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PlayStation TV guide – Everything You Need To Know

PlayStation TV, Sony’s upcoming micro streaming console, is finally upon us. Launching in the U.S. today and in Europe on November 14, the device is essentially a rebranded PlayStation Vita TV, which was released in its native Japan last winter.

With its release imminent, PlayStation Universe decided to take a look at all the vital pieces of info you’ll need to know about PS TV, including its basic functionality, price, and various other things you should arm yourself with if you’re planning on investing in Sony’s latest gaming slab.

With that said, here’s everything you need to know about PlayStation TV.

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So, erm, what is it?

PS TV is a diminutive device, roughly the size of a stack of cards, that attaches to your TV and allows you to stream content without having to purchase a PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4. As mentioned, it’s virtually identical to its Japanese counterpart, apart from the fact it’s black instead of white, and eschews the ‘Vita’ in the title.

How much will it cost me and what do I get for my hard-earned cash?

North American customers will be required to drop $99.99 while in the U.K. and Europe it’ll cost about £84.99/€99. In PAL regions, the device ships with a DualShock 3 controller and a PS Vita voucher including three titles.

Over in the states, PS TV comes with a DualShock 3 pad, an 8GB memory card, and the LEGO Movie Video Game for the added price of $140. The $99 purchase comes with just the device only.

What games can I stream and play?

PS TV will support a wide variety of software spanning PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation, PC Engine, and PlayStation Now. Over 100 PS Vita titles are confirmed to be compatible with the device, though those that utilize the handheld’s unique features (touchscreen etc) won’t be compatible with PS TV. As for compatibility, the good news is that you can connect your external Bluetooth sound devices as subwoofers or wireless TV headphones.

What controllers can I play my games with?

DualShock 3 ships with the device and is therefore the standard way to play your games. However, it will also support the PS4’s DualShock 4 pad. This is where PS TV has an advantage over other similar top box devices, as their controllers tend to be a bit naff.

It acts as a second Remote Play device, next to PS Vita

PS Vita’s Remote Play functionality has been a massive hit with PS4 owners, and this is something Sony has decided to perpetuate with PS TV. Yep, you can also use the device as a second Remote Play unit, allowing you to jump ship to another HD TV in your house if your original PS4 location is otherwise preoccupied, or if you simply fancy a change of scenery.

How much memory does it have?

PS Vita can store 1GB of data, although you’ll still able to upgrade the memory thanks to a PlayStation Vita memory card slot. As such, you will be able to store as much as 64GB on PS Vita if you decide to fork out for the memory card. Sadly, there are no current plans for the application of external hard drives.

Are you going to put down the cash for PS TV? Give us a shout below.