Q: While reading either EGM or Game Informer, I noticed that there was the mention of a confirmed redesign of the PSP that would be smaller and lighter, yet keep the same size screen. Have you heard any thing about this?
A: Ah, the infamous PSP redesign. Sony has continuously denied the possibility of a redesigned system. Remember, magazines write up stories weeks, sometimes months, before they publish. The magazine article you are referring to most likely referenced SCEE Managing Director Ray Maguire's oft-misunderstood quote about the current system being just a "first iteration." Of course, Sony has remade their hardware before (look at the smaller PS1 and PS2). However, there's still no real confirmation that a redesign will be happening any time soon.
Find out how to downgrade, the fate of a PSP video download service, and more, after the break.
Q: Are there going to be any hi-res video download sites for the US on PSP?
A: Making a downloadable video service has always been Sony's intention for PSP. At GDC, a Sony representative told me that Disney won't support PSP downloads until Sony figures out a strong enough DRM service. Without their support, such a service can't go live. Sound fishy? You bet. However, as evidenced by Sony's inability to download PS1 games directly to the system, Sony is having trouble creating a secure service for PSP that won't offend copyright owners. Downloadable videos are still something Sony's actively pursuing, as they try to create partnerships with content providers, like amazon.com. Don't hold your breath, though. For now, PSP Fanboy Theatre may be your best source for high-res PSP video content.
Q: Is Final Fantasy Tactics going to be a game for the U.S. or is it only for Japan?
A: Square hasn't announced release plans for Tactics ... yet. The company will inevitably release the title to American shores. Why? They like money. Although SCEA has a general "no ports" policy, there's enough new content in the title to warrant its arrival. Don't expect to see Tactics until the Final Fantasy Anniversary remakes come out.
Q: How do I downgrade my PSP and then add custom firmware?
A: How many times are we going to answer this question? Anyway, the downgrading process differs based on what firmware you have. If you have 2.80 or below, you'll want to try this "safe" downgrader. If you have 3.03 or below, you're going to need an unpatched copy of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and use this 3.03 downgrader. Finally, if you have any firmware above that, you're out of luck. Once you get your system back down to 1.50, you can simply download Dark_Alex's custom firmware, and follow the instructions. Remember, you're downgrading and adding custom firmware at your own risk: there is a chance that you'll brick (ruin) your system. However, as long as you're careful to follow all the instructions, you should be fine.
Q: I'm using WinAVI MP4 Converter but everything I put and convert to MP4 and put it on the PSP I keep getting "Unsupported Data".
A: Just because a file is MP4 doesn't mean it'll work in PSP. In fact, there are many variants of the MPEG-4 codec. In fact, there are tons of variations on the AVC codec. PSP plays a specific video profile, meaning you'll have to stick with a converter that works. Conversions do take a long time, unfortunately. Remember, a faster CPU will help a lot to convert videos faster. Or, you can simply set conversions to run overnight.
See also:
Check out previous editions of Ask PSP Fanboy.
