SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 18, 2011 — Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced on stage at the Web 2.0 Summit 2011 that the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) system will launch in the U.S. on February 22, 2012. Available at major retailers for $249.99 (MSRP) for the Wi-Fi model and $299.99 (MSRP) for the 3G/Wi-Fi model, the PS Vita system will offer unparalleled interactive entertainment anytime and anywhere. The PS Vita system will launch on February 22 in Canada for $249.99 (MSRP) for the Wi-Fi model, and Europe for euro 249.99 (RRP) for the Wi-Fi model and euro 299.99 (RRP) for the 3G/Wi-Fi model. The PS Vita system Wi-Fi model will also launch in Latin America during the February 22 launch date.*

“PlayStation Vita will redefine traditional boundaries of gaming and blur the lines between entertainment and reality.  Its launch will serve as a pivotal point in the history of portable gaming and create a new fan base of PlayStation gamers for generations to come,” said Jack Tretton, president and chief executive officer, SCEA. “With its technological prowess and social connectivity, PlayStation Vita offers an experience beyond anything available on the market. Features such as the dual analog sticks, dual cameras, and front and rear touch pad are all designed to deliver the unique, powerful gameplay experiences consumers have been asking for and enable new ways for users to connect with the world around them.”

Leveraging PlayStation’s legacy of delivering deep and immersive gaming experiences, the PS Vita system will bring consumers new ways to play through inputs such as a stunning OLED front touch screen and rear touch pad, dual analog sticks, motion sensors, and dual cameras. With more than 100 games currently in production from first and third party studios including “Sound Shapes™,” “wipEout® 2048,” “Resistance: Burning Skies™,” “UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss™,” Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed,” EA SPORTS ‘FIFA,’ Activision’s ‘Call of Duty®’, and many more, the PS Vita system is poised to deliver gameplay experiences unmatched by any handheld or mobile device on the market.

In addition, with both 3G and Wi-Fi support on some models, PS Vita will draw consumers deeper into the gameplay experience and enable them to connect and play with the world around them, including their friends and other PS Vita owners through native PS Vita applications – near and Party. A variety of social networking and communications services such as Facebook, foursquare, Skype™, and Twitter will be available on the PS Vita system.

Sony Computer Entertainment Sets New Price for PlayStation®3

PlayStation®3 Available at an Attractive New Price of 24,980 yen, $249 and euro 249, Effective Immediately for North America and Europe, and Starting August 18 for Japan

Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system with 160GB hard disk drive (HDD), currently available at a recommended retail price (RRP) of 29,980 yen (including tax), $299 and euro 299, will be available at a very attractive new RRP of 24,980 yen (including tax) for Japan, $249 for North America and euro 249 for Europe/PAL territories. SCE will also reduce the price of the PS3® system with 320GB HDD, currently available at a RRP of 34,980 yen (including tax), $349 and euro 349, to RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax), $299 and euro 299. The new pricing will be immediately effective for North America and Europe/PAL territories, and starting August 18, 2011 for Japan.

Since its release in 2006, PS3 has gained tremendous support from fans around the world and its cumulative worldwide sales reached a milestone of 50 million units as of March 29, 2011. Equipped with future proof cutting–edge technologies including the sophisticated processors, Cell Broadband Engine™ and RSX®, as well as the Blu-ray disc™ (BD) player and HDMI terminal, PS3 has continuously enhanced its value to consumers through system software updates to support new features and services including stereoscopic 3D content playback and support for the PlayStation®Move motion controller. With the breadth and depth of services and content available for the PS3 system, including its impressive BD software line-up and the expansive portfolio of more than 60,000 games and video content (*1) available on PlayStation®Network, the new price will make the platform more accessible than ever and will appeal to a wider audience looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home. With strong support from software developers and publishers, as of June 30, 2011, the worldwide cumulative number of BD software titles for the PS3 system exceeds 2,495 titles and downloadable PS3 games available on PlayStation®Store exceeds 3,100 titles (*2). Of these titles, more than 120 titles (*3) are stereoscopic 3D supported and 200 titles (*3) are PlayStation Move dedicated or supported. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are expected to be released from software developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Madden NFL 12 and Battlefield 3™ from Electronic Arts, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®3 from Activision, Assassin’s Creed Revelations from Ubisoft, Resistance® 3, The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception™ from SCE and more.

