PocketStation
Encyclopedia
The 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.
Peripheral
A peripheral is a device attached to a host computer, but not part of it, and is more or less dependent on the host. It expands the host's capabilities, but does not form part of the core computer architecture....
by Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
for the PlayStation
PlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
home video game console. Categorized by Sony as a miniature personal digital assistant
Personal digital assistant
A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...
, the device features a monochrome liquid crystal display
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is a flat panel display, electronic visual display, or video display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals . LCs do not emit light directly....
(LCD), infrared
Infrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
communication capability, a real-time clock
Real-time clock
A real-time clock is a computer clock that keeps track of the current time. Although the term often refers to the devices in personal computers, servers and embedded systems, RTCs are present in almost any electronic device which needs to keep accurate time.-Terminology:The term is used to avoid...
, built-in flash memory
Flash memory
Flash memory is a non-volatile computer storage chip that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It was developed from EEPROM and must be erased in fairly large blocks before these can be rewritten with new data...
, and a sound
Sound
Sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
capability. Connecting to a PlayStation through a memory card slot, the PocketStation also functions as a PlayStation memory card
Memory card
A memory card or flash card is an electronic flash memory data storage device used for storing digital information. They are commonly used in many electronic devices, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, MP3 players, and video game consoles...
. It was released exclusively in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on January 23, 1999.
Software for the PocketStation was typically distributed as extras for PlayStation games, included in the CD-ROM
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....
, 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
Final Fantasy VIII
is a role-playing video game released for the PlayStation in 1999 and for Windows-based personal computers in 2000. It was developed and published by Square as the Final Fantasy series' eighth title, removing magic point-based spell-casting and the first title to consistently use realistically...
and SaGa Frontier 2
SaGa Frontier 2
is a role-playing video game developed by Square for the PlayStation. It is the eighth original game in their SaGa series. Initially released in Japan in April 1999, an English version was made available in North America in January 2000 by Square Electronic Arts and in the PAL region the following...
, 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
Toro (cartoon character)
, real name , also known as the Sony Cat, is a fictional character created by Sony Computer Entertainment.Toro's family name originated from a debugger called Toro 'Inoue'.-Character design:...
. The PocketStation was discontinued in July 2002 after having shipped nearly five million units.
Technical specifications
- CPUCentral processing unitThe central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
: ARM7TARM7TDMIARM7 is a generation of ARM processor designs. This generation introduced the Thumb 16-bit instruction set providing improved code density compared to previous designs. The most widely used ARM7 designs implement the ARMv4T architecture, but some implement ARMv3 or ARMv5TEJ...
(32-bit RISC chip) - MemoryComputer storageComputer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer components and recording media that retain digital data. Data storage is one of the core functions and fundamental components of computers....
: 2K bytes SRAMStatic random access memoryStatic random-access memory is a type of semiconductor memory where the word static indicates that, unlike dynamic RAM , it does not need to be periodically refreshed, as SRAM uses bistable latching circuitry to store each bit...
, 128K bytes Flash RAMFlash memoryFlash memory is a non-volatile computer storage chip that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It was developed from EEPROM and must be erased in fairly large blocks before these can be rewritten with new data... - ScreenScreen- Separation or partitioning :* Window screen, a wire mesh that covers a window opening* Fire screen, a device to put in front of a fireplace* Windbreak of trees or shrubs* Windshield , protects the driver of a vehicle...
: 32×32 dot monochrome LCD - SoundSoundSound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
: 1 miniature speaker (10-bit PCM) - SwitchSwitchIn electronics, a switch is an electrical component that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another....
es: 5 input buttons, 1 reset button - InfraredInfraredInfrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
communication: Bi-directional (supports IrDAIRDAIRDA may refer to:* Infrared Data Association, in information and communications technology , a standard for communication between devices over short distances using infrared signals...
based and conventional remote control systems) - LEDLEdLEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
indicator: 1 (red) - BatteryBattery (electricity)An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
: 1 CR-2032 lithium batteryLithium batteryLithium batteries are disposable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. Depending on the design and chemical compounds used, lithium cells can produce voltages from 1.5 V to about 3.7 V, over twice the voltage of an ordinary zinc–carbon battery or alkaline battery... - Other functions: calendarCalendarA calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial, or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. The name given to each day is known as a date. Periods in a calendar are usually, though not...
function and identification number. - Dimensions: 64 × 42 × 13.5 mm (length × width × height)
- Weight: Approximately 30gGramThe gram is a metric system unit of mass....
(including battery)
Compatible games
- All Japan Pro WrestlingAll Japan Pro Wrestlingis a Japanese professional wrestling promotion established in 1972. All Japan Pro Wrestling still remains one of the most popular puroresu promotions still in operation.-The Giant Baba Era :...
