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Illustration of Pocket Tuner

Pocket Tuner

Overview

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.

Pocket Tuner is a collection of mini games with a music theme like Pocket Pitch, Beat Trainer, Beat Keeper, Interval Exam, etc designed to be also used in the Pocketstation device. All those modes features quiz questions to test the player skills.

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Media

Box - 3D

Pocket Tuner - Box - 3D (Japan) - 984x964
Japan -  984 x 964

Box - Back

Pocket Tuner - Box - Back (Japan) - 1767x1390
Japan -  1767 x 1390

Box - Front

Pocket Tuner - Box - Front (Japan) - 1424x1410
Japan -  1424 x 1410

Box - Front - Reconstructed

Pocket Tuner - Box - Front - Reconstructed (Japan) - 543x475
Japan -  543 x 475

Clear Logo

Pocket Tuner - Clear Logo (Japan) - 1400x952
Japan -  1400 x 952

Disc

Pocket Tuner - Disc (Japan) - 812x783
Japan -  812 x 783

Screenshot - Game Title

Pocket Tuner - Screenshot - Game Title (Japan) - 320x240
Japan -  320 x 240