psp-3000
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PSP survey hints at game rental service
Click to embiggen A recent survey seeks consumer interest in a PSP game rental service. With the PSP Go all but confirmed a possibility and UMD on its way out, a PSP that takes full advantage of the digital age and the PSN doesn't exactly sound like crazy talk. Plus, there's always going to be a rental market, so why shouldn't Sony take advantage of that?Depending on the terms and price, the idea of a direct rental service sounds like a potentially cost effective option for gamers during these hard economic times. Should it ever come to fruition, that is.[Thanks, MrEverdred01!]
PSP 3000 hacked, with homebrew soon to follow
The intersection of PSP 3000 and Hack St. has thus far been a pretty lonely little place, so we're pleased to announce that the ChickHEN project is definitely gaining some momentum. According to one extra special YouTube video, hacksters are now able to run the TIFF exploit and boot into a homebrew enabler environment on a PSP 2003 and a PSP 3000 running 5.03 firmware. The code is seen surviving a reboot, and both the system software and MAC address can be changed. While not ready for prime time yet, this does pave the way for emulators, PSP uCLinux, and all of those other things that keep all you homebrew fans happy at night. Video after the break, if you dare. [Via Technabob]
Lime green PSP in the works?
Sony might think the DSi is just for kids, but it's never had any problems pumping out candy-colored PSPs -- and the next hue off the line might be lime green, if this image supposedly leaked from inside a Sony factory is any indication. It's, uh, seasonally appropriate, at the very least -- anyone revved up by this?[Via Joystiq]
PSP hits Europe in three more colors
Sure, fashion is usually the first to go during tough times, but Sony's keeping its head up during the struggle, releasing the European PSP in three more colors to compliment those Japanese Carnival Colors we saw last week. Radiant Red is the only carnival hue making the trip au continent, but it'll be joined by the familiar Mystic Silver and Pearl White -- you'll have to wait until March for red, but silver and white should be available now.[Via Pocket-lint]
Sony adds four new PSP "Carnival Colors" to worship
In a sudden retch of pigmentation, Sony just spat out the "Carnival Colors" collection of PSPs. Starting March 5th in Japan, the new colors matched with a 2200mAh battery will set you back a tax-inclusive price of ¥19,800 (about $223). Otherwise, you can drop ¥24,800 (about $279) for the 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2), PSP pouch, wrist strap and cloth bundle. Now go ahead, revel in your paganism before ritualistically prostrating yourselves at the feet of the Lord Knight of consumer electronics. Mmm, feels good doesn't it?[Via Akihabara News]
PSP receives 'carnival colors' in Asia
Sony Asia has revealed two new striking "Carnival Color" PSP-3000 models for the region. The "Radiant Red" and "Vibrant Blue" handhelds will begin burning Asian retinas on January 17th for roughly $177 each. There's no word on whether these colors will make it to other regions; however, CES is currently going on, so there may be an announcement buried in the circus. We've contacted Sony and will update with any new info.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Sony Asia introduces two new colors
There haven't been many color variations of the PSP-3000 series yet. That is, until now. Sony Asia has just revealed two new colors: Radiant Red and Vibrant Blue. Both models are part of a new series called "Carnival Color." No word on whether if these colors will make it to other territories. These two colorful systems will be available in Taiwan starting January 17th.[Via PSPHyper]
Exploit that works on the PSP Brite found in GripShift
Famous for its imperviousness to hackers, the PSP Brite has now been hacked by one MaTiAz over at lan.st. An exploit was supposedly found in the 2005 title GripShift and has been described as "a buffer overflow vulnerability when loading savegames [sic]." It is now available for download, as well as an accompanying new SDK. Remember however, this exploit doesn't grant the all-important kernal access. A video of this proof of concept in action, after the jump.[Via Engadget]
PSP-3000 finally screams 'Hello World,' homebrew to assuredly follow
The notoriously-difficult PSP-3000 model (also known as PSP Brite) has finally been hacked, this time without the need for a downgrader tool. MaTiAz's "The Sparta!!!" exploit was allegedly discovered after overwriting the player's name in a GripShift save file with "this is spartaaaaa..." -- with 57 a's tacked onto the end -- and is now available for download along with a new SDK. It's said to work with PSP firmware versions 1.52 through the current 5.02. The Hello World proof of concept video is after the break. Welcome to the homebrew community, Brite: we've been expecting you.[Via DCEmu]
Sony PSP2 rumors debunked, probably not for the last time
OK, guys and gals, we hate to break it to you -- John Koller, Sony's Director of Hardware Marketing has said it in plain English: "no plans for a PSP2 are underway." Apparently, the company is pushing developers towards the PlayStation store for their primary point of sale, a move that some people have taken to mean that the companies have been secretly developing games for some sort of new platform. Of course, in the light of some similarly "cryptic" statements we reported yesterday, some folks might continue to be gullible skeptical. Which is fine, as long as nobody asks us when the device pictured above will be released. 'Cos it won't be. Evar.
