Joystiq

Joystiq's retail Vita collection requires 255MB of storage [update: more added]

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

If you haven't heard by now, chances are very high that you will need a memory card to get much use out of that shiny new PlayStation Vita. Apart from requiring a memory card for PSN downloads, many retail games have their own storage requirements as well. After the break, we've listed the requirements for every retail title we have on hand (see image above, Rappy included for scale). We've also included the storage required for the downloadable Vita games available thus far.

The retail games we have add up to just over 255MB of required storage, a figure you might want to keep in mind before deciding which incredibly expensive memory card is right for you. It's also worth noting that a full 160 of those MBs are dedicated to FIFA Soccer.

Continue reading Joystiq's retail Vita collection requires 255MB of storage [update: more added]

Joystiq's retail Vita collection requires 255MB of storage [update: more added] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS Vita 3G purchases include free data, 8GB memory card at Amazon

JC Fletcher — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST

If you have already pre-ordered, or were planning to pre-order, the $300 PS Vita with wi-fi and 3G support from Amazon, you're privy to some extra bonuses. The unit now ships with a crucial 8GB memory card, a free month of "DataConnect" 3G access (or 250MB, whichever comes first, a $15 value) and, as part of signing up for the DataConnect service, a free PSN game.

Right now, Amazon is the only place we've seen this specific offer. We're checking in with Sony to determine whether this offer applies to 3G/wi-fi Vitas sold elsewhere. However, it's a sticker on the box art shown on Amazon (above). That doesn't look retailer-specific.

PS Vita 3G purchases include free data, 8GB memory card at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Vita memory card pricing is slightly better than expected

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

Last month, GameStop posted pre-order listings for Vita memory cards, with dire, dire prices -- from $30 for a 4GB card to $120 for the 32GB card. In its launch lineup announcement, the PlayStation Blog revealed the "official" pricing for the unimaginably tiny accessories, and it's ... better.

Still pretty expensive.

According to Sony, the 4GB card will retail for $19.99, 8GB for $29.99, 16GB for $59.99, and the 32GB for $99.99. In addition, you'll be able to get a 4GB card along with a "Pocket Pouch," screen cover, card case, headphones, and cleaning cloth in a $40 "Starter Kit." GameStop still has yet to update its listings, but we're sure it will soon. If it doesn't, you should really look elsewhere.

Official Vita memory card pricing is slightly better than expected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vita can't handle multiple PSN accounts after all

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST

Sony has corrected its previous statements about the Vita's ability to support multiple PSN accounts, again. Contradicting what we'd been told before, a PSN account is not merely tied to a memory card, Sony told Wired. It's tied to both the card and the system.

That means that switching accounts is not as simple as it sounded. "If a second person is using your Vita," a Sony rep told Wired, "it's not just a case of switching out memory cards, it's clearing out all of your saved data on the Vita itself when you do the factory reset."

You're extremely unlikely to be willing to completely flash your Vita every time you want to switch accounts, so you can go ahead and forget about keeping separate US and Japanese PSN accounts, for example. And the Vita just became slightly less useful.

Vita can't handle multiple PSN accounts after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop lists Vita memory card prices (start saving up now) [update]

JC Fletcher — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:40:00 EST

When you grudgingly put your money down for the proprietary PS Vita memory card you'll need, muttering under your breath about how absurd it is that neither an industry-standard SD card nor Sony's own Memory Stick will work, how much money will you grudgingly put down?

Up to a hundred and twenty damn dollars, according to GameStop. The retailer has posted listings for four sizes of Vita memory card, including a 4GB card for $29.99. 8GB for $44.99, 16GB for $69.99, and 32GB for the aforementioned $119.99.

That's perfectly in line with the Japanese pricing for the memory cards -- and it's also a strong argument in favor of getting a small card for save data and just buying all your games retail, like you did on the PlayStation 1. Welcome to the future!

