Playstation Portable
”Echocrome Gets (European) Release Date
An Echo For The Ages [PlayStation UK, via PocketGamer]
Sony Wants To Know Why You're Hacking Your PSP
The engineers at Sony can't be too thrilled with fighting the constant battle against PSP hackers, issuing firmware updates that "strengthen security" in a futile attempt to curb piracy and homebrew applications. Going by a recent survey commissioned by Sony Computer Entertainment, passed on to us by a reader who was asked to take part, the company seems to be looking into the reasons why PSP owners are opening up their portables.
Sony reps call the survey a part of "ongoing PSP consumer research", attempting to learn more about the size of the PSP hacking population and the mentality behind the behavior. Questions like "Do you know of anyone who has "hacked," or modified, transferred and customized their PSP firmware and software?" were included elsewhere in the poll.
We're following up with Sony to learn more about its research.
New R-Type Command Screens
Atlus just sent over this batch of fresh new R-Type Command screens. R-Type Command is set to hit the Playstation Portable on May 6, but you can grab a demo (which includes a taste of ad-hoc multiplayer) for free on the PSN store. I don't know if it's a good idea for me to own an R-Type on a system that I can easily either throw through a window or smash on the ground. Not that, that would happen, but it is R-Type.
New Blu-Ray Player Lets You Record TV On Your PSP
Still waiting on that promised ability to transfer Blu-Ray's from a PS3 to a PSP. In the meantime, I'm going to point out something you're never going to buy, and a situation you'll most likely never find yourself in, but is interesting nonetheless. At least on a trivial level. Above is Sony's BDZ-A70 Blu-Ray recorder, which lets you watch TV, then record that TV onto a Blu-Ray disc. And also a PSP. I know, you can do that already in a less-than-legal sense, but having it officially embraced by Sony like this suggests the little handheld will find itself integrated more and more into Sony's non-gaming lineup as it spreads its multimedia wings.Sony's New Blu-ray Recorder Moves TV (not BD) Vid to PSP [Giz]
LittleBigPlanet In Development For PSP?
LittleBigPlanet coming to PSP? [CVG]
Make Preparations For PSP Firmware 3.95
Oh boy! Firmware updates! Sony have just announced that they'll soon be releasing firmware v3.95 for the PSP, an update that will undoubtedly take your good PSP and make it better. It'll be bringing two new features to the portable: custom button configuration for PS1 game playback, and the ability to quit remote play with your PS3 but leave your PS3 running. They may sound insignificant in isolation, but remember, the path to a convenient, labour-free modern lifestyle is littered with baby steps such as these.Death Takes Old PS2, PSP Online Servers [Update]
Sony aren't a charity, folks. They're not going to go paying for online support for a bunch of old games that none of you play anymore. So they've announced that on June 30, they'll be killing off theSony Signs On For Am Jam Tour
Sony today announced that it's teaming up with Woodward Camp for the fifth annual Playstation Am Jam Tour. The tour hits skateparks across the country, giving amateur skateboarders and BMXers a chance to compete for $5,000 and some Playstation prizes.
The tour, which oddly enough begin back on March 14, hits 14 stops including Las Vegas, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rye, New Hampshire; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia and wraps up on May 25th in Orlando, Florida. The finals will be held in Woodward, Pennsylvania in August.
Participants have at each stop have a chance to win a Playstation prize package that includes a PSP and some games as well as some clothes and an expense-paid, week-long stay at Woodward Camp, where they will compete in the finals. Winners at the finals will receive $5,000, a free summer at Woodward Camp, a Playstation 3 and a Playstation prize pack.
"PlayStation is committed to strong youth brands and action sports programs that offer kids access to fun, supportive and collaborative environments," said Ginger Kraus, director of promotions at SCEA. "Woodward exemplifies a brand that truly empowers young people. We are proud to align with them for the fifth annual PlayStation AM JAM tour, providing opportunity and exposure for talented young athletes rising to the top in their respective sports."More »
SCEA: Portable Copy Hitting PSP Later This Year
After posting the PC World rumor earlier this month saying Portable Copy was going to be hitting the PS3 and PSP last week (and then finding out that, no it wasn't) I got a hold of Sony to find out what the time frame looked like.
I'm still pretty psyched about the ability to download my Blu-ray movies to the PSP for watching on the go.
Sony told me that according to Sony Pictures they expect to release the first Blu-ray disc movies with Portable Copy "later this year", but that they don't have a specific timeframe yet.
The technology, they told me, is currently under development, so Sony is also unclear on whether a PSP firmware update will be required to get it to work.
Handheld Wars: DS vs PSP vs iPhone
Comparisons between the DS and PSP were played out years ago. Especially when you consider the DS doesn't give a hoot about what's under its hood. But you know what, fuck it, let's dredge the subject up again, because RoughlyDrafted have compared the tech specs of both handhelds and put em up against the iPhone. Their point? Showcasing the potential Apple's phone has in the gaming arena. Click through for the full, grisly details. More »A Second Look At The God Of War/PSP Bundle
Sony: PSP Portable Copy Not Coming with 2.2
Turns out it's a good thing I was so dubious.
SCEA contacted us today to let us know we were right to doubt, the Playstation 3's firmware 2.20 update will not include Portable Copy support, despite reports to the contrary.
Too bad, I'm about to go away on a trip for a few days and was thinking I might be able to bring some movies with me. Of course, I'm also still confused about whether all Blu-ray movies will be copyable or if it will be only for movies that have an extra PSP file included on the disc.
Iron Man Movie Cast Is Iron Man Game Cast
Hey, Iron Man fans, quit worrying about the voice-acting for Sega's upcoming tie-in game, would you? Everything's going to be OK. Nice and authentic. Sega have announced that the film's three main stars - Robert Downey Junior, Terence Howard and Shaun Toub - will be reprising their roles for the game. If only I could go back to 1990 and place a bet that in 2008 I'd be playing as Robert Downey Junior in a superhero game made by Sega that's appearing on no less than seven platforms... More »
psp
PSP Skype Headset Coming In April
As it stands, Skype on the PSP is useful, but problematic. Biggest problem being you need two separate accessories to run it: headphones and a mic. That'll be sorted next month when Sony release their official Skype headset, which while still lacking an official price is currently listed on Amazon for the all-too-affordable price of $20.Skype headset for PSP coming April, for $20 [PSP Fanboy]
psp
PSP Firmware Update (3.93) Hits Tomorrow
Sure does. March 18. Sony just said so. On the gaming side of things, it's a minor one, with only expanded "support for PlayStation Network titles" new to the table. On the internet radio side of things, though, it's a bonanza. Twenty new PSP Internet Radio players will be made available, and will now be categorised by things like genre, making your experience all the easier. The three of you who actually use internet radio on your PSP must be thrilled!
final fantasy vii: crisis core
UK Gets Lovely Crisis Core Special Edition
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core's been a long time coming for Europe. Still going to be a while, actually, with the game not due to hit until much later this year. As a half-hearted compensatory offer, Square Enix are offering British customers a special edition of the title, which will come in a fancy box and include a 48-page art book. No word on whether continental Europe can expect the same deal. As for interested Britons, Eurogamer reckon the bundle will be the same price as the standard edition, but will only be available for pre-order customers, so if you'd fancy one best get your pre-purchase skates on sharpish.Crisis Core FFVII SE for UK [Eurogamer]






