PlayStation 4

PS4 ‘Share Play’ Has no Session Limits

PS4_Share_PlayOne of the big features that’s set to debut tomorrow with PlayStation 4 firmware 2.0 is ‘Share Play.’ The new feature, in short, is designed to replicate a friend who’d normally sit with you on the couch and game it up. Instead of needing to actually invite that person over and have a bowl of pretzels (I believe that’s the standard party food these days?), you can virtually invite your friend. Once the two of you are connected, the invited friend can take over your game session and control your game, helping you where you might be stuck. Further replicating the real life experience, your friend on the other side of the connection won’t even need to own the game he or she is taking over.

One small caveat in all this is the limit of 60 minutes in each session – though it’s not as limiting as it once sounded.

PlayStation 4 Firmware 2.0 Will Allow for Pause/Resume of Downloads

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One of the odd things about the PS4 is a lack of features compared to its predecessor. While some features. like slim pickings of media capabilities, are a bigger ordeal than others, it’s still a great annoyance when you knew your near-10-year-old console could do something that your brand new unit cannot. One such feature the PS4 currently lacks is the ability to pause and resume downloads. While not a deal breaker, the ability to pause and resume allows for easier downloading of multiple items from PSN. It also givers the players the ability to prioritize which game/DLC first lands on their console. This becomes quite important when you further expand the scenario and have game updates in the mix and you’re in a time crunch to play a specific title with friends.

With PlayStation 4 firmware 2.0, Sony is bringing the feature to PS4.

PlayStation Store Update (10-21-14)

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Welcome to the PlayStation Store update for October 21, 2014. We have a great update this week packed full of new content and sales. PlayStation 4 users can now enjoy The Walking Dead Season 2 along with Shadow Warrior and Escape Goat 2.

PlayStation 3 owners now have access to The VoiceSpelunker HD Ultimate Edition and F1 2014. Owners of all 3 systems can download Race The Sun and Samurai Warriors 4 starting today.

Finally, as you are probably aware PlayStation Plus users now receive all of their free games at the beginning of the month and all other weeks subscribers will receive extra discounts. This week there is The Sale of the Dead to celebrate Halloween and PlayStation Plus subscribers get even bigger discounts on these games. Keep reading to see the full PlayStation Store update.

Full PlayStation TV FAQ

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With each new console release, companies tend to release the big juicy details about their latest in intervals to get the maximum exposure. While the big reveals and announcements usually revolve around the key functionalities of the product, in this case the PlayStation TV, they don’t always address the smaller details that can at times be the key for one person purchasing or not purchasing a given product. The PlayStation TV is no exception and despite its small size, there is a ton this companion unit can offer. Still, there is  no way it will please everyone and check off every item on our wish list at a $99 price point.

To that end, after the jump, you can find the full PlayStation TV FAQ sheet.

Sony Outlines PS4 Firmware 2.0, Codenamed Masamune

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Set to be released this Fall, the PS4 firmware 2.0 is going to bring a host of new features and improvements to Sony’s latest console. Codenamed Masamune, the PS4 firmware 2.0 adds some key features like Share Play which will allow you to take over a friends game and play on their behalf, YouTube support for direct exporting of game captures, and Themes which will allow you to change your background, colors, and more. Along side that, Sony is also highlighting new additions like USB Music Player, new Voice Commands and Broadcasting features and more.

After the jump, we have more details on Masamune.

9 Things I’ve Learned About PlayStation TV

PlayStation_TV_2The PlayStation TV is officially out in North America, nearly a year after it was released in Japan under the name PS Vita TV. Capable of streaming games from PS4 and PlayStation Now, the PlayStation TV will have access to over 700 titles across the Vita, PSP digital, PS One classic, and PlayStation minis spectrum. After performing our video unboxing of the PlayStation TV, here are 9 interesting things I’ve learned about PlayStation TV during my first 24 hours with the companion console.

You can find that list, after the jump.

We Unbox the PlayStation TV

The PlayStation TV is now available in the US for $99 and allows you to stream games from the PS4, making it perfect for those with two televisions but one console. In addition to streaming games from PS4, the PlayStation TV can also play all PS Vita games as well as titles from PlayStation Now. Besides the base model, Sony has also launched a PlayStation TV bundle for $139. Best of all, the PlayStation TV on launch will have access to 700 titles, making it a very robust machine.  In the above video, we unbox the PlayStation TV.

