Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/#comments Sony's Xperia Play phone will not be updating to Android version 4.0, also known as "Ice Cream Sandwich," as noted on a recent product blog entry. Sony cites consistency and stability in its decision to withhold the phone from the list of devices receiving the upgrade, which was initially planned to release at the end of May/early June.

Sony explained that "after extensive in house testing with our developer teams and working with our partners, we have concluded that a consistent and stable experience, particularly with gaming, cannot be guaranteed for this smartphone on Ice Cream Sandwich." Its decision appears bolstered by feedback from advanced users and game developers that used a beta ROM of the Android version on their Xperia Play devices.

While instability in the software could compromise a "quality gaming experience" on the phone, we secretly want to believe that a patent unveiled in late April indicates a dual-keyboard device is on the way.

JoystiqXperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAndroid4.0ice-cream-sandwichSonyxperiaxperia-playSat, 26 May 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony awarded patent for Xperia Play with double the keyboards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/sony-awarded-patent-for-xperia-play-with-double-the-keyboards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/sony-awarded-patent-for-xperia-play-with-double-the-keyboards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/sony-awarded-patent-for-xperia-play-with-double-the-keyboards/#comments ImageThe United States Patent and Trademark Office has assigned Sony a patent for "electronic devices having multiple keypads and related methods," which when translated out of Patentese and into The Queen's English, means "cell-phones with two sliding keyboards and stuff."

The patent application is chock full of ballistically confusing descriptions like "a second slidable unit having a second keypad thereon, the second slidable unit being slidably connected to the upper unit and the first slidable unit," but the basic idea of the patent is fairly straight forward: Rather than having one slide-out keypad like the existing Xperia Play, this device would have two keyboards stacked on top of each other, and the user would decide which to slide out depending on the situation.

Obviously, the most practical application of this tech would be to equip one keyboard with a QWERTY layout and the other with PlayStation controls, but whether or not this patent will get any actual use remains to be seen. With phones getting larger, physical keyboards falling to the wayside and the PlayStation Suite still in beta testing, the chances of Sony taking a risk on a device that's market is slowly waning seems unlikely.

JoystiqSony awarded patent for Xperia Play with double the keyboards originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell-phonedouble-keyboarddual-keyboardmobilepatentsonysony-ericssonXperia-PlaySat, 28 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Fighters Android now on select Android devices for $4.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/king-of-fighters-android-now-on-select-android-devices-for-4-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/king-of-fighters-android-now-on-select-android-devices-for-4-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/king-of-fighters-android-now-on-select-android-devices-for-4-99/#comments Our initial reaction upon receiving the announcement for King of Fighters Android was something along the lines of, "Yes! Finally, SNK Playmore must have read all our letters and decided to make a special version of King of Fighters XIII with the Cell Saga androids from Dragon Ball Z! Yes."

Well, it turns out that's not what this is. Instead, King of Fighters Android is King of Fighters game for Google's Android OS, which is probably a more reasonable business decision in the long run. Judging from the screenshots below, it appears to be based on King of Fighters XIII, or at least heavily influenced by its art style. The game features 20 fighters, five different play modes and unlockable bonus content like trading cards and concept art.

Available now for $4.99, the game is officially compatible with the Galaxy S 2, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Xperia Acro HD, and Xperia Play, which should be a good fit for the title considering it has actual buttons. Compatibility with other Android devices is untested and should be attempted at your own risk; two marketplace reviews already indicate the game does not function on the Galaxy Nexus.

Gallery: The King of Fighters Android

Continue reading King of Fighters Android now on select Android devices for $4.99

JoystiqKing of Fighters Android now on select Android devices for $4.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketplaceG-GEEgalaxy-s-2galaxy-tab-10.1king-of-fighters-androidKOF-Androidmobilesnk-playmorexperia-acro-HDxperia-playThu, 22 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/#comments The ESRB has rated Daxter, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, eight tables worth of Pinball Heroes and flOw for release on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Xperia Play and Sony Tablet series. It's unclear whether flOw is a port of the PSP version or the original PS3 version, but we feel safe in assuming that it's the former, considering the PlayStation Suite's track record with repurposing PSP titles.

We can't imagine that playing a Syphon Filter game on a capacitive touch screen would be a rewarding experience, but flOw and Pinball Heroes sound like they'd translate well to the tactile interface of the Sony Tablet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release information as it becomes available.

JoystiqDaxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddaxterESRBflOwmobilepinball-heroesplaystationPlayStation-CertifiedPlayStation-Suiteplaystation-vitapspsonySony-Tabletsyphon-filter-dark-mirrorvitaXperia-PlayMon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive updated for Xperia Play (meaning: leave the external gamepad at home)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/onlive-updated-for-xperia-play-meaning-leave-the-external-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/onlive-updated-for-xperia-play-meaning-leave-the-external-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/onlive-updated-for-xperia-play-meaning-leave-the-external-game/#comments You may have greeted the news that OnLive was playable on tablets with a certain amount of apprehension. "But how am I supposed to control complicated console games with a touchscreen," you bemoaned. "I know I could use the external gamepad at home but what about when I'm on the go? I'm a busy, important person."

We understand your frustration, but the OnLive wizards have concocted a solution, enabling full slide-out gamepad controls for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play or, as you may prefer to call it, the PlayStation Phone. So instead of virtualized buttons, a formula that OnLive knows doesn't work, and instead of carrying your smartphone and the not-so-convenient OnLive controller, you can bust out your gamepad-enabled phone for that console-gaming experience on the go.

