PlayStation Broadband Navigator (also referred to as BB Navigator and PSBBN) was a software program for the JapanesePlayStation 2 video game console and for the PSX, a digital video recorder and media center, which featured an integrated PlayStation 2 console.[1] It was distributed on CD and later DVD titled "PlayStation Broadband Navigator" for installation providing that the PlayStation 2 had a HDD Unit, memory card, and Playstation BB Network Adapter installed.[2]
The first version of the software was a pre-release version, 0.10 which was originally developed according to its executable date on May 21, 2001.[3]
PSBBN pre-release version 0.10: This prerelease version was released and bundled with Japanese PlayStation 2 BB Units (Network Adaptor and HDD bundle packs) in early 2002, replacing HDD Utility Disc 1.00. It lacked the ability to store and manage game saves on the HDD that HDD Utility Disc had.
PSBBN version 0.20 was released in late 2002. It added functions to the interface of the software, including the ability to update itself to new versions over a broadband internet connection and management for game saves.
PSBBN version 0.30 was released in mid-2003. It added access to Sony's feega service (which is used to bill the monthly fee for some online games) and an e-mail program. Version 0.31 was released in late 2003, fixing an exploit.
PSBBN version 0.32 was released in early 2004 and is the most up-to-date version. The only change appears to be the removal of the Audio Player option inside the Music Channel, which allows to transfer music between the HDD and a MiniDisc player in earlier PSBBN versions.
Online services pertaining to the software closed on March 31, 2016.[4]
Restrictions
The PlayStation Broadband Navigator installation disc is reported to have a stricter region lock on it than normal PlayStation 2 software, as the software will only boot on NTSC-J systems with a model number ending in 0 (systems that are sold only in Japan), making the software unusable on Korean and AsianNTSC-J PlayStation 2 consoles. Furthermore, the software will not operate if a non-Sony brand network adapter is installed in the console.
Features
PlayStation Broadband Navigator offers many features that are not available with the default PS2 Navigator. Some Japanese releases take advantage of these features and may even require a specific version (or higher) of the software.
Game channels
The logo used for the now-defunct PlayStation Now! channel.
Through the "PlayStation Now!" channel, new and upcoming games were showcased alongside a "hot games" feature showing which were most popular, as well as showcasing available PlayStation controllers, memory cards and peripherals.[6] The other channels had varying information and features, and generally game demonstrations and downloadable images/videos.
As a summary of the features of each channel:
The SCEJ Channel featured an installment of the series Everybody's Golf called Everybody's Golf Online in 2003, which featured online gameplay and tournaments.[7] It also featured a demo of Kuma Uta called "Let's Try Kuma Uta", a game where the player composed songs in the Japanese musical genre of Enka, which were then sung by a Polar bear via speech synthesis.[8] It also included interviews with SCEJ staff, such as producer Ryoji Akagawa.[9]
The Namco Channel featured sections which inclued information on games, Namco characters, and upcoming releases. It also featured a "library" section which included downloadable games and demos, such as Taiko no Tatsujin, Tales of series and Xenosaga series, where the user could download to their hard drive. It also included a "Neneko Channel" which published letters sent in from fans around Japan, and the "Ikuneko Channel" featured games which were exclusive to PlayStation BB.[10]
The Hudson Channel mainly featured information around the Bomberman Online game and Bomberman franchise series, providing image and video clips from the series which could be downloaded to the user's hard drive. It also included past Hudson games for download and play, such as Binary Land, Nuts & Milk, Shark Turtle, Star Soldier, China Warrior and Labyrinth Suite [11][12]
The KONAMI Channel mainly featured content around KONAMI's previous classic game series and allowed for download of old games from KONAMI's back-catalogue. It included downloadable videos and images of existing and upcoming KONAMI games.[13][14]
The Koei/GAMECITY Channel featured a portal for an online game service provided for the game Nobunaga's Ambition Online, including information on purchasing currency for the portal, and provided demos and downloads to play the full game.[15]
The Electronic Arts (EA) Portal featured access to game demos, information about EA games, and also news from "inside the game industry" detailing various aspects of game production and creation, as well as allowing questions to be asked to those inside the industry.[16]
Other features
Game Channel
Access to online sites, similar to web pages, for various ISPs and software publishers (only in version 0.20 and higher)
Downloadable game demos or full games (ex. Pop'n Taisen Puzzle-dama Online demo, Star Soldier BB full game, Milon's Secret Castle full game)
Downloadable picture and movie files
Information pages on past, current, and future releases and services
A launching point for bootable games installed to the HDD
Provides a tool to convert an audio CD to audio files on the HDD
Provides an organization system for audio files stored on the HDD and a means to play them
Provides a means to transfer audio files between a MiniDisc player and the HDD over a USB connection (only in versions 0.20 through 0.31)
Photo Channel
Provides an organization system for picture files stored on the HDD and a means to view them
Provides a means to transfer picture files between most USB storage devices and the HDD
Movie Channel
Provides an organization system for video files stored on the HDD and a means to view them
feega account management (only in versions 0.30 and up; required for Net de Bomberman and Minna no Golf Online)
Non-Japanese release
Sony Computer Entertainment America released the HDD on March 23, 2004, with HDD Utility Disc 1.01 and was bundled with Final Fantasy XI. Consumers who were aware of the PlayStation Broadband Navigator were confused as to why it was not included with the HDD Utility Disc. SCEA's response was always that the PlayStation Broadband Navigator would be released in North America "at a later date." Ultimately, the Broadband Navigator was never released outside of Japan, as Sony Computer Entertainment switched to only manufacturing the slim PlayStation 2 models, which never supported the HDD, and furthermore and later ending the manufacturing of HDD units for the North American region. Additionally, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe released the HDD as part of the PS2 Linux Kit in European regions on May 22, 2002.
The Broadband Navigator can be used on any Fat PS2 by using a fan-created modified/cracked build. Earlier Slim models (SCPH-7000x) support said cracked build as well, but require a hardware modification in the form of an IDE port or an IDE to SD adapter.[17]
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