House of PlayStation lays out plans for Final Fantasy
XIII pack-in, two new DualShock 3 colors, PSP RooM, and downloadable
comics.
TOKYO--Though Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai didn't make any major announcements during his 2009 Tokyo Game Show address on Thursday, his company did...in the UK. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe revealed three 250GB bundles and a Britain-only PSP Go Rewards free-game download program.
After the UK announcements, Sony held its own event at TGS to unveil
some Japan-specific initiatives. On the PlayStation 3 side, Sony laid
out the details for the Final Fantasy XIII PS3 bundle. The Final
Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition will include the game and a 250GB
ceramic-white PS3 with a graphic of protagonist Lightning printed on
the top (pictured). The bundle, priced at ¥41,600 ($461.76), will be
released on FFXIII's launch date of December 17 in Japan.
The PlayStation 3 will also be getting more color options when
it comes to the DualShock 3. In addition to the currently available
colors--black, ceramic white, and satin silver--the company will begin
offering the wireless controllers in two new hues: metallic blue and
deep red. The new colors will be available in Japan starting October 29
for ¥5,500 ($61.05).
With the network-focused PSP Go's launch looming, Sony is
prepping up its online content. First, Sony also took the TGS as an
opportunity to announce RooM, an online community for the PSP. After a
system update coming this winter in Japan, PSP owners will see a new
"RooM for PlayStation Portable" icon on their PSP menus that will allow
them to enjoy this new free online service. Users will be able to
create their own 3D avatars and rooms, post blogs, and create albums to
communicate with other PSP users. Users will be able to visit each
other's rooms, as well as congregate and chat in groups. A closed beta
test will begin starting today, September 24.
Sony is also bulking up the PS3 and PSP offerings on the Japanese PlayStation Store. The company is expanding its PlayStation Store video lineup to feature over 300 new titles, which include Terminator: Salvation and Harry Potter
series selections. The full lineup hasn't been disclosed yet, but
participating companies include Warner Entertainment Japan, Aniplex,
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Bandai Visual, Pony Canyon, Marvelous
Entertainment, and Media Factory. Music videos from Label Gate Co. will
also be offered.
As announced at GamesCom in August,
Sony will also offer digital comics downloads for the PSP starting in
December. The comics will be available for download in the new "Comics"
category within the PlayStation Store. The service will feature comics
from a number of major publishers, including Shonen Jump's Shueisha,
Shonen Sunday's Shogakukan, Shonen Magazine's Kodansha, and as somewhat
expected, Square Enix. Some of the titles to be available in the lineup
are Neon Genesis Evangelion, Lucky Star, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Soul Eater.
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