Continue reading OnLive updated for Xperia Play (meaning: leave the external gamepad at home)

JoystiqOnLive updated for Xperia Play (meaning: leave the external gamepad at home) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileonlivesony-ericssonxperia-playFri, 23 Dec 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Suite beta starting (for Japanese devices) later on this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/playstation-suite-beta-starting-for-japanese-devices-later-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/playstation-suite-beta-starting-for-japanese-devices-later-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/playstation-suite-beta-starting-for-japanese-devices-later-on/#comments Sony has announced more details about the beta for the PlayStation Suite. That's the development program (similar to Apple's App Store or Microsoft's Xbox Live Indie Games) which will allow third-party video game developers to produce games that can be released, with Sony's approval, on to the PS Vita and other Sony and Android devices. The beta itself will be launched in "late November," with an SDK available to select developers then, and Sony will refine and clean up the program for a public release at a later unannounced date.

At launch, Sony says the PS Suite content will be available on PlayStation certified devices only, including the PS Vita, and the Xperia line of mobile phones and Sony's upcoming "Sony Tablet" models S and P. Sony specifically mentions that the devices listed are currently only available in the Japanese market, and while it's probably true that we'll eventually see PS Suite content on the North American Xperia Play smartphone (and the Sony tablets, if and when they're released here), that's not yet confirmed.

It's still very early in the process -- it will likely be a while before we see any third-party content up and running (much less available to buy) on these devices.

JoystiqPlayStation Suite beta starting (for Japanese devices) later on this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileplaystationplaystation-certified-devicesplaystation-suiteplaystation-vitaps-vitasonysony-tabletsony-tablet-psony-tablet-svitaxperiaxperia-playWed, 16 Nov 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony snaps up the rest of Ericsson -- so long, feature phones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/sony-snaps-up-the-rest-of-ericsson-so-long-feature-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/sony-snaps-up-the-rest-of-ericsson-so-long-feature-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/sony-snaps-up-the-rest-of-ericsson-so-long-feature-phones/#comments Don't you remember you told me you love me, baby? If you've been waiting for the latest and greatest Walkman phone from Sony Ericsson, we've got some bad news. Sony has announced that it plans to buy out Ericsson's 50 percent share in the two companies' joint venture --- at a cool €1.05 billion ($1.47 billion). The goal of the acquisition, according to Sony, is "to rapidly integrate smartphones into its broad array of network-connected consumer electronics devices."

In other words, "feature phones," like the aforementioned Walkman line, are kaput. CEO Howard Stringer confirmed as much during a press conference. The acquisition will allow the company to focus on Android smartphones that will integrate with its other products. As Mr. Stringer puts it, "We can help people enjoy all our content - from movies to music and games - through our many devices, in a way no one else can." The buyout is scheduled to go through this January.

Continue reading Sony snaps up the rest of Ericsson -- so long, feature phones

JoystiqSony snaps up the rest of Ericsson -- so long, feature phones originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionandroidhoward-stringersonysony-ericssonxperia-playThu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play makes itself more enticing for the holidays with four free EA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/xperia-play-makes-itself-more-enticing-for-the-holidays-with-fou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/xperia-play-makes-itself-more-enticing-for-the-holidays-with-fou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/xperia-play-makes-itself-more-enticing-for-the-holidays-with-fou/#comments EA is offering four big mobile titles for free for all the tens of people who own Sony's Xperia Play: Dead Space, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Need for Speed: Shift and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. The offer runs through Jan. 15, 2012, meaning you still have time to throw the PlayStation Phone on your holiday wish list and snag these suckers for free. If it helps, think of it as getting four games with a handy smartphone case thrown in for free.

JoystiqXperia Play makes itself more enticing for the holidays with four free EA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2Dead-SpacefreemobileNeed-for-Speed-Hot-PursuitNeed-For-Speed-ShiftSONYxperia-playSun, 09 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kristen Schaal wants you to build her a shrine... in Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/kristen-schaal-wants-you-to-build-her-a-shrine-in-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/kristen-schaal-wants-you-to-build-her-a-shrine-in-minecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/kristen-schaal-wants-you-to-build-her-a-shrine-in-minecraft/#comments

Kristen Schaal is a funny lady with an adorable voice. She's been in some of our favorite 3D-animated movies and is a regular commentator on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart -- if any silly woman in Hollywood deserved a shrine, it would be her. So go forth and build, build her a shrine, loyal followers, and build it in Minecraft!

Schaal is the star of the very first commercial for Minecraft (cleverly disguised as an Xperia Play ad), promoting a contest to build something awesome in-game, such as a Schaal castle or her giant diamond face. The winner gets a trip to New York to meet with her and "share their Minecraft brilliance with the world." We suggest building an obsidian castle-shrine completely out of Schaal's giant, funny head.

JoystiqKristen Schaal wants you to build her a shrine... in Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kristen-schaalMinecraftpcxperia-playSat, 08 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light leaping to Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/lara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-light-leaping-to-xperia-play/#comments Last year, Square Enix snuck Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light onto the iOS App Store. It's following that mobile release this November with a version for Android -- specifically, Sony Ericsson's button-enriched phone, the Xperia Play.

This is part of a newly announced partnership between Square Enix and Sony Ericsson, which will bring more of the publisher's "established hits" to the Xperia Play "in the coming months." As of now, only Guardian of Light has been announced. A look at Square Enix's iPhone catalog could at least suggest possibilities.

[Image: iPhone version; the Xperia version won't need those virtual buttons.]

JoystiqLara Croft and the Guardian of Light leaping to Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcrystal-dynamicslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmobilerelease-datesquare-enixxperia-playWed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Suite SDK arrives this November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/playstation-suite-sdk-arrives-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/playstation-suite-sdk-arrives-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/playstation-suite-sdk-arrives-this-november/#comments Ever since introducing the PlayStation Suite back in January, Sony has been slowly meting out information on the cross-platform service. But Sony blew out the service this morning during the company's TGS 2011 keynote, revealing that the Suite's software development kit will become available for devs this coming November.

