Sony PSP April 2006

The week's PlayStation 3 news at PS3 Informer

This week's PlayStation 3 news roundup from PS3 Informer: Sony losing $872 million on PS3; Ridge Racer 7 screenshots posted; Nintendo renames next-gen console 'Wii'; Sonic, Untold Legends PS3 launch titles?; Sony hard at work on PS3 backward compatibility; PS3 chip testing to begin soon?... [Full Story]

Nyko Charger Grip

The Charger Grip for PSP from accessory maker Nyko is more than a simple "handle" for the PSP. Inside it contains an extended battery pack that extends the playing time of the PSP up to five hours and features a simple clip for easy attachment and removal. The Charger Grip... [Full Story]

Boy cited for having porn on PSP at school

A 14-year old boy in North Dakota was cited with a class C felony after bringing his PSP loaded with digital images of pornography to school. The Bismarck Tribune reports: "Bismarck Police Lt. Dan Donlin said staff at Wachter Middle School called police after finding pornography on the boy's PSP.... [Full Story]

Bethesda: 'No plans' for PSP Oblivion

The critically acclaimed Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is rumored to be heading to both the PSP and PS3 this November. The rumor started in a forum thread and is said to be based on a release list from Bethesda. Bethesda has responded to the rumor, stating "At present we have... [Full Story]

Lumines II, Every Extend Extra announced

Buena Vista Games today announced that it has partnered with Q Entertainment to publish two new PSP games. BVG will launch Lumines II, a sequel to the highly popular action and music puzzle game for the PSP, and Every Extend Extra, a new action puzzle shooter game for PSP. The... [Full Story]

Downloadable LocoRoco demo available

Following today's v2.70 firmware update comes a downloadable, playable demo for LocoRoco. The game has yet to get a solid release date here in the states, but you can check it out by downloading the demo from the game's Japanese website. The demo requires the new firmware, and although the... [Full Story]

Sony rolls out firmware update worldwide

For the first time since the PSP's launch last March, Sony has rolled out a new firmware update to all regions simultaneously, including Japan, Europe, and the US. As we reported yesterday, the update, v2.70, adds Flash Player 6 as well as further AAC playback support and the ability to... [Full Story]

PSP Core System for $159 at Dell.com

You can snag a PSP Core System from Dell's online store for $40 below retail with the help of two digital coupons. Just add the $199 system to your cart and then use these two coupons at checkout — QGM7T0C1C2TVVD and BLKSK2?5HVT$D0. You're final price will now be down to... [Full Story]

PSP Firmware v2.70 coming to Japan

Sony is expected to post firmware update, v2.70, for owners of Japanese PSPs soon. The update adds long-awaited support for Macromedia Flash in the PSP browser — Flash Player 6 is included — as well as further AAC playback support and the ability to save podcasts directly to the Memory... [Full Story]

The week's PlayStation 3 news at PS3 Informer

This week's PlayStation 3 news roundup from our new sister site, PS3 Informer: Final Fantasy MMORPG in development for PS3; Sony drops price of PS2 to $129.99; Ridge Racer 7 confirmed for the PS3; and PS3 having size, OS issues?... [Full Story]

PSPworld forums back online

After some technical difficulties, the PSPworld forums are back online. As you may already know, submissions for the Lik-Sang birthday giveaway were being taken in a forum thread. If your submission happened to be deleted, please resubmit before Noon Eastern time on Monday - the winner will be announced at... [Full Story]

Fight Night Round 3

It's always interesting to discover some background of sports when writing a review so, other than what I'd watched on TV, it struck me just how little I knew about boxing other the fact that it’s two opponents hitting one another. I now know that it has its modern roots... [Full Story]

Sony cuts PlayStation 2 price to $130

Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced that it has lowered the price of its PlayStation 2. Effective immediately, consumers can purchase the PS2 for $129.99, down from the previous price of $149.99. "While we continue to innovate and design groundbreaking new products, we remain dedicated to our long-term vision for... [Full Story]

Ceramic White PSP Core Pack ships today

Sony began shipping the Ceramic White PSP Core Pack in Japan today. It was originally announced earlier this month, and comes with the PSP, a battery and an AC adapter. The pack is available for order through Lik-Sang for $219.90, and it will work with all US games — but... [Full Story]

PS2 Liberty City Stories to be released June 6

Following a report from Monday, Rockstar Games has now officially announced that Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for the PlayStation 2 will be in stores on June 6th and will retail for $20.... [Full Story]

Hudson Soft bringing Dungeon Explorer to PSP

Developer Hudson Soft is reportedly bringing a new title by the name of Dungeon Explorer to the PSP. Very little is known about the game at this time, except for the fact that it will heavily emphasize multiplayer over WiFi. Hudson Soft is perhaps best known for its Adventure Island... [Full Story]

PSP becomes a Portable Island

Bandai-Namco is bringing Portable Island to the PSP. In the game, players will control their own island, complete with decorating, building, catching and eating food, and relaxing. Other game modes will include a Stand-By Mode in which the PSP will function as a real-world clock and will provide one of... [Full Story]

Silent Hill Original Sin coming Oct. 18

In a list of release dates for upcoming titles accidentally released to retailers, Konami has revealed titles and release dates for three new PSP titles, including revealing the name of the Silent Hill Original Sin. This title lends credence to the rumors that the 'real' upcoming Silent Hill release on... [Full Story]

PS2 version of Liberty City Stories delayed?

