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PS3 loves PSP: e-distribution possibilities explored
A few days ago, a long, but interesting interview was covered over at IGN between Japan's Nikkei BP and Sony corporate executive Izumi Kawanishi about the PS3 and the PSP -- more specifically, the emulation possibilities and what it means to be a "virtual PS3". First, the emulation. The technology to emulate that they're working on is completely original, although there is a concern that some PS1 titles may be excluded from this technology, as the button configurations are different between the actual PlayStations and the PSP (two analog sticks, different number of buttons overall).E-distribution? Many PS1, PSP, and PS3 games (most likely home-brew games picked up by Sony) will be tossed around the network, but a not-so-surprising surprise was the idea Sony was going to move into movie distribution as well. Here's a humorous quote to break the ice: "While we can't get a grasp for how well UMD movie software is selling, there's no question that the world is moving in the direction of network distribution for movies." UMD's are selling poorly, dear friend. This distribution idea, if it means linking the movies downloaded from the PS3 onto the PSP could instill new life into the portable-movie-buff. Not interested in getting the PS3, but still want to download stuff? No worries. Kawanishi assures us that you may also go through your PC or even a wireless LAN with your PSP. How about cell phones? Yes, in the future."It's possible to have distribution of video imagery from the PS3 to PSP," said Kawanishi. Images rendered on the PS3... can be sent to your PSP? IGN wonders if this means gameplay. We believe not. Maybe some of those home-brew titles, though... or a slower paced game so lag is not such a detriment. "PS3 video can be viewed as is on the PSP, so the PSP becomes like a Virtual PS3." So... gameplay cinematics? Downloaded movies? It's still vague, but interesting. Check out the bits we omitted or looked over here, and let us know what your take on the situation is.
Sony says: PSP will become a virtual PS3
Sony Computer Entertainment corporate executive Izumi Kawanishi shared some insights today in a report titled "PSP will become a virtual PS3." The article goes over emulating PS1 games on the handheld, and the obvious difficulties in translating some games that involve using more than one analog stick and use more shoulder buttons. According to Sony, emulation was always technically possible, but only now is the broadband penetration high enough to warrant 600MB downloads for players. "We felt that there was now an environment where true e-Distribution could be realized."It appears that e-distribution of games is a high-priority for Sony. Services like Steam (PC) are becoming more and more popular with users and publishers, and Sony understands the appeal for many of us. Downloadable demos will be a continued trend for all kinds of games: PS3, PSP and PS1. Also, it was confirmed that you will not need a PS3 to download content to your PSP (for those that were worried).But the future of digital distribution doesn't stop there:
