Sony PlayStation Vita Sapphire Blue hands-on (video)

Sony PlayStation Vita Sapphire Blue handson video

After breaking from cover at yesterday's pre-TGS presser, the two new PlayStation Vita color variants have gotten cozy at the Sony booth on the show floor. Unlike the quick photo opp that we snagged a few hours ago, we were able to actually fondle the "sapphire blue" model in all its metallic-hued glory. Speaking of shiny exteriors, both the blue and red schemes feature a bit of sparkle along with the slathering of new paint. The duo look quite glittery, giving the two some added flair over the regular ol' black and white versions in addition to the color change. The hardware is the same as the existing models and the key difference is strictly visual. As you can see in the gallery below, the backsides of these Vitas is also covered with the same shimmering color as their facades. The pair will arrive in Japan in November and we're keeping a close watch on availability elsewhere.

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Sony PlayStation Vita Sapphire Blue hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s PlayStation Vita gets a blue and red-hued makeover, we take a closer look (eyes-on)

Sony's PlayStation Vita gets a blue and redhued makeover, we take a closer look eyeson

After the new PS3s had their moment in the spotlight at Sony's pre-TGS press event, the company also announced color variants for the PS Vita. We weren't able to fondle the pair just yet, the key difference is quite obvious: "cosmic red" and "sapphire blue" exteriors. Both of the new models share the same glossy coating as the original model, so they're sure to attract your fingerprints. These two round out the paint schemes at four when you include the "crystal white" version that's already been unveiled. While we snag a spot in line for a hands-on at the Sony booth, take a peek at the gallery that follows for a quick look at the duo.

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Sony's PlayStation Vita gets a blue and red-hued makeover, we take a closer look (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 02:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PlayStation 3 (2012) up close and personal (eyes-on)

Sony PlayStation 3 2012 up close and personal eyeson

Just after their pre-TGS announcement, we were able to snag a closer look at Sony's new slimmed-down PlayStation 3 consoles. While we weren't able to put our grubby mitts on the pair, we did get a peek at some of the exterior differences. Aside from the obvious color variations (at least in the white model that's definitely headed for Japan), the first change that immediately jumps out is the absence of the visible disc slot on the console's front. We surmise that discs now load via a sliding tray mechanism of some sort -- a feature that we'll definitely take a closer look at when we grab a full hands-on on the show floor. There's also a grooved design up top, which makes a departure from the smooth casing from the previous models. From the display we took a gander at, an attachable base is included to secure the unit when used vertically. Want a closer look for yourself? Dive in to the gallery below to do just that.

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Sony PlayStation 3 (2012) up close and personal (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 02:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp and Fujitsu join PlayStation Certified program, PS Mobile SDK available this November

Move over HTC -- both Sharp and Fujitsu are joining Sony's PlayStation Certified program, allowing games in the PlayStation Mobile marketplace to be purchased and played on various portable devices from the two hardware manufacturers. In Fujitsu's case, its ARROW series of smartphones and tablets will carry the PlayStation Mobile titles, while Sharp isn't getting specific just yet.

Beyond the partnership announcement, Sony's PlayStation Mobile SDK comes out of beta this November and becomes available for any developer. Licences cost $100/year, and the SDK becomes available on a region-by-region basis starting with Japan, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, allowing for cross platform development on PlayStation Certified devices and the Vita.

Update: The PlayStation Mobile store will launch on October 3rd in nine countries, including Japan, the US, Canada and the UK, carrying 30 titles on the opening day, with more coming as they roll off the production line.

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Sharp and Fujitsu join PlayStation Certified program, PS Mobile SDK available this November originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS Vita and PS3 cross-buy: more discounts, less freebies

PS Vita and PS3 cross-buy: more discounts, less freebies

Sony's PS3 / Vita cross-buy program might not be as simple as "buy one, get one" after all. Taking the stage at its pre-TGS press event, Sony announced a new Hot Shots Golf game as one of the program's first adopters -- citing a price reduction, rather then a free game, for users who pick up either the PS3 / Vita version of the title. In contrast, Sony stated at Gamescom that buyers of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault would receive a second copy of the game for free upon purchase, indicating that cross-buy discounts may vary from title to title. Remember kids: just because you bought it once, doesn't mean you won't have to buy it again.

