Sony unveils new moves at E3
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - Sony unveiled a sleek next-generation PSP
Go handheld videogame, movie and music gadget and demonstrated a
prototype motion-sensing videogame controller in a direct challenge
to Nintendo's freshly-launched DSi devices.
Sony Computer Entertainment president Kaz Hirai showed off a new
PSP Go at a press conference in the Shrine Auditorium as a major
Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) got under way nearby in Los
Angeles.
"We call it the worst kept secret of E3," Hirai quipped,
referring to news of Go news leaks more akin to streams.
"There will be more content that is easier to get on your PSP.
It's entertainment everywhere."
Go is half the size of the original PSP and built to download
and store video, pictures and games, according to Hirai. Go devices
have built-in wireless Internet and Bluetooth capabilities.
"It's built for people who live a more digital lifestyle," Hirai
said. "It's designed to bring all kinds of content to the PSP."
The prototype motion-sensing videogame controlle, has joined
rivals in a trend away from playing with complicated buttons and
joysticks.
Researcher Richard Marks provided a glimpse of the prototype
controller, "It's more distinct and cool feature is a glowing
sphere on the end that the PlayStation 3 eye can track," said
Marks, as a colleague wielded what looked like a pair of television
remote controls with lights on the tips.
The camera tracked the player's movements, and software
translated his movements to onscreen characters wielding swords,
racquets, flashlights, maces, guns, baseball bats, and other
implements.
"We want to enable gamers," Marks said. "We expect very casual
players."
All future PSP videogame titles will be available for digital
download, skipping any need to buy software on disks, according to
Sony.
A new Sense Me feature analyzes music stored in Go devices and
then creates playlists to suit users' moods. Go gadgets will also
be built with a video delivery service Sony launched last year.
Hot videogame franchises including "Gran Turismo," "Metal Gear
Solid," and "Resident Evil" are creating new games tailored to Go
devices, according to Sony.
"I think the PSP is getting really hotter," said Hideo Kojima,
whose eponymous studio makes the "Metal Gear Solid" franchise whose
protagonist is a fearsome soldier called "Snake."
"And Snake is coming back on the PSP."
Go devices will be priced at 249 dollars, or 249 Euros
respectively, when they are released in the United States and
Europe in October, according to Sony. The gadgets will be available
in Japan in April, Hirai said.
Nintendo reports that it has sold more than a million of its
new-generation DSi handheld videogame gadgets in the United States
since they became available here in April.
--AFP
