Engadget

Growing Up Geek: Jon Fingas

Jon Fingas — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Welcome to Growing Up Geek, an ongoing feature where we take a look back at our youth and tell stories of growing up to be the nerds that we are. Today, we have our new editor, Jon Fingas.

You might say I started early. Some of my first memories of technology -- or of anything, really -- were of mashing the keyboards on Compaq PC clones at my dad's workplace when I was three. Little did I know that I'd started on a path towards technology that would lead me towards mashing the keyboards for a career that would land me here at Engadget.

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Growing Up Geek: Jon Fingas originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Theft Auto III review (iOS)

Chris Barylick — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Be honest: who doesn't get nostalgic for games from the early 2000s? With that in mind, Rockstar Games has released a 10-year anniversary edition of Grand Theft Auto III for iOS and Android ($4.99), meaning all the crime, violence and betrayal you so loved in 2001 has made its way to an iDevice near you. The guns have been collected, pedestrians have been run over, crime bosses have been obeyed and betrayed and prostitutes have been visited to help restore health points. So is the game as good as you remember? Head past the break to find out.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto 3 Review Gallery (iOS)

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Grand Theft Auto III review (iOS) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not for sale: Every PlayStation 2 game ever made, sealed and in mint condition

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:07:00 EST

Did you buy Zone of the Enders just to get at the demo version of Metal Gear Solid 2? Did you summon half your street to join you in a game of TimeSplitters? Wouldn't you have enjoyed your PlayStation 2 games much more if you'd just left them sealed on the shelf? That's the eye-watering achievement collector Ahans76 has achieved, spending the last decade stuffing first edition (only with the Sony hologram attached) titles into a bookcase and steadfastly refusing to open them. In an interview with PlayStation Collecting (hit the source link below) he reveals much about the collection but doesn't mention if he ever opened his PlayStation 3. That would certainly be one way of keeping your credit card secure.

Not for sale: Every PlayStation 2 game ever made, sealed and in mint condition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Suite coming to Tegra 2 devices

Vlad Savov — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:40:00 EST

NVIDIA's Tegra Zone app, freshly launched this month, has become the source for a nifty little bit of Sony-related news: the PS Suite that is currently slated to deliver PlayStation One games to the Xperia Play is coming to Tegra 2 devices. Of course, if you're keeping up with your Sony tablet exclusives, you'd already know that the company's expected to unveil a Tegra 2 slate this year, so don't go assuming that your Xoom will necessarily get the PlayStation Certified badge. ~~On a separate note, we're also hearing this expansion of supported hardware will be followed up with the eventual addition of PlayStation 2 games to the Suite~~. Those are clearly not on the immediate horizon and we suspect Sony might be waiting for quad-core mobile chips -- such as the one within its upcoming NGP -- to hit the market before rolling the last-gen console's wares out to pockets and messenger bags across the world.

[Thanks, Onno]

Update: Upon further investigation, we've been unable to confirm the claim about PS2 games being on Sony's PS Suite roadmap. Android and Me reports it to have come from NVIDIA, but the original Tegra Zone post makes no reference to PS2 games. We've updated the post to reflect this.

PlayStation Suite coming to Tegra 2 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation now offers customer service via Twitter, probably won't help you jailbreak your PS3

Sam Sheffer — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:13:00 EST

Got a question about a PlayStation product? Have a Twitter account? If you answered yes to both, then you'd be interested to know about @AskPlayStation -- the official account for all of your PS concerns. They'll assist you via tweets Monday through Friday from 9:30AM - 5:00PM PST and will answer in real-time between the hours of 2 and 5 PST. Hit up the source link to get all of your inquiries answered -- just behave yourselves, OK?

PlayStation now offers customer service via Twitter, probably won't help you jailbreak your PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PS2 handheld mod looks downright gorgeous, just needs a battery pack (video)

Darren Murph — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:03:00 EST

Oh, sure -- we've seen N64 handhelds and PS3 laptops, but how's about a PS2 handheld? Now that your brain is sufficiently melted, allow us to introduce you to England's own techknott, also known as the man responsible for the gorgeous piece of playable art shown above. Apparently, this PlayStation 2 handheld was crafted for a client, and in an effort to cut down on costs, doesn't have a built-in battery pack. That said, it's still an awful lot more mobile than even a slim PS2, and quite a bit more handsome if we may say so ourselves. Head on past the break for a live action video, and feel free to drop him a line in the source link if you'd love to have one of your own. No discounts promised or implied, though.

