Kotaku: Sony Psp

PSP 3000 Battery Myths Shattered!

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:40:44 MDT

The video gaming industry was devastated to learn recently that the recently announced PSP 3000, with its new, brighter screen, built-in microphone and fancy new PS button, may lead to shorter battery life. GameSpot reported recently, based on a conversation with SCEA's John Koller, that higher consumption may reduce battery life by "about 20 minutes." Just soul crushing...

Fortunately, the director of hardware marketing now says that's not actually true, that the PSP 3000 will have an equivalent battery life of four to six hours when gaming, less when watching UMDs. Koller writes on the official PlayStation.blog that "our engineers in Japan worked to reduce the power consumption of the overall system including its components" ending our long national nightmare of slightly reduced up-time due to battery charge. Thank you, God!

New PSP’s Battery Life Equivalent to Current PSP [PlayStation.blog]

Can You Pick Out The New PSP-3000? Can You?

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:00:00 MDT

Well, we've seen how the new PSP (PSP-3000) stacks up against the old PSP-2000 — we've even gotten to read about it in English. But for those who like to look at pictures, we've got more pictures. Lots more. Pictures that do a nice job of showing how different the PSP-3000 display is. Right up there, is the PSP-2000 and the PSP-300. Can you spot which is which? And what are the cosemtic differences?

After the jump, the PSP's backsides. Which one is the 3000? The 2000? What are the appearances changes?

PSP-3000の液晶ディスプレイはどれくらい進化しているのか？ [Famitsu]

PSP-2001 vs PSP-3000

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:20:00 MDT

Differences between the PSP-2001 (ie the PSP Slim) and the PSP-3000 (ie the new one) may not be as big as those between the Slim and the original, but damnit, there are still differences. Famitsu are the first to compare the new PSP model with its predecessor, and as you can see, the changes are fundamental! Innumerable! Look at those streamlined edges! We'll never be able to play our Slims again, what with the fear being crushed by its blunt, heavy edges. After the jump, a more effective comparison shot, this one showing the difference a new LCD screen can make.

PSP-3000、イチ早く触ってみました！[Famitsu]

Get A Good Look At The New PSP-3000

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:40:00 MDT

Announced yesterday, the PSP-3000 will be the third major iteration of Sony's PlayStation Portable line. So let's take a good look at it! Below are galleries showing the two colours that'll be available in North America: Piano Black and Mystic Silver. As you can see in the pic above, there's a third colour - Pearl White - but that one's only for Europe and Japan. For now, anyways.

New Official Details, North American Date For PSP 3000

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:20 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment America has released further information on the new model of the PSP, officially known as the PSP 3000, including when you'll be able to get it stateside. The PSP 3000 model will be available in North America this October, shipping with the previously announced Ratchet & Clank Size Matters entertainment pack, the same one announced at E3 2008.

SCEA officially describes the PSP 3000's new LCD screen as having "a wider color gamut and higher contrast ratio to deliver deeper, more vibrant colors, as well as anti-reflection technology so you can see the screen more clearly when playing outdoors."

As rumored, the PSP 3000 also ships with a smaller metal ring on the back. Picture proof after the jump.

Even the stroke has been slimmed!

SCEA will ship the standalone "Core Pack" version of the PSP 3000 "later this year" for $169.99.

PSP Gets A Ten-Year Plan As Well

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Know this, industry followers: Sony aren't kidding around when they say the PS3 will have a ten-year shelf life. They mean it. It's hard-wired company policy, that comes straight from the top. What's not so widely known, however, is that it's a policy that is being applied to all PlayStation products. Which, yeah, includes the PS2 (which is nearly there), but also the PSP. Sony's Scott Steinberg:

We do not have a planned obsolescence strategy [for the PSP]. Whether it's Skype or some other peripherals, it's not just a dumb terminal that lies secluded and isn't enhanced with all the recent technologies and opportunities.

Did he...did he just call the DS a "dumb terminal"?

SCEA's Steinberg On 'Future-Proofing' A Ten-Year PS3 [Gamasutra]

Upcoming PSP Releases Will Make You Say "Wow"

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:40:43 MDT

A year and a half ago, the PSP wasn't exactly wowing consumers or third-party publishers. Even John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony, might agree, telling MTV Multiplayer that, at the time, PSP gamers "were mostly ports" of their console siblings, resulting in minimal wows.

That's going to change, Koller says, as "we’re going to see a lot of very large franchise games come from third-parties" starting at the end of this year and into 2009. Consumers are"going to be a bit of a surprise, they’re going to be like ‘Wow, that’s coming to PSP?’” according to John.

