PSPlite
Latest
The God of War PSP bundle looks like this
Click to enlarge We consider packaging to be quite effective when you can tell at a glance just what awaits you inside of it. Take this God of War Entertainment Pack, for example. There's the "Deep Red" PSP, the Superbad UMD, the critically praised God of War: Chains of Olympus and ... well, there's also a PSN voucher for Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, which isn't pictured. To be fair, that's simply due to the lack of excitement incurred by a piece of paper with some obscure code on it.Also not pictured is the price tag of $199.99 and, perhaps most importantly, a disappointing label which reads, "Not for sale until June."
Sony unveils 'PSP Extended Life Battery Kit'
The PSP 2200mAh battery is not new to the market, but bundling it with a pair of covers is. Meet the PSP Extended Life Battery Kit: a battery, two plastic covers, and a lot of packaging. What the kit does provide for PSP-2000 owners (besides an awkward bulge) is about 80% more battery life -- just 20% for those using the original PSP, and no bulge. Unfortunately, Sony couldn't find room for a 'Ceramic White' cover, so those affected will have to settle for the junkyard van look.A price has yet to be listed, but expect the battery kit to retail in the $40 range.
Famitsu survey reveals: PSP momentum in doubt
Due to the overwhelming success of the PSP, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu surveyed 68 of its retail partners for their thoughts on the state of the PSP. The survey revealed a number of interesting factoids. For example, Piano Black is the best selling system (17.4%) while Rose Pink is the worst (6.9%). Unsurprisingly, Crisis Core ended up being the top seller of the month, which caught 62.7% of retailers off guard -- they couldn't predict sales would be so strong.Although Crisis Core sold so well, it was actually the 1seg, retailers report, that inspired the most PSP sales. However, in spite of the system's current success, 43.3% of retailers surveyed do not believe PSP momentum will continue.The retailers are worried about the lack of big titles coming up for the system. More games like Monster Hunter are (obviously) needed. Some other suggestions included: games that support the 1seg (how would that work?), record functionality for the 1seg, and new colors that look different than DS's offerings. Supposedly, Japan's software lineup on PSP leaves something to be desired as well.For the complete report, make sure you check out PSPHyper.
Play.com: White PSP heading to UK next week
The PSP Slim & Lite has been reliably mysterious. Sony, in all of its territories, has done a fantastic job of keeping everyone in the dark of when their systems are going to come out. Case in point: the white PSP-2000. Well, retailer play.com has listed a release date for the white non-Darth Vader system: October 26th.It's the first time we've heard of a release date for the system. The system should satiate those that have been patiently waiting for a non-black (or silver!) system in the territory.[Via Pocket Gamer]
Homebrew endows PSP-2000 with full screen TV output
Once again, the homebrew community is teasing and taunting Sony by adding key features missing in their official firmware. This proof-of-concept "TV Out Example" will let your homebrew-enabled PSP-2000 the ability to output games content full screen, no borders! Even more surprising is that it'll even work with the composite cables, allowing those without ED/HDTVs to enjoy the wonder of playing PSP games on the TV. Certainly, if this ragtag team of enthusiasts can do it, Sony can as well? We're hoping that the official firmware development team doesn't take this lightly and follows pursuit as soon as possible.[Via PSP Hacks]
Sony's Darth Vader PSP-2000 hits stores today
If you've been looking to jump into PSP land for personal reasons, perhaps are looking to upgrade to a new PSP-2000 "slim," consider yourself a Star Wars fanboy, or maybe just like white things, the new Darth Vader PSP could be just the ticket. The limited edition unit should be on store shelves today, but only comes as part of a $199 bundle which includes the new Star Wars Battlefront game. Of course, we're guessing most people willing to track down a PSP with Darth Vader's likeness silkscreened on the back aren't going to balk at playing a little bit of Battlefront now and then. And if paying money for things isn't really your style, you can always try your luck over at our sister site Joystiq, since they're giving away five of these bundles to some lucky readers.Read - Playstation Blog's announcementRead - Joystiq's giveaway
Joyswag: Win a brand-new Darth Vader PSP-2000 (Day 2)
Click for high-resolution image. Day 1 is over (we're busy picking our first winner) and Day 2 of our Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron PSP-2000 bundle is ready to kick off. Along with our friends at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy, we're giving away the second of five brand-new limited-edition Darth Vader PSP-2000 systems this week. These Ceramic White systems feature Darth Vader's menacing profile on the back, and are a must-have for the dedicated Star Wars nerdcore. Not only that, the package includes the brand new PSP-exclusive Star Wars Battlefront game.So, how do you enter? First, find out what the PSP Fanboy team thinks about Star Wars Battlefront (Andrew, Jem, Nick, and Colin) and then leave a comment answering one. simple. question ... did Greedo shoot first? Be sure to leave a comment on the corresponding giveaway posts at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy, for a total of three entries today. We'll select one comment from all three sites at random tomorrow morning before we give away another PSP-2000. Of course, there are rules. You must be a US resident, 18 years or older. Limit 1 entry per person per site ... or else (that means three entries spread out, no more)! This entry period ends at 11:59am ET tomorrow, so get your entries in before then. For complete rules you can shared with your loved ones, click here. And much thanks to the fine people at LucasArts for the great prizes.
