Joystiq

Sony posts $458M fiscal 2012 net profit, forecasts 5M portable sales in fiscal 2013

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:45:00 EST

Sony had a net income for fiscal 2012 (ending March 31 2013) of ¥43 billion, which converts to $458 million. It's the first time the company's posted annual net profit since 2008. A far better situation than the company's $456.7 million loss last year.

As the company predicted following several cost-cutting measures across the previous year - including the sales of major buildings in Tokyo and New York, as well as thousands of layoffs - Sony posted an operating profit for the fiscal year, which came in at ¥230.1 billion ($2.45 billion).

Sony shifted 3.4 million PS3 and PS2 units across the last quarter, while the Vita and PSP came in at 1.3 million. Sony's fiscal year figures were in line with projections made last quarter, with the home consoles at 16.5 million and the portables at 7 million.

However, the portables' figures compare unfavorably with the company's initial estimate for the year, which was 16 million. Sony is being much more cautious for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, predicting only 5 million units in what's approximately the Vita's second year at retail. PS3 figures are estimated at 10 million, while Sony chose not to include PS4 projections.

The PlayStation division saw 12.2 percent year-on-year decline in sales, coming in at ¥707.1 billion ($7.52 billion). Operating income saw a much sharper drop, down 94.1 percent to ¥1.7 billion, or $18 million. Sony put the declines down to decreased hardware sales, as well as the "strategic price reduction" for the Vita in Japan earlier this year.

One area where growth is predicted is software, even without including the PS4. Sony projects an increase from the 266 million units sold in fiscal 2012 to 319 million (including digital units).

Sony posts $458M fiscal 2012 net profit, forecasts 5M portable sales in fiscal 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop confirms the end of PS2 trade-ins, still selling games and accessories

Mike Suszek — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST

GameStop's corporate office has confirmed yesterday's news that all US locations will stop accepting any PlayStation 2-related trade-ins. GameStop also clarified in a statement to Engadget that PS2 games, accessories and systems will still be sold at its stores for "several months" until the remaining stock runs out. GameStop's statement reads:

"We can confirm that as of June 1st we will no longer be accepting the PS2 console or its related product for trades. We know that the 12 year old system is a popular one and for many gamers, GameStop is the only place to find a great selection of its games. We will still offer a wide selection of the PS2 hardware, accessories and games in many of our stores and online for several months, based on remaining stock from trades. We are very excited about the upcoming PS4 and are making room in our stores for it and other new platforms expected this fall."

GameStop confirms the end of PS2 trade-ins, still selling games and accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop will stop taking PS2 trade-ins as of June 1

Mike Suszek — Sun, 05 May 2013 16:30:00 EST

GameStop will cease all PlayStation 2-related trade-ins as of June 1, according to a photo of a store display snapped by Reddit user eGORapTure, seen after the break. We contacted multiple GameStop locations and confirmed the news that all PS2 games, accessories and systems will not be accepted for trade across all US stores at that time.

Production of PS2 systems in Japan ceased in late December 2012 after nearly 13 years and 150 million units having been shipped worldwide.

Continue reading GameStop will stop taking PS2 trade-ins as of June 1

GameStop will stop taking PS2 trade-ins as of June 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Constructed by evil genius/mad scientist/hardware hacker Bacteria, Project Unity is a single, unified gaming console that can play Sega Master System, Neo Geo MVS, GameCube, Dreamcast, Saturn, Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 7800, Turbografx 16, PS1/PS2, Mega Drive, NES, Super NES, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Amstrad GX4000 games.

Project Unity's most impressive feature, besides the fact that it works, is that it was constructed entirely out of authentic hardware and does not make use of emulators or combo units like the FC Twin. It also manages to use a single power supply, video output and custom-built controller, regardless of the system selected.

Jump to 09:30 in the video above for a demonstration of this behemoth in action, including the repurposed NES cartridges that contain different circuit boards for each controller type, or start from the beginning for some deliciously chaotic wiring shots.

'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fatal Frame snaps a selfie on PSN this week

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST

The original Fatal Frame is scheduled to launch on PSN this Tuesday, as revealed on the PlayStation Blogcast. Fatal Frame enters the PSN Store as a PS2 Classic, and it never leaves because that's how horror works.