The PSP is certainly in a good position in Japan, regularly outselling all other hardware platforms for the better part of this year. We'll have to see if the wows translate to sales over the next 18 months.

Sony Plans PSP Comeback In America, Recovering From System’s Low Point [MTV Multiplayer]

Fun With Trivia: Passing Around Buzz! Master Quiz

Leigh Alexander — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:20:00 MDT

Remember being a kid and playing those talking electronic trivia games that you were supposed to pass back and forth among your friends? Sony and Relentless Software's Buzz! Master Quiz put me in mind of those sort of games, only this time, hosted by a big-headed Muppet of a blond guy and featuring several different types of trivia games.

The neat part about this is the different types of game modes there are. You can play just by your lonesome with your PSP, you can use game sharing among your friends, or use the "Pass Around" mode, in which up to six of you can play the same game by passing around one PSP. It was the latter mode I checked out with the Sony reps, and I was surprised at how neat turning one PSP into a pass-around trivia game can be.

Buzz! Master Quiz features innumerable modes, guessing and trivia games, but in my demo, we tried a picture-guessing game. One person holds the PSP and selects a picture, and then picks only one section of it to show the other player. Once that's done, the PSP is passed to the other player, who must answer a quiz question about the picture after seeing only the one section.

I got mine wrong, and, of course, failed to stump the Sony rep when it was my turn.

The interface is fairly slick, and all you really need to do is push the buttons on the PSP that correspond to the answer you want to pick. Pass-Around players can plug in their names and choose a funny character to represent them — helps, of course, to keep track of who is who. In another one of the multiplayer games, the person holding the PSP is presented with a trivia question and is asked to predict which player will get it right and who will get it wrong.

I was also told about a "virus challenge" mode where taking time to answer questions saps player's scores, so as you pass the PSP around, ultimately the player who answered his or her trivia the quickest will have the most points.

It seems like it'd be a lot of fun for pairs or groups of friends — another plus is the reps and I were able to pass and play while still carrying on a conversation, so it's a way to entertain everyone without necessarily requiring all their attention. I'm the sort to eyeroll a bit at trivia games, but I could see myself playing the hero and pulling out my PSP with this game next time I'm in a restaurant or on a long subway trip with pals and an awkward silence descends.

No, Valkyria Chronicles Isn't Coming To PSP

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:10 MDT

When Sony showed off Sega's Valkyria Chronicles as part of its upcoming PSP line-up, alongside titles like Resistance: Retribution and LocoRoco 2, we thought.... "Wait. Valkyria Chronicles? For the PSP?!" It was, inarguably, the best looking PSP game on display.

The reason for that is that Valkyria Chronicles is a PlayStation 3 title. Chalk its appearance at Sony's E3 media briefing up to a massive blunder on Sony's part. Sega president Simon Jeffery sounded none too pleased about the flub when we talked to him earlier today and hinted that Sony was on the receiving of serious tongue-lashing from the publisher. Oops!

LocoRoco 2, Resistance: Retribution Among New PSP Titles

Leigh Alexander — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:33:32 MDT

Sony's Bend studio is currently working on Resistance: Retribution, coming to PSP in Spring 2009. After showing that title, a third-person shooter faithful to the first game, Sony's Jack Tretton casually dropped a few more:

LocoRoco 2, Patapon 2, NBA 09: Inside, Super Stardust Portable, Buzz! Master Quiz, Valkyria Chronicles and Midnight Club: Los Angeles Remix.

"We've always felt that the PSP was one of the keys to Sony owning the living room," Tretton said.

Patapon 2 Announced, Let's Look At It

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:00:00 MDT

People liked Patapon so much that Sony Computer Entertainment Japan went and decided to put out another. That's right, this winter Japan will see Patapon 2. While the previous title was single player, the sequel will feature four player multi-player mode as well as new characters. PON-PON-PATA-PON!

Hit the jump for another look at Patapon 2.

Patapon 2 in Famitsu [2chan]

The PSP Needs More Than Monster Hunter

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 MDT

Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G is a huge game in Japan. That title alone has energized the PSP and pushed sales to the top of the chart. In the recent Famitsu, industry pundits gather around to look at the first half of the year. Among the topics covered is of course Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G and why it's popular and what it means for the PSP. Insights abounds, but the pick of the litter is from Japanese game journo Kiyoshi Shin:

The Pokémon generation has shifted over to 2nd G, and you could see this as a shift in the Nintendo DS's audience, too... If it keeps relying on a single game, then the PSP's popularity could be a very temporary thing. Sony Computer Entertainment needs to keep actively backing up its third-party developers; I hope to see that in motion at E3 this month.

