GamerNode: Latest Sony PSP News

Party on with the Darth Vader PSP

Calling all Star Wars fans--Sony has announced that they will be celebrating their "Limited Edition Star Wars BattleFront Entertainment Pack" for the PSP at their flagship store located in San Francisco.

If you decide to purchase the special edition pack, which includes a cool ceramic white PSP with Darth Vader silk screened on the back, and the game Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron; they'll also treat you to a genuine "Han Solo in Carbonite" PSP case.

The more adventurous can come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character to get a chance at winning a Darth Vader Episode III Limited Edition Lightsaber.

The grand event will take place at the Playstation Store at the Metreon center on October 9th, 6PM in Frisco.

Gee, I already have a PSP, but a PSP with Darth Vader's mug on it is ...

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Japan's PSP Slim debut moves 250,000 units

While the original PSP has had a less than stellar debut in Japan, the same won't be said about the brand-new PSP Slim.

The PSP Slim made its debut in Japan this week and according to Famitsu publisher Enterbrain, the Slim sold over 250,000 units during its first few days of release. Heck, in the first day alone 130,000 PSP Slims were sold. Wowza.

Fortunately, the original PSP's sales surged this past month too. A week before the Slim's launch, Japanese gamers were gobbling up PSPs due to the impending release of Square-Enix's Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core on September 13th. For several months, PSP sales waned around 10,000, so to see Japanese gamers go completely nuts over FFVII and the Slim is no surprise.

I'd definitely wager that the Slim's success in Japan will ride on the back of FFVII...

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PSP selling in the UK, too

Just like in Japan, PSP numbers have surged in the UK. Unlike Japan, however, this increase seems to be due to the hardware alone.

The release of the PSP Slim has quadrupled sales in the region, propelling that number past the 17,000 mark.

According to British trade paper MCV, the handheld is coming off of it's worst performance in UK history, and it seems this hardware update is just what was necessary to renew consumer interest.

"We expected sales in the previous weeks to be low as we moved old stock through the channel. But now we are back on track and preparing for new products such as Go! Explore and Go! Messenger," commented a Sony spokesperson.

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PSP sales EXPLODE in Japan, topple Nintendo

Sony, meet Square-Enix. Now, bow and say, "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you). Good.

For the week ending September 16th, Sony's handheld sold over six times the number of units as it did during the previous week in Japan. The 95,487 PSPs sold were even enough to top not one, but BOTH of Nintendo's consoles for that seven-day period (almost combined!). In the week ending Spetember 9th, a mere 15,564 PSPs were carried out of stores.

How could this have happened? What witchcraft could possibly dethrone Nintendo in the land of the rising sun?

Final. Fantasy...7.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII just so happened to be released in Japan last week, and sold over 487,000 copies. Now I'm not saying these sales figures are directly connected (but I really am), but there's a chance that one could have influen...

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Industry voice spells doom for PSP

That suave looking young man to the left is none other than David Perry, game developer, founder of Shiny, and respected industry voice. He was tracked down by Gamesindustry.biz and asked what he would do if he was in charge of the PSP.

His words are less than kind as he essentially calls for a complete dismantling of the entire system and the way it works. While stopping short of saying that the PSP is doomed, he does seem to imply as much.

"They really need to restart the PSP program in my book. They really need to bring out the PSP 3.0 and start again and try to get a lot of units out by reducing the manufacturing costs, by taking out all the motors and drives and stuff they have in there. That will make it even more sexy-looking, because it will be thinner again when they get all that ju...

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Rapid-fire PSP firmware update

Did I miss something? The last I remember I was reporting that the PSP firmware version 3.70 was released about two days ago. Now I'm here to tell you about version 3.72.

Where did 3.71 go?

Anyway, the update is now available in North America and according to Sony, "Corrections have been made to settings for some regions." This refers to the removal of the "PlayStation Spot" icon from the network section of the XMB, a feature that exists for Japanese-only use.

I guess somebody slipped up and left it in the U.S. version. Adios, PS Spot.

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Is the PSP Slim Worth It?

When Nintendo released the second incarnation of the DS, it was very clear why those who owned the original had to switch over. The new design was slick, the screens crystal clear, and with such a devoted library to the system already, anyone who was stuck with the original DS was a sorry sap.

So now Sony is entering the ring of redesigns by releasing the slimmer and feature rich PSP Slim. Obviously, the hardcore Sony fanbase is going to be picking these up "just because." But what the rest of the gaming community? Is it worth the money?

