[Thanks, diare331]
Yakuza 3-themed PS3 looks stylish
[Thanks, diare331]
Deal: PS3 + 2 games + Blu-ray + remote = £300
Quality bundles, we're sure you agree. A great improvement on the "PS3 + 1 game for £310" bundles that we're so used to. So if you haven't taken the PS3 plunge yet, now might be the perfect time.
NPD: PS3 sells 190k units in October
PS3 sales in October have dropped from the last month, despite the launch of many of this year's big hitters such as LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm Pacific Rift. Around 190,000 units were sold in October (an increase of 56% over October 2007), though this is almost half of the nearest competition's sales, with the Xbox 360 selling around 371,000 units and the Wii continuing to storm ahead with over 800,000 sold during the month.
Despite being outsold to this extent PS3 software sales increased to 2.3 million units, a 200% increase over October 2007 sales. SCEA expects software sales to increase throughout November, in the lead up to Christmas and with the launch of Resistance 2. There are also more than 14 million registered users for the PlayStation Network worldwide. An increase of 166% since January.
Despite being outsold to this extent PS3 software sales increased to 2.3 million units, a 200% increase over October 2007 sales. SCEA expects software sales to increase throughout November, in the lead up to Christmas and with the launch of Resistance 2. There are also more than 14 million registered users for the PlayStation Network worldwide. An increase of 166% since January.
Is this a slim PS3? No! It's a Sonilex!
[Via Engadget]
Japan gets Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet 80GB bundles
The second bundle will be known as the "PlayStation 3 LittleBigPlanet Dream Box" and will obviously include LittleBigPlanet along with an 80GB (in either black, silver or white) and two DualShock 3s. The box will also be covered in artwork of Sackboy. The Japanese will be able to pick this up for 44,980 yen (450/€329). LittleBigPlanet will also be bundled with DualShock 3 controllers, saving customers almost $35 in comparison to purchasing the items separately. Early copies of the game will come with a code to download an Ape Escape monkey costume. Hopefully, this isn't the extent of Sony's announcements at TGS tomorrow. We'll be there to bring you any interesting info from the show.
Sony/Toshiba making 45nm Cells in '09, slim PS3 on way?
The current PS3s already have efficient functionality with the shrunken 65nm Cell processor, but now things are going to get even smaller. Sony and Toshiba have plans on mass producing a 45nm Cell processor starting in 2009. The plan is to integrate them first into PS3s. The result of which will allow PS3s to save power up to 40 percent.As usual, smaller chips mean less heat, less space, and more reliability. Engadget suggests that this new hardware revision could usher in a price cut and a PS3-slim model. All seems logically sound, though -- even if the chips were produced early in the year -- we still wouldn't see the end product until late 2009 at the very earliest. So if you've been holding out for a PS3 until the slim comes into town ... you've still got a long wait ahead of you buddy.
[Via Engadget]
PlayTV goes back to DRM-free PSP-lovin' copying
Well, with PlayTV in the hands of reviewers, it appears Sony has switched back to the original plan. You'll now be able to copy DRM-free versions of your recorded programs to your PSP, or any other compatible MPEG-4 device, at least according to CVG.
Our European readers may want to check out CVG's review. The rest of us will just sit here in the corner, waiting.
[Thanks, benny boy!]
Two new European 80GB PS3 bundles
Courtesy of Gamekyo, we get a glimpse of two upcoming bundles that include the new 80GB PS3. We'll start off with the less exciting Movie Pack, which includes an 80GB PS3, one Dual Shock 3 controller, and the French comedy Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis on Blu-ray. This Movie Pack will launch October 29th for 399€. The second one, a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue bundle, is definitely more exciting. Details and a picture of the bundle after the jump. Do these new bundles appeal to you, the European consumer?
Let's review: all the PS3 SKUs
80GB Core model draws less energy than 40GB
[Via Joystiq]
MGS4 80GB bundle may be discontinued
It looks like the 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle really was "limited edition." The $499 bundle has been deleted from the Wal-Mart databases, to make way for the 80GB Core and upcoming 160GB Uncharted pack. Considering the current MGS4 pack is the only system to support PS2 backwards compatibility, this may be your last chance to get your hands on a PS3 that can play PS2 games. Neither the current $399 80GB Core nor the upcoming $499 160GB bundle will support PS2 games at all.Stay tuned for Sony's official response.
160GB model also announced for America: $499, November release
"As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."
80GB goes on sale in Europe this Friday, 160GB PS3 available 10/31
New 80GB Core Packs can be sold as soon as stores get them [Update]
If the new 80GB Core Packs are available, that means the two current PS3 SKUs both feature 80GB hard drives. The more expensive ($499) 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle includes a copy of the popular stealth action game and offers backwards compatibility.
Update: SCEA rep Al de Leon tells us that "Shipments of the new 80GB PS3 started this week, and retailers can sell them as they receive the inventory." If your local store has the new 80GB system, they're allowed to sell it immediately.
Retail says new 80GB PS3s out in Europe this Friday