[Thanks, Palmer]

Continue reading Sony PS2 handheld mod looks downright gorgeous, just needs a battery pack (video)

Sony PS2 handheld mod looks downright gorgeous, just needs a battery pack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony posts $887 million net profit, PlayStation has strong holiday quarter

Ross Miller — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:53:00 EST

Sony had quite a good holiday during its third quarter for fiscal year 2010, posting a ¥137.5 billion (approximately US $1.68b) operating income. Year-over-year, however, it's actually six percent lower than Q3 FY09, with some blame attributable to a five percent stronger yen. Although sales were more or less the same in most divisions (with pictures and music seeing a more noticeable drop), operating income saw dramatic changes. Consumer, Professional and Devices dropped 47 percent to ¥26.8b ($327.3m), while Networked Products and Services (which includes the PlayStation brand) jumped a whopping 134 percent to ¥45.7b ($559.78).

Looking at unit sales, Bravia sets were way up (7.9m units versus 5.4m in Q3 FY09), and video cameras, compact digital cameras, and PCs all saw moderate gains. PSP hardware took a pretty big hit, going from 4.2m last holiday to 3.6m this past quarter (the now-profitable PlayStation 3 saw a slight decline, 6.5m to 6.3m). Software-wise, though, both gaming machines saw a bump -- 57.6m (from 47.6m) for PS3 and 16.4m (from 15m) for PSP. The PlayStation 2, now almost 11 years old, actually had about the same 2.1m hardware unit sales YOY, though software took a pretty hard hit (from 11.2m to 5.3m). Sony's golden years console isn't going down without a fight -- then again, it might've been a different story had the company managed to add backwards compatibility to the PS3.

Sony posts $887 million net profit, PlayStation has strong holiday quarter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: A suite segment for PlayStation games

Ross Rubin — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

One thing that has set Sony apart from its home console rivals has been the extended lifecycles of its hardware. Riding the momentum of a massive install base, both the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 each kept selling strong nearly a decade after their debut, and years after their respective successors were introduced. In fact, as late as 2009, Audiovox began offering a PS2 integrated into an aftermarket ovehead car video system with a 10" screen. Sony could pursue this strategy in home consoles because the PS2 was the runaway unit volume leader of its generation. Not so with the PSP.

When Sony introduced the PlayStation Portable, it entered a portable console market with fierce, entrenched competition from the incumbent Nintendo, and the powerful widescreen handheld was outsold by the Nintendo DS and its later derivatives. Sony couldn't attain the market share it needed to steamroll existing competition.

With Sony's announcements this week, however, the PlayStation purveyors seem to have found a way to take their one-two punch on the road with a strategy that takes the PSP and segments its evolution.

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Switched On: A suite segment for PlayStation games originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaming's first-person history lesson: 1958 to 2008 edition (video)

Ross Miller — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:11:00 EST

There's just so much to love about this video, described by co-creator Florian Smolka as a university video-project from Munich. In a little over four minutes, we're given a first-person tour of console gaming from 1958's Tennis for Two (played on an oscilloscope) through late 2008's Rock Band for Xbox 360 (using a Guitar Hero drum set, but hey, nobody's perfect). Not every console gets a mention -- apologies to Atari Jaguar and 3DO apologists -- and it unfortunately stops before new hotness Move and Kinect get a nod, but that should in no way deter you from setting aside a handful of minutes to watch. Be sure to note the passage of TVs, too, and remember fondly the CRTs of your youth. Unless you grew up with LCD flatscreens, you lawn-lounging whippersnapper, you. Video after the break.

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Gaming's first-person history lesson: 1958 to 2008 edition (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Bravia KDL-22PX300 LCD makes room for a PS2, your classic game collection

Tim Stevens — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:19:00 EST

Sure, the PS3 is what's hip and happening for Sony game fans, but unless you picked up one of the first generation (chubby) units you have questionable support for the greatest generation of games: those that released for the PS2. But, don't fret noble gamer, and don't lament about trading that console in for $15 store credit a few years back. Just buy a new TV! Sony's KDL-22PX300 LCD has a rather hunky base that conceals a fully working PlayStation 2. That console is fully backwards compatible with O.G. PlayStation games and naturally also plays DVDs but, if that isn't enough pixels for you, four HDMI ports await the clumsy probes of cables from sources that can better handle the ways of its 720p panel. The set can also serve up video from Sony's Bravia service over Ethernet or an optional wireless dongle. It's priced at £200 in the UK, which is just a tick over $300 and, honestly, not too bad a deal. No word on an American release, but it'll need a SCART-ectomy before that happens.

