PSP firmware goes to 3.11, little urge to follow
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Feb 8th 2007 at 1:14PM }
It didn't take long for Sony to follow up the scandalous release of PSP firmware 3.10 with -- you guessed it -- firmware 3.11. While unofficially the update is a reaction to Dark AleX's new custom firmware, 3.11 implements the oft-requested R-TYPES patch, granting those fortunate enough to have downloaded the PS1 game (in Japan only) an improved emulation experience. Jeez, thanks.PSP has degenerated into a battleground where Sony and a community of hackers continue to exchange slaps. Not only do the constant updates damage Sony's ability to introduce relevant features that actually generate excitement about firmware upgrades, they suggest PSP is not secure, in turn, dissuading publishers from investing in exciting new content. Did you see Capcom Puzzle World was released this week?
Update: Firmware 3.11 allegedly decrypted. Here we go again...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nij @ Feb 8th 2007 1:32PM
Mr. Ransom-Wiley, I'm not sure what point you're attempting to make with your comment at the end. By attempting to secure the PSP, Sony is implying to publishers that the system is not secure? And overall it sounds like you're complaining that they're attempting to secure the system-- are you suggesting that it would be better for them to do nothing?
AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 1:33PM
I'm glad my old xbox and 360 don't need updates this often. It seems like there's an update every week or two for the PSP.
fox619_master @ Feb 8th 2007 1:33PM
horaay for emulation, iv'e never purchased a game, just my £100 psp, which is a very cheap price in England, but the psps is canadian and it won't play english umd's
AirIntake @ Feb 8th 2007 1:38PM
Ah region locking, gotta love it.
kevinski @ Feb 8th 2007 1:44PM
@Nij
He's actually implying that having such frequent updates only makes the system's security look worse, not better. If something needs to be patched every week or two, then people tend to question the quality it in general.
Fhaze @ Feb 8th 2007 1:48PM
How many times have I had to, or Nintendo wanted me to upgrade the firmware in my DS? ZERO. Does that mean that there is not Piracy on the DS? No, actually I think there is more due to flash carts and such. Is Nintendo still making a truckload of money? Yes.
Sony is making it way to interesting for Dark AleX at the moment. Stop releasing a firmware every week. Make Dark AleX lose interest and everyone else in the mod community, then change the firmware so drastically that they have to essentially start over. I am sure Dark AleX will be done by tomorrow since he just worked on the friggin thing.
bmac @ Feb 8th 2007 1:48PM
So, that sort of begs the question; does the homebrew community help the PSP, or hurt it? I know I'd love to be able to play any and all homebrew aps on mine, but I also know it would only be roms of old 8bit and 16bit games. I hate that it's such a battle between the two, but from a business standpoint I understand why Sony has the attitude they do about it. It is too bad they have to focus on stoping these programs from running rather than on making the system better. I'm sure it's a full time job for a couple of people to just keep the damn thing secure, and trying to stay ahead of those who constantly unlock it.
It's a lot like the whole Apple thing with their DRM technology. In the end the consumers just see the corporation as the evil one, and there isn't much they can do to change that perception.
James R-W @ Feb 8th 2007 1:50PM
Nij, just saying PSP has befallen some unfortunate circumstances -- and the constant updates are evidence of that. Each new security patch is a reminder to publishers that the PSP is an insecure platform. Whether Sony continues to re-secure its handheld or not, it's a losing battle. (But I don't think Sony has much choice but to respond to each new security breach accordingly.)
Kevin @ Feb 8th 2007 1:54PM
I'm sorry.
I had to post in response just for the fact that there's a 311 logo on the PSP.
I love 311!!
Rubang B @ Feb 8th 2007 2:02PM
Damn, all 5 reviews at Metacritic say that Capcom Puzzle World is only good for Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo.
sheppy @ Feb 8th 2007 2:20PM
I said it before, I'll say it again.
On EBgames website, they have 63 upcoming DS games listed and 64 upcoming PSP games listed. PSP is managing to snag some pretty good exclusives including Ronda Of Blood, Jeanne D'Arc, and yes, even Jewel Summoner, the prequel to the hotly anticipated PS3 JRPG, Monster Kingdom.
Joystiq, PSP is getting the fucking software. Companies still continue to support the platform regardless of your inability to say anything nice about it. Likewise, software will continue to sell if it's good. Please, for the love of all that's holy. Can we get some/any Sony news without the snide comments? DS is getting Rainbow Islands Revolution... hot shit, that platform in not viable to developers!
Jake @ Feb 8th 2007 2:30PM
The DS is a gimmick. It should fade away any day now.
carterman @ Feb 8th 2007 2:32PM
@4: The PSP is actually only region-locked for UMD movies, not for games.
Also, the 3.10 release had nothing to do with security, it was a planned update from Sony that happened to come out a day after the downgrader did. Considering that 3.11 only fixed emulator compatibility with R-TYPES (only in Japan), it was also very easy to decrypt, as I believe that the same decrypter for 3.10 was used to decrypt 3.11, go figure.