- Ape Escape (Japanese version)
- Arc the Lad IIIArc the Lad IIIArc the Lad III is a tactical role-playing video game developed by ARC Entertainment for the PlayStation and is the third game in the Arc the Lad series. It was released in 1999 in Japan, and released in North America on April 18, 2002, as part of Arc the Lad Collection...
- Armored Core: Master of ArenaArmored Core: Master of ArenaArmored Core: Master of Arena is a PlayStation video game. It is part of the Armored Core series. Master of Arena is the last Armored Core game to appear on the original PlayStation.-Storyline:...
(Japanese version) - Battle Bug Story
- Be Pirates!
- Brightis
- Burger Burger 2
- Chaos BreakChaos BreakChaos Break is a survival horror game that was released for the Sony PlayStation in 2000.-Plot:Similar to Resident Evil before it, Chaos Break is essentially a third-person shooting game, with echoes of survival horror such as Resident Evil...
(Japanese version) - Chocobo StallionChocoboA is a fictional creature from the Final Fantasy video game series. The creature is a large and normally flightless galliforme/ratite bird capable of being ridden and otherwise used by player characters during gameplay...
- Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped (Japanese version)
- Dance Dance Revolution 3rdMixDance Dance Revolution 3rdMIXDance Dance Revolution 3rdMix, or 3rdMix, is the 3rd game in the Dance Dance Revolution series of music video games. It was released in the arcades by Konami on October 30, 1999. Although only officially released in Japan, units exist worldwide...
- Dance Dance Revolution 4thMixDance Dance Revolution 4thMIXDance Dance Revolution 4thMix, or 4thMix, is the 4th game in the main Dance Dance Revolution series of music video games. It was released as an arcade game by Konami on August 24, 2000. Although only officially released in Japan, units exist worldwide. 4thMix features 136 songs, 42 of which are new...
- Dance Dance Revolution 5thMixDance Dance Revolution 5thMixDance Dance Revolution 5thMIX, or DDR 5th Mix, is the 5th game in the Dance Dance Revolution series of music video games. It was released to the arcades by Konami on March 27, 2001. Although only officially released in Japan, units exist worldwide. DDR 5th Mix contains a total of 124 songs, nine of...
- Digimon Tamers: Pocket Culumon (Japanese version)
- Dokodemo Issho
- Final Fantasy VIIIFinal Fantasy VIIIis a role-playing video game released for the PlayStation in 1999 and for Windows-based personal computers in 2000. It was developed and published by Square as the Final Fantasy series' eighth title, removing magic point-based spell-casting and the first title to consistently use realistically...
- Fire Pro GFire Pro WrestlingFire Pro Wrestling is a long-running professional wrestling video game series originating from Japan, started in 1989 by Human Entertainment and continued by Spike in 2000.-History:...
- Fish Hunter
- Gallop Racer 3Gallop Raceris a horse racing video game, created by Tecmo. Originally for the arcades, it is available on the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PC platforms. Thus far, there have been eight editions released in Japan, and five in North America...
- GrandiaGrandia (video game)is a role-playing video game developed by Game Arts originally for the Sega Saturn console as the first game in their Grandia series. Initially released in Japan in January 1997, the game was later ported to the PlayStation in June 1999, with an English version of the game appearing on the platform...
(Japanese version) - Hello Kitty: White Present
- I.Q. Final
- Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu
- JoJo's Bizarre AdventureJoJo's Bizarre Adventure (video game)is the commonly given name to any one of the versions and ports of a fighting game developed by Capcom based on the Japanese manga of the same title. The games were developed by the same team who are responsible for the Street Fighter III series....
(Japanese version) - The Legend of DragoonThe Legend of DragoonThe Legend of Dragoon is a console role-playing game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was released in Japan on December 2, 1999, in North America on June 11, 2000, and on January 19, 2001 in Europe...
(Japanese version) - Legend of ManaLegend of ManaLegend of Mana, known in Japan as , is the fourth game in the Mana series. The game was released for the PlayStation in Japan on July 15, 1999 and in North America on June 7, 2000, with a delayed release in Canada...
- Love Hina 2
- Lunatic Dawn 3
- LMA ManagerLMA Manager seriesLMA Manager was a football management video game series developed and published by Codemasters. Developed primarily for consoles, the franchise differs from the PC-based Football Manager and Championship Manager series by focusing on visual details such as a fully 3D match engine, although still...