The PlayStation 2 version of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories won't be released until at least June. A Rockstar spokesperson said "it's looking like it'll be released after Table Tennis", the company's first Xbox 360 title, which is due out on May 26th. "Rockstar hadn't previously specified a date... [Full Story]

Dave Mirra jumps onto PSP

Crave Entertainment has announced that it is bringing Dave Mirra BMX Challenge to the PlayStation Portable. The game will feature 17 levels nine different courses and bikes, as well as four-player wireless multiplayer over ad-hoc. Players will also be able to customize their riders, and Mirra himself is also featured.... [Full Story]

Official PSP Screen Protector

Although not available here in the states, Sony does produce an Official Screen Protector for the PSP in Japan — and it's available here through Lik-Sang. Since it is an Official Sony product, we were anxious to test it out against the other, third party competitors. We expected quality, and... [Full Story]

PS2 price cut on the horizon?

The price on Sony's Playstation 2 console is expected to drop from $149 to $129 before the end of the month, reports Reuters. The PS2 saw its last price cut, from $179 to $149, in June of 2004. The cut comes as a measure to boost lagging sales of the... [Full Story]

Rockstar and Palm Pictures team up on Sunday Driver

Rockstar and Palm Pictures have announced a partnership on the UMD and DVD release of the documentary film "Sunday Driver" on June 13. "Sunday Driver" follows the oldest African-American lowrider club in California — the Majestics — for a period of almost ten years. Amidst police harassment and the ghosts... [Full Story]

Roxio releases Popcorn 2 with PSP, iPod export

Roxio today released Popcorn 2, an updated version of its DVD burning software for Mac OS X. Popcorn 2 brings the ability to convert video and transfer it to the PSP, video iPod and cell phones. The $50 application enables users to create portable-compatible versions of all popular formats including... [Full Story]

Gun Showdown announced for PSP

Activision has announced Gun Showdown, a new version of its Western-themed shooter for the PSP. According to Activision, the game will be loaded with "all of the action contained in the console versions." The PSP version will also get a few new missions, as well as quick play and multiplayer... [Full Story]

Capcom Classics Reloaded coming to PSP

Capcom has announced that it will bring a collection of retro titles to the PSP in Capcom Classics Reloaded. Reloaded will feature classic Capcom titles of the past such as Street Fighter II, Ghouls 'n Ghosts and Commando, plus a group of newer titles. Ad-hoc multiplayer will be available, as... [Full Story]

Street Riders

While racing games are plentiful on the PSP there are not nearly as many mission-based driving titles. Clearly Ubi Soft hope to plug this gap in the market with their latest release Street Riders. The plot concerns a ruthless gang boss, Dupree, who is involved in a turf war with... [Full Story]

Gamestop All-in-one Bag

Should you be a gamer who wants the benefits of Super Mario Kart DS whilst also enjoying UMD movies or jaunting around Liberty City GameStop believe they have the answer. The 'all-in-one-bag' manufactured by Pelican on GameStop's behalf contains many more pockets and zips than your average outdoor survival rucksack... [Full Story]

New movies released on UMD this week

Several movies will be released in UMD format for the PSP this week. Among the new titles are: 50 First Dates, Chronicles Of Narnia, The: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Dude, Where's My Car?, The Girl Next Door, Heat, Scooby-Doo: The Movie, and Shallow Hal.... [Full Story]

Images of PSone emulator for PSP surface online

Some convincing images of the upcoming PSone emulator for the PSP have made their way online. Joystiq reports: "The pictures suggest a simple process in which users select a PlayStation game from an alphabetized list and then, are given details about the title and an option to purchase and download... [Full Story]

Fast and the Furious game coming to PSP

Namco Bandai Games America has announced that it will develop a PSP racing game based on Universal Pictures' upcoming movie "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." The video game (titled The Fast and the Furious) will be available summer 2006. It will feature unique drift racing mechanics and will... [Full Story]

Pelican Power Bricks overheating, recall issued

The manufacturer of the Pelican Power Brick, Electro Source LLC., has issued a recall of the devices because of a potential overheating problem. The Power Brick's circuit board can overheat, leading to a melting of its plastic cover and can pose a fire hazard. The affected model number, PL-6018, can... [Full Story]

TechRestore launches repair service for PSP

TechRestore has announced that it has begun offering overnight repairs and upgrades for the PSP. The new PSP-Restore service offers worldwide service with local pickup from locations throughout the U.S. Customers who elect local pickup have their PSP picked up at their door via overnight courier and brought back to... [Full Story]

PSP game releases this week - April 4

Serveral highly-anticipated PSP titles are being released this week — among them are a new Viewtiful Joe game and the PSP's first Bond adventure. Hitting the portable this week are: + 007: From Russia With Love + Bust a Move: Deluxe + Cabela's Dangerous Hunts + Capcom Classics Collection Remixed... [Full Story]

Ceramic White PSP Core Pack coming to Japan

Sony has announced that it will begin selling a "Core" version of its popular Ceramic White model of the PSP. Priced at $19,800 Yen (approx. $169), the package will include the PSP, AC adapter, and battery pack, similar to the $199 pack that was recently released here in the states.... [Full Story]