Hi everyone…as you read this, our counterparts at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe are wrapping up a press conference at the GC – Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, which is the European version of E3. Some new PlayStation hardware was announced, and I wanted to let you know the details of how these products will be making their way to North America.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PS3 Bundle with 160GB PS3 System
The 160GB PS3 system announced at the GC will be available here as part of a new limited-edition bundle that includes the hardware, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune game, a PLAYSTATION Network voucher for PAIN, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller. We’re hearing from a lot of you that more PS3 storage space is important, particularly since the launch of our video delivery service, and this new model delivers more memory and a whole lot of content packed-in. The 160GB PS3 has all of the same functionality as the new 80GB PS3 that’s popping up on retailer shelves now, but obviously has twice the HDD space, so you can build levels to your heart’s content in LittleBigPlanet, download a ton of videos, and still have room for your entire music collection. The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune 160GB PS3 bundle launches in November for $499.99 (MSRP).
New PSP Entertainment Packs with updated PSP (PSP-3000)
We also unveiled at Leipzig an updated PSP system (PSP-3000), which we’ll be offering here initially through the previously announced Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack and a new PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack. I’m personally excited about the 4GB Memory bundle because we’re including a – you guessed it – 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, which is the biggest Memory Stick we’ve ever bundled with a PSP. Similar to the new PS3 model, this PSP bundle is the result of the current consumer usage model – where more and more of you are finding that extra memory space is crucial. Check out the press release here for more details on what’s included in the bundles.
The new PSP retains the size and features of the current, slimmed-down PSP (PSP-2000), while incorporating some hardware updates:
- The LCD screen will have a wider color gamut and higher contrast ratio to deliver deeper, more vibrant colors, as well as anti-reflection technology so you can see the screen more clearly when playing outdoors. As you all know, the PSP’s screen is a key strength of the hardware, and this update adds an absolutely dazzling LCD screen to the handheld.
- A built-in microphone allows for Skype calls and multi-player gaming communication directly from the hardware – eliminating the need for attaching a separate headset.
Similar to our firmware updates, the new PSP is simply an opportunity to evolve the platform with the newest technology without adding to the cost of the system. The PSP Entertainment Packs will continue to be $199.99 (MSRP), and later this year we’ll release a standalone, updated PSP in a PSP Core Pack, which remains at $169.99 (MSRP).
PS3 Wireless Keypad
Lastly, we’ve announced a new Wireless Keypad for PS3 that will make text communications and Web browsing much easier. The Wireless Keypad snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller and comes with some cool features, including a mode that turns the main key area into a touch pad (similar to a touch pad on a Laptop computer). Once in this mode, you can slide your finger on this area to move the cursor on the screen and tap to enter. There will be two short cut buttons on the Keypad that will enable users to jump directly to the XMB’s “Friends” icon and the “Message Box” during gameplay. The Wireless Keypad will launch in late November.
Last but not least, the Wireless Keypad is a Bluetooth device that can not only be used with the PS3 system but with any other Bluetooth enabled device that has Keyboard functionality. You will be able to use it with your smart phones and other portable devices that are equipped with Bluetooth. With the PS3 system, it can be paired and charged seamlessly just by connecting them with a USB cable.
That’s all for now on the hardware front. You’ll see much more on the games shown at GC in Leipzig in the coming days.
BTW for everyone complaining about “12” announcements, there will be at least that many. They have yet to mention the new music store, Eyepet, the singstar firmware update (ps2 BC with ps3), heavy rain, and of course Singstar Turkish Party!!
Will There Be A Socom Bundle?
maybe 80G HD
dualshock 3
Socom: Confrontation as a download
Happy in pants :)
thats cool and all, but i still have my launch psp 1000 and launch ps3 60gb. they work fine for me, and a mic and bigger hd are not good enough reason for me to spend $500. still, good for others. and the keyboard looks neat, but unfortunately i already have one
Forget the keyboard add-on how about a PlayStation headset in the box as standard?
Playing on the PSN is great, but finding someone with a headset is so rare, its like trying to find a unicorn.
Which 80 GB model are we referring to? Are you telling us that the $100 difference between the new systems is Uncharted, PAIN, and 160 GB drive? what happened to the 4 USB ports and media card reader that was present on the previous “premium” models?
For all those commenting about the loss of backwards compatibility, there may yet be hope. I really want to believe that somewhere in the deep caverns of Sony HQ, somebody is working on a PS2 emulator that works on PS3 hardware. We all know that Sony doesn’t like to announce things until they are absolutely certain that they can deliver the goods, so don’t expect to hear anything until it is almost ready for release. However, there are just too many reasons why it is a good idea for Sony to write this software. Until that day, I’m making sure my 60gig PS3 stays in a well ventilated area!
man i just bought the psp 2000 earlier this year :( oh well.. guess its time to trade in and upgrade again! the 160 gig ps3 sounds pretty sweet but i for one cannot live without the BC that my launch 60 gives me. especially when GoW3 rolls around you know I’m going back to replay 1 and 2.
cheers,
Lh
@ davivman
what are you talking about they won’t say anything until it is near release? does HOME ring a bell?