Tecmo's first installment in the Fatal Frame series introduces Miku, a young girl who can see spirits. Her brother, who shares her powers, goes missing, and Miku tracks him to a derelict mansion. There, she picks up her mother's Camera Obscura, a device that captures souls on film, and must navigate out of the mansion while still searching for her brother.

Be on the lookout for Fatal Frame's official announcement in the PSN drop this week.

Fatal Frame snaps a selfie on PSN this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTA: Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories spin yarns on PSN next week

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories ride onto PSN next week for $9.99/£7.99 each. The last half-year saw the arrivals of GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas on PSN as PS2 Classics, so it's no shock to see the two other PS2 GTA games join them.

Both games originally released on PSP, of course, but it's the PS2 versions (playable on PS3) coming to PSN next week - the PSP versions are already there.

GTA: Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories spin yarns on PSN next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 4 will stream PS1, PS2, PS3 games

JC Fletcher — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:44:00 EST

The PlayStation 4 will use the "PlayStation Cloud" service to stream PS1, PS2, and PS3 games, solving the backward compatibility problem with technology developed by Gaikai. This functionality was first reported last week by the Wall Street Journal, and confirmed today during the PlayStation unveiling event.

In the presentation, Gaikai founder David Perry expressed PlayStation's desire to use this service to stream "everything ever," but no specific games were revealed. On one hand, that suggests the PS4 isn't natively able to play legacy discs; on the other hand, there's tech built in to play those games on the system via streaming.

This is part of "PlayStation Cloud," the services of which will be rolled out gradually.

PlayStation 4 will stream PS1, PS2, PS3 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3, PS2 Evolution videos bring us to this week's PlayStation 2013 event

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST

Sony rounded off its Evolution retrospective series with videos focusing on the PS2 (above) and PS3 (below the break), in addition to the first video on the original PlayStation. So we've looked back now at the PS1, the PS2, and the PS3. What comes next, hmm?

We have a sneaking smidgen of a microbe of a hunch we're going to find out at this week's PlayStation 2013 event, which we'll be all over when it rolls into town on Wednesday, February 20, starting at 6PM ET (3PM PT, 11PM Brit-time).

Continue reading PS3, PS2 Evolution videos bring us to this week's PlayStation 2013 event

PS3, PS2 Evolution videos bring us to this week's PlayStation 2013 event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS2 horror classic Siren scares up a PSN launch on Tuesday

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST

Classic PS2 horror game Siren is making a comeback on PSN this Tuesday, January 15. Ten years after its launch, Siren revisits the village of Hanuda and its occult natives to reclaim its title of "Japanese Modern Horror," as former executive producer Takafumi Fujisawa describes it.

PS2 horror classic Siren scares up a PSN launch on Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 2 is now discontinued worldwide, confirms Sony

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST

Worldwide production of the PlayStation 2 is finally at a halt after almost 13 years. Sony confirmed to The Guardian that, following the recent news of it being discontinued in Japan, the best-selling home console ever is now no longer being manufactured.

Sony boasts total software sales for the console of over 1.5 billion, in addition to more than 150 million PS2s sold. Rivals Nintendo and Sega barely shifted more than 30 million units of the GameCube and Dreamcast put together. It's unlikely we'll see a console dominate its generation so resoundingly ever again. Out of respect for the countless hours of gaming goodness it provided us, we at Joystiq are tearfully doffing our hats in memory of that little black box. That'll do, pig. That'll do.

PlayStation 2 is now discontinued worldwide, confirms Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 2 discontinued in Japan after almost 13 years of service

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST

The very last shipment of PlayStation 2 units to Japanese retailers is out the door, and the prolific console is now discontinued in the country. As Famitsu reports, production of the venerable black box ceased today nearly 13 years after its launch on March 4, 2000.

While the original PlayStation sits in and around the 100 million mark, the PS2 built upon that success to sell over 150 million units worldwide and dominate its generation. Its long life in Japan is a testament to it comfortably being the best-selling home console ever.

