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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.

Update: 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.

[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.

[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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I received a twitter message last night, stating there’s a rumor that Acer is planning to get into the games console market. Personally, i embrace any new player, coming into a jammed territory, i really think it can contribute to the competition and provide us, the gamers, more game titles, better graphics and advanced accessories. However, Acer need to create something really good in order to deflect our attention from PS3, Wii or XBOX 360 consoles. According to Acer Senior Vice President, James T.Wong, the company plans to create sort of an open platform console, based on “game machine” PC technology, and take this advantage to compete with all other closed and proprietary systems. Regretfully, there’s nothing more to say other then this dull info, so stay tuned.

[via gamestar]

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]