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PSP Go disassembled, reassembly still in question
Well, the PSP Go may still not be available to the general public just yet, but the folks at levelup.cn have somehow managed to wrangle one out of Sony's hands, and have promptly gone and done what appears to be the first proper disassembly of the device. While there's expectedly not a whole lot of surprises, we do get a good look at the now non-removable battery (pictured above), the on-board memory, the familiar nub and controls and, of course, the complete lack of any UMD remnants -- not to mention a curiously placed GameCube watermark. Hit up the link below for the step-by-step teardown.
Yesterday's PlayStation news, all in one place
Sony had itself quite a day yesterday, effectively reinvigorating the PlayStation brand with the $300 PS3 Slim and a host of upgrades and updates to the PSP, the PlayStation Store, and PlayStation Network. Now that the dust has settled, we thought we'd throw down a little recap in case you didn't catch it all -- it's clear that the lower-priced Slim has a lot of people talking about finally buying a PS3, but we think things like PSP Minis "snackable" games and the new PS3 firmware 3.0 might be equally important in the long run. Here's the full breakdown: Liveblog: Sony's GamesCom presser coverage live at Joystiq! Live from Sony's GamesCom Press conference (at Joystiq) PS3 Slim and PS3 classic: Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!) PlayStation 3 Slim unboxing and hands-on! PS3 Slim sized up: smaller, deeper, no Linux or PS2 compatibility Sony sneaks PS3 Slim through FCC under pseudonym, 250GB model discovered Sony finally hacks $100 from 'old' PlayStation 3 price, starting today Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer Editorial: A slimmer, cheaper, better PS3. Was that so hard? PSP: Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store Sony announces three new PSP-3000 colors for Europe PSP Minis, Digital Comics get their own promo videos
Sony announces three new PSP-3000 colors for Europe
Sure, Sony's had plenty of big announcements at Gamescom today, but fans of lowered expectations aren't out of luck either, as the company's once again gone back to the paint shop and brought out three new colors for the still-sticking-around PSP-3000. Those include the all new "turquoise blue" and "blossom pink" colors, the former of which will come bundled with LittleBigPlanet, as well as the "lilac purple" model that's already made an appearance in the US (which'll also get the same Hannah Montanna Entertainment Pack). Still no word on the new colors getting a release over here, but it looks like folks in Europe will be able to get their hands on them in November.
Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer
Sony just announced a bunch of tweaks and additions to the PS3, PSP, and PlayStation Network at GamesCom, chief among them the new PS3 firmware 3.0. The new code features animated themes with avatars, a new status indicator, a modified friends list, assorted interface changes, tweaks to trophies, and a What's New section that replaces the Information Board. Sony's also bringing the PlayStation Video store to the UK, France, Germany and Spain in November, with more planned expansion in 2010 -- customers will be able to rent and buy films in SD and HD, and while it'll open with just movies, other content will be added as time goes on. The PSP is also getting a Digital Reader comics viewer, with lots of heavy hitters like Marvel on board to provide content -- Marvel says the PSP could become their biggest distribution outlet. We'll see about that -- for now, check a video of firmware 3.0 after the break.Update: Digital Reader press release after the break.
Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store
Over in beautiful Cologne, Germany, Sony has just confirmed what we've suspected for months now. Exclusive to the PSN Store, loyal Sony gamers will soon have access to a new segment of titles, ones that'll be available anytime and anywhere that there's an internet connection. The 100MB (or less) selections -- which are being officially called Minis -- are designed to take advantage of the "smaller development cost on the PSP," and if all goes well, we'll see 15 games (such as Tetris, Hero of Sparta, MiniGore and Fieldrunners) launching on October 1st. There's been no mention yet of how expensive these "snackable" apps / games will be, but we're holding Sony to its promise of 50 by the end of 2009.Update: Press release after the break.
Sony to court iPhone devs, match App Store pricing?
