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Persona 3 Portable coming to North America on July 6
Atlus is bringing an English-language version of Persona 3 Portable to the US. The PSP version of Persona 3 isn't a direct port of the original PS2 RPG. Instead, it streamlines the experience for handheld play and adds a new playable female character, with her own "Social Links, special events, and unique romantic opportunities." In addition, P3P adds a few cameos from Persona 4, and introduces five difficulty settings, ranging from "beginner" to "maniac." The battle system has also drastically changed, with players able to directly control teammates. The UMD version will be available at retail on July 6th, with a PSN version expected soon after. Check out the box art after the break.%Gallery-83530%
Metal Slug XX trailer brings the bullets
Metal Slug: Double X -- the upgraded, multiplayer-capable PSP remix of the Nintendo DS title Metal Slug 7 -- is rounding the corner to its UMD-exclusive release February 23 on PSP. Apart from adding a new coat of paint, Double X adds support an ad-hoc two-player multiplayer mode, 70 missions and a kitchen sink full of blood and bullets. What? You don't believe the game has a hearty dose of hot lead? Allow us (and Atlus) to prove it with the brand new trailer above. Also, never doubt us again!
SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 deployed February 16
Hopefully, the third time is the charm for SOCOM Fireteam Bravo. After two delays, the Slant Six-developed co-op shooter is finally making its way to PSP on February 16 on both UMD and PlayStation Network. As per usual, online multiplayer is central to the upcoming SOCOM sequel. Fireteam Bravo 3 will not only support sixteen player Infrastructure play, it also features four-player co-op -- a first for the franchise. Considering Slant Six's track record, it'll either play like the brilliant SOCOM Tactical Strike ... or like SOCOM Confrontation.
Atlus bringing Metal Slug XX to UMD in February
Above, you'll see a snippet of the box art for Metal Slug: Double X -- one X short of ESRB problems. While the box touts a PlayStation Network logo, the game will only be compatible with the classic PSP-1000 through 3000 series. Why? An Atlus representative tells Joystiq that the publisher has no plans to release a downloadable version on the PlayStation Store; though a digital copy of 2007's Metal Slug Anthology (published by SNK) is currently available. Launching February 23 exclusively on UMD, the upcoming 2D shooter, which is an updated version of Metal Slug 7 for DS, will feature seven levels, 70 mission-based challenges and an ad-hoc two-player multiplayer mode. With a $20 price tag, Metal Slug: Double X sounds like a deal. Too bad PSP Go owners, once again, will be unable to cash in.
Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman 2! to include prequel! For free!
Did you miss the first release of Holy Invasion of Privay, Badman!? Don't worry if you did, because it appears NIS America is readying a spectacular bonus for the upcoming sequel. According to an Amazon.com listing, the "complete original game [is] included for free." Yep, it's two games for the price of one, and who doesn't like a promo like that? It's unclear if this bonus will apply only to the UMD version of the game, or if the PSN version will also benefit. Considering how often PSP Go owners have been screwed, we wouldn't be surprised if the digital release arrived late with no discount and no prequel bonus. [Via Siliconera]
LittleBigPlanet accessory bundle ad references PSP-4000
Alas, we've gone yet another decade without a single jetpack, hovercar, hoverpack or jetcar. We've got high hopes for unimaginable technological advancement in the 2010s -- for instance, if a recent advertisement for a bundle of LittleBigPlanet-branded PSP accessories that ran in MCV's latest "Digital Edition" is any indication, we're thinking that a new model of the old-school, UMD-equipped handheld might not be out of the question. Proudly printed on the ad is a lineup of PSP models the accessories are compatible with -- including the PSP-4000. Now, this could just be a mistake on the ad designer's part, or it could be an accidental hint of things to come. Maybe not things as awesome as sky-based personal transportation, but hey -- we'll take what we can get. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
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!
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."