Update: Sony told IGN that the 4GB cards would actually retail for $24.99 and the 8GB cards for $39.99. However, GameStop has yet to change its prices. Either GameStop had the wrong MSRP, or it had the right MSRP and added a premium -- or Sony saw the response to its suggested memory card pricing and corrected it a bit in our favor.

GameStop lists Vita memory card prices (start saving up now) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vita games with internal memory can't use memory cards

JC Fletcher — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:14:00 EST

Ready to learn even more about the intricacies of Vita game saving, long before you'll ever hit "save" on a Vita game? After reporting the list of games requiring an external memory card, Kotaku Japan followed up with SCEI to get more information about the save system.

Games capable of saving directly to their own cartridges, the site learned, won't offer you the option to save to an external card. That means you'll never be given the choice -- games that can save internally will always do so. The site also discovered that you'll have to have a memory card in the Vita at startup in order to operate games that require external storage.

Sony told Kotaku Japan that in addition to save data, some games may use the memory card for DLC. Got it?

Vita games with internal memory can't use memory cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: These are the Vita games that require a memory card

JC Fletcher — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EST

Some PlayStation Vita games will let you save to the internal memory on the cartridge; others require you to have an external memory card, in a situation reminiscent of the Nintendo 64's confusing "Controller Pak." Kotaku Japan compiled a list of the Japanese launch games and their memory requirements, allowing us to see how common the external memory requirement is.

Known launch window games requiring separate memory cards include Ridge Racer, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention, Sega's golf game @Field, Hot Shots Golf 6, the AR title Monster Radar, and the assuredly Japan-only Dream Club Zero Portable. Everything else saves to memory included on the game itself -- with one exception: the status of (sigh) Touch My Katamari is unannounced.

That's for the retail versions of these games. Here's the list of games whose PSN versions require you to use an external memory card for save data:

All of them

Report: These are the Vita games that require a memory card originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NGP features two proprietary card slots for memory storage, games

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:40:00 EST

The NGP's memory storage capabilities are puzzlingly absent from the hardware specifications released by Sony today. During the PlayStation Meeting 2011 press conference, the company briefly introduced a "new game media" format, a flash memory-based card on which retail titles will be sold (replacing the clunky, power-sucking UMD). These SD-looking game cards -- said to be proprietary -- will feature extra storage for relevant data, including games saves and add-ons.

"NGP adopts a new game medium, a small flash memory based card, dedicated for NGP software titles," a Sony press release later confirmed. "Taking advantage of the flash memory feature, this innovative card can store the full software titles plus add-on game content or the game save data directly on to the card. By adopting flash memory based card, SCE will be able to provide game cards with higher capacity in the future, allowing developers to store more game data to deliver rich and immersive games."

But where will users store non-game data? The NGP's LiveArea UI suggests that multimedia applications will be integral to the handheld, and many of these apps will obviously require data storage -- not to mention the storage requirements for downloadable games. While Sony has not mentioned an internal flash memory component of the NGP, SCE Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida revealed to Game Informer that the device will feature "two slots" for memory cards; one for the new game card format (which Yoshida confirmed would be proprietary -- not SD) and a second port for additional storage.

Whether the additional slot has been designed for Sony's existing proprietary Memory Stick (the "Micro" version is used for PSP Go memory expansion) has not been specified. "At this point, all we're saying is it is proprietary storage capabilities," SCEA boss Jack Tretton told Engadget, "we're not getting into defining what it is yet." [Update: In an interview with GameSpot, Yoshida said that the secondary slot is for "the media card that we are developing" (in addition to the game card), suggesting that NGP might use a proprietary media card other than an existing Memory Stick format.]

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NGP features two proprietary card slots for memory storage, games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel working on 'remedy' for its unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:02:00 EST

There was something of an outcry in the Xbox community when Microsoft announced that the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard Update would disable "unauthorized" memory units. Datel, a manufacturer of such devices, recently expressed its disappointment following the announcement. Fortunately, it looks like it takes more than that to keep a good company down, as Maxconsole.net reports that Datel intends to release a solution to the problem.

