Sony PSP May 2005

PSP online through cellular

The wireless weblog recently posted a story on how they were successful in getting a PSP to connect to the internet using a JunxionBox Wi-Fi to cellular gateway appliance. The JunxionBox uses cellular networks to connect to the internet and then makes that connection available to other devices over Wi-Fi.... [Full Story]

Wireless VoIP on PSP

Wireless Week has an interesting article on the prospects of using the PSP as a Voice over IP (VoIP) device. VoIP technology allows users to place normal phone calls over an internet connection - the technology is available now for home use through companies such as Vonage. “According to Tim... [Full Story]

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee represents the fifth installment in the Hot Shots franchise and the first for a portable system. The series has always been known for it’s fun, vibrant gameplay and easy to learn controls. Because of this, it often gets written off as a game for kids,... [Full Story]

Logitech PlayGear Amp

Logitech impressed us quite a bit with their first PSP accessory, the PlayGear Pocket case. Now they are back with another accessory, the PlayGear Amp. The PlayGear Amp is a portable set of speakers for the PSP designed for easy travel and as a stand for the PSP while connected.... [Full Story]

Sony looks to outsource PSP production

Sony said today that the company may outsource production of the PSP to China or Taiwan in order to meet rising demand for the device. "We're not prepared to start selling in Europe, we've run out of units in the U.S., and it's still selling well in Japan," said Ken... [Full Story]

FIFA Soccer

EA’s FIFA Soccer is the company’s top selling game worldwide — Of All Time. That’s right, it’s not Madden — FIFA’s blend of uber-realistic game play, a staggering number of real life teams (both Club and National), and depth has been playing on videogame systems across the world more than... [Full Story]

Ghostbusters coming to UMD

Amazon today revealed four new movies coming to UMD on August 2. The titles are "Guess Who," "Big Daddy," "Ghostbusters," and "S.W.A.T." The "Ghostbusters" release will coinside with a special box set of "Ghostbusters" and "Ghostbusters 2" on the same date. No official pricing has been set, but "Guess Who"... [Full Story]

PSP is America's Most Wanted

According to Parks Associates’ “Mobile Entertainment Platforms and Services,” a new consumer study of more than 2,000 U.S. Internet users, Close to one-half — 49% — of U.S. Internet users who plan to purchase a portable gaming device want a PSP. The Game Boy Advance and Game Boy DS only... [Full Story]

PSP support for Kinoma Producer

Kinoma today announced an update to their Kinoma Producer 3 software that features direct-to-PSP support. Previously just for outputting video for Palm handhelds, the update will now output PSP-formatted MPEG-4 video. Kinoma Producer 3.2 converts the video you input, copies it to the Memory Stick Duo, and creates a thumbnail... [Full Story]

MLB pitcher uses PSP to prepare for games

Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana uses his PSP to prepare for opponents, according to Sports Illustrated. It’s not clear whether the 2004 AL Cy Young Award winner prefers MVP Baseball or MLB 2005. “Either the night before or on the morning of the game, he’ll check out the lineup of... [Full Story]

BoxWave FlexiSkin for PSP

One thing has become rather apparent over the last few weeks: no matter how many people may (or may not) be purchasing silicone cases for the PSP, there sure are a lot of companies interested in producing them. Silicone cases offer quite a bit of protection, and when combined with... [Full Story]

PSP E3 round-up

Last week's E3 expo brought us a lot of exciting PSP news. So much news, in fact, that it was easy to miss something. Then there was also the prospect of three new consoles to contend with, two of which confirmed PSP integration of one sort or another. Not to... [Full Story]

UMDs added at Amazon

Amazon has added to its UMD selection, revealing several new titles. "Bad Boys" is coming on June 14, "Air Force One" and "Starship Troopers" on June 28, "Black Hawk Down" on July 12, "Man of the House" on July 19, and "Final Fantasy -- The Spirits Within," "Labyrinth," "Steamboy," "Not... [Full Story]

Paramount's UMD Lineup

Paramount Home Entertainment today announced its forthcoming offerings on UMD. The first wave of UMDs will be released on August 9 and will include "Team America," "Coach Carter," and "Without a Paddle." Future releases will include "Sahara," "The Italian Job," and "Viva La Bam: Volume 1" on August 30, and... [Full Story]

Bonus Points: PSP2, Dolby, Episode III, PSPWare

Crafty DIY'ers from Japan managed to hack together a portable gaming machine they dubbed the "PSP2." Dolby is working with Sony to get its Dolby Headphone surround technology supported in PSP games. In case you haven't heard, "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" is now in theaters. The... [Full Story]

Brando offers 3 new PSP accessories

Brando today expanded its lineup of PSP accessories with three new offerings. the Airform UMD pouch features a molded-foam body, zipper enclosure, can hold up to 5 UMDs and 2 Memory Stick Duos, and sells for $8. The PSP Rechargeable Grip is an adjustable grip for "more controlled and comfortable... [Full Story]