Sony to release new handheld sometime in the future
According to Eurogamer, sources close to Sony say that sometime in the future, a new PlayStation Portable will be released. While there's been no official word, the game site is reporting that there could be an update to the current PSP (which might be called the PSP 4000), and in the not-too-distant future (2010 or 2011), Sony will introduce a completely new model, confusingly dubbed the "PSP2." David Reeves, SCEE president has recently been quoted as making vague, suspicious statements such as "there are currently no plans for a PSP2," and "I go to Tokyo quite a lot and no one has referred to it - I think they have their hands full at the moment." Nice try Reeves, but If you keep up these kinds of thinly veiled allusions to a new system, we suspect it's only a matter of years till this cat's out of the bag.[Via Yahoo!]Note: The above post is sarcasm. It also saddens us that we had to add this note.
SCEE boss: PSP 2 not planned, PSP is devs' last pick
We hope you're content with the current PSP, scanlines and all. While most hardware makers have historically begun R&D on their next generation platforms just as – or even before – the current generation is hitting shelves, SCEE president, David Reeves, has said that Sony is not currently planning a PSP 2.Interviewed by MCV, Reeves admitted that, "there are currently no plans for a PSP2," adding, "I go to Tokyo quite a lot and no one has referred to it – I think they have their hands full at the moment."Reeves also addressed the thorny issue of PSP software (or, more specifically, the lack thereof), saying, "[PSP's] weakness...is its software." PlayStation's European boss chalks the situation up risky business, explaining of developers that "when it comes to placing their bets, have to choose PS3 and 360, then Wii, then DS, maybe even PS2 before PSP." He did not offer any details of how Sony is (hopefully) working to change this. Mr. Reeves, sir, you're not exactly instilling us with confidence.
Heads up, hackers: PSP firmware 5.02 inbound
A small update on the PlayStation Blog could mean big-ish things for the PSP homebrew scene. SCEA's Eric Lempel reports that PSP firmware 5.02 is due soon, and that it "improves system software stability during use of some features, including the PlayStation Store." Which, as all conspiracy theorists know, is code for "We're going to break your custom firmware."Of course, for the majority of PSP owners, there will likely be some actual improvements to system stability. No amount of firmware magicks will ever be able to fix those darn scanlines on the PSP-3000 PSP Brite, though.
