Sony has begun working on its next-generation gaming console under the Playstation brand, and Forbes learned that it's none other than AMD designing its graphics processing unit (GPU). AMD is far from new to the game console GPU business, as its GPUs already drive graphics processing in Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii consoles. If launched anytime soon, the next-gen Playstation will create a rare moment where GPUs of all three major game console makers would be AMD-made. The current Playstation 3 console uses an NVIDIA GPU.

Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Portal, and Team Fortress) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO).

Targeted for release via Playstation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Steam (for PC and Mac) in early 2012, CS: GO will expand upon the team-based action gameplay that it pioneered when it was launched exactly 12 years ago (CS beta 1, August 1999).

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) (PCH-1000 series) as the official platform name for the next generation portable entertainment system at E3 2011. With an RRP of €249 for the Wireless model and €299 for the Wireless/3G version, PS Vita will launch in the global market starting at the end of 2011.

"Vita", which means "Life" in Latin, was chosen as the most appropriate name for the next generation portable entertainment system as it enables a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context as SCE aims to transform every aspect of a user's daily life into an entertainment experience and an opportunity to play.

Sharkoon has optimized their Dolby-certified 5.1 headset "X-Tatic Digital" and in the process simplified its particular operation. Instead of previously utilizing two power supply units, the X-Tatic Digital requires only one power supply to provide power to the headset and the Sound Control Unit. The compact power supply is also accompanied with a travel adapter for use in the U.S. and UK. Owners of the X-Tatic Digital Revision III, which was shipped with two power supplies, can purchase the newly designed power supply separately and refrain from having to use two bulky power adapters in the future. In addition, Sharkoon has also simplified the headset connection to the X-box controller and no longer comes in its former heat-sealed Blister, but rather in a quick and easy to open re-sealable package.

Whether a PC, Mac, Home-theater System, DVD player, X-box, or Playstation: The Sharkoon X-Tatic Digital can be connected to virtually all analog and digital audio sources. The headset cable ends in a nine-pin analog connector, which is then connected into the enclosed cable adapter to the Sound Control Unit and other digital audio devices. In addition to the optical digital input, the control unit has a USB port that connects to a PC or Playstation. The X-box is connected to the microphone via a 2.5mm headset jack located on the cable port.

The Sony Playstation 2 is the most played game console in the US, according to a study of trends among Americans by Nielsen in its news release whitepaper (PDF). The Nielsen study gave out results in the form of top-10 rankings for several products and the consumers' usage patterns. Nielsen calculated the usage minutes of all consoles found in the home as a percentage. The Playstation 2 ranked top with a usage percentage of 31.7%, trailed by Microsoft Xbox 360 at 17.2%, Nintendo Wii at 13.4%, Microsoft Xbox at 9.7% and Sony Playstation 3 at 7.3%.

Please note that these figures are those of the usage minutes of these consoles and aren't exactly indicative of their market shares. Also taken into account should be the fact that the Playstation 2 is a much older console launched in 1999 while its competitive 6th generation console, the Xbox was launched two years later in 2001. The data was measured from January to October 2008. According to Nielsen "other" includes "any other console found in the home" and it appears portable hardware like the Nintendo DS or the Sony PSP were not included in the research. In related news, the same study suggests the most played PC game title. No guesses here: Blizzard's World of Warcraft. Refer to the whitepaper for more details.

After cutting prices, Sony managed to sell 4.9 million PlayStation 3 video game consoles during the last quarter. Combining this with the lower manufacturing costs, and more and better games, Sony's gaming division has finally made a profit. After many quarter of repeated losses, Sony has managed to turn things around and total profit rose by 25% for the last quarter. Sony also lowered its sales goal for the PlayStation 3 from 11 million for the whole year, to 9.5 million because of the poor start, a fiscal year which ends in March.

Sony Computer Entertainment America has just launched the PSP version of the online PlayStation Store, allowing PSP owners to download everything from full-fledged PSP games to demos and themes. PC users can access the online marketplace from store.playstation.com. Those with an account for the PS3's online store can use their existing login, and downloaded content is transferred to an attached PSP via the PlayStation Network Downloader program available on the site. Initial offerings include downloadable versions of SCE Studio Liverpool's already-released Wipeout Pure and Gangs of London, at $14.99 and $19.99 respectively, as well as the $9.99 PlayStation Store-exclusive Syphon Filter: Combat Ops multiplayer game and free demos of Slant Six's SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike and Sony Bend's Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow. SingleTrac's Twisted Metal 2 and Insomniac's Spyro the Dragon, both of which were released for the original PlayStation, are also available for $5.99, and represent the only two titles to appear in both the PSP and the PlayStation 3's online stores.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. in Japan officially announced a new PlayStation 2 revision. The new hardware will be similar to the existing PS2 Slimline console, but integrates the power supply unit inside the console rather than relying on an external power brick. As suspected, the new model, designated with number SCPH-90000, experiences a slight weight gain over the previous SCPH-79000 model due to the addition of the PSU. The SCPH-90000 weighs 720 grams, while the SCPH-79000 is only 600 grams. The new SCPH-90000 will come with an improved vertical stand that demands a much smaller footprint than the previous model. The new stand is also sold separately for approximately $13. Internals and other specs of the SCPH-90000 remain unchanged.

