PocketStation

The PocketStation was a memory unit and companion accessory developed for the PlayStation circa 1999. Due to its status as an experimental device, the PocketStation was only available in Japan.

Background
A hybrid of a PlayStation Memory Card and a portable minigame toy, the PocketStation was a unit roughly the size of a Tamagotchi game, equipped with an infrared blaster, a monochrome LCD, and five programmable buttons, with its Memory Card interface located under the LCD panel. It was treated as a standard Memory Card with 128 kiB divided across 15 save "blocks", except for one important difference. Games compatible with the unit had additional data on the PlayStation game disc that could be written to the device, which could then be reused as a handheld for play on the go.

Although released exclusively in Japan and compatible with a limited number of PlayStation games, evidence exists that the PocketStation was possibly slated for international distribution; Final Fantasy VIII and its printed manual contained information on its Chocobo World minigame. The device ultimately proved immensely popular in Japan, but opinions differ as to why it was never released internationally. One prominent theory suggests that high demand created a supply shortage, and that the unit was shelved with the release of the PlayStation 2 in North America. Nevertheless, Japanese production continued for several years thereafter.

The Japanese version of Legend of Mana contained a minigame called Ring Ring Land, which was supplemental to the main game's monster management mechanics. This game was stripped from international prints, but was ultimately added back to the HD Remaster in 2021.