Despite some PlayStation3 success in Japan, the Nintendo Wii is selling extraordinarily strong all around the world. While Nintendo hasn't been able to keep up with Wii demand since the console was released, they continue to make insane amounts of profit. After selling 200,000 units in Australia in just 50 weeks, analysts in the country declared that the Wii is the fastest selling console to ever hit Australia. Even the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable, which both were met with extreme fanfare, took at least 55 weeks to reach the 200,000 mark in Australia. Sony refuses to let Nintendo take this title without a fight, as their PlayStation2 continues trucking along to its seventh birthday. Sony announced that they will continue to sell the PS2 throughout all of 2008, and possibly 2009. It is priced competitively, at $199AUD, for Christmas. Microsoft also is working hard to compete with Wii sales, by pricing the Xbox360 at the same price as the Wii ($399AUD). Time will tell if the Wii really is just a fad/gimmick, or if it really has something going for it.

When we found out that the PS3 was more popular than the Wii in Japan as far as sales went a couple weeks ago, most people scoffed. After all, Sony had just released the PS3 40GB, you can almost expect better sales. But it seems as though there's something more to it, as PS3 sales are strong for the second week in a row. Here are the overall Japanese sales figures for the week ending November 18th.

• DS Lite - 76,069
• PSP - 65,609
• PS3 - 39,178
• Wii - 36,230
• PS2 - 8,855
• Xbox 360 - 6,525
• GBA SP - 153
• GBM - 109
• GC - 38
• DS - 15

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 has slashed the price of the PLAYSTATION 3 development kit by almost half, promising to further reduce costs as more studios adopt the console technology. The PLAYSTATION 3 Reference Tool will now be available for JPY 950,000 in Japan, USD 10,250 in North America and EUR 7500 in Europe. "As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly reduce the price of the Reference Tool in order to contribute to the cost saving measures of the development community," said the company. The console giant has also begun to integrate new programming tools into the PS3 Software Development Kit from SN Systems, including ProDG, SN Distributed Build System, SN Linker and SN Compiler. As well as new tools, Sony has also added programming functions to the PS3 Debugging Station allowing it to be used alongside the Reference Tool, rather than being used as just a quality assurance system for games in development.

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) yesterday celebrated the first birthday of its PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system. Launched one year ago in North America, PS3 has revolutionized the industry with its Cell Broadband Engine and RSX technology which gives the system tremendous computational power; Blu-ray Disc capabilities which provides state-of-the art graphics and unrivaled storage capacity; and free access to PLAYSTATION Network where PS3 users can experience online gaming, connect with other PS3 users as well as download games, movies and other content from the PLAYSTATION Store. In its first year, more than 200 software titles have been released for PS3 and more than 60 million pieces of content have been downloaded from PLAYSTATION Network worldwide. SCEA recently introduced new PS3 hardware models and pricing and the company is already seeing strong sales momentum as a result - PS3 sales have increased by 192 percent at the top 10 retailers in North America.

Sony's introduction of the new, cheaper 40GB version of the PS3, along with a fall in the price of the 80GB version, has helped to give a huge boost to the console's sales, doubling the number sold in the week immediately after its release, and tripling sales the next. Prior to the release of the 40GB model, the PS3 was selling between 30,000 and 40,000 consoles per months. This figure rose to 75,000 in the first week, and 100,000 in the second week, with Sony's CEO Howard Stringer saying the following:

Obviously, we've taken so much heat over the year on PS3. Finally, the turning point has been passed.

He also commented that he feels the surge in PS3 sales is unrelated to Nintendo struggling to cope with demand for the Wii, commenting that it is 'fortuitous' that the Wii is running out of hardware.

Do you know that dust can void your PS3 warranty? Probably no, so let's start from the beginning:

I have kept my 60gb PS3 in Its entertainment center since its purchase. It is known within the PS3 community that the thing is a HUGE dust magnet. I took good care of it...One day I turn it on and put in a disc and it doesn't show up, then it wont eject, finally I get it to eject and I try a blu-ray, nothing, CDs, nothing.

said the customer of this poor PS3. After some minor obstacles with the warranty he was able to RMA his console. 5 days later, Sony calls the guy saying that it has taken pictures inside of his PS3 and it was too dirty to be eligible for replacement, so no warranty. The next day he got a call from the same guy, telling him that there is no way Sony could replace the console unless he pay 150$ out-of-warranty replacement fee? Sorry I'm limited on the front page, you'll need to click here or on the source link and continue reading what happens after.