PlayStation 2 discontinued in Japan after almost 13 years of service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTA: San Andreas gets Dec. 12 PSN launch date from PS Hong Kong [update: confirmed!]

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST

PlayStation Hong Kong offers another shred of evidence that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is indeed making its way to PS3, listing the game as a download with a release date of December 12. San Andreas was rated by the ESRB for PS3 this year, as was Vice City and Grand Theft Auto 3. GTA 3 launched on PSN as a PS2 classic in September.

The Grand Theft Auto games are infiltrating a few new devices recently, topped off with Vice City's launch on iOS last week. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto 5 fans are scoping out yet another platform for that game's launch, with a petition to get it on PC.

Update: The PlayStation Blog confirms San Andreas will be released on PSN as a PS2 Classic on December 11.

GTA: San Andreas gets Dec. 12 PSN launch date from PS Hong Kong [update: confirmed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo now cruising at 67.89 million series sales, GT5 over 9 million

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST

The Gran Turismo sales-o-meter is now at 67.89 million, according to the latest stats published by developer Polyphony Digital. Meanwhile, Gran Turismo 5 is in the slipstream of double figures, now up to 9 million units sold worldwide. While it still ranks as the lowest-selling main entry in the series (on PS3), it's closing in on fourth-placed Gran Turismo 2 (9.4 million).

The majority of those 67.89 million series sales come from Gran Turismo 3, Gran Turismo 4, and the original Gran Turismo, speeding in at 14.9, 11.6, and 10.9 million respectively. As impressive as those figures are, Gran Turismo isn't the best-selling racing series out there. That accolade belongs to Need for Speed, which drove past 100 million sales back in 2009. We somehow suspect the two series' sales-per-game figures tell a different story.

Gran Turismo now cruising at 67.89 million series sales, GT5 over 9 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony posts net loss of $198 million for Q2, PlayStation profits decline

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Sony had a net loss of ¥15.5 billion ($198 million) in its second fiscal quarter, while its gaming division saw year-on-year declines in profit. The Q2 figure represents year-on-year reduction in loss of 42.6 percent, and improvement from the $312 million loss made in Q1.

Games-wise, the PlayStation division's operating income in Q2 was ¥2.3 billion ($29 million), a year-on-year decline of 23.3 percent. Sony shifted 3.5 million PS3 and PS2 units across the quarter, compared to 4.9 million last year. Vita and PSP sales came in at 1.6 million.

The company has lowered end-year projections of Vita and PSP sales significantly, now down to 10 million from an initial figure of 16 million. In May, Sony CEO Kaz Hirai indicated a fiscal year estimate of 10 million for Vita alone. The PS3 and PS2's combined fiscal-year estimate remains at 16 million.

In contrast, software performance saw slight growth across the quarter. PS3 and PS2 sales rose year-on-year to 41.4 million, up from 40.2 million. Vita and PSP figures also climbed, up from 8.2 million to 8.7 million.

Sony posts net loss of $198 million for Q2, PlayStation profits decline originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony plans to support PS3 through 2015 at least

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST

Sony isn't abandoning the PS3 any time soon, PlayStation VP of hardware marketing John Koller tells Gamespot.

"We are increasingly bullish on the PS3's prospects not only this year but over the next few years," Koller says. "A lot of great content is coming. And over the next two to three years, the PS3 has got an incredible lineup."

As long as developer interest exists for the PS3, Sony will continue to support it, similar to the PS2, which launched in 2000 and still scoops up a few games each year.

"We're going to continue supporting the PS3 for the next few years. Absolutely. And we're going to continue supporting it not only that long, but as long as there is a development spigot that's running hot," Koller says. "Same thing with PS2... it's kind of stuck around as that old warrior, many years after its launch. But there's still games launching for it."

Sony is launching a super-slim version of the PS3, the console's third design since it hit shelves in 2006. A new, 250GB PS3 runs $270, while the 500GB is $300 - both of these will have to compete with the Xbox 360, which has a $200 option, and the Wii U, Nintendo's new console that starts at $300.

