Hasta La Gadget!

Sony announced today that the PlayStation 3 is now the most popular platform to watch Netflix on. The streaming service is currently available on every major gaming console and most mobile devices, as well as the Netflix website. Out of all those platforms, Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Phil Rosenberg says that “more people stream Netflix content to their televisions via PS3 than any other device worldwide.”

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings also had some words about the recent milestone for Sony and the PlayStation 3. He says that the “PS3 is a natural fit for Netflix in terms of developing” and deploying the service’s newest features. Hastings says that it’s really easy to update the Netflix PS3 app, and it allows the company to “transparently update” the application with new features “on a daily basis.”

The PlayStation 3 first introduced Netflix over three years ago, and it’s been a platform for which many Netflix features have been released first. For instance, the PlayStation 3 was the first to offer Netflix in full 1080p video resolution with 5.1-channel surround sound, as well as offering post play, second-screen controls, on device sign-up, and subtitles.

Last year, though, the Nintendo Wii held the crown for the most-popular Netflix streaming device, according to Nielsen. The research firm reported that the Wii represented 25% of Netflix’s market share, with the PlayStation 3 trailing behind at 13%. We’re not sure how long the PS3 will be able to keep its #1 spot, but we reckon that it won’t be held onto forever.

PlayStation 3 now #1 device for Netflix streaming is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the price of the Wii because I want to play Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story. Datel’s soon-to-be-released adapter could prove handy for a longtime PlayStation gamer like me, because it allows one to use a PS2 DualShock controller with the Wii and the new Wii U.

I’m not sure why, but instead of connecting to the console itself, the adapter connects the PS2 controller via the expansion port of the Wii remote control. It also has a button that lets you activate an auto-fire mode, although I don’t know how you’ll select which button to auto-fire or if it will put all buttons on auto-fire when activated. You can pre-order the controller adapter from Amazon Japan for ￥1,781 (~$22 USD).

[via Gamer.ne via Destructoid]

Heads up, PlayStation fans. Sony filed an interesting patent last year and it has just been made public today. The patent is for a hybrid DualShock/Move gaming controller, meaning that you could use it as a normal controller just like any of Sony’s other DualShock devices, or you could split it apart to make two Move controllers.

The controller is officially called the “Hybrid Separable Motion Controller”, and while it’s a bold idea, the execution is mostly what you’d expect. It’s simply just two Move orbs attached on top of a DualShock controller. Then, the controller is detachable in the middle, with each half stuffed with an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, vibration capability, and even a speaker.

Obviously, the hybrid controller can be operated either separately or locked together into one unit, and it’s designed in a way that games will be able to detect which configuration is in use. If you’re worried about the thing flying out of your hands, some of the drawings even show a wrist strap attach to each of the two sides.

We’re not sure if Sony intends to use this concept in the PlayStation 3 or maybe even future devices. It’s also possible that this could just be an idea that they may never end up using, so keep your fingers crossed and we’ll see what Sony comes up with in the future. It’s possible that we could see something new from them at E3 2013, but we’ll keep an open mind until then.

[via GameSpot]

Sony files patent for hybrid DualShock/Move controller is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Sony has announced the launch of the PlayStation Mobile Developer Program, allowing developers to create content for PlayStation Mobile. This comes after the PlayStation Mobile launch back in October, a platform where users can play games on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Vita and certain Android smartphones. With the launch of the Developer Program, users can expect to see the catalog of available content rise in the coming months.

Via the Dev Portal, developers can access the resources needed to start creating content for PlayStation Mobile. Users can download the PlayStation Mobile SDK for free, and can create and test content before buying a license. In order to put content up on PlayStation Mobile, there’s a $99 fee, which allows for an unlimited number of app publications annually.

Some of the Android devices that are PlayStation Certified include the Xperia Play, Xperia Arc, Xperia S, Xperia Ion, Xperia Acro (and Acro HD), Sony Tablet S/P, as well as the HTC One X, One X+, One S, and One V. The PlayStation Mobile platform can be used on up to three devices. While a decent enough number, this limitation seems to put a damper on the idea of playing games across multiple devices, which is the basis for the network.

Developers can set up an account by registering over at the PSM DevPortal page. You’ll need to sign into the Sony Entertainment Network; if you don’t already have an ID, you’ll have to create an account, then sign-in with it. After that, it’s straightforward: agree to the terms and conditions, fill out the registration form, and verify your email.

[via PlayStation Blog]

Sony announces PlayStation Mobile Developer Program is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Black Friday is one week away, and retailers are already pumping out their Black Friday adverts to those hungry for some crazy deals. Both Microsoft and Sony have announced the deals that they’ll be offering on their gaming consoles and bundles. They prove that if you’re looking to get a new Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or PlayStation Vita, next Friday is the time to buy.

PlayStation Vita bundles will sell for $199 each, and will come in three different bundles. One will come with a limited edition white Vita with Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation and a 4GB memory card. The other two will come with a black WiFi Vita model with either Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified and a 4GB memory card, or Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes.

Sony will also have a $199 PlayStation 3 bundle that will include a 250GB console, Uncharted, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Infamous, Infamous 2, and Infamous: Festival of Blood, as well as a 30-day subscription to PlayStation Plus. Sony will also be offering DualShock 3 controllers for $39.99 “at select retailers nationwide.”

Microsoft will also be offering console bundles for their Xbox 360, but the bundles will vary between different retailers. Walmart will have a special edition white 4GB console with Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure and a Skylanders figurine for $149. Best Buy, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, and Newegg will have a 250GB Xbox 360 with Forza 4: Essentials Edition and Skyrim for $199. Target, Amazon, Sam’s Club, Meijer, Kmart, and Microsoft Stores will have a 4GB console bundled with a Kinect sensor and Disneyland Adventures for $199. GameStop will be offering a 250GB console with Call of Duty: Black Ops II for $249, RadioShack will have a 4GB console with a wired headset for $169, and Toys R Us will offer a 4GB console with a $50 gift card for $179.

Microsoft will also be discounting a handful of games at select retailers, and will also be offering a three-month Xbox Live subscription for $12.99. The games include Dance Central 3, Kinect Sports Ultimate, and Fable: The Journey for $29.99 each. Forza Horizon will be discounted to $39.99, and the purchase of Halo 4 at either Target or Amazon will net you a $20 gift card (plus a $10 instant video credit when you buy the game at Amazon).

Microsoft and Sony reveal Black Friday gaming deals is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.