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PSP Brite sells over 140K in Japanese launch
Scanlines be damned, Sony's latest iteration of the PSP -- known as PSP-3000 or PSP Brite -- has sold 141,270 units in its first four days of launch in Japan (October 16-19), reports Famitsu. Though a marked improvement over the handheld's current sales trend in the region (approximately 25K each week), PSPHyper notes that the the last update (PSP-2000, a.k.a. Slim) sold 130,000 in its first day of launch, and 250,702 for its first 3 days. According to the report, 14,450 units of the earlier PSP models were also sold between October 13 and 19 for a total of 155,720 for this week's Japanese hardware sales.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Sony: PSP Brite's scanlines caused by hardware, no plans to fix [update]
Though SCEA is still "looking into the problem," Sony's Japanese headquarters (SCEI) has released a statement describing the PSP-3000 (a.k.a. PSP Brite) scanline issues as being part and parcel of the new hardware. "PSP-3000 has a new LCD device with vastly improved picture quality, achieving a more natural and vivid picture than older models," said the statement (via Engadget Japan). "By improving LCD response time to reduce ghosting, the horizontal-line phenomenon becomes more visible."Turns out, phenomenon means "no fix in sight." According to Sony, "Since this phenomenon is caused by hardware characteristics, there is no plan to fix it with system software update." We'll be interested to see if Sony of America (SCEA) has anything different to say.Update: SCEA has finally received the corporate memo, feeding us the same official statement from SCEI. (Posted in full after the break.)[Via PSP Fanboy]
PSP-3000 scanlines a hardware feature; no fix planned
Sony Japan has responded to criticisms about visible scanlines on the new PSP-3000 systems. While Sony America is looking into the situation, Japan's statement doesn't bode too well. It seems that the scanline problem is a feature of the new LCD screens. SCEI says that the "PSP-3000 has a new LCD device with vastly improved picture quality, achieving a more natural and vivid picture than older models. By improving LCD response time to reduce ghosting, the horizontal-line phenomenon becomes more visible."The worst news is that there's no fix. "Since this is caused by hardware characteristics, there is no plan to fix it with system software update." Looks like it's here to stay. We're still waiting on a statement from SCEA but, from the looks of it, they won't have much new to add.Update: SCEA response, after the break.
PSP-3000 sold over 140K in first four days
PSP Brite is now out worldwide, so how's it doing everywhere else? In Japan (where the PSP is the sacred deity of 4-player co-op), it seems that not too many are catching on to the new hardware; only 141,270 units were sold in the first four days of sale (Oct. 16-19). As PSPHyper points out, these numbers are not that impressive when compared to the PSP Slim's initial sales numbers which were 250,702 for the first week with 130K of that from the first day alone. With relatively slow sales figures and seemingly disastrous performance issues, it looks like the PSP Brite is getting off to a very rough start. [Via PSPHyper]
Users report screen issues with PSP Brite, Sony investigating
The newly released PSP-3000 series should have a better screen than the old 2000 model. Not only does it have an expanded color depth, it's supposed to get rid of the ghosting that plagued every PSP since. While it succeeds, it appears that a new problem has emerged: scan lines, which make things look worse than they did in the 2000 model. A well-populated thread on the PlayStation forum shows the cries of dozens that are reporting the same problem.Our test unit (which arrived today) also features the same problem. In fact, we're not digging the 3000 model at all. While the colors look nice, we're disappointed by its performance in sunlight. Even worse, the plastic on the new model feels cheaper than ever before.Sony told Joystiq that they're currently "looking into this." Hopefully, it'll only take a firmware update to fix -- otherwise, many may opt to buy the 2000 series instead.
Sony investigating PSP Brite screen issues
Over on the official PlayStation forums, owners of Sony's revamped PSP Brite are in a tizzy over what many have reported as prominent screen interlacing during video playback and gameplay. The PSP-3000 uses a new high-contrast, low-latency screen that eliminates the ghosting/smearing associated with older PSP revisions, but appears to introduce a new issue of visible scanlines and notably jagged edges on moving objects. One poster provided comparison photos that illustrate the problem.We unboxed our PSP Brite to test some games and see if we encountered the same problem. Sure enough, in both FMV and gameplay, there is a noticable offset between the two video fields comprising the on-screen image. The included Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters looks significantly more "pixelated" on the PSP-3000 versus on our PSP-2000, as did other games we tested, including God of War: Chains of Olympus and WipEout Pulse. Additionally, scanlines are visible simply when navigating the unit's XMB.The problem is slightly less noticable when the new Wide Color Space option is turned off. We contacted SCEA for comment on this apparent hardware issue and were told that the company is "looking into this" and will get back to us as soon as possible. We'll update this post when we hear more. In the meantime, let us know in comments if you're experiencing similar issues with the PSP Brite. [Thanks, AtomicCandy]
Engadget unboxes PSP-3000
So you've probably already seen the dismantled Japanese PSP Brite and took a look at what's underneath that shiny exterior. Now, how about watching the North American bundle get unboxed? While the Engadget crew has opted out of tearing their precious handheld apart, we do get to have a comprehensive look at all the goods inside the retail box. If you're planning on getting a PSP Brite for yourself, then check out the pics here and see what awaits.