The 40GB PlayStation 3 is indeed being confirmed by Sony. Announced today in London, the system that's been clamored over for what seems like ages now will launch throughout the SCEE territories on October 10th for 399 EUR (565 USD), which means you don't have too awfully long to wait before getting your hands on one. The new model features just a pair of USB 2.0 ports rather than four, it no longer boasts the multi-memory card port and it is no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles. Also, the existing 60GB PS3 Starter Pack will be reduced to 499 EUR (707 USD), but only while supplies last.

After announcing the DualShock 3 controller and the new PSP Remote Play feature, Sony also announced that PlayStation Home will be delayed until spring of 2008. Hirai apologizes for the delay and says the reason for the added wait is to allow further development of the user interface.

I think we would all agree that the PlayStation 2 has had a long run, with no signs of recent sales slowing down. To keep things interesting, this November Sony will release a white PS2 bundled with "SingStar Pop" and 2 USB microphones. The packaged deal will be available for $149.99USD. The new paint job is a welcome aesthetic change for those whose home decor doesn't accommodate for the "flat black" original, or anyone with a different taste in colors.

Today marks the official launch of the PS3 only title, Warhawk. In Warhawk, up to 32 players can battle it out in the air and on land, amidst beautifully detailed landscapes and up in the clouds. Your mission: Defend against the invading Chernovan fleet, using tanks, jeeps, transports, fighters and small arms. The SIXAXIS controller is used to pilot the aerial vehicles, sensing your movements to control roll, pitch and yaw. The retail edition costs $60 and comes with a Bluetooth headset. For more screenshots, see Source link below.

Manhunt 2 by Take-Two and Rockstar has finally been granted an "M" for Mature rating by the ESRB. The game was toned down after it originally earned an "AO" for Adults Only rating, which many stores refuse to carry. The game is now back on schedule to be released October 31st in the US on the PlayStation 2 and Wii.

According to the latest issue of Japan's Dengeki PlayStation magazine, the much loved, long awaited rumble controller is back in black. The Dual Shock 3 will be compatible with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, set to hit stores in October. However, there hasn't been news of a European release date yet.

PS3 owners in Europe will soon be able to enjoy recording digital TV via their consoles. Sony has released a plug-in TV tuner that enables the PS3 to record video. The personal video recording software has been dubbed "PlayTV".

Video game publisher Konami recently revealed it is releasing an online version of its popular stealth combat game. The new title which is currently an exclusive for the Playstation 3 will feature 16 player mode in an array of stealth environments. And while Konami has not given a release date yet, beta testing will run between August 20th and September 3rd.

Just a couple of days ago we learned that you can get a 60 GB console for a reduced price in the USA but now news are that its only while stocks last.
Sony won't be making them any more, and analysts predict the last few will probably be snapped up by the end of the year.
Either way this is a sure win for Sony since not only they get all the positive media attention for their price drop but also they get to advertise the new 80 GB console...

Sony cut the price of their Playstation 3 selling in the United States by $100 today lowering the cost to about $500 or $20 more than the most expensive XBOX 360 model but still twice that of the Nintendo Wii. Chief Executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America Jack Tretton believes sales will double. The price drop was widely expected by industry analysts despite the denial of such plans by Sony's President last week.

News is coming out that the PS3 killer app Killzone 2 is set to be shown at E3.

The game is going to be shown to the gaming world during an invite-only pre E3 event.

The event is expected to have about 150 invited guests attending to see the game in action. The expectation at this point is that Killzone 2 is going to be shown in a playable form.

What this form is going to be is not yet known because it is not known whether it will be a single-player demo, multiplayer, etc.

Also it is not known what the game will look like as it has not yet been shown in any form since E3 2005 when the game was unveiled in a video-form showcasing amazing photo-realistic visuals which many stated could not actually be achieved in playable gameplay.

Sony has the invite-only event going against the Microsoft keynote event as well in an attempt to steal thunder from the Xbox 360 and Microsoft. It seems that Killzone 2 will be ready to try and steal the show at E3 2007.

So, you may have heard the news about Manhunt 2. Getting a complete ban, subject to appeal, by the BBFC in the UK, followed swiftly by a AO rating from the ESRB in America - which effectively places great restrictions on where the game can retail although the ESRB is a voluntary system.

Recently contacted by gaming bloggers at Kotaku, both Nintendo of America and Sony Computer Entertainment of America have now confirmed that they will not be allowing titles with an Adults Only rating onto their respective platforms, the Wii and PlayStation 2 and PSP.

With no PC version of the game currently planned, the game is essentially homeless and Rockstar is left with the options of either abandoning the game completely, re-developing it with a less violent theme, or hope to God that an ESRB appeal will lead to a different outcome (not likely).