A brief demo of a basic sidescrolling shooter, named "Zero Gravity," was also shown, demonstrating the cross play between PlayStation Vita and the Xperia Play. Unfortunately, no price or exact date was given for access to the SDK, but Sony reps did demonstrate the ease of using the SDK for cross-platform development.

A simple animation was created using a Sony tablet, which was then pushed across a variety of Sony and Android platforms -- "No play, no life," it read. We tend to be more of the "no food/air, no life" crowd, but we'll accept Sony's statement for the sake of demonstration.

JoystiqPlayStation Suite SDK arrives this November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileplaystationplaystation-suiteplaystation-suite-sdkplaystation-vitaps-vitasdksonytgstgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011vitaxperia-playWed, 14 Sep 2011 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Xperia Play bringing exclusive content to AT&T customers Sept. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/sonys-xperia-play-bringing-exclusive-content-to-atandt-customers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/sonys-xperia-play-bringing-exclusive-content-to-atandt-customers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/sonys-xperia-play-bringing-exclusive-content-to-atandt-customers/#comments Sony's Xperia Play smartphone will be available through AT&T on September 18, complete with PlayStation gamepad and running on Android's Gingerbread (2.3.3) platform. The Xperia Play has been available through Verizon since May 26, and AT&T is offering some exclusive content for its customers' patience, including 4G capability, a "stealth blue" paint job, and the Sony Ericsson Multimedia Dock DK300 and music cable.

AT&T's Xperia Play will come with seven pre-loaded games, in a slightly different lineup than we saw with Verizon's release:
The Xperia Play will cost $49.99 with a new two-year agreement through AT&T, which is drastically less than Verizon's initial offer of $199.99 with the same agreement. However, AT&T's Xperia Play doesn't come pre-loaded with Tetris, which is totally worth the extra $150, in our opinion.

Continue reading Sony's Xperia Play bringing exclusive content to AT&T customers Sept. 18

JoystiqSony's Xperia Play bringing exclusive content to AT&T customers Sept. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattmobilesony-ericssonxperia-playFri, 09 Sep 2011 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[R-Type coming to Android September 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/r-type-coming-to-android-september-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/r-type-coming-to-android-september-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/r-type-coming-to-android-september-12/#comments "But wait," some of you youngsters might be thinking. "How can those stickers I'm always seeing on Toyota Celicas and Mitsubishi Eclipses be coming to my phone? Why would I even want that?"

Take a seat, junior, you might learn something: Before R-Type adorned the window/bumper of every import with a fat pipe and under lighting, it was the name of one of the most iconic and ground-breaking shooters ever made. And now, retro-game refurbisher DotEmu is bringing Irem's historic xenophobic extermination simulator back to life on September 12, via the Android Marketplace and Amazon's AppStore for Android.

All of the items and power-ups from the original are said to be present and accounted for, with touch controls taking over for the obviously absent joystick and buttons. Remakes like this strike us as perfect candidates for the Xperia Play, though no details were given as to whether or not Android devices with buttons will be able to circumvent the touch controls. No price point or Android OS version requirements have been given either, but we'd be surprised if it required anything newer than 2.2.

Continue reading R-Type coming to Android September 12

JoystiqR-Type coming to Android September 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazonamazon-marketplaceandroid-marketandroid-marketplaceAndroid-OSDotEmumobiler-typeXperia-PlaySun, 28 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft available now on Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/minecraft-available-now-on-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/minecraft-available-now-on-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/minecraft-available-now-on-xperia-play/#comments If you're one of the lucky few who owns Sony's "PlayStation Phone," the Xperia Play ... now you have something to do with it. The very first release of the Xperia Play-Xclusive Minecraft: Pocket Edition is in the Android Market now, for $6.99. Go! Build!

Actually, that's all you can do at the moment. "Alpha 0.1" has 36 different block types with which you can build, alone or with another local wireless player. Other features will be built into the game later, as with the main game. Also coming later is a wider Android release.

While you think about whether to try this out, here's a miniature tragedy: That Minecraft-themed Xperia Play phone auction hasn't ended yet, so its new owner definitely doesn't have it in time for Minecraft's release.

Continue reading Minecraft available now on Xperia Play

JoystiqMinecraft available now on Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidMinecraftminecraft-pocket-editionmobilemojangnotchxperia-playTue, 16 Aug 2011 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch doles out more details on Minecraft for 360, Kinect functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/notch-doles-out-more-details-on-minecraft-for-360-kinect-functi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/notch-doles-out-more-details-on-minecraft-for-360-kinect-functi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/notch-doles-out-more-details-on-minecraft-for-360-kinect-functi/#comments Markus "Notch" Persson is in a bizarre position, especially given his usual openness about his studio's first creation, Minecraft. "There's going to [be] actual marketing for the Xbox 360 version of Minecraft, so I've agreed to be slightly less transparent than usual when it comes to that version," he tells IGN in a recent interview.

But don't despair! Notch still offers a handful of new details, saying that the Xbox 360 version (announced during E3 2011) will have "completely different" crafting, and that the Kinect functionality will include a mode where "you wave your arms around to mine and use items" -- "it's just too silly not to include," he adds.

Hilariously, rather than respond to a question about console exclusivity and the possibility of Minecraft coming to PS3/Wii U, Notch simply draws the ridiculous (and admittedly adorable) sheep you see above. He also reveals that the upcoming Xperia Play version of Minecraft will cost $7 when it drops sometime "this fall," and that it was programmed "in a way that will make it easy to port to all sorts of mobile phones."

JoystiqNotch doles out more details on Minecraft for 360, Kinect functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangmojang-specficationsnotchplaystationpspsonyxboxxperia-playMon, 18 Jul 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[WipEout, Syphon Filter 3 join European Xperia Play library]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/wipeout-syphon-filter-3-join-european-xperia-play-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/wipeout-syphon-filter-3-join-european-xperia-play-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/wipeout-syphon-filter-3-join-european-xperia-play-library/#comments Despite slow initial sales, things are starting to look up for Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play phone/gaming device. Not only have games actually been announced for the platform, they're even starting to be released! In Europe, anyway.

