This PSP that stood above Houston Street just off of Lafayette Street, was massive, larger even than an Atari Lynx. It was affixed to a billboard and had been running promotional PSP videos at least since 2006.

Here it is in a photo of the giant PSP circa 2008, which I pulled from Curbed.com.

That site, along with the outlet you're reading now, have covered the literal ups and downs of the giant PSP, which has been lowered for repairs in the past.

I had wondered to myself earlier this summer if Sony would replace the giant PSP with a giant PSPgo. Now I'm wondering if the giant PSP initiative is over. To think that some time in August, while I furiously typed up news of the PS3 Slim, the PSP Giant was being dismantled just a couple of blocks nearby. So sad.

I've inquired with Sony as to the whereabouts and future plans for the giant PSP.

[UPDATE: Via e-mail Sony spokesperson Patrick Seybold comments on the demise of the giant PSP to Kotaku: "The PSP billboard in New York City has been removed, as SCEA has decided to focus our resources on a broader marketing campaign that's inclusive of the new PSPgo, the PSP-3000, and the best software lineup to hit the platform. New Yorkers and visitors to the city will see the PSP brand more than ever this year, as part of a significant out-of-home campaign that includes billboards, bus shelters, and posters."]

ABC News has an informative two-page article up about the teen’s disappearance, talking to the family about the moments leading up to the disappearance. After being told that he was losing his Xbox 360 permanently Crisp told his parents he was leaving home.

Calling his son's bluff, Crisp said he advised him to take warm clothes when he saw Brandon loading things into a backpack. He then watched as his only son rode away on his bicycle. The family, which includes Brandon's twin sister and older sister, figured he'd blow off some steam with friends and be back that evening.

Crisp was last seen on a heavily traveled trail about 5:45 p.m. on Oct. 10. Microsoft Canada has been cooperating with the investigation trying to ping people who have been in contact with the teen in his favorite game: Call of Duty 4. But with no luck. In fact local police think the 360 is a dead alley.

Microsoft has also matched existing rewards for information leading to Brandon’s return, bumping it up to $41,776.

Family hope that their son broke into a nearby holiday cottage and is holed up there, but they also fear he may have been abducted or fled to the U.S. His home in Barrie is about 2 ½ hours from Buffalo, New York.

If you’ve had any contact with Crisp or know his whereabouts please contact authorities. I can’t even imagine what the parents are going through right now.

Microsoft Offering Reward for Return of Gaming Addicted Teen

[Update]: His body may have been found.

Crisp left his home on October 13th after an argument with his parents over a confiscated Xbox 360. He has been missing ever since. His father, Steve Crisp, says he is convinced that Brandon's disappearance may be connected to someone he met while gaming online.

TV show America's Most Wanted has posted a profile of the missing boy on its website, describing him as "an avid online gamer who specifically plays 1st person shooters."

Missing Ont. teen may not be in Canada: police [CBC]

Microsoft is to be lauded for putting its money where its mouth is, and a missing child is a no-holds-barred effort, to be sure. But man, who knows how many people this kid gamed with over Xbox Live. They better not have any porn laying around when the cops come calling. I'm deadly serious.

Meantime, you-know-who has thrust himself into the Crisp family's misery. Jack Thompson says he called the cops offering his help, then said some bullshit about game addiction. I don't know what offer he made to them, maybe to cast the demons out of Brandon when they get him back. Why not. His faith healing skills are probably as effective as his lawyering ones.

If you have information you believe can help find Brandon Crisp, contact the Barrie police at 705-725-7025.

Reward Reaches $50,000 for Missing Ont. Kid; Microsoft and Jack Thompson Offer Assistance [Ripten]