Sony Bravia KDL-22PX300 LCD makes room for a PS2, your classic game collection originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops adds 3D to its list of features on PC / PS3 / Xbox 360

Richard Lawler — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:24:00 EST

3D gaming has been around on the PC for a while, and has become more prevalent on recent and upcoming releases for the PlayStation 3 since it's system update and Sony's overall 3D push, but now Call of Duty:Black Ops is adding to those lists and the significantly shorter list of 3D games for the Xbox 360. Our friends at Joystiq were among the outlets that got a chance to go hands on with the Xbox 360 version, which joins other 3D titles like last year's Avatar game and the upcoming Crysis from EA on the system, so check them out for first hand impressions. As far as the technical specs, 3D is only for HDMI-equipped Xbox 360s, and Activision's 3D FAQ points out that using the dashboard in 3D won't work properly since it hasn't been updated for that yet. Curiously, the Xbox 360 version uses side-by-side compressed frames for its 3D while the PS3 version is top-bottom like ESPN 3D. So far developer Treyarch hasn't shown off any other 3D editions so we'll have to wait until release to see if there's any noticeable difference but the only thing that's certain when it comes to Call of Duty is seeing Editor Emeritus Ryan Block stalking the Team Hardcore rooms round the clock.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops adds 3D to its list of features on PC / PS3 / Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sly Cooper comparison pics show a smooth transition to HD & 3D generation gaming

Richard Lawler — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:47:00 EST

In case you missed it at E3, all three of the Sly Cooper games from PlayStation 2 are being remastered in high definition (and in the case of the third game, 3D), and as you can see we've got a few comparison pictures from the Playstation Blog. Since original developer Sucker Punch has moved on to other thing like inFAMOUS, the conversion is being handled by Sanzaru Games (with some help from the original high res texture maps and art assets), and from the looks of things the transition to higher res and widescreen is going well. Head over to the blog for a better look or check out Joystiq for their hands on -- everyone else has to wait for the updated games to be released in November.

Sly Cooper comparison pics show a smooth transition to HD & 3D generation gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's PlayStation 2 celebrates 10 years as a fallen, bygone generation of consoles looks on in envy

Paul Miller — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST

Dreamcast? GameCube? Xbox? They're cute and endearing to look back on now, because they really never stood a chance. Sony practically redefined what it meant to be dominant in a console generation with the PlayStation 2, which was launched on March 4, 2000 in Japan (the US got it that October), went on to sell over 140 million units, and is still going strong. It's strange to think that for what many people was their first DVD player turned out to be powerful enough to bring us the cinematic experiences of Shadow of the Colossus, God of War II and Final Fantasy XII, and enough of a kicker to make it into the latest round of Madden releases. Of course, its foray into online gaming took a second fiddle to Microsoft's Xbox, and many of Sony's high-minded, living room-invasion promises of the console (remember that FireWire port? The hard drive slot?) never really panned out. Still, we'd say it's been a pretty good 10 years for this thing. Feeling extra-nostalgic? Check out Sony's own timeline of PlayStation it pumped out for the 15 year anniversary of the brand last year. Brings a tear to our eye every time.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Sony's PlayStation 2 celebrates 10 years as a fallen, bygone generation of consoles looks on in envy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you throw away your console, the terrorists have won

Vlad Savov — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:52:00 EST

In one of those fun, yet uncomfortable, instances where real life and video games interact, Fox News has uncovered a dusty (and old, very old) PlayStation controller during a raid of an Afghanistani farmhouse, which doubled up as a munitions depository. Lying there, in among rockets, grenades, plastic explosives and tank shells, was this humble blue-hued PlayStation appendage, which we're told can be rewired to act as a remote detonator. Should you question just how seriously the US government is taking this growing tide of console-aided terrorism, below you'll find a press release (seriously, a state-issued press release) detailing the detainment of four men in connection with the illegal transportation of digital cameras and PlayStation 2s to a "terrorist entity" in Paraguay. If convicted of the most egregious charge, they face 20 years in prison... for contraband consoles. Face, meet palm.

