Finally, this is less of a prediction and more of a wish. During my trip to Games Convention last summer in Germany, I saw some of the initiatives that Sony Europe has taken with the PlayStation line. Granted, I've been a critical outsider of SCEE's practices, from the bone-headed God of War II launch event with butchered goats to the blunt statements of some of its spokespeople, but there's one initiative that I've been ultimately impressed with: the real-world functionality of Sony devices.

During this picture, I suddenly recalled the bittersweet memory of standing in line for a PS3. Hence, my dubious face.

The PSP has some great software that's not slated for the US, such as instant messaging and directions a la Google Maps with 3D replicas of real buildings. The PS3 is going to beat Microsoft's IPTV initiatives in Europe by taking advantage of digital TV broadcasts in the UK, allowing your PS3 to function as a DVR, and subsequently, use the PSP's remote play to watch recorded shows on the go. Can you see how this would be huge in the US? SCEA seems to wait for a while to follow some of the European campaigns, like SingStar and Buzz!; let's hope that this one doesn't wait so long.

With that out of the way, it's time for some cake. Gabe was nice enough to take some pictures of it, although our copy editor didn't like the edible silkscreen PS3, so like that policeman's face in "Silence of the Lambs," it's floating off somewhere. Ultimately, as I've said on the Podcast, and even here on several occasions, this time next year is going to be the first really decisive year for this console. In the meantime, Happy Turkey Day, and I'll be back in two weeks!



State of the Station is written by Sterling McGarvey, who's interested in your thoughts on the PlayStation 3's one-year anniversary and if you imported a DualShock 3 (or why you're waiting til spring). Let him know here! Also, if you're interested in joining GameSpy's Folding@home efforts, join Group 64100.