Dorky @ Feb 8th 2007 3:12PM
sheppy, software is coming but they're not selling overall and it costs publishers more to make 'em than the DS with a far larger install base and a pretty good sell through for everyone else's software, not just Nintendo's giant titles.
What joystiq posted is true. This constant FW releases just increases the perception that the PSP is unstable/not secure.
Just because you have some emotional investment in the PSP and Sony doesn't make the "truth" any less.
Dolla Dolla @ Feb 8th 2007 2:39PM
Don't pop your top, sheppy.
Regardless of the plethora of titles you enjoy on the PSP, and the reviews on metacritic that score PSP games higher than DS games, the Numbers are doing a whole bunch of talking against the PSP. The upside? PSP software sales did increase. The downside? The hardware sales declined in that same period by a drastic amount.
And it isn't exactly promising to a developer when everytime they turn around a new firmware is available on the PSP. It's bad publicity. 3.10 goes to 3.11 because of one ps1 game ...?
Lots of people loved the Dreamcast, too. That didn't stop it from falling off the map. The best PSP software titles struggle to sell a million units. That is a problem in EVERYONE'S eyes.
I haven't bought a PSP game in over a year. I was excited about the PS1 emulation, but then I heard I had to spend $600 before I could touch such a thing. The PSP could stand to make some great money if Sony would do something right with it. I love Dark_Alex's custom firmware. It makes the PSP worth its purchase twice over.
Jake @ Feb 8th 2007 2:54PM
Laser,
It is well known amongst adults that inability to detect bs and sarcasm is a sign of stupidity. Here's your sign.
Strangler @ Feb 8th 2007 2:56PM
"13. sheppy, software is coming but they're not selling overall and it costs publishers more to make 'em than the DS with a far larger install base and a pretty good sell through for everyone else's software, not just Nintendo's giant titles.
What joystiq posted is true. This constant FW releases just increases the perception that the PSP is unstable/not secure.
Just because you have some emotional investment in the PSP and Sony doesn't make the "truth" any less."
than explain how monster hunter sold more preorders than any game in history? Obviously this shows that people will buy certain games for the psp and its a viable platform. Anyway remember the dreamcast? it had only sold like 4 million units and publishers kept throwing games at it, same with xbox/360.
Neccy @ Feb 8th 2007 7:09PM
Oh Sony give up trying to stop blocking firmware downgraders, it is a forever loosing battle. Surely they must know that?
Infact they'd probably see an increase in sales if they stopped trying.
Jake @ Feb 8th 2007 3:03PM
Sheppy,
You can't convince Nintendo fanboys that the PSP is worth a damn because it doesn't sell as well as their beloved Nintendo DS and they get great joy gloating about it. They don't understand the concept that not everyone likes Nintendogs, Pokemon, Mario, Animal Crossing, and Brain Training (top 5 DS sellers) as much as Wipeout, MG port ops, GTA, etc.
The two platforms obviously appeal to different demographics. Why no one ever can accept that is beyond me. The DS appeals to a larger demographic than the PSP. And I would argue they offer more quality games. But, they aren't the same. The PSP is making money and has some nice software coming. There are games and experiences you can get on the PSP that you can't get on the DS and vice versa. This is actually a good thing.
Nintendo obviously knows what they are doing and will make awesome money in the coming years. I am happy for them. I grew up on Nintendo. But not everyone wants to play games in new ways. I want to play games the way Nintendo taught me to play games. I also want to play them new ways, too. Give me new interfaces coupled with awesome graphics and we will really talk business.
But no, the PSP is evil because its games aren't as new and different.
sheppy @ Feb 8th 2007 3:26PM
Okay, before I start in on the topic at hand... TheLAZER... do a little research next time you try to shoot down my arguements.
1. Ronda Of Blood was only released previously in Japan. It is the holy grail of Castlevania because it sets the stage for the ultimate in the series, Symphony Of The Night. Which is why that game is in the collection. So for many a Castlevania fan, this is a chance to finally play a lost chapter. Just imagine Phoenix Wright for a moment. Third DS Phoenix Wright hits Japan soon, but it will be the first new iteration. I don't see Nintendo fans screaming "This is bullshit" over PW 1&2. They are, after all, shameless GBA ports. But since I own a DS, both PWs, and eagerly awaiting the 4th game to hit preorder lists stateside...
Jeanne D'Arc happens to be a PSP exclusive tactical RPGs by... wait for it... Level 5. That wonderful studio behind such hits as Dark Cloud, DQVIII (and upcoming DQIX... although I despise the new action direction), and even Rogue Galaxy. They are also the masterminds behind the hotly anticipated White Knight Story for PS3. Jeanne? Yeah, never been played before, jackass.
Jewel Summoner, again, is another console exclusive. Hasn't been seen on PS2 or anywhere else for that matter. All new game setting the stage for what was one of the most interesting TGS trailers for PS3.