Joyswag: Win a brand-new Darth Vader PSP-2000 (Day 1)
Click for high-resolution image. Don't be afraid to admit it: you want the new PSP-2000. With its slimmer figure, lighter weight, TV-Out functionality, and faster load times, it's a remarkable improvement over the PSP Phat. But, haven't been able to snatch a system for yourself? Don't worry -- we got you covered. Along with our friends at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy, we're giving away one of five brand-new limited-edition Darth Vader PSP-2000 systems each day this week. These Ceramic White systems feature Darth Vader's menacing profile on the back, and are a must-have for the dedicated Star Wars nerdcore. Not only that, the package includes the brand new PSP-exclusive Star Wars Battlefront game.So, how do you enter? First, find out what the PSP Fanboy team thinks about Star Wars Battlefront (Andrew, Jem, Nick, and Colin) and then write down one thing you learned from their previews and leave it in our comments section, as well as on the corresponding giveaway posts at PSP Fanboy and PS3 Fanboy. We'll select one comment from all three sites at random tomorrow morning before we giveaway another PSP-2000 Of course, there are rules. You must be a US resident, 18 years or older. Limit 1 entry per person per site ... or else (that means three entries spread out, no more)! This entry period ends at 11:59am ET tomorrow, so get your entries in before then. For complete rules you can shared with your loved ones, click here. And much thanks to the fine people at LucasArts for the great prizes.
Fanswag: Win a new Darth Vader PSP-2000 (Day 1)
Click for high-resolution image. Don't be afraid to admit it: you want the new PSP-2000. With its slimmer figure, lighter weight, TV-Out functionality, and faster load times, it's a remarkable improvement over the PSP Phat. But, haven't been able to snatch a system for yourself? Don't worry -- we got you covered. Along with our friends at Joystiq and PSP Fanboy, we're giving away one of five brand-new limited-edition Darth Vader PSP-2000 systems each day this week. These Ceramic White systems feature Darth Vader's menacing profile on the back, and are a must-have for the dedicated Star Wars nerdcore. Not only that, the package includes the brand new PSP-exclusive Star Wars Battlefront game.So, how do you enter? First, find out what the PSP Fanboy team thinks about Star Wars Battlefront (Andrew, Jem, Nick, and Colin) and then write down one thing you learned from their previews and leave it in our comments section, as well as on the corresponding giveaway posts at Joystiq and PSP Fanboy. We'll select one comment from all three sites at random tomorrow morning before we giveaway another PSP-2000 Of course, there are rules. You must be a US resident, 18 years or older. Limit 1 entry per person per site ... or else (that means three entries spread out, no more)! This entry period ends at 11:59am ET tomorrow, so get your entries in before then. For complete rules you can shared with your loved ones, click here. And much thanks to the fine people at LucasArts for the great prizes.
PSP-2000 sells half a million in Japan
The next big console success in Japan is ... the PSP?!Color us shocked, but the one-two punch of the redesign and Crisis Core has made a serious impression on the Japanese. The slimmer PSP-2000 has sold over half a million units in less than two weeks. With numbers like that, you'd think that there was a brain training game somewhere hidden in the system.We predict good things to come as a new Gundam game hit Japanese store shelves yesterday. We hear that they're somewhat fond of that franchise.
Dave Perry: PSP Lite a 'head in the sand' move for Sony
Shiny founder Dave Perry has been very vocal about consoles as of late. After estimating Wii's death clock, the Earthworm Jim designer has set his sights on Sony's PSP. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Perry refers to redesign as a "head in the sand" move while saying that Sony should "restart the PSP program" and specifically calls for the removal of UMD in favor of digital download. Perry also suggests that the transition to an UMD-less PSP would be relatively painless, asserting that it would be easy to create software to authenticate and re-download for free titles you already own. While we agree that digital distribution is on the rise, we're not sure if there's financial benefit for the consumer. A 1.0 GB memory stick can cost over $30, and then you still have the buy the titles (which may not drop in price should they go download). If you want to carry more than a few games around, you're going to need multiple memory sticks. If Sony does heed Perry's advice (and we see no evidence as to why they would), maybe they could replace the UMD slot with a decent hard drive, instead.
The Joystiq Guide to PSP Themes
So, you want a fancy new theme on your PSP-2000? Well, who can blame you? You've had the thing for all of a week now, it's time for a change. So let's get started!Upgrade!: First things first, you're going to want to update to the 3.70 PSP Firmware. Just go all the way to the left in that XMB menu and hit "Network Update." (Tip: Make sure your PSP is able to connect to the internet, otherwise this will go poorly.) Follow the instructions to update your firmware.
