Sony Japan has outed a Satin Silver version of the PS3, intended as a limited edition for Japanese gamers. The repainted console offers the same functionality as the existing PS3, but suits those for whom the traditional black or previous ceramic white versions haven’t been aesthetically pleasing enough.

Sony will also offer matching controllers and a stand to keep the Satin Silver PS3 upright. The PS3 itself will be available in 160GB and 320GB variants, priced at 29,980 yen ($368) and 34,980 yen ($429) respectively, while the stand will be $25. A single silver controller will be included with each console, and they’ll go on sale – Japan only – come March 10 2011.

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Playstation 3 fans may soon be able to take advantage of the cloud for saving their game content. It is reported that Sony may be including this new feature, which they’ve dubbed “Online Saving,” in their next major PS3 firmware update, version 3.60.

However, the feature will only be available to gamers that subscribe to PlayStation Plus, which costs extra. And also developers can opt out their titles from the cloud service due to concerns over possible copyright issues.

Besides taking the load off of physical storage, having game content saved on the cloud will also allow gamers to access their game data off of their friend’s consoles because the data will be linked into a Playstation Network account. Exact date for the offering has not yet been announced.

[Via Pocket-lint]

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Sony has remained coy on pricing for the Sony NGP, though it has dismissed concerns that the upcoming handheld will carry an extreme premium price tag. Speaking to GameInformer, SCEE president of worldwide studios Shu Yoshida confirmed that the NGP is “not going to be $599″ when reminded of the surprise many gamers experienced at the original launch of the PS3.

“From the very beginning of the project — since 2008 — pricing was one of the considerations that we had” Yoshida explained. “Hopefully when we announce the price, people will see the proper value.” Currently Sony is refusing to discuss pricing in anything more than vague terms; even the name of the NGP is described as a temporary one, standing merely for next generation portable.

News earlier that different SKUs of the NGP would offer 3G and WiFi-only variants also raises questions about ongoing subscription plans for the 3G-enabled models. Sony is yet to suggest whether it will be bundling some amount of mobile network data access or expecting users to sign up for an ongoing plan of some sort.

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Ever since his candid and humorous E3 2009 Sony keynote introduction — wherein he thanked the audience for showing up despite the big news (PSP Go) having already been leaked — we’ve always had something of a soft spot for Jack Tretton. We managed to have a sit-down with the SCEA President-CEO following the company’s big Tokyo meeting, a non-working NGP unit in tow. For a brief moment, Tretton “confirmed” that PlayStation Suite games (currently slated for Android devices) would work on PlayStation 3. We asked rather directly, to which he responded, “Yes, they will. Yeah.” By the next question, however, he explained that he might’ve misspoken and wanted to clarify that Suite is only NGP right now. It should come as no surprise, then, that there was no talk of Suite for any other devices, be it Bravia sets or Google TV. Tretton said there was at least one compatible Android device currently on the market but wouldn’t elaborate — given the 2.3 requirement, we’re presuming he meant the Nexus S.

We weren’t able to get him to budge on the issue of the NGP’s price, but we did ask him to opine on the Nintendo 3DS’s $250 tag. Instead of offering friendly competitive jabs, he said only, “I think if the quality’s there, then the people will find a way to buy it, within reason… I think that if you could create content that consumers see as compelling, they’ll find money that they didn’t think they had.” A bit too reminiscent of former boss Ken Kutaragi’s old adages, but hey, it’s not like we expected a sub-$300 sticker, anyway. Some other highlights:

• Tretton wouldn’t definitively say whether or not original PSP titles are in Suite’s future — “at this point, it’s PlayStation One games, but I think it can go in a number of directions.” This runs a bit counter to what Kaz Hirai said earlier in the day, but either he might’ve misspoken or the translator erred.
• The controller overlay we saw used as an example at the event was just that — an example, with no guarantee of future use.
• That “holiday 2011″ launch applies to at least one territory, but Sony was “ambiguous for a reason” (i.e. simultaneous global rollout is a dream but far from a promise.) We probably won’t have a clearer image until fall rolls around, sometime after E3.
• No discussion on battery life, but Sony is “certainly look to improve upon [original PSP].” For what it’s worth, that one measured about 4.5 to 7 hours at launch, and Sony eventually sold an extended-life pack.
• PS Suite will have non-gaming apps.
• A WiFi-only version? “We haven’t made any determination on models yet,” which is infinitely more vague than the confirmation of non-3G SKUs from SCEE president Andrew House.
• Will Sony or a Sony partner make a flagship device to show off the Suite? A, dare we say, PlayStation phone? “Stay tuned” was all Tretton would say, followed by a laugh. Hey, at least we acknowledged the elephant in the room.