WipEout and Syphon Filter 3 have been added to the European PSOne Classics Library, so if you're:
  • in Europe,
  • have an Xperia Play
  • and are sick-to-death of Jumping Flash,
these new additions might hold you over through the cruel, unforgiving summers. Both games are available in the Android Marketplace for £3.99.

JoystiqWipEout, Syphon Filter 3 join European Xperia Play library originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid-MarketAndroid-MarketplaceJumping-Flashmobileplaystation-certifiedSyphon-FilterSyphon-Filter-3WipEoutXperiaXperia-PlaySun, 10 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Rainbow Six and more announced for Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/battlefield-bad-company-2-rainbow-six-and-more-announced-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/battlefield-bad-company-2-rainbow-six-and-more-announced-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/battlefield-bad-company-2-rainbow-six-and-more-announced-for-x/#comments Though much of the future of Sony's Xperia Play smartphone/gaming system still remains shrouded in mystery and indecision, the system's upcoming software catalog was announced by Sony Ericsson earlier today. The announcement was predictably Minecraft-centric (check out some new gameplay footage after the jump!), but there's a few notable newcomers in the list -- namely, Battlefield Bad Company 2 from EA and Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6 Shadow Vanguard from Gameloft.

Check out the full list of exclusive titles and Android ports that are headed to the Xperia Play after the jump! We'll try to get our hands on as many of them as we can at E3 next week, though, knowing us, we'll probably just start playing Minecraft the first day we get there, and then look up, and -- oops! -- E3's over.

Continue reading Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Rainbow Six and more announced for Xperia Play

JoystiqBattlefield: Bad Company 2, Rainbow Six and more announced for Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2eagameloftMinecraftmobilerainbow-six-vegas-shadow-vanguardsony-ericssonxperia-playThu, 02 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft devs dish on upcoming mobile version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/minecraft-devs-dish-on-upcoming-mobile-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/minecraft-devs-dish-on-upcoming-mobile-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/minecraft-devs-dish-on-upcoming-mobile-version/#comments Details have begun trickling out from Sweden-based Mojang Studios about the mobile version of Minecraft for iOS and Android. Taking to the comment-fertile grounds of Reddit, developer Jens Bergensten broke down some users' questions about the ongoing project. For starters, he says the "Pocket Edition" of Minecraft "will not synch with the PC version" as the engine has been rebuilt for iOS support. Without stating numbers for iOS, he said that it's running "around 30-35 fps on the Xperia Play."

He also confirmed multiplayer support -- "in LAN environments" only, likely meaning WiFi, though "Bluetooth support may come later." Additionally, he says the game will be "exclusive to Xperia Play for a while," before coyly noting that he "can't tell you how long." As for the gameplay experience, Bergentsen only offered that "it is creative mode in a limited world," unsurprisingly citing "performance and memory" as the culprits.

As things go around this time of year, we expect to hear more in the coming weeks, as Minecraft will be playable on the Xperia Play at E3.

JoystiqMinecraft devs dish on upcoming mobile version originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androide3-2011iosjens-bergentsenMinecraftminecraft-mobileminecraft-pocket-editionmobilemojangmojang-studiosplaystationplaystation-suitesonysony-ericssonxperia-playThu, 26 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft digging in on Xperia Play before other Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/minecraft-digging-in-on-xperia-play-before-other-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/minecraft-digging-in-on-xperia-play-before-other-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/minecraft-digging-in-on-xperia-play-before-other-android-devices/#comments Mojang Studios today revealed to Gamasutra that its world-building, zombie-avoiding, indie hit, Minecraft, will be heading exclusively to Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play before other Android-enabled devices. Perhaps better known as the "PlayStation Phone," the Xperia Play is the first Ericsson phone to come equipped with Sony's "PlayStation Suite" service -- a service thus far used only as a delivery mechanism for PS1 ports. The studio didn't announce how long the game will remain an exclusive to the Xperia Play, or if it would arrive at the same time on iOS devices.

According to a Mojang representative, the Xperia Play version will have customized controls for the phone's PlayStation-style controller layout. The rep also hinted at the nature of the release, saying it'll fall in line with the studio's previous "release early and update frequently" model.

Given the previously announced "2011" release window for the mobile version of Minecraft, and the studio's upcoming "Minecraft-themed media event" at E3, we expect to hear much more in the next few weeks.

[Update: Developer Markus Persson just tweeted the above image, writing, "This is the project Aron and Jens are working on."]

[Update 2: Via Engadget we've even got a video of the game running on an Xperia Play which you'll find ... you guessed it! After the break.]

Continue reading Minecraft digging in on Xperia Play before other Android devices

JoystiqMinecraft digging in on Xperia Play before other Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddroide3-2011markus-perssonMinecraftmobilemojangmojang-studiosnotchplaystationplaystation-phonepspsonysony-ericssonxperia-playTue, 24 May 2011 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play launches next Thursday through Verizon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/xperia-play-launches-next-thursday-through-verizon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/xperia-play-launches-next-thursday-through-verizon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/xperia-play-launches-next-thursday-through-verizon/#comments Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play will make its US launch next Thursday, May 26, Verizon announced today. The carrier will start taking pre-orders for the $200 device -- with a two-year contract -- beginning this Thursday.

Once dubbed the "PlayStation Phone," the Xperia Play was outed through a series of comically comprehensive leaks -- and even a commercial -- before Sony Ericsson got around to announcing the thing. While it doesn't quite live up to its original nickname, the Xperia Play is the first "PlayStation Certified" Android smartphone on the market -- and it's got the four "iconic" PlayStation buttons to prove it.