Sony does need to parlay MHP2ndG into other big third party games as well if the PSP is going to have real legs.

Japan's Game Industry Looks Back At 2008 So Far [1Up] [Pic]

Ten Years For PSP Is "Certainly The Long-Term Plan"

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:40:00 MDT

Sony hasn't given up on the PSP by a damn sight. The console is doing quite well in Japan, but feels stifled somewhat in other territories. But what's the masterplan for the PSP? That Slim&Lite is nice and all, but how long is the PlayStation Portable going to last? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe suit Zeno Colaço (pictured, not in dress) states:

We definitely have the ambition for it [the PSP] to feature very strongly in the future, both on its own and also complimentary to PlayStation Network environment and the PS3. But we'll have to wait a while before we can fully reveal the direction we're going in. Ten years is certainly the long-term plan though.

No clue if Sony is planning slimmer PSPs in the future or what. But still, having a long-term plan is good. Not having them can make one look unprepared, you know.

Sony exec points to a ten-year lifespan for the 'PlayStation Networked' PSP [Pocket Gamer] [Pic]

Little Big Planet Rolls Out With PlayStation Experience Truck

Mike Fahey — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MDT

Sony's rolling marketing platforms are back to make their summer rounds, and one of them is bringing Little Big Planet with it! The two trucks, The PlayStation Experience and The PlayStation Patrol, have been fitted with the latest games and sent out to bring PS3 and PSP games to major events and concerts around the country.

The truck you want to look for is The PlayStation Experience, a giant red monstrosity that not only contains playable Little Big Planet demos but Rock Band and Singstar stages as well.

Meanwhile The PlayStation Patrol truck will be sporting a new PlayStation lounge, complete with two 52 inch LCD TV's and lounge seating for folks too good to stand.

Both trucks will be making the rounds this summer. Hit the link for more information and the all-important truck appearance schedules.

PlayStation Experience Back on Patrol [Official PlayStation Blog]

"Sometimes PSP Piracy Fuels Hardware Sales" (Orly?)

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:00:00 MDT

Sony is rarin' to crack down on PSP piracy. According to Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe bossman David Reeves, PSP piracy is a global problem, and that's bad. But Reeves also points out that piracy is pushing PSP sales, and we guess that's good. Here's what David has to say:

There is a piracy problem on PSP. We know about it, we know how it’s done. It sometimes fuels the growth of hardware sales, but on balance we are not happy about it.

Plus, minus, frowny faces. We're sure David Reeves will get this all figured out. JUST YOU WATCH, BUSTER!

There Is A Piracy Problem [MCVUK]

PSP Firmware Update Adds Much Needed Googling

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:40:00 MDT

Firmware version 4.00 is due "soon" for the PSP, according to PlayStation Network Operations director Eric Lempell—typically "soon" means within the next few hours in these terms—and while it may not make the handheld a flying breakfast car, it's respectable. The newest update adds Google searches directly from the PSP's XMB, giving gamers on the go another avenue for cheating during pub quizzes.

Far less exciting than that feature is the option to speed up or slow down video playback via Memory Stick. Yup. Things will be slower or faster, depending on which direction one presses on the D-pad. Hey, remember that Google thing from earlier? Wasn't that awesome?

PSP (PlayStation Portable) v4.00 Update [PlayStation.blog]

Sony Responds To May NPD Sales, Seems Pleased

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:00:00 MDT

Sony fired first with a set of carefully chosen numbers that highlight its U.S. sales performance for the month of May. Responding to NPD sales data, the company was quick to point out that the PlayStation 3 eclipsed Xbox 360 hardware sales, achieving 155% year over year growth. Sony sounded pleased with PSP and PS2 sales, revealing that the latter moved 132,000-plus units in May.

The reason it had such a "solid" month? Enthusiasm! Specifically, enthusiasm for games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Singstar and (wait for it...) Haze. All told, 1.26 million units of PS3 software were sold, with Sony boasting that 32% of PS3 owners have picked up GTA IV.

Other notable Sony percentages include 234%, 6%, 6.7%, 46%, 98%, 20.4%, and 19.2%. Impressive!

Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA said "momentum" twice and bragged about the "prized exclusive" Metal Gear Solid 4 in his official statement. Handcrafted corporate gloating, Sony style, is after the jump.

PlayStation by the Numbers
May 2008

PS3 Eclipses Xbox 360 Hardware Sales; PS3 Hardware Sales Growth Exceeds 155 Percent Year-Over-Year

PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) continued its break-out year, selling 208,709 hardware units in May. 22,106 more units than Microsoft’s Xbox 360 (according to NPD May 2008 sales data).

