If that black-colored PS3 Slim is a bit too boring for your liking and you have an insane amount of cash to burn, you might want to inquire Computer-Choppers about their upcoming 24KT gold version of the PS3 Slim.  Yes that’s right – that picture above is indeed a PS3 Slim covered in 24kt gold. It’s one of 5 limited edition units being produced by Computer-Choppers.. so if you must have one, you better send them an email. Expect this bad boy to cost you a fortune though.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Gold PS3 Slim, Computer-Choppers

Big news for Sony PS3 owners who also have Netflix subscriptions – the two companies have announced a partnership to bring Netflix streaming to the PlayStation 3 platform. Due to arrive next month, Netflix streaming will be available to all Netflix members in the U.S. who also own a PS3 console.

Enabling Netflix streaming on your PS3 will be an interesting affair especially if you’re used to other means of activating Netflix-enabled devices. You’ll need to reserve a free instant streaming Blu-ray disc from Netflix which  leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3. Of course, your PS3 console needs to be connected to the Internet in order for the activation to occur (or any streaming for that matter).

Once enabled, Netflix subscribers will be able to view movies and TV shows that can be watched instantly with titles organized into categories such as members’ personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals, and members’ individual Instant Queues. You’ll also be able to add movies and TV shows to their Queues, read synopses, and rate movies on the PS3.

You can reserve the free instant streaming disc for the PS3 by going to www.netflix.com/ps3.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, Netflix, PlayStation 3, Netflix Streaming

That 120GB hard drive on the Sony PS3 Slim not large enough for ya? Well get ready for a larger capacity version as Sony announced a new 250GB PS3 Slim on Thursday set to debut on November 3rd. The new console will maintain the same slim profile as the 120GB version and will retail for $349.99. Sony will continue to offer the 120GB version at the current price point (which was reduced just last month).

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony PS3 Slim, 250GB PS3 Slim

Final Fantasy fans will be thrilled to hear that Sony has announced a new Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition PS3 at the Tokyo Game Show. The white PS3 features Lightning herself printed on the top of the console and comes bundled with Final Fantasy XIII.  The Limited Edition PS3 will be available in the middle of December in Japan for a price of 41,600 yen (or around $459 dollars). No word on when the new version will be available in the U.S.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition PS3

It’s really no great surprise by now but Sony has finally lifted the covers off of their new slimmer PlayStation 3 console with a new reduced price of $300 dollars. The new PlayStation 3 Slim will come with a 120GB hard drive, will be 33 percent smaller and 36% lighter than the current brick available in retail stores. Current PS3s will also have their prices dropped and based on these KMart ads – we’re guessing these PS3s will also be priced at umm.. $299?? Expect the new slimmer PS3 during the 1st week of September.

At $300 dollars, I’d consider the PS3 slim as a second Blu-ray player for the bedroom.. though not as a gaming console.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony PlayStation 3 Slim,

Guitar Hero World Tour fans on the PS3 will love this one. Logitech announces the new Logitech Wireless Drum Controller for the PlayStation 3 platform today – complete with three premium fully adjustable drum heads and two cymbal pads.

The key features of the Wireless Drum Controller include:

• Quiet controls – you’ll hear less of the controls while making sweet music (ha)
• A durable bass pedal with a stainless steel surface
• Comes with a 2.4GHz wireless USB receiver for the PS3 and PS2 platform
• Sets up quickly and folds flat in seconds
• Uses two AA batteries
• Wireless range up to 30 feet

The Logitech Wireless Drum Controller is available in the US starting this month and in Europe starting in August for a price of $199.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Wireless Drum Controller, Guitar Hero, PlayStation 3

According to Joystiq.com, Blockbuster’s bundle varies from store to store (if your local store even carries it that is). One store had a bundle featuring a 40GB PS3 console, Transformers: The Game, Spider-Man 3 on Blu-ray, a PS3 remote, an HDMI cable, and a 12 week rental card for $359.99. Another store had an 80GB PS3 console, Transformers: The Game, a PS3 remote, HDMI cable, and a 12 week rental card for $499.99.

Meanwhile, Best Buy’s bundle is far more concrete. For $399.99, you’ll get the 80GB PS3, LittleBigPlanet game, and Wall-E on Blu-ray.

