PocketStation

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]

PocketStation
DeveloperSony Computer Entertainment
ManufacturerSony Corporation
TypePeripheral
GenerationFifth generation era
Release date
Lifespan1999–2002
Discontinued
  • JP: July 2002 (2002-07)
MediaPlayStation CD-ROM (used for content transfer)
CPUARM7T (32 bit RISC Processor)
Memory2 KB
Input
  • 5× Digital buttons
Power1 CR-2032 lithium battery
Dimensions64 mm (2.5 in) (h)
42 mm (1.7 in) (w)
13.5 mm (0.53 in) (d)
Mass30 grams (1.1 oz)
SuccessorPlayStation Portable

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 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] Despite this, 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.

The PocketStation also shares similarities with Sega's VMU for the Dreamcast.

Technical specifications

Compatible games
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See also
  • VMU, a similar accessory for the Sega Dreamcast console (which was released 6 months earlier, on July 30, 1998 in Japan).

References
  1. "PocketStation delayed in Japan". Computer and Video Games. Future Publishing. 1998-12-09. Retrieved 2008-08-28. Sony has delayed the Japanese release of its PocketStation PDA from December 23 to January 23, 1999.
  2. "超小型ＰＤＡ「PocketStation」１月２３日に発売延期" (PDF) (in Japanese). Sony Computer Entertainment. December 9, 1998. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-13. Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  3. プレイステーションの楽しみをさらに広げる (PDF) (in Japanese). Sony Computer Entertainment. 1998-10-08. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-10-10. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
  4. IGN staff (January 28, 1999). "PocketStation Shortages Rock Japan". IGN. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  5. IGN staff (October 8, 1998). "TGS: Sony's Next Stop: Pocket Station". IGN. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
  6. Mark J. P. Wolf (2008). The video game explosion: a history from PONG to Playstation and beyond. ABC-CLIO. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-313-33868-7. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  7. Commodore Wheeler (May 13, 1999). "Pocketstation Cancelled in the US". RPGFan. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  8. IGN staff (May 13, 1999). "PocketStation Slips Indefinitely". IGN. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  9. Square Electronic Arts, ed. (1999). Final Fantasy VIII North American instruction manual. Square Electronic Arts. pp. 38–40. SLUS-00892.
  10. Square Electronic Arts, ed. (2000). SaGa Frontier 2 North American instruction manual. Square Electronic Arts. p. 26. SLUS-00933.
  11. Fennec Fox (July 19, 2002). "Sony Discontinues PocketStation". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  12. GameSpot staff (July 19, 2002). "Sony ceases PocketStation production". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  13. 2013-11-04, Play Chocobo World On Vita, PocketStation Is A Downloadable App In Japan, Siliconera
  14. "International Previews: PocketStation". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. 2 (7): 80–82. April 1999.
  15. Genki, ed. (1999). Jade Cocoon Japanese instruction manual. Genki. p. 37. SLPS-01729.
  16. IGN staff (November 30, 2009). "IGN: New Legend of Dragoon Info". IGN. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
  17. 携帯型ゲーム機コンプリートガイド [The Complete Guide to Handheld Consoles] (in Japanese). Shufu no Tomo Infos. 2013. p. 102. ISBN 978-4072879290.
  18. Parish, Jeremy (2006). "Forgotten Gem: Jumping Flash!". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2008-11-23.
  19. IGN staff (January 11, 1999). "Import Watch: Pocket MuuMuu". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-23.
  20. "IGN: Pocket Tuner". IGN. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
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