The PS3 system provides free access to PlayStation Network and its growing portfolio of marquee entertainment services for streaming hi-def movies, TV shows and sporting events. In North America, these services include Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, Netflix, NHL GameCenter, Vudu, and many more. PlayStation Network also features unique and compelling downloadable content from leading networks, such as the Discovery Channel, ESPN and HBO, and exclusive games, including the critically-acclaimed PixelJunk series and the highly anticipated Journey, to ensure PS3 customers always have amazing entertainment experiences at their fingertips.

Through these price reductions, the upcoming line-up of blockbuster software titles for the PS3 system and the industry’s strongest offering of entertainment services, SCE will continue to expand the PS3 platform and deliver a world of computer entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation.

(*1) As of the end of July 2011. The number includes downloadable PS3 games, game demos and video content. The number does not include PSP content, game add-on or themes.
(*2) As of the end of July 2011. Number of downloadable PS3 games including classics. The number does not include game demos.
(*3) As of the end of July 2011.

PlayStation and PS3 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Nintendo introduced a new paradigm for video games and home entertainment: Wii U^™, a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen. Adding a second screen to the living room creates a multitude of new video game experiences while offering families a variety of options to customize their entertainment.

Previously, video games played on a home console have been confined to the TV and offered identical viewpoints to each player in a multiplayer environment. Furthermore, watching TV and playing console games have been completely separate experiences. The new controller removes these boundaries, creating a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience. Visitors to the E³ Expo will see firsthand the type of gaming experiences made possible by Wii U and the new controller such as:

• In single-player games:
  • The new controller can display information on its screen that does not appear on the TV.
  • The information and viewpoint can also change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope.
• In multiplayer games:
  • The player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV. This will offer a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities.

In addition to the 6.2-inch screen, the new controller also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers. Adding these features to the Classic Controller^™ button scheme – two analog Circle Pads, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons – will enable a breadth of game-play experiences while appealing to both casual and dedicated video game players.

Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote^™ or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. The Wii console has sold more than 86 million units globally and greatly expanded the overall audience for video games. Wii U aims to expand that audience even further. Developers worldwide are already working on new games and experiences for the console.

“Wii U redefines the structure of home entertainment by fundamentally changing how the TV, the game console and the Internet function and interact together,” said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. “The experience enabled by Wii U and the new controller takes players deeper into their games, while reaching out wider than ever before to be inviting to all kinds of gamers.”

Original Press Release Below:

Verizon Wireless And Sony Ericsson Take Mobile Gaming To The Next Level With The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY

The World’s First PlayStation® Certified Smartphone Combines PlayStation®-Quality Gaming Experience with the Latest Android Smartphone Technology

Customer Inquiries

For customer inquiries, please call 800-922-0204 or go to
Contact Us

Media Contact Info

Albert Aydin
Albert.Aydin@VerizonWireless.com
908-559-7513

Lauren Haralson
Lauren.Haralson@bm.com
212-614-4192

05/17/2011

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Take conference calls, send emails and win football’s biggest game, all on one device. The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, exclusive for a limited time for Verizon Wireless, redefines mobile gaming by combining all the features customers expect from a fully-featured smartphone with the ultimate gaming experience.

Powered by Android 2.3, Gingerbread, the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will come pre-loaded with seven game titles including, Madden NFL 11 (EA Sports), Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior (Digital Legends), Asphalt 6: Adrenaline (Gameloft), The Sims 3 (EA), Star Battalion (Gameloft), Crash Bandicoot (Sony Playstation) and Tetris. Customers can expand their video game library with more than 50 game titles available at launch for download via V CAST Apps. Customers easily become gamers with the slide out game pad revealing a directional keypad, dual analog touch joystick, two shoulder buttons and the four iconic PlayStation® symbol keys: circle, X, square and triangle.

Additional Features:

• 1 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® II processor with Adreno 205 GPU
• Adobe Flash Player
• 4-inch multi-touch display
• 5-megapixel rear-facing camera
• VGA front-facing camera for still shots and video chatting
• Support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk, Google Search, Google Maps and access to more than 200,000 apps available to download from Android Market™
• Mobile hotspot capability- share 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Pricing and Availability

• The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning May 19, and in stores on May 26 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
• Sony Ericsson Xperia™ Play customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a smartphone data package. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access and an unlimited smartphone data plan is $29.99 for monthly access.