While the full PlayStation Suite framework, with its PSN access (and limited compatibility) for certified mobiles, won't launch until later this year, the Xperia Play will come pre-loaded with seven games, including Madden NFL 11, The Sims 3, Crash Bandicoot and Tetris.

Continue reading Xperia Play launches next Thursday through Verizon

JoystiqXperia Play launches next Thursday through Verizon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileplaystationplaystation-certifiedplaystation-phoneplaystation-suitesonysony-ericssonverizonxperia-playTue, 17 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play: PSOne Classics sales slow, Sony promises 'big announcements' at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/xperia-play-psone-classics-sales-slow-sony-promises-big-annou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/xperia-play-psone-classics-sales-slow-sony-promises-big-annou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/xperia-play-psone-classics-sales-slow-sony-promises-big-annou/#comments 4 The Xperia Play has yet to launch in the US, but it's already available in the UK, Canada, Ireland and Spain. Since arriving in those regions last month, sales of PSOne titles being offered for the phone haven't exactly been brisk, evidently. Current figures based on the Android Marketplace peg sales at below 1,000 installs for each title: Cool Boarders 2, Destruction Derby, MediEvil, Syphon Filter and Jumping Flash.

Dominic Neil-Dwyer, Head of Market Development at Sony Ericsson, told PlayStation LifeStyle that it's not really a concern. "There's only a few, at the minute, PlayStation One titles there, and there's more coming on a regular basis," he said. "And there's the whole PlayStation as a content provider exclusive to the device...so, there's no concerns, it's a revolutionary device, it's shaking up the market, we're very pleased with it."

As for what the future has in store, he says to look to E3, as more games and support for the device are sure to be announced there. "There'll be more exclusives to come," Neil-Dwyer promised. "We'll be making some pretty big announcements at E3."

JoystiqXperia Play: PSOne Classics sales slow, Sony promises 'big announcements' at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cool-boarders-2destruction-derbye3e3-2011jumping-flashmedievilplaystationps3pspsonysony-ericssonsyphon-filterxperiaxperia-playFri, 13 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halfbrick's Age of Zombies now on Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/halfbricks-age-of-zombies-now-on-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/halfbricks-age-of-zombies-now-on-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/halfbricks-age-of-zombies-now-on-xperia-play/#comments Halbrick's brought its twin-stick shooter, Age of Zombies, from iOS and PlayStation Minis on over to the Xperia Play, as seen in the video past the break. Currently available in the Android Marketplace (but, like the PSOne Classics releases, only downloadable on the Xperia Play), the port is certified "Xperia Play optimized" and brings with it touch-screen controls as well as support for Xperia's gamepad control scheme.

The app will set you back A$2.99 (about $3.10) and will be available to the greater Android marketplace after "about a one month period."

Gallery: Age of Zombies (Xperia Play)

Continue reading Halfbrick's Age of Zombies now on Xperia Play

JoystiqHalfbrick's Age of Zombies now on Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-zombiesandroidhalfbrickmobilesonyxperia-playMon, 04 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Unlimited platform coming to PSP, NGP and Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/music-unlimited-platform-coming-to-psp-ngp-and-xperia-play/#comments In a recent interview with Eurogamer, COO of Sony Network Entertainment Shawn Layden confirmed that the company's Music Unlimited platform would soon make its way to PSP owners living in the UK in "a matter of weeks," and would appear on the NGP and Xperia Play later this year. The cloud-based music streaming service (which kicked off in the U.S. this year as part of the PS3's Qriocity application) will let listeners access their music and genre channels set up on a PC or PS3 on-the-go -- for a monthly fee, of course. We've contacted Sony to see if this info applies to the States as well.

Layden explained the inspiration came from the PSP and PS3's ability to share games between one another, adding that Sony hopes to, "bring all those different content domains into a more comprehensive space for the user." Hey, we're all about synergy, here. We just hope Sony finds a way to add Qriocity support to our most anticipated NGP launch title, Now That's How I Touch Music: Vol. 6.

JoystiqMusic Unlimited platform coming to PSP, NGP and Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilemusicmusic-unlimitedngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspqriocitysonystreamingvitaxperia-playFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PSOne games begin appearing on Android Market, limited to Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/psone-games-begin-appearing-on-android-market-limited-to-xperia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/psone-games-begin-appearing-on-android-market-limited-to-xperia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/psone-games-begin-appearing-on-android-market-limited-to-xperia/#comments As both Europe and North America count down the (still unknown) days until the launch of Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play smart phone, PSOne games compatible with the "PlayStation Phone" have started popping up on the Android Market. Five games, in fact, including Cool Boarders 2, Destruction Derby, Jumping Flash, MediEvil 2 and Syphon Filter. That's right -- the Play is ready to, er, play like it's circa 1995-97.

All of the games are selling for £3.99 ($6) -- the same going price as on PSN. MediEvil 2 and Syphon Filter are available in five languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish) while the rest are English-only releases. They're also all (predictably) platform-locked to the Xperia Play (Sony Ericsson R800i). All this one day after Google removed the PSOne emulator, PSX4Droid, attributing the action to a Content Policy violation.

JoystiqPSOne games begin appearing on Android Market, limited to Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android-marketcool-boarders-2destruction-derbygooglejumping-flashmedievil-2mobileplaystation-phonepsonesmart-phonesonysony-ericssonsyphon-filterxperia-playThu, 31 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation emulator pulled from Android Market, dev suggests Xperia Play to blame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/playstation-emulator-pulled-from-android-market-dev-suggests-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/playstation-emulator-pulled-from-android-market-dev-suggests-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/playstation-emulator-pulled-from-android-market-dev-suggests-xp/#comments With the launch of Sony Ericsson's Android-powered "PlayStation Phone," the Xperia Play, supposedly right around the corner, Google has pulled the plug on a prominent PSOne emulator for its mobile OS. According to its author, "zodttd," PSX4Droid was removed from the Android Market without warning due to a "Content Policy violation," though he suspects it has more to do with Sony's imminent smart phone offering. "Sony's Xperia Play must be coming soon," tweeted the dev, adding that, "The timing is suspicious with no remedy."

