PocketStation

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PocketStation
PocketStation logo.svg
PocketStation
Developer Sony Computer Entertainment
Manufacturer Sony
Type Peripheral
Generation Fifth generation era
Retail availability
    Discontinued
      Media PlayStation CD-ROM (used for content transfer)[citation needed]
      CPU ARM7T (32 bit RISC Processor)
      Input
      • 5x Digital buttons
      Power 1 CR-2032 lithium battery
      Successor PlayStation Portable

      The PocketStation is a Memory Card peripheral by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation home video game console.[3] Categorized by Sony as a combination of a Memory Card and a miniature personal digital assistant, the device features a monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD), infrared communication capability, a real-time clock, built-in flash memory, and sound capability. To use the device's memory card functionality, it must be connected to a PlayStation through a memory card slot. It was released exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1999.[2][1]

      Software for the PocketStation was typically distributed as extras for PlayStation games, included in the CD-ROM, enhancing the games with added features. Stand-alone software could also be downloaded through the PlayStation console. The software is then transferred to the PocketStation for use. A built-in infrared data interface allows direct transfer of data such as game saves between PocketStation units, as well as multiplayer gaming.

      The original Japanese ship date for the PocketStation was set for December 23, 1998, but it was delayed a full month.[1] Sony only shipped an initial 60,000 units of the peripheral when it was released on January 23, 1999.[4] It was initially available in two case colors: white and clear.[5] It proved extremely popular, selling out all over the region. Sony planned to release the PocketStation outside of Japan, engaging in promotional activity in Europe and North America, but the release did not occur.[6] SCEA cited an inability meeting Japanese demand as the reason for the PocketStation's absence.[7][8] A few games, such as Final Fantasy VIII and SaGa Frontier 2, retained PocketStation functionality in their localized versions.[9][10]

      The PocketStation's most popular game was Dokodemo Issho, which sold over 1.5 million copies in Japan and is the first game to star Sony's mascot Toro.[11] The PocketStation was discontinued in July 2002 after having shipped nearly five million units.[12]

      On November 5, 2013, it was announced that the PocketStation would be revived as an application for the PlayStation Vita, allowing users to play PocketStation format minigames for any classic PlayStation games that they own.[13] Originally it was only available to Playstation Plus members, it was later released to the general public. It remains an exclusive to the Japanese Playstation Vitas.

      Technical specifications

      Compatible games

      See also

      • VMU, a similar accessory for the Sega Dreamcast console (which was released on July 30, 1998 in Japan).

      References

      1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      13. ↑ 2013-11-04, Play Chocobo World On Vita, PocketStation Is A Downloadable App In Japan, Siliconera
      14. ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 14.19 14.20 14.21 14.22 14.23 14.24 14.25 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
      19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

      External links

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