Sony is hoping the design tweaks and new features will sell the system. While physically lighter, and thinner, the PSP Slim also makes some changes to the typical PSP design. Popping UMDs in and out are now more of a hassle thanks to a manual tray as opposed...

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Updated! PSP firmware 3.70 released

Sony is at it again! Hot on the heels of the last PSP Firmware update, system version 3.70 is now available for download via the "Network Update" selection on the handheld's XMB.

It offers a plethora of goodies, such as custom themes, button assignment, and musical picture slideshows.

Read on for the details:

- You can now set custom themes in [Theme Settings] under [Settings].- Support has been added for assigning buttons in [Remote Play].- A scene search feature has been added under [Video].- Sequential playback is now supported under [Video].- Simultaneous playback of content under [Music] and [Photo] is now supported.

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Chains of Olympus: An ungodly delay

Via a visit with Ready at Dawn, the developer of God of War: Chains of Olympus, Gamespot discovered that Kratos' first PSP outing is going to be delayed until March 4th of next year.,

This news leaves eager fans of the Chaos Blades hanging even longer, after what some consider to be a letdown ending in God of War 2. Like an addict looking for his next fix, gamers will be chomping at the bit until this likely-to-be-the-PSP's-definitive-killer-app sees the light of day.

Neither pricing nor rating have been disclosed as of this time, but Ready at Dawn promises a demo version of the game to appear later this month for those who have signed up to receive one on the Chains of Olympus website The disc will feature part of a playable level, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the game's develop...

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Silver PSP available in U.S., more colors to come!...

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced the availability of a new limited edition PSP package in the U.S. today. The package, which retails for $199.99, will include the new "Ice Silver" colored PSP, a "Greatest Hits" game compilation including "Daxter", a one gig Memory Stick, and an UMD of "Family Guy: The Freakin' Sweet Collection".

Along with the new PSP package, Sony will roll-out a few extra PSP accessories to retail, including a Component AV Cable, an AV Cable and headphones.

Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA, said, "PSP sales have soared since we introduced the $169.99 price point in April, and that momentum will only continue with the launch of the newly designed PSP, which has generated strong interest among consumers since we announced it at E3."

The long rumored PSP sl...

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Sony Prez says, "PSP should have had more original...

In an interview with GI.biz, David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, spoke about the upcoming PSP Slim/Lite and the PSP's functionality with games.

While we have known about the PSP Lite for a few months, Reeves is predicting that once the PSP Lite goes on sale, the reception won't be as high as the DS but on-par with the PSP Starter pack.

While yes, fans will certainly be happy about the newer and slimmer version, Reeves says the PSP ended up being marketed towards a different demographic. Hopefully the PSP Lite will change that.

"The research that we did showed us that actually PSP wasn't so mobile - people were maybe using it at home. There were two reasons for that - one is they didn't want to use it outside because they were afraid that it would be stolen, partic...

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Free Jeanne D'Arc UMD demo offer from Playstation ...

Level 5 has sure been busy as of late. Between developing White Knight Story (PS3), Professor Layton (DS), and the ninth in the installment in the incredibly popular Dragon Quest series (also for DS), it appears as though the preoccupied developer couldn't possibly undertake another project this year.

Well, they did and it was released just a few short days ago on PSP.

Jeanne D'Arc is a re-imagining of Joan of Arc, a non-fictional tale of a French female rebel who played prominent a role in the Hundred Years' War, featuring S-RPG gameplay.

If you're curious to get your hands on the game yourself before you whip out your wallet and hand the cashier at your local game retailer thirty bucks for the final product, you can register with Playstation Underground (free of charge) and nab a free UMD ...

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Atari classics going to PSP. Old school lives!

Back in the day, literally millions of gamers plunked down their lunch money and spare change into the coin slots of standup games such as Asteroids, Battlezone, Lunar Lander and other titles made by Atari.

Yes, the graphics weren't good compared to today's standards, but the game play was addicting and fun.

Atari has decided to re-release a lot of these old timer games on a new compilation for the PSP called Atari Classics Evolved. This looks to be like a blockbuster lineup with many of the hits from yesteryear such as:

The games will all play as they did originally but will be offered with the modernized versions of the games as well. But if that wasn't enough, they're going to cram another 60 original Atari 2600 titles in there to boot. You'll see games such as Yar's Revenge, Canyon Bomb...

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Folklore coming to PSP

Folklore looks pretty awesome doesn't it? It's gorgeous, and it combines that with the monster collecting addiction found in games like Pokemon. Too bad it's on PS3 where all of us with monetary constraints can't touch it. We can't touch it right?