While the proponents of both the Blu-ray and HD-DVD format would love for you to think that either format is ahead, current data shows that neither side has any major lead on the other. Toshiba has $200 HD-DVD players, which is half the cost of the cheapest Blu-ray player. Paramount also recently decided to "change sides", and is now a proponent for HD-DVD. However, the Blu-ray camp has several million Playstation 3 consoles already sold and in homes around the world. Sony CEO Howard Stringer was quoted as saying that he wished Sony could go back in time, and make sure that instead of this HD-DVD vs Blu-ray mess, there was one universal format.

None of the console manufacturers have really been very open in regards to their CPU micro architecture. However, when rumors went around that Sony was filling the 40GB PS3s with 90nm processors as if it was a bad thing, Sony was very prompt in dispelling such rumors. They announced in an interview that the Cell processor in the 40GB PS3 was indeed on 65nm technology, dropping power consumption by an impressive 100W. The NVIDIA RSX chip, though, still is on a 90nm processor, which is why people assumed the entire 40GB PS3 was still on a 90nm process.

The fabled 40GB PS3 recently found a way into PAL territories, and will soon come to America. However, this release hasn't been without critique. Some rumors claim that the 40GB PS3 is the proud owner of a 40% failure rate, even higher than the previous Xbox 360 rumored failure rate of 33%. Once Sony heard these rumors, they were very quick to dispel them. Here's the word from Sony Corporate Entertainment Europe's president, David Reeves.

We are very proud of the quality and reliability of PlayStation 3 and are disappointed that such extremely sloppy journalism has resulted in this totally inaccurate story.

Since launching the 40GB PS3, we have experienced a fantastic jump in sales and the failure rates have remained at the very low level that we not only strive for, but have been achieving since the launch of PS3.

Affirming its eco-conscious stance, Sony today introduced its Graphic Splash Eco Edition notebooks-a version of its popular VAIO FZ computers. Available in four vibrant, natural styles - Caribbean Water, Clay Earth, Spotted Life and Bloom - these eye-catching notebooks are inspired by nature in favour of protecting the environment. All four machines feature variety of Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4GB of memory, 15.4-inch display, Windows Vista Home Premium, and the rest of the usual FZ specs. Sony also notes that it will donate one percent of the price of each Graphic Splash Eco Edition notebook purchased to non-profit organizations working to preserve the environment. The VAIO Graphic Splash Eco Edition notebooks will start at about $1,391 and will be available in limited quantities in early November.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has refreshed the PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP (PlayStation Portable) system via the Remote Play function, as well as a host of other enhancements:

• Information Board: An RSS feed to PlayStation news that users can activate and use
• New Themes: Users will be able to not only change the backgrounds on their PS3 but also will be allowed to download and use full out themes that change the everything from icons to font.
• Playlists for photos and music have been added
• New PlayStation Netowork Logo and section added to the XMB

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.

Sony has put a new ultra-portable micro PC up on their site for sale. The UX490 packs a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Solo U2200 ULV processor with 2MB of L2 cache, 1GB of DDR2 PC2-3200 RAM, a pair of integrated cameras (front: 0.3M pixels and back: 1.3M pixels), a fingerprint scanner, 48GB SSD, 4.5-inch wide SVGA LCD 1024x600 resolution touch screen and a GMA 950 graphics card. Furthermore, you'll also find built-in Bluetooth/WiFi, built-in microphone, an Ethernet port, audio in/out jacks, an MS Duo expansion slot, WWAN support (AT&T), genuine copy of Windows Vista Business and a Li-ion battery good for 1.5 to 3.5-hours. All this comes at a certain price, the UX490 UMPC costs $2,499.99. More information is available here.

Unfortunately, reports that Sony had started to use a 65nm version of the Cell processor in its 40GB PlayStation 3 consoles have turned out to be false, with a Sony spokesperson saying that the new version of the PS3 continues to use 90nm chips. However, it's not all bad news because the new 40GB PS3 has been updated so that it uses less power - the original model would use 180W to 200W, compared to the updated model which uses just 120W to 140W. Sony has said it is still planning to release a 65nm version of the Cell, but for the time being it looks like gamers will have to stick with 90nm PS3s.

According to gaming magazine MCV, Sony could be planning a new even-more-slimline version of its popular PlayStation 2 console. The new PS2 would retail for $99 compared to $129 of the current slimline, with the main change being that the often-criticised power block on the slimline would be integrated into the main body of the machine. The new console is expected to be launched in early 2008 - looks like Sony isn't planning to let go of the PS2's success just yet.