Koller stands by the price of the PS3 redesign, citing the $270 version's full-time bundle package. Consumers want "value," and the new PS3 offers "a $70 consumer value when you get Uncharted 3 Game of the Year... and Dust 514 with $30 extra DLC coming in," Koller says.

Sony plans to support PS3 through 2015 at least originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS2 horror game Haunting Ground rated for PS3

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST

Haunting Ground, Capcom's PlayStation 2 horror game, has been rated by the ESRB for the PS3, suggesting an eventual digital re-launch. Haunting Ground's rating remains "M for Murder" - oh, that's "M for Mature," sorry - and contains all the warnings that made the first game so horrifically lovely.

Haunting Ground follows Fiona and her dog Hewie as they attempt to escape a haunted castle, solving puzzles and defeating enemies along the way. The game seems poised to launch either as a PS2 Classic or an HD remake; Capcom has yet to verify.

PS2 horror game Haunting Ground rated for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS2 and PSP SOCOM servers shutting down at the end of August

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:59:00 EST

Amazingly, Zipper Interactive servers for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs have continued to be active since the game's original debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, meaning that ~~crazy people~~ dedicated fans with online adapter-equipped PS2s have been able to keep playing for nearly 10 years. Now though, since Zipper Interactive doesn't exist anymore and everything, the servers for four PS2 SOCOM games and four PSP SOCOM titles will be taken offline at the end of August.

PlayStation 2 SOCOMs I, II, and III (as well as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault) will be going dark, as will the PSP various SOCOM titles, Fireteam Bravo (I, II and III) and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strke.

If this outage affects your regular gaming routine, we offer our most sincere condolences. Also, we'd like to point out that many thousands of games have been released since 2002, some of which you might enjoy. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity to go check some of 'em out?

PS2 and PSP SOCOM servers shutting down at the end of August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS2 games going digital in 'Only on PlayStation Network' campaign

Justin McElroy — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:28:00 EST

As if you don't have enough games to worry about this torrential fall, Sony is adding to the downpour with its "Only on PlayStation Network" campaign. Every Tuesday this month, we'll not only be getting exclusives but a selection of "rare classic games" including God Hand, GrimGrimoire, Maximo, Odin Sphere and Ring of Red, all coming tomorrow. (We guess that since your PS3 doen't play PS2 games any more, those really are only on PSN.)

Industry Gamers reports PlayStation Plus members get every title at 20 percent off during launch week and those that spend more than $60 in October on the service will get a $10 credit for November. We're unclear on what other PS2 games to expect, but here's the lineup of PSN exlusives so you can plan your buying accordingly:

October 4 - Eufloria and Rochard
October 11 - Sideway: New York
October 13 - Sodium Collection
October 18 - Okabu and RocketBirds
October 25 - inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood and PixelJunk Sidescroller

PS2 games going digital in 'Only on PlayStation Network' campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peyton Hillis wins Madden 12 cover vote

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:00 EST

Witness! Cleveland has a new -- and most unlikely -- sports icon in Peyton Hillis, who has been voted to the cover of Madden 12. Hillis, the could-be star running back for the Browns, trounced Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick in the final round of EA Sports' five-week, bracket-style cover competition. Hosted in collaboration with ESPN, the vote-driven promotion featured a player representative from 31 one of the NFL's 32 teams and ... the Seahawks fans (who were eliminated in the first round).

Hillis' inspiring run, no doubt propelled by the passionate (desperate?) Cleveland fans that have been aggressively campaigning across social media networks, included defeating Green Bay Packers QB and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, the bracket's #1 overall seed. "I didn't think I had a shot," said the humble Hillis during ESPN's "SportsNation" show this afternoon, during which the winner was announced.

Both Hillis and Vick were present on set for segments of the hour-long episode, doing their best to remain composed and engaged in the topics presented by hosts Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd, while a countdown timer ticked away. With the lights dimmed, Cowherd excitedly announced that "almost 13 million people voted" before he declared Hillis as the winner. The beefy back was then awkwardly goaded on by the two hosts, and even Vick, to flex his "guns" as the show cut out for the next program.

[Note: Not official cover art.]