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If you throw away your console, the terrorists have won originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 3 still a loss leader, 'six cents for every dollar' of hardware sold

Ross Miller — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:14:00 EST

Though Sony's overall bottom line is back in black, what held it back from an even bigger celebration cake was its core electronics brand, and no stranger to that sector is the PlayStation group. Both Joystiq and The Wall Street Journal took a more careful look at the numbers, and there's a few points worth noting. PS2 sales took a year-over-year dip, down from 2.5 million to 2.1 million. PSP took a larger hit, down to 4.2 million from 5.1 million. The PS3, however, is a mix of good and bad news. The good news: 6.5 million in unit sales, up from the 4.5 million prior. That said, it turns out Sony has yet to pull its home console away from "loss leader" status -- WSJ reports the company is still losing "about six cents for every dollar of PS3 hardware sales," i.e. if Sony were to sell the consoles to retailers for $300, it'd technically be taking a hit of $18 each time. That's nowhere near the estimates when the PS3 first launch, and additionally Sony's CFO Nobuyuki Oneda is promising a 15 percent reduction cost by March 2011, which should go a long way. Lets' not forget the company still makes money on Blu-rays and software sales, but in the meantime, hang tight little buddy, you're this close to being profitable all by your lonesome.

Update: An error in fiscal sales figures that has been subsequently remedied.

PlayStation 3 still a loss leader, 'six cents for every dollar' of hardware sold originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 2 finally launches in Brazil for the bargain price of around US $462

Ross Miller — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:41:00 EST

You read that right. Sony's PlayStation 2, which the great majority of the world has been enjoying since 2000, is just now officially touching ground in Brazil. We're pretty sure it's been making its way into the country for many years by not-so-official means, but if you've gone the legit route, last-generation's game console king can be yours for just 799 Brazilian Real, which we're sad to say translates to about $461 in US currency. Yeah, we're expecting this to just fly off the shelves.

Filed under: Gaming

PlayStation 2 finally launches in Brazil for the bargain price of around US $462 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: a brief history of game console teardowns

Ross Miller — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:42:00 EST

Granted, none of these are teardowns we haven't already seen ad nauseam, but seeing every Sony and Microsoft console ripped to shreds and placed side-to-side in a series of glass cases is still a sight to behold. Peruse the display yourself, found at Tokyo Game Show and shown courtesy of the Museum of GAME Science, in a video tour after the break.

Continue reading Video: a brief history of game console teardowns

Filed under: Gaming

Video: a brief history of game console teardowns originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audiovox integrates PlayStation 2 into rear-seat entertainment system

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST

Tired of strapping muzzles on your youngsters whenever you have to make that eight hour trek to grandma's pad? So were a couple of engineers at Audiovox. The VOD10PS2 claims to be the planet's first fully integrated gaming system made for the car, with the overhead system not only packing a 10.2-inch display, but an honest-to-goodness PlayStation 2 console as well. Just so we're clear -- the $949.99 asking price nets you the box itself, a screen, a PS2, two wireless controllers, a built-in dome light, a pair of fold-flat IR wireless headphones and a copy of Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando and Hot Shots Golf 3. Heck, there's even a remote and FM transmitter, not to mention a pair of trim rings that'll obviously work with whatever drab interior color you selected for your minivan. So, willing to pay just under a grand to shut the little ones up forever? (Tempting, isn't it?)

Gallery: Audiovox integrates PlayStation 2 into rear-seat entertainment system

Filed under: Gaming, Transportation

Audiovox integrates PlayStation 2 into rear-seat entertainment system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 Motion Controller launching in March?

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST

Is your name "harborneb?" It is? Then you might be out of a job. That's the name attributed to the author of a Microsoft Word document sitting on SEGA America's official FTP site at this very moment. The .doc file resides in SEGA's otherwise benign "news" directory. Now, it's very possible that the document could have been uploaded in jest as an Internet prank. But assuming it's real, then these meeting minutes between SEGA and Sony on August 5th reveal quite a few tantalizing details. Chiefly, that Sony will be launching its PS3 motion controller in Japan in March of 2010, Spring elsewhere. There's also discussion of PlayStation 2 emulation on the PS3 with a note that "SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN (GTA Vice City/Sonic/etc)." Want more? Then hit up the read link and download the document yourself. Else, you'll just have to hope for news from the Tokyo Game Show kicking off Thursday.

