PS3 Firmware 3.0 Details

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Over at Sony’s GamesCom press conference today, Sony announced that Firmware 3.0 will be arriving on September 1st 2009. It’ll be packing animated themes, a “What’s New” section and more, according to Director of PlayStation Network Operations Eric Lempel on the PlayStation Blog. The latest update incorporates changes that improve navigation on your PS3. According to Lempel, “you’ll notice some cosmetic changes to the design of the XMB. We’ve enhanced the look and feel of the XMB so that it’s easier and even more intuitive to use. We’ve also added network improvements and personalization options to help enhance your PS3 experience.”

It’s Official: PS3 Slim Out In September

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Only moments ago, Sony revealed the PS3 Slim for the first time at the GamesCom Press Conference in Cologne, Germany. The PlayStation 3 Slim is lighter and smaller than the current model, but has the same features. The Slim will be available from the first week of September, retailing for €299 / $299. The price for the current PS3 model has also be reduced, as we saw earlier this week.

GamesCom: Sony’s Press Conference Summary

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We’ve covering Sony’s GamesCom Press Conference Live. Unfortunately, you need to refresh the page to see our updates. This time around, no one is streaming the conference live so you will have to make do with text-based commentary. The conference started just before 5:50PM BST and lasted just under an hour. The PS3 Slim is officially revealed along with the price cut. So all the rumors were true after all. Firmware 3.0 was also mentioned with some of the new features.

PSN cards for Europe will be out in September and the Video Download Service will launch in a few selected countries in November.

Kmart: “New Low Price, New Exciting PlayStation 3”

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Earlier today, Kmart.com ran an advertisement today promoting a “new low price and a new exciting PlayStation 3”. The banner even goes far enough to touch on the rumors of an impending PlayStation 3 price drop and PS3 Slim redesign, but does not show an actual image of the PS3 Slim. The advert seems a bit unusual as the term ‘Playstation’ is used, instead of ‘PlayStation’.

SCEA Announces LittleBigPlanet – Game of the Year Edition

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Today, SCEA has announced LittlebigPlanet, the Game of the Year Edition. The game ships to stores on September 8th for $59.99 with a “Sackful” of bonus content. Bonus content includes 18 user-made levels, 7 add-on packs from the PlayStation Store and for a limited time only, access to the ModNation Online Beta. Altogether, the bonus content adds up to over $30 in savings.

PlayStation Network Maintenance Today

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The PlayStation Network will be going offline later today for scheduled maintenance, between 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST (that’s 5:00PM – 7:00PM BST). Note that this is around the same time as Sony’s Press Conference at GamesCom. Could Sony be prepping the PlayStation Network for something major? Could it be that Sony is prepping the European Video Store we reported last week? During the downtime, you will not be able to access the PSN or the PlayStation Store.

MAG Beta Codes Going Out

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The first phase of MAG Beta codes are now being sent out. We got an email earlier this morning with our beta code attached (see screenshot below). The MAG beta only runs during certain hours, and funny enough, you can’t play on the weekends. Currently, the playable hours are Mon-Fri, 10:00AM – 1:00PM PDT and 5:00PM – 8:00PM PDT (thats 6:00PM – 9:00PM BST and 1:00AM to 4:00AM BST).

Rumor Alert: Sony GamesCom Document Reveals New PS3? [Confirmed]

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According to a unofficial looking document we received today, Sony has an unannounced PS3 product that is to be revealed during the Sony GamesCom Press Conference tomorrow. The conference which is to be presented by Kaz Hirai and Andrew House, lists 2 PlayStation 3 TOOL consoles and one unannounced PS3 product. The authenticity of the document is questionable since the it mentions the incorrect date of 18/09/2009.

Vidzone Scores Placebo Exclusive

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VidZone has managed to score their 3rd exclusive music video. Placebo fans are in for a double treat on Wednesday August 19th, 2009 when two brand new music videos from their #1 album “Battle For The Sun” will be exclusively available in VidZone (even before TV or elsewhere online).

New Character Named For Final Fantasy XIII

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As promised by Square Enix, a new character for Final Fantasy XIII has been named. The information, howeverm comes through Japanese gaming mag V-Jump, and not directly from Square Enix. The new character, Yaag Rosch, is somewhat reminiscent of Loz from Advent Children, with the short Sephiroth-like silver hair. If you don’t already know, he won’t be in your party – instead will be busy trying to beat you all.