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.
too bad that 160gb bundle doesn’t have backwards compatibility. it will be a sad day if my 60gb ps3 ever bites the dust.
also where are my ps3 rpgs at?
Nice! getting the new PSP-slim! That keyboard might come in handy! … actually, I’m really digging that keyboard w/ touch pad :)
“Good news”
1. Few posts celebrating good news
2. Few posts celebrating good news, yet bringing up negative points
3. Many post complaining about negative points
4. Many post complaining about neagtive points that aren’t even mentioned in blog post
5. Few posts complaining about 3&4 while showing jingoistic brand loyalty
6. Comments dissolve into negativity regarding wanted/unannounced features
Wow. This is big. E3 who? I love how you don’t have to use the keypad on the controller. It looks nice. The new screen on the PSP is MUCH needed. All I can see is my face when I try to play my PSP outside. The 160GB Uncharted bundle is a steal and a half. That is sure to sell like crazy this holiday season. Great Job Sony! :)
@151 tsukasa11288
“it will be a sad day if my 60gb ps3 ever bites the dust. ”
i live in fear of this situation, i would be SEVERELY DISAPPOINTED if i had to have a PS3 with no built in chip backwards compatible emulation, no memory card/sd slots and without the 4 usb ports…
cmon Sony, LISTEN TO US BLOGGERS! LISTEN TO THE GAMING MEDIA! LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!
WE WANT BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY BROUGHT BACK! BRING BACK THE MEMORY CARD/SD CARD SLOTS! BRING BACK THE 4 USB SLOTS!
thanks for listening!
“Also the new PSP sounds really cool, as long as the refresh rate is increased.”
Yeah, that’s all I’m concerned about. I’ve seen TI-99 calculators with a higher refresh rate than my PSP has. Just shameful.
All in all, a great hardware update. Although I expected another mention of the official bluetooth headset that will be bundled with Socom and sold separately.
No BC? Good riddance. The faster people put down their PS2 and pick up a PS3, the better. Besides, even though it is frequently whined about, I seriously doubt more than 5% of owners even use it or need it. One of these days it’ll all be done in software I guess.
sweet i’m loving the wireless keypad but where’s the touch button you’re talking about where you move your cursor is it the green button in the left corner???
@154 afrosheen
“I seriously doubt more than 5% of owners even use it or need it.”
I have over 30 psone games, 42 Ps2 games.
I have firsthand testimony from 7 of my friends who have gotten XBOX360’s because SONY has forgotten about backwards compatibility, and taken away features my 60-gig launch units had. They all felt the lack of BC keeps them from upgrading…
this is actual customer feedback form just a small portion of my friends, so what do you think that focus group represents?
oo i love that keyboard im going to have to get me one of them
grasias sony
wow, sony is taking over the world!!
i love the 160 gb ps3, i already got 2 60 gb….but i think i will get a third for upstairs!
also the new psp looks interesting, but i want to test the screen myself before buying, to see the difference
@ stalkingsilence what’s your psn name i would like to add you up
Yes Can we please have a copy of the conference to download in our store? I have downloaded every conference and want this one to :).
Ah, that wireless keyboard will sure come in handy. Now, this year I’m officially purchasing a PSP, 1 more item to the playstation family I never bought.
No Backwards compatibility? I think is dumb not to keep a high end version, specially seeing how well the MGS4 80GB bundle sold
Are you guys working full software PS2 emulation to enable backwards compatibility for PS2 games (like PS1)?
I find this new 160gb for an additional $100 to be rather ridiculous compared to what was offered in the higher end skus before.
So no psp keyboard? guess I’ll be getting the sixkeyboard and yet another new psp this year….
If I can indulge myself here, I find the removal of backwards compatibility to be a frustrating design move by Sony.
SCEA CEO Jack Tretton conceded — in an October 2007 interview with the Wall Street Journal — that backwards compatibility was removed to force gamers to buy PS3 games and that the costs cut by the removal of the Emotion Engine or software-based emulation were minimal.
