After two days of playing with the SIXAXIS, have we reversed our previous thoughts of how good it is? Yes, I think we have.

Previously, we thought the trigger buttons were too slippery and the controller too light. Now that we’ve gotten a lot more play-time with it, the SIXAXIS feels just like a DUALSHOCK. The R2 and L2 shoulder buttons are pretty squishy (that’s good), and as long as you press it down in the middle of the pad, there’s fairly little chance of slippage. The weight issue is negligible, and the lack of rumble was hardly missed. Since rumble was never a uniform thing throughout games, not having it doesn’t really affect gameplay at all.

In the two games we tried, Genji and Resistance, the controls were tight and we didn’t have any problems. – Jason Chen

Filed under: Gaming

Even though we’re basically on the eve of Sony’s big launch of the PlayStation 3, we still had a few outstanding questions about some of the minutiae of the console. Yeah, we’re dorky sticklers for detail like that. So here are a few interesting facts about the PlayStation 3 you may (or may not) be interested in knowing:

• After plenty of gameplay the console is cool — or at worst warm — to the touch on every surface. In a side by side test with the Xbox 360, the console is comparably virtually silent, and the Blu-ray drive is significantly quieter than the 360’s DVD drive.
• USB keyboards and mice will be plug-n-play, no fuss at all. Who really wants to browse the web with a PlayStation controller anyway?
• Bluetooth mice and keyboards will not work with the system at launch.
• Any (A2DP) Bluetooth headset should theoretically work with the system, though Sony will have a recommended hardware list.
• The EyeToy is the only USB webcam that will work with the system. The original PS2 EyeToy should still work with the PS3.
• There are currently no plans for VGA out on the PlayStation3.
• The system will not support more than seven controllers.
• There are currently no plans for a cheaper, wired version of the SIXAXIS.
• With its media playback software one can have in-game custom soundtracks, as with the Xbox 360, Wii, etc.
• Despite rumor, Sony insists the US is still officially targeted for a 400k unit launch; Japan is still set for a mere 80k. Sony execs are actually expecting an upturn in unit production before launch, so those numbers may actually go up.
• Some titles have an option to install some amount of game data (in addition to saved data) to the drive. Genji can install 4GB worth of data to decrease load times (quoted to drop from 12-15 seconds down to 3-4); this game data can be removed at any time without affecting your saved games.
• The drive can be upgraded, although not on any official basis (read: YMMV, do so at your own risk, you may void warranty, etc.).
• You cannot leave voice or picture messages for other users on the PlayStation Network, only text.

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment

Sony’s Kutaragi gave the rumor mill plenty of fodder by speculating that multiple operating systems were being mulled over for use in the PlayStation 3, and eventually Sony posted an article confirming its interest in both OS X and Linux options. Now it appears that we just might have a winner. Terra Soft’s website proudly displays that the forthcoming version of Yellow Dog Linux “supports the PlayStation 3 console,” and leaves hints that we might see a few sweet video demonstrations in the near future. While intricate details about the the OS’s compatibility with the sure-to-be-scarce console are still few and far between, we’re expecting it to drop “in mid-November” to presumably coincide with the November PS3 launch dates — but at least pulling strings to get your name on a less-than-assuring pre-order list probably won’t be necessary here.

[Thanks, Clint]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

Filed under: Gaming

Sony, you’re really, REALLY not doing anything to help the perception that the PS3 is a large, overblown, intimidating monolith of a game console. And yes, we still want one.

[Thanks, Iboro Ekpo]

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Gaming

Press releases are boring. We go through literally hundreds of them a day, and for the most part, they’re self-serving documents full of half-truths and inflated claims about products and services. So imagine our delight when we stumbled upon this little doozy of a release from marketing firm Ipsos Insight, which details a study done on behalf of the Immersion Corporation concerning gamers’ preferences and purchasing plans with regards to the trio of next-generation consoles. You probably remember Immersion as the company that successfully sued Sony over the use of computer-controlled vibration technology in its PlayStation and PS2 Dual Shock controllers, and since Sony has apparently neither paid Immersion the $90 million it owes nor licensed the rumble tech for its SIXAXIS PS3 gamepads, the release comes across as a thinly-veiled reminder that gamers really, really like playing with input devices that shake and buzz in their sweaty hands.

