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PSP-4000 in advertisement deemed a 'mistake'
Last week's digital issue of MCV featured an advertisement for an accessory bundle mentioning the "PSP-4000." The listing has since been described as being nothing more than a mistake. Negative Gamer contacted A4G, which placed the ad, and the company's license manager said the mention of a new iteration for Sony's handheld was a "mistake on [their] part." The spokesperson was unaware of a new model. Rumors of the UMD-enabled PSP-4000's existence have been floating around for a few months. These are not be confused with the longer-standing PSP-4000 rumors, which ended up heralding the PSP Go. Would a real PSP-4000 be considered a mistake?
Sony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010
After a strong 2009, Sony plans to focus its efforts in the coming year on some new initiatives -- notably the still unnamed and, with a "Spring 2010 release," curiously under-promoted PlayStation Motion Controller, 3D games, and the PlayStation Network. In a recent GamePro interview, Sony marketing head John Koller said the company will be focusing on these "three big pillars" going forward, and detailed its plans to expand on each. "I think the areas that are going to be really critical to our success will be family games, as well as shooters and sports games ... they're areas that quite honestly, I think Project Natal and the Wii are going to have trouble matching," he said of the company's motion controller plans. Without getting too specific, the PlayStation Network will apparently be seeing the addition of "a number of very critically demanded features" in the coming year, while the company strives to reach day-and-date release parity between UMD-based PSP games and their digital counterparts from third-party devs on PSN. He even teased the concept of "placing you as a consumer into the game physically" -- an idea he called "the Holy Grail of gaming." We get the feeling 2010 is going to be kind of a weird year, folks.
Traveler's Tales founder: PSP Go will die if downloads don't get cheaper
While speaking at the Develop Jury Service (a pow-wow for industry figures to discuss current gaming trends and topics), Traveler's Tales founder Jon Burton questioned the prolonged survival of the PSP Go platform, since UMD games can often be purchased new or pre-owned at a lower price than the digital versions compatible with PSP Go. "I own a PSP Go but don't want to buy LittleBigPlanet, for instance, as I can get it 20-percent cheaper on UMD from Amazon and could resell it once I'm finished with it," Burton explained. "But if I download it, I get no discount, and no chance to resell -- how annoying is that?" According to Burton, PSP Go's all-digital system is more than just a minor inconvenience. He later added, "I'm betting on Sony making PSP Go games much cheaper than the UMD versions, or the PSP Go will die." Oh no! The PSP Go is far too tiny and adorable to die so young. Listen to the man, Sony!
Screen grabs: House, MD likes a little PSP Go between his high-risk medical procedures
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com. There's one thing (and one thing only) that we know about House, MD. He seriously loves nearly killing people before saving them. Well, that, and he loves chilling out with a PSP Go. What, you hadn't heard? Yeah, seems old Dr. Greg is pretty into gaming in his downtime -- you know, when he's not downing Vicodin or collecting clues. There's one more piece of evidence after the break. [Thanks, Donny]
Rumor: PSP Minis playable on PS3 before Christmas
Since the launch of the PSP Minis digital platform alongside the PSP Go back in October, Sony has showed little more than a passing interest in promoting its bite-sized game service. After playing a decent chunk of games at launch and then barely hearing a whisper since, we've been wondering when the company would show more support for Minis. If what we're hearing from a handful of reliable sources is true, however, the PSP Minis will finally get some attention in the near future as they become playable on the PlayStation 3. It'll happen "before Christmas," says one source (confirmed as "this month" by others independently), allegedly with the entire selection of Minis (and presumably upcoming releases) to be playable on PlayStation 3 consoles -- with a resolution bump to boot. As for Sony: "We don't comment on rumor or speculation.", so we'll have to leave it in the rumor department for now.
Logitech working on UMD drive add-on for the PSP Go?
There may have been plenty of folks pushing Sony to ditch UMD once and for all with the PSP Go, but there's at least as many sorry to see it left behind, as evidenced by the continued strong sales of the venerable PSP-3000. While nothing's official just yet, it looks like Logitech just might now be set to bridge the divide the two handhelds with a UMD drive add-on of some sort for the PSP Go. That word comes form an unnamed source speaking to CVG, who reportedly said that the only problem with the drive is that "it'll make the PSP a little bulky," but offered no other details. Of course, there's also the small problem that the add-on would only add more to the cost of the PSP Go along with the bulk, thereby making the PSP-3000 an even more attractive option, but we'll hold off on any futher speculation until this thing gets a bit more real.
