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Final Fantasy XIII offers up a tablet, too

As Square Enix's epic sequel marches towards its North American release, the promotional oddities get even odder.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
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Scott Stein

Scott Stein/CNET
Scott Stein/CNET

Now, we're always a fan of strange promotional materials here at CNET, but Square Enix offered up something both odd and, oddly, cool in today's mailing. In a thick envelope, which we first thought was a very, very advanced copy of Final Fantasy XIII, came an invitation to a San Francisco launch event, with nary a disc or box in sight.

But wait, what's this? In a second Mylar envelope was the source of all the bulk: these thick acrylic faux-tablets. It looks like Square Enix is trying to get in on tablet-mania, too.

What are they, exactly? They seem like spare props from a Minority Report sequel, but are likely indicative of some of the future-tech that shows up in the very funky-looking FF XIII. If we were making a science-fiction movie tomorrow on a shoestring, these would be our futuristic data-pad props of choice.

Each of the tablets focuses on a different character--Lightning and Snow--making these huge transparent trading cards. If only we had a deck of these, we could play some sweet poker.

Look for our hands-on impressions of Final Fantasy XIII as its March 9 release date approaches.