The PSP download service will work via the PlayStation 3 and Wi-Fi enabled PCs, according to Izumi Kawanishi, head of platform development for Sony of Japan. In an interview with NikkeiBP, Kawanishi said the download service, which will offer original PlayStation games and movies, will launch simultaneously with the PlayStation 3.Now that we know a time frame, some details on pricing would be nice. Conceptually, the ability download retro Sony games is brilliant, but it has to come at the right cost. Sales of UMD movies has skyrocketed in Japan on account of the low price Warner Bros. is selling its films ($9), but the high prices prior to that caused many film studios to simply give up on the proprietary format.
[via Games Industry]



















(Page 1) Reader Comments
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But knowing Sony.... if they can charge you for it, they will.
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You guys may have to wait a few months before I can buy a PS3, HDMI cabels, games, and controllers, as well as online content for my PSP.
My donated kidney can only pay for so much, guys. :(
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i don't even have a psp, but if i did, i think i'd pay up to $20.00 for my favorite ps1 games; final fantasy tactics, symphony of the night, dragon warrior 7, wipeout, etc... it's 2 gens back. i would definately pay $20.00 for some of my favorite n64 games on nintendo's virtual console.
to me, they'd be worth it. i wonder if anyone else would pay that much, though?
-"superfan" tactics.
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I'm just glad that you don't have to have a PS3 to get stuff on your PSP. It will be many years before I get a PS3.
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But you may not need a PS3 in order to download PS1 content to your PSP. Asked what means you'll have to download content, Kawanishi said, "There will be three: through the PS3, through the PC, or direct download to the PSP via wireless LAN. Our fundamental stance is to use an open network, so PC-based downloads will be possible. And not only that, but we believe things like download through cell phones are also a possibility. We don't plan on placing limits on the network."
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SOTN, FFTactics, FFVII, Star Ocean 2, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Wipeout XL, PaRappa, Jetmoto, RE2, GT2, Vagrant Story, Rally Cross, MGS, Xenogears, Suikoden II, Chrono Cross, Intelligent Cube...okay I'll stop.
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I can think of several measures they can take to prevent the files from being spread arounnd.
First, the download could be tied by a deeply encrypted internal ID code to a single PSP. It won't matter how many copies of the file exist if it can only be used with a single PSP.
Second, the PC application could keep the downloaded data sealed away from access by users. It'll be there and a determined hacker will be able to figure some things out but it will be very hard for typical users to know what is happening other than what the application reports. If they're good about it, the application will also be smart enough to deal with interrupted downloads with minimal data loss and restart the download later.
In general, expect something like iTunes for managing your downloads and getting them on the PSP, rather than just drag and dropping files from the desktop.
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Playing games off memorystick certainly is the way to go. I was just wishfully thinking there would be a way to put in a PS1 game you already own, the PS3 would verify that it is genuine, and you could have that one game for free via download or rip. That shouldn't be too hard since you'd still need to have a original disc. To date no commercial burners can create the 'bad blocks' that consoles use to verify genuine discs. You've always needed a modded system to play burnt copies. The PS3 is already going to be B/C to PS1, so you know it can read those discs, it's just a matter of allowing it.
The opposite debate is that you could probably share a disc among others with PS3s, and give your friends a copy of a game you own. While that is a concern, I'm not sure how valid it really is because how many PS1 game collectors are there, and how many of them share their games? *shrugs*. Still probably won't be able to rip them.
Either give me that, or really cheap pricing. It should be able to compete with a used PS1 game price (>$5) unless it is a very very rare game.
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5.00
Any higher, you're pushing it. All procedes collected from a huge majority of these games should be all profit - if not, there is a problem somewhere. It better be an updated (graphics/sound) version of the game if it will cost any more than combo meal at McDs.
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Seriously though this is awesome. I think PS1 was Sony's best system. I've really been wanting to play that 3D Megaman game for so long. This and a price drop and I would totally pick up a PSP.
I wonder if I'd get screwed on OS X compatibility though.
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I'd also love to put X-Com: UFO Defense and Colony Wars on my PSP. :)
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Vagrant Story.
Umihara kawase
Thrill Kill
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy 7-9
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Vib Ribbon
Parappa The Rapper
Tobal 2
Chrono Cross
Xenogears
etc
etc etc
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But I have to WAIT!!!!!
I think I will go hibernate for 6 months.
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=(
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