psp-2000
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New Japanese PSP-2000 commercial doesn't suck
Wow, what's this? A PSP commercial that's pretty straightforward and doesn't leave us scratching our heads or just completely embarrassed? Apparently so, as the first Japanese PSP-2000 TV commercial is making its rounds.The commercial zeros in on the new PSP's TV-out capabilities, which seems to astonish the elderly man. Sony also cleverly uses the setting to not only promote the PSP-2000 and Monster Hunter Freedom 2, it also features an entire fleet of Bravia TVs. We gotta hand it to ya, Sony. Nice one.
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.
Crisis Core loads infinitely faster on PSP-2000
The PSP-2000 didn't produce improved load times for us, but it looks like new PSP software, like Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, will fare differently. As showcased by this user video, this action RPG runs quite smoothly on the new hardware, but chugs along at an almost painful pace on the PSP Phat. This demonstration is quite possibly the most convincing we've seen that the PSP-2000 is a worthwhile upgrade for old owners. But, are you ready to buy a new system? Or will you simply wait it out? [Thanks, J!]
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]
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.
UK hardware sales: Xbox 360 roars, PSP whimpers
Thanks in no small part to a price drop and a new model, Microsoft's Xbox 360 scored a 260% sales increase in the United Kingdom from two weeks prior, according to ChartTrack (via MCV). The Elite model was released in the territory August 24 for £299.99, while the Pro and Arcade models received price drops to £249.99 and £179.99, respectively. The momentum is also likely to be helped by a certain Covenant-crushing behemoth set to deploy later this month.Though Microsoft may be having its (VH1) Best Week Ever, Sony's PlayStation Portable had its worst. ChartTrack is reporting the PSP had its worst week of sales since its launch September 1, 2005. Both SCEE and ChartTrack blame the sales drop-off on the impending launch of the PSP-2000 model, coming September 14 (sans ceramic white) and believe the redesign will boost the PSP's sales.Chart-Track did not provide specific numbers for either console's sales.Read -- 260% sales jump for Xbox 360Read -- SCEE looks forward after worst week ever for PSP
PSP Fanboy and Joystiq are all over the PSP Slim
Now that the PSP Slim is in the wild, we know you're aching to see what it's like up close, and Joystiq and PSP Fanboy have got you covered with an in-depth three-part series that should answer virtually every question you might have -- and them some -- about Sony's littlest console. Check it out!Read -- Part 1: Firmware, Video-out, button responseRead -- Part 2: Load times, size comparisons, pricingRead -- Part 3: Cables, cases, battery charging, battery life
Sony's PSP slim cracked open: there's more NAND in there?
It didn't take long after the release of Sony's slim PSP in Europe for some over-anxious individual to get inside of his new handheld, and while dissection pictures are always a treat in and of themselves, this splaying led to an unexpected discovery. After inspecting the motherboard and comparing it to boards from prior (read: not slim) PSPs, it was reported that the newest iteration features "66MB of NAND memory including spare data," which certainly trumps the amount found in its predecessor; additionally, Mathieulh mentioned that the "idstorage area is now fully encrypted." Check out a few more pics for yourself after the jump.[Via MaxConsole]
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.
Sony's PSP slim hitting stores... today?
Sony's been none to clear about a launch date for the new PSP-2000 "slim" PSP, but really there's no better time than the present to get your slim on, and Sony just announced that its new PSP is available today. Coming in silver, as part of a $200 "Entertainment Pack" alongside Daxter, Family Guy and a 1GB Memory Stick, the new PSP should be hanging out at most major retailers by the time you read this, though you might want to call around a bit just to be sure.[Via Joystiq]
Inside the PSP-2000 launch bundles
Click for high-resolution image. The Daxter bundle is available in select retailers today (call them before you head out!). But what's inside the box? Here we have your first look at the new PSP bundles. Inside, you'll see that the bundled UMDs do not come inside actual game cases. Rather, they're enclosed in cardboard paper sleeves that proudly proclaim "Not for Resale." Guess you won't be able to trade them into GameStop, huh?Also included in our gallery are some high-res shots of the other packs, such as the Star Wars Battlefront combo. Check out the gallery for more:%Gallery-6905%
PSP-2000s apparently available today
Sony has issued forth a press release stating that the newly slimmed PSPs (the PSP-2000 to the tech savvy) are now available in the wild. You'll still have to buy the silvery systems as part of the $199.99 "Entertainment Pack," which comes with a copy of Daxter, the Family Guy -- Freakin' Sweet Collection on UMD, and a 1GB Memory Stick.Funny thing though, calls to all of our local game stores turned up squat, both in terms of consoles and in info. In order, we heard "We don't know.", "There's no date.", "It's not in our system." and "Christmas." Have any of you had better luck?