Game Developers

• The gaming experience can only get better as additional games are being created. Developers have the flexibility to focus on content and not worry about binary file sizes when submitting apps to V CAST Apps. Developers can visit http://developer.verizon.com/play for additional information about game development for the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. To learn more about the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, visit www.sonyericsson.com.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of Xperia™ PLAY in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson celebrates its 10th year as a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Ericsson in October, 2011. Over the years the company has brought together the best communication technologies with superior entertainment user experiences to create its Xperia™ line of the ‘most entertaining smartphones’ in the mobile handset industry. With its global corporate functions in London, Sony Ericsson has sales and marketing operations in all major regions of the world, as well as manufacturing in China, and product development sites in China, Japan, Sweden and Silicon Valley, California. For more information, please visit: www.sonyericsson.com/press.

####

Not much is known as to why you are in Rapture but we hope to find out more when the game releases on August 21.

Written by Haydn

The newest and most exciting announcement is that for this one-time special, we’re providing points for any past purchases made outside Club Astraware!* That’s right – whether you picked up a copy of Sudoku just a week before we it started, or you’ve been a loyal buyer of Astraware games right from when we started, you’ll get points for all of the games you’ve bought from us. And, while you only get points from purchases while you’re logged in to your Club Astraware account at Astraware store, for this time only, we’re letting you claim points no matter which store you previously purchased at!

To claim your points, all you’ll need is the email address that you registered the software with. Simply ask us to add this email addresses to your Club Astraware account. Once they are added, check your products list in Club Astraware, and if all your purchases are listed, claim your points! Remember, this is a one-time special event which offers long-term Astraware customers a chance to get all the points they would have earned in previous years.

Club Astraware is free to join and only takes a couple of minutes. There are also extra ways to earn points on your account including:

-2500 points just for joining

-Points earned from purchasing games from the Astraware website (1 point for every cent spent)

-1000 points for submitting you highest game scores

-2500 points for recommending a friend join Club Astraware

AND we’ve now added two NEW ways of earning extra points:

-Submit a post you’ve written on your personal blog about Astraware and you could get 2000 extra points – everyone likes being talked about!

-Complete our Points Party survey and we’ll give you 1500 points. Your opinions matter to us!

Our Points Party survey is available on the Astraware website from 26th January to 28th February 2007 and EVERYONE who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a special edition Palm Z22 PDA with Astraware Sudoku pack – Club Astraware members also get the special bonus of the extra points in their account. Visit http://www.astraware.com/promo/pointsparty for more information!

We’ll be adding more new ways of getting points in the future, so make sure to check your Club Astraware account regularly!

*Purchases made up to 26th January 2007 can be included in the catch-up claim.

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company’s best known handheld titles include PopCap Games’ Bejeweled(r), Zuma(r), and Insaniquarium(r), Sandlot Games’ Tradewinds, and Astraware Sudoku and Zap!2000/2016. Astraware is a Microsoft(R) Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware’s products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries. For more information, contact Alison Barclay at alison@astraware.com, or visit http://www.astraware.com.

Written by Gary

Flip up the trapdoor on the top of that Wii, and there are GameCube controller ports and memory card slots Friends, those are there for a reason Watch out for the games that, well, stink without a GameCube (GCN) controller At the time of this writing, the trusty old GameCube games need a GCN memory card as well Luckily, most retailers are inundated with these items, and a few even have store-branded controllers that are on the cheap Fortunately for us, Johnny didn’t go on a spending spree, leaving us some rather nifty accessories.

WaveBird Controller: Nintendo’s own remarkably sturdy wireless GameCube controller If you are the type to angrily toss a controller across the room, then this is THE controller for you The average price of this item is $35.00, though they have been found as low as $25 and as high as $40 The used price for this item is usually around $20.

Wired Controller: There are so many shapes, sizes, package deals, brands, colors, and prices for a regular wired GCN controller that it would be hard to list them all One of the more interesting deals for wired controllers is a ‘Combo Pack’ that usually includes a controller and a memory card The average price for a wired controller is about $15, but can be found as low as $7.

Memory Cards: Just like a controller, this is a necessity On the plus side, they don’t have to cost much as long as the 1024+ size cards are avoided In the case of GCN games, multiple ‘small’ memory cards is preferable over a single large memory card This is mostly due to the tendency of some games to use a limited number of ‘save slots’ per memory card whether it is a ‘big’ or ‘small’ memory card Finally, unlike controllers, first party memory cards are always preferable to third party products when possible (This is one of the gaming axioms, ‘Third party memory cards shall always suck, and thou shall lose save-data from third party memory cards.’) This is even a more important rule to follow for those who purchase used goods Expect to pay about $25 for a new GCN memory card.