We've known for a while now that "snackable" content (inexpensive apps for instant gratification) was in the cards for the PSP, a fact that supports rumours reported by Pocket Gamer that handheld games for the PlayStation Network will be priced in the €1-5 range -- on par with Apple's App Store. In addition, it seems that the company has been "actively sourcing" iPhone developers to bring their existing titles to PSN. Who knows? Maybe the quick'n'easy approach to games (and someday apps?) will take some of the sting out of the PSPgo's "premium" price point. Either way, if all this is true it's turning out to be a red letter day for iPhone devs. [Via gamesindustry.biz]
Modder hacks PSP for DualShock 2 control, proves kids aren't worthless
Okay, so there's at least a sliver of a chance French modder Flasheur got his inspiration from an eerily similar mod last year that involved Sony's PlayStation Portable and an original DualShock controller, but hey, progress is progress. This time around, we're looking at a rather dashing blue PSP and a DualShock 2, and while the actual modding process looks to have taken a different route (three connections on the rear versus one on the side), the end result is the same. Bliss. Pure bliss. Hop on past the break for an entirely-too-lengthy video demonstrating the hack in action, and hang tight for a DualShock 3 iteration to surface in 5, 4, 3... [Via Slashgear]
Sony said to have seriously considered second analog nub for PSP Go
It's no secret that a second analog nub was one of the biggest demands for what's now known as the PSP Go and, according to Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida, those requests were heard loud and clear during the Go's development. Speaking with Game Informer, Yoshida said that Sony had some "very serious discussion" about adding a second analog nub to the PSP Go, but ultimately decided against it to avoid splitting the PSP market in two. He further elaborated that the PSP Go is "designed to be perfectly compatible with the PSP-3000 and all the games that released before that," adding that "we are talking about the mid-life cycle of this platform" (referring to Sony's ten-year life cycle plan for all of its consoles). In other words, don't bet on one showing up on the inevitable PSP Go Slim 6000 either.[Via Joystiq]
Sony exec says UMD-less PSP was "always the plan"
Well, it's no secret that plenty of folks have been talking about a UMD-less PSP since day one, but it looks like that's been the case behind the scenes at Sony as well, at least according to the company's head of product planning, Naoya Matsui. Speaking with GameBusiness.jp, he said that Sony has "planned to release a PSP model without a UMD drive since the very beginning," but that if "we'd simply released the hardware, there wouldn't have been much for everyone to enjoy," adding that Sony "needed to prepare the right environment for it first - things like the transferal of content with the PS3 and PSN, and PC software to manage content like music and movies such as Media Go." Matsui further went on to explain that Sony also had to wait until the "delivery of digital content was on par with the delivery of physical media," which it obviously thinks has now finally happened.[Via Joystiq]
Sony working on a PSP non-game app store?
Now that Sony's committed itself to downloadable games with the PSP Go, it's only natural to wonder where that strategy might lead -- and the hot buzz says there's an "app store" of sorts due in August at Gamescom. The new section of the Playstation Store will supposedly impose a 100MB limit on content and set prices in the $2 - $6 range, but otherwise have no restrictions, meaning devs will be free -- and even encouraged -- to code up non-game apps as well. Of course, you'll still be able to snag other PSP titles from the other parts of the store, but if this actually happens it'll be interesting to see if Sony can channel some of the energy from the vibrant PSP homebrew scene into a more legit distribution channel. We'll keep an eye out.[Via Joystiq]
Sony adds PSP access to PlayStation Network video store, 16 new content partners
Tucked in between the "worst kept secret" PSP Go and motion control demos at its E3 press conference, Sony also revealed new content for the PlayStation Network video service, and the ability to download video directly to the PSP, no PS3 or PC intermediary needed. No word on when to expect the new content exactly, but it will include video from Showtime Networks, Starz, G4 & E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDNet & Magnolia Pictures, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media's Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media, WEP, UFC, TNA and Video Action Sports. Looks like Sony will have easy on the go access to video store content up and running before Microsoft gets its Zune integration act together, but whether that compares to 1080p instant streaming promises remains to be seen (Hint: first one with direct Hulu access wins, we're just saying, guys.) Check out Sony's trailer embedded after the break.
Video: Sony's PSP Go leaks out before E3, is obviously a go
Look up there, folks. That's the future of Sony's hopes and dreams in the handheld gaming sector. With just hours to go before the company's official E3 2009 press event, it looks like the pieces are all coming together. First a UMD-less game release, then a highly credible mole giving the PSP Go a name, and now -- live action shots. The images here were sourced from an obviously slipped June 2009 Qore video, and aside from giving us a look at the slider-based system (which, let's be honest, looks a ton like the questionably successful mylo), we're also told that it'll tout 16GB of internal memory, built-in Bluetooth and an undisclosed memory slot. If all goes well, it'll ship this Fall for a price to be determined, and it's actually not slated to replace the PSP-3000, as both of 'em will attempt to live on store shelves harmoniously... at least for awhile. Oh, and don't worry -- we'll be on hand in LA to bring you all the impressions we can muster early next week.[Via PlayStation Forums, thanks Matt and A1]Update: Video is now after the break! Thanks adizzy615!Update 2: Official press shots have emerged. [Via Engadget Spanish]Update 3: A few more official specifications are flowing from the full Qore video (pardon the sync issues). Here's the dirt: 3.8-inch display (resolution is undisclosed) 43 percent lighter than the PSP-3000 16GB of Flash storage Bluetooth built-in; supports handset tethering and BT headsets No UMD drive Memory Stick Micro slot New Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and new Metal Gear Solid (!) on the way Full PlayStation Network support (movie and TV rentals / purchases) Integration with PlayStation 3 (works the same as the PSP-3000 does) Sony views each of its products as "10-year lifecycle products," so the PSP "needs to live on."