Spurred by enthusiasm for Grand Theft Auto IV and the exclusive releases of SingStar for PS3 and Haze, 1.26 million software units were sold for PS3 in May, representing an increase of 234 percent from this time last year.

* 442,910 of copies of Grand Theft Auto IV were sold for PS3 in May, with more than 1.4 million of copies of the game sold for PS3 in the U.S. to date. More than 32 percent of U.S. PS3 owners have purchased a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, a 6 percent higher attach rate than Xbox 360.
* PS3 hardware sales momentum is expected to continue in June, spurred by the highly anticipated launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, exclusively for PS3, as well as the introduction of the special edition Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 bundle.
* Popularity of the PLAYSTATION®Network continues to rise, with more than 20 million pieces of content downloaded from the PlayStation®Store in May (11.6 million for North America), including the monster hit echochrome. There are currently more than 9 million registered PLAYSTATION Network accounts worldwide (nearly 4.2 million in North America) with more than 160 million pieces of content downloaded from the PlayStation®Store to date.

PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) continued to boast solid sales in May with 182,310 PSP hardware units sold. In June, SCEA launched an exclusive God of War: Chains of Olympus PSP bundle including the Superbad UMD and a PSN voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, which will further increase sales of the handheld.
PlayStation®2 (PS2) also had another strong month in May with hardware unit sales reaching 132,708 units, up 6.7 percent over the previous month. More than 42.2 million PS2s have been sold to date.
Power of the PlayStation Portfolio

The PlayStation brand continued to generate impressive sales, earning $331.6 million in May.

* Year-to-date (Jan-May), the PlayStation brand generated close to $2.27 billion in revenue, 46 percent higher than Microsoft, and representing an increase of more than 17 percent year-over-year.
* PlayStation total hardware revenue was $133 million in May, 98 percent higher than Microsoft, and representing a year-over-year growth of over 20.4 percent.
* PlayStation total software revenue in May was $159 million, representing a year-over-year growth of 19.2 percent.

“Leading into a pivotal season packed with blockbuster titles and unique online service offerings, consumers have chosen the PS3 as their home entertainment console of choice - showcased by its year-over-year sales growth of 155 percent. With its commanding line up of software titles and enhanced movie playback capabilities, the PS3 has seen phenomenal momentum with a software sales increase of more than 234 percent and additional studio support of delivering content in the Blu-ray format. The dual platform release of the much anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV title reaffirmed its legacy on the PlayStation platform with a 6 percent higher attach rate than Xbox 360, reinforcing consumer choice of PS3. Poised for continued momentum, PS3 is delivering on its breadth and depth of exclusive titles to its gaming fans with today's prized exclusive title launch of Metal Gear Solid 4. The media have hailed 2008 as the year of the PS3, and with solid sales and growth opportunities ahead, we feel consumers are saying the same.”

- Jack Tretton, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Plugs Continue, PSP Pops Up In MGS4

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:00:00 MDT

Metal Gear Solid 4 is a Sony product smorgasbord! The game has Snake using a SIXAXIS controller, Otacon talking up the power of Blu-ray. Not to mention the in-game Sony cell phone! Now, add the PSP to the list of Sony product cross promotion. Bet Sony thinks it's a shame Kojima Productions chose to have MGS4 include an iPod and not a Walkman. (Bet Sony thinks it's a shame nobody buys Walkmans!)

Hey, You Put A PSP [PSP Fanboy]

Sony Trains Future Engineers With PlayStation-edu

Mike Fahey — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:00:00 MDT

Sony is always on the prowl for engineers and programmers with a familiarity with their hardware, but they haven't exactly made it easy to get your hands on a development kit in the past. That all changes now as SCEA introduces the PlayStation-edu program, which focuses on familiarizing you engineers and programmers with the PlayStation hardware.

Qualifying institutions (college level and above) will be given a chance to purchase PSP and PlayStation 2 development kits complete with the hardware, dev software, and SDK, along with demo codes and samples so teachers can illustrate how the hardware works to students. The goal here is to generate a fresh crop of college graduates armed with the knowledge they need to create on SCEA hardware.

Interested parties can hit the link below for contact information, and if you are currently in a game programming or computer architecture class, start bugging the hell out of your professor so you too can get your hands on a PlayStation 2 with the word TOOL on the side in big letters.

