Sony PSP February 2005

Spider-Man 2 for PSP preview

Gamespot has a good preview of Spider-Man 2 for the PSP, the upcoming third-person action adventure game from Activision. "We have to say that Spider-Man 2 has come together well. We're pleased to see it's more than just a port of the console versions, and we're especially impressed with its... [Full Story]

Jeff Corwin Experience licensed for PSP

Conspiracy Entertainment today announced it has extended its licensing agreement with Discovery Licensing to the PSP for the "Jeff Corwin Experience". The companies also extended their agreement until 2006. The "Jeff Corwin Experience" TV show airs on the Animal Planet, a network owned by Discovery Communications. "We are pleased to... [Full Story]

Memory Stick Pro Duo 256MB for $24.99

Fry's ad this weekend was offering 256MB Memory Stick Pro Duos for $24.99 after a $10 rebate, and they are available online for $27.99 after the same rebate.... [Full Story]

Can the PSP cause problems for iPod?

By Charles Starrett Earlier this week, a rumor floated around that the PSP might receive a hard drive as soon as 2006. While this turned out to be speculation, it got me thinking: would a HD equipped PSP be able to give Apple's iPod a run for its money? This... [Full Story]

Sony PSP v. Nintendo DS Face Off

Online gadget magazine T3 has posted a face-off between the PSP and the DS. The review compares the two machines in several areas including Graphics, Controls, Battery Life, and Games. Although the article is meant to be partisan, it more or less turns into a DS-bashing session, which is inevitable... [Full Story]

PSP with 50GB hard drive in 2006?

Joystiq is reporting that Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, speaking at the “Positioning for Profitability in the Video Game Economy” conference yesterday, said "he had heard that Sony is working on a flavor of the PSP that includes an internal, 50-gigabyte hard drive." "A prototype of the new portable might... [Full Story]

PSP 3D artist job opening

Games Industry.biz has just posted a job opening for "an experienced and talented 3D artist, to work on their new PSP titles." This would be a permanent contract, based in Europe. "They are looking for 'big-hitters', people that have very strong, proven technical skills as well as raw artistic talent.... [Full Story]

Gran Turismo 4 impressions - Part II

Our second installment in our ongoing series of Gran Turismo 4 impressions looks at controls, graphics, sound, as well as more gameplay notes. Also included is our current list of prize cars and several new additions to old features that we've found. Read part one of this series here.... [Full Story]

Retailers stop taking PSP pre-orders

Joystiq is reporting that major retailers Electronics Boutique and GameStop have sold-out their first allotment of PSPs. Apparently this is a nationwide mandate, and not a store-by-store situation. Other retailers may still be taking pre-orders, but it would be wise to hurry. Either that or import, and start playing now... [Full Story]

PSP Standard Pack only $279.99 at Liksang

Liksang recently dropped pricing on the import PSP Standard Pack to $279.99. This is the lowest price we've seen yet. The PSP Value Pack is $329.99. From Liksang's site: "Today marks a good day in the relative short lifespan of the Sony PSP. Not only is Need For Speed Underground... [Full Story]

Gran Turismo 4 - Worst Car Award

Okay, so we're still in the early goings of the game, but I doubt we will come across a worse car than this. I'm not sure this would win in a race against a ten-speed bicycle.... [Full Story]

Gran Turismo 4 impressions - Part I

Yes, it's that time again. Time to test our skill, patience, and eyesight endurance: a new Gran Turismo has arrived. Time to lust after cars that we can't afford, and marvel at, win, and then drive cars that will probably never see production. As we previously reported, the PSP version... [Full Story]

Gran Turismo 4 in-hand

Although it's not the PSP version, we do have Gran Turismo 4 for PS2 in our hands. Since the PSP version is expected to be an almost direct port, we're going to do a mini-review of sorts on the PS2 version, so you can know some of the things to... [Full Story]

South Korean PSP launch delayed

Yonhap News is reporting that the launch of the PSP in South Korea will be delayed "by up to two months". Originally scheduled for the same time as the North American launch, the South Korean launch is apparently being pushed back due to supply constraints.... [Full Story]

Sony admits to button flaw, offers fix

Sony today announced that the flaw in the square button (as previously mentioned) is indeed a real problem. According to playstation.jp, the flaw was caused by a problem with the molding of the case. New units do not exhibit the problem due to a change in the manufacturing process. PSPs... [Full Story]

Conspiracy Entertainment on PSP

Conspiracy Entertainment today announced that they have been approved as a PSP publisher for North America. The company is already an approved publisher on the PlayStation and PlayStation2 platforms. "We are pleased to expand our relationship with Sony to provide content for the PSP platform. They are a great organization... [Full Story]

