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Hacked PS1 emulation on PSP now more efficient [update 1]
Dark_AleX has released another edition of his custom PSP firmware. Just as it appears '3.03 Open Edition Revision A' (OE-A) is essentially a modified version of Sony's official v3.03 fimware. 3.03OE-A also comes with a modified version of Sony's PS1 emulator, popstation; and with this latest custom firmware release, custom-made ISOs (game files) can now be compressed to conserve memory stick space.Ethical concerns aside, it's amazing how the PSP homebrew scene has exploded ahead of Sony, unlocking the company's emulator for use with all PS1 titles. With just a few hours of research, a stack of old PlayStation games on hand, and perhaps a little trial and error, you now have the power to forge your own emulation experience -- imagine that. You don't even need a PlayStation 3.Update: clarified that popstation is a modified version of Sony's PS1 emulator.
Hot tools for the PSone emu user
Dark_Alex's hack of Sony's official PSone emulator has really revamped the PSP homebrew scene. There are two new programs available for those of you that are converting your own PSone games. First is the PopStation GUI creator, which allows you to make those nifty loading screens that appear in the XMB before choosing a PSone game. It's a simple, and whole-heartedly welcomed program.Next up is an updated version of CW Cheat, which allows you to play around with various cheats and hacks in your favorite PSone games. Not only will it let you cheat, but it'll also let you take screenshots in-game, adjust the clock speed, and shoot fire out of your mouth more.While these programs will enhance the experience of PSone games on the PSP, they're almost useless for people like me that have lost the original discs--Sony's official PlayStation Store is where I'll have to get my fix. C'mon, Sony! Don't let the homebrew scene outdo you yet again!
Sony's PSX emulator for PSP hacked to run any old PSX ISO
From just about day one, the holy grail of the PSP homebrew scene has been PSX emulation, and while much has been accomplished on this front, the spiffiest emulator yet happens to come courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment Itself. Of course, that emulator entails a pay-per-download scheme, limited catalog and requires a PS3 to make it all work, right? Not so much anymore, thanks to hacker extraordinaire Dark_AleX and his new Custom Firmware 3.02 OE-B, which lets you convert your very own PSX ISOs and run them at full speed on the PSP. OE-A worked as a hack for Sony-released download titles by stripping the DRM, but it sounds like OE-B is the real deal here. Sure looks like those PSP fanboys are going to be having some happy holidays this year. Keep reading to spy an incredibly blurry vid of the hack in action.Read - DCEMUukRead - QJ.net
Ken Kutaragi talks AV-centric PS3 ... uh, PSX3? PS3X?
In his new capacity as chairman and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, Ken Kutaragi spoke with Japan's Impress about, what he calls, an AV-centric PlayStation 3. This device, powered by the very capable Cell processor, would "be a standard AV component sized box with a more powerful power supply unit, anti-shake insulator, twice the main memory" adding that dual HDMI would allow the device to split sound and video output. So that's where the dual HDMI output went ...Of course, we immediately recalled the PSX, Sony's AV-centric PlayStation 2 that suffered from poor sales, ultimately never seeing release outside Japan before stopping production. The unit's high price (¥95,000 for the high-end model) is often cited as the primary reason. So it is with this knowledge that we're wary of the prospects for Kutaragi's device when Impress speculates it may cost as much as ¥300,000 (around $2,500). With the PS3 already fulfilling much of the PSX's promise -- and then some -- we're unsure if the market is looking for a more expensive game console with anti-shake insulators. Toss some DVR-capabilities on the PS3 and we'll forget all about TiVo. TiVo who? See.[Via Engadget]
Sony shoots down PSP redesign reports
"We currently have no plans to release another version of the PSP." That's what a faceless Sony spokesperson predictably told Gameindustry.biz after having his inbox flooded with reports of a redesigned PSP arriving as early as March 2007. Understandably, Sony is far more interested in highlighting their handheld's new peripherals, namely a 1.3 Megapixel camera and GPS add-on. Both devices, along with a games lineup powered by Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, are set to be given obscenely bright spotlights and elaborate displays at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show. Is that it for the unborn PSPetite? Hardly. There's more than one way to interpret Sony's tactic of dismissal: This one's the least interesting -- there is no redesign in the works, leaving the PSP as the sole train departing the portable gaming ghetto. The folks at Sony do have plans to release a new PSP but realize that announcing an improved model, mere months before Christmas, probably isn't the greatest idea they've ever come up with (it would rank just slightly above the PSX). Amusingly, said plans may actually be unveiled tomorrow. Who could forget Nintendo's David Yarnton debunking a DS redesign? He was quoted as saying "That's been rumoured, I don't know for how long, but we haven't got any plans at the moment. Nothing I know of." The DS Lite was announced the very next day. With the PSP consistently snagging second spot in the Japanese hardware charts and the DS Lite steamrolling its way across the Earth, there's little evidence to suggest that Sony wouldn't reap the rewards of a redesigned handheld. After all, it's sure to include new firmware.