Update: The document has been pulled. We've added the full text after the break.

[Via Gamesindustry.biz, thanks DarKlar]

Read [Warning: FTP link]

Continue reading PS3 Motion Controller launching in March?

Filed under: Gaming

PS3 Motion Controller launching in March? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Retractible wireless Rock Band / Guitar Hero controller perfect for the five-button shredder on the go

Ross Miller — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:53:00 EST

Guitar Hero and Rock Band's plastic axes aren't exactly behemoths in their own right, but if you need something even tinier, little-known game accessories company NEXiLUX looks to have a more portable solution in the works. The video for its mini guitar isn't the clearest, but from we can see, the body is about the same size as the retracted neck, which expands from behind the touch-sensitive pads to reveal the infamous quintet of colored buttons. D-pad, navigation buttons, whammy bar, and pickup selection have all survived the compression, and to make each unit as universal as possible, there's a switch on the bottom for choosing between either Guitar Hero for Wii or Rock Band for Wii, PlayStation 2, and PS3. Both black and white models are seen here, but there's no mention either in-video or on the company's website of price or release date. See it for yourself after the break.

[Thanks, Floyd]

Continue reading Video: Retractible wireless Rock Band / Guitar Hero controller perfect for the five-button shredder on the go

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Video: Retractible wireless Rock Band / Guitar Hero controller perfect for the five-button shredder on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: PlayStation 2 compatibility 'is not coming back' to PS3

Ross Miller — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:49:00 EST

Cling to that Cell-based PlayStation 2 emulator patent all you want, but Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller has some disparaging words for those wanting Shadow the Colossus to one day work one the latest hardware. PS2 backwards compatibility "is not coming back, so let me put that on the table," he told Ars Technica, soon after reaffirming, "that won't be returning." Apparently people have been buying the PS3 not for PS2 titles but for the newest games and Blu-ray movies -- and given PS2's continued dominance in sales, presumably to play those last-gen games, we don't doubt it. Seeing such a feature standard in all other consoles out there, including the first two iterations of this one, we can't help but feel burned. Still, it was less than two months ago when Sony's mantra was no PS3 price cuts, and funny enough, that's more or less what happened. So if Koller wants to go back on his word and offer PS2 compatibility further down the line, hey, we'll forgive him.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Gaming

Sony: PlayStation 2 compatibility 'is not coming back' to PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech's $300 G27 racing wheel gives sidelined DUI possessors a taste of the road

Darren Murph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:00:00 EST

Eager to get back on the track, but not so eager to ease up on the sauce? Fret not, our continually inebriated friends, as Logitech has just the answer for your awfully depressing road woes. The long-awaited successor to the original G25 racing wheel is finally on the scenes, as the G27 brings along real metal, real leather and a real taste of driving that can likely only be mimicked whilst seated in some sort of $30k+ sportster. The wheel is designed to function with Sony's PS2 and PS3 as well as Windows-based PCs, and aside from the built-in force feedback mechanism, you'll also find a pair of stainless steel shifter paddles, RPM / shift indicator lights and a clutch that fully supports heel-and-toe downshifting. Is all that realism worth $299.99? Judge with your wallet come September.

Continue reading Logitech's $300 G27 racing wheel gives sidelined DUI possessors a taste of the road

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Logitech's $300 G27 racing wheel gives sidelined DUI possessors a taste of the road originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Katamari controller hack for PS2

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:39:00 EST

What better way to remember all of those people who died when the moon and the stars were destroyed by the King of All Cosmos than a Memorial Day game of Katamari? Rather than continue to half-ass it with her PlayStation controller, hackster and NYC Resistor member Kellbot has put together a real life spherical controller, utilizing such items as a large mirror ball (sadly, the Yoga ball proved too pliable to roll on the ball bearings), a mouse, a gutted PS2 controller, a digital pot, and -- of course -- the world famous Arduino. Interested in building your own? Hit that read link to get all the details, but not before you peep the video after the break.