Peyton Hillis wins Madden 12 cover vote originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DJ Hero 2, Warriors of Rock bundles discounted on Amazon today

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:40:00 EST

If there's a silver lining in music games' stormy slide down the software sales chart, it's that their bloated hardware bundles are bound to get cheaper. Of course, Amazon's one-day discounts on recent "Hero" games could also be the last -- as in: The last Hero games are on sale today!

Continue reading DJ Hero 2, Warriors of Rock bundles discounted on Amazon today

DJ Hero 2, Warriors of Rock bundles discounted on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Bravia TV includes PS2 hardware

JC Fletcher — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:07:00 EST

Many of us can't play PS2 games on our PS3s right now, but Sony has come up with a clever, and distinctly Sony-like, workaround for that problem: sticking a PS2 into a Bravia HDTV. And only ten years after the system's contemporary, the Dreamcast, was packed into a Fuji TV.

The budget-focused (okay, maybe it's not all that Sony-like) Bravia KDL-22PX300 includes 720p output, four HDMI ports ... and a PS2. We bet you can't guess where the PS2 hardware is in that sleek, sleek design. The set's currently available in the UK for £199.95 (about $312).

New Bravia TV includes PS2 hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roy Halladay named MLB 2K11 cover athlete

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

Having tossed only the twentieth perfect game in baseball -- ever -- this past season and tacking on twenty more regular season wins, not to mention recording only the second no-hitter in post-season history (in his first post-season game), Phillies ace Roy Halladay has earned himself the cover spot on this spring's Major League Baseball 2K11 (no curse attached). 2K Sports bestowed the honor today, in advance of tomorrow's National League Cy Young Award announcement, which the publisher predicts will go to "Doc" as well.

"I'm honored to be on the cover of Major League Baseball 2K11," said the always-humble Halladay in 2K's announcement. "I'm not one for predictions, but should 2K Sports be right about tomorrow, well, that would be a great way to end the year." Certainly, it would be a better ending than the current one: watching teammate and former MLB 08 cover athlete, Ryan Howard, take strike three looking to seal shut a chance for the team's third-straight World Series appearance.

Or is that not how it played out in your 2K10 season?

Gallery: MLB 2K11 (box art)

Roy Halladay named MLB 2K11 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq remembers the PlayStation 2

JC Fletcher — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST

Sony sent out a press release today to announce that October 26, 2010 marks the 10-year anniversary of the US release of the PlayStation 2. In that time, approximately 146 million systems have been sold worldwide, according to Sony. In the announcement, the publisher said the system was "responsible for raising the bar by introducing popular franchises such as God of War, Gran Turismo, Ratchet & Clank, and Metal Gear Solid, all of which live on as fan favorites and continue to make their way into the hands of new gamers to this day."

Okay, so Sony's memory may be a bit hazy (Gran Turismo and Metal Gear Solid actually debuted on the original PlayStation), but our own memories about the system are crystal clear. Join us after the break and discuss the system we can't believe is retro.

Continue reading Joystiq remembers the PlayStation 2

Joystiq remembers the PlayStation 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's that Toy Story 3 PS2 hardware bundle you've been waiting for

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:20:00 EST

You've patiently refrained from purchasing a PlayStation 2 for close to a decade now, holding out for that one perfect offer that combines affordability with licensed, all-ages-appropriate fun. Well, you madman, you can finally cave: Sony has announced a limited edition, $100 PS2 bundle that comes packed with Toy Story 3: The Video Game, due out on Halloween.

We suppose there are other kinds of people who would be interested in purchasing this late-to-the-party bundle, too. Like, what if you're one of no doubt thousands who has dropped something heavy on your current PS2, and you desperately need to finish your Mr. Mosquito campaign? Or what if you're the type to purchase anything labeled "limited edition?" If that's the case, we've got a very limited ... uh, pre-owned coffee mug for $149.99. Yeah, it's pricey, but man, this thing is just so, so limited.

Here's that Toy Story 3 PS2 hardware bundle you've been waiting for originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Peter Dille discusses PlayStation's 15-year legacy

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST

Peter Dille is quite possibly one of the most qualified people to speak about PlayStation's 15 year legacy. Minus a stint at THQ, SCEA's senior vice president has been working with Sony since the PS1 launch, returning for the PS3 era. Not only did we get to speak with him about the past 15 years, but we had a chance to talk about the future and the growing importance of the Network in Sony's vision of gaming's future.