This Is It: a movie being released on UMD in 2010
We fully expected Sony Pictures to release This Is It, the blockbuster Michael Jackson concert film, on both DVD and Blu-Ray. However, Sony has taken its plans to put this movie on discs a step further, with the surprising announcement that the movie will also be released on UMD. All three versions will be in stores January 26, 2010. Both the Blu-Ray and DVD versions will include exclusive bonus material not found on the UMD. Notably absent from the Blu-Ray release is a digital copy of the movie, which would enable it to be watched on any PSP, including the PSP Go. Also notably absent is any mention of the UMD on the site for the home release. Sony must believe that UMD movies sell themselves. Michael Jackson's This Is It will retail for $24.94 on UMD ($28.96 on DVD; $39.95 on Blu-Ray).
Sony PSPs enlisted as study aids by the Royal Navy
Whoever it was at Sony HQ that decided to pursue "military contracts" as a revenue source, kudos! Mere days after the US Air Force expressed interest in expanding its PS3 supercomputer, we're hearing glorious Britannia's Royal Navy has conscripted 230 PSPs into duty as revision aids for its trainee sailors. Loaded with maths and physics materials, the PSPs can be used in a bunk, have familiar controls for the young and mostly male recruits, and are considered pretty tough to break. The underlying reason for this move though is cost cutting: by making the training course more intensive, the Navy is saving on teaching time. Given that the UMD drive won't come disabled -- which is hoped to encourage the sailors to take better care of the device -- the future this paints is of marines who've spent more time with a freebie handheld console than with a pro instructor. At least they'll have a great stable of captured monsters to show for it. [Thanks, pankomputerek]
Half-Minute Hero can't rescue Quebec
If you're looking for a UMD version of Half-Minute Hero in Quebec, stop trying. A Destructoid reader looking for the game was surprised it had skipped a release altogether in the Canadian province -- and it's all thanks to the law. "Canadian distribution is always tricky because of the bilingual law that Quebec enforces, so for titles with limited distribution we do not create a second bilingual version specifically for Canada because it's too expensive. Unfortunately, that's what happened to Half-Minute Hero," an XSEED representative stated. Thankfully, digital distribution offers a workaround. PlayStation Network appears to be exempt from Quebec's bilingual laws, so a simple visit to the PlayStation Store is all it takes to bypass the French language police.
Kohjinsha PA series tablet ships in November, value not guaranteed
Kohjinsha had a slew of portables on display at CEATEC earlier this month, including the classification-bending PA. Its design fits in somewhere between a MID and a tablet netbook, with its 4.8-inch, 1024 x 600 touchscreen and 1.33GHz Atom processor, but now we're learning that it's price roughly equates to a netbook and a MID. The device hits Japan early next month for ¥69,800, about $770. That's certainly not cheap, but if you need one elsewhere you're probably going to need to go through an importer, and their prices are ¥79,800 and up. That's about $870. Yikes.
NIS America wants to bring Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! to UMD
The historical preservationists at NIS America are attempting to save the increasingly endangered beast known as the "Universal Media Disc." You probably haven't heard of the format -- your parents most assuredly have. Though we currently live in an age of incorporeal digital software, the developer is attempting to re-release its eccentric dungeon dive, Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? in a limited edition UMD format -- provided enough PSP owners show interest in owning a tangible copy of the game. If over 1,000 supervillains-in-training pre-order the UMD version of Badman by November 13, NIS will go through with actually producing them, shipping out to their respective buyers in mid-December. Seems like it'll be a tough putt -- but we're sure there's 1,000 fans of both obscure strategy games and tiny, plastic-armored discs tucked away in some pocket in the internet.
Third parties not required to release PSP games on PlayStation Store
What do Undead Knights, Naruto Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising, NBA 2K10, Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes and Cars: Race O Rama have in common? All of these are PSP games released on UMD after the PSP Go's October 1 launch -- and all are currently without a digital equivalent. Owners of the Go system are unable to play these games because they simply aren't available on the PlayStation Store.Once again, Sony's hands-off approach to the PlayStation Network means third parties are responsible for getting their content on both UMD and the PlayStation Store. "It's up to individual third parties to decide if and when to publish their UMD releases on PSN. Most, if not all, are on board, as this is a revenue opportunity for them," we were told by Eric Lempel, SCEA's director of PlayStation Network operations. Namco, the one publisher that returned our request for comment, noted specifically that "there are currently no plans to release Akatsuki Rising on PSN right now," despite its October 6 release on UMD.We highly encourage Sony to make simultaneous digital releases of PSP games a requirement for publishers, not merely a suggestion. The company previously issued a mandate for PS3 games to include trophies in 2009 -- a similar policy must be enforced on the PSP. Without it, there's no guarantee that all future PSP games will ever be playable on the PSP Go.