As for alternatives to the Android Market, PSX4Droid's maker says he's a "bit worried to go to Amazon App Store" since "people who own the Market version would have to buy it again to update." Meanwhile, another PSOne emulator for Android, fpse, remains available on the Market. We've contacted Sony for its response to the app's removal and are awaiting comment.

JoystiqPlayStation emulator pulled from Android Market, dev suggests Xperia Play to blame originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketemulatorgooglemobilePlaystation-PhonePSonesceasonysony-ericssonxperia-playWed, 30 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson: Xperia Play games could top $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-games-could-top-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-games-could-top-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-games-could-top-15/#comments The game lineup for Sony's Xperia Play (aka PlayStation Phone) -- which includes 10 titles from Gameloft at launch -- will range in price from $1.50 to upwards of $16, this according to an interview with Sony Ericsson UK head of marketing David Hilton. 50 titles are expected to be on tap at launch, some PSOne classics and some "repurposed for Xperia Play" from other platforms.

This price range is more or less what we've come to expect from modern mobile gaming -- iPhone and Android, specifically -- but, as Hilton was keen to point out, "the hardware allows you to play far more complex games." Let's hope that isn't also marketing-speak for "far more expensive games."

JoystiqSony Ericsson: Xperia Play games could top $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilePlaystation-Phonepricingsonysony-ericssonukxperia-playWed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play turns its marketing ship around with new ads (no more grafted thumbs!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xperia-play-turns-its-marketing-ship-around-with-new-ads-no-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xperia-play-turns-its-marketing-ship-around-with-new-ads-no-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/xperia-play-turns-its-marketing-ship-around-with-new-ads-no-mor/#comments Kristin Schaal It's official! Against all odds, Sony Ericsson has finally ended its nearly year-long streak of embarrassing leaks, missed opportunities, and terrible advertising and come out the other side with this: a series of excellent ads for its "PlayStation Certified" Xperia Play phone.

Spokeswoman (and comedian!) Kristen Schaal walks you through some of the phone's strongest features in a series of five ads, all found after the break. Did you know the Xperia Play is the perfect phone for downloading apps, looking at kitten pictures, editing spreadsheets, and watching YouTube? Neither did we. But it's also got a slide-out gamepad, which Ms. Schaal is all too happy to show off.

Hey, Kristen ... do you mind if we call you Kristen? We know a guy you'd probably get along great with. Kristen, meet KB. KB, Kristen.

Continue reading Xperia Play turns its marketing ship around with new ads (no more grafted thumbs!)

JoystiqXperia Play turns its marketing ship around with new ads (no more grafted thumbs!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingAndroidcommercialsKristen-Schaalmobileplaystationplaystation-phonepspsonySony-EricssonXperia-PlayTue, 22 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play phones given away at GDC end up on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/xperia-plays-given-away-at-gdc-end-up-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/xperia-plays-given-away-at-gdc-end-up-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/xperia-plays-given-away-at-gdc-end-up-on-ebay/#comments Sheesh. First the Xperia Play is obtained by the press even before its official announcement, and now the first units to reach the North American public, given away to developers at a GDC panel and raffles last week, are ... wait for it ... being sold on eBay.

That's right -- even weeks before the actual launch, you can't give these things away for free. eBay seller "mejones73-1" doesn't hide the fact that he's one of the developers who won a free phone (and neither does this guy), though the Sony writeup says that a winner named "Mike Jones" just happens to work across the street from their office in Redwood City, CA. Jones might want to be careful in the parking lot this week -- even if he plans to buy another phone with the $730 and rising that his auction is earning, Sony can't be too happy about this one.

[Thanks, Benny!]

JoystiqXperia Play phones given away at GDC end up on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyebaygdc2011humormobileplaystationplaystation-phonepspsonyxperia-playTue, 08 Mar 2011 23:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten Gameloft games available at Xperia Play launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/ten-gameloft-games-available-at-xperia-play-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/ten-gameloft-games-available-at-xperia-play-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/ten-gameloft-games-available-at-xperia-play-launch/#comments We've heard plenty of numbers regarding Sony's Xperia Play launch games, but few details about what each of its 20 supporting publishers have planned. Gameloft has cleared the air and filled 10 of the potential 50 launch game spots. Beyond Asphalt 6: Adrenaline and Star Battalion, you'll see Assassin's Creed, UNO, Let's Golf! 2, Spider-Man: Total Mayhem, Modern Combat: Black Pegasus, Real Football 2011, Brothers in Arms 2 and Splinter Cell: Conviction at launch on March 29.

Trailers for the two packed-in games, Asphalt and Star Battalion can be found after the break, both of which were briefly shown during Sony's (leaked) Superbowl commercial. None of the games have been priced yet.

Continue reading Ten Gameloft games available at Xperia Play launch

JoystiqTen Gameloft games available at Xperia Play launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asphalt-6-adrenalineassassins-creedbrothers-in-arms-2gameloftlets-golf-2mobilemodern-combat-black-pegasusplaystationplaystation-phonereal-football-2011sonysony-ericssonspider-man-total-mayhemsplinter-cell-convictionstar-battalionubisoftunoxperia-playMon, 14 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PlayStation Network content must be re-purchased on Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/psa-playstation-network-content-must-be-re-purchased-on-xperia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/psa-playstation-network-content-must-be-re-purchased-on-xperia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/psa-playstation-network-content-must-be-re-purchased-on-xperia/#comments The Xperia Play will be pre-loaded with an unknown "legendary" PS1 title (psst! -- it's Crash Bandicoot), along with a smattering of launch content -- but it won't be loaded with all that PlayStation Network content you've purchased. Speaking with GameSpot UK, Sony Ericsson UK managing director Nathan Vautier confirmed, "[Xperia Play owners] will have to repurchase the games, so it's not totally integrated."

