Its taken longer than any other country, but the Japanese PlayStation Network is finally coming online tomorrow – July 6th 2011. Its taken over 2 months for the Network to be restored since it went down on April 20th 2011. If you live in Japan, you will be getting access to a your own Welcome Back Package.
According to The Register, Sony have been secretly testing a new design layout and aesthetic style for the PlayStation Store. The current PlayStation Store design was launched back in April 2008 bringing better navigation and more functionality. The new store, which Sony is testing, will improve the store even more.
The Uncharted 3 Beta got off to a disappointing start earlier this week, with a number of issues affecting playability. The Welcome Back PlayStation Plus offer give every PSN user access to the beta, and a few hours after going live the servers were overloaded with lots of players trying to connect at the same time.
Firmware Update 3.65 made a small update to the PS3 System Software, by renaming the Save Data Utility for Minis to also include PSP save data. The reason for this change is now clear. At the GTMF (Game Tools and Middleware Forum) in Tokyo, Sony announced the PSP Engine – a middleware between the PS3 and a PSP game.
Full Games (PSP)
PSP Essentials
PSone Classics (PS3 and PSP)
Trial & Unlock (PS3)
Whilst the PlayStation Network is up and running across the rest of the world, the network is still down in Sony’s home country: Japan. Sony issued their first statement on the issue for two weeks late last week, saying that more time is needed to “make adjustments with the various related parties” but didn’t give a timescale on when this will all be resolved.
Sony has unveiled a new line of PSP bundles called “Dual Packs”. This week, three different dual packs will be available to purchase, which include two popular games in one package for only $14.99. A perfect bargain if you are looking to pick up some classic titles for your PSP.
If CVG and VG247 are to be believed, the PlayStation Vita won’t arrive on European store shelves until early 2012. Although the release date has yet to be confirmed by Sony, they are still aiming for a pre-Christmas launch in North America. It would be disappointing if the European release date is in 2011.
The Official PlayStation Mobile App is getting its first major update since it was released back in January. The next version, v1.1, will include some requested features and will be available to download from iTunes and Android Market in a few weeks. Read more for details on what has been added and improved.