It’s not clear if these bundles are temporary holiday related bundles or a sign of things to come for the PS3.

via SonyInsider.com

Technorati Tags: Sony PlayStation 3 bundle, Blockbuster, Best Buy

Now here’s an interesting take on the whole rhythm gaming genre. The game is called “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” and it’s basically a game that lets you pretend to be a DJ – allowing you to whip out beats and scratches using a new hardware controller called the Scratch Deck. The Scratch Deck, designed by Numark Industries, combines two elements of DJ and “hip-hop experiences” – a free spinning, touch sensitive turntable with a crossfader and 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads. I know.. sweet huh?

Here’s what Numark and Genius Inc have to say about the Scratch Deck:

“The turntable allows players to add their own style and manipulate the songs in real time, while the MPC-style drum pads give players the opportunity to perform and customize tracks by triggering samples using the very same pads that are the cornerstone of professional hip-hop beat production. Samples can either be pre-loaded into the game using 60 unique battle records that will ship with the software, or players can record and upload their own samples using a compatible USB microphone.

In addition to the features created by Numark, SCRATCH DECK also contains standard game controls found in music rhythm games. The turntable features a realistic surface that feels remarkably similar to a vinyl record. The drum pads and the crossfader also deliver an authentic and realistic music production experience. Left-handed DJs will appreciate that SCRATCH DECK is designed for use in right or left-handed configurations. “

The new Scratch Deck controller and the game “Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” will be showcased for hands-on play at the upcoming E3. Expect both in the fall of this year for the Xbox 360 and PS3 game consoles.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Numark Industries, Genius Products, Scratch The Ultimate DJ, Scratch Deck DJ Controller

Could there really be some truth to a slimmer PlayStation 3 console? Images of a supposed redesigned PS3 console have popped up on Chinese message boards (and yes.. we all trust Chinese message boards don’t we?) and they’re now making the waves here in the U.S.

Yeah I know.. this one’s a bit of a yawner. Does anyone really care about a slimmer PS3 without a reduction in price? Heck.. at least with the current model, I feel like I’m buying something hefty enough to warrant $400 dollars.

Anyhow, back to the matter at hand – would you really buy the PS3 if it was thinner than it was now? Would this alone cause you to go out and pick one up? Somehow I don’t think so.

However, we do have some good ideas that might help spur on sales:

• Lower pricing?
• Better content?
• Easier development environment?

Then again, with Sony in the red for the year, cutting the price of the PS3 is probably not a good idea for Sony.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony PlayStation 3 slim

If I had one complaint with Logitech Harmony Remote Controls over the last few years it would its inability to control the Sony PlayStation 3 console thanks to the lack of built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It’s a pain I tell ya – if I want to watch a Blu-ray movie, the Sony PS3 controller needs to be accessible in order for me to control the console.

HOWEVER, it appears this problem is now remedied thanks to the availability of the new Logitech Harmony Adapter for the PlayStation 3 console. Think of this adapter as basically a proxy between a Harmony Universal Remote Control and the Sony PS3 console – receiving and transforming commands from the Harmony remote into Bluetooth wireless commands for the PS3. All I can say is – it’s about time.

Features include:

• Works with all Logitech Harmony Remotes
• Supports all 51 PS3 commands
• Compact low-profile design
• Guided online setup
• Always-on wireless link to PS3

The Harmony Adapter for the PS3 is currently available at Amazon.com for $59.99.

[Check it out via SlashGear]

Technorati Tags: Logitech Harmony Adapter for Sony PlayStation 3

Unleash that rock star inside of you with the new Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller for the Sony PS2 and PlayStation 3 consoles. This new “Black Edition” guitar is officially licensed for Guitar Hero and is made out of authentic materials such as a wood neck and body, a rosewood fingerboard, and metal frets. The guitar works with Guitar Hero games for the PS3, and with Guitar Hero World Tour games on the PS2 platform. 