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PS Vita and PS3 cross-buy: more discounts, less freebies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s PlayStation Portable dropping by ¥3,000 to ¥14,800

Just because Sony's focus during the Tokyo Game Show is on its two newest consoles, the Vita and the PlayStation 3, doesn't mean the company's forgotten about the PlayStation Portable. During its press conference this evening, Sony dropped ¥3,000 (about $40) from the base price of the PSP in Japan, putting the console at ¥14,800 (about $190). It's unclear if any price drop will affect North American or European consumers, but we'll update as we find out more.

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Sony's PlayStation Portable dropping by ¥3,000 to ¥14,800 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue PlayStation Vita variants, arriving in Japan November 15th

Sony announces Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue PlayStation Vita variants

If Sony's handheld wonder lacks the visual pop your discerning sense of style craves, you're in luck: the Vita's getting a new look. Sony teased a rainbow of colorful handhelds at TGS last year, but opted to launch the handheld in a classic black facade and added a white version back at E3 that is slated for October. Now, the outfit has revealed two new options: "cosmic red" and "sapphire blue." The details on pricing and availability are still coming in, but the pair will hit shelves in Japan on November 15th. In the meantime we'll offer details for US and Europe as soon as they become available.



Sean Buckley contributed to this report.

Sony announces Cosmic Red and Sapphire Blue PlayStation Vita variants, arriving in Japan November 15th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Plus added to Vita this November, existing users already in

Sony pushing PlayStation Plus to Vita this November, existing users already in

PlayStation Vita owners will get access this November to the promised PlayStation Plus program, previously exclusive to Sony's PlayStation 3 console. Like on PS3, Vita PS Plus subscribers will get "free games, receive discounts for select titles, and enjoy other benefits unique to the service." Sony detailed some of those unique benefits on its US blog, including "Instant Game Collection" (free games), "Discounts" (um ... discounts), "Online Game Storage" (1GB of cloud storage for game saves and DLC), "Automatic Updates" (auto-start and download/install of game demos and updates), and "Automatic Trophy sync" (which syncs your earned Trophies to PSN). In so many words, it's exactly what you get on the PS3, but on the Vita. When it launches this November, it'll come in a few pricing options: 90 days for $18 or one year for $50 (30 day subs are locked to Asia). Folks who already have subscriptions on the PS3 will get PlayStation Plus on Vita included in their existing subscription, which seems perfectly swell if you ask us.

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PlayStation Plus added to Vita this November, existing users already in originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces a slimmer PlayStation 3, 250GB bundle launches September 25th for $269

Sony announces a slimmer PlayStation 3, launching this fall in black and white

A few years ago, Sony pulled the curtain back on a slimmed-down version of its PlayStation 3, and yet another Japan-only version since then. Today at the company's pre-Tokyo Game Show press event, the latest rumored redesign to the PS3 was announced. The new duo gets even smaller in stature and will arrive in stores with both black and white offerings, available in 250GB and 500GB models. The "charcoal black" option has a September 25th launch date for the 250GB bundle (with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception "Game of the Year Edition") and a $269.99 price tag, while the "classic white" model arrives on November 22 (at least in Japan -- this is a TGS presser after all). For those looking for more storage space, the 500GB, charcoal-only option will be available on October 30th in conjunction with the Assassin's Creed III release -- no word on pricing just yet, though. Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House introduced the new model, calling it 50 percent smaller than the original (rather large) PS3, and 25 percent smaller than the previous slimmed-down version.

Sean Buckley and Ben Gilbert contributed to this report.

Gallery: PS3 Slim 2012

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Sony announces a slimmer PlayStation 3, 250GB bundle launches September 25th for $269 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re live from Tokyo Game Show 2012 in Tokyo, Japan!

We're live from Tokyo Game Show 2012 in Tokyo, Japan!

This week Japan's capital city welcomes gamers from around the globe for some show and tell with the country's finest at TGS. As for us, we're particularly anxious to see what Sony may have in store. Will we see another PS3 redesign? Perhaps some buzz about it's next-gen console? Will we see some energized color options for the PS Vita? We're eager to find out. Worried you're too far away to be in the loop with the happenings here? Fret not! We've got you covered on all of the proceedings at Makuhari Messe, so keep your peepers locked here for all of the latest news over the next few days.

Sean Buckley contributed to this report.

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We're live from Tokyo Game Show 2012 in Tokyo, Japan! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 23:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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