Aside from PS3 having, at the time, a relatively small game library, particularly as compared against its competitors, and perhaps it didn’t occur to Mr. Tretton, PS3’s game library, to this day, lacks a decent selection of, for instance, RPGs. Perhaps Mr. Tretton forgot that great franchises like GTA, Dark Cloud, Final Fantasy, Suikoden, God Of War, Metal Gear Solid or Kingdom Hearts didn’t, at least at the time for some and still for others, have PS3 counterparts or that franchises like Dragon Quest and Katamari had abandoned the Good Ship Sony altogether.
Mr. Tretton’s solution to this? That I probably own a PS2 already. Actually, I do… I bought it on the day I met my fiancee and, like her, my PS2 has been well loved since. But my PS2 is on its last legs, so I went out and bought a PS3 because it was a Blu Ray player (yeah, supported you there too, Sony) that also played PS2 games.
Backwards compatibility isn’t an entitlement — even if Sony execs promised it early on, because what’s any businessman’s word worth? But nonetheless, new games come out for the PS2 every day… high profile releases too, like Persona 4. For people who pay $500+ for a gaming console, I think Sony could at least include software-based emulation, which costs Sony nothing, or close to it.
In summary, the whole thing, in my most humblest of opinions, is a dirtbag move that I’d expect sooner out of Microsoft than out of Sony and that this company is slapping their comparatively small consumer base for a negligible gain. With stakes as high as they are in this console generation, I’d expect Sony to be making smarter PR decisions.
“With the PS3 system, it can be paired and charged seamlessly just by connecting them with a USB cable.”
What exactly does this mean? When the keypad is connected to a controller, can you plug in a single cable to charge both devices simultaneously, or do they have to be plugged in separately?
that keyboard rock stole from m$ but excellent work nice 1 SCEE that tallies the score at SCEE 1 – SCEA 1,000,000 :)
This is really nice but why didn’t you guys release 160GB PS3 before????I just got my 40GB PS3.
I will surely get PSP-3000.
I have already bought 3 PS3s, so I really don’t need another one, but I do find the news for the 160gb a bit disappointing. I understand that not all care about BC, but everyone can appreciate the additional USB and memory card slots. 2 USB slots is just not enough, especially when you consider how many people play Rock Band and soon to be playing Guitar Hero World Tour.
To have a higher end model and not include BC (I am one that still uses it) and the additional stuff above, is a mistake IMO. Like others have stated, just look how well the MGS bundle has sold. I bought one because I had a feeling that it was going to be the last BC model released. Looks like I was right…regretfully.
On a lighter side, great news about the new PSP and keyboard. Though I do have one question. It looks like the keyboard covers the triggers. Is this the case?
Okay, Is the brighter screen in PSP-3000 because GPS is going to come soon?
Pearl White version of the new PSP has been announced as at least coming out in some reasons. It would be REALLY nice if, for once, SCEA would give us color choice options for the PSP without having to get unwanted graphics silkscreened onto the battery cover.
Please let us Americans have the choice to buy a white version of the PSP-3000. It’s getting tiresome to see all of the color choices Japan and Europe get while we continue to get left out.
hey Jeff, do you know if the conference is recorded and if it will come on the PSN like it did with E3?
thx
I figure the keybad would be priced in the same range as the 360 keypad, circa 2o bux…
-yet another PS3 model (whatever happened to not confusing consumers?)
-keypad above the controller looks uncomfortable
-these announcements look like the ones we’ll never hear about ever again ala Home
Delaystation ftl
-games…where? no new games…
Some very cool stuff there. But sadly the PS3 had to go up to $499? I know, its bigger drive, but you guys should be avoiding those price points.
What has happened to PLAYSTATION LiFE?????? After the delay i thought it would be here before the end of August as promised, also when will we be seeing the next gen Singstar??? Or was turkish party the next gen part……hahahhahaha lol
Love the keypad slick as **** and while i know this is a hardware blog please give us some HOME info.
Later
DTS MAN
Really good news to me.. I was about to buy the mini dinovo one at the price of 150 and now I will have all in the same controller. What about the triggers buttons? Let’s see… I use the text messaging and more now with in game communication.