Ratchet & Clank headline another PSP-3000 bundle; you're simply thrilled
Look, we know how much you love Ratchet & Clank-oriented PSP SKUs, don't try and hide your desire. This latest PSP-3000 bundle to feature the respectively furry / mechanical duo includes a black PSP and Everyday Shooter in addition to Ratchet & Clank Size Matters, instead of the silver PSP and echochrome featured in that other bundle. These are all very important distinctions, we assure you. A 1GB Memory Stick Duo card and the ever-desireable National Treasure 2 are included as well. The new bundle hits on December 15 for the same old $199 pricetag. We're still waiting on that $169 standalone PSP-3000 with bated, Skype-ready breath. [Via PSP Fanboy]
PSP Brite isn't impervious to hackers
It didn't take long now, did it? As of last month, hackers and pirates have yet to to find a way to run custom firmware on the latest iteration of the PSP. Well, things have changed. Datel has unveiled to the world a "special mode battery" called the Lite Blue Tool which allows the PSP Brite to enter service mode. Once in service mode, you're home free, baby -- you can downgrade to the firmware version of your choice. The "crypto processor based battery" even has a built in LED power gauge and will sell for $29.99 come November 28th.[Via Engadget]
Ratchet & Clank bundle to include black PSP-3000
Out with one SKU, in with another. The 4GB PSP Entertainment Pack may be dead, but in its place is the Ratchet & Clank Entertainment Pack. Wait, what? Yes, looks like Sony is offering two versions of the R&C pack -- the current one offers a silver system and echochrome. The one releasing in December will include a black system and Everyday Shooter. Both will be available for $199.If that's not your style, you can try the black PSP Brite a la carte for $169. However, no release date has been set for the standalone system.[Via PlayStation]
PSP 3000 finally, inevitably hacked by Datel's Lite Blue Tool
Hacking the PSP has long been a popular pastime, but the 3000 model has proven a tough nut to crack. Don't pop open the champagne just yet, though, Sony -- Datel has revealed a special battery peripheral called the Lite Blue Tool that boots the handheld console into service mode, where downgrades to earlier, cracked firmwares are possible. Of course, most older PSPs could be downgraded without any additional hardware and you only needed a battery like Pandora if you failed the idiot test and bricked your system, but be patient, pirates totally legit homebrew types -- Rome wasn't burnt in a day. Lite Blue is priced at an affordable $29.99, not bad for an interim solution if homebrew and "backups" are your thing.
Apple exec calls iPod Touch the 'future of gameplay'
If you still had any doubt over Apple's plans to launch an assault on the portable gaming industry, VP of iPod and iPhone Marketing Greg Joswiak has made the company's intentions a bit more obvious. In an interview with T3 magazine, Joswiak touts the iPod Touch as the "future of gameplay" (and notes that current handhelds, PSP and Nintendo DS, are "in the past"). Beyond the interface and the wireless App Store, Joswiak said, "The 3D graphic power here [iPod touch] is significantly greater than what you have here [picks up Nintendo DS]. So this allows people to do significantly higher quality games."It all sounds well and good, but Joswiak doesn't address the pink, polygonal elephant in the room: the games themselves. The platform and hardware is great, but Apple's catalog doesn't yet have the muscle nor brand recognition that's driving sales of the PSP and the Nintendo DS (whose Wrestling name, we might add, is "The Money Printer").It's worth noting that a recent study by the NPD Group suggests smartphone (and particularly iPhone) gaming is growing dramatically. Check out our comparison chart of the DSi, iPod Touch and PSP Brite.
Face to interlace: Up-close view of PSP Brite
Out of all the frightening images we've been subjected to this Halloween, this one easily ranks as the most terrifying. It's an intensely intimate view of the PSP Brite (or PSP-3000 if you want to get all technical) and the screen that's drawn some disapproving squints in recent weeks. The folks at Logic-Sunrise have apparently peered at the brighter screen (magnified by a factor of 40), pinning the blame for the perceived interlacing issue squarely on our ex-friend, the now horizontally lined, observable darker blue pixel. Oh, when we're done with you, pixel, you'll be all shades of black and ... well, blue.[Via Engadget]
PSP-3000 put under microscope, interlacing issue exposed
You know those complaints about the ugly, old-school looking interlacing lines that many (ourselves included) have reported seeing on the new PSP-3000? The specific issue has been uncovered -- but not by Sony. A group of concerned French gamers with a 40x microscope think it all comes down to that most mellow of colors: blue. LCDs are comprised of RGB pixels that, combined, form all the rainbow of hues in between. As you can see in the picture above, the PSP-2000's LCD (left) used pixels in a vertical orientation, and the blue pixels were fairly light in color. On the PSP-3000 (right), the pixels are now arranged horizontally, and the blue ones are far darker than before. The dark horizontal lines result in the heinous interlacing, an effect that any Command & Conquer player will tell you wasn't even cool in the 90's. Sony's already called this a "feature" and not a flaw, so if you absolutely must buy a PSP this holiday season the folks at Logic-Sunrise who took the above pics recommend you buy an older 2000-series -- while you still can.[Thanks Pierce]