Joystiq: This is a difficult first question, but what in your mind is PlayStation's single greatest contribution to the industry since its introduction 15 years ago?

Peter Dille: I think PlayStation changed the business in a way that made gaming popular and accessible to a much bigger audience than had been the case. When we introduced PlayStation back in 1995, we were competing against Sega and Nintendo -- two very successful companies. Largely, folks regarded gaming as something kids did, that something kids would grow out of it once they came to their senses.

What PlayStation proved was that gaming was a legitimate form of entertainment, and the combination of the Sony brand and the PlayStation product and brand identity resonated with folks who were teenagers, but also people who were 35 years old. And the proof is: in 1995, the business was $2.5 billion, and today it's a $20 billion business. We helped grow this business in a way that I think speaks for itself.

Continue reading Sony's Peter Dille discusses PlayStation's 15-year legacy

Sony's Peter Dille discusses PlayStation's 15-year legacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony patent for last-gen console adapter surfaces

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The long and puzzling saga of the PS3's now removed backwards compatibility with PS2 games may have just added another chapter. Japanese tech site Gigazine recently uncovered a patent filed by Sony Japan in February 2009, which appears to outline an "adapter" that could serve as a bridge for older generation games (e.g., PS2 discs) to be played on current generation consoles (e.g., the PS3).

We've contacted Sony for a comment on the patent, which was filed before Sony's John Koller definitively struck down the possibility of backwards compatibility on the PS3 last August. It's worth noting that the filing doesn't explicitly state the device's use for PS2 games on PS3. But, c'mon, what else could it be talking about? A UMD adapter for the PSP Go? Actually, now that we think about it, that might just come in handy.

Sony patent for last-gen console adapter surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sly Cooper Collection coming to PS3, in HD and 3D

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:25:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The Sly Cooper Collection will be revealed tomorrow as part of the Sony press conference. A blurry image on 1UP, taken at the as-yet-unopened PlayStation booth, not only announces the title but also touts 3D support as one of its key features. An independent source confirmed to Joystiq that Sly Cooper Collection is very much a real thing, and that other PS2 HD remixes are likely to be seen during the show.

It seems like we can cross at least one box off our bingo card.

Sly Cooper Collection coming to PS3, in HD and 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega to reveal Natal, Move projects at E3 suited for 'PS2 type' audience

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:45:00 EST

Last September, Sega promised to clue the world into its plans for Project Natal and PlayStation Move in early 2010. Actually, back then, we were still calling it the PlayStation Motion Controller. Oh, so young and naive! Now that we and Sega are both a few months older and wiser, the latter's plans have been pushed back a bit -- in a recent interview with IndustryGamers, Sega West president Mike Hayes explained that the company's Natal and Move plans would be revealed at E3 2010.

Though we haven't heard much about Sega's feelings on the upcoming wave of new motion control technology, Hayes explained the company is excited about "the fact that Move and Natal will bring in more of what I'd call the PS2 type of consumer for those platforms, which then suits very much the IP that Sega has." We've hypothesized that the PS2 IP he's referring to is the already motion-infused Sega Super Stars (pictured above) -- in our heart of hearts, though, we're secretly hoping for a motion-controlled Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future.

Sega to reveal Natal, Move projects at E3 suited for 'PS2 type' audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More FIFA World Cup 2010 media than you can shake a red card at

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST

We know, we know -- we've been desperately waiting for more new media on April's South Africa-themed FIFA release as well, and today we've finally got some more. Arriving care of GDC 2010, EA Sports released the trailer you see above and the smattering of new screens seen below (for Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 as well as the Wii).

The trailer urges players to take their own country's team to the World Cup, though we should issue a word of warning to those of you in the contiguous United States who choose to bring our fine nation to the top: it's just a game. Okay, okay, sorry -- we were just joshin' ya! We suppose it's possible. Maybe after the robots take over. Maybe.