PSP Brite unboxed, dissected, photographed
Sony's re-tooled PSP-3000 (a.k.a. the "PSP Brite") is on the loose, and that means two things: 1) you can buy one of your very own and 2) someone's bought one, busted it open, and taken pictures. This post is about the latter (as if the image didn't give it away).The folks at PC Watch Impress have snapped gobs of photos showing the unboxing and ultimate disassembling of the new PSP model. It all looks fairly similar to the guts of a PSP-2000, although as one PSP Fanboy commenter pointed out, those hoping to pop a nicer, more contrast-ier 3000 screen into their 2000 unit will be foiled by a re-sized ribbon connector. (And really ... buy a PSP Brite just to gut it for your PSP Lite?)[Via PSP Fanboy]
Go inside the PSP-3000, literally
If for some reason you wanted to rip open a PSP Brite system and see its innards -- well, PC Watch will let you satiate your fantasy vicariously. There's no need to waste hundreds of dollars to buy a new system simply to open it and see what's inside. Let these guys do it for you instead.To check out the comprehensive gallery, click here.
How Japan advertises the PSP-3000
While the PSP Brite may be launching rather stealthily in America, Japan is taking a different approach. Sony has two ads for the newly redesigned system, one for the black system and one for the white. The system isn't changed too much, but at least Sony Japan's customers will know that this system exists -- something we doubt Sony America will let happen here at all.See the other ad, after the break.
Sony's PSP-3000 now available across North America
Given that a PSP-3000 Ratchet & Clank Entertainment Pack managed to sneak out a few days back (and, you know, being that today's the official launch day and all), you shouldn't be too floored to hear that the altogether brighter PlayStation Portable is now available across North America. 'Course, you'll have to fork over $199.99 for the aforementioned bundle if you want it today -- the less-frills black PSP-3000 kit (with just a 4GB Memory Stick) should be around next month.
PSP Brite is now available in North America
The third PSP redesign is now available in retail stores across the US and the rest of North America. The first PSP Brite pack, which is out now starting today, is the silver Ratchet & Clank bundle. It's a Silver PSP with a copy of Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, a National Treasure 2 UMD movie, 1GB memory stick and an online download voucher for echochrome. The price remains the same as the older bundles at MSRB $199.99. If you're looking for that other bundle which is the black PSP Brite with the 4GB memory stick, you'll still have to wait for next month in order to get that. The silver pack will be available in all European countries except the UK a day later on October 15. EU countries will also have to wait for the black bundle in November.
TGS 08: PSP Wi-Fi Store opening Oct. 15 in Japan; all future first-party titles to be downloadable
Sony has announced that all future first-party PSP games will be available through download in Japan, beginning later this year via the Wi-Fi Store. The store is scheduled to open in Japan on October 15th with the firmware v5.00 update. Games to be sold by direct download include Secret Agent Clank (11/20), Patapon 2 (11/27), and LocoRoco 2 (12/4) (these titles will also be available on UMD).There is currently no date for the release of the store in North America or Europe. We're also wondering how downloadable games' pricing will compare to standard UMD retail prices (considering that direct downloads save on packaging, shipping and a slew of other costs). We'll update as soon as we hear anything.
What Sony's John Koller thinks about the DSi
So what does Sony think about the newly announced DSi, the main competitor to Sony's PSP Brite in Japan this holiday season? We didn't even have to ask -- because Sony's John Koller, director of hardware marketing, approached Gizmodo directly in hopes of discussing their side of the story. Does this new iteration provide enough differentiation from its predecessor? "Nintendo has kind of a history of these [moderate] kinds of updates, and even with DS Lite, there was a lot of discussion, 'Is that enough?' And they seemed to do pretty well there."How will the DSi fare? "I can see the DSi being successful. The DS lite was obviously very successful. Will DSi do well with [the DS's] demographic? It probably will. Will it be a product that expands their user base [beyond] under 12? I'm not sure." Unfortunately, Koller did not directly address how the DS's hardware refresh compares to the PSP's hardware refresh. But it did seem like Koller was giving a backhanded compliment to Nintendo's handheld -- it will do reasonably well, but you'll only be selling it to children again. How do you guys feel? Do these hardware refreshes matter? Or is it ultimately software that determines the winner?