Logitech denies it's developing PSP Go UMD add-on [update]
A CVG source (singular) claims that Logitech is developing a UMD drive add-on for the PSP Go. The source has neither price nor release information, merely stating that the "only problem is that it'll make the PSP a little bulky." Logitech's UK office told the outlet that it's unaware of such a device and that it "may be something the US office is working on." We've contacted both Sony and Logitech for more concrete information. Beyond the fact that such an add-on would undermine what the Go represents (not quite the "only" problem, is it?), the likely price of such a device, in addition to the base cost of the PSP Go, would not compare well to the already lower cost of a regular PSP with UMD drive. Now, if the add-on could "install" your old games, that would be something ... Update: Logitech tells Joystiq: "This is not something that our company is working on."
Europe gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle
Alright, Europe. We're not sure what you did to get into Sony's good graces, but we wish you'd share that information with your pals in the States. Not only do you guys have access to the PSP Go incentive program, which grants owners of UMDs three free game downloads through March 31, but Sony Europe just went ahead and threw another complimentary game on the pile. Anyone living in Europe who owns a PSP Go is eligible to receive a free copy of Gran Turismo, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (or, in Germany, LittleBigPlanet) until January 10. For more details on the promotion, visit Sony Europe's official site. We've contacted Sony America to find out if we'll be getting a similar offer stateside.
HMV slashes price for DJ Hero, PSP Go in the UK
Lucky Brits. Not only do they get to be in closer geographic proximity to the dreamy David Tennant than we do, they're also extended some amazing post-Thanksgiving deals on typically pricey gaming equipment. Electronics retailer HMV is currently running two such offers in the UK -- the company has dropped the price of the PSP Go to £148.99, down significantly from the handheld's MSRP of £224.99. In addition, it's reduced the cost for DJ Hero, normally £107.99, down to just £69.99. We're not sure how long these prices will stay this low, so if you live in the United Kingdom and have any interest in turntabling or digital distribution revolutions, we suggest you get while the getting is good.
PSP Go isn't cannablizing PSP sales, House says
For those of you out there on your third or fourth sleepless night, unable to catch some Zs for worry that Sony is losing money on its physical-media PSP models to the PSP Go, it's time to rest easy. Sony Europe head Andrew House recently told GamesIndustry.biz that digitally distributed titles are "additive to the business." Better yet, newer PSPs aren't eating older ones. "I don't think there's been a huge amount of cannibalization." Okay, okay, he's talking about PSP Go sales proverbially "eating up" PSP-3000 sales.He even goes as far as to state that "those sales [PSP Go sales] have come in and lifted overall PSP sales" – something we've heard stated before by execs at Sony Europe. We're not exactly sure what the strategy is behind using your new $250 PSP to sell your old (and arguably more feature-rich) PSP-3000, but we're still hopeful that Sony sees a long-term plan where we see a really expensive, download-only handheld.
Nintendo DSi LL sells 103k in two days, ripped open in two minutes
The newer, embiggened Nintendo DSi LL (as it's known in Tokyo Town) has been available to the kids in Japan since the beginning of the week, and Enterbrain, Inc. is reporting that Nintendo has pushed 103,524 units in its first two days. To perspectivize things, the DSi was snatched up to the tune of about 170,000 units in the same time period, while the PSPgo sold around 28,000 units. To celebrate, the kids at PC Watch have ripped one of these bad boys -- and you'll never guess what they found! (OK, maybe you will.) Check out the link below for the hardcore details -- and don't say we didn't warn you.
LittleBigPlanet PSP coming out on PSN tomorrow, patch available now
This past week has been one long LittleBigDisappointment for early PSP Go adopters due to unforeseen technical snafus which prevented SCE Studio Cambridge's adorable platformer from jumping onto the PSN. Fortunately, the latest "Sack it to Me" news update brings word that the game will finally be available to download tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 24. Perhaps even more newsworthy than that is the fact that the studio has already launched a patch for the title which "will improve the performance of some of the physics and tools in the Create mode." To download the game-specific update -- a fairly new feature on the handheld -- make sure you're connected to the internet, select the game's icon on the XMB, press Triangle, and select "Update." Now, sit back, and prepare to witness unthinkable technowizardry in the palm of your hand. Or hands, should you still be using the original double-wide PSP.
Sony's Kaz Hirai confirms 'premium level' subscription coming to PSN
Well, Sony may have once downplayed the notion of "catching up" with Xbox Live, but it looks like it is now set to take at least one big cue from its rival. As oh-so-quietly revealed during a presentation on Thursday and now confirmed by Kaz Hirai himself, Sony will be adding a "premium level" subscription service to the PlayStation Network sometime next year. According to Hirai, that subscription will get you "premium content and services," although exactly what those are remains a bit unclear, as the current level of service will apparently remain free, and continue to include features like Facebook, Netflix, and the ability to play games online. Also up in the air is any word on a price or launch date, although the timing of the announcement does seem to suggest that we might just be hearing more about this at CES. [Thanks, Erick]
Sorry, Goers: LittleBigPlanet PSP still unavailable for PSN download
When the PSP Go was first announced, Sony focused much of its promotion of the new digital distribution model on one upcoming title for the portable platform: LittleBigPlanet. Unfortunately, those who bought a Go with visions of downloadable Sackboys dancing in their heads are probably feeling awfully jilted at the moment. See, though the UMD version of the game has been available since yesterday, the customizable platformer still hasn't hopped onto the PlayStation Store. Sony acknowledged the game's non-arrival on a PlayStation.Blog post earlier today. SCEA's Eric Levine later explained in an email to us that though the company planned on a simultaneous UMD/PSN release, unforeseen problems have delayed the game's downloadable iteration. However, Sony technicians "are working on solving that as we speak." We'll keep you updated as to when you Go-getters out there can join in the LittleBigFestivities.
