LOS ANGELES — Sony Computer Entertainment took to the E3 stage to debut PlayStation TV (PS TV), which will enable users to use various game content and Play- Station 4 remote play on their TV.
Sony explained at its event, and via an announcement from Tokyo, that PS TV will come in black and will be available in North America at a $99 retail for a stand-alone system.
In addition, a bundle that includes a DualShock3 wireless controller 8GB memory card and “The Lego Movie” video game from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will be available at $139 in North America.
In a release from Japan, Sony said the product was released there and in other Asian regions as PlayStation Vita TV (PS Vita TV) on Nov. 14, 2013, “and has proven to be popular with consumers looking for a convenient, easy-to-use gaming system. Since its initial release, PS TV has continuously evolved through system software updates and content enhancements.”
Adopting the same chip sets and system software as the PlayStationVita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system, PS TV comes in a slim size (6.5 centimeters by 10.5 centimeters), the smallest of all PlayStation platforms that connect to a TV. In response to the demands from users in North America, Europe and the PAL region, SCE will introduce the system under a new name and color.
Main features of the PS TV system are as follows:
PlayStation 4 (PS4) Remote Play: As with PS Vita, PS TV supports PS4 Remote Play and DualShock wireless controllers. This will allow PS4 users in one room to continue playing a game on a PS TV system in another room. PS4 users can also enjoy most of the PS4 games on PS TV with operability as if they are playing it on their PS4 system.
PlayStation 3 (PS3) games through PlayStation Now: PS TV users will be able to access the PlayStation Now open beta service that will be available by the end of this year in North America and at a later date in Europe and the PAL region. PS TV users will be able to enjoy PS3 games via streaming, by using a DualShock wireless controller.
Wide lineup of software titles available for download or via game cards: PS TV offers a vast lineup of more than 1,000 software titles from select PS Vita games, PSP (PlayStation Portable) games and PS One classics, including titles such as “Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes” (Disney Interactive), “Minecraft” (Mojang/4J Studios), “God of War: Collection” (SCE WWS), and “Killzone Mercenary” (SCE WWS).
Users can download games directly to the system through the PlayStation Store or insert a PS Vita game card directly into the device.
Sony said that PS TV users can play games with PS Vita users through a local wireless Ad Hoc mode. Up to two controllers can be connected to PS TV, allowing users to enjoy multiplayer games from PS One classics titles.
The PS TV will allow users to access movies and TV episodes available on PlayStation Store, and PS TV users can access the same services they enjoy on their PS Vita system, such as PlayStation Plus.
Sony noted that videos or photos stored on the memory card or those videos being played on the browser of the PS Vita system can easily be transferred to PS TV to be viewed on a large TV screen, and while being transferred, the PS Vita can be used as a remote controller using the video player application.