PSP GPS and cam get Japanese prices / release dates

Sony Japan has unveiled the launch dates, prices, and specifications of the official PSP GPS and camera peripherals. The camera, which will be available in Japan on November 2 at a recommended retail price of ¥5,000 (approx. $43 US), is a 1.3 Megapixel affair capable of shooting both stills and 30fps video in conjunction with a built-in microphone. The GPS receiver will be available just over a month after the camera on December 7, and will be priced at ¥6,000 (approx. $51 US). Although the camera will be bundled with software that will let you add effects to photos after they are taken, the GPS receiver doesn't come with any mapping software -- the (semi) good news is that carrying cases will be included with the two devices. Both peripherals will work with a handful of different PSP games, although it's not clear exactly how at present. If the official shots of the devices don't whet your appetite, you better book your plane tickets to Japan, because Sony will be showing them off at the Tokyo Games Show on September 22.

[Jason @ Aug 31st 2006 9:09AM]

No mapping software? How useful.

[StAlphonzo @ Sep 6th 2007 11:31PM]

this is a site with mapping softwarwe for gps unit
http://www.psp-haxors.com/2007/09/06/mapthis-v0501/

[saboola @ Aug 31st 2006 9:19AM]

Awesome, more non gaming related stuff I can do with my PSP. I am so happy....

[DudeinAmerica @ Aug 31st 2006 9:19AM]

Why?

[Cody S. @ Aug 31st 2006 9:32AM]

Too bad it sticks out so far :/

[Pal @ Aug 31st 2006 9:35AM]

It'd be nice if you could fold the GPS down to be parallel with the UMD drive.

[Rich L. @ Aug 31st 2006 9:40AM]

Dear Mr. Sony PSP Product Manager,

It's nice that you guys are finally rolling out non-Vaporware for the public, but could you please consider the following point:
- Could you please include mapping software for the GPS module? I mean what good is it w/out one, or are you expecting a hackware from the community?
- Now wouldn't it be nice to integrate both camera and GPS as one product? Just think of all new exciting usefulness and/or application Sony can brand and sell at premium?
- Lastly, please QC these products as I would hate to see a massive recall from your end

[DBX00 @ Aug 31st 2006 10:01AM]

They may include the GPS software in a firmware update or allow you to download it through the Playstation Network. I was expecting the GPS accessory to cost more, but since it may not include software it makes sense.

[Woody @ Aug 31st 2006 10:06AM]

what kind of games could you play with the GPS? "Need for Speed: Real Danger. Supe up your own car, bring your PSP/GPS, and tape it to the steering wheel. Now drive 'Virtually' in real life."

[semi @ Aug 31st 2006 10:08AM]

good things will come to those who wait...

sony aint stupid to have gps without map features... just wait..

[Tomas @ Aug 31st 2006 10:33AM]

Sony - $51 for the GPS? Rock on. Yeah, maps would be great. But occasionally I just need a fix on where I am. And the price is right for that.

[tiuk @ Aug 31st 2006 11:45AM]

Could they have made them any uglier? The camera design isn't too bad, but the chrome look is hideous. The GPS unit could have been U-shaped so the large square part sits against the back of the PSP, instead of sticking out into open space. Unless, of course, it's on a hinge that I just didn't see.

[MichaelLC @ Aug 31st 2006 11:59AM]

@ Keith Sheehan: You're exaclty right.

I'm sure we'll see (once this hits the States) MS sticks with differnet mapping options on them. NW, Midwest, City, Topo, etc.

[DARIO @ Aug 31st 2006 12:09PM]

Well if some of you people actually do research on the gps add on, then u would know that you can fold so it will be laying on the back of the psp

[Chad @ Aug 31st 2006 1:00PM]

Whats the actual size of a mapping database? Can it fit on memory sticks or UMDs?

[Temple @ Aug 31st 2006 1:35PM]

>>No mapping software? How useful.

There already is one in Japan, where the GPS is going to be released first. Its a very good software called Minna no Chizu, only problem, until now is that it didn't have GPS.

http://www.psp-vault.com/Article457.psp

I'm sure when it comes out in the US something similar would be released. I would defintely get this, kinda a poor-mans Garmin, much bigger screen but no touch screen.