GameBoy Advance/SP: I know there is someone who will see this list and think, ‘The GBA is a handheld system, not an accessory!’ Well, the truth of the matter is that the old GBA can be both There are a number of games, that utilize the GBA/GCN connectivity for mini-games, personalized screens, in-game item trading, and (of all things) as a controller Considering that an original GBA can be found used for under $20, it might not be a bad investment Before deciding on a GBA, see below!

Cables: Just when we thought it was the age of wireless, those darned cables find a way to be needed again If one already has a GBA, or is planning on one, then definitely look for the GBA to GCN cable for about five smackers Using a wired controller? Try looking around for a GCN Controller Extension Cable for around $3 Have multiple TV’s or multiple game systems? Try picking up a multi-platform AV-Cable for about $15; these usually are set up with multiple connectors for attaching to any number different game systems.*

Steering Wheels: If there was ever an opposite of the ‘First Party’ rule, this accessory is it Not only are first party steering wheel controllers far too expensive, but they are usually only available for a limited time Furthermore, many current third party steering wheel controllers are multi-platform, meaning they should work on more than just the GCN connector on the Wii, but also on the PS2 and Xbox as well Expect to shell out at least $50 for a good wired steering wheel controller.

Microphone: Only, and I mean ONLY, get this accessory if it is packed with a game or at the same time as a game Odama is an interesting title, but it should come equipped with it’s own Microphone Unless bought at the same time as a game that uses it, this accessory will see little action, and thus we’re not even going to look at it’s stand alone price.

Bongos: See above, the only difference is to look for one of the several DK titles that utilize those drums.

The GameCube Game Guide for the Wii

Unlike the accessories, games are really divided by taste, and those listed are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg If you already own a GameCube, then you might want to try your existing library on the Wii; simply put, more GCN games support progressive display² than what would be expected (f.ex. Phantasy Star Online).

Tales of Symphonia: This game was mentioned before in a value priced list, and is well worth mentioning again Tales of Symphonia is to the GameCube as Final Fantasy XII is to the PS2 It is the must buy RPG with stunning graphics, remarkable deep gameplay, and unlike most Final Fantasy games–it has good replay value.

Pokemon Colosseum: Yeah, yeah, it’s a pokemon game However, unlike the GBA titles of old, this particular title has a twist–the main character isn’t a ten-year-old For those pokemon fans who grew up, this title is a fun blast from the past. (Nintendo did not misspell ‘Coliseum,’ they tried to Americanize the Latin spelling.’)

Paper Mario, the Thousand Year Door: Want a Mario game that is a graphics showcase? This game isn’t only fun, but it takes the second dimension into the third dimension by having Mario and company be paper cut-outs in a messed up world This game is one of the high-points of the GameCube, will still look good on the Wii, but will cost a bit more than most GCN titles.

Super Smash Bro.’s Melee: Another high point for the GCN, a fighting game with great ‘game party’ potential Oh, by the way, ya’ gotta’ bust the other guy (or gal) out of the ring to win Energy bars my gluteus maximus!

Super Monkey Ball Collection: Get your puzzle right here! Both titles can be found packaged together for $35, which is a five buck discount from the individual ‘Greatest Hits’ version.

Resident Evil Collection: Not one, not two, but three Resident Evil games in a single boxed set. The set includes Resident Evil Zero, a prequel (Hello LucasFilms) to the Resident Evil series, a remake of the original Resident Evil (new graphics, etc), and the highly acclaimed Resident Evil 4 Resident Evil 4 is considered by many to be the best GameCube title of all time, and it just happens to live in this boxed set–making this the best deal of all time Considering that this set can be found in some places for $30, how can anyone say no?

Baten Katos: It’s an RPG It’s a card-battle game No, it’s both! A great RPG by Namco that has spawned a GCN sequel, erm prequel (Hello Again LucasFilms), and an upcoming Nintendo DS title; it’s no wonder that the original Baten Katos is on the list.

Baten Katos Origins: The sequal (erm, prequel… again…) to the above, again with outstanding graphics It’s a little pricey at the moment, due to being a new release, but with the card-battle system simplifications–it’s still a good bet for the RPG fans out there.