PlayStation-edu [The Official PlayStation Blog]

Japan Gets The Blue PSP As Well

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Sony Japan so are not done with the colour changes. Next up, following the new red PS2, is this "Metallic Blue" PSP. Which is new for Japan, not so new for the US, since it's the same colour North America's getting in the limited edition Madden 09 PSP pack. This one will be a limited edition as well, and will come in two bundles: a "value pack" (¥23,800/USD$228), which is the PSP, a 32MB card, AV cables and various bags/straps, and a "1 Seg" pack (¥29,800/USD$286), which is everything that comes in the value pack, but with the addition of the nifty 1 Seg TV tuner. Both will be out in Japan on July 17.

Tokyo, June 3, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced that it would release two PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) packs in “Metallic Blue” color, “PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Metallic Blue Value Pack” and “PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Metallic Blue 1 Seg Pack,” featuring a new color for the summer season. Beginning Thursday July 17th, 2008, “PSP Metallic Blue Value Pack” and “PSP Metallic Blue 1 Seg Pack” will be released as a limited offer at recommended retail prices of 23,800 yen (including tax) and 29,800 yen (including tax) respectively.

“PSP Metallic Blue Value Pack” comprises a new “Metallic Blue” PSP, pouch, hand strap, cloth, a 32MB Memory Stick™ Duo, as well as a “D Terminal AV Cable (*1)” which allows users to enjoy high quality entertainment content on TVs in homes. “PSP Metallic Blue Value Pack” will be a great starter pack for those who wish to begin their PSP experience for the first time.

“PSP Metallic Blue 1 Seg Pack” bundles a “Metallic Blue” PSP with a widely popular “1 Seg” tuner, a pouch in the same blue color that can store the PSP system with the tuner attached, a stand to place the PSP system for TV viewing, strap, cloth, and a 1GB Memory Stick™ PRO Duo. This product is ideal for those who wish to enjoy not only games but also a variety of other PSP entertainment including “1 Seg” viewing.

For the upcoming summer season's press release on Kotaku, a host of new and exciting software titles are scheduled to be released for PSP, including third party titles such as GUNDAM BATTLE UNIVERSE and SUPER ROBOT TAISEN A PORTABLE by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., The Legend of Heroes: SORA NO KISEKI by Nihon Falcom Corporation, and PHANTASY STAR PORTABLE by SEGA CORPORATION. (*2)

With these new offerings, together with the lineup of forthcoming new game titles, SCEJ will continue to expand the market and create a new world of handheld computer entertainment with PSP.

Top 5 Games to Play Before Bedtime

ogood — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:00:00 MDT

MSNBC has a feature up: The top 5 games to play before you go to bed. This means PSP and DS games, mostly, unless you pass out on the couch after a marathon session on your console. They seem to be looking for mental challenges to tucker your brain out so you go straight to slumberland.

The games: Brain Age 2 (DS), Me & My Katamari (PSP), Clubhouse Games (DS), Lumines II (PSP) and Nintendogs (DS). All cute, all wuvable, all games a corporate media company can recommend kids play under the covers without their parents going blasto and writing the government.

MSNBC wants readers to comment, but I'll totally bigfoot that and pop the question here: What's your favorite game to play before you go to bed? Console or handheld. I like to cuddle up with Manhunt 2. Sweet dreams.

Top 5 Games to Play in Bed [MSNBC]

PSP Has Ten Year Life Cycle (In Updated Forms)

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Hope you like the PSP! If not, you better, buster. Because you are stuck with it. Well, at least for the next ten years. That's right, count 'em, ten years. Says Sony PSP marketing manager John Koller:

We've talked about the PSP being a 10 year product, but a 10 year product in the continued... how can I put this... in the continued lifecycle, so we obviously had the 1000, we have the 2000, so the PSP as it was first launched in March 2005 isn't going to the be the PSP that it ends up as in 10 years, but it will still be a very strong portable gaming device that is centered in gaming and has a lot of multi-functional features.
We look at it just like our console business being a 10 year cycle, but we do see iterations as we go along to really adjust to the market. What we've done is the 2000 series adjusted to the market in terms of making it more portable. What we're seeing now, at least in the near- to mid-term, is going to be firmware updates that add features and other functions that the consumer's asked for.

To recount: The PSP is going to have a ten year life span, but within the last three years, Sony has released a redesigned PSP-2000. From what Koller's saying, sounds like we'll get a PSP-3000 and a PSP-4000. Think of it as firmware update for hardware! Though, the current three year interval and basic math tells us that the PSP-5000 might be a stretch. Boy, we hate math. Spelling, too.
PSP Anniversary [IGN via PSP Fanboy]

PSP Getting "Unique" Games, "Very Unique"

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:40:55 MDT

The PSP really seems to on a role of late, doesn't it? Don't fret! Sony says that's not going to stop anytime soon. According to Sony marketing manager John Koller, later this year the PSP will see some "very unique" titles with a focus on "franchise umbrellas." That's not including Final Fantasy: Crisis Core and Secret Agent Clank. All hype and hot air? Or does Sony really have some "very unique" in store?
PSP Games Coming [PC Advisor]

PSP Firmware 3.93 Up. After a slight delay, ...

