SCEA's Press Conference at this year's E3 Expo 2011
With Sony stumbling out of the gate in 2011 after the much-publicized PlayStation Network security breach, the company took to the stage for its Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference looking to regain its footing. If what Sony showed is any indication of what's to come, the company is ready to hit the ground running moving forward.
The star of the show was Sony's new handheld system -- the PlayStation Vita. The successor to the PlayStation Portable, the Vita sports a five-inch OLED touch screen, a touch-pad area on the back of the system that mirrors the size of the screen on the front, dual analog sticks, front- and rear-facing cameras and six-axsis motion control. As impressive as the hardware specs are, the graphical power of the unit produces PS3-quality graphics. The Vita was speculated to retail for as much as $400, but Sony chairman Kaz Hirai put all fears to rest, announcing that the wifi-only version of the handheld will run $250 and the 3G model will cost $300 when it's released this holiday season. Sony's only misstep was its choice of data partner AT&T, which has received a bad reputation for spotty coverage and pricey plans.
Sony also furthered its push into the realm of 3D TVs. The company announced it will offer a 24-inch 3D TV, a pair of 3D glasses, six-foot HDMI cable and the upcoming PS3 exclusive title Resistance 3 for $499. The price of 3D TVs has been one of the biggest hurdles Sony has faced in trying to increase the install base. This bundle should make it more appealing to those who are interested in 3D technology.
Games were also a point of emphasis. The PS3 version of the much-anticipated BioShock Infinite will come with the series' original title -- BioShock -- on the same Blu-ray disk. Another blockbuster game this fall -- Battlefield 3 -- will also do the same, packaging Battlefield 1943 in its PS3 title. Sony also added to its catalog of remastered classics. God of War Origins is an HD collection of the the two highly acclaimed God of War titles that were on the PlayStation Portable -- Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta -- that can also be played in 3D. It will be released Sept 13. Two of the most revered PS2 games -- ICO and Shadow of the Colossus -- will also be getting an HD and 3D makeover as the two titles will ship on one disk Sept. 27.
Sony didn't forget its motion control audience with some impressive PlayStation Move announcements. Ken Levine -- one of the masterminds behind the Bioshock franchise -- took the stage and hinted at some move support in his upcoming title. Resistance 3 will have a sharpshooter bundle, which includes the game, sharpshooter peripheral, PlayStation Move controller, navigation controller and PlayStation Eye camera for $150. Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant also made an appearance to detail how renown sports simulation NBA 2K12 will implement Move support. Though hardcore gaming fans might never fully adopt motion controls, Sony's continued push should draw in more casual fans searching for an HD alternative to Nintendo's Wii.
Sony hit on major topics throughout its press conference and did an excellent job pricing the Vita and offering an affordable 3D TV solution. Though the effects of the PlayStation Network security breach will be tough to overcome initially, Sony is poised to have a strong second half in 2011 and beyond.