe and £299 in the UK.

Update2: 19.8.08 – earlier than expected, the 80GB model arrives to Best Buy and unofficially available for purchasing. European retail launch suppose to be on Friday 22nd.

[via feedmoo]

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After the game comes the watch, as Metal Gear Solid 4   limited-edition wristwatch is up for pre-order at UK online retailer Gamestation, featuring stailess steel body, exclusive serial number along with a certificate of authenticity from Konami, all packed in an adorned black box with a silver MGS4 logo on top. Mind you, there are only 500 pieces to be released on October 31st for estimated price of £99.99 ($196), so hurry up!

[via Tech Digest]

If you’re a PS3 owner who look for a nice and speedy way to control your console’s UI, you can try hooking up a Wacom tablet into your Sony device and start navigating the menus by moving the drawing pen on the tablet surface. True, most of us don’t hold this graphic designers tool at our disposal but it’s another cool way to interact with the playstation 3 device. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work in games but it can really speed up your interface control as you can find in the following video.

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

[via PS3 Fanboy]

I don’t want to put you into panic, but i guess it is important for gamers to be aware of the possibility that game consoles might contain some hazardous chemicals with an impact on their memory and learning capabilities for the long term. The source for this latest alert is Greenpeace, who tested 3 major gaming consoles, including Xbox, PS3 and Nintento Wii. The organization has found those dangerous materials, like phthalates and bromine, in each one of the consoles, on different parts, so next time you crash your car on GTA IV, just think of the consequences. Mind you, Greenpeace offers a direct contact to the manufacturers in order to put some pressure and demand a clean up consoles. Interestingly, only Nintendo’s email has worked out.

[via slashgear]

PlayStation3 “Metal Gear Solid 4 Package” is heading Stateside on June 12th, bundled with a limited edition gunmetal grey PS3 console, Metal Gear video game and a DualShock 3 controller. Mind you, this 80GB PS3 box is claimed to be a “VERY, VERY Limited Edition”, so if you plan getting one, prepare your tents to stand in the queue for long days. Regretfully, there are no details on price or places you can buy this baby.

[via kotaku]

Remember the Xbox 360 limited-edition version, bundled with Grand Theft Auto IV? Turns out Sony has the same thing, as a 40GB PS3 console, packed with the desired game, has popped up in a Swedish retailer’s website, offering a nice designed GTA IV case along with all the required accessories. Price is extremely high, since the Scandinavian market is very expensive, but even though, 4,499 SEK ($755) won’t deter fanatic gamers from purchasing it. No details when this special edition is set to be released in the US, but be sure it will, for a much cheaper price.

[webhallen via engadget]

As mentioned before, the expectation for the new GTA IV, turns me into an impatient critter, and the following possible PS3 map images, leaked just few hours ago, only increase the intolerance. The pictures include the next Liberty City itself, descriptions of various scene locations, the subway map and more. All in all, I fairly can say these images resemble to New York City one after the other, and although there is no official authenticity confirmation, I’m surely convinced they are real and not just a mockup.

[via kotaku]

More pictures after the break.

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The upcoming PS3 firmware update, will bring some substantial improvements to the game console. According to Sony, version 2.20, which is just days from launch, will feature Blu-ray spec 2.0 and BD-Live capabilities that include online downloading of video content, ringtones and interactive movies or audio. In addition, you will be able to copy to your PSP photos and music playlists via USB connection. The update will also add movies bookmarking function, so you can return back to the exact point and resume play from where you left off. Furthermore, “Audio Output Device” function will enable the PSP console to serve as a remote control for music played through the PS3. Check the full details after the break.

Update: users will be able to copy Blu-Ray movies directly from the PS3 to the PSP.

Update 2: update one turns to be untrue.

[via gizmodo]

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PlayStation3 “Movies Package” is heading to Europe, bundled with three blue-ray titles, including Casino Royale, 300, and Spider Man 3. The box is expected to go live on March 19th, along with a 40GB PS3, for the old fixed €399. For those of you who can hold their breath and wait until March 29th, Sony is prepping a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue package, for the same price. Either way, i like both packs and look forward to snap one. Mind you, the bundles do not include HD cables, so this one is on your expenses.

 [via PS3 Fanboy]

Another picture after the break.

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Sony has announced that the DualShock 3 game controller will go live in the US in April 2008. The SIXAXIS version was first released in Japan, a few months ago, and now it’s heading stateside. If you don’t have any plans to visit Tokyo with in a month, the DualShock 3 will be yours for $54.99.

[via kotaku]

This mysterious teaser snappily appeared on PS3 official site for a very short time, alluding messaging capabilities support for the game console. If this info is real, and we assume it is, PS3 users finally get voice and video chat services, allowing them to connect with their friends whenever they pop up online or during a game. The sneaky image reads “Talk to others during game play, say hello anytime you’re online, or have a video chat with an Eye camera; USB Camera or headset.” Hopefully, Sony is going to embed the messaging services in the next firmware update, so here’s a very good reason to anticipate the next version.

[via slashgear]

Sony Japan unveils a new version of the PS3 game console with a satin silver design. The new edition comes with a 40GB hard disk and a silver SIX-AXIS gamepad. It will be available in Japan on March 6th for $374.

[via Kotaku]

More pictures after the break.

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For those who always wanted to utilize their PC keyboard gaming abilities on their game consoles, XFPS created a special designated adapter that enables users to hook any keyboard or mouse, directly to their Sony PS, and start kicking those creepy zombies. Once you have the adapter, just plug it into one of the USB slots in your console, and hook your keyboard/mouse to the other side, using USB or PS/2 connections. This will give you full control, using your favorite keys, for only 99$.

[via slashgear]

More pictures after the break.

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PS3 gets Ceramic White color for the US market. It looks very elegant and feats your living room as a decorative piece of craft. The new upcoming device is similar to the 40GB PS3 that was announced in Japan on last November.

[via slashgear]

Good news for Sony PSP owners, the new PS3/PSP firmware update, enables PS1 games to be played on the PSP device, through a new “Remote Play” add-on feature.

Once you installed firmware version 3.40 to your PS3 console, you can download any PS1 game into it (via the online store) and play on the portable PSP with the remote play application. In addition, the new firmware adds DivX and WMV video support to the PS3.

[via gizmodo]