Beyond the Android Marketplace, Xperia Play owners will purchase content through the PlayStation Store; access to said store will come via Sony's PlayStation Suite, launching "later this year." Unfortunately, it seems that content you've already purchased -- say, PS1 titles that will also be available for purchase on Xperia Play -- must be repurchased for use on the handheld. We can't say we're super surprised. Or mad, even, really. Just disappointed.

JoystiqPSA: PlayStation Network content must be re-purchased on Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenathan-vautierplaystation-networkplaystation-phoneplaystation-storeplaystation-suiteps1psapsnsonysony-ericssonxperia-playMon, 14 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch the Xperia Play press conference, relive the surprise!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-press-conference/#commentsXperia Play press conference A few hours ago at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Sony Ericsson finally shared details of the Xperia Play, the long-since-leaked PlayStation Phone that made its "official" debut during last week's Super Bowl.

While we've already picked over the presentation's carcass to bring you all the fresh meat we could find - like the hardware specs, release window and first US carrier, the PlayStation functionality, and some of the launch games - we figured some of you may want to relive all the surprises through the magic of video. Find the full Xperia Play presentation after the break, and then fly into the comments to let us know exactly how awkward those presenters were. We're going with: The most awkward. Boom!

Gallery: Xperia Play

Continue reading Video: Watch the Xperia Play press conference, relive the surprise!

JoystiqVideo: Watch the Xperia Play press conference, relive the surprise! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileplaystationPlayStation-PhonePlayStation-Suiteps3pspsonySony-EricssonXperia-PlaySun, 13 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play battery life supports gaming for 5+ hours, and other specs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-battery-life-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-battery-life-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-battery-life-specs/#comments Here come the official specs! According to Sony Ericsson, the Xperia Play (aka "PlayStation Phone") includes a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with an embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor to enable "smooth 60fps" mobile gaming. And if the specs are to be believed, the Play will be able to game for "up to 5 hours and 35 minutes" -- making it a better performer than some of Sony's other handheld devices.

The device will be available in black and white, and will come with a 5.1 megapixel camera. If you plan on downloading a lot of games, remember this: the device will have 400MB of on-board phone memory and a 8GB microSD memory card. Finally, Xperia Play will be one of the first devices to support Android 2.3, aka Gingerbread, when it launches this Spring. For more specs, click past the break.

Continue reading Xperia Play battery life supports gaming for 5+ hours, and other specs

JoystiqXperia Play battery life supports gaming for 5+ hours, and other specs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbatteryericssongingerbreadmobileplaystation-phonepsp-phonesony-ericssonxperia-playSun, 13 Feb 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play's launch games captured on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-video/#comments The announcement of the Xperia Play was accompanied by a bevy of trailers -- two of which actually show what gaming on the device is going to look like. Check out the two trailers after the jump; we can, at the very least, promise they're not as upsetting as that Super Bowl commercial.

Continue reading Xperia Play's launch games captured on video

JoystiqXperia Play's launch games captured on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilesmartphonesonysony-ericssontrailersxperia-playSun, 13 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play in U.S. in 'early spring,' on Verizon first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-in-u-s-in-early-spring-on-verizon-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-in-u-s-in-early-spring-on-verizon-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-in-u-s-in-early-spring-on-verizon-first/#comments After months of speculation, leaks and a freaking Super Bowl commercial (seriously?), Sony has finally formally announced the Xperia Play smartphone -- the long fabled, long buzzed-about "PlayStation Phone." The device was shown off during the Sony Ericsson MWC 2011 press conference, where it was christened with a launch window -- the device will launch across the globe starting in March, with the U.S. being one of its first destinations. Sony also announced that Verizon will be the Xperia Play's first carrier starting in early spring.

Check out Engadget's livestream for the highlights and additional details from the Xperia Play announcement!

Gallery: Xperia Play

JoystiqXperia Play in U.S. in 'early spring,' on Verizon first originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileplaystation-phonesmartphonesonysony-ericssonxperia-playSun, 13 Feb 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play pre-loaded with 'legendary' PS1 game, will launch with 50 games from 20 publishers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-pre-loaded-with-legendary-ps1-game-will-launch-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-pre-loaded-with-legendary-ps1-game-will-launch-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/xperia-play-pre-loaded-with-legendary-ps1-game-will-launch-wi/#comments Sony Ericsson has (finally!) officially announced details on the Xperia Play, aka PlayStation Phone. The device will come pre-loaded with a "legendary" PS1 game, according to Kazuo "Ridge Racer" Hirai and a number of PlayStation titles will be available through the Android Marketplace "exclusively to Xperia Play" for a limited time. PlayStation Suite will be available later in the year.

In addition, Ericsson has revealed that 20 publishers are working on content on the device, with up to 50 games available at launch. Some of the brands you can expect on the device include the not-so-dead Guitar Hero, Assassin's Creed, Battlefield, and Dead Space. Notably, EA's FIFA will be "the first multiplayer FIFA game on mobile."

Many of the games available on Xperia Play are ports, and a partnership with Unity -- a cross-platform engine -- will allow for easy and optimized ports to Sony's mobile device. But there are some exclusives beyond PSone games: Dungeon Defender Wave 2, for example, is exclusive to the platform. Today's announcements make it clear that Android's finally got game -- but are you interested?