The Japanese sales figures for last month's console sales are in, and there's some good news for the PS3. Sony's console is now just over 63,000 units behind the Wii compared to almost 175,000 units in August (the figures for September weren't announced), which is a considerably smaller gap. The bad news for both consoles is that sales figures have plummeted from 245,653 units for the Wii and 81,541 units for the PS3 in August to just 110,415 units and 47,183 units respectively. It was better news for Microsoft, which saw its Xbox 360 sales figures rise from 11,288 units to 18,717 units over the same time period, although it still lags behind both other companies. The PS3's and 360's sales would have been helped slightly by both consoles experiencing a price drop during October, and the PS3 is expected to do well in November with the introduction of the new 40GB PS3 in Japan, along pre-Christmas sales affecting figures.

Sony Corp., will introduce a new limited edition Ceramic White PlayStation 2 for the holidays to take advantage of the continued popularity of the older machine. A white version of the PS2, with the "SingStar Pop" game and two microphones, will sell for $149.99, the company said today in a statement. The console should become available everywhere by November 4th.

With the release of Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction DualShock is finally returning to the PlayStation family following Sony's legal disputes with Immersion. Although the firmware is not available for download yet (it's only included with the Ratchet and Clank game at present) version 1.94 gives games the ability to a vibration signal to controllers. The downside is that the DualShock 3 controller won't actually be available until next spring, so gamers will still have a fair wait, although the new hardware should be released in Japan during November if you'd like to import one. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Assassin's Creed are also set to feature rumble before the DualShock 3 controllers are released, and current games like Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm should receive downloadable patches to enable rumble.

Sony, Polyphony Digital and the BBC are teaming up to provide multiple Top Gear content in forthcoming PlayStation 3 title Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Users will be able to download episodes of TV show Top Gear through Gran Turismo TV, with a total of 40 episodes available over the PlayStation Network. Additionally, the Top Gear Test Track - where show host Jeremy Clarkson and team test drive the latest cars - will be replicated in Gran Turismo 5.

BBC Top Gear is the world's number one motoring media brand and we're thrilled to make it accessible to Gran Turismo gamers

said Simon Danker, director of digital media at BBC Worldwide. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be released for the PlayStation 3 in 2008. The series has sold over 47 million units to date.

On November 2nd, $399 will get you a lovely PlayStation3 with a 40GB hard drive, no backwards compatibility whatsoever, and 2 USB ports. This is $50 more than the Xbox360 Premium edition, and $150 more than the Nintendo Wii. On November 2nd, the 80GB PS3 price will be reduced to a mere $500USD. Sony has no comment as to why it took so long to determine when America would get this console.

Well, it seems that Sony decided to give the keys to the Cell processor to Toshiba. By March 2008, Toshiba will own all manufacturing facilities of the Cell processor. Sony will still own some stock in the Cell processor, and the deal itself is worth an incredible $858 million USD.

You can read the official press release, Google-translated from Japanese, here.

Sony Electronics today announced the HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album, a compact device that features an 80GB hard drive, connects to a high definition television via HDMI and showcases up to 50,000 high resolution photos. The new digital photo album offers several methods for importing photos, including multiple flash memory card formats, CD, DVD, USB or Ethernet. Once imported, photo collections can be managed with the supplied remote control and the device's intuitive interface. Photos can be organized by date, special occasions such as birthdays and travel (using pre-selected icons), or into as many as 3,000 different photo albums. The digital photo album also provides the ability to review, edit, rotate, delete and arrange photos for a slideshow or digital scrapbooking with Sony's x-Application and x-Pict Story HD software applications. The HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album will be available in October for about $400.

Sony's European subsidiary unveiled today VAIO G21 for managers and professionals. The 12.1-inch XGA (1024x768) LED backlit laptop consumes less power due to Intel ULV processor and provides 7 hours of battery life. The firm even claims the laptop can go up to 11.5 hours with a high-capacity battery. The carbon-fibered 1kg VAIO G21 notebook comes in two models - the VGN-G21VN / B and the VGNG21XP / B. The first one ($2,976) features 1.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 processor, up to 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD hard drive, Intel GMA 950 graphics with 224MB memory, 802.11a/b/g wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, and Microsoft Windows Vista OS. The VGNG21XP / B has similar specs except the 100GB hard drive (no SSD), and 1GB RAM.

Sony is gearing up with the release of a new generation internal Blu-ray Disc (BD) burners for the computer aftermarket, which boasts 4X BD-R and 16X DVD+R recording speeds. The BWU-200S drive can write BD-R and BD-RE 50GB Blu-ray discs as well as standard single layer 4.7GB DVD+R/+RW/RAM discs, 8.5GB DVD+R double/dual layer discs, and conventional CDs. The internal drive features a Serial ATA (SATA) interface and standard 5.25-inch form-factor for easy installation inside a desktop PC with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista OS. The BWU-200S drive will be available directly from Sony at sonystyle.com next month for about $600. Pre-orders are now being accepted.

Spec Sheet