Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
PS4 (Page 2)
Long-running gaming site CVG revealed earlier today that Japan’s Sony Computer Entertainment is poised to unveil a new “virtual reality headset” at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, stating that the unit will be the final piece in the company’s PlayStation 4 hardware strategy.
Just yesterday Sony announced the release date of their much-anticipated next generation console (it’s November 15 in the US and November 29 in Europe, just in case you haven’t heard). They also announced that PlayStation4 will be available in 32 countries, but surprisingly, Sony is snubbing its country of origin, having yet to reveal when Japan can expect to see the PS4.
However, on August 21, SCEJA (that’s “Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia) announced that they will be holding the SCEJA Press Conference 2013 where it is anticipated that the release date and price for the Japanese market will be revealed.
Xbox One or PS4? That’s the question that’s been on a lot of people’s minds, inspiring long-winded debates between diehard console fans. Microsoft took the lead, announcing (arguably) too much information, causing the minds of long-time Xbox fans to simultaneously explode and forcing the tech giant to rethink its strategy for the next generation console. Sony, realizing Microsoft’s blunder, has been keeping their cards close to their chest, letting Microsoft reveal aspects of their console first…that is until now. In a press conference held at Gamescom 2013 in Cologne, Germany, Sony officially announced the release date of the PlayStation 4 console for the US and international markets.
We’re already thoroughly excited about the launch of Sony’s newest home console, the PlayStation 4, but news reaching us today suggesting that the Japanese electronics giant has yet another trick up its sleeve has set us buzzing anew.
Since the PS4’s grand unveiling earlier this year, Sony has been keen to push the fact that the console will be fully integrated with its portable platform, PlayStation Vita, ensuring that all developers make their PS4 games fully playable remotely via Vita. It would seem, though, that rather than just a cool extra feature, Sony is planning to make PS4/Vita crossplay a cornerstone of the PS4 experience, with industry sources suggesting that a special PS4/Vita bundle will be made available for US$500 by the end of the year.
The console war between the Xbox 360 and the PS3 was fairly vicious, with Sony just edging out Microsoft in terms of total global sales.
This time, though, Sony seems to have no intention of letting things run that close. In the United States, Sony has, as you probably know, set the PlayStation 4 price a full $100 lower than the Xbox One. Microsoft, of course, argues that the Kinect more than makes up for the difference, though that’s up to consumers to decide.
But in Mexico, the pricing war has gotten even fiercer. How much fiercer?
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Gama Land, the weird Japanese amusement park celebrating toads, is now like a ghost town
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Fukuoka schools struggling to get kids to switch from milk to tea in lunches
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel styleStudio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in AmericaForget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in JapanJapanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removalJapanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese BallsStarbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunkingLawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese mealsNew Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel styleStudio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and moreForget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Fukuoka schools struggling to get kids to switch from milk to tea in lunches
All-you-can-eat cheese restaurant in Tokyo is a hidden gem not many people know about
7-Eleven Japan debuts new black-and-white rice ball packaging…but is it because of a naphtha shortage?
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
That time when we fowled out while fighting our feathered friends
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Studio Ghibli turns anime characters into “Friendly Bags” for merchandise range in Japan
Tokyo has a cafe that prohibits talking inside, and here’s why it’s awesome
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different