Gran Turismo 5 launches in Japan November 3 with blue PS3

Gran Turismo 5 will arrive in Japan November 3. It'll be available not only in a ¥7,980 ($93) standalone pack, but in a first-run Limited Edition with five DLC cars and a 308-page book, for the same price. Sony is also releasing a ¥35,980 ($421) PS3 bundle, called the Gran Turismo 5 Racing Pack, including the LE of the game and a special "Titanium Blue" 160GB PS3 Slim.

Sony PS3 Firmware 3.10 With Facebook Arrives Today

Sony announced that the new Sony PS3 Firmware 3.10 will be available today. As reported on Tuesday, the new PS3 system update brings Facebook integration.

With the new Facebook integration, PS3 console owners now have access to a truly social and seamless user experience.

Sony expects PS3 gamers to not only brag to friends about their domination as a gamer, but also back it up by sharing unlocked trophies with their friends on Facebook every time they sync their Trophies.

Additionally, the system update enables PS3 system owners to share information on games they just purchased with a click of a button. The new system update also enables game developers to set up trigger points in their games that provide PS3 system users the option to quickly and easily publish game related information from their favorite titles to Facebook.

Additional highlights from the new PS3 firmware 3.10 include a newly revamped Photo category on the XMB and the PSN Friends List has been modified based on feedback received after update 3.00. Additionally, you can now choose a color for your PSN ID on the XMB.

Via the Sony Playstation.

250GB Sony PS3 Slim Final Fantasy XIII Bundle Unveiled

Sony unveiled (pdf) officially the first 250GB Sony PS3 Slim Bundle. At the TGS 2009 Sony announced the rumored higher capacity PS3 Slim officially for the Japanese market.

Japanese Sony fans can get a so called PS3 FINAL FANTASY XIII LIGHTNING EDITION bundle pack (CEJH-10008) that will be available on December 17, 2009.

This bundle includes a ceramic white 250GB PS3 Slim with FF design, FF XIII Game, Wireless Controller, and cables.

The price for Sony PS3 FINAL FANTASY XIII LIGHTNING EDITION bundle pack CEJH-10008 is 41,600 Yen (~$460). Play-Asia is maybe offering the FF XIII 250GB PS3 Slim for fans outside of Japan.

PS3 will Get Philips amBX Tech

Sony has announced that it will enable the PS3 to support Philips amBX technology. The amBX gear is a set of speakers and fans that offer light and wind effects in time with scenes from games on screen.

Previously the system was only available for Pc users and offered improved immersion in games. For instance, on the Pc if you are playing Quake Wars the lights on the speakers match the color on screen and if you fly, the wind whips past your face.

Games that will be enabled for amBX haven’t been announced. Sony has signed a tools and middleware agreement with Philips, more information on games should be coming in the future.

Via: Eurogamer

Flower for Sony PS3 launches in Time for Valentine's Day

The makers of flOw are bringing another visual and sensual stunning game to the Sony PS3 dubbed Flower.

Flower will be available on the Sony Playstation Network starting February 12th - just in time for Valentine's Day (February 14th). You give your girl friend this year a virtual flower that will possibly blow her mind as Flower is a very, very pretty game.

Key Features of Flower:

- Simple Gameplay Controls – Accessible controls appeal to both the casual and hardcore gamer and offer simplistic and relaxing gaming. Freely playing as the wind is as easy as titling the SIXAXIS wireless controller.

- Lush and Interactive Environment on PS3 – In Flower, over 200,000 blades of grass are simulated and animated simultaneously on-screen, creating an verdant environment not possible on any other platform.

- Dynamically Adjusting Experience – Players with differing skill levels and/or moods can intuitively customize their game experience and enjoy the game at their own pace.

You can see a game play video on the Playstation blog.