Other features include:

• One-piece contoured wood body
• Reduced button noise
• Rubber dome technology on the fret board controls
• Touch-sensitive slider located on the neck of the guitar
• Wireless range of up to 30 feet from the console
• Hundreds of hours of battery life

The Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller will be available in a pristine black finish along with a glossy black pick guard for a retail price of $199.99. Expect the guitar to be available this month in the U.S. and in June for Europe.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller, Sony PS2, Sony PlayStation 3, Guitar Hero

If you’re looking to have a unique looking Xbox 360 console, you could of course go out and purchase the limited edition Resident Evil edition which goes on sale this week. OR.. you could pimp out your case with these cool stickers from Japanese company Gametech as reviewed here by the folks at Akihabara News. The company sells stickers for both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 (as well as other devices) which go on easily and come off just as easily – without leaving any marks on the surfaces of the device. It’s a shame they’re not here in the U.S. as of yet.. I’m sure folks would love to dress out their cases with these designs! Read more of the review over at Akihabara News.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Gametech stickers

TRITTON Technologies recently introduced their most versatile gaming headset yet in the form of the TRIGAS611 AX Pro (also known as the Audio Xtreme Pro). The AX Pro delivers true surround sound with hardware based Dolby Digital decoding and eight.. count em.. eight independent speakers. Built on the AX360 platform, the AX Pro also features a subwoofer, an easy to use illuminated inline controller with a microphone mute switch, independent volume control for game chat, and the ability to custom tailor volume levels.

The headset’s microphone can connect to either an Xbox 360 controller port, a USB port, or analog 3.5 mm inputs – making the AX Pro a truly versatile headset compatible with the PS3, the Xbox 360, and PC’s.

TRITTON will also be demoing a new 5.1 surround sound bar at the upcoming CES 2009 – stay tuned for our coverage of CES in early January.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: TRITTON Technologies, AX Pro, Precision Gaming Headset, 5.1 surround sound

The Energizer Power & Play charging system for the Wii will retail for $39.99 and come with rechargeable batteries, replacement battery doors, and a charging station. Replacement rechargeable batteries and covers will also be available for $10.99. A rechargeable battery pack for the Nintendo Wii Fit equipped with an audible and LED low-battery indicator will also be available for $29.99.

The Energizer Power & Play charging system for the Xbox 360 and the PS3 includes a charging cradle, and an AC cord, and will go for $29.99. Additional cords will go for $12.99 for the Xbox 360 and $9.99 for the PS3.

The new Power & Play charging systems will be available later this month.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Energizer, Power & Play, Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

A look back..

Let’s recap first. Three years ago the buzz in the gaming industry was all about the upcoming next-generation console wars. Which console was better spec wise? Which console had more titles coming out? Which console was going to kick the living daylights out of the other in terms of raw graphics performance. Yes.. these were fun times indeed.

In fact, the three companies involved were coming from altogether different places in life. Sony was the clear leader in the console gaming market with the crazy success of the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 platform. Microsoft was playing catchup with the Xbox console and Nintendo.. well these good folks were just trying to stay relevant.

First out of the gate was Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console and yes.. the console got fairly positive reviews initially. Lines were long for the console and there were a decent number of solid titles for the Xbox 360. As time went by, the 360 grew stronger and stronger primarily due to the growing number of gaming titles and the ever increasing capabilities of the console. Every new Dashboard update brought with it many new features for the Xbox 360 console.

Sony, on the other hand, ran into problems with the PS3. It was late. It was hard to program against. It was expensive to manufacture. It had less than stellar launch titles.. and finally, it was a year behind the Xbox 360 and more expensive. Yet, when the PS3 came out in late 2006, things were not necessarily lost on Sony. It still had one thing that the other consoles did not have. It had Blu-ray built right into the console which would ultimately change the face of the console. However, along the way, Sony also changed the specs on the PS3 console. Originally, the system offered backwards PS2 compatibility. Then in cost cutting efforts, we saw the compatibility disappear. Then we saw delays in the online community for the PS3 (while we saw a growing and thriving Xbox LIVE community for Microsoft). Ultimately, Sony had to bite the bullet and offer cheaper PS3 consoles with smaller storage amounts which were still more expensive than the Xbox 360. Yet.. there was Blu-ray.