Sony releases firmware update 1.5.1

Sony today released a firmware update for all US PSPs. The update, which contains firmware version 1.5.1, requires at least 14MB of free space on your Memory Stick. To access the update you need a Wi-Fi internet connection, then simply go to the Network Update option which is at the... [Full Story]

Star Wars Battlefront II coming to PSP

LucasArts has announced that it will release Star Wars Battlefront II for the PSP. "Developed by Savage Entertainment, Star Wars Battlefront II for PSP is similar to its recently announced console counterpart with space combat, playable Jedi, and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith content, yet it still... [Full Story]

Fuse offers free downloads for the PSP

Fuse today announced it will be offering free PSP-formatted downloadable content through its web site. The downloads will feature exclusive interviews, behind the scenes show footage, and more from popular Fuse shows. "Fuse is very excited to support this new platform with dynamic PSP content," said Robert Weiss, Head of... [Full Story]

Wipeout Pure downloads now available

SCEA today officially released Gamma Pack I, the first set of downloadable content for Wipeout Pure. To access the downloads simply select Downloads from the main game screen and follow the instructions. The download is 3.5MB in size and features new tracks, ships, a new team, as well as new... [Full Story]

Film, music, art, photos, gaming at PSP Factory

In celebration of E3, Sony yesterday debuted the PSP Factory in Hollywood to an audience of celebrities including Charlize Theron, Keanu Reeves, Drew Barrymore, Amanda Peet, Ludacris, Maroon 5 and Michael Keaton. "Inspired by renowned pop artist Andy Warhol's 1960s 'Factory,' PSP Factory fused the worlds of music, film, photography,... [Full Story]

SanDisk 2GB Gaming Memory Stick PRO Duo

Sandisk today introduced a 2GB Gaming Memory Stick PRO Duo, the latest addition to its line of memory products for gamers. The 2GB card, which is expected to ship in July, will carry a suggested retail price of $349.99. Other capacities in the Memory Stick PRO Duo Gaming Card line... [Full Story]

Metal Gear Acid 2 coming for PSP

Konami today announced that Metal Gear Ac!d 2 is under development for the PSP. Created by Kojima Productions and headed by game creator Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Ac!d 2 incorporates a completely new graphics engine which provides innovative on-screen imagery. To help first-time players familiarize themselves with the world of... [Full Story]

Konami announces E3 lineup, four for PSP

Konami today announced their official lineup for E3, which includes four upcoming PSP titles. Coded Arms is a first-person shooter that places the gamer in the role of a computer hacker who infiltrates an abandoned virtual reality system. The game will feature six different levels and a multiplayer mode. Expect... [Full Story]

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for PSP

Rockstar Games today announced the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto series, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, which will be available exclusively for the Sony PSP when it's released this fall. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is an entirely new game in the Grand Theft Auto series... [Full Story]

ElGato adds PSP support to EyeTV

ElGato today announced a new version of their EyeTV software (v1.8) that features EyeTV "to go", a solution that allows Mac owners to conveniently export EyeTV recordings to the PSP. EyeTV 1.8 is a free download for all existing EyeTV and third-party tuner owners, and requires OS X 10.3 Panther... [Full Story]

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... [Full Story]

Logitech expands PSP accessory line with three new products

Logitech today took the wraps off three new accessories for the PSP. The PlayGear Mod headphones feature a behind-the-head design and 30mm neodymium drivers. They will be available in July for $29.99. The PlayGear Street Carrying Case features a clip-on strap that can be worn like a messenger bag or... [Full Story]

Activision announces Greg Hastings' Tournament Paintball MAX'D for PSP

Activision and paintball professional Greg Hastings announced today that Greg Hastings' Tournament Paintball MAX'D will be coming to the PSP this fall. The title builds on the success of Greg Hastings' Tournament Paintball, which was released last year for Xbox. MAX'D will feature new breakout play calling, both co-op and... [Full Story]

EA ships MVP Baseball for PSP

Electronic Arts today announced the release of MVP Baseball for the PSP. The $49.99 game is packed with game modes for single player, turn-based Party Play, or wireless head-to-head multiplayer formats. Players can show off their skills in the Home Run Showdown, explore and unlock content and rock out to... [Full Story]

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... [Full Story]

Tony Hawk Underground 2 Remix

Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 Remix takes the best of Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 and adds four new city-levels — Las Vegas, Atlanta, Kyoto and Santa Cruz — that feature original goals, level changing events and unlockable characters. The first THUG for PSP, players can join Tony Hawk or Bam Margera... [Full Story]

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... [Full Story]

