PocketStation

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PlayStation Memory Card and PDA by Sony

title: "PocketStation" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["playstation-(console)-accessories", "arm-based-video-game-consoles", "computer-related-introductions-in-1999", "discontinued-handheld-game-consoles", "fifth-generation-video-game-consoles", "japan-exclusive-video-game-hardware", "monochrome-video-game-consoles", "products-and-services-discontinued-in-2002", "sony-consoles", "video-game-storage-media"] description: "PlayStation Memory Card and PDA by Sony" topic_path: "geography/japan" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PocketStation" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary PlayStation Memory Card and PDA by Sony ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox information appliance"]

FieldValue
imageSony-PocketStation.png
image_upright0.8
developerSony Computer Entertainment
manufacturerSony Corporation
typePeripheral, handheld game console
lifespan1999–2002
generationFifth
release_date
discontinued
dimensions64 x
weight30 g
cpuARM7T (32 bit RISC processor)
memory2 KB
power1 CR-2032 lithium battery
input* 5× Digital buttons
successorPlayStation Portable
media
logoPocketStation logo.svg
logo_upright0.8
familyPlayStation
::

| image = Sony-PocketStation.png | image_upright = 0.8 | developer = Sony Computer Entertainment | manufacturer = Sony Corporation | type = Peripheral, handheld game console | lifespan = 1999–2002 | generation = Fifth | release_date = | discontinued = | dimensions = 64 x | weight = 30 g | cpu = ARM7T (32 bit RISC processor) | memory = 2 KB | power = 1 CR-2032 lithium battery | input = * 5× Digital buttons | successor = PlayStation Portable | media = | logo = PocketStation logo.svg | logo_upright = 0.8 | family = PlayStation The PocketStation is a memory card peripheral by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation home video game console. It was released in Japan in 1999. The device acted not only as a memory card but was interactive itself via a small monochrome LCD display and buttons on its case. Many PlayStation games included software that could be downloaded and played on the PocketStation. A release in Europe and North America was planned but was ultimately canceled. The PocketStation shares similarities with Sega's VMU for the Dreamcast.

History

The PocketStation was released exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1999. 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. 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 Japan, engaging in promotional activity in Europe and North America, but the release did not occur. SCEA cited an inability to meet Japanese demand as the reason for the PocketStation's absence. Despite this, a few games, such as Final Fantasy VIII and SaGa Frontier 2, retained PocketStation functionality in their localized versions.

On November 5, 2013, it was announced that the PocketStation would be revived as an application for the PlayStation Vita, allowing users to play PocketStation format minigames for any classic PlayStation games that they own. Originally only available to PlayStation Plus members, it was later released to the general public. It remains an exclusive to the Japanese PlayStation Vita.

Hardware

Categorized by Sony as a combination of a Memory Card and 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 sound capability. To use the device's memory card functionality, it must be connected to a PlayStation through a memory card slot.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: ARM7T (32-bit RISC chip variable clock, max 7.995 MHz)
  • Memory: 2 KB SRAM, 128 KB Flash RAM (via the PlayStation memory card)
  • Screen: 32×32 dot monochrome LCD
  • Sound: 1 miniature speaker (10-bit PCM)
  • Switches: 5 input buttons, 1 reset button
  • Infrared communication: bi-directional (supports IrDA based and conventional remote control systems)
  • LED indicator: 1 (red)
  • Battery: 1 CR-2032 lithium battery
  • Other functions: calendar function, memory card and identification number.
  • Dimensions: 64 × 42 × 13.5 mm (height × width × depth)
  • Weight: approximately 30 g (including battery)
  • Available colors: White, Crystal/Clear, Black (Japanese Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories Limited Edition), Crystal/Clear Yellow, Crystal/Clear Violet, Crystal/Clear Pink (Tokimeki Memorial 2 Limited Edition), Crystal/Clear Black, Crystal/Clear Blue, Light Blue

Software

Software for the PocketStation was typically distributed as extras for PlayStation games, included in the CD-ROM, enhancing the games with added features. Standalone software could also be downloaded through the PlayStation console onto a memory card, 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 PocketStation's most popular game was Doko Demo Issyo, 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.

Compatible PlayStation games

References

References

  1. (1998-12-09). "PocketStation delayed in Japan". Future Publishing.
  2. (December 9, 1998). "超小型ＰＤＡ「PocketStation」１月２３日に発売延期". [[Sony Computer Entertainment]].
  3. link. (1998-10-08). Sony Computer Entertainment
  4. IGN staff. (January 28, 1999). "PocketStation Shortages Rock Japan". IGN.
  5. IGN staff. (October 8, 1998). "TGS: Sony's Next Stop: Pocket Station". IGN.
  6. Mark J. P. Wolf. (2008). "The video game explosion: a history from PONG to Playstation and beyond". ABC-CLIO.
  7. Commodore Wheeler. (May 13, 1999). "Pocketstation Cancelled in the US". RPGFan.
  8. IGN staff. (May 13, 1999). "PocketStation Slips Indefinitely". IGN.
  9. (1999). "Final Fantasy VIII North American instruction manual". Square Electronic Arts.
  10. (2000). "SaGa Frontier 2 North American instruction manual". Square Electronic Arts.
  11. 2013-11-04, [http://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/04/play-chocobo-world-vita-pocketstation-downloadable-app-japan/ Play Chocobo World On Vita, PocketStation Is A Downloadable App In Japan], Siliconera
  12. (26 January 1999). "Sony Calls to ARM for PocketStation". [[The Register]].
  13. "Pocketstation - PlayStation Specifications - psx-spx".
  14. (May 1998). "Virtual Pet in My PDA!". [[Ziff Davis]].
  15. (April 1999). "International Previews: PocketStation".
  16. Fennec Fox. (July 19, 2002). "Sony Discontinues PocketStation". [[GamePro]].
  17. GameSpot staff. (July 19, 2002). "Sony ceases PocketStation production". [[GameSpot]].
  18. (1999). "Jade Cocoon Japanese instruction manual". Genki.
  19. IGN staff. (November 30, 2009). "IGN: New Legend of Dragoon Info". IGN.
  20. Shufu no Tomo Infos. (2013)
  21. "IGN: Pocket Tuner". IGN.
  22. Parish, Jeremy. (2006). "Forgotten Gem: Jumping Flash!". [[1UP.com]].
  23. "【8月31日のレトロゲーム】今日はPS『たれごろ たれぱんだのいる日常』の発売23周年！".

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playstation-(console)-accessoriesarm-based-video-game-consolescomputer-related-introductions-in-1999discontinued-handheld-game-consolesfifth-generation-video-game-consolesjapan-exclusive-video-game-hardwaremonochrome-video-game-consolesproducts-and-services-discontinued-in-2002sony-consolesvideo-game-storage-media