Not only does the (completely unbiased) poll report that 72% of the 1,075 respondents agree vibration feedback enhances their game experience, it goes on to note that 59% of those surveyed would prefer rumble on the PS3 controller, while only 8% care about motion / tilt sensing (sorry, Nintendo). As if these numbers didn’t paint a clear enough picture of the message Immersion is trying to convey, two further questions spell it out even more explicitly: when asked if the lack of rumble capabilities would affect their buying decisions (apparently 74% of those polled weren’t even aware of the “no rumble” policy — clearly no Engadget readers amongst that bunch), 5% said that it would definitely cause them not to buy a PS3 and 32% claimed that they were less likely to pick one up for this reason and this reason alone. Now obviously Immersion knew exactly the results that it wanted before it conducted this “study,” and probably phrased the questions in order to get the most desirable data set, but even non-statistics majors like ourselves could have figured out that gamers accustomed to the fun of Dual Shock would be in for a letdown the first time they picked up a rumble-free SIXAXIS controller.

Okay, Sony, the cards are on the table, and even if these numbers are skewed, you know full well that you can’t be the only player in the game without a little vibration action going on. So what’s it gonna be: are you going to keep hoping that some appeals court finally overturns the numerous prior decisions against you, or are you going to shell out some dough just like Microsoft and Nintendo did, and finally give the majority of your target audience what it wants? To us, it doesn’t really seem like much of a choice at all.

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

If you thought you were going to have to wait until the PS3 came out to rock Playstation 1 titles on your PSP, you’ve just been granted a reprieve. Well, kinda. MaxConsole is reporting that a clever hacker named Yoshihiro has just released the first PS1 emulator for your trusty portable console, and that the so-called PSX-P app will run on firmware versions below 2.71, with users of 1.5 and above obviously requiring the eLoader exploit. As a reminder, the only way you can legally use this program is if you already own a Playstation and a number of games, as it requires the SCPH1001.BIN PS1 BIOS file and ripped ISOs of your game discs — which can be found elsewhere, but we like to keep it legit ’round here. So all is well and good, right? Eh, not really; since PSX-P currently lacks a dynamic decompiler, games apparently run super-slowly, in the neighborhood of 10fps: i.e. a good proof of concept for the homebrew community, but until Yoshihiro or one of his colleagues manages to achieve a playable frame rate, for now this breakthrough is little more than a frustrating tease.

[Via DCEmu, thanks wraggster]

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Gaming

A few juicy hints were dropped by Microsoft’s Robert Walker on Monday in regards to a special FPS controller in the works for the Xbox 360. His comments were made at Gamefest in Seattle, and he was quick to clarify that Microsoft has no concrete plans for the device, but that it’s more of a long term exploration. Sadly, it’s no replacement for the tried-and-true keyboard/mouse combination: Microsoft is merely working on a new right analog stick that would be better with the precise movements required for FPS and game types. The controller wouldn’t replace the current, well-praised offering, but would merely be an option for enthusiasts and competitive types. Microsoft is also dropping more hints about some sort of motion sensing technology implementation in a future 360 controller, stating that their experiments with joysticks weren’t well promoted to developers, but playing it safe by dissing the sensitivity of the tech for FPS and racing use. The main question seems to be: will it rumble?

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

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Filed under: Gaming

Give the PlayStation 3 your PlayStation or PlayStation 2 games, your original gray PSX controller, or the first dual shock from back in the late ’90s. But keep memory card to your damn self. Well, not really, but it does look like Sony will require an adapter on the PlayStation 3 to be able to read memory cards from previous PlayStation consoles, as specified by their site. Not, not really a big deal at all unless they act all, um, Sony on us and don’t bundle the adapter with the console. But we’ll give ‘em the benefit of the doubt though, as we wouldn’t want to unduly accuse them of preparing to gouge consumers on a yet-to-be-released console, right? Right, Sony? Ok, good, glad we’ve come to an understanding with one another.