Hmnmm this is good but when are you going to bring something to LatinAmerica!
We need for now PSN Cards to buy stuff on the ps Sotore! we cant buy anithing!!
COME ON! I just bought a PSP-2000. This is uncool cuz I know I’m gonna buy this new one regardless. Good Day to you Sony! P.S. the keyboard looks awesome
Is the 160GB Backward Compatabile with PS2 titles as well?
Already have a 250 GB HD in my PS3, so that’s not of big interest to me personally; Everyday Shooter being on the PSP, on the other hand… ooooooh :)
tell jobe to make a new warhawk post today now that operation fallen star has been announced.
from kotaku,
The third expansion pack for mighty online warfare title Warhawk, Operation: Fallen Star introduces the remote, forested Tau Crater – the site of a crashed Chernovan warship containing invaluable experimental technology. With the Chernovans trying desperately to salvage the ship, the Eucadians have arrived with a view to stealing it for themselves. This pack brings ten new battlefields to the Warhawk experience – as well as the Infantry Jetpack – a personal rocket pack that allows soldiers to soar above the fray of battle into the aerial realm of the Warhawks themselves.
jeff does the new psp had more ram?
I really am ashamed that Sony is leaving backwards compatibility out.
>_>
Either that or Sony might be planning to use the combined Graphics Synthesizer + Emotion Engine chip that is being used in the upcoming SCPH-9000 slim PS2 model.
That would pretty much solve the BC issue on the PS3.
I will not recommend the 160gb PS3 to people I know as I used to do with the previous Motorstorm/Metal Gear Solid 4 80gb bundles. An additional $100 for a system without PS2 backwards compatibility, card readers, and extra USB ports is not warranted in my opinion.
@TheSpaniard
HOME does ring a bell. Which is why Sony learned its lesson about releasing info too early into the development cycle. Look for future treatment similar to ye olde in-game XMB.
So the 160GB model is like the new 80GB model which is like the current 40GB model.
I’m happy that I still have my 60GB Model (which I upgraded manually to 120GB) because it has all the features I thought all PS3s would have. It is now harder though to convince friends still on the fence on purchasing a system to actually choose a PS3 since several key features once advertised have been removed in place of …*sigh*… an increase in hard drive capacity.
That keyboard is ‘InstaBuy’ for Fersis
YES!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like Yukon Cornelius, I stick my pick in. Lick lick lick, nothing.
I am telling you Sony! How many times that people told you how ridiculous the plan you run on PS3 such as add bigger space as 160GB HDD and included game cost 499.99! Look, everyone like have a good price on system and enjoy the game. Also I keep see that they not production enough game for PS3. I am proud to be PS3 Fans but I felt like you didn’t listen to me when I have appeal about movie with Close Caption or Subtitle so I CAN enjoy the movies from PS Store online. I am deaf which I am proud to be who I am. Now. I have no clue what is your plans. Also Thank you for listen if you can.
Why no PS2 backwards compatibility for, on any PS3’s now??? :-(
The rest was cool tho!!! ;)
As I have a 60Gb, it doesn’t bother me much, but… why do you guys think everyone wants more storage space? You know the reason people go into shops asking for the 80Gb has nothing to do with storage and everything to do with PS2 backwards compatibility, right?
Anyway, looks like I’ll be upgrading my PSP :D
Is closed captioning supported yet?
My Mac can play DVDs that have embedded closed captioning in the video stream. I was going to buy a PS3 but now I can’t play my old DVDs because I don’t hear well. Millions of baby boomer customers. Millions of hearing impaired people. Makes economic sense to pursue putting this capability into the PS3. Thanks for your time and consideration.
i already have replaced my 60gb hard drive with a 320gb, and i already have the wireless Logitech keyboard that works great (not to mention EXCELLENT battery life). bring on further news lol :D
good job sony, if I didnt have what seems to be the surperior 60gb I’d def buy this. might be time for a new psp i think, love the keyboard add on. to everyone still complaining about home, quit it. I mean seriously,you guys are hyping yourselves up more than sony is hyping you.it’ll get here when it gets here. BTW sony, we need more games like HEAVENLY SWORD
Psst! Sony, they do not care about how big your HDD or the deal you offer, too expensive for silly stuff. everyone have 40GB,60GB, and 80GB already got one and waste their time see you keep modifier the PS3 console. Also it show us that you waste our time and money for your upgrade hardware, now we might lose a faith in your business.
Awesome!! I wish they would sell 160GB HDD so I can at least replace my current one. :(
I see there is finally a new Game related to the PS3EYE. Will we see any more?
