Tag Archives: Japan

Sony shows off updated PS Vita and new game console/media streamer for Japanese market

Sony Computer Entertainment held a press conference in Japan today and although all the announcements pertain directly to the Japanese market it’s very likely that some of the announced hardware may make their way to the States and other parts of the world.

First up, Sony made it known that the PS4 will release in Japan on February 22, 2014, almost three full months after the console launches in North America. Yeah, that has got to sting, especially since Sony is based in JP. But remember, the PS3 had launched in Japan six days before it did in America…so…yeah.

Next let’s turn to hardware. Sony flashed a new PS Vita (WiFi only) that is 20 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter than the OG Vita and promises six hours of battery life. The design is mostly the same–you’ll noticed a slightly rounder look. Inside the LED screen has been swapped out for an OLED display, there’s now 1GB of onboard storage and a micro-USB has been added for syncing and charging. The new Vita will come in a bunch of colors such as black, white, lime green, light blue, pink and grey. The proprietary memory cards have fallen in price and a 64GB size has been introduced to the fold. The updated PS Vita releases in Japan October 10 for 18,980 yen (or about $190).

And now to the unexpected. Sony outed a new box to put in front of your television and it’s called the PS Vita TV. It looks like a mini console and allows gamers to play Vita titles on their TV. It comes complete with slots to insert Vita cartridges and memory cards and you control gameplay with a DualShock controller, not the Vita. The Vita TV will support 1,300 Vita games; in other words this “console” will launch with an impressive games lineup. Note, however, that it will not support all Vita titles; big ones like Gravity Rush, Wipeout, and Uncharted are not included on the compatible games list for some reason. In addition to playing games, the Vita TV will also act as a media streamer with access to Sony’s Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited services, Hulu, and more. And when the PS4 comes out, a software update will turn the Vita TV into a Remote Play device akin to how the Vita will become one as well. Vita TV comes to the Japanese market on November 14 with a 9,954 yen price tag. That converts to appox. $100. Should it enter the US market at some point it’d fare as a worthy competitor against Apple TV, Roku, and the like.

Pop into the gallery below to check out the updated PS Vita and the new PS Vita TV. Video after the break.

[Via Engadget 1, 2, 3, 4; Joystiq] Continue reading Sony shows off updated PS Vita and new game console/media streamer for Japanese market

WORLD ORDER creates music video to highlight Japan’s solidarity following the natural disaster

In this music video titled “Machine Civilization,” Japanese dancer and martial artist Genki Sudo leads a group of businessmen in a synchronized routine against a synth-pop background not unlike music you’re used to hearing from Canadian musician Owl City.

The unprecedented disasters unfolding in Japan; earthquakes, tsunami, and nuclear explosions, will somehow change things to come. And to send my message about this, I have expressed it here with WORLD ORDER.

In collaboration with Takashi Watanabe, Sudo wrote these words and produced this song and video to share with the world a message of solidarity following the natural disaster that occurred in Japan. The spectacular slo-mo syncronicity highlights the “WE ARE ALL ONE” message he is trying to send.

If you haven’t played a part in assisting relief efforts, please do so now. Text REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 will make its way into the right hands.

Another way to donate money is to purchase Songs for Japan, a digital-only album available on iTunes that includes 38 tracks from well-known recording artists. John Lennon, U2, Katy Perry, Eminem, Elton John, Kings of Leon, Bruno Mars–it’s an eclectic mix of songs you know and should have in your library. The album’s priced at $9.99 and 100% of profits are dedicated to relief efforts in Japan.

Nintendo 3DS to ship March 2011 in US, Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus coming soon

Earlier this week at a company event in Japan, Nintendo revealed the release date and price of the Nintendo 3DS.  It will sell for ¥25,000 (about $299 USD) when it hits the Japanese market on February 26, 2011.  Not from Japan, huh?  Ninty only hinted at a US and Europe release date: March 2011; they did not disclose US pricing details, but several industry analysts are pegging a $249-$299 price point.  When it ships in Japan, the 3DS will be available in two color variants, aqua blue and cosmo black.  The portable game console will come bundled with a charging dock and a 2GB SD card.

At the company event Nintendo detailed a number of software enhancements.  The Mii Studio app magically transforms a still image of yourself (taken with one of the 3DS’ cameras) into a customizable Mii avatar.  The Mii Plaza app takes advantage of the 3DS’ ability to recognize other 3DS handhelds in close proximity.  Whether you’re actively playing a game or walking the streets with your 3DS in standby mode tucked away in a bag, the system will recognize and pull information from nearby 3DS users.  At any time you can hop into Mii Plaza to discover a growing community of Miis from all the 3DS owners you pass by throughout the day.  Similarly, a new wireless “tag mode” featured in the upcoming Super Streetfighter IV game will quietly seek out other 3DS owners to battle against.  A minigame will pit one of your in-game collectable action figures against a nearby opponent when your 3DS is in standyby mode; and standard wireless 3DS to 3DS battle royales with in-game characters is supported, too.  Other 3DS apps include a web browser, an ebook reader, notes, and support for augmented reality gaming.

Remaining loose ends.. The final 3DS hardware is very similar to what we saw at E3; the only noticable exterior change is that the analog nub no longer matches the handheld’s color scheme–it remains gray in each color variant.  The 3DS software lineup was shared in a brief video preview.  Upcoming titles include Animal Crossing 3DS, Mario Kart 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS, Paper Mario 3DS, Dead or Alive Dimensions, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries.  It’s also been reported that Game Boy & Game Boy Color games are coming to the 3DS’ virtual console store.  Look after the break to see the software lineup video in addition to demonstrations of Mii Studio, wireless “tag mode”, and a 3DS introductory video–all in Japanese, of course!

On a separate topic, Nintendo also used the company event to formally announce the Wii Remote Plus.  It had been rumored for some time, but now it’s official: the Wii MotionPlus accessory (that grants greater 1:1 motion capability) will soon come permanently built into a Wiimote.  Nintendo showed off the newly redesigned controller in four colors, white, black, light blue, and pink.  Launch date and price have not been disclosed for any country.  Check ’em out in the gallery below.

[Via Engadget, here, here & here; Joystiq]

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS to ship March 2011 in US, Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus coming soon

Now this is how you make a beer commericial

Canadian ad firm Dentsu, in collaboration with directors Mark Zibert and Gary Thomas, have created the utlimate beer commercial for Japanese beer company Sapporo.  Titled “Legendary Biru”, the commercial/short film was shot on location for over a month in Guangzhou, China.  It takes us on a journey through Japanese culture and the brewing process.  Our Budweiser frogs and horses can’t touch this vertical time-warp through Japanese mythos.

Break-dancing robot will make you do a double take

Meet Japan’s Maino Go break-dancing robot sent from the future to entertain us.  The scientists who built this robot actually consulted professional dancers to add the realism you see in its moves.  Step aside, Tickle Me Elmo; this break-dancing robot is the new hot robo-toy in town.  Jump after the break for a second video.

[Via Engadget; TechDigestTV]

Continue reading Break-dancing robot will make you do a double take

Iron Man goes anime, looks amazing

Marvel superhero Iron Man has gone anime.  With the popularity of Iron Man skyrocketing in the US (thanks to Mr. Robert Downey Jr. sucking the life back into the character in Iron Man), it looks like the Japanese market is looking to ride on the coattails of its recent success.  Animation company Madhouse will be bringing this Iron Man anime show to a Japanese TV network.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy this very cool teaser trailer for it, and keep your fingers crossed in hopes that it will make its way to the U.S. one day.

[Via Gizmodo]