- Kyro-chan's Print Club
- Metal Gear Solid: Integral
- Mister Prospector
- The Misadventures of Tron BonneThe Misadventures of Tron BonneThe Misadventures of Tron Bonne, known in Japan as , is a video game that was developed and published by Capcom for the PlayStation. Released in Japan in 1999 and in North America and Europe in 2000, the game is part of the Mega Man Legends series and the prequel of the first Legends game...
(Japanese version) - Monster Race
- Monster Rancher 2Monster Rancher 2Monster Rancher 2 is a video game and the second North American and Japanese installment in the Monster Rancher series. In Europe Monster Rancher 2 is the first release in the series and is thus named Monster Rancher.-Gameplay:This game involves raising, fighting, and breeding monsters...
(Japanese version) - Monster WorldWonder Boyis a series of video games published by SEGA and developed by Westone Bit Entertainment .The series itself consists of the main Wonder Boy series, and the Monster World sub-series. Games may be part of one, the other, or both. This has resulted in a sometimes confusing naming structure resulting in...
- Pi to Mail
- Pocket Dungeon
- Pocket MuuMuuPocket MuuMuuis a 3D action game for the Sony PlayStation. It was developed by Sugar and Rockets and published by Sony Computer Entertainment and released exclusively in Japan in 1999. It is a spin-off game in the Jumping Flash! series. The game requires use of the Sony PocketStation peripheral....
- Pocket Tuner
- Prologue
- Racing LagoonRacing Lagoonis a 1999 video game developed and published by Square. The game is unique in that it combines street racing with role-playing elements. The game's story follows a new member of a street racing team in 1999 Yokohama, Japan as he tries to learn about his forgotten past and a mysterious race that...
- RayCrisisRayCrisisRayCrisis, known as RayCrisis: Series Termination in North America, is the third game released in the "Ray" series of Taito shooting games. Chronologically, it is considered a prequel to the first game, RayForce...
(Japanese version) - Remote Control Dandy
- R4: Ridge Racer Type 4R4: Ridge Racer Type 4R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 is the fourth game in the Ridge Racer series on the PlayStation.Unlike some of the other titles in the series, this game is made only for a home console, and does not have an arcade machine version. It is the final Ridge Racer series game released in the PlayStation console...
- Rockman Complete WorksRockman Complete WorksRockman Complete Works is a lineup of video game remakes released for the PlayStation in Japan of the first six games in the original Rockman series by Capcom...
- SaGa Frontier 2SaGa Frontier 2is a role-playing video game developed by Square for the PlayStation. It is the eighth original game in their SaGa series. Initially released in Japan in April 1999, an English version was made available in North America in January 2000 by Square Electronic Arts and in the PAL region the following...
- Shop Keeper
- Spyro the Dragon (Japanese version)
- Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! is a video game for the PlayStation video game console. It was released in North America under this title on October 31, 1999, in Europe as Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer on November 5, 1999, and in Japan on March 16, 2000 as: Spyro X Sparx Tondemo Tours.Ripto's Rage is the...
(Japanese version) - Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Japanese version)
- Super Robot Wars AlphaSuper Robot Warsis a series of tactical role-playing video games produced by Banpresto, which is now a Japanese division of Namco Bandai. The main feature of the franchise is having a story that crosses over several popular mecha anime, manga and video games, allowing characters and mecha from different titles to...
- Tales of EterniaTales of Eterniais a Japanese PlayStation action role-playing video game released by Namco on November 30, 2000, selling 873,000 copies and later ported to the PlayStation Portable on March 3, 2005, selling 398,000 copies. Tales of Eternia's characteristic genre name is...
(Japanese version) - Theme AquariumTheme Aquariumis a simulation video game developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts, in which the player creates and controls a sea life aquarium. It was originally released on December 17, 1998 for PlayStation only in Japan...
- Tokimeki Memorial 2Tokimeki Memorial 2is a dating sim developed and published by Konami and the second game in the Tokimeki Memorial series.Tokimeki Memorial 2 was released for the PlayStation in 1999. It came on 5 CDs, featuring unmatched graphics and voice acting and a groundbreaking "Emotional Voice System " where the girls could...
- World Neverland 2
- World Stadium 3World StadiumWorld Stadium is a series of baseball arcade games that were released by Namco in the late 1980s and 1990s in Japan.* World Stadium 1988 Namco System 1* World Stadium '89 1989 Namco System 1...
See also
- VMUVMUThe VMU, or Visual Memory Unit is a memory card peripheral for the Dreamcast. Its official name was changed by Sega for each of the three key regions:-* Japan = Visual Memory System * North America = Visual Memory Unit...
, a similar accessory for the Sega Dreamcast console (which was released contemporaneously with the PocketStation).