Then there was the little console that could. The Nintendo Wii. Who knew that this small non-descrip looking unit would capture the world’s attention thanks to the Wii Remote and the included WiiSports game? While the console was pitiful in terms of graphics performance, it won over hearts simply because it was fun to play with. Who knew that it would be fun to bowl at home with your friends? Who knew it would be fun for your girlfriend to strike you out in Baseball? Who knew??  Oh yes.. the Wii also was cheap.. and THAT my friends certainly helped the appeal of the device (not to mention that the inability to get one only drove up the hype for the console!).

So that brings up to today. The Nintendo Wii is clearly the numbers leader (in terms of number of units shipped) with the Xbox 360 and Sony PS3 bringing up the rear. Yet, the Xbox 360 is PROBABLY climbing up faster thanks to recent price cuts.. and thus quite possibly will become the eventual winner in the consoles wars according to number of units shipped.  Thus yes, Microsoft will probably be able to say one day that they are the leader in terms of the console wars.

However, does this really matter today?

Reality Today

Let me explain why in many ways none of this matters.

When the Xbox 360 first came out, the talk was all about the graphics horsepower and the title breadth of the platform. When the PS3 came out, people instantly took snapshots between comparable games on the PS3 and the Xbox 360 to see which console was BETTER graphically. The argument continued as to which platform provided more horsepower. Yet when the Wii came out.. people realized that in many ways, graphics didn’t matter IF the game was utterly fun. Nintendo changed the gaming world to recognize that innovative thinking could out-trump raw horsepower. Nintendo also showed the world that you could be innovative AND cheap.. thus driving sales beyond what Microsoft and Sony could have imagined.

Yet, Microsoft quickly saw the opportunity to praise Nintendo – not necessarily compete against it. Executives from the company talked about how families would buy two consoles – the Xbox 360 and the Wii because they wanted two very different experiences. (oh yes.. the old joke was you could buy an Xbox 360 console and a Nintendo Wii console for the same price as a single PS3). The Xbox 360 would give a full reaching multimedia experience – everything from gaming to video on demand capabilities to Media Center Extender support while the Wii would be great for parties and fun simple games that didn’t require intensive graphics rendering capabilities.

Ironically enough, this segmentation is pretty much what happened. The three consoles are being purchased based on their strengths and weaknesses and thus, it’s not simple to declare a single winner in the gaming industry.. because in many ways, it’s not about gaming anymore. It’s about delivering some sort of entertainment experience.

Consider the PS3. Quality titles for the PS3 are somewhat woeful. Sure, there’s Metal Gear Solid but let’s face it PS3 fans – the Xbox 360 trounces your library. Yet there is one thing that the PS3 has that no one else has and that’s the built-in Blu-ray player. In fact, this ace in the hole is often how Sony markets the console player. Also, consider the following. If you’re thinking about getting into Blu-ray for the first time.. would you rather spend $400 dollars on a standalone Blu-ray player OR would you rather spend $400 dollars on the PS3 which delivers Blu-ray, gaming, and an online experience? I thought so.. the PS3 right? RIGHT.

Yes, the Xbox 360 and the Sony PlayStation 3 certainly overlap one another quite a bit when it comes to features and capabilities. Both platforms deliver video on demand; Both consoles play back a variety of multimedia files; Both consoles deliver an online community for gamers. Yet.. the purchasing audience is at times rather different between the two consoles. The Xbox 360 attracts more gamers simply because of the title breadth and the wonderful online experience that is Xbox LIVE. On the PS3 front, there are more families coming on board simply because the console has Blu-ray built right in.

Oh but wait.. if you have a little money left over after buying a PS3 or an Xbox 360, you could even get yourself a fun Nintendo Wii because well.. it’s fun!

So who’s the winner here folks? It ultimately depends on how you look at the big picture! Sony wins when it comes to Blu-ray (unless of course Microsoft releases a Blu-ray external drive which seems doubtful at this time). Microsoft wins when it comes to delivering an extensive multimedia experience. Nintendo wins because it’s affordable and some of the games are just fun to play with.