PSP Brite box art shows Wi-Fi Store
Sony has already confirmed the PSP Wi-Fi store is coming this Fall for Japan. The official box art for a November 30 US PSP Brite (a.k.a. PSP-3000) bundle also shows store functionality (via Amazon), indicating that the fall launch will be global and just in time to keep yourself distracted during Thanksgiving dinner. It was previously rumored that the store would be coming with firmware 5.00. In other PSP Brite news, the gang at Eurogamer spent the weekend with the upgraded handheld as well as firmware 4.20, featuring a Color Space option that, "If you set to [Wide], the system's display will appear more vivid."[Via PSP Fanboy]
PSP Brite preview reveals battery life and details on firmware 4.20
Eurogamer got some hands-on time with the PSP Brite (PSP-3000) and spilled some details on the upcoming piece of hardware as well as the firmware installed on it, version 4.20.In terms of the hardware, they noticed that the screen was significantly brighter; the PSP Brite's highest brightness setting not plugged in to an outlet is noticeably brighter than the PSP Slim & Lite's brightest setting with the PSP plugged in. Unfortunately, they did not test the PSP Brite's performance in the sun, which was something we were looking forward to finding out. The battery life was then tested, and they clocked the PSP Brite's battery life at 5 and a half hours -- exactly the same as its predecessor.The PSP also came equipped with the latest firmware. Firmware 4.20 appears to bring only minor updates -- there is a new "USB Auto-Connect" feature, which will allow the PSP to automatically enter USB mode at any time (except during gameplay) when it becomes connected. They also noticed a "Flicker Reduction" option, but nothing else noteworthy. For their full preview of the PSP Brite, check out Eurogamer.[Thanks, Zach M.!]
PSP Brite boxart shows direct PSP Store
This is the boxart for the PSP Brite Limited Edition 4GB memory stick pack. Notice anything interesting? PS3 owners among you might recognise two things. Firstly, the PSN logo, which the PSP has previously not been associated with. Secondly, the screen shows the PSN Store. The actual PSN store, not the PC-based website. Interesting. That means we should be seeing the direct PSP store before this bundle releases on November 30th. Will we be hearing an announcement regarding the exact release date for the WI-FI based store directly on the PSP soon? With the Tokyo Game Show just around the corner, it's a strong possibility.
PSP is number 1 in Japan the first half of 2008
During the past few weeks the PSP's sales have been less than ideal, but Sony's portable is still on top in Japan for 2008 ... so far. According the Enterbrain, the PSP has sold 1,583,731 units the first half of the year in the land of the rising sun. The PSP's main competitor, Nintendo's DS, sold 1,314,919 units during that same period. Nintendo's portable is still way ahead of the PSP in terms of lifetime sales though -- 23,484,680 units of the DS were sold versus the PSP's 10,157,757 units sold.In the software arena, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G is in second place with 1,602,386 copies sold. It was beaten by yet another Nintendo product, Mario Kart Wii, which sold 1,744,387 copies.With the PSP Brite launching in about two weeks and DSi launching in a month, the two handhelds' struggle for dominance in Japan will truly begin. Now we gotta ask: who are you rooting for?
Joystiq compares DSi to other handheld devices
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Nintendo_DSi_vs_PSP_3000_vs_iPod_Touch'; In their desire to compare things meticulously, our tyrannical masters good friends at Joystiq have put together a handy chart that compares the new DSi to the iPhone, as well as the new PSP Brite that has yet to release. Want to know who's king of the hill? Head over and check it out!
Rumor: PSP firmware 5.00 to add Wi-Fi Store, screen captures
Features to be included in the next major PSP update, v5.00, have allegedly been detailed (translation) by an unnamed French developer working with the beta version of the firmware. 5.00 will supposedly include direct access to the PlayStation Store, which was promised last month for the fall (in Japan, at least), along with an improved RSS reader with text file support and a screen capture mode that supports in-game screenshots. The source could not confirm a date for the firmware's public release, but speculates that it could coincide with the launch of PSP Brite, the new hardware revision, on October 14th or in the weeks following. PSP's current firmware version is 4.05 -- if true, it would be a big leap to 5.00, by Sony standards.[Via PSP World; thanks, Skylar]
