PSA: PSOne Classics Pocket Fighter is PS3-only

by JC Fletcher on Feb 10th 2011 2:00AM

If you're about to buy the new PSOne Classics release Pocket Fighter to enjoy on the go, wait! Reader Letters2Kay found out that, unlike every other PSOne Classics release (as far as we know), Pocket Fighter is only compatible with PS3. A PlayStation Blog commenter also pointed out the restriction, and we've verified it for ourselves.

Only a PS3 icon is displayed on the PS3 XMB when the game is highlighted, and you don't even have the option to "copy" the game to PSP that is normally available for PSOne games saved on the console. Pocket Fighter doesn't even show up in the PlayStation Store when viewed on PSP.

It's not a control issue, since Pocket Fighter doesn't use any of the PlayStation shoulder buttons in gameplay, much less the two missing from the PSP. We're contacting Capcom to find out about this uncommon restriction.

[Update: Chris Kuspis from PSN Stores pointed out that Pocket Fighter isn't the first game with this restriction. Motor Toon Grand Prix and Delta Force: Urban Warfare are both PS3-only, as are several Japanese releases.]

Tags: capcom, playstation, pocket-fighter, ps3, psn, psone-classics, psp, sony

Reader Comments (51)

Why!?

@RKN Just to piss people off that a game called "Poket Fighter" cannot by played on a hand held :P

dem irons.

@Baha05 Damn, beat me to it.

@RKN Probably because there is a little thing called the NGP coming out at the end of this year. They most likely are putting most of their manpower in that, instead of the PSP. I wouldn't be surprised if this came out for the NGP :/.

They should put an extra warning before pressing the "confirm purchase" button. Some PS3 owning friends (who are more casual gamers) asked me what a PSP is after they bought Tetris on PSN. Of course the old version of Tetris would only work on PSP, not PS3.

@Pure Black World Tendency They make it clear in the description of the item. If people don't/won't read and just click through everything they deserve to get burned.

@lostmongoose

Normally I would agree with you, but there has been dozens (if not triple digits by now) of ps1 ones already and ALL of them are for psp/ps3. Yeah, the warning is that, but if I hadn't actively been reading the description (because I had never heard of this game before) there is NO way I would have seen it.

@mietha Actually there are a couple others that are PS3 only. Delta Force and Motor Toon Grand Prix. They all clearly say PS3 only. This is on the user if they download anyway, not Sony.

It's capcom, I can only guess why it's PS3 only, like Final Fight/Bionic Commando 2.

This is actually stated clearly on the PSN store as well. Right next to the name of the game. Was there when it was put up yesterday. If people can't read and get mad because it didn't work when they put it on the PSP, that's their problem. Perhaps they'll learn to comprehend the words in front of them.

@lostmongoose

On Playstation.com, it lists Pocket Fighter as being PS3 and PSP compatible.

http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/pocket-fighter-ps3-psp.html

@StrikeMan That may be so, but when you go the PSN store to buy it, it clearly says PS3 only. Again, no sympathy for those who can't read when making purchases.

@StrikeMan ohai Capcom speaking here http://www.capcom-unity.com/jgonzo/blog/2011/02/08/psn_update:_pocket_fighter_release,_puzzle_fighter_sale,_and_bionic_commando_rearmed_2_avatars or don't people actually read any more?
If is listed that way on the PSN Site that's Sony's problem not Capcoms

@lostmongoose Normally, I'd agree with sentiment like this, but the PSOne Classics program is more than 4 years old- there is clearly an established and expected precedent. This is a basic, highly touted feature of games released under the banner and it being incomplete should at least be made very obvious. There should be a bold warning at the least and all the press leading up to this should've mentioned this glaring feature omission- but if you ask me, this shouldn't have been released if they couldn't get it to work properly. If it wouldn't run properly on the PSP, it shouldn't have been issued as a PSOne Classic.

@StrikeMan Hahaha... the page is literally titled "pocket-fighter-ps3-psp.html." That's just too much... Sony seems to be the last to know that it's PS3-only.

CAPCOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!

@Premature ejaculation man

Capcum?

I wonder if it will work on the NGP.

@maemikemae

Also the article mentions that the game doesn't use the shoulder buttons so it must not be a control issue but what about the right analog stick?

@maemikemae The right analog stick was introduced in May of 1998 with the first DualShock controller. Pocket Fighter was released in June of the same year. Doubt it had analog or even rumble support!