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:40:34 MDT

PSP Firmware 3.93 Up. After a slight delay, last night's promised PlayStation Portable firmware has gone live. Exciting? Not at all, as the revision is a minor one. But if you're curious about internet radio, download your fool head off!

Sony Introduces New, Cheaper UMD Video Program For PSP

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:20:22 MST

When we spoke with PSP senior marketing manager John Koller at CES, he told us about Sony Computer Entertainment America's plans to revitalize the UMD platform for non-gaming purposes. Key points? Price and selection. General consensus amongst gamers was that buying UMD movies didn't make much sense at a $30 price point, sometimes close to twice that of their DVD counterparts. Also, too little focus on dick and fart humor. Sony is attempting to revitalize the UMD movie and television market, today releasing details on new, SCEA-distributed titles that ring in at $14.99.

Available now, at the more budget-minded price are MTV staples Beavis & Butt-head: The Mike Judge Collection (Vol. 2 and 3), Jackass (Vol. 2 and 3), Wildboyz (Vol. 1 and 2), Viva La Bam (Vol. 2, 3, and 4) and Aeon Flux: The Complete Animated Collection (2-disc set). Leave your brain and your big bills at the door!

MTV Hits PSP This Week [PlayStation.blog]

Gran Turismo PSP May Have Been Canceled, Like It Ever Existed

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:40:00 MST

It appears that the perfectly manicured pair of hands in the shot above may be the only ones to have ever gone hands-on with the PSP port of Gran Turismo 4. IGN is reporting that Gran Turismo 4 Portable has been canceled "by the vendor," a fact learned when a staffer received a call from retailer GameStop on the matter. The game, which was announced in 2004 by way of simulated screenshots and UMD and box mock-ups, was delayed into 2006. It was pretty much never heard from again, despite Polyphony Digital head Kazunori Yamauchi say that the team was still working on it.

There hasn't been confirmation yet from Sony Computer Entertainment, but we plan to bug them until we get a solid non-confirmation that the game does or does not exist in some form. Yeah, we're looking for something as substantive as GT4 PSP itself!

Gran Turismo 4 Mobile Cancelled? [IGN]

Sony Won't Shut Up About The Damn PlayStation Phone

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:40:00 MST

The gang at Sony and Sony Ericsson are almost definitely working on some sort of PlayStation branded phone. It might even be announced in February. At least, that's what we've been led to believe, despite SCEE boss David Reeves smokescreen denial of its existence. Now, Sony Computer Entertainment co-COO Jim Ryan is telling the Economic Times that it's "definitely plausible", indicating that the company is pursuing the idea actively. He calls a console phone convergence "hugely intellectually seductive."

Ryan curiously says "PlayStation almost enjoys cult status" amongst the 200 million-plus who have purchase PlayStation consoles, envisioning a product that is primarily a gaming device and secondarily a phone.

Sony to introduce Playstation phone [Economic Times via CVG]

PSP Getting 7 Downloadable Games

Mark Wilson — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:49 MDT

According to some unofficial news that's leaked, Sony will be releasing at least 7 downloadable titles through their PSP store following its launch in 2008. Said to be one-half to one-third the size of a UMD, the games will offer anywhere from 2 to 10 hours of play. According to GamesIndustry.biz, the titles will consist of:

...three action games, two music-based games, one racing title and a shooting game...

All titles are being developed internally, which has a lot of promise if we see the same level of creative talent on these projects as we have in PSN downloads. And apparently Sony has been pitching external development companies with the approach, "why give part of your money to a retailer?"

We just can't wait for when the PSP store can function without a PC or PS3...and it's not even open for business yet.

More details emerge on PSP PlayStation Store [gamesindustry]

PSP, Success Or Failure?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:20:33 MDT

Gamasutra's latest Analyze This column asks videogame analysts about their current impressions of Sony's PlayStation Portable and how the PSP can be improved.

So is the PSP a failure, as many overly critical of Sony say? Ed Barton from Screen Digest says "The only way in which the PSP can be perceived as anything other than a success is by comparison with the Nintendo DS." Well, that and maybe Sony's expectations that the device would be the Walkman of the 21st century, maybe.