AV cables not available at UK PSP launch
Some may say the biggest selling point of the newly redesigned PSP is its ability to output video to the TV. So, why are the cables not available at launch? Questioningly, the PSP-2000 will not get this system-defining peripheral at its launch. In terms of color selection, only Piano Black will be at launch. Ceramic White and Ice Silver seem to be MIA at the moment.We contacted Sony Computer Entertainment America to see whether or not the AV cables will be available at the US system launch later this year. However, they've yet to return our e-mails. Stay tuned for more.
Joystiq and PSPFB hands-on with PSP-2000: Part 2
Yesterday, we answered your questions about the newly redesigned PSP, codenamed PSP-2000. Today, we'll explore the load times of games on Sony's redesigned handheld. With added RAM, games are supposed to load faster than the older model. Did we see an improvement? Also, we tackle some more questions from PSP Fanboy readers.Do games load noticeably faster?Submitted by: Hashbrown_Hunter This took a lot of effort to piece together. It seems that games do load faster, although not as significantly as we would hope. In the above side-by-side video of the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront, you can see that although the games were launched at the same time, the PSP-2000 (the silver one) loads slightly faster than the original. It loads the level slightly faster as well. However, going through our games collection resulted in varying results -- some games didn't change at all, while games like Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow actually took longer on PSP-2000! It appears that games with significantly long load times are the ones to benefit the most. Check out our test results here. Check out Gamespot's test results, which feature different games, here.
Joystiq answers questions about Sony's slimmer PSP
Those patiently awaiting the slimmer PSP, codenamed PSP-2000, will probably enjoy (or be exceedingly envious) of Joystiq's hands-on with the forthcoming device, but regardless of what emotions it evokes, we're givin' it to ya straight. Hordes of readers submitted questions about the impending PSP, and nothing provides the answers like a good bit of time handling the actual unit in question. So go on, tag the read link to catch an early glimpse of the PSP Lite, and who knows, maybe one or two of your own burning questions will be addressed, too.
Joystiq and PSPFB hands on with PSP-2000: Part 1
This September, Sony will be unleashing the first ever revision of the PlayStation Portable. Codenamed PSP-2000, the system sports a new slimmer design, and the ability to display content on a television. There are a lot of mysteries surrounding the new system -- but tonight, we're going to clear things up. We asked the readers of PSP Fanboy to submit their questions and received about a hundred responses. That's a lot of ground to cover, so we're going to spend the next few days answering as many as we can. Let's begin. The PSP-1000's volume wasn't that loud. Did they increase the volume?Submitted by: dapurplebyrd As you can see, the speakers on the new PSP (right) are not louder than the old PSP (left). With headphones on, the volume output is identical as well.
Japan gets the PSP lite in three additional colors
Showing a little love for the home crowd, Sony announced today that in addition to the three "basic" colors of black, silver, and white, Japanese PSP fans will also be getting the PSP lite in three metallic pastel shades: Rose Pink, Lavender Purple, and, um, Blue. No word on if we'll ever see these officially make it Stateside, but seeing as the original PSP was unlocked, you can bet some eager graymarketer is getting ready to cash in.PS. You know Sony should've given the new model an official name when even PSP Fanboy is calling it the "PSP lite."[Via PSP Fanboy]