[Via Joystiq]

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Filed under: Games

Just when we were getting used to the idea that there would only be one PS3 available in the UK at launch — which is, admittedly, relatively easy for us to get used to being that we’ll see both versions — Sony UK’s David Wilson goes and tells GamesIndustry.biz that the UK will most likely (also) get both PS3 SKUs. He’s just not sure when. We would love to be able to tell you that you will have a choice in the UK come launch day, but, you know, we can’t. According to Wilson, Sony is in “a period of open consultation with retail and consumers to decide on the best way to approach the impending launches of both SKUs.” Still confused? So are we, but apparently this move is meant to reduce confusion. Right.

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Filed under: Gaming

About the last thing Sony wants at this point is to see yet another disappointed PlayStation 3 delay meme post here on Engadget, which is why it’s heartening to hear — however uncorroborated — that Asustek (Sony’s supposed component partner in manufacturing PlayStation 3 motherboards) is said to be shipping 200,000 units per month now, and is ramping up to as many as 2m in October in preparations for that November launch. We have to voice a little skepticism though. No, not about the source of the information, but the causes of the delays. Despite Sony’s variety of problems developing the PS3, it was never the Cell or the console’s innards that seems primarily responsible for the delays to date; the finger we must point, dear readers, is to that Blu-ray drive, which has plagued product after product. Still, we have no way of proving the validity of the information to begin with, nor figures on these units or Asustek’s supposed ramp-up schedule, so anyone taking heed is apparently trusting the reportage of Chinese newspaper Commercial Times on this one.

[Thanks, CoreyTheGent]

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

More legal woes for Sony: the computing and consumer electronics giant is being sued by Pennsylvania-based Agere Systems over a number of devices spanning several product categories that, you guessed it, may be infringing upon some eight different Agere patents. Specifically, Agere is claiming that the PSP, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 — along with several Vaio, Handycam, Walkman, and Location Free TV models — are in violation of patents covering such varied technologies as a “wireless local area network apparatus” and “barrier layer treatments for tungsten plugs,” whatever those are. Furthermore, the integrated circuit component manufacturer believes that Sony “willfully” violated the patents, and is thus seeking damages that could end up being three times what non-willful infringements would warrant. For its part, Sony is putting up a multi-pronged defense: its lawyers are first trying to get a judge to invalidate all of the patents and make the whole mess go away quickly; but if they do turn out to be valid, Sony is claiming that it’s in the clear anyway due to cross-licensing deals dating back to 1989 with AT&T and Lucent Technologies (from whom Agere was spun off) that cover seven of the eight patents in question. Our uninformed legal opinion? Without knowing all of the specifics, it’s difficult to ascertain who’s got the stronger case here, but we can say that Sony’s recent track record in fighting infringement accusations hasn’t exactly been spotless, so as much as we’d love to cover yet another ugly, drawn-out court battle, maybe a quick settlement is the way to go with this one.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

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Filed under: Gaming

Filed under: Gaming

According to a a report from Japan's Ultra One magazine, the PS3 will contain a whole PlayStation 2 chipset inside its massive hulk in order to ensure backwards compatibility. Word is that while Sony has claimed the PS3 is powerful enough to handle full PS2 emulation, the actual software isn't ready yet, so they'll use PS2 chips as a stopgap while they finish up. Obviously, the pricey hardware will mean even more losses to Sony at launch, but supposedly once they figure out emulation they'll pull the chips to lower their costs. If this all turns out to be true, it wouldn't be the hugest surprise, since Sony did the very same thing with the PS2 to gain compatibility with the original PlayStation. The Ultra One article had a few other tidbits of note, including a quote from Sony's Izumi Kawanishi stating that the PS3, as it was announced, is "nothing more than just the basic system." Sony apparently has plenty of upgrades in store for the console, which could make PS3 one of the most diversified (and probably expensive) pieces of "standard" hardware going in the gaming world. They did say that they won't be breaking compatibility, and even if it happens by accident, the console can accept updates over the Internet. Also, the magazine states the console has a "large amount of flash memory," so that no matter what hard drive you end up with, you'll always have the system software running from the included flash.