[Via Hack A Day]

Continue reading Video: Katamari controller hack for PS2

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Video: Katamari controller hack for PS2 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qtv launches console IPTV platform on the PlayStation.... 2

Richard Lawler — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:22:00 EST

In one of the more unexpected developments from NAB 2009, Qtv is pushing its streaming media player platform for consoles. Not an altogether radical idea we know, but what's different here is a plan to launch first on the PlayStation 2 and move to newer hardware later. From the makers of the Qcast technology behind the GameShark Media Player, Qtv includes YouTube and access to streaming video from other sources, plus pictures, music and video (DivX, h.264, XviD & more) from USB devices or networked computers. The PS2 may not be the first HD set-top box we thought of, it does have the highest installed base. The Qtv player launches later this year and will be available on Mac and PC as well for "less than $50," although thanks to the free 30-day trial the hardest part may be remembering where we left our PS2s.

Filed under: Gaming, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Qtv launches console IPTV platform on the PlayStation.... 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qtv launches console IPTV platform on the PlayStation.... 2

Richard Lawler — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:22:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Sony

Qtv launches console IPTV platform on the PlayStation.... 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PlayStation 2 just $99.99 starting tomorrow

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:36:00 EST

We're really hoping that this isn't Sony's global announcement. Nevertheless, starting tomorrow April 1st, the PlayStation 2 will be available for less than $100 (down from $129.99), exactly as rumored. Hoozah?

[Thanks, Ris]

Filed under: Gaming

Sony PlayStation 2 just $99.99 starting tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: 'no plans' for a PS3 price cut

Ross Miller — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST

That PlayStation 3 price drop rumored to be coming tomorrow? Not happening, according to Sony. In a statement given to Joystiq, SCEA public relations manager Al De Leon says, "we do not have plans for a PS3 price drop, and any rumors to that effect are false and are the result of speculation." Although we wouldn't put it past the company to deny it up until the second before an official announcement, we seriously doubt Sony would announce any sort of price cut on the day it's most likely to get drowned out by fake PSP2 mockups. No word on that speculated $100 PS2, but we wouldn't get our hopes up here, either.

Filed under: Gaming

Sony: 'no plans' for a PS3 price cut originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Sony announcement rumored for tomorrow, unicorns practically a lock

Darren Murph — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:04:00 EST

Take it for what it's worth, but Smarthouse has it on authority that Sony Computer Entertainment is gearing up to make a worldwide announcement tomorrow, and believe it or not, it could involve the PlayStation 3. Analysts (and patient consumers) have been anticipating a PS3 price drop ever since, oh, December 26th of last year, but we've seen absolutely zero evidence to make us believe that one is coming within the next 24 hours. And as Joystiq points out, each Sony region sets its own PS3 price independently. At any rate, we reckon a joint PS2 / PS3 price slashing could be on the table, but we'd highly recommend not getting your hopes up too high. Who knows -- we could be getting all worked up over a new firmware that unlocks HD DVD support.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Gaming

Global Sony announcement rumored for tomorrow, unicorns practically a lock originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's PlayStation 2 rumored to hit $99.99 in April

Darren Murph — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:31:00 EST

We've nothing to go on but a good man's word, but we're hearing that the permanent retail price of Sony's aged PlayStation 2 console will soon fall below the magical $100 mark. And really, it'd be about time. If you'll recall, Sony last adjusted the price of the PS2 in (surprise!) April of 2006, and if this here tip proves true, the company will select April of 2009 to push the MSRP down to $99.99. The image above comes from a generally trustworthy Kmart pricing system, and while we're certain you'd all love a PS3 price drop to follow suit, we've no reason to believe that one is close enough to touch.

Update: As a couple of tipsters and commenters have pointed out, that screen's most likely from a K-Mart Remote Management Unit (RMU) screen. That'd make EVT SP "Event Special" -- or in other words, a sale price for the listed days of April 5 to April 11.

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Sony's PlayStation 2 rumored to hit $99.99 in April originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation-induced palm lesions identified by Swiss scientists

Ross Miller — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:38:00 EST

It's no Wiiitis, but Swiss scientists have ID'd a new skin disorder they believe came from prolonged gaming sessions. Dubbed "PlayStation palmar hidradentitis," the condition is marked by painful lumps that appear on the palms. This Dr. House diagnosis came from a 12-year old girl who visited Geneva hospital with hand lesions allegedly from hours-long gaming marathon, and that she fully recovered after a ten-day PlayStation hiatus. While being careful not to discredit the findings, Sony spokesman David Wilson chimed in to say they had never heard of a case like this, despite hundreds of millions consoles sold, and as with any leisure activity, "there are possible consequences of not following common sense, health advice and guidelines." Hey, at least she didn't break her arm.

