Sony wrapped up their TGS 2012 presentation with a few announcements last night. It all started when Andrew House, President and Group CEO of SCE, got on stage unveiling a new, redesigned PS3. The new PS3, approximately 20% smaller and 25% lighter than the current PS3, will be available in 250GB and 500GB models on September 25th in North America. The 250GB will go for $269.99, as part of a limited edition bundle featuring Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year edition, and a voucher for more than $30 worth of digital content for Dust 514. As for the 500GB model, it will be available in a limited edition Assassin’s Creed III bundle on October 30th in North America. Both models will be available in Black and White.
The New PS3 Slim Uncharted 3 bundle, available for $265 on September 25th
Sony announced October 3rd for the launch of PlayStation Mobile in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, with more to follow in the future. According to Sony’s press release, 30 games will be available at launch.
In addition to the news of new e-store, Sony announced a PlayStation Mobile Developer Program for launch in November. The new program will allow developers to access the PlayStation Mobile SDK (software development kit) to create their own games for distribution on the PlayStation Store for Certified devices as well as the Vita. The PlayStation Mobile SDK will cost $99.99 annually.
Click for Press Release
Sony Computer Entertainment To Launch PlayStation®Store For PlayStation®Mobile On October 3
Official Version of PlayStation®Mobile SDK Will Be Available in November
FUJITSU AND SHARP TO JOIN PLAYSTATIONâ„¢CERTIFIED LICENSE PROGRAM
TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — 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 PlayStationâ„¢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 PlayStationâ„¢Certified devices include the HTC One series of smartphones, HTC Oneâ„¢ X, HTC Oneâ„¢ S, and HTC Oneâ„¢ V and Xperiaâ„¢ arc, Xperiaâ„¢ PLAY, Xperiaâ„¢ S, Xperiaâ„¢ ion, Xperiaâ„¢ acro S, Xperiaâ„¢ TX, Xperiaâ„¢ T, Xperiaâ„¢ V, Xperiaâ„¢ SL from Sony Mobile Communications AB, and “Sony Tablet” S, “Sony Tablet” P and Xperiaâ„¢ 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.
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, develops 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.
PlayStation and PS3 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xperia is a trademark or a registered trademark of Sony Mobile Communications AB. “Sony Tablet” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
PS Plus will launch on the PS Vita this November. If you are an existing PS3 PlayStation Plus subscriber, your subscription will carry over to the Vita. In addition, PS Plus members on Vita will receive access to a brand new Instant Game Collection:
Instant Game Collection will bring you Unlimited access to a regularly refreshed selection of the full versions of games, as long as your membership is active.
Vita owners will also gain access to free and discounted games, exclusive content, cloud saving, automatic updates, automatic Trophy syncing and more.
Sony also showed off two new colors for the PlayStation Vita, Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue, which will be available only in Japan on November 15th, 2012.
Click for Press Release
PlayStation®Plus Will Become Available For PlayStation®Vita In November 2012
PlayStation®Vita Owners Will Have Access to Free Games and Other Features That Enhance their Gaming Experience
TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — 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.
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®Suite, a cross platform and cross device initiative. 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.
PlayStation, PS3 and PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Sony also announced a bunch of new titles coming for the Vita in 2013. Titles such as Tecmo Koei’s new game “Toukiden”, a dark fantasy, samurai action title available for PlayStation Vita and PSP sometime next year.
As for Soul Sacrifice, a much anticipated title developed by Marvelous Entertainment and SCE Studios Japan, unfortunately, TGS 12 brought some bad news. Series Creator, Keiji Inafune, confirmed the game has been delayed until 2013 in Japan.
On a related note, Sony released Firmware Update 1.81 yesterday for the PlayStation Vita. Although we don’t have much information regarding the new update, you may want to download it to avoid being interrupted with a forced firmware download.
For more information and footage from TGS 12, stay tuned to PS3Blog.net.
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