[Enzo @ Aug 31st 2006 1:43PM]

Why the hell would they announce a GPS device without any map software and then go "...wait! It actually DOES come with maps! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE VALUE! SONY IS THE BEST!"

Wait...

[Callum @ Aug 31st 2006 2:05PM]

@ semi.

yes. they are. sony are stoopid.

[raymond @ Aug 31st 2006 2:37PM]

google should psp-iffy google earth for the gps if it doesnt come with mapping software.

[PEZ @ Aug 31st 2006 4:33PM]

NO maps mean IT WONT WORK. You will need to buy compatible chipset map software.
Dingleberries.

GPS = useless out of the box.

[JinKazama @ Aug 31st 2006 4:46PM]

Wow great peripherals, great prices also. Good job Sony.

[Guruboy @ Aug 31st 2006 5:42PM]

As always, the anti-Sony crowd gets their bit first.

Hey guess what? You're all dumb fucks! They've got the mapping software on sale in Japan with the same for the USA or even world on the way. That's for around $40.

If you're too cheap to pay that little, there're homebrew maps that work with the PSP like at this site:

http://deniska.dcemu.co.uk/

you people will do anything (but not research) to ridicule Sony.

[Anta @ Aug 31st 2006 6:24PM]

now watch the haters shut up after Guruboy 0wned them and really I cant wait for these I always wanted to take pictures with my psp.

[jamma @ Aug 31st 2006 6:31PM]

am i the only one who want's voIP on the psp? hopfully sony would bring out a good piece of software for once,or let 3rd party companies join in (ie MSN, AIM, skype)

Also, Sony, BRING OUT A F**KING KEYBOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dadidito @ Sep 1st 2006 2:51AM]

Wondering if the GPS if it comes here will run on earthcomber.

[Keith Sheehan @ Sep 1st 2006 9:05PM]

So, is Sony planning on letting third-party people supply the map software for the GPS device? This wouldn't such a bad idea as there are many quality vendors out there providing these kinds of solutions. If there is no map data to be had at all, this accessory is pretty much useless.

There's absolutely no way that maps will be coming down via a firmware update. GPS map data is just to large. A sizable MS Pro Duo will be required to hold any significant map data. In regards to the comment on the user who just wants to know where he is: you can determine where you are by looking at longitude and latitude co-ordinates?

[I,Robot @ Sep 3rd 2006 5:39AM]

A GPS device for the PSP is like putting wheels on a tomato, time consuming and pointless. If I wanted a G*ddamn GPS – I would have BOUGHT a GPS. Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees? Stupid.

If good things come to those who wait… (semi), than PSP owners must be in line for an Ass-load of great games coming from Sony. So far, all we’ve DONE is wait.

[Wolfrain @ Sep 7th 2006 6:53AM]

Last time I checked the GPS is pretty cheap for is a pretty cheap addon. That is something most fail to recognise.

[tywayman86 @ Sep 28th 2006 6:36PM]

Well im going to buy the gps camera and the keyboard.

[NP @ Dec 31st 2006 10:56PM]

To bonehead Sony bashers. A GPS can work without maps, how do u think those gps watches work? its as simple as marking point A to point B. The GPS unit is an add-on, not the main selling point for PSP, so shut up about not buying it for the GPS. Finally as an add on, again, if you dont want to use it, take it off. if you dont need a gps, dont get it then.bThink before u write coz its really annoying.

[Callum @ Jan 8th 2007 11:53PM]

Wow... its amazing how stupid people can be... Think for a second... really... you know that brain that you guys (Seem to think you) have? Use it for a second...


Updates morons. You know those updates for the psp? Those things that when you click "System update", and scan, they download and give you more usefull stuff? Yeah? those? you following?

k, good.


While... Maybe they'll use that to do the GPS thing! Wow! Bet nobody ever thought of that!

Except for sony... when they did it with the eyetoy camera in the most recent update...



God people are estupido...