PlayStation 2 out sells PlayStation3 and PSP in first quarter of 2009

The PlayStation 2 outsold the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable during Sony's first quarter, according to the firm's fiscal report.

Both current generation platforms saw a decline in sales from the previous quarter, with the PS3 dropping from 1.6 million units to 1.1 million, and the PSP falling from 2.1 million to 1.3 million.

The ten-year-old PlayStation 2 was the only Sony platform to experience a sales increase during the quarter. The console sold 1.6 million units, up from 1.4, with analysts attributing this to a recent price drop.

Software sales for all platforms saw a decline. The PS3 sold 14.8 million titles, dropping from 18.9 the previous quarter. PSP sales fell to 8.3 million, down from 11.2, while PS2 software came in at 8.5, down from 11.3.

PlayStation 3 sales are expected to rise during the next quarter, with the platform's long-rumoured price drop due later this year.

Carmack video game Rage runs slowest on PlayStation 3 The PS3 version of Rage is running at only half the speed of the Xbox 360 and PC

Speaking to CVG in a new feature on id Software's new post-apocalyptic game, Rage, John Carmack has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 version of the game will run noticeably slower that on the Xbox 360 or PC.

The game, which is projected for a 2010 release on all platforms, will be a free-roaming RPG and FPS hybrid with a heavy focus where players are able to compete in races through the wasteland in order to unlock car and weapon upgrades.

According to Edge magazine the game runs at a smooth and brisk 60 FPS on the Xbox 360 and comparable PCs, but struggles to keep things at 20 - 30 FPS on the PlayStation 3. In a series of candid comments about the capability of the PlayStation 3 hardware, Carmack squarely places the blame on the GPU.

"The PS3 lags a little bit behind in terms of getting the performance out of it,[i]" Carmack admits. "[i]The rasteriser is just a little bit slower - no two ways about that. The RSX is slower than what we have in the 360."

Carmack also says that the architecture of the CPU is a bit of a hassle to design for too and, while the PS3 processor is "about the same" as that in the Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 is just simpler to work with.

"The 360 makes it easier to split things off, and that's what a lot of the work has been, splitting it all into jobs on the PS3," Carmack says.

This isn't the first time that developers have said the PlayStation 3 is difficult to work with either - a number of developers in the past have made such claims, though Sony hasn't issued a formal reply that we know of.

Carmack promising that the PlayStation 3 version of Rage will be up to scratch before the game is released.

"Everything is designed as a 60 hertz game. We expect this to be 60 hertz on every supported platform," said Carmack.

Yakuza 3 video game coming to America after all...

Only days ago, that gamers started freaking out over a release date of “never” for Yakuza 3. According to The Examiner, a friend working at SEGA said the title was never coming stateside. It looks like that information was false.

The website has since run an update for that article, stating that the statements that were made were not official Sega statements. Here is the full update:

“To clarify: It was earlier reported that Sega has no plans to release Yakuza 3 stateside. By viewing upcoming release list, Sega still hasn’t made any mention of an upcoming release or revealed plans to release it stateside. However, the statements made earlier are not official Sega statements. Based on Yakuza 2 sales figures, it’s his personal opinion that the game will not sell if it sees release stateside.”

Source: PlayStation Lifestyle

PlayStation 3 slim picture appears on Amazon germany PS3 slim for sale...

After reports of a listing for the new PlayStation 3 Slim console appearing on Amazon Germany the listing has been updated with a picture here...

I wonder how long it will take Sony to have it removed?

PlayStation 3 firmware hacked? Boot copies of games...

Reports on CVG...

With the arrival of every new console comes a race for hackers to crack their way through the new toy's security, and the PS3, after just over six months, has finally been defeated.

An exploit has been found in versions 1.10 and 1.11 of the PS3 firmware which has allowed one cunning hacker to boot up copied versions of PS3 games.

The fight isn't over though - the game boots, but it doesn't actually play, so there's some way to go. And the exploit doesn't allow for the running of unofficial (homebrew) programs, which is where the real meat of modding lies.

Homebrew fans hope the PS3 scene will go the same way as PSP, which has become one of the most thriving homebrew scenes in videogame history thanks in part to easy connection with PC (USB), and its huge storage potential via Sony's universal Memory Stick Duo.

Be warned though, if you mod your PS3 you'll kill your warrantee, face being banned from the PlayStation Network, and causing problems with running new games. Even worse, you could brick your PS3 altogether.

Plus, copying games is bad, so don't do that either, ya' hear?

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Nintendo DS video game trailer

In the world of Professor Layton, the only way to get past the hordes of mailmen, mad dogs, and other crazed denizens that block your path is by solving fiendish brain bending puzzles. In this follow-up to last year's curious adventure, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box continues the top-hatted adventurer's story as he once again investigates a suspicious murder and explores other mysterious goings on.

In most respects, the Diabolical Box isn't much different than the Curious Village. The sequel maintains the same sepia-tinged, European art style, soothing puzzle music, and excellent voice work of the original. But this new adventure introduces a whole new slew of puzzles, and plenty of extra diversions in the Professor's suitcase. While the Curious Village limited you to building a mechanical dog and decorating your hotel room, Diabolical Box lets you put together a camera piece-by-piece, make various teas, and help an overweight hamster get in shape.


The extras add even more encouragement to seek out and solve each little puzzle, since some reward you with items like new camera parts and workout motivators for the hamster. But, like before, you don't have to worry about getting in a hurry and leaving puzzles behind. Granny Riddleton returns to sweep up any puzzles you miss and store them in her shack for you to finish later. No matter where the game takes you, you always have a chance to visit Granny and collect the puzzles you miss.

Click here for more images from the game...

And collecting all of the Picarats (the game's reward for solving puzzles correctly) earns you even more bonuses this time around, with one piece of unlockable content that's only available after collecting 4,500 of the miniature medallions. Though Nintendo hasn't talked about it yet, the game's menu also has a spot for downloadable puzzles. So, once again, you'll be able to connect to the Internet and nab even more riddles, if the game's already hefty assortment isn't enough to satiate your puzzle-solving lust.

Too many other quality Japanese titles, like Yakuza 3 and Retro Game Master 2, haven't made it to the States, so it's exciting that Diabolical Box is on its way here. Layton followers don't have much longer to wait either, as the game's set to release on August 24. Hopefully, it will sell well enough to bring its already-out-in-Japan sequel, Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel, State-side as well.

Overall, the game is just an excuse to solve puzzles wrapped loosely around a murder mystery story, but searching out and solving those puzzles is almost as addictive as trying to get the right answer the first time. If you think the only way to solve the world's problems is by staring down the sights of an automatic rifle, Layton may not be your cup of tea. But if you're looking for an adventure game that works great on the DS, then Diabolical Box should be on your short list of must-have Fall releases.

Source: 1UP