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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.
PSP-3000 sneaks out a bit early, suffers an unboxing
Due to be launched next Tuesday, the PSP-3000 Ratchet & Clank Entertainment Pack has managed to slip into at least one Best Buy a few days early, where it was quickly snatched up by friendly tipster Aaron G. He sent us a few unboxing shots out of the kindness of his heart, and now he's undoubtedly too engrossed in National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets and that ultra-bright screen to pay us much heed. Oh Nicolas Cage, what a charmer you are.%Gallery-34280%
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.
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.
What the Nintendo DSi, PSP 3000, and iPhone mean for MMOs
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/MMOs_on_the_iPhone_the_DSi_and_the_PSP_3000'; Last night, on the other side of the world, Nintendo announced its intention to step up the battle between Sony and Apple for the soul of the handheld gamer. We talk semi-regularly on Massively about the hardcore console battle, with games like Age of Conan and Champions Online heading for the 360 and SOE's stable of new titles (DCUO, The Agency, Free Realms) heading for the PlayStation 3. The handheld battle hardly ever gets discussed here on the site, though, and that's a shame. The modern ubiquity of handheld gaming is really the future of 'console' gaming, and with all three handheld platforms featuring built-in internet connectivity the age of "MMOs on the go" is inevitable.Join us as we walk through each of the three handheld platforms, discussing what their potential is for playing MMOs and what we currently know about MMO plans for the platform. Even though they're pretty quiet, there are more than you think. Who knows, perhaps the WoW nation of today will be tapping out messages to each other on their DS handhelds five years from now? Get prepped on Mobile MMOs >> %Gallery-33315%
Nintendo DSi vs. PSP-3000 vs. iPod Touch, v1.0
Note: Relative sizes approximate var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Nintendo_DSi_vs_PSP_3000_vs_iPod_Touch'; Now that we have some concrete details about the Nintendo DSi -- which bears more than a few similarities between its multimedia competitors -- let's size it up against the PSP-3000 and Apple's "gaming handheld" the iPhone/iPod Touch. Remember this is based on tech specifications and not on games library. We'll keep updating as we get more news from Nintendo about its just-announced portable. #comparechart { border: 2px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #comparechart td { padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 80%} #comparechart th { font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #eee; } #comparechart th.x360th { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #66FF99;} #comparechart th.mainth { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333;} #comparechart th.wiith { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #99ccff;} #comparechart th.ps3th { font-size: 100%; color: silver; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; background-color: #000000;} #comparechart td.red { background-color: #f08c85; } #comparechart td.green { background-color: #b3e2c4; } #comparechart th.blackth { background-color: #000; } #comparechart td.grey { background-color: #eee; } Nintendo DSi PSP-3000 iPhone / iPod Touch Screen Size Two 3.25-inch displays 4.3-inch display 3.5-inch display Screen Resolution 256 x 192 480 x 272, 16m colors 480×320 CPU speed / type One 67 MHz (ARM) and one 33 MHz ARM7TDMI2 MIPS R4000-based; clocked from 1 to 333 MHz 620 MHz ARM 1176, underclocked to 412 MHz Form Factor 5.85 x 3.33 x 0.99 inches1 6.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches 4.5 × 2.4 x 0.48 inches (iPhone); 4.3 × 2.4 × 0.33 inches (iPod Touch) Camera 2 cameras, one with VGA resolution Optional Go!Cam, 1.3 megapixels iPhone has 2 megapixel camera Memory SD slot, internal storage (unknown size) Memory Stick (up to 16GB) 8-32GB internal storage Internet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi (iPhone also has EDGE or 3G) Browser Yes Yes Yes Online Store Yes (DSi Shop) Yes (PS Store) Yes (App Store) Touch Screen Yes (single touch) No Yes (multi-touch) Notes: 1: Approximate size, based on Nintendo's assertion that DSi is 12 percent thinner than DS Lite2: Architecture of the DS Lite and, as noted, subject to change pending official release notesUpdate: Massively has a comparison piece on the MMO potential of the three portables. Gallery: What the Handheld War means for MMOs
How the PSP sizes up to the DSi, iPhone
Note: Relative sizes approximate var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Nintendo_DSi_vs_PSP_3000_vs_iPod_Touch'; Learning the art of "never sleeping," Joystiq has gone ahead and created a comparison chart of the new Nintendo DSi, comparing it to the PSP-3000 and Apple's iPod Touch and iPhone (by tech specs, not games library). Check it out.
Dissidia limited edition PSP is ridiculously limited edition
You're not getting one, sorry. The Limited Edition Dissidia PSP-3000 bundle bound for Japan is being sold exclusively through a lottery system that only Square Enix members in Japan can enter in. The entry period is limited to a one week window, and amongst those entries, random people will be selected to purchase those systems.So your best bet: eBay.[Thanks, Darryl!]
