Another piece of the “PlayStation Phone” jigsaw has fallen into place over night, with Sony revealing a new, cross-platform software tool that will emulate classic PlayStation games on a variety of hardware formats. Android very much included.
Sony’s PlayStation Suite will begin by emulating games from the original PlayStation, with the titles appearing on any certified hardware platform powerful enough to support the Suite. Here’s the relevant Androidy part of the announcement. NGP is what Sony’s currently calling its PSP2:
In providing the PlayStation experience on Android based portable devices, SCE will commence a PlayStation®Certified licence programme for hardware manufacturers. Through this programme, SCE will offer necessary support, including development support and logo licensing, to ensure the delivery of quality PlayStation experiences across various devices.
On the software front, SCE plans to provide PS Suite content during 2011, starting with original PlayStation games** (PS one® classics) that will allow users to enjoy quality PlayStation gameplay on their Android based portable devices.
Which confirms that this “PlayStation Suite” will be made available on any Android phone or tablet deemed capable, and not just Sony Ericsson’s custom hardware. That’s a massive development for mobile gaming.
We might have some of that, even though we preferred the SEGA Saturn at the time. Here’s the full press release:
Sony Computer Entertainment unveils PlayStation Suite and introduces the world of PlayStation to Android based portable devices.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) has unveiled PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), delivering the PlayStation experience to Android based portable devices*.
Thanks to this entirely new initiative, users will be able to enjoy PlayStation content on an open operating system for the first time in PlayStation history.
In the dramatically evolving and diversifying mobile market, the number of users who enjoy games casually on a variety of devices including mobile phones, smart phones and tablet PCs, has been increasing significantly. By offering quality PlayStation content to this rapidly growing market, SCE will not only deliver the PlayStation experience to a wider base of users around the globe, but will also be able to offer game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to these devices.
In providing the PlayStation experience on Android based portable devices, SCE will commence a PlayStation®Certified licence programme for hardware manufacturers. Through this programme, SCE will offer necessary support, including development support and logo licensing, to ensure the delivery of quality PlayStation experiences across various devices.
On the software front, SCE plans to provide PS Suite content during 2011, starting with original PlayStation games** (PS one® classics) that will allow users to enjoy quality PlayStation gameplay on their Android based portable devices.
SCE also plans to make PlayStation Store directly available to Android based portable devices, so that users will be able to download content in an easy to use environment. Moreover, SCE will provide a new game development environment in an effort to ensure new and compelling content is delivered on PS Suite, which will also offer opportunities for a wider base of developers and publishers to further expand their business on various portable devices.
Newly developed content for PS Suite can also be enjoyed on the next generation portable entertainment system (code name: NGP), which SCE announced at the same time. Users who have never experienced PlayStation content can get a taste of the PlayStation experience through PS Suite and, from there, they can enjoy the ultimate portable entertainment experience that is only possible on NGP.
Keep an eye on eu.playstation.com and PlayStation.Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com for more news on this exciting new service.
* Android 2.3 or beyond is required.
** PS one game console software title. Titles will be announced at a later date.
Motorola’s latest flagship dual-core Android monster is a massive, original powerhouse, that’s a big improvement on previous MOTOBLUR mobiles – but still isn’t a total winner.
A slim and glamorous phone from Sony Ericsson, with the sharpest display around. It’s no powerhouse and the screen’s not the biggest out there, but we don’t mind. Because it’s cute.
LG’s first glasses-free 3D phone is a heavy, fat monster, with a clever 3D effect that works rather well. As a smartphone, though, it’s heavy and underwhelming.
A very shiny thing from Sony Ericsson, with a 3.7″ screen and Android 2.3.3 inside. But is it exciting enough to win fans in today’s spec-obsessed market? Can man live on one core alone?
INQ’s Android phone is an interesting “boutique” piece of hardware, packed with unique interface customisations that go far beyond the headline Facebook integration. We like it a lot.
Lewie Procter
/ January 27, 2011It’s crazy that Sega don’t have at least a commercial mega drive emulator for android. They do for PC.
Dean
/ January 27, 2011I’d like to see a PS1 game running on my Desire with any degree of playability!
I’ve already tried a non Sony originated emulator, and although I can run quite simplistic titles you should see it try to power Gran Turismo! 3FPS anyone?
If Sony can get a highly optimised package together that runs on the majority or current handsets (800mhz up and not just the Tegra ones) then I think it will sell like the proverbial hot things from Greggs.
68000 based emulation on the other hand is a whole different story.. Sonic runs as fast as on the original megadrive, and you should see the Amiga emulator in action.. it chugs along faster than my original A500!
Timbo
/ January 27, 2011Android 2.3 or beyond is required.
So that ignores every current Sony Ericsson handset in the market; they have said no current handset will get updater above 2.1.