PocketStation

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PocketStation
PocketStation
Manufacturer Sony
Type Handheld game console
Generation Fifth generation era
First available JP December 23, 1998[1][not in citation given]
CPU ARM7T (32 bit RISC Processor)
Media PlayStation CD-ROMs
Successor PlayStation Portable

The PocketStation is a miniature game console created by Sony as a peripheral for the PlayStation. Released exclusively in Japan on December 23, 1998,[1][not in citation given] it features an LCD, sound, a real-time clock, and infrared communication capability. It also serves as a standard PlayStation memory card.

Games for the PocketStation are stored on the same CD-ROM as PlayStation games. PocketStation games can enhance PlayStation games with added features. A player can also download stand-alone PocketStation games. It allows a player to swap game data between PlayStation units and also allows multiplayer gaming via the built-in infrared data link.

Although the system was not widely released outside of Japan, there were apparently plans to do so. A feature on the system appeared in Official UK PlayStation Magazine[citation needed], for example, and a few games (such as Final Fantasy VIII) retained PocketStation functionality in their localized versions. As a result, the PC version of Final Fantasy VIII added a stand-alone Chocobo World game as part of the installation.

Contents

[edit] Succesor

Although it was released six years later, the succesor to the PocketStation is Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP 1000), which itself was in turn succeded by the PlayStation Portable Slim and Lite (PSP 2000).

[edit] Technical specifications

  • CPU: ARM7T (32-bit RISC Processor)
  • Memory: 2K bytes SRAM, 128K bytes Flash RAM
  • Graphics: 32×32 dot monochrome LCD
  • Sound: 1 miniature speaker (10-bit PCM)
  • Switches: 5 input buttons, 1 reset button
  • Infrared communication: Bi-directional (supports IrDA based and conventional remote control systems)
  • LED indicator: 1 (red)
  • Battery: 1 CR-2032 lithium-ion battery
  • Other functions: calendar function and identification number.
  • Dimensions: 64 × 42 × 13.5 mm (length × width × height)
  • Weight: Approximately 30g (including battery)[2]

[edit] Compatible games

[edit] See also

  • VMU, a similar accessory for the Sega Dreamcast console (which was released contemporaneously with the PocketStation).

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b 超小型ＰＤＡ「PocketStation」１月２３日に発売延期 (Japanese) 3. Sony Computer Entertainment (December 9, 1998). Retrieved on 2007-10-30.
  2. ^ プレイステーションの楽しみをさらに広げる: PocketStation (Japanese) 3. Sony Computer Entertainment (October 8, 1998). Retrieved on 2007-10-30.

[edit] External links

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