In a letter to retailers, Datel stated it was "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." Naturally, the company didn't elaborate on the necessary changes. Datel also didn't supply a precise release date for the updated memory units, saying only that they would be available "shortly." Still, it's good news for folks that want more memory for less-than-exorbitant prices.

[Via Engadget]

Datel working on 'remedy' for its unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Outlawed off-white accessory news now, with CVG relaying manufacturer Datel's unenthusiastic response to the the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, which intends to kill support for unauthorized, third-party memory units. Datel has said that it's "disappointed" by Microsoft's decision, one that it feels will limit consumers in "exercising their freedom of choice." Specifically, their freedom of choosing a memory solution that doesn't come from Microsoft.

What to do if you're the owner of one of these bad boys? Unless you want to stay offline forever, you'll have to back up your data and transfer it to an official memory unit or hard drive. Failing that, you could just lift anchor in protest and set sail for Redmond, but we wouldn't suggest doing that unless you're English and living in 1983.

Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience[TM], Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work."

In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.

Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NXE storage solution: Free 512MB memory card or cheap 20GB HDD

Dustin Burg — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: News, Peripherals

Last week, Microsoft informed us that they'd be offering a "storage solution" to Xbox 360 Arcade and Core owners who didn't have 128MBs of storage to install the New Xbox Experience. We now have those storage solution specifics.

Microsoft just launched a new Xbox Storage Upgrade website where Arcade and Core owners can request their storage solution. All you have to do is enter your console's serial number and ID, then the system will check to make sure your console isn't an Elite or Pro. Some are reporting that the system knows if you have a HDD connected and will deny your storage upgrade, so be careful. Once your console is verified to be lacking 128MBs of storage, you'll be given a special offer based on which console you own. The storage solution offers are:

Xbox 360 Acade owners: Refurbished 20GB HDD + 3 months of Xbox Live for $30.
Xbox 360 Core owners: 512MB memory card for free OR refurbished 20GB HDD for $20

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

NXE storage solution: Free 512MB memory card or cheap 20GB HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nyko Media Hub adds USB ports, SD card support to 40GB machines

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals

The cheaper 40GB is missing a few features, the most noteworthy being backwards compatibility with PS2 games. However, it has a few other minor quirks. For example, it only has two USB ports, instead of four, and it's missing some memory card readers. (The 20GB launch machine is also missing memory card readers.) Well, Nyko will have none of that nonsense!

From the press release: "We found that many of our customers who had purchased the popular 40 GB version of the PS3, which has less USB ports and no media card reader, were looking for an affordable solution to expand with these features," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "With the Media Hub, an additional three USB ports and a media card reader are now possible for all PS3 models, allowing consumers to enjoy the full capabilities of their multimedia system no matter which model they choose."

The Media Hub is expected to hit stores in August, with a rather steep asking price of $20.

Nyko Media Hub adds USB ports, SD card support to 40GB machines originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Add some class to your Wii's top panel

Eric Caoili — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mods, Imports

As useful as the Wii's hidden GameCube controller ports and memory card slots are, the console's flip-open panel is an eyesore when left ajar while accessing these backwards compatibility features, especially if you compare it to the system's otherwise sleek design. You have the option of removing the panel, of course, but the resulting black hood doesn't look right either.

Cyber Gadget has come up with an elegant alternative with its replacement lid, allowing you to cover the ports/slots and protect them from dust without having to expose everything whenever you need to just plug in a GameCube pad. The new panel has shutters for each individual controller port which slide back, and both memory card slots have rubber caps that you can peel back without disturbing any of the console's other cavities.

Cyber Gadget is selling its replacement panels only in Japan for 980 yen (approximately $8.70), but we're crossing our fingers that an import shop like Play Asia or NCSX will eventually have them for sale. You can see more photos of the product past the jump.

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Add some class to your Wii's top panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB

Dan Choi — Tue, 09 May 2006 03:32:00 EST

Filed under: News

As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)

So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.

HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.

[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]

Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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