Sony exec takes it back, says PSP-3000 battery life "equivalent to current PSP"
We're not sure which part of "you can buy a new, larger battery from Sony to extend your gaming time" John Koller didn't mean, but evidently we (read: the world) had it all wrong. In a recent posting from the Director, he "clarifies" things by asserting that "the new PSP will have equivalent battery life to the current PSP, about 4 to 6 hours for games and about 4 to 5 hours for UMD videos." He continues on to affirm that the new, brighter and altogether lovelier display does suck down more power, but Sony's dutiful engineers apparently managed to "reduce the power consumption of the overall system" in order to counteract that. At this point, we'll just wait for real world battery tests before believing anything.[Via Joystiq]
PSP Brite cured of ailing battery life
You gotta tip your hat to modern medicine. It just five short days the diagnosis of PSP Brite's battery life has gone from dim to, um, serviceable. PSP hardware marketing director John Koller dropped his latest prognosis on PlayStation.Blog today, assuring all that his original evaluation was incorrect. "The new PSP will have equivalent battery life to the current PSP," Koller writes. He estimates: 4-6 hours for games 4-5 hours for UMD movies Well then, looks like we'll be returning that Nyko snake oil we bought last week. And does this mean we can stop storing our PSP in the freezer?
Sony revises battery life statement: says Brite will be the same
It seems like Sony crammed a bit more magic juice into the upcoming PSP Brite (PSP-3000). Before, they claimed that the upcoming hardware revision would have a slightly shortened battery life. However, a new post on the PlayStation.blog says otherwise. John Koller admits that the "screen of the new PSP draws a little more power" but he claims that "our engineers in Japan worked to reduce the power consumption of the overall system including its components." As such, final battery life on the Brite series will be nearly identical to that of the previous model: "about 4 to 6 hours for games and about 4 to 5 hours for UMD videos," says the post.
Sony clarifies UK PSP-3000 release
The previously announced European PSP-3000 bundles might not see their way across the English channel. According to GamesIndustry.biz, The bundles for the silver PSP-Brite with Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters and the black PSP-Brite with a 4GB Memory Stick remain a continental affair that might not be seen in the UK at all. That leaves Britons with future packs for Go! communication, FIFA, Harry Potter, and Buzz! Master Quiz. In addition to this, Sony corrected previously known information regarding British prices and dates, saying that the £149.99 price tag and October 17 date are set for a bundle yet to be revealed. A stand-alone system will be released in the UK sometime after the launch of the new bundles. As for the rest of Europe, you should not worry. You're still getting all eight promised bundles with the R&C pack hitting the market first on October 15 for €199.99 as previously announced. The 4GB Memory pack will release across the European continent in "early November."
PSP-3000 battery life diminished by new screen, Sony suggests buying a bigger battery
According to a GameSpot interview with Sony's US director of hardware marketing John Koller, that new PSP-3000 screen may look a bit better... but it's going to cost you about 20 minutes of battery life. Luckily for you gamers with endless pockets out there, Koller assures that minor wrinkle will be offset because, "We're going to have the extended life battery that's still available for consumers, so we're still going to get the eight-to-ten hours out of that battery." So just to make that clear, the regular battery life will be diminished, but you can buy a new, larger battery from Sony to extend your gaming time. Got that? Good. Watch him say it for real in the video after the break.[Via T3]
PSP Brite diagnosed with lower battery life expectancy
It happens to all battery-operated devices that burn too bright. They die so young. Oh PSP Brite, it was just 3 short hours ago when we powered you on, cradling your Slim body in our palms, eyes numbing from the vibrant images dancing upon your screen. And then, you went dark. (Well, that's how we're imagining it at least.)PSP know-it-all John Koller has diagnosed the new PSP model with short-term battery disorder. Koller estimates PSP Brite will burn through its charge 20-30 minutes faster than current PSP-2000 series units. That's not a good thing, you know. Luckily, Sony's bringing back "the bulge" (the now-discontinued extended battery) to combat the crippling disorder. We hear playing close to a power outlet also helps to ease the symptoms.[Via PSP Fanboy]
PSP Brite battery life will decrease by 20-30 minutes
PSP main man John Koller went to Gamespot to talk about the upcoming PSP Brite, and revealed a few key facts. He admits the change is "minor," one in a continuing series of changes the PSP may see along its proposed life cycle. Most revealing of all is his comment about battery life: the brighter screen will draw more power, diminishing battery life by 20-30 minutes.He does say that the now-discontinued extended life battery will make a return, possibly rebranded for use with the PSP-3000 series.
PSP Brite may lead Sony's fight against piracy, homebrew
While many argue that the homebrew community offers PSP owners a wealth of content that doesn't hurt games developers, Sony would disagree. The staggering amount of piracy on the system has created a situation where even cheap, high-profile games like Patapon are downloaded illegally far more than actually purchased. In spite of terrific hardware sales, software simply hasn't performed well, especially outside of Japan. With developers and publishers reluctant to create new content on a system that never breaks NPD's software top 10 charts, Sony had to change something ... and fast.Kris Erickson of PSP World postulates that the speed in which Sony has upgraded its PSP hardware from the popular PSP-2000 series may be indicative of a new plan to combat piracy and homebrew. While the brighter screen is appreciated, it seems like too little to warrant yet another reboot of the hardware -- that is, unless something internal has changed. The new PSP-Brite system may have better hardware measures against piracy -- a direction foretold by SCEE boss David Reeves not too long ago.However, the incredibly dedicated homebrew community -- whether or not they understand their responsibility in creating the current drought of PSP games -- will undeniably continue to hack the new PSP to find new exploits. Unfortunately for Sony, backwards compatability with old PSP firmware and software will continue to work as a Trojan horse against the company.