Amazon offers $50 PSN card with PSP Go purchases, for tonight only
Hey impulse buyers, want a PSP Go? Amazon is offering a $50 PSN card for anyone who picks up the portable tonight, in black or white. Seeing as you'll be having to spend that much on digital titles anyway, it's a pretty good long-term $50 discount, bringing the suggested value of the Go to about $195. It's still not as financially sound an option as a PSP-3000, but if you value style over price figures and disc-based media, this might be one of the best incentives before Christmas. Offer ends at midnight PT / 3:00AM ET -- after that, it turns right back into a pumpkin.
Buy a PSP Go from Amazon, get $50 credit for PSN store
If you were planning on picking up a PSP Go for that special physical-media-phobic someone in your life, you might want to hurry over to Amazon where (today only) the purchase of a PSP Go will net you a bonus $50 to spend in Amazon's PlayStation Network store however you like. Just make sure that the recipient spends their new loot the right way: on the Andy Dick PAIN DLC -- twenty five times! No, we don't care if they have a PS3 or not, they're missing the point.
AdhocParty for PSP coming to North America 'soon'
Gamers in Japan with both a PSP and PS3 have been able to use the adhocParty service to expand their multiplayer gaming options for quite a while now, and it looks like folks in North America will soon finally be able to get in on the action as well. For those not up to speed on it, the service effectively lets you use your PS3 as a gateway to let you play PSP games with an ad hoc mode (like Gran Turismo or Monster Hunter) over the internet instead of simply with other PSP users near you. You'll also be able to make use of the PS3's wireless headset or PlayStation Eye for voice chat with the service, but you will have to make sure your PS3 is connected to the internet via Ethernet or a wireless bridge (since it makes use of the built-in WiFi to connect to the PSP). Still no firm word on a release date, but it will be a free download from the PlayStation Store.
PSP Go turned into a homebrewed Sega CD emulator (video)
At this point, there have been so many Sonic games on so many different platforms, that you don't really need to run an old school Sega Genesis or Sega CD to play with the blue hedgehog. Need, however, is not what this is about. A fellow calling himself Neon (whose real name is presumably Thomas Andersonn) has put together a proof of concept video to show off a custom PSP Go firmware capable of running Sega CD images. Alas, he's only keen to prove said concept for bragging rights alone, and there are no plans to unleash this unto the retro-loving world, but isn't it enough to know that you can bring back all those memories of an insecure youth whiled away in a poorly lit room with a 12MHz console pushing about 200 pixels in total? Of course it is, check the video after the break.
PSP Go hacked and homebrew-enabled, becomes Sega CD Go
Some folks measure the length of time it takes for a new console to be hacked wide open by how long it takes to display a "Hello, World!" message. For us, that metric is determined by how long it takes to get a Sega CD emulator running on the system. For the PSP Go, that period of time has been finalized: 43 long, lonely, Night Trap-less days. A YouTube video by "Neon" from "Team Typhoon" (is that some sort of gang?) appears to prove that on some PSP Go, somewhere in the world, one can play Sonic CD. Don't get your hopes up -- the video's annotations repeatedly promise that the hack will not be released to the general public, so for the time being, you're going to have to keep playing that old copy of Wirehead on your clunky, Voltron-esque home console. Still, our heart swells knowing that our wildest dreams are possible -- if not slightly out of reach. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Sony surveying PSP Go audience, wants color suggestions
Hey, remember when Nintendo was dissing the PSP Go for having a "concept problem" last month? We doubt Sony cared too much, but the concept is going to get a gentle massaging, judging by this here survey. An otherwise insipid market research form has revealed an eye-catching selection of PSP Go paintjobs, replete with tick-boxes for the discerning customer to make his opinion known. The presently available Piano Black and Pearl White are in amongst them, so perhaps what Sony's looking for is a color that scores as well or higher than the current offerings, which might incite the company to make like Nintendo and bring a little more rainbow to its portable hardware. We've got our money on that sexy red number, and suspect / hope the turquoise will never make it off the drawing board.