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PlayStation-induced palm lesions identified by Swiss scientists originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trojan PS2 made of wood earns store credit for craftsman, shame for retailer

Tim Stevens — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:24:00 EST

Ever wonder why retail boxes for videogame consoles have windows in them? It's so that retailers can scan the serial numbers when you buy them and then do so again should you decide to make a return, in theory preventing you from pulling a switcheroo. They're also supposed to take a peek inside and make sure that you're not trying to return a plastic shell and two turquoise weights, or a hunk of wood with a bar code sticker slapped on the back. Joystiq has acquired photos of what happens when they don't, submitted by a worker at a Sony distribution center, also showing an empty PS2 case full of towels and another with a flip-top cover still installed that (with a boot disc) enabled its former owner to circumvent that console's lackluster copy protection. All were returned by customers to retailers who then passed them right on to Sony, asking for credit. Surely the above craftsmanship is worth something, right?

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Trojan PS2 made of wood earns store credit for craftsman, shame for retailer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony sells its 50 millionth PlayStation 2 in North America

Darren Murph — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:31:00 EST

Joining the all-important 50 million club today is Sony, which has just recently moved its 50 millionth PlayStation 2 game console here in North America. For those with short-term memories, the PS2 hit the scene in the year 2000, well before the iPod, Windows XP and America's current president took their rightful places. NPD numbers estimate that around 43 million of these 50 million units were sold here in the US of A, and if you're really looking for some staggering numbers, get a load of this: In November 2008, 206,000 PS2s were moved in America, while just 172,000 more PS3s were sold in the same window. Talk about longevity / sluggish adoption, respectively.

Update: We meant 172,000, not 1,720,000.

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Sony sells its 50 millionth PlayStation 2 in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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dreamGEAR unveils Warbeast guitar controller, Quad Dock controller chargers

Ross Miller — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:33:00 EST

The perfect complement to ION's Drum Rocker kit, dreamGEAR has unveiled the WarBeast wireless guitar controller for PlayStation 3 and PS2. It's compatible with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Rock Revolution games and features a removable faceplate for customization and removable neck and headstock for easier transport. Officially licensed by B.C. Rich, the company is touting this axe as the first and only full-sized guitar controller on the market -- although we bet Starpex and maybe even Gene Simmons would beg to differ. It's now available on the company's website for $130, though if you can't afford that Rock n' Roll lifestyle, Amazon's got it for $90. They've also got a new Quad Dock Xbox 360 controller charger and some refreshed versions of their PS3, Wii lineup, which aren't out yet -- according to Electronista they'll go for around $30 or $40.

[Via Electronista]

Read - dreamGEAR WarBeast product page
Read - Amazon WarBeast product page

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

dreamGEAR unveils Warbeast guitar controller, Quad Dock controller chargers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday

Laura June — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:24:00 EST

Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping or find a couple of insane bargains to keep for yourself? A few retailers are offering what they've dubbed "Black Friday-style" price cuts for tomorrow -- Saturday, November 8th. Walmart's got a sweet 15.4-inch Compaq CQ-139WM (with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive) laptop for $298, in addition to a PlayStation 2 bundled with a $30 WalMart gift card for $129, and a PlayStation 3 with a $100 gift card for $399. Over at Kmart they're offering up a rad 32-inch Sylvania LCD HDTV for $439.99 (they usually go for for $550). They also have several deals for Sunday, November 9th, including the Wii Fit for $89.99. Is it safe to assume that every Friday (not to mention Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas will be "black"? For the full, mind-blowing rundown, hit the read links.

[Via CNET, I4U News]

Read - Kmart
Read - Walmart Backs Main Street

Filed under: Gaming, HDTV, Laptops

Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's PS2 effectively becomes "an open platform" in Europe

Darren Murph — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:11:00 EST

Seriously, calm down a minute. Your world has not just gotten infinitely better, although hearing the words "PlayStation" and "open platform" in the same phrase may make you think otherwise. In a relatively quiet announcement made at Casual Connect in Kiev, Ukraine, Sony Europe's George Bain proclaimed that developers would "no longer have to submit a game for content approval," effectively making the PS2 "an open platform." He pointed out examples from Russia and India, noting that they could now "create low-development cost titles and release them in their market." In all honesty, we have our doubts that this decision will make any real waves in North America, though Bain did mention a "global approval system" to replace the separated processes currently serving Europe, Japan and America. Now, if SCEA comes out and says something similar about the PS3, then you'll hear some real excitement in our voice.