Play-Asia lowers PSP prices

Play-Asia recently lowered its prices for Japanese import Sony PSP and Sony PSP Value-pack bundles. The Sony PSP Value-Pack bundled with Ridge Racers is now only $399. That beats the AudioCubes price (posted yesterday) for the Value-Pack when combining it with the Ridge Racers Game. The same bundle is available... [Full Story]

PSP4US launches, offers 'Alert Notification Service'

PSP4US, a CE Buys property, announced today that it is now accepting sign-ups for its Sony PSP Alert Notification Service mailing list. According to the PR, "Subscribers are alerted when online merchants start taking pre-orders or when PSP items are in stock - consoles, games, and accessories." "PSP4US is an... [Full Story]

PSP is Sony's 'most potent weapon' in music battle

In a four-page Fortune article [paid sub. required] on "how far Sony has fallen," Adam Lashinsky says that the PSP is "emerging as its most potent weapon" in the digital music war against Apple and the popular iPod. "Sony has faced one humiliation after another, from its failure to anticipate... [Full Story]

Joytech announces new PSP accessories

Joytech Europe, a division of Take-Two Interactive Software, today announced a range of accessories for the Sony PSP. The Joytech Tech Pack for Sony PSP comes with a Console Carry Case, In-Car Adapter, Stereo Earphones and USB Cable for transferring data to and from a computer. The company will also... [Full Story]

EA blending 'shrewd sense of fun' into PSP titles

Saturday's edition of the San Jose Mercury News takes a look at Electronic Arts and the company's lineup of PSP launch titles. "In an extensive preview this week, EA showed off solid depth of content, in addition to the crisp visuals made possible by the PSP's power. That said, the... [Full Story]

Audiocubes now offering PSP for $285

Audiocubes is now offering a complete line of PSP imports, including games and all the official Sony accessories. Most notable however is their pricing: $285 for the standard pack and $345 for the value pack. These are the lowest import prices we have seen on the hardware yet. Prices for... [Full Story]

Sandisk intros 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, expands Ultra II line

Sandisk today announced the world's first 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Card and launched its new high-speed Ultra II Memory Stick PRO Duo Line. The new SanDisk Ultra II Memory Stick PRO Duo family is being offered in three capacities: 512 megabytes (MB), 1GB and 2GB. Suggested retail prices are... [Full Story]

Spider-Man 2 for PSP trailer released

GameSpot yesterday posted the first official trailer for the PSP version of Spider-Man 2. "In one word, impressive," comments Joystiq. "While the game won’t be the free-roaming deal that the consoles enjoyed, it’ll offer a new storyline, and the ability to go up against villains that haven’t been in any... [Full Story]

Smart Bomb puzzle game for PSP shown

Eidos Interactive today announced details on its PSP launch title Smart Bomb. "The puzzle game follows Michelle Grace, a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit, as she diffuses bombs laid by a global threat," reports Gamespot. "Grace will disarm the bombs in virtual reality, unlocking various 'tiers' before moving on... [Full Story]

Sony announces new UMD movie, clears up pricing

Sony Pictures today announced that the Academy Award-nominated "House of Flying Daggers" will be released on UMD along side the DVD release on April 19th. The UMD version will be priced at $28.95. Pricing was also set for the four previously announced films. "Hellboy", "XXX", "Once Upon a Time in... [Full Story]

Intec now shipping PSP accessories

Intec today announced that it is now shipping its complete line of PSP accessories. Offerings include carrying cases, a docking station, and a DC car power adapter. "Intec's goal with the PSP line has always been to make our line-up available at retail 1 - 2 weeks before the hardware... [Full Story]

New PSP review online

Total Video Games editor Chris Leyton yesterday posted a review of Sony's PSP. The review is exhaustive at three pages, covering pretty much every aspect of the machine. Leyton writes, "There’s no doubt about it, from the moment you pick up the PSP you’ll instantly fall under its charms and... [Full Story]

UMD format movie pricing to be same as DVDs?

When Sony recently announced that it would begin offering movies in UMD format the company didn't provide pricing details. Well, Sony said this week that it will also offer UMD movies in Japan at about the same time as the U.S. and said they would sell for 3,800-3,900 yen (roughly... [Full Story]

PSPunch seeking short films for PSP

Newly launched site PSPunch is looking for short films to distribute for viewing on PSPs. Their site states they plan to "offer a space for film creators to distribute their work and PSP users to get nifty short films to store in their extra memory of their PSP." More than... [Full Story]

Gear Live looks at both sides of the PSP

Ars Technica today linked to a two-part article on the Sony PSP by Gear Live. The first article gives a positive view of the machine, while the second takes a more cynical approach. Both articles are a good (and sometimes amusing) read.... [Full Story]

Grand Theft Auto for PSP April 15

Spong News is reporting that the PSP installment of Grand Theft Auto is expected to launch in North America on April 15. This information apparently came from sales people inside Rockstar itself. As previously reported, no details are... [Full Story]

Will the PSP force Apple to raise the iPod ante?