PSP Slim security trounced by Team M33's custom firmware
Well kids, you won't have to wait too long to be hacking, cracking, phreaking, duping, shooting, dumpster-diving, and generally getting biz-zay with your PSP Slim / Lite, as the outrageous tricksters known as Team M33 have just released their do-it-all custom firmware (version 3.6, for those keeping score at home), thus confirming Pandora's Battery as a "go" (amongst other things) on the new systems. If you understand what we're talking about, you'll be pleased to know that homebrews from the GAME, GAME150 and GAME360 directories load fine, though some homebrews written specifically for the 1.50 kernel won't run properly (due to some hardware and screen problems on the Slim). Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, don your helmets, and get ready to seriously rumble.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Homebrew on PSP Slim via 3.60 M33 Custom Firmware
The M33 team has done it again. The PSP Slim can now run M33's 3.60 custom firmware. The new firmware has "all the features of 3.52 M33, except the 1.50 kernel support". This means that some homebrew that was developed specifically for 1.50 (e.g. homebrew games that would go into the GAME150 folder) will not work with the custom firmware.The installation is complex, requiring a Pandora Battery and Pandora memory stick, a non-Slim PSP with firmware 1.50 or custom firmware that supports 1.50 kernel, and of course, a PSP-2000. As always, this is not for the faint of heart nor anyone who hates carefully reading and following instructions, as there is always a possibility of bricking your brand new PSP-2000. As such, use at your own risk. Full instructions for the installation can be found here.Download M33's custom 3.60 firmware here (scroll down to the bottom of the first post).[via DCEmu, thanks everyone who sent this in!]
Get an extra $20 for trading in your PSP
Click image for full-resolution image. (Required for coupon redemption.) For those of you that have wanted to jump on the PSP-2000 bandwagon, this might be your best chance. EB Games/GameStop are offering an extra $20 of trade-in value when you give them your PSP. The deal expires 9/13, so you'd best get a move on now.[Via CAG]
Butterflies lift away new Korean PSPs
We're somewhat enamored by the Korean advertising campaign for the New PSP (aka PSP-2005). This ad shows a butterfly lifting the new lighter system, emphasizing that it weighs only 189 grams. This is a far more effective ad than Japan's.Also, it appears that the Korean PSP isn't just losing weight, it's becoming cheaper. Korean gamers can now pick it up for only 178,000 won (appx. $190).[Via PSP-Vault]
GamePro digs deep for PSP Slim pet peeves
While GamePro seems to enjoy their new PSP-2000, they could not help but notice some little annoyances that prevent the system from being perfect.Their main complaint is how the d-pad is smooth, thus making it susceptible to sticky thumb syndrome. Other complaints involve the UMD slot metal tabs being easily bendable, too many inputs slots (they would rather an iPod-esque single input), and plastic bezel instead of the metal one used on the older PSP.The fact that these are GamePro's four main gripes about the system is a testament to how well designed the new system is. We've been looking in-depth at our PSP-2000, and again, and once more for good luck, and have not found anything too alarming. If you were lucky enough to find a PSP Slim Daxter bundle, feel free to share your pet peeves with the rest of the class.
No more PSP homebrew talk on Sony's forums
With the release of the delicious new PSPs, some of you may be lured in by the slim form factor and the lighter weight. But there are others among you who may have had the deal sweetened by the lure of a much ... darker desire: That seductive, underground siren known in hushed whispers as "homebrew." Though it's supposed to be hush hush, discussion about it has previously been fairly active on Sony's own forums. (We know, we were as surprised as you.)Now, apparently, the gravy train has ended, with Sony banning mentions of the illicit activity on the forums, writing, "Homebrew applications void the warranty of the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system, and an official area to discuss such activities cannot be provided by SCEA." (By the way, primo community relations, guys. Did you hire Major Nelson?) Our friends at PSP Fanboy think Sony's trying to keep the new wave of PSP owners from hearing about homebrew, while we think they're just trying to make it seem all dirty and wrong again. What do you think?[Via PSPF]
White PSP Slim delayed in UK
They're definitely not available today in the United Kingdom, but on September 14 the PSP Slim will be released into the wild. Not appearing on launch day, however, is the ceramic white model.Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, a Sony representative refuted claims from a CVG article that said official TV cables for the portable will make launch, but confirmed rumblings that only the black model will be available on next Friday.British gamers looking for a lighter-shaded PSP Slim will have to wait until October, according to the spokesperson.
Joystiq & PSPFB hands-on PSP-2000: Part 3
With the new PSP-2000 available in the wild, we decided to answer a few more questions in this final iteration of our ongoing series. Want to know what new background colors are in firmware 3.60? Want to see the TV out function in action? Check out this video overview we made, then check more questions after the cut.