Wrong. As it turns out, according to Kikizo, Sony's Bill Ritch has told them that Shin Megami Tensei creator Kouji Okada is currently putting his full effort towards a PSP version of the game.

Details on the title are scant to say the least. For all we know it could be either a direct port or a completely different game.

It is likely however, that talent and experience like Kouji Okada's would not be put to use directing a straight port of someone else's ideas. So my money is on a different experience fit into the same universe and overall stylings...

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Calling All Cars coming to PSP

Today it was announced that David Jaffe's latest title, Calling All Cars, previously only playable on PS3 by download through the Playstation Network, will see release on PSP.

A European PSP magazine, PSP: The Guidebook, revealed little about the game other than it will soon be playable on PSP. All guesses are valid thus far on what the release will entail. No one yet knows (and Sony has declined to respond) whether this will be a full-on retail release, or a downloadable game through the PSN that (like PS1 titles) can be played on the PSP.

The magazine says that we can expect all the multiplayer modes and options available in the original version by way of the PSP's ad-hoc and infrastructure functions. They also say that we should look for a release date soon.

[via CVG]

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Three PSP Slim bundles on pre-order at Amazon

The new redesigned PSP is just around the corner and Amazon is already jumping on the bandwagon by offering three different packages for pre-order, reports Qj.net. They are offering plenty of options for those eager to get their hands on Sony's latest portable gaming power house.

The first of these bundles will be the Sony PSP Daxter Entertainment Pack Bundle. Included with the new PSP will also be a copy of the PSP adventure game Daxter as well as the PSP in eye-blistering silver. If silver doesn't appeal, Sony also has the Sony PSP Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron Entertainment Pack Bundle. Along with a white PSP complete with Darth Vader's mug on the back, potential PSP owners will also receive a copy of Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron. Both the Daxter and Star Wars bund...

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Does the PSP prefer wi-fi or performance?

In a development that doesn't seem to make much sense, it appears that the 333Mhz CPU speed that was recently unlocked with firmware 3.50 will not be available for use during wi-fi play. If the WLAN switch is turned on, the handheld will have a speed limit of 222Mhz.

Sony's Dave Karraker had this to say regarding the issue:

"The recent firmware upgrade (3.50) that removed the restriction on the PSP's CPU speed enables developers to utilize speeds either lower or higher than the default 222MHz, up to the full 333MHz clock speed. The article is correct that increased CPU speed cannot be used with the PSP's wireless feature. SCEA is working closely with the development community to take full advantage of this new functionality where appropriate for their titles."

That...sorta blows. It means ...

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PSP Slim will launch on September 20th

The PSP Slim has been dated by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan. The smaller, lighter handheld will hit store shelves in all major regions on September 20th, and will come in 6 different colors - Piano Black, Ceramic White, Ice Silver, Rose Pink, Lavender Purple and Felicia Blue.

Special "Entertainment Packs" will be available for $199.99 following the worldwide launch. So far, Sony has announced a Daxter bundle and a Star Wars bundle.

The standalone unit will be priced at 19,800 yen in Japan and $169.99 in the U.S..

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PSP-Lite? Yup!

For those of you that heard a few peeps during E3 about the PSP Lite; you were probably really excited, then you didn't really see any improvements and then you were really disappointed and kicked the cat.

Please! Leave the cat alone, the PSP has more under the hood than you may have guessed.

PSP Lite Improvements:

Downsides? Yes everything has a downside and the few gripes about the new system are as follows:

And as a final note, the volume buttons are still designed to be used by tiny magical elves as they are still so tiny that they're effectively un-usable for our giant handed friends at Gamernode, but I digress.

All in all, I'd say this is a positive step for the PSP platform, that finally addresses some of the complaints we've had all along. However it's not dramatic, so unless you'...

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Newer, better. longer battery life PSP coming?

Is Sony planning a redesign of their PlayStation Portable? Maybe taking some hints from the massive success of the Nintendo DS Lite (combined sales with the DS reached over 42 million units), Sony appears to be planning a trimmed down version of the PSP. Because in the end, smaller is better!

New design changes include a new LED screen (for extra crisp images), a higher battery life (up to 4 times longer), an upgraded UMD drive (faster loading times), an included 8GB internal flash drive and a revamped D-Pad and button configuration (similar to the PS3 D-Pad).

Sony is also throwing around the idea of including a built-in camera but unfortunately, a touch-screen has been shelved till the "next portable gaming device." As for the colored finish, the new PSP will be black, but Sony is thinking ...

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