Gamernode: Latest Sony PSP News

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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PSP 3.50 firmware in Japan. Remote Play added.

The PS3 recently received an update - firmware 1.80 - that allows for remote play via the PSP.

Unfortunately, the PSP didn't support that particular feature. Well, now it does. PSP firmware 3.50 allows for remote access of your PS3 via any wireless network anywhere on the planet.

There's a catch, though. "Remote play" only lets gamers stream their media files - not play games. So what this really amounts to is getting age-old PSP functionswith access to a larger storage space. In addition, the firmware update adds a channel guide to the RSS section of the PSP XMB.

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Exclusive Star Wars Battlefront game going to PSP

LucasArts announced today that it will be releasing Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron later this fall for the PSP.

The new title will be exclusive to the PSP and will unveil "the previously untold story of a ragtag ensemble of battle-hardened rogues and scoundrels assembled by Han Solo. Gathered to execute some of the most secretive operations in the Rebel Alliance's war against the Galactic Empire, the Renegade Squadron participates in battles spanning the galaxy."

Multiplayer will allow up to 16 of your Star Wars buddies to compete over the internet. For more info on the latest SW Battlefield game logon to the official Star Wars site.

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Napoleon Dynamite video game coming. Gosssssssh!

Sweeeeeet. Crave Entetainment says it will be publishing titles based upon the hit comedy, Napoleon Dynamite. There isn't a lot of details concerning the game as of yet, but Crave did indicate that your favorite characters will be in the title. So you can look forward to seeing Kip, Tina the Llama, Pedro, Uncle Rico and of course, Napoleon in the game. What? No LaFawnduh or Rex? What's up with that?

Mark Burke, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Crave said, "Napoleon Dynamite is one of the great cult classics of the past decade. It's one of those films that has great memorable lines and characters, and we expect that fans of the movie will really like the game."

The games will be released on the DS and PSP. As fans of Napoleon Dynamite, all we can say at GamerNode is, "luuckkkk...

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J Allard loses PSP bet -- wears dreads

Microsoft exec J Allard made a bet in 2005 with Newsweek staff writer N'Gai Croal. The bet? Croal said that the PSP would surpass the 10 million unit mark in a shorter amount of time then the PS2. If Croal won the bet, J Allard would have to make a speech on stage wearing dreadlocks. If Croal was wrong, J Allard would get to shave the hair off of Croal's head.

It turns out that the PSP did exceed the PS2's selling pace and two year's later, J Allard has owned up to his lost bet and has done what he said he would do. On Microsoft's official bio-page of J Allard, there appears a photo of the Xbox exec sporting some rather long dreads and holding a PSP in his hands. (We think he should wear this outfit to all of his board meetings.)

J Allard explained the circumstances leading up to his new hai...

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PaRappa the Rapper is coming again

People refer to Guitar Hero as the preeminent title for rhythm music games, but before there was GH there was PaRappa the Rapper. The game had amazing 2D graphics and gameplay that was entertaining and novel for its time. PaRappa was released on the original PlayStation in 1997 and Sony has decided that the puppy faced rapper will make his reappearance on the PSP for PaRappa's 10th anniversary. Get ready for another visit to Chop Chop Master Onion's cool rap tunes and lyrics.

The game is scheduled for a July launch and will offer all of the original gameplay found in the original PlayStation game. However, Sony says that some added enhancements and features will be available for the PSP edition to spuce things up a bit. It will also be offering remixes of the original game songs for downloa...

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PSP price drops in the UK and Europe again

In April, the PSP core system price dropped from $199 to $169. In the UK, the PSP will also get a price cut that will lower the cost of the unit from 149.99 GBP ($300 USD) to 129.99 GBP ($260 USD). The new pricing will go into effect during the first week of May with similar price reductions occurring throughout Europe at a price of 169 euros. ($229 USD)

According to NPD sales tracking data, Nintendo's DS handheld game console sold 508,000 units to the PSP's 180,000 last month. Some industry watchers attribute the price drop of the PSP to lagging sales and an attempt by Sony to boost business traffic.

A Sony exec said the real reason was due to make the PSP available to a wider audience. "PSP is unique and is constantly evolving. It offers the widest palette of mobile entertainment, from gam...

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The best PSP game description ever

There are lots of new games that come out from the game companies, but one in particular seemed to hold our attention -- a new game for the PSP named, Pocket Pool. Ok, we did a double take on the title of the game, but we were even more amused when the official PlayStation site described the game thusly:

"Grab your stick and go head-to-head with the Dream Models in Pocket Pool for the PSP ...And when you're up against the Dream Models, wins mean more than just a notch on your cue - they unlock video clips and image galleries of the luscious Dream Models."

Well, so much for being subtle. Does Jack Thompson know about this game?

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Final Fantasy I and II coming to the PSP

Final Fantasy fans are all familiar with the long hours that are typically needed to complete any of the popular RPG titles. But with the recent announcement by Square Enix, you'll be able to take Final Fantasy with you wherever you go -- the first two original episodes will be coming to the PSP on June 26 in North America.

Square Enix says FF I and II will be anniversary editions and will include new character art, dungeons, camera angles, graphics and a 16:9 widescreen format. No word was mentioned of changing the gameplay and the often criticized high frequency of random battles found in the original games. But apart from these problems, the redone FF titles will be sure to drain the battery life of PSPs as RPG fans experience the beginning episodes of the 20 year-old franchise.

Shinji Ha...

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PSP Marketing Plans Revealed

Wired examined some quotes from a few Sony employees behind the reasoning of lowering the cost of the PSP and the planned marketing campaign to promote the handheld console to the 13-17 year old demographic. The planned campaign, titled "Dude, Get Your Own," will succeed last Christmas' failed "All I Want For Christmas is a PSP" marketing campaign. John Koller, Senior Product Manager for the PSP, said that most of the PSP consumer base ranges between 13-17 years old. "The intend-to-purchase crowd is living mostly in that group as well. We're looking to expand beyond where we've been. PSP started as a device to appeal to 18-34 year-olds, but north of 26-27."

Koller expanded on the reasoning behind the price cut for the PSP. The first reason was that Sony is able to save more money on product...

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