Nintendo announces Game Boy Micro

At E3 on Tuesday, Nintendo unveiled the Game Boy Micro, the smallest and sleekest version yet of its flagship portable gaming device. The company said it would be released this Fall and will play Game Boy Advance games, but nothing else. The Game Boy Micro features a lightweight silver metal exterior and sports the brightest screen ever on a Nintendo portable system. The device was touted as only a hair bigger than the iPod mini by Reggie FIls-Aime, VP of Nintendo.

"The sporty, silver metal Game Boy Micro measures a mere 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches deep, allowing it to sit comfortably alongside today’s hippest technological gadgets. It weighs an astonishing 2.8 ounces, or about the weight of 80 paper clips. Yet Game Boy Micro has the same processing power and plays the same games as Game Boy Advance SP models, complete with standard face controls and gleaming shoulder and Start/Select buttons that literally shine."

"With Game Boy Micro, everyone plays with style. A removable face plate gives owners the option to buy replacements to customize the look of their systems again and again with new colors and designs. Most notably, its 2-inch backlit screen shines with incredible power, rendering games in startling clarity with fantastic colors on the best Game Boy screen ever. For the first time, users can adjust the brightness of the screen to adapt to indoor lights or outdoor sunshine."

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Microsoft confirms PSP - Xbox 360 integration

At tonight's Microsoft Pre-E3 event, Microsoft Vice President J. Allard confirmed integration between the Sony PSP and Microsoft's upcoming console, the Xbox 360. Integration details are not yet available, but it is known that the 360 is both Wi-Fi and USB 2.0 capable. The Xbox 360 is set for a worldwide release before the end of the year. Check out Engadget for a photo from the event, and stay tuned to PSPworld for further details.

Update: The integration will involve the Xbox 360 leveraging it's media interface to stream media (music and pictures?) from the PSP via USB.

PS3 announced with Wi-Fi support for PSP

Sony today announced the Playstation 3, the successor to the enormously popular PS2 console. Among the specs for the new machine, due in stores sometime in 2006, is built-in Wi-Fi compatibility. Although this would obviously allow for file transfers between the PS3 and PSP, the official specs also reveal that the PSP will be able to be used as a PS3 controller. Although no other details have as yet leaked out of the still ongoing unveiling, we assume this would allow for such functionality as using the PSP's screen instead of the TV for such things as playcalling in sports games and RPG menu navigation, although the PSP is capable of many more advanced possibilities.

Stay tuned to PSPworld as more information about the possible PS3-PSP connection becomes available. GameSpot has further coverage of the PS3's extensive feature list. Check out larger photos of the machine after the jump.

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Super Nintendo on your PSP

A PSP port of the popular SNES9X Super Nintendo emulator has been released. Unfortunately for many, it only runs on pre-v1.5 firmware Japanese PSPs, and at the moment it only runs in the top left corner of the screen. Still, quite a few games have been verified to run on the software, including Secret of Mana, The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past, Chrono Trigger, and Super Mario World.

Bill Gates: Microsoft has no plans for PSP competitor

In an interview with CNET News.com, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said his company doesn't have plans for a "dedicated product" in the portable video game console market.

"Speaking from Microsoft broadly, we like that Sony is off worrying about the PSP (PlayStation Portable) and thinking about that while we are worried about the TV-based console, the next generation of Xbox that we are moving forward on," Gates said.

Game Boy emulator for PSP

Today a Game Boy emulator for the PSP found its way onto some Japanese forums. Using the homebrew code workaround the emulator runs off of Japanese PSPs that haven't been updated to v.1.5. PSP Hacker has videos of the emulator in action as well.

PSP Firmware Extracted

The Saturn Expedition Committee today released a new program called PSPDump, which allows for the extraction of the firmware using the same PSP/GAME technique used to run homebrew code. Like the homebrew code, the program only runs on pre-firmware v1.5 Japanese PSPs -- at the moment. The a list of the contents is available at PSP Hacks.

South Korean PSP owners complain of flaws

Not unlike the U.S. launch, thousands of people who purchased the PSP in South Korea are complaining of defective displays and bad customer service.

"Some users began experiencing glitches with 'dead' (black) pixels flashing up on the machines' liquid crystal displays. Others said they were unable to access wireless Internet connectivity as the Japanese electronics giant promises. As of Wednesday, more than 4,200 PSP customers posted their complaints on the PSP sales website, with some demanding Sony replace or fix the flawed machines. Most described the customer service response as poor."

Bonus Points: PSPodium, UMD Games Cracked, PSP searches

• The PSPodium, a mountable stand for the PSP, was recently released.
• PSP UMD games have finally been crakced.
• PSP searches were up 119 percent in the second half on March.