Thus perhaps… the real winner in the console wars is actually us the consumer. We’ve received platforms that are rich in capabilities yet diverse enough for us to possibly want them all. In the end, it really doesn’t matter anymore who will win the console wars. Publishers are delivering most of their gaming content across all the consoles so it’s a matter of which console meets most of your needs. Thus, it’s about matching the consoles capabilities with the needs of the individual and that my friends is different person to person.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii

Sony also announced a new Wireless Keypad accessory that snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK3 wireless controllers. Features on the this Wireless Keypad include:

• Special mode that turns the main key area into a touch pad – similar to notebook touch pads
• Two short cut buttons on the keyboard that will enabled users to go to XMB’s “Friends” icon and the “Message Box” during gameplay
• Supports Bluetooth which means the keypad can support other Bluetooth enabled devices that have keyboard functionality (smartphones etc)
• Pair and charge via USB cable

The Wireless Keypad will launch in late November.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, PS3 Wireless Keypad

The new 160GB PS3 system will be introduced in the U.S. as part of a limited edition “The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune” bundle which includes the console, a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller, the game “Uncharted:Drake’s Fortune”,  and a PlayStation Network voucher for PAIN. The 160GB limited edition bundle will launch in November for a price of $499.99.

Now with regards to the newly announce Sony PSP-3000, the portable game console will be introduced as part of two entertainment packs – the Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack and the new PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack which includes a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo card.

Additional info on the new PSP-3000 from the blog posting:

• “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. “

The Ratchet & Clank Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack will be launching in October for a price of $199.99 and will include a limited edition “Silver” PSP system, the game Ratchet & Clank Size Matters, a UMD movie, a PlayStation Network voucher to download echochrome, and a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo card. The 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack will also retail for $1999.99 and later this year, Sony plans on releasing a standalone PSP in the PSP Core Pack which will remain at $169.99.

[Check it out]

[Check out the press release]

Technorati Tags: Sony, PSP-3000, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack, PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack, limited edition \"The Uncharted: Drake\'s Fortune\" PS3, PlayStation 3

Sony formally introduced the PlayStation Portable 3000 today at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. The PSP 3000 will feature a new display which supports more colors and is usable outdoors. There will also be a built-in microphone which will make the device an even better platform for Skype users. The new PSP 3000 will go on sale in Europe for a price of EUR 199 ($294 dollars).

In other PlayStation related news, Sony announced two new storage SKUs for the PS3 in Europe – a new 160GB model and a new 80GB model. The 160GB PS3 will retail for EUR 449 and will be available starting on October 3rd. The 80GB PS3 will go on sale for EUR 399 later this month.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony PSP 3000, PlayStation 3 160GB

Need for Speed Undercover will hit the U.S. stores on Nov. 18th and European stores on Nov. 21st and will be available for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, PC, and mobile platforms.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: EA, Need for Speed Undercover, Maggie Q

Just a little heads up in case you don’t follow the gaming world all that much. Sony has a new video store open within the PlayStation Store which is accessible to those with the PlayStation 3 console. The new service is now live and you can download movies, television shows or original programming for a price of course. Before you try out the service, make sure to get the latest Sony PS3 update for the PS3.

The new service will initially have roughly 300 movie titles and around 1200 TV episodes. A portion of the content will be available in both standard definition and in high definition formats. Studios that are a part of this launch include 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate Entertainment, MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Movie rentals will cost between $2.99 to $5.99 depending on the title and the quality of the video. If you want to purchase movies, that will cost you between $9.99 to $14.99.

My two cents on this – first the obvious – it’s about time Sony! It’s amazing how incredibly late the company is in getting a video service up and running for the PS3. The Xbox 360 and Apple TV have an incredible head start – both in terms of technology and in the number of titles. Secondly, what’s up with the size of the HD files? I just purchased “Hell Boy” to test out the service and I’m downloading 7.1 GB of data. WTH?!?!?!? Now I know it’s in high def and all.. but is the file size the same for the other services? Somehow.. I think not. I suppose I’ll have to compare the picture quality of comparable titles to see if the Sony service is better. Finally – I’m sorry… I’m a huge fan of the XrossMediaBar interface but the PlayStation Store UI is just a bit .. well.. ugly.

Unless there’s a compelling reason for me to download movies on the PS3, I’m going to have a hard time wanting switch out of Apple TV and the Xbox 360 console.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony PlayStation 3, PlayStation Store, Video store