Filed under: Gaming

Once again, we’re hoping something is missing in translation here, but we’ve got the latest from the trenches in Sony’s never-ending hype war of attrition; Phil Harrison, Vice President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, apparently told Spiegel, the following, which was translated from English to German, then back as the following (which we cleaned up a tiny bit): “We believe that the PS3 will be the place where our users play, watch films, browse the Web…  The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC.” Seriously? We translated the page a few different ways and times, same result. Do you really mean to say the PlayStation 3, which, granted, will run a flavor of Linux, will make us drop our PCs off at the corner because it can browse the web and play back movies? Phil, c’mon, work with us here. As long as you and your cronies are going to keep on making these crazed, bombastic Sim Wong Hoo-like statements, we’re gonna keep reporting it; and then our kind readers are gonna think we’re all hating on Sony and stuff, but really we’re trying to expose the folly of what’s really at hand. Seriously Sony, Phil, Ken, you guys need let the product stand on their own two feet. We’re gonna suggest the Nintendo method on this one; enough with the superlative language and let the product sell itself.

[Via VideoGamesBlogger]

Update: thanks to our dear, sweet German speaking audience (yes, we’re read internationally — who knew?) it’s becoming increasingly glear that our translation-bot didn’t facilitate an accurate quotation here, (surprise, surprise). Essentially the answer Phil gave was along the lines of using the PS3 to attack some of the more commonly used PC functionalities, and that Sony’s emphasis is on entertainment, not just gaming. Ok, that’s cool, but that’s still a helluva money quote.

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Filed under: Gaming

Just thought you'd like to know. And yeah, even thought it's not the stylingest, we think aesthetically (if not the Wii then) the PStwo is probably our fav. But that's just us.

P.S. -We understand the Wii's not 100% accurately represented here. Looks pretty close though.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Gaming

Need to drum up some cash? Sell accessories. Already sold a slew of accessories to your core audience? Sell some lux accessories to your so rich we don’t know what to do with it audience. Sounds like a plan for SCE, who launched their PlayStation Signature series to fashion conscious “adult” consumers well heeled enough to spend some serious cash at their popup PlayStation design store in Aoyama, but not wealthy enough to, say, buy The Simmons Jewelry Co.’s $35k PSP case. The PlayStation Signature includes: ¥13,000 MDR-EX90SL PSP headphones, a ¥2,200 acrylic PSP stand, ¥8,000 and ¥4,000 crocodile-like PSP and UMD case, ¥30,000 tote bag with PSP pocket, ¥15,000 rayon/poly blend shirt, ¥5,500 coin purse, ¥6,000 card case, ¥11,500 wallet, ¥5,500 t-shirt, ¥6,500 polo shirt, ¥4,800 PSP strap, ¥2,200 champagne flute, ¥2,200 red wine glass, ¥2,100 white wine glass, ¥20,000 notebook, ¥2,600 pen set, and a ¥33,600 Emeliio Pucci-designed crocodile or leather PSP case. Were you to buy all of these, you’d be paying ¥174,700, or $1,551 US to outfit yourself in all things PlayStation. When asked about the cultural ramifications of the Signature line, our Japanese correspondents both laughed at and expressed concern for Sony. We forgot to ask how you say “jump the shark” in Japanese.

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Filed under: Gaming

Ah, in the grand tradition of taking execs' statements totally out of context, we present to you the latest bit of hubris from PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi. Speaking -- once again -- in defense of the PS3's, um, luxurious price, Kutaragi-san apparently told game magazine Famitsu, "PlayStation and PlayStation 2 were both ¥10,000 [about $90 US] more than their competitors at launch. Yet they both sold to shortages." Yes, well, it looks like the PS3 is going to be a little more than $90 more expensive than the Wii. But he's not done yet: "If you consider the PlayStation 3 a toy, then yes, it is an expensive toy. However, it is more than a toy. It is a PlayStation 3. And it is the only PlayStation 3. I hope that those who understand this will gladly purchase it." And there you have it; those who understand the PlayStation 3 is the PlayStation 3 -- and the only PlayStation-freaking-3 that there is -- should gladly want to purchase one. We're hoping something got lost in translation there. We really are.

Filed under: Gaming

Why doesn't  Sony's