There are some excellent insights here, with potentially surprising sales data to back up the PSP's "success". It also appears that Phil Harrison's GDC speech on Game 3.0 has analysts thinking about the PSP's potential in the user created content space.

I think the PSP could potentially have its best year yet, with PS3 interactivity, more unique software, better PSone support and a potential form factor redesign. Oh, and God of War PSP. Let's not forget that. Michael McWhertor

Analyze This: Is There Anything Wrong with the Sony PSP? [Gamasutra]

Sony Uses PGR3 To Promote PS3

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:40:05 MST

Know what that's a picture of? Somone getting fired.

Apparently, someone over at the Sony Connect Web site, which features "downloads powered by Sony", doesn't know what the company's flagship driving game looks like. They mistakenly used a screengrab from their competitor Microsoft's Project Gotham Racing 3 to promote Gran Turismo HD Concept. Whoops.

Fortunately, someone got access to the PlayStation press site and updated the image before anyone noticed. I mean...

Thanks to everyone who sent this in. Michael McWhertor

PSP 60GB HDD Version Imminent?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:30:27 MST

The above image, uncovered by our Gizmodo brothers, is from a Samsung presentation showcasing the company's 60GB 1.8-inch hard drives. While this isn't exactly confirmation that such a device currently exists, the continuing rumors and unlikely situation that such a slide would be shown without such a product in the works lead us (me) to believe we'll see an announcement soon.

But, as the tag suggests, we're calling it rumor for now. As Giz said, with CES just around the corner, we wouldn't be surprised to see the PSP v2 shown off alongside a PSP price drop. Michael McWhertor

Samsung 60GB Disk Destined for Next Sony PSP? [Gizmodo]
Sony PSP Movie Downloads Coming [Kotaku]

Gallery: Jackass: The Game

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:40:20 MST

I've never been much a Jackass fan, as I'm not into watching dudes vomit or whack eachother in the family jewels. Also, men in thongs and I are like oil and water. But, I gotta say, Jackass: The Game? It looks kind of fun. Don't call that an endorsement, by any means, but check out the screens and see how this PSP title is shaping up. Michael McWhertor

Jackass: The Game Gallery

Aging Rocky Balboa Wanders Confused Onto PSP

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:20:03 MST

Ubisoft dropped word today that they'll ship a new Rocky title for PSP, scheduled to ship alongside the upcoming Rocky Balboa movie. Instead of a straight movie adaptation, the game looks to follow the Rocky Legends formula, featuring boxers from all Rocky movies. Rocky Balboa's Mason Dixon (*groan*) as well as Russian powerhouse Ivan Drago and Clubber Lang from previous films will all make an appearance.

The game doesn't quite look like a direct port of Rocky Legends for the PS2. No developer was specified, so this could be a stripped down boxing affair. I'm just hoping they don't update Rocky's model textures to the current mummified Sly Stallone version. Michael McWhertor

UBISOFT TO LAUNCH VIDEO GAME BASED ON MGM'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FILM ROCKY BALBOA

SAN FRANCISCO - December 13, 2006 - Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. announced plans to release a video game based on MGM's upcoming motion picture Rocky Balboa. The game will be available for the PSP(TM) System shortly after the movie's December 22, 2006 theatrical release.

"Ubisoft's previous Rocky-themed video games have been hugely popular and we are really excited to be working closely with MGM on Rocky Balboa," said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft.

About Rocky Balboa
Rocky Balboa is the latest story in the saga of one of Hollywood's most beloved characters, Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa. Retired, and with his beloved Adrian passed away and his grown son too busy to spend time with him, Philadelphia's favorite boxer is a lonely man. When an ESPN sports show runs a simulated fight between Balboa and the current champ, Mason "The Line" Dixon, Balboa wins, prompting a resurgence of interest in his illustrious career. Presented with the opportunity to wage one last exhibition fight, Rocky accepts the challenge, despite the protests of his friends and family. Facing a powerful young champion, personal tragedy and, ultimately, his own doubts, Rocky steps into the ring one last time to prove that he still has the heart of a champion.

About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 547 million Euros for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, which is comprised of more than 4,000 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

2006 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. "PSP" is a trademark and "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately).

Sorry Buster, PSP Will Be Full Price All Year Long

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 19:24:19 MDT

Sony Computer Entertainment of America's John Koller says that there will be no PSP price cuts this year. (Guess that leaves next year?) Instead there will be 110 UMD games release, bringing the grand total to 230 titles. Good news, indeed. Says Koller:

We don't neccessarily see the need to cut the price... We need to offer broader value and introduce new consumers to what the PSP can do.

Which is? LOL.