"Mole" says UMD-less PSP-Go! is on for E3, slimmer PS3 to follow
Ready for this? No, seriously -- are you strapped in? The same reliable "mole" that enabled ArsTechnica to correctly call the Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle and the new Halo 3 / Fable 2 bundle (among other items) has come forward with convincing evidence that a UMD-less PSP is indeed on the table for an E3 launch. Truthfully, we'd be more shocked if Sony didn't announce such a product, with the download-only release of Patapon 2 being a telltale sign that something was up. We're told that the so-called PSP-Go! will be debuting in LA next week, but that a slimmer, trimmer PlayStation 3 likely won't. The reason? Sony's waiting for its current stock of PS3 consoles to dwindle, after which it intends to refill channel partners with the physically fit edition that we peeked just over a week ago. We'll be live at the expo to give the low-down on this as it happens, but suffice it to say, buying a bulky PS3 over the next few months will likely morph into a regrettable decision.
Sony apparently puts PSP Extended Life Battery Kit back on sale
What a wild ride this thing has had. Originally announced back in November of 2007, the PSP Extended Life Battery Kit promised to provide right around 20 percent more battery life in exchange for $45 and an additional bulge. Then, Sony seemingly canned the thing abruptly in August of 2008. Just a month later, Sony's US director of hardware marketing John Koller confessed that the PSP-3000's new screen would eat away more severely at the battery, but that an extended cell would solve the quandary for a few of your hard-earned dollars. Now, it seems he's finally making good on that proclamation, with the PlayStation Portable Extended Life Battery Kit back on the outfit's website for $44.99. At least one user over at the official PlayStation forums has already received one, but at the moment, SonyStyle is showing the item as backordered. Might as well get in line, yeah?[Via PlayStation Forums, thanks Eric]
Developers reportedly briefed on PSP rental service at GDC
Well, if today's batch of rumors are true, it looks like the PSP could be in for quite a few changes beyond the seemingly inevitable hardware revision. As Develop is now reporting, in addition to those rumored music downloads, the PSP could soon also be getting a full-fledged game rental service, which would, of course, be one more means of making a UMD-less PSP a more appealing device (for game developers and consumers alike). Apparently, the service was first pitched to developers at GDC back in March, and was again mentioned in a consumer survey that just surfaced yesterday. What's more, while complete details are expectedly a bit light, the service would apparently charge PSP owners a monthly fee that would allow them to download "a fixed number of games" during their subscription period, although it's not clear if you'd also be able to simply rent 'em one at a time.[Via Joystiq]
Music downloads coming to PSN, PSP?
Ready for some more PSP rumors? CNET's got it on good word that Sony's been talking to some of the big recording labels about putting their music on the PlayStation Network for download, specifically with the PSP in mind. It really isn't much of a stretch, especially when you think about the service's ever-growing library of movies and TV shows. And of course, Sony itself is one of the four largest music companies in the world, so if it really had to go on its own for a bit, it should be able to muster a few good artists. It's just a rumor for now, but this definitely feels like the natural progression for PSN and the company's do-everything device. You know what would go great with a PSP music download service? A slide-out gamepad and a Memory Stick HG-Micro slot to replace UMDs... Just sayin'.
UMD-less Patapon 2 officially released for PSP, another brick in the wall?
Joystiq reported back in April that Patapon 2's release would be a UMD-less affair, and now it's officially here. The followup game is now available as a digital download on the PSN, and as a redemption code voucher in retail locations. The sans-UMD format is a United States only test for Sony, and certainly leads us to wonder if that UMD-less PSP could possibly, potentially be in the works. The $19.99 title is available today, disc-less PSP available in your wildest dreams.
Latest PSP2 rumor covers familar ground, adds pre-Xmas release date
Not that we needed much more evidence that 2009 would be the year 'o PSP rumors, but Pocket Gamer is now reporting that it has heard from an "insider source" who says that the PSP2 will indeed be released before Christmas of this year. That source, who's supposedly a "developer working on the new hardware," also backs up some of the earlier rumors about the design of the device itself, saying that it will be more like the iPhone than the current PSP, and that it will boast a sliding touchscreen that conceals the buttons and dual analog controls when it's closed. Not much more than that, unfortunately, but who know's what next week's rumor will bring? We're personally hoping for a surprise Atari Lynx rebirth to really shake things up.
Sony PSP hacked for use as PC status monitor
No money for a secondary display? No use for that worn-down PSP? There's hope for the future, friend. Hacker avi has discovered that Sony's handheld makes for a wonderful status monitor, providing a clean look at your PC's CPU usage, memory allocation and system temperature levels. All you'll need is a bit of training in Python, Lua for the PSP and a sister willing to stop watching UMD movies long enough for you to give this a go.
Multi-shape Cobra PSP stand wraps you up, won't let you go
Oh, Brando -- how your works continue to amaze us. As if the outfit's litany of bizarre USB-powered peripherals weren't enough to keep you smiling through tough times, there's... this. The PSP 2K/3K Multi-shape Cobra Stand Bundle Kit is pretty much the best PSP stand of all time, enabling users to wrap their handheld around their forearm, waist, left leg or cranium. The bundled even includes a traditional vacuum hook stand for those who dress in plastic, and the whole package will only set you back 23 bones. ESPIRIT Rowing shirt sold separately.[Thanks, Tony]