The keypad looks nice. I may buy one.
Its been a long time since we had good PSP firmware update. Are any significant new features coming soon?
That PSP hardware update is a little underwhelming. I was hoping for some of the upcoming features (camera/gps) built-in, and (finally!) a decent amount of built-in storage.
Sweet! It looks like it’s gonna be time for me to upgrade to the new psp from the fat one that I have. The keyboard also looks sick too! I’ll have to pick up one of those!
Meh. I already have a PS3 and PSP. I wish Sony would focus on actual games instead of mediocre hardware updates. You know, something for the people that already bought the systems. Does anyone know if they’re going to do something separate on PSN? I really want some more psone classics.
I can’t wait for the new Wireless Keypad! One question or request – I hope it has a print screen button so we can take screen shots of our games (MGS4’s camera, in particular)!
Excellent news – it just made my day, and thank you Sony!
Awesome move putting Uncharted in a bundle. That was GOTY of 07 and definitely deserves more exposure. I’m eyeballing that keypad for the DS3. If it doesn’t make it too heavy, I’ll consider a purchase. I just bought my PSP this year, so I’m a little butthurt over a new SKU with a built-in mic. Give me a free copy of Chains of Olympus and all is forgiven. :DDD
Does the new PSP screen fix the refresh rate and stop the ghosting?
yeah i’ll have to pick up both the new key board and the new PSP-3000(kinda bummed about the new 160gb since we just got our 2nd 80gb PS3 and would have waited for this one(guess i’ll just have to update the HDD myself..) One thing i was hoping for was HOME announcements may be thats what this comment is for “That’s all for now on the hardware front. You’ll see much more on the games shown at GC in Leipzig in the coming days” maybe not ;-/
awesome! definitely going to pickup the keypad and how much is it going to cost?
Dont know if you need to release that 160gb PS3 here in Canada. We have bandwidth caps up here.
Good luck with that DD future of yours Sony where you refuse to pay for the bandwidth costs of distributing your games to consumers and we the customers forced to pay them thus buy crap loads less online stuff from you.
I like the ideal that they are putting bigger HD in the new PS3, but what about those of us with 60GB PS3. I am not real good with computers so i have no ideal how to make a hard drive fat 32, i looked at how to do it online and have no ideal what they are talking about. I need a bigger HD because i only have about 13 GB left on mine, I download games and movies and TV shows, as of right now i can not really buy anything else for the PS3 untill i get a bigger HD. So is Sony ever going to make a HD for those of us who already have a PS3 and need more space.
Based on the image of the new PSP 3000, did Sony change the background “wave” in the XMB? Should we expect it to look more like the PS3 “wave”? I also like how the serface in the center of the D-pad and X, O, Triangle and Square buttons look concaved. XD
Awesome news! The PS3 and PSP just keep getting better and better! :)
Wow. Well, I sure feel screwed, having picked up the PSP-2000 not but a month or two ago. The thing I liked about consoles was that you were never out of date until the arrival of the next console. Note the use of past-tense. And the ultra-reflective PSP screen was one of the big problems I had with the system.
I gave this the lowest rating I’ve given to a post in a long time… three stars. Yeah, I know, I’m a sucker for PlayStation and that 160GB PS3 does somewhat lessen the blow from the fact that they are completely dropping backward-compatibility, which I still contend was a terrible decision. Though I’m betting anyone who grabbed the 80GB recently feels pretty screwed too.
man the keyboard looks awsome i was gonna buy one with usb but when i see this is so WAZZA^^
to bad its qwerty cause i’m used to azerty ;-)
great fun though
HOW ABOUT A KEYBOARD FOR THE PSP???
that’s a bit of kit that seriously needs it.
BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY????!!!!!!!????????!!!!
where art thou????
I would rather have an 80-gig PS3 WITH BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY than a 120 gig HD…
ALSO! BRING BACK THE MEMORY CARD/SD CARD SLOTS! AND 4 CONTROLLER USB SLOTS ON ALL MODELS!
in fact i just upgraded my 60-gig launch PS3 with a 5400rpm 2.5″ 250 gig hard drive! It was so easy!~
I’m excited you are finally ramping up storage, but dang, where are the stuff you TOOK AWAY from the 60-gig launch unit!
That was the best PS3 yet, glad i got mine at launch!
thanks for the update!
@psychodadx-
to format a drive, just pop it into the PS3 and it will format it for you!
it is really easy!
good luck!
GREAT NEWS! I just bought a PSP2000 and a Mad Catz keyboard for my PS3 Controller, ahhhh Crap!
I’m selling these now…. so I can get a PSP3000 and the new keyboard.
Jeff, can you please answer if the new PSP has any other new features that have not been talked about? Usually Sony announces some but not all feaures, is there a upgraded 802.11 connection, bluetooth, anythign else? Thanks