[Via Joystiq, image courtesy of GamesAreFun]

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Sony's PS2 effectively becomes "an open platform" in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band 2 Xbox 360 bundle delayed until October 19, according to sources

Joshua Fruhlinger — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:02:00 EST

Buh. So, this is getting confusing. According to sources over at ShackNews, the Rock Band 2 Special Edition bundle that was originally set to launch on September 14 exclusively on Xbox 360 will hit stores on October 19. For you fanboys keeping score, that's the same date that the game will hit for other consoles. It's still not clear if the game and instruments will still show up on retail shelves on September 14, but if you were looking to get your groove on in September, you may want to chill.

[Via Crunchgear]

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Rock Band 2 Xbox 360 bundle delayed until October 19, according to sources originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony to launch slimmer PS2 in India and Russia this year

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:42:00 EST

According to a report in the Economic Times, Sony will be introducing a slimmer (well, "slimer" if you want the direct quote), sleeker, and "more suave" version of the PS2 in Indian and European markets come Fall. If you believe what you read, the new system will include a built-in power supply, will make its debut by Diwali (which falls on October 28th), and will keep the current sticker price of Rs 6,990 (or about $162). The article also claims that Sony will bring its PlayStation Network to India by the end of the year, which should make a lot of competition hungry gamers very happy. Sony reps say that the move is driven by the belief that, "Console gaming is in its nascent stage in India," adding, "We have no plans to phase out PS2 anytime soon." The PS2: you just can't kill it!

[Via Joystiq]

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Sony to launch slimmer PS2 in India and Russia this year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS2 memory card modchip to play games from USB hard drives

Christopher Grant — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:41:00 EST

An upcoming firmware update for Memor32 - the PS2 modchip on a memory card - promises to allow your non-chipped PS2 to play your entire collection of games from the comforts of a roomy, capacious USB hard drive. A group of Russian hackers named Memento are responsible for the firmware handiwork, allowing hard drive-based playback of your entire collection of PS2 discs for easy access, TiVo-style. Sure, the unscrupulous amongst you may use your Memor32's new found powers for evil, but we just want to fire up Shadow of the Colossus without leaving the couch.

[Via ripten]

Continue reading PS2 memory card modchip to play games from USB hard drives

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PS2 memory card modchip to play games from USB hard drives originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo's DS overtakes PlayStation 2 in lifetime Japanese sales

Darren Murph — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:32:00 EST

We already knew Nintendo's DS was quite the popular handheld, and while the PSP recently overtook it in Japanese hardware sales, the most recent numbers show that the Big N's famed DS has actually rocketed above the mighty PlayStation 2 in lifetime sales (in Japan). Notably, the numbers do combine DS and DS Lite units, but there's no mention of how the systems stack up worldwide. Nevertheless, the feat is a fairly impressive one when you consider how much longer the PS2 has been available compared to the DS, and unless Sony somehow lightens the PS2 load even further and starts bundling them in with cereals, we doubt it will reclaim the top spot anytime soon.

[Via DSFanboy, thanks J]

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Nintendo's DS overtakes PlayStation 2 in lifetime Japanese sales originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 2 modchip on a memory card now on sale

Darren Murph — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:47:00 EST

It's not like folks haven't been tinkering with something like this, but it's quite refreshing to see an actual product emerge that promises to deliver on the claims we've been hearing about. Apparently, the Memor 32 memory card enables PlayStation 2 owners across the globe to effectively chip their console without requiring a single power tool. The unit promises to allow gamers to load / unload save games (not to mention backups, homebrews, etc.) to and from their PC, and there's even a built-in USB connector to make things even simpler for you. 'Course, we'd still like to see one of these in action before lauding it too enthusiastically, but if you're willing to take a chance, MrModChips will gladly take your £33.49 ($70).

[Via PS2News]

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PlayStation 2 modchip on a memory card now on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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