ThePocketStation is amemory card peripheral bySony Computer Entertainment for thePlayStation home video game console.[3] It was released in Japan in 1999. The device acted not only as a memory card but was interactive itself via a small monochromeLCD display and buttons on its case. Many PlayStation games included software that could be downloaded and played on the PocketStation. A release in Europe and North America was planned but was ultimately canceled. The PocketStation shares similarities with Sega'sVMU for theDreamcast.
The PocketStation was released exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1999.[2][1] 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.[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 to meet Japanese demand as the reason for the PocketStation's absence.[7][8] Despite this, a few games, such asFinal Fantasy VIII andSaGa Frontier 2, retained PocketStation functionality in their localized versions.[9][10]
On November 5, 2013, it was announced that the PocketStation would be revived as an application for thePlayStation Vita, allowing users to play PocketStation format minigames for any classic PlayStation games that they own.[11] Originally only available to PlayStation Plus members, it was later released to the general public. It remains an exclusive to the Japanese PlayStation Vita.
Software for the PocketStation was typically distributed as extras forPlayStation games, included in theCD-ROM, enhancing the games with added features. Standalone software could also be downloaded through the PlayStation console onto a memory card, then transferred to the PocketStation for use.[14] A built-in infrared data interface allows direct transfer of data such as game saves between PocketStation units, as well as multiplayer gaming.[14] The PocketStation's most popular game wasDoko Demo Issyo, which sold over 1.5 million copies in Japan and is the first game to star Sony's mascotToro.[16] The PocketStation was discontinued in July 2002 after having shipped nearly five million units.[17]
^ab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 fromthe original(PDF) on 2009-10-10. Retrieved2008-08-28.