CNET Reviews editor David Carnoy says that Sony's PSP is going to steal mindshare and market share from Apple's iPod lineup. "Ever since Sony, after years of MP3 ineptitude, started talking up the PSP as much more than a gaming device--complete with rumors of rolling out an accompanying iTunes-like music service... [Full Story]

Nintendo licenses Palm OS for DS to counter PSP

Nintendo had recently licensed Palm OS based PDA software, while leaving the reasoning behind it a mystery. Nintendo sources have now revealed that it was licensed for use with the V-Pocket trademark, which is rumored to be a complete line of personal organizer tools for the Nintendo DS. Nintendo believes... [Full Story]

Ubisoft confirms Lumines for US

Ubisoft confirmed this week that they will be bringing their Lumines puzzle game to US audiences this spring. The company says the US version will include "new enhancements including a quicker loading time and skin changes." "Ubisoft is extremely excited to partner with [co-developers] Bandai and Q Entertainment to bring... [Full Story]

Sony announces more movies for PSP

Sony announced today that the films "Hellboy," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," "Resident Evil 2," and "XXX" will be made available in mid-April. This release will follow the North American release of the PSP by a couple of weeks, which is to include a copy of "Spider-Man 2" with... [Full Story]

Sony 'drops ball' with PSP pricing

iPodlounge Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Horwitz has posted an interesting column on Sony's handling of the North American PSP launch. "Yes, we praised Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) after its Japanese release late last year, noting that it was a great value at its base Japanese $199 price," writes Horwitz. He continues, "Now... [Full Story]

Minna No Golf Portable (Hot Shots Golf) Cheats

Unlock all characters In single player mode, swing and miss your first two shots. Then hit the ball three times perfectly. If done correctly, all characters will be unlocked. This cheat has been confirmed for the Japanese version only.... [Full Story]

Namco to embrace 'Game Sharing'

IGN today posted a story about Namco's forthcoming Namco Museum and it's use of the PSP's Game Sharing feature. The game will apparently allows a PSP gamer to share via wireless download a playable roster of arcade games with other PSP players who do not own the game itself. The... [Full Story]

Sony PSP Developer System

While no other information is available at this time, one PSP fan at AssemblerGames has posted a photo of an apparent PSP Developer System.... [Full Story]

Sony losing $100 on every PSP sold

Sony loses about $100 on every PSP it sells in Japan, according to those close to the matter. Each device sells for 19,800 yen and reportedly costs Sony 30,000 yen to make as of right now. "Continuing strong demand will mean Sony can work on lowering production costs and, probably... [Full Story]

Metal Gear Acid Cheats

From the game's main menu, select Password and enter the following passwords: Gives Card No.202 - Saitou Yuu | Elyts Gives Card No.184 - Jehuty | Jehuty Gives Card No.182 - Karen Houjou | Karen Gives Card No.203 - Shibuya Eri | Maeb Gives Card No.178 - Mika Slayton |... [Full Story]

Five PSP launch games to be online

GameSpot has recieved confirmation from Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) that five of the PSP launch titles will feature online play via the console's built-in 802.11 wireless connectivity. The games to be online are: MLB, 989 Studios NBA, 989 Studios Gretzky NHL, 989 Studios ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, SCEA... [Full Story]

PSP launch title box art gallery

IGN today posted a great gallery of box art for the PSP's launch titles. Of note is the slight change EA has made in the placement of its circular logos (if you're interested in the design aspects of box art, that is).... [Full Story]

Mercury still on track for March release

Representatives from Ignition today confirmed for those eagerly awaiting Archer Maclean's innovative puzzle game that Mercury is still on track to meet its original release plans for shipment near the time of the PSP launch. Maclean himself had said that the European version of the game was done and had... [Full Story]

Vampire (Darkstalkers) Chronicle: The Chaos Tower Cheats

Shadow In Arcade Mode Highlight "?" and press start 5 Times then press any P or K Oboro Bishamon In all Modes highlight Bishamon, Hold Start and press any P or K Marionette In Arcade Mode Highlight "?" and press start 7 Times then press any P or K EX... [Full Story]

PSP launch games announced

Sony has released the list of launch titles that will be available along side the new console March 24. Notable titles include Ridge Racer, Twisted Metal: Head On, and FIFA 2005. Continue reading to see the complete list.... [Full Story]

Sony sets official launch details in US

Sony announced the official details for the North American launch of it's PSP console. The console will be available March 24 at various retailers. It will be available only in the form of the PSP Value Pack, including the console, a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, headphones with remote control,... [Full Story]

Spider-Man 2 Cheats

Level Select Once you 100% beat the game, start a new game with the name FLUWDEAR The level select option will then be available. This cheat has been confirmed for the Japanese version only.... [Full Story]