Gallery: Xperia Play

JoystiqXperia Play pre-loaded with 'legendary' PS1 game, will launch with 50 games from 20 publishers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidericssonmobileplaystation-phoneps1psonepsp-phonesonysony-ericssonunityxperia-playSun, 13 Feb 2011 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports: Xperia Play UK and Canada carriers revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/reports-xperia-play-uk-and-canada-carriers-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/reports-xperia-play-uk-and-canada-carriers-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/reports-xperia-play-uk-and-canada-carriers-revealed/#comments While Sony's Xperia Play -- aka the PlayStation Phone -- still has yet to be fully revealed, that hasn't stopped various carriers around the globe from announcing plans to carry the device. UK's O2 tweeted the news from its official account, while mobile news site Pocket-lint reports that Vodafone will carry it as well. Additionally, the site says that T-Mobile UK and Orange will begin offering the device in April.

Meanwhile, Mobilesyrup reports that the Xperia Play will be exclusive to Rogers in Canada, though the site is still chalking it up as a rumor for now. While very little official information has been confirmed, reports certainly seem to be pointing to an Xperia Play launch sooner rather than later. You can bet we'll be paying close attention to Sony's Xperia Play event this weekend.

JoystiqReports: Xperia Play UK and Canada carriers revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileplaystation-phonesonysony-ericssonxperia-playMon, 07 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson announces Xperia Play -- for real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/xperia-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/xperia-play/#commentsAfter four months of convincing, total, comical leaks -- Engadget has one of the damn things -- Sony Ericsson has officially unveiled the Xperia Play, the Android handset commonly referred to as the "PlayStation Phone."

Kind of.

Actually, even this official reveal isn't a full release: Sony merely posted an announcement on Facebook, with that horrifying commercial (after the break) and the news that we'll find out more next Sunday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. EST, during the Mobile World Congress event. Sony also spared no expense running the ad during the Super Bowl. While we question the wisdom of finally taking the wraps off of what might be the best-known unannounced device ever with nothing more than a tease and images of mascot vivisection, we must give Sony props for acknowledging the existence of its phone at last.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson announces Xperia Play -- for real

JoystiqSony Ericsson announces Xperia Play -- for real originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilemobile-world-congressplaystation-phonesony-ericssonxperia-playSun, 06 Feb 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Play ('PlayStation Phone') now has a commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-now-has-a-commer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-now-has-a-commer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-now-has-a-commer/#comments We're all out of flabbergast over here. Sony Ericcson's still unannounced PlayStation-branded smartphone -- the "Xperia Play," or "PlayStation Phone" to us normal folks -- now appears in a commercial that found its way to YouTube. Beyond showing the (usually adorable) Android mascot having human thumbs sewn onto its arms, the advert depicts an unknown fighting game and two Gameloft titles.

The two Gameloft titles -- a racing game and a space combat game -- look an awful lot like entries in the publisher's Asphalt and Star Battalion franchises. Check out the creepy commercial after the break.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Play ('PlayStation Phone') now has a commercial

JoystiqSony Ericsson Xperia Play ('PlayStation Phone') now has a commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameloftmobileplaystationplaystation-phonepspsonysony-ericcsonsony-ericcson-xperia-playxperia-playThu, 03 Feb 2011 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 'PlayStation' Phone manhandled again ... by Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-manhandled-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-manhandled-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-manhandled-again/#commentsPLayStation Phone It's official: Sony Ericsson's so-called Xperia Play -- or, as we prefer to think of it, the PlayStation Phone -- is the worst gaming product reveal in the history of gaming product reveals. Sure, you might argue that the leaked PSP Go video was more damning (and more detailed!) but the quantity of Xperia Play leaks is nothing short of staggering.

First, it was just details and some pictures, but then came the Chinese gadget blogs and a series of hardware previews. And now, our gadget-loving kin at Engadget have somehow managed to procure a unit -- rumor has it Crash Bandicoot got drunk off Wumpa Fruit juice and left it on a barstool -- and they've put it through the paces, with a full writeup, gallery and videos.

Unfortunately for those of us more interested in video games than noise-cancellation mics, there's not much more info on the mysterious PlayStation Pocket app, or any feedback on those weird touch-based analog thumbsticks. Yup, it's another hardware reveal for a product that will live and die by its software library. While Sony is rumored to come clean on the relatively classified PSP2 tonight, the Xperia Play won't be getting officially unveiled until Mobile World Congress in just under three weeks. Way to stick to that plan, guys!

JoystiqSony Ericsson Xperia Play 'PlayStation' Phone manhandled again ... by Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileplaystationPlayStation-PhonepspsonySony-EricssonXperia-PlayWed, 26 Jan 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Phone gets some much-needed sunlight in latest video ... still not announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/playstation-phone-gets-some-much-needed-sunlight-in-latest-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/playstation-phone-gets-some-much-needed-sunlight-in-latest-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/playstation-phone-gets-some-much-needed-sunlight-in-latest-video/#commentsPlayStation Phone Just because it's the the latest in a long-line of unannounced, but comically well-known PlayStation products - remember the PSP Go leak and the months-long PS3 Slim reveal? - doesn't mean the PlayStation Phone can't take some time off. It's tough, spending all that time under wraps, only to be furtively pulled out for a massive ten-page exposé or a video shoot. So it's with great joy that we share the latest video of Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play gaming handset; finally, some light is shed on the PlayStation Phone.

Watch! As the curiously long-fingernailed gentleman spins the device around, revealing its every curve. Gasp! As he toggles the slide-out gamepad back and forth. And it's all happening in broad daylight, far from the fluorescent din of an assembly line (or a Chinese gadget blogger's basement). See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading PlayStation Phone gets some much-needed sunlight in latest video ... still not announced

JoystiqPlayStation Phone gets some much-needed sunlight in latest video ... still not announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidmobileplaystationplaystation-phonepspsonySony-EricssonXperia-PlayMon, 17 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST