PocketStation

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The PocketStation is a miniature game console created by Sony as a peripheral for the PlayStation. Released exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1998, 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. For example, using PocketStation a player may be able to 'level up' characters in one's favorite PlayStation game while riding the bus to work. 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, for example, and a few games (such as Final Fantasy VIII) retained PocketStation functionality in their localised versions. As a result, the PC version of Final Fantasy VIII added a stand-alone Chocobo World game as part of the installation.

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)

Compatible games

• Arc the Lad III
• Armored Core Master of Arena (Japanese version)
• Brightis
• Chocobo Stallion
• Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped (Japanese version)
• Dance Dance Revolution (Japanese 3rdMIX, 4thMIX and 5thMIX)
• Digimontamers PocketCulumon (Japanese version)
• Final Fantasy VIII
• Grandia (Japanese Version)
• JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (Japanese version)
• Legend of Mana
• LMA Manager
• Metal Gear Solid: Integral
• Monster Farm 2 (Japanese Version of Monster Rancher 2)
• PaQa
• Pi to Mail
• Pocket Digimon World
• Pocket Dungeon
• Pocket Jiman
• Pocket Muumuu
• Racing Lagoon
• RayCrisis (Japanese and USA version)
• Remote Control Dandy
• Ridge Racer Type 4
• Rockman Complete Works
• SaGa Frontier 2
• Spyro the Dragon (Japanese version)
• Street Fighter Zero 3 (Japanese version of Street Fighter Alpha 3)
• Super Robot Wars Alpha
• Tales of Eternia (Japanese version)
• Tokimeki Memorial 2
• Tron Ni Kobun (The Misadventures of Tron Bonne)
• Saru! Get You!(Ape Escape)

See also

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

References

External links

• PlayStation.jp entry - (Japan Playstation)
• PocketStation Emulator - (MegaGames)

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Last updated on Monday March 10, 2008 at 10:32:38 PDT (GMT -0700)
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