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June Update: PlayStation 6 and PlayStation Portable future visions

 The recent PlayStation video about the "simulated" technology in development, discussed between AMD and Sony engineers that will power the PlayStation 6 was interesting from a geek point of view. But from a gameplay perspective, there is - IMO - no need for a PlayStation 6 for another few years. Especially with the limp Xbox is-it-isn't-it launch .  June 2026 Update : The latest snippet of gossip for Sony's next-gen systems is a modular/external drive that will connect to both devices. Allowing installation on the portable of physical games, and reducing the cost of the PS6 by making the Blu-ray an accessory (like the PS5 Slim).  I prefer the idea of a dedicated dock on the PS6 that connects the next Portable to your entire PSN library, and they'd better make it work as an extra controller, but I'm sure there are practical benefits to the extra drive.   That should also boost sales of PS4 and PS5 physical games, especially on the second-hand market, as folk...

The Atelier series hits 25, celebrated by Koei Tecmo

There are at least eight Atelier games on the Vita, which must make it one of the Vita's deepest collections. Unfortunately, its a series that has largely past me by, I'm sad to say. Except that is for the charming Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book (review), and Shallie, which I have just started to help celebrate the series' 25th anniversary. 


Koei Tecmo is taking the time and effort to celebrate that anniversary with an updated website and some digital goodies (for filling in a survey, PlayStation Vita is still on the platform list!), along with some, presumably, upcoming news of the next in the series, the 25th anniversary release - along with the hashtag #welcomebackatelier in use.

Hopefully a new engine will add some life to these divine worlds, and gently improve the fine blend of crafting, fighting and exploring, perhaps with some auto-craft and auto-collect features to speed things up for modern gamers. 

Whatever's coming, if you do have any of the series on your Vita, give them a whirl. Or get started with a charming series that avoids the pace and pressure of most modern titles. 


Currently playing on my Vita/PS3/PS4/PS5


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