Gallery: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (Wii)

Gallery: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (PS3/Xbox 360)

More FIFA World Cup 2010 media than you can shake a red card at originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: FIFA 10 moves 2.2 million units in the UK

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:29:00 EST

FIFA 10 has already found its way into 2.2 million UK homes, making it competition for the "biggest-selling game in the series so far," according to an MCV UK report. With today's earlier announcement of a free-to-play FIFA and the recent unveiling of FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa, and now this, we're quite considering naming it "FIFA Week" here on Joystiq.

And we're willing to bet that EA Sports marketing manager Trevor Uzice would be a big fan of that, especially considering he believes that "there's no denying FIFA 10 is the best football game ever." While we're not sure that the (admittedly impressive) sales numbers corroborate his sentiments, it's always nice to see marketing putting its most outlandish spin on any piece of news.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Report: FIFA 10 moves 2.2 million units in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA pulling plug on older sports games' servers

Justin McElroy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:35:00 EST

It's a new year, and the hammer must fall once more on the EA games that the company has deemed "unfit" to play. But the server shutdowns (which are traditionally closer to the middle of the year) are earlier than ever this time (beginning February 2), so fans of Facebreaker, Fantasy Football 09, Fight Night Round 3 on PS2, and many other soon-to-be retired online sports games have little time to achieve their last feats of glory.

We've got the full list of server shutdowns -- courtesy of MCV -- after the break. Let us know if you're still playing any of the games getting the axe.

Continue reading EA pulling plug on older sports games' servers

EA pulling plug on older sports games' servers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget says Xbox 360 helped define the decade

Justin McElroy — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST

It's pretty adorable listening to our electronics-obsessed sister site Engadget talk about video games, a sensation not unlike listening to a music professor trying to connect with students over the latest Jay-Z album. ("Say kids, isn't this track vibin'?!") But we think they nailed it with their inclusion of the Xbox 360 in their "Ten gadgets that defined the decade" list. The piece reminds that the system's success seemed all but impossible at its launch, with a weaker feature set than the PS3 and a for-pay online service.

Honorable mentions were given to the PS2 and the Wii, both of which will presumably fare better on Engadget's "Ten gadgets that didn't melt if you looked at them wrong" list.

Engadget says Xbox 360 helped define the decade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation brand celebrates 15th anniversary

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

What does 15 years of PlayStation look like? Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has opened a brand new site celebrating the legacy of the PlayStation platform, featuring a timeline of Sony's major gaming hardware releases, beginning with the launch of the original Japanese PlayStation on December 3rd, 1994. Sony's handheld holds a majority of those dotted events, with every version of the PSP (from the 1000 to the Go) represented.

The "15" year logo is a fun potpourri of various accessories released throughout the brand's history. In addition to SingStar microphones and Buzz! controllers, you can see Sony playing homage to UMD, PocketStation and rubber ducks -- stars of the initial tech demos for both PS2 and PS3.

[Thanks, tmacairjordan87]

PlayStation brand celebrates 15th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!)

David Hinkle — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

We don't live in Brazil, but from what we hear, it's not one of the most gamer-friendly places out there. Piracy runs rampant and whenever any kind of controversial game releases, citizens usually find their government won't let 'em play it. But, hey, things are kinda looking up!

Reader Renato wrote in to us saying the PS2 has finally officially released in Brazil and that consumers can get it from the Sony Style store now ... for the low, low price of 799 BRL (about 461 USD). That's right, Brazilians no longer need secure safe passage for emigrating consoles or pay ridiculous sums of money to third-party distributors and can instead pay ridiculous sums of money directly to Sony for a locally-supported PS2! Isn't that awesome?

[Thanks, Renato]

Congratulations to Serge808 on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. All beta codes have been awarded. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.

Sony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA: FIFA 10 is fastest-selling sports game 'ever'

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST

EA's annual footie franchise must be doing something right this year because FIFA 10 has apparently sold 1.7 million copies in Europe during its first week. According to EA, the title is "the fastest selling sports game ever and EA's biggest European launch in history."