Tiger Woods PGA Tour

Tiger Woods PGA Tour is the franchises first appeance on the PSP. In Tiger, players create their own golfer and develop their skills in order to move up through the ranks and challenge both current and legendary tour players. The game features multiplayer play as well, including Playoff Round in... [Full Story]

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... [Full Story]

Universal brings six films to UMD

Universal Studios Home Entertainment today announced the release of the first Universal features to be released on UMD. The intitial release will feature "Assault on Precinct 13," "The Rundown," "Van Helsing," "Dawn of the Dead: Unrated Director's Cut," "The Chronicles of Riddick: Unrated Director's Cut" and "The Fast and the... [Full Story]

Agetec unveils PoPoLoCrois and Armored Core: Formula Front for PSP

Agetec today unveiled its E3 lineup which included PoPoLoCrois and Armored Core: Formula Front for the PSP. PoPoLoCrois features brand-new sequences from the animated TV series spread out through cell-shaded 2D graphic adventures. Armored Core: Formula Front brings the Armored Core series to the PSP. Formula Front contains added features... [Full Story]

Nirvana, Manson, Metallica, Snoop coming to UMD

Eagle Rock Entertainment has announced that it will release select music/video catalog titles on UMD for the PSP. The following titles will be available on UMD in 2005, with more to follow: Black Label Society: "Boozed, Broozed & Broken Boned" Busta Rhymes: "Everything Remains Raw" Jimi Hendrix: "Electric Ladyland Classic... [Full Story]

World Poker Tour 2K6 coming to PSP

2K Sports announced its E3 lineup today, which included World Poker Tour 2K6 for PSP. In World Poker Tour, players face off against real WPT players, in real WPT venues. Features include custom poker game creation through the poker editor, an online mode that for play in leagues with your... [Full Story]

Brando adds PSP Multiple Cradle to accessory lineup

Brando today announced the addition of the PSP Multiple Cradle to its lineup of PSP accessories. The cradle is made from black ABS plastic and features a tilted back designed to allow easy access to the UMD door. The accessory also provides the option to have an audio out port... [Full Story]

Noreve unveils new leather PSP case

Noreve today introduced its Ambition leather case for the PSP. Made of high-quality rigid leather, the black case provides all-around protection and features two memory stick card slots and two UMD disk slots. It offers access to all basic controls on the PSP, sports a snap button closure and comes... [Full Story]

Mad Catz debuts GameShark Media Manager for PSP

Mad Catz Interactive today unveiled the GameShark Media Manager for PSP, a Windows application for managing, storing, accessing and organizing game, video, music and other files on the PSP. The software is expected to ship to stores this summer. It will be priced at $29.99 and come with a USB... [Full Story]

Namco brings four PSP titles to E3

Namco today announced their game lineup for E3, including four titles for the PSP. Dead To Rights: Reckoning, Namco Museum Battle Collection, Bounty Hounds, and Payout Poker and Casino will all be shown at E3. The previously announced Dead To Rights lets players navigate the corrupt underworld of Grant City... [Full Story]

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... [Full Story]

Vivendi 'Crashes' E3 with two PSP games

Vivendi Universal Games today announced their lineup of games for E3. Among the titles were two upcoming PSP games, 50 Cent: Bulletproof and Crash Tag Team Racing. In Bulletproof, 50 Cent teams up with his G Unit crew to take on the most dangerous crime families in New York. The... [Full Story]

NBA '06 for PSP announced

Sony announced today that NBA '06 will be coming to the PSP this fall. NBA '06 is built from the ground up and features "Showtime Gameplay" which provides players the opportunity to acheive balance between team versus individual skills, performance and goals. Also new for NBA '06 will be "NBA... [Full Story]

Image Entertainment to release video titles on UMD

Image Entertainment today announced it will be releasing several titles on UMD for the PSP. The company's initial rollout will take place on June 28 and consist of "more than a dozen exclusively licensed or distributed programs... that encompass many genres including feature films, music performances, comedy and television programming."... [Full Story]

Sony Online Entertainment announces two new PSP games

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) today announced that it will distribute two new titles for the PSP — GripShift and FRANTIX. Both games are scheduled to be available this Fall. "GripShift is one of the first video games for the PSP system to combine high-flying stunt driving and unique puzzle-solving action... [Full Story]

PSP Crystal Hard Case

Some ideas sound great on paper and then fail to impress when actually executed. Crystal Pepsi was a good example of this, and unfortunately, so is the PSP Crystal Hard Case. Like the previously reviewed PSP Charging Cradle, the PSP Crystal Hard Case comes in blister pack plastic packaging from... [Full Story]

GOAAAALLL!!!! Football Manager comes to PSP

Sega this week revealed that the next installment of their Football Manager soccer management franchise, typically a PC/Mac only affair, will be offered on the PSP as well. Football Manager 2006 will offer players a choice of leagues from more than five countries, and a transfer system allowing for the... [Full Story]