Homebrew code running on Japanese PSP

There is a new application available that will allow Japanese PSPs that have not been flash updated to version 1.5 to run homebrew code. The application, elf2pbp, converts compiled Elf code into a PBP file that can be run by the PSP by placing it in the Memory Stick directory PSP/GAME. Unfortunately this program doesn't work at all with North American PSPs yet, but at least it opens the door for more programmers over here to see if they can't find a way to make it work on ours. [via Engadget]

PSP as an advertising vehicle

Today's New York Times features an article about the advertising potential of the PSP. The makers of Axe body spray will apparently be the first to test the waters, offering a set of short movies about two guys roaming around trying to meet women. The movies will be available as downloads from heavy.com.

"If you were to just do television or print, which do play a very important role, you miss the opportunities that other media allow," said David Rubin, development manager for Axe.
Also discussed is how the shorter length of these (and possible other) commercials could be a positive factor due to the portable nature of the PSP.

PSP to help game developers' bottom lines?

A CNN Money report from today states the possiblility that the PSP could end up being a "positive catalyst" for the financial futures of the large game studios such as EA, Activision, and THQ.

"PSP is important but keep in mind, but the installed base is still small. It's more important for Christmas of this year and next year," said Arvind Bhatia, an analyst with Southwest Securities.
The article stresses the fact that the PSP will probably have little immediate impact on the companies, while also discussing the diminished possibility of a larger media company purchasing one of them.

Bonus Points: Gates' PSP, Gorillaz, Wi-Fi, Tomb Raider

• In an interview with Engadget, Bill Gates describes getting his PSP.
• The band Gorillaz have made a PSP-formatted download of their latest video available.
• Ars Technica has an article discussing the wireless security (or lack thereof) of the PSP.
• A new trailer for Tomb Raider Legend has been posted. (free reg. required)

ABC News programs available for PSP

ABC today announced it will be offering downloadable content for the PSP through it's ABC News Now program.

"Today, 99% of people with PSPs are using it to play the fantastic games," said Bernie Gershon, ABC News digital media group senior vp and general manager. "But our view is that wherever there is a screen, there is a potential viewer of ABC News."

Two ABC News reports — one on Cyber-Security and one on Hybrid Cars — are available now from the PSP Connect website.

PSP Web Browser brings Contacts, Calendar, more to PSP

PSP Web Browser.com recently launched, bringing PDA functionality to the PSP. Through the Wipeout Pure browser you can access several tools, including PSP Memo Pad, PSP Contacts, PSP Calendar, PSP Calculator, and more. Also offered through the portal site is MSN and AOL Instant Messaging and E-mail access. Instructions for setting the PSP up to access the service are also available. Registation for the site is free, although donations are being accepted.

Bonus Points: Sims 2, Wi-Fi, Star Charts, Comics, Twelve

• French site Play France has some screens of the upcoming EA title The Sims 2.
• Sony is hoping to soon have free Wi-Fi hot spots in place for PSP owners.
• A set of star charts resized for PSP veiwing have been posted on flickr.
• Variance Press has released some free comics for the PSP.
• Konami announced Twelve: Sengoku Fuushinden for the PSP in Japan - no US release has been announced.

Bonus Points: UMD Rentals, Pimp My PSP, PSP Cradle, Podcatching

• Movies for Me recently announced that they plan to rent every UMD movie available.
• PSP owner Espo has managed to get his own images into his Logitech PlayGear Pocket case.
• The PSP Cradle has made its debut, complete with audio out and in-cradle charging.
• Engadget has posted a new How-To on Podcatching and the PSP.

PSP to launch in Europe on September 1st

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that the PSP will be released in Europe on September 1, 2005 for €249 (£179). The European PSP will be offered in a Value Pack nearly identical to the one sold in the US and Japan, except PSP owners will have to register the device to order a free copy of Spider-Man 2 on UMD movie — it won't be included in the box like in the US.

“PlayStation Portable will revolutionise portable entertainment, giving users the freedom to play full 3D games, watch movies, listen to music and connect wirelessly on their terms, wherever and whenever they wish to do so,” said David Reeves, President of SCEE. “More than ever, today’s consumer demands access to their personal entertainment outside the home, without compromising quality. With more than 100 PlayStation Portable game titles currently in development worldwide, and the ability to download and listen to music, and view feature films with breathtaking screen quality, PlayStation Portable lets users control their entertainment options, all in a single package.”

Bonus Points: Atom Films, PSP Magazines, Engadget PSP hacks

• Atom Films now has a page dedicated to PSP formatted vidoes.
• PSPMagazines.com provides free magazine snippets to load on your PSP.
• Engadget has posted three excellent how-to articles this week: "Controlling your home with your PSP," "Controlling iTunes with your PSP," and "How to set up your own PSP web portal."

Sony Online President talks of PSP-PS3 compatability

Yesterday at the Games & Mobile Forum, John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment, gave a keynote address that included a look at possible interaction and character inter-operability between the PSP and the forthcoming PS3 console.

"Smedley then described a future where you could play an online game via your PSP, PS3, PC, and cell phone where you would be able to play the same game utilizing the same character on all platforms. The graphics and experience may be slightly different – for example, you would only be able to perform inventory management of your character on the cell phone version of the game while the PSP, PS3, and PC versions would play the same but have different graphic engines."

Smedley also commented that such gameplay could be expected within the next six months.