Full transcription after the break.

Continue reading Engadget interview: SCEA’s Jack Tretton talks Sony NGP, announces (and then un-announces) PlayStation Suite for PS3

Engadget interview: SCEA’s Jack Tretton talks Sony NGP, announces (and then un-announces) PlayStation Suite for PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony isn’t all about the NGP this morning; the company has also pushed out a new firmware update for the PS3. Described as a “minor update”, PS3 System Software v3.56 adds a security patch to the console but also reportedly blocks third-party firmware from being used.

Sony’s console has seen an embarrassing jailbreak by hacker Geohot and others, which resulted in a legal case to limit availability of the security-cracking tools. This firmware update appears to be the next stage in Sony’s damage control.

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I am a big fan of PC gaming and stick to the computer for the most part. For me the best thing to play on the console is driving games and I prefer titles on the PS3 so I can use my racing seat and Logitech G27 racing wheel. There are some cool racing games on the Xbox 360 as well, but I refuse to drive without my G27.

If you lean more towards the Xbox 360 for your driving and racing action and you want to use the G25 of G27 from Logitech a new adapter will let you do that. The adapter is called the F-1 Converter and it allows the G25 or G27 to be used on the older Xbox 360 and the new slim console.

The converter also has a combo attack memory function for fighting games where you can press a button to execute a combo. That seems like cheating to me. The adapter will work with the PS3 as well for the combo function. It support rumble controllers and a lot more. I rarely play the Xbox 360, do any games support force feedback like the G25 and G27 provide?

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VUDU has announced that the new 2.0 interface is going out today to most VUDU-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, as well as PS3 and Boxee Box users. The updated interface speeds access to movies as well as introducing recommendations based on viewing history; in an imminent update, PS3 users will also be able to navigate the UI via their Move controller.

There’s also a social feed and enhanced search functionality, and VUDU is using a cloud-based system that should make future updates to the interface more immediate. Those with VIZIO TVs and Samsung devices should eventually get the new 2.0 interface, with VUDU saying it expects the update to roll out to those TVs and devices soon.

Duke Nukem Forever will officially launch on May 3 2011 in the US, followed by a May 6 international release, bringing to the end more than a decade of waiting among gamers. Arriving for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, the title will be released by 2K Games and Gearbox Software, who took over development after 3D Realms folded in 2009.

Video after the cut

Previous rumors suggested a late May release after pre-order listings were spotted at Amazon, but many would-be buyers remained wary of the title.

Pre-orders are now being taken for the new release dates, priced at $47.99 for the PC version, $56.99 for the PS3 version, and $59.82 for the Xbox 360 version (all at Amazon). More details in the press release and video below.

Press Release:

Duke Nukem Forever® Set to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum Starting May 3, 2011

Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to games

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history – legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever® on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally!

“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here”
Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind!

“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here,” declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “May 3, 2011 marks Duke’s return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!”

Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can’t stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke’s life – that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was and will forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.

“When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!”

Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club. A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands™ Game of the Year edition, where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world.

For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPad™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About Gearbox Software

Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms. Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation and development of their original blockbuster franchise, Borderlands, and has developed numerous top selling add-on packs for Borderlands. Additionally Gearbox now has ownership of the Duke Nukem franchise, created and developed the Brothers in Arms series and developed games and added value to many of the industry’s top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk, James Bond and others. Gearbox Software’s success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega of America and Take-Two/2K Games.