Interview: SCEA's Eric Lempel on PSP minis, scrapped UMD conversion
In the second part of our interview with SCEA's Eric Lempel, we chatted about the simultaneous release of PSP Go and PSP minis. In addition to discussing the hands-off approach Sony is taking with the pricing of minis, we talked about the possibility of the minis program moving to PS3, and eventual Mac support for the PSP's MediaGo application.Joystiq: Are any Sony first-party studios working on PSP minis? Eric Lempel: Right now, to my knowledge, they're not. That could change, again, but right now, I don't believe any of the studios are working on minis.What determines the pricing of PSP minis?There are a couple of rules, or maybe there's just one rule. They have to come in at $9.99 or under.If someone wanted to release at $1.99, they could?Yes, absolutely.
Capcom dates promised PSP UMD Legacy titles
Last Friday, a blog entry at Capcom Unity (that was mysteriously pulled) revealed the names and dates for a number of "UMD Legacy" titles for re-release on the PlayStation Store: October 8: Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Dark Tower October 15: Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max October 22: Capcom Puzzle World October 29: Maverick Hunter X November 5: Megaman Powered Up This list completes the lineup of un-UMD'd games promised three months ago (and tosses in Capcom Puzzle World for good measure). While Capcom has neglected to price any of these titles, previously released Legacy games are currently $19.99 each on the PlayStation Store. Unsure of the veracity of the pulled info, we confirmed with Capcom's Chris Kramer, who told us that the "titles are correct and the dates should be fairly accurate," though he did admit that it's "hard to pin down digital release dates almost until they happen." Still unaccounted for? Those PS1 old-timers you've been waiting forever to buy again: Dino Crisis, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3.
Half-Minute Hero rushes to UMD on October 13, PSN one week later
Okay, so it's pretty clear all of us are going to buy Half-Minute Hero. The only questions left are: when? And how? XSEED's bringing the clever micro-RPG game to retail stores on October 13, with a digital PSN release to follow one week later on October 22. "Timing is just off for whatever reason," we were told by a PR representative. Half-Minute Hero's bite-sized gameplay makes it an ideal game to throw on your Memory Stick. But, will gamers have the patience to wait an entire week for the PSN version? By our calculations, you could play Half-Minute Hero over 25,000 times on UMD before the PSN version comes out! %Gallery-68352%
Android-based ODROID handheld available for pre-order
Hard Kernel has just announced that the developer version of the ODROID Android-powered portable gaming device is available for pre-order as of today. The device features an 833MHz Samsung S5PC100 processor (same as the iPhone 3GS), 512MB of RAM, and a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen. Sadly, there's no integrated 3G, but WiFi b/g, Bluetooth and mini-HDMI output is supported. The Android OS 1.5 runs off a 2GB TFlash card, with an 8GB SD card supplied for storage. Also included are a download/charger cable, serial console debugging board and batteries. Going for about $320, this bad boy is expected to ship on November 5th. If all goes well, you can expect to see a consumer version sometime in December for around $250.[Via SlashGear]
Sony America abandons UMD-to-PSP Go "good will" program, offers 225 games at full retail price instead
You know that UMD-to-PSP Go conversion program? Ain't gonna happen. The "good will" program that would have provided free (or at least heavily discounted) digital copies of games already purchased on UMD discs has been scrapped. A spokesman for SCEA said, "We were evaluating a UMD conversion program, but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time." Adding insult to injury, the PSP Go Rewards program offering 3 free games to European UMD owners will not be offered in the US. That's the bad news. The not so bad news is that 16,000 pieces of digital content will be available for the US PSP Go launch on October 1st. These include 225 downloadable games (full PSP titles, PSN exclusives, UMD legacy titles, and Minis), 2,300 films, and 13,300 television episodes. Still, not quite the "at least 300" digital games we were expecting. So US PSP owners, still planning to "upgrade?"Read -- UMD-to-PSP Go program scrappedRead -- 225 games at US launch
