Sony’s E3 2014 press conference was all about games. From small indie titles to mega AAA games, Sony showed exclusive after exclusive coming to PlayStation. The one exception in all of this was the PlayStation TV. Released in Japan last year under the title of PS Vita TV, the new hardware from Sony promises some big things for those who own a PlayStation console and for those who do not at a very affordable price. So what the heck is the PlayStation TV? Let us explain after the jump.

The PlayStation TV is a small accessory (think Apple TV) that connects to your television via HDMI. Once connected to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, the PlayStation TV acts as a traditional media streamer with access to services like Netflix, Hulu, and Music/Video Unlimited from Sony. As the name suggests though, there is a gaming element to all of this. That’s because those who own a PlayStation 4 can sync the two devices together and stream games from their console to the PlayStation TV.

This is perfect for gamers who own one PlayStation 4 but might have two televisions in the house. Now if somebody is occupying the TV with the PS4, it won’t be a problem to game on another television. As Sony puts it:

 PlayStation 4 remote play: As with PS Vita, PS TV supports PS4 remote play and Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK 3 or DUALSHOCK 4). This will allow PS4 owners in the living room to continue playing a game on a PS TV system in their bedroom. You can also enjoy most of your PS4 games on PS TV as if you were playing it on your PS4 system 

Say you don’t have a PlayStation 4 or maybe you do but you’re really craving some PlayStation 3 titles like God of War: Ascension. Fear not as the PlayStation TV has a solution for you as well. Those who subscribe to PlayStation Now, which will launch later this summer, will be able to connect a Dualshock 3 controller to the PlayStation TV and stream those games. No PS3 or PS4 is required for this as it’s all reliant on streaming. In fact, this may be your best friend when you’re on vacation. Once again, Sony:

 PlayStation Now: Once PlayStation Now is rolled out across the PAL region, PS TV users will be able to comfortably enjoy PlayStation 3 games via streaming 

Finally, if you don’t own a PS4 and PlayStation Now isn’t your thing then the PlayStation TV has a 3rd trick up its sleeve. By connecting to the PlayStation Network, gamers can download PlayStation Vita, PSP, and PlayStation One titles directly to their device and game away.

 A vast line-up of software titles: PS TV offers a huge library of PS Vita*, PSP and classic PS One titles. You’ll be able to enjoy all of these titles using a DUALSHOCK 3 or DUALSHOCK 4 controller. 

It’s worth noting that be it via Remote Play or downloading directly a PS Vita game, not all titles will work. For example, some PS4 titles will require the PlayStation Eye (Playroom) or some games that are purely based on touch for Vita (SunFlowers) which obviously cannot be replicated via PlayStation TV.

The PlayStation TV comes in a small form factor with dimensions of  6.5cm × 10.5cm and a small price tag in Europe and across the PAL region for €99 (RRP) and $99 for North America.

Discuss:

Do you see yourself purchasing the PlayStation TV?

[Via Sony]