Currently Gearbox Software is in development with Duke Nukem Forever published by 2K Games, Aliens: Colonial Marines, published by Sega, and other unannounced AAA games for multiple platforms including the Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system, Nintendo Wii, Windows PC, Mac, Nintendo DS, PSP and more.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Microsoft, Windows, the Windows Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and “Games for Windows” and the Windows Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

For the developers behind Brink, Bethesda Software has a chance at making a First Person Shooter (FPS) interesting again. While there’s plenty of alternatives out there, Brink looks to be one that’s both creative in its artwork, story, and the implementation of weapons in the title. Other titles, like Borderlands, showed that a diverse, and in-depth customization option for weapons leads to a lot of players having a lot of fun. Brink looks to do the same thing all over again. And to show off a bit of the customization, here’s a video after the cut that does all that and more.

Splash Damage’s song is the main feature of the small video, we believe. Especially in that it’s recreated in the short gameplay clip using only the weapons in the game. You’ll have to watch it to appreciate it. Keep in mind, though, that the upcoming title may not be officially rated by the ESRB yet, it’s looking to us that there’s going to definitely be a Maure rating, and there’s plenty of violence in the clip below.

Brink will be released later this year for Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3, and the PC.

[via Kotaku]

First, watch your ports! Turns out there’s a way for people to hack the crap out of your computer just by attaching their Android to it. Next take a ride on the confirmation train with both T-Mobile Galaxy S 4G and Vibrant 4G, and take a peek at some possible specs on the Samsung’s Galaxy S2, too. Here on SlashGear take a peek at the lovely brand new Jawbone ERA in a high-res review. Next go ahead and take that big jump with Google Voice as they introduce mobile number porting. Remember when LoveFilm bought Amazon Europe’s DVD rental service? Now Amazon is buying LoveFilm – how about that? Remember how big A likes to add features to their OS? It seems as though iPhone iOS 4.3 has multitouch gestures – oh and iPad 2? February 9, perhaps. All this and MORE on SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up.

R3 Media Network

Editor’s Choice

SlashPhone
The Samsung Star II Improved with Social Networking Integration
HTC Thunderbolt Exclusivity Given to Best Buy in Exchange Not Selling Verizon iPhone 4
Nokia X7 Arrival to AT&T Has Been Canceled

Android Community
LG Optimus 2X Now Available for Pre-Order in Europe
T-Mobile Galaxy S 4G “coming soon”: Vibrant 4G confirmed
T-Mobile Sidekick 4G rumors resurface with HSPA+ twist [Update: Confirmed!]
Samsung’s Galaxy S2 to have dual-core Orion CPU, 8MP camera, NFC & more?
Dell Streak 7 to be $330 from T-Mobile USA?
Android exploit turns smartphone into USB security hole
Sony Ericsson’s Hallon/Vivaz 2 gets previewed and adored
7-inch HTC Flyer slate due in US come March, with two more tablets in June?
HTC Gratia UK launch confirmed for February 2011

SlashGear
iPhone iOS 4.3 multitouch gestures get video demo
T-Mobile Galaxy S 4G confirmed: HSPA+ model “coming soon”
Eric Schmidt: Google pushing LTE, mobile money & cheap smartphones in 2011
Nintendo 3DS UK wholesale price reveals 1/3 markup
AGC Dragontrail takes on Gorilla Glass for toughened crown
Android Sidekick 4G rumored for T-Mobile HSPA+ [Update: Confirmed!]
LaCie Galet by Christofle is just in time for a geeky Valentine’s
Nokia N9 now packing 1.2GHz Intel Atom for MWC 2011 reveal?
BMW 1-Series gets Nokia C7 remote-control [Video]
Samsung Galaxy S2 packs 8MP camera & dual-core Orion CPU tips insider
Jawbone ERA [REVIEW]
T-Mobile Dell Streak 7 tipped at $330 by fine-print
USB smartphone exploit turns Android into an invader
Samsung’s Liquavista buy-out official: color video e-paper and more in pipeline
Facebook for Feature Phones launched with free data on certain carriers
Boxee Box gets VUDU streaming; Netflix later in January
iPad 2 FaceTime, Camera and PhotoBooth support spotted
AT&T Nokia X7 cancelled: Mediocre carrier support blamed
Google Voice mobile number porting trialled ahead of “near future” full launch
Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2 (aka Hallon) gets pre-announce preview
Amazon buys LoveFilm for European postal/streaming media
HTC Flyer 7-inch tablet due March, plus two slates in June?
HTC 7 Pro and HTC Gratia hit UK in February 2011
iPad 2 unveil February 9 tips iOS 4.3 screenshot speculation

To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up]