Sony to Create Its Own PlayStation eSports League

Official_PlayStation_eSports_League_1 Chalk this up to something I didn’t see coming. Today in Spain, Sony officially unveiled the ‘Liga Oficial PlayStation’ which is expected to kick off on October 16th. As the name suggests, Sony is officially creating its own eSport league to take on other major players, mostly notably the MLG which has traditionally focused on PC and Xbox gamers and games. Soon after, Sony will expand the league to Portugal and Italy before coming to the rest of Europe.

After the jump, some more details on ‘Liga Oficial PlayStation’ from Sony.

PlayStation Store Update (10-14-14)

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Welcome to the PlayStation Store update for October 14, 2014. We have a great update this week packed full of new content and sales. PlayStation 4 users can enjoy the highly anticipated Peggle 2 and an updated version of a fantastic game from last gen, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition.

PlayStation 3 owners journey to Pandora’s Moon today in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and explore the terrifying The Evil Within (also available for PlayStation 4). PlayStation Vita owners can finally join in the survival/building craze with Minecraft PlayStation Vita Edition! 

Finally, as you are probably aware PlayStation Plus users now receive all of their free games at the beginning of the month and all other weeks subscribers will receive extra discounts. This week there are extra discounts for several new Ultimate Bundles as well as a deep discount on the very fun Strength of the Sword 3 (see our review here). Keep reading to see the complete update!

Major Server Side ‘DriveClub’ Update In The Next 24 Hours

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If you’re experiencing issues with DriveClub at the moment, it’s more likely due to the PSN maintenance that’s currently taking place than an issue with DriveClub. That doesn’t mean though that the game’s network capabilities are fully functioning. Despite being delayed by more than 6 months, DriveClub, which was released nearly a week ago, has been hampered by major online problems. Luckily, Evolution Studios has been working around the clock to patch the game and things have already improved dramatically. However, work remains on the highly-anticipated game and hopefully the next major update will further help DriveClub stabilize.

After the jump, more details on the massive server side DriveClub update.

PSA: PSN Will Be Down Today (October 13th)

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If it reads October 13th on your calendar, then listen up. Parts of PSN will be down today for nearly 7 hours in order to allow Sony to deploy a series of back-end improvements to the network.” The down time will mostly affect PS3 and PS4 users while Sony tweaks things on the back end, meaning that no patches or system updates will be required. Luckily for gamers, the down time doesn’t affect most of the major functions like multiplayer. After the jump, we detail the services that will be affected.

Poll: Will You Buy DriveClub?

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DriveClub, the highly anticipated racer is finally out for PlayStation 4 via Blu-ray or digital download. With plenty of courses, cars, and beautiful visuals, DriveClub might be the game to play till Gran Turismo comes to the PS4. This then brings us to our weekly poll.

PlayStation Store Update (10-07-14)

Psn-UpdateWelcome to the PlayStation Store update for October 7, 2014. We have a great update this week packed full of new content and sales. PlayStation 4 users can enjoy the beautiful Driveclub,  Styx: Master of Shadows and DiveKick.

Users of both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 can now enjoy Alien: Isolation and NBA 2K15. PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita owners get access to Vib-Ribbon and  One Piece UWR Prestige Edition starting today. There is also a sale on items for Grand Theft Auto V.

Finally, as you are probably aware PlayStation Plus users now receive all of their free games at the beginning of the month and the free titles this month include Spelunky (PS4/PS3/PS Vita), Batman: Arkham Origins(PS3), and Dust: An Elysian Tail (PS4). Keep reading to see a complete list of the updates for the store this month!

Hugh Laurie Reunites With Stephen Fry In ‘LittleBigPlanet 3’

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LittleBigPlanet has been a wonderful addition to the PlayStation catalog since Media Molecule debuted the original on the PlayStation 3 in 2008. Beyond the awesome creative tools and the cuteness of Sackboy, some of the great charm of the series lay in the narration of British comedy veteran Stephen Fry. With LittleBigPlanet 3 around the corner for PS4 and PS3, Fry is returning to narrate the adventures of Sackboy’s world, but he’s bringing along a few friends.

NBA2K15, Driveclub and Destiny Experiencing Network Issues on PS4

Driveclub_box_artDestiny has already been a huge hit for Sony on PS3 and PS4 and as of today, the Sony is hoping to add to their console success with the much awaited Driveclub and NBA2k15. Unfortunately for gamers and Sony, the two new releases along side Destiny are experiencing unknown network issues. While technically a little less of a problem on NBA2k15 which can be fully enjoyed without network connectivity, games like Driveclub and Destiny thrive and in fact were built on a connected world, making the issue more apparent. Luckily, Sony seems to be aware of the issue and is looking to address it as soon as possible. Their statement, after the jump.