The PocketStation is a peripheral by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation home video game console. Categorized by Sony as 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 a sound capability. Connecting to a PlayStation through a memory card slot, the PocketStation also functions as a PlayStation memory card. It was released exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1999.
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. Sony only shipped an initial 60,000 units of the peripheral when it was released on January 23, 1999. It was initially available in two case colors: white and clear. It proved extremely popular, selling out all over the region. Sony planned to release the PocketStation outside of Japan, engaging in promotional activity in Europe and North America, but the release did not occur. SCEA cited an inability meeting Japanese demand as the reason for the PocketStation's absence. A few games, such as Final Fantasy VIII and SaGa Frontier 2, retained PocketStation functionality in their localized versions.
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. The PocketStation was discontinued in July 2002 after having shipped nearly five million units.
Toro, also known as the Sony Cat, is a fictional character created by Sony Computer Entertainment.
The character, an anthropomorphized Super Deformed design style white cat, is characterized by its big, trapezium-shaped face, a rectangular-shaped body, and its vast variety of face expressions.
It first appeared in July 1999 as the main character (chatterbot) in the video game Doko Demo Issyo (also written as Doko Demo Issho, meaning "Together everywhere") on the miniature game console called PocketStation, produced by the same company.
This release was in a box set including a Sony PocketStation.
Manufacturer's description:
Characters in the station Pocketstation (Pokepi) Games and enjoy the talk and communicate. Their meanings can be taught anything like Kotoba, by using memorized Kotoba use of communication facility, saying I'm going to start to take things and surprising and deep KOTO and the Innovation FIRST! Doki same.
Features:
- Third person perspective.
- 2D graphics
- Cartoon graphics
- Animals & Fantasy themes.
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