Do you ever look at those iPhone gaming ads and say, "Gee, I wish I could do that on my PSP?" Well, if just buying an iPod is out of the question, Datel may have a solution for you. The TiltFX is a new accessory that promises to add motion controls to "all games" on the PSP. According to a press release, the device features a three-axis MEMS sensor and is able to replace the functions of the standard D-Pad and analog stick. Additionally, Datel is offering customized profiles for specific games, like WipEout, LocoRoco, and Super Monkey Ball. Presumably, these will tweak the controls for a better tailored experience.
We haven't had a chance to test the TiltFX for ourselves, but it is advertised as compatible with all PSP systems, minus the Go -- meaning owners of PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series systems can use the device. According to a Datel representative, the device won't require custom firmware to operate. (It seems the device is sending control data via the PSP's headset port.) Apparently, it's available now and has a MSRP of £14.99 or $19.99. You can check out a commercial after the break.
@sonicsspike41: The converter won't make it compatible for the PSPgo: remember, the converter is for going from proprietary to standard USB port. This device uses the headphone/remote jack.
The dongle looks relatively small, which is cool, and it does look fun-- especially with Loco Roco!
sony should buy this idea. Then they could somehow fit it in the psp go. give current owners a really good trade in cost, take the owners psp, upgrade it with the part, sell it as slightly used. Everybody wins.
What we all forgot is that the remote port for the PSP-1000 is *different* from the PSP-2000/3000.... they are different rectangular shapes. So I wonder if this is even compatible with the PSP-1000 as it's being reported.
I would love to see a resurgence of the PSP, and if this helps, I'll be happy. I have one and it's an amazing piece of kit, but Sony seems to have designated the PSP as its console to regularly drop the ball with.
Maybe it's just me, but I wish he hadn't said "able to replace the functions..." but instead "able to compliment the functions...".
It seems like the kind of thing that would only allow one or the other based on that statement. Perhaps I'm just jumping to conclusions though. (I say this because I can imagine a tilt game that uses the d-pad for something like item selection.)
you could use the tilt as a non physical analog stick, with the normal analog stick, so when you move the psp, you aim, and you use the stick to walk around.
While that is a good idea Ryan, you gota remember you probably have to hold the system still to center it, IE not moving in any one direction. If you are on a train or shift your posture in any way, that could have a negative effect on the controls. If there is a way to rebalance/reset neutral postion, that might be a way to avoid said issue.
Either way, I would be very interested in seeing how this would work with games like Phantasy Star Portable and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.
I see this failing pretty hard, 1st if the controls aren't built to be tilt controls they will suck, 2nd the PSP is a nearly dead platform (piracy, lack of good games, feels like crap in your hands, etc).
Yeah, but wouldn't playing a game by tilting it that wasn't supposed to be tilted COMPLETELY ruin camera angles? Sure, you can tilt in Wipeout, but that means the whole game and system is tilted, so the next turn coming up will be messed up from the normal viewing angle.
This accessory may be the dumbest, most ill-conceived gaming add-on I've seen in a generation.
Think about it. The USB port is only powered when the PSP is in USB mode. And you can't do anything with a PSP in USB mode. The headphone/remote port is powered all the time.
I'm trying to figure out how this works. It seems to highjack the controls and maps them onto the d-pad (ex. would be tilt left -> left). But it also advertises "special in-game tricks and effects". So hacks? Datel is badass.
The homebrew community had already built these a while back ago. Then a PSP peripheral manufacturer called Neo created one back in 07 as well except nobody supported it.
It will be great to play games in psp with motion sensor. games will be played with so much added fun. Thinking for a long for this thing and now it be really available. :)
Oh, it's SMB Adventure and apparently bad, this is why I know nothing about it. Couldn't they just port Super Monkey Ball 2? With ad-hoc multiplayer. That would be sick, and all of my friends (with PSPs, which seems to be a rapidly increasing number) would get it.
can i has psp2 wid accelerometer nao please? kthxbai
Seriously though, little stuff like this just makes me want a true PSP follow up with all the modern intricacies of newer tech even more. In light of the 3DS announcement, I think the chances are much better we'll see a PSP2 this holiday, which means I might get one by the time the price is reasonable next year.
Wow. If that actually works as advertised I might have to go get one. I'm still a little pissed at Datel for their Pandora battery dying after a year, though...