*sigh*
Now, having said that. Personally, I enjoy both my DS and my PSP. But here is the deal. You can claim larger install base equates to greater third party sales but the proof is in the pudding. Third parties are often selling just as many copies on PSP as they are DS. The sales are there, despite these claims.
And, likewise, this entire arguement is rather retarded. You're not forced to DL firmware day 1 it comes out. In fact, my non-hacked PSP will likely get it's first firmware update in a while once I get my import copy of DJ Max Portable 2 in.
Flit @ Feb 8th 2007 3:27PM
I'm the target of the psp marketing (male between ages of 15-24 with disposable income) and I'm looking to sell my psp because it sucks. Every game on it is a poor port of a ps2 title, or an offshoot of a ps2 title which sucks more than the ps2 version. Just my opinion, though.
jp007 @ Feb 8th 2007 4:16PM
Sometimes 3.10 isn't enough. Then you have to crank it up to 3.11...
Lekko @ Feb 8th 2007 8:54PM
actually.. think of the PSP hackers as competition for Sony themselves.
Whereas typically, companies have to beat out other companies in terms of options and uses, now Sony has to compete more with the hackers of their own system for features.
It's a new kind of competition in the marketplace, and competition always benefits the consumer. Sony needs to pick up the slack and start trying to one-up the hackers with more than just "bug fixes".
endlessinsanity @ Feb 10th 2007 11:27AM
Well said,Sheppy, well said. I really don't have much to since everything I could have said has already been stated so I'll just say hello and be off.
Phil @ Feb 8th 2007 5:13PM
Just let it die, it is a crappy game system.
The PSP tried to be too much; an mp3 player, a game machine, a GPS unit, a mobile movie player, a media viewing device and so-on and so-forth.
It failed in every category; load times suck, no internal media storage, must use all Sony proprietary storage and media, bad games that were mostly ports.
pixelator @ Feb 8th 2007 6:36PM
Another non-news item spun into 'PSP is crap' by R-W.
Thanks, Nintenstiq! Way to pander to those fanboys.
sm0ke @ Feb 8th 2007 9:35PM
According to a post on MaxConsole, Dark_Alex is taking a break until Sony releases a firmware with a new feature that people would actually use.
http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=48229
Strangler @ Feb 9th 2007 5:05AM
"Just let it die, it is a crappy game system.
The PSP tried to be too much; an mp3 player, a game machine, a GPS unit, a mobile movie player, a media viewing device and so-on and so-forth.
It failed in every category; load times suck, no internal media storage, must use all Sony proprietary storage and media, bad games that were mostly ports."
your a complete moron. For 200 bucks you cant even buy an ipod. here is a system with an incredible game library rivaling the ps2 with exlusive game sin the metal gear franchises among others like rachet and clank and daxter, with the ability to play ps1 games/snes/genesis/amiga/gba/soon n64/etc through emulation, and with a nice analog not just a dpad and a beutiful screen. What more do you want?
Hugh Mann @ Feb 9th 2007 5:20AM
@ 28 strangler
Quote "and with a nice analog not just a dpad "
This person has never used a psp, if they had they would know how awful the analogue "button" (I refuse to call it a stick) actually is.
And as to your comparison of the PSP to an iPod, the point that was made about the PSP trying to do too much remains valid. Not everonye wants an all-singing-all-dancing multi device, If i want to listen to music on the go, then the iPod still provides a better experience than the PSP.
Why try to do all things half assed when they could have got a few things absolutely right, I mean who the F wants GPS on a portable gaming machine anyway?
ss @ Feb 9th 2007 5:52AM
Although it can't compare with an mp3 player, for a Jack of all trades (master of none) i think the PSP does quite well. And the price is right, too.
Just my 2 cents.
Coolwave @ Feb 9th 2007 12:21PM
THREEEE ELEEEEVVVEEEEENNN!!
Strangler @ Feb 10th 2007 12:34AM
Hugh Mann, you are not forced to use the analog it came with, you can buy a third party pack full of analogs of different sizes or mod your ps2 controller and put tis analog in it. no one is forcing you to use the one it came with.
Strangler @ Feb 10th 2007 3:58AM
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/a-tale-of-two-mods-different-psp-joysticks/
even dual analog is possible:
http://psp.joystiq.com/2006/12/02/todays-hottest-game-video-psp-dual-analog-mod/
liek I said the psp is as good as you make it and are willing to put the effort itn.
Gianni Gotti @ Mar 5th 2007 10:51PM
So lets get this straight:
"If the PSP doesn't do better than the DS it is a failure"
This type of simplistic LOTHAR thinking is what drives fanboys everywhere.
Fact:
Killzone: Liberation
Ratchet & Clank
e.t.c.
The PSP is attracting sufficient developer attention to drive some excellent software.
That is all gamers should care about rather than the "WAR"