We kid, Sony. Koller notes that more will be revealed about how the PSP will interact with the PLAYSTATION 3. And by "more," we hope that isn't just as a rearview mirror for driving games. Brian Ashcraft

No Price Cut [Games Industry]

Take Apart A PSP In Minutes

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 12:24:05 MDT

While we don't recommend you try this at home, this video demonstration shows how to take apart your PSP bolt-by-bolt and put it back together. (Some modder is actually showing how to install a PSP mod called PSPTV.) It reminds us of scenes in movies where soldiers take apart their rifles blindfolded but with added irritating music. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Aeropause]

Geek Fashion: The PlayStation Signature Series

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 11:01:01 MDT

Hey gamers! Being fashionable isn't just for people with dates anymore. We can be fashionable, too! In addition to the already released PlayStation branded clothing, stationary, home goods, and PSP cases released in Japan come the very fashionable PSP Signature Models.

This is hot stuff. Two models are now on sale, the KACHOFUGETSU model you see here and the TSUKIMI model. Both will set you back 31500 yen (about 272 USD) but both come with limited edition display stands and a battery. And not just any regular old battery! Okay, its just a regular old battery*, but it kind of matches the TSUKIMI version.

The only place to snag these bad boys is at PlayStation Square in Tokyo. I'll pick up a few extra for anyone interested in paying exorbitant mark up fees. Michael McWhertor

PlayStation Signature Series

* Eagle eyed reader Tim wrote in to publicly embarass me about my PSP battery knowledge. Sayeth Tim: "Actually that's the extended life battery. It's 2200mAh versus the 1800mAh battery that comes with a regular PSP." Thanks. Hope I don't get fired for this one.

PSP Price Cut Looms?

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 13:37:11 MDT

CNN/Money's "Game Over' column by financial reporting stud Chris Morris leds us to believe that Sony will take a price hit on the PSP this holiday, lowering the MSRP of the handheld to $149 USD. In fact, analyst P.J. McNealy is quite sure of it.

There is a price cut coming in the second half of the year. [The PSP] has lost momentum. Nintendo has had a great run since it launched the DS Lite and Sony needs to regain some ground.

Analysts point to Sony's stockpiling of PSP hardware as an indicator that the company may make a revived retail push with new stock at a new price, combined with heavily promoted releases like Loco Roco and GTA: Vice City Stories. Add to that Sony's forthcoming online store with digital content and original PlayStation titles, and Sony could have a very healthy Christmas. Michael McWhertor

PSP price cut might be imminent

PSP 2.71 Firmware Finally Hacked

brownlee — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:00:00 MDT

Gee, nothing sets the tone for these little exhibitions of wonderful cathode tube geekery like some blaring, repetitive techno. Guys, it's a video PSP mod hack, not a video of a ninja taking on a thousand zombies.

Anyway, PSP 2.71 hacked to allow modders to run ISOs and homebrew off of the memory card. Say hello to official Sony firmware 2.72! Thanks to Sinner Chrono! Florian Eckhardt

Offensive PSP Ads Are Not Offensive

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:22:04 MDT

Remember those tacky PSP ads that plagued the UK back in March and accidently promoted suicide? A British watchdog authority ruled that even though the posters received 45 complaints, Sony should not be punished.

The ad agency responsible for the posters argued that the posters were supposed to be irreverent and funny, and the ads sported "deliberately chosen language that maintained levels of taste and decency in all cases."

The white posters with red lettering featured quotes like:

"Strong language and scenes of a sexual nature here"
"Your girlfriend's white bits here"
"Take a running jump"
"Saucy emails won't get you fired here"

The watchdog group agreed that the ads did not contain explicit language and would not cause widespread harm to children. I don't think it was the explicit part folks were complaining about, but the innuendo. Surely that can be just as unsettling for some. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Eurogamer]

PSP Modchip Specs and Pic

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 29 May 2006 01:22:43 MDT

PSP owners, rejoice. Max Console has more details on the world's first PlayStation Portable modchip, the Undiluted Platinum. The chip (dubbed "U.P.") is a replacement flash that allows folks to run homebrew code on the latest PSP systems. Here's the technospeak from Max Console:

The U.P. contains 32MB NAND flash which is programmable from the PC via a high speed USB connection, using our user friendly software. You may boot the PSP from either its onboard flash or the flash contained on the U.P; the flash which is used is determined by a button press as the PSP is powered on (U.P. flash is used by default, hold L1 to use the PSP onboard flash). Since U.P. provides a secondary flash which the PSP can boot from, it can even be used to restore a PSP which has been "bricked".

Play homebrews and get the latest firmware updates? Brillant! Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Max Console] Thanks, Brad!