Wednesday, October 15, 2008

PSP Store Video Tour

- Want a tour of the PlayStation Store on PSP? Then cast your eyes upon the embedded video below:

PSP Firmware v5.00 Out Now

- PSP Firmware v5.00 is out now.
- For a reminder of what is in there, Sony let us know:

"In this version, you’ll notice the addition of the PlayStation Network icon on the XMB. You can now sign up for PlayStation Network, manage your account and access PlayStation Store directly from your PSP - meaning you can download games directly to your PSP while connected via Wi-Fi. Getting games, demos and trailers while on-the-go has never been easier! Check out the screen below.
...
Please keep in mind, if you already have a PlayStation Network account, simply sign in on your PSP using your existing information. The same account and wallet can be used on PS3 and PSP.
...
Update v5.00 adds a sleep timer option that can be used while you are playing music on your PSP. In addition, we’ve added a full screen keyboard option for text entry and have redesigned the background of the XMB."

Download Full PSP Games in Japan via WiFi Store

- From Joystiq

"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)"

Connect PSP and PS3 for Reistance Fun

- "PSP Plus" is a new tech being utilized in upcoming PSP game Resistance Retribution. Players will be able to connect their PSP to their PS3 via USB and then play the PSP title with their PS3's wireless controllers, complete with dual-analog control and rumble.
- On top of all that, if you also own a copy of Resistance 2 for the PS3 then you can enable Infection mode. After connecting your systems an option in the PS3 game's menu lets you activate Infection which will alter the PSP game by transfering the Chimeran virus. This gives your character regenerative health and the ability to breathe underwater which means you can access previously inaccessible areas of the game world and uncover extra secrets and details on the overall Resistance plot.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Xbox 360 Chatpad on PSP

- Check out this hack that lets you use an Xbox 360 Chatpad on your PSP:

PSP Brite's Battery Life Won't Suffer

- From Sony:

"Hi, everyone, there have been reports about the battery life of the new PSP system (PSP-3000) being shorter than the current model (PSP-2000), following an interview we recently did with Gamespot. I’d like to make a correction and clarify 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. While the enhanced screen of the new PSP draws a little more power, our engineers in Japan worked to reduce the power consumption of the overall system including its components, so you won’t have to worry about losing any time when enjoying the more vibrant visuals displayed with the new PSP.

We hope this clears everything up, and we’re certainly excited about letting you all get your hands on the new PSP and checking out the enhanced screen when it hits retail next month."

Direct Access to PSN Store, Plus PSP-PS3 Interaction Expanded

- From IGN:

"This Fall, PSP will gain direct access to the PlayStation Store. This long promised feature will allow for PSP users to download demos and more directly to the portable without having to go through the PS3 or PC.

In Japan, Sony will commemorate the new PS Store-friendly PSP with the release of Mainichi Issyo Portable. The PS3 version of the Japan-only title is available as a free download, with Sony charging for items and gameplay modes that are added every month.

Perhaps more significant than both these developments, Sony will be offering PSP players some new connectivity options thanks to a new service that further ties the portable with the PS3. This Fall, select PSP titles will allow players to go through the PS3 to take their ad-hoc multiplayer modes online. When playing in this fashion, the PS3 can be used for text and chat messaging and also for matching.

Currently, Sony has confirmed that Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G will be compatible with this new service. In Japan, this is big news, as that title has sold over 2.4 million units.

Other titles, as well as further details on the service, will be announced in the near future.

Both these features will be compatible with all models of the PSP, from the original up to the new PSP-3000."

Sunday, August 31, 2008

PSP-3000 Officially Announced

- The PSP-3000 model has been officially announced [1] [2] and will be coming to the US this Autumn [3].
- The new version includes a PS-button, (replacing the Home button to bring the PSP more in-line with the PS3,) and built in microphone, (older models can buy an external accessory.) [4]
- There is also a new LCD screen which is twice as fast and much brighter. [5] [6] [7]
- As such, some websites are dubbing this the "PSP Brite". [8]
- However, a better screen means more battery power drained. Sony are expected to resurrect the extended life battery. [9]

Monday, August 25, 2008

PSP-3001

- Engadget noticed that the FCC has a posting for a 3001 model PSP, but there is no news on any new features yet.

Touchscreen PSP Mod