The new PSP, finally I can buy it with the new screen, I never bought the slim waiting to this…
About the people asking for live with PlayStation they will not make the announcement twice, they announce it in E3 but august is ending… I want to know toooooo!!!
Oh I forget… I’m waiting for the official headset too. The one from socom, looks awesome.
this makes me happy and sad :( :) it makes me happy because new ps3 but sad cuz i dont have it :( and new psp and same becasue i got my 3rd psp(one droped and sony sent me one that screen broke becasue it was a refurbished one) a few mounths ago and again i bought a usb keyboard for my ps3 and labtop
I don’t get it though, why bundle Uncharted? When LittleBigPlanet launches in Oct and this 160GB bundle in November, I’m confused…
I have a launch PSP, but would love to get the newest one. Too bad the price is still going to be $170 (US). It will be a long time before I get it. I would rather spend the money on PS3 and PSP games and just deal with my outdated PSP.
The keyboard is obviously a rip-off of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 keyboard. However, this one is better because it can be used with any Bluetooth device and has the touch sensitive mode. A much needed device, especially since all those MMO’s are getting ready to release on the PS3 this coming year.
Nice! I was thinking on upgrading my PS3’s HD, but now I might spend that money on getting me a new PSP (mine is good but got to buy a new battery and fix the screen cuz I have some dead pixels), also I might get that keypad, how much is for the keypad ?
PSP-3000, YES!
@183 darkwing_uop
Think harder
Why don’t you guys announce new games instead of another hardware refresh? Is it because you guys have nothing to show?
Sweetness, but i already have the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle..so yup dont really need the 160GB cuz i can upgrade my own HDD(thank you Sony =) )and i’d get a PSP or Keyboard and when i can, im coppin, but im broke so that’ll be a while =(
and i was wondering do you(Sony) have a myspace??
cuz id like to add yall =)
I love the keyboard! I’m holding out on the PSP-3000 though, I’m waiting for 802.11g or 802.11n, bluetooth and maybe a time machine attachment.
As much as I love the PS3, I’m very sad to see BC go by the wayside. I still have a very large library of PS2 games which get regular use by my son. My 60GB PS3 is dying, and my 80GB doesn’t play some of his favorites. So right now he has a 40GB for PS3 games and a PS2 slim for PS2 games.
If you’re not going to bring back hardware BC for PS2 on PS3, PLEASE add software BC to the 40GB/80GB Core/160GB.
Hurrary for the keyboard!!! typing on the Home Beta will now be sooo much better. about the 160GB system tho, as much as i would love to buy another system, i already have a launch 60 GB (which i love cause i cant go without BC), and i upgraded it to 120GB. However i am getting to the point that even that is getting filled. So how bout Sony releases a standalone offical external harddrives for us PS3 users that cant part with our systems? that would be awesome. I am a stickler for that kind of thing, so i wont buy a external harddrive unless it says Playstation on the side.
Does the “chatpad” light up similar to the competitor’s messenger kit. That would be a great addition to what sounds like an amazing peripheral
The keyboard looks completely unintuitive and impractical. Do you need extra long alien thumbs to use it? Please post a video of someone using it because I can not see how it is possible.
hello i was wondering if it was possible to change the noise when you earn a trophie…i would think it would be cool if you guys could let the user choose his own noise/song for himself giving him the choice between and nice little ring or a cool song….is this possible
@Kenshin001
I must agree that is bad positioned but the 360 one is below so you have to lower your hands a little to chat… here you have to put higher to chat.. anyway you will not chat at play at the same time…
I love this chat and yes… needs to be illuminated…. but this and the official headset will be a first day buy for me
Will the Sony GC Conference be on the PS Network like E3 was? I think that would be awesome! I’m definitely getting the new PSP 3000 along with that neat wireless keypad plug in. Great job on the blog everyone! :D
I want a ceramic white psp 3000 with no ugly silk screening on it (unless its FFVII)! Then I will upgrade my launch psp…
That is awesome. But my question is when are we going to get a release date for Little Big Planet so we know when we can play it on the 160gb
Jeff,
Will the PSP-3000 have more RAM and be able to provide turn by turn GPS directions for the US? I would buy it if it does.