Viewtiful Joe: Cel shaded movie action, adventure, and, well, an odd cast of misfits off to save.. Well, you may understand the drill, but this game takes the zaniness to a whole new level Levels can be difficult to complete, but the control scheme should be second nature in no time at all.

Animal Crossing: Some other author for a magazine described this game as ‘Sanrio meets the Sims,’ and I couldn’t say it better myself. Your in-game self can even take the time to play classic NES games like ‘The Legend of Zelda.’ Did we mention that GBA to GCN cable? You’ll want that for this title Oh, and by the way, this game is packaged with a memory card, sweet!

Ikaruga: Shooter Love! This is hardcore arcade top-down scrolling shooter appreciation Theres a few twists in this game, but for those that love a blasting good shooter–this is it Sadly, this is a rather hard-to-find title, still the shooter fan will find all the love they want right here.

Metroid Prime: Step into the role of Samus like never before in the first person perspective, but don’t expect that the ball mode to be in the gutter Unlike many FPS type games, this one is easy to get into, easy to control, and has found a way to stay true to it’s 8-bit roots All of this, and the game is just visually stunning. (Not to mention being only ten bucks in the used bin!)

The Legend of Zelda: Four Sword Adventures: Remember the GBA cables mentioned above? This game alone is enough to warrent purchasing a GBA and associated GCN connection cable for everyone in your house The dungeons are on the GBA, the outdoor areas are on the old telly, and then you can download your game to take with you on the road Don’t let the uber-cute graphics fool you; this is one addicting game that can really use all five possible screens.

l fantasy”/> Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Yet another game using that crazy GBA and connector cable for multiplayer action ‘But, it’s an RPG!’ True, and it can be completed in single player mode, but when using multiple GBA’s, the game becomes more alive, and more fun This is a wonderful romp, and can generally be found for $20.

Eternal Darkness: This is an ‘adult oriented’ game, as in the content is more complex, let alone lengthy, than most ‘Cube titles A lot of attention was given to details, the likes of which is seldom seen in the console market.

Little Johnny may have a problem, but the rest of us don’t have to It should still be very easy to find the most important of the GCN peripherals, and the more obscure accessories are still available at many online shops Oh, and if you’re wondering about little Johnny, he is based on a real boy–one that told his mother that the WaveBird controller wouldn’t work on the Wii.

* Currently, multiple system supporting A/V or S-Video cables do not support the Wii; however, at the time of this writing several third party manufacturers are working towards a product that will fit the above description Also, note that the digital output port for the original Gamecube was removed in mid-2004; meaning that componant cables are no longer produced for the Gamecube system.

²Again, more Gamecube games support Progressive Display than expected, due to the removal of the digital out port.

Details about component cables for the Nintendo Gamecube: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/syst … amecube/component_faq.jsp

Written by gadgetadm

The Hogmanay Party runs from December 30th 2006 to January 11th 2007 and offers a range of fun games from as little as $2.95. Substantial discounts on different games will be offered each day, so remember to check the Party page often at http://www.astraware.com/promo/hogmanay07. As a very special offer, Club Astraware will be offering one top title exclusively to its members from December 30th to January 11th only. So if you’re not already a member, join up now. You will not want to miss this offer!

And finally, if you’re still wondering what Hogmanay is all about, check out the Astraware company blog at http://www.astraware.com/company/blog.php where Astraware’s resident Scottish expert, Iain Moore, gives a little insight. Have a Happy Hogmanay!

About Astraware

Founded in 1994, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company’s best known handheld titles include PopCap Games’ Bejeweled(r), Zuma(r), and Insaniquarium(r), Sandlot Games’ Tradewinds, and Astraware Sudoku and Zap!2000/2016. Astraware is a Microsoft(R) Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware’s products, and the company has customers in over 100 countries.

Written by Gary

The games added to their online download store ranges from the N64 to the TG16. Bandito was blown away by the inclusion of the infamous ‘Alien Crush’ one of the very best video-pinball games ever created for any console. A complete list follows… December Downloads:

NES

• Tennis
• Ice Hockey
• Donkey Kong Jr.

Genesis

• Columns
• Ristar
• Gunstar Heros
• Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
• Space Harrier II

TurboGrafx16

• Victory Run
• Military Madness
• Alien Crush

Written by Bandito

It’s early December, the announcements and new releases are in full swing to grab your entertainment dollar, but what does all their mumbo-jumbo actually mean?

Written by Bandito