Even with the positive launch, GI.biz spoke with an analyst who believes the sales aren't going to help EA in the long-term. Doug Creutz of Cowan and Company notes that heavy discounts at supermarket chains and other incentives made initial sales strong, but if the situation plays out anything like FIFA 09, the year-on-year sales will only grow marginally. But like a head-butt goal in the first minutes of a match, FIFA 10 is putting on a good show during launch.

Source -- EA announces record-breaking launch FIFA 10 (EA)
Source -- FIFA 10 record sales won't boost profits (GI.biz)

EA: FIFA 10 is fastest-selling sports game 'ever' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Sports: 'How big can football get?' Us: 'Pretty big, we guess?'

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Showing the far reaching effects of football ("soccer" for us Americans) fandom in a succinct two minute video, EA Sports asks UK residents in its latest ad for FIFA 10, "How big can football get?" From the looks of the insanity in the commercial (found after the break), we're going out on a limb here and saying, "Substantially large." Would you care to up that wager with a "significantly enormous?" Maybe a "demonstrably massive?"

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Continue reading EA Sports: 'How big can football get?' Us: 'Pretty big, we guess?'

EA Sports: 'How big can football get?' Us: 'Pretty big, we guess?' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Koei's Warship Gunners 2 sailing to PSP

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST

It seems like nearly half of the games released nowadays are Japanese nautical combat simulators for the PSP -- regardless, Koei is set to heap yet another of these ever-popular titles on the pile. This time around, it's a port of the PS2 title Naval Ops: Warship Gunner 2 -- though its PSP iteration has been given a more appropriate moniker: Warship Gunner 2 Portable. Release date details will likely drop when the game's official site goes live on September 4.

The title places players behind the wheel (rudder?) of a massive warship, forcing them to fight through waves of enemy vessels and proceed through the story and unlock new customizable parts for their own boat. Basically, it's a more complex version of Battleship, only without all the choking hazards. Unless you consider a UMD a choking hazard, but, man,vyou'd really have to try pretty hard to manage that.

Koei's Warship Gunners 2 sailing to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The pre-order bonus of your dreams: A Bakugan pillowcase

Justin McElroy — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

Let the losers keep their night vision goggles and Batarangs, those of you pre-ordering Bakugan Battle Brawlers at Game Crazy are going to get the real premium: A pillowcase featuring BBB's lead character Dan. Just imagine how cool it's going to look this October as the neighborhood bully spirits it into the night, filled with your freshly collected Halloween candy.

What's that? Still not convinced? Did we mention that the reverse side features Dan's guardian Bakugan Dragonoid? Seriously, check it out after the jump.

Continue reading The pre-order bonus of your dreams: A Bakugan pillowcase

The pre-order bonus of your dreams: A Bakugan pillowcase originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: PS2 back compat not returning to PS3 (ever)

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

If you've been furiously mashing the refresh key on your Joystiq machine (also known as a computer), waiting for Sony to finally announce that the PS3 Slim will reintroduce PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility, we've got some sad news for you. Forget that silly patent that filled you with base, vile hope. The dream is dead.

Speaking to Ars Technica, Sony's John Koller has made it quite clear that backwards compatibility will never, ever, ever be coming back to the PS3. "It's not coming back, so let me put that on the table," said Koller, quite simply. He added that, "It's not as big as a purchase intent driver as you may be hearing," saying that most consumers are purchasing the console for PS3 games and Blu-ray movies.

So, to reiterate, no more backwards compatibility from now until the world moves on. And probably not after that, either.

Sony: PS2 back compat not returning to PS3 (ever) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's a beautiful FIFA 10 trailer from GamesCom

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST

We may not know much about the athletes on the various covers of FIFA 10, but we do know that this trailer looks damn impressive. In fairness, the game often looks rather stunning, but the sizzle reel that EA has whipped up for GamesCom (found after the break) is specifically meant to show off the game to its most active market -- which certainly comes through in production quality. Though we don't watch a ton of sports (and we play even less) we're legitimately looking forward to EA's next entry in the FIFA series, set to release this October.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Continue reading Here's a beautiful FIFA 10 trailer from GamesCom

Here's a beautiful FIFA 10 trailer from GamesCom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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