Capcom Unity was waaaaaaaay ahead of you Joystiq.

http://www.capcom-unity.com/jgonzo/blog/2011/02/08/psn_update:_pocket_fighter_release,_puzzle_fighter_sale,_and_bionic_commando_rearmed_2_avatars

It is not able to play on PSP due to an emulation issue.

@Nolan North
Note: I am not complaining that Joystiq is late on the issue, I am just noting that Capcom-Unity made this info available before the game went for sale (so the user on the Playstation blog was NOT the first to know or point it out), and also Capcom has given a reason as to why it will not play on PSP.

@Nolan North Sure, a magical emulation issue that no other PSOne Classic has suffered from. Maybe it's due to Capcom's resent lack of giving a shit and incompetence.

@Nolan North I shouldn't have to check the blog of the developer of each game I buy before I make a purchase, nor should I even have to check Sony's blog. There should be a bold warning, at the least- but if you ask me, this shouldn't have been released if they couldn't get it to work properly. If it wouldn't run properly on the PSP, it shouldn't have been issued as a PSOne Classic. "Upscale" the graphics and release it on PSN with trophy support and charge $15 for it, but don't give us something that, by your own admission, is not working due to technical issues. And for god sake Sony, if your going to release it incomplete, you need to make this perfectly clear. They've been hyping this release for weeks in blog posts and press and not once did they say anything. Also, the Capcom post claims it'll be $4.99 until the 14th. I paid the full $5.99.

@(Unverified)
It does not say PSP on the games header like the other PSOne Classics, and as said, it is not available on the PSP version of the PSN Store, so I don't see how it couldn't be any clearer. You didn't have to go to the Capcom or Sony blog, just had to read what you were buying. Do you buy DLC costumes for characters without reading what characters they were for? Do you buy DLC that just gives you something unlockable in the game without even realizing the content it available in the game from the start?

Capcom's reponse: "We had an issue with certain memory hard drive issue things. Also we had stuff to do, and things." (i.e. we're lazy)

Just like how Frank West got into MvC3.

At least they didn't mysteriously take away the option to transfer to your PSP a year after the game was released. (I'm looking at you, Dark Resurrection.)

This doesnt surprise me anymore, this generation Capcom became one of the most annoying greedy publishers next to Activision, I used to love Capcom games and company, but not anymore

@dynamoman I hate to say it, but I'm right there with you. They still put out some good software from time to time, but there's a lot more crap to watch out for and obvious shady shenanigans. Hooray for giving more control of the company to the American division and putting all your energy into outside, western development! I remember when I could buy (or slide a quarter into) anything with a Capcom logo on it and be entertained for hours. Not so much anymore. Wonder what incompetent studio they farmed this PF conversion project out to...

Don't contact Capcom, contact SCEA. They have a test team responsible for testing all PS One edi releases. It probably has a major bug when played on the PSP and these old games can't be fixed easily if the developers don't have the resources at their disposal.

There is one other PS One release that is PS3 only, as well as Tetris Mini which we have now discovered has always been because they were developing a PS3 downloadable version and didn't want people to become confused between the two.

No excuse for this. I don't care if they ran into "technical issues". You figure out a way around them. You're charging people money for an emulation, don't just half ass it.

Not to mention of the PS1 collection, this is one of the main games that screams "Portable", mainly cuz of the name. I'm sure quite a few people will buy it thinking its for PSP (especially since the official Sony Playstation store has it for PSP too)

@(Unverified) It *DOES NOT* show up when you visit on a PSP and is clearly marked "PS3 Only" If you visit the store on the PS3.

Are we sure it's an "emulation issue" and not a "lack of multiplayer" issue? The game can't be played in multiplayer on a PSP, and that would be the entire fun of playing it on the go.

@TigerC10
That hasnt stopped other classics games with multiplayer from being released. No, this is probably Capcom wanting to do another HD version ala Puzzle fighter. Again, Capcom chooses the stupid route, it's like they're becoming the Old Sega day by day.

What an irony.
No pocket for this fighter.

@billysea Unless you have huge pockets or a tiny PS3.

Ive enjoyed playing the CPS2 version on my PSP since '07. Is there a difference between the Playstation and the cabinet one? I believe it was in Japanese called "Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix" but looks almost identical.

@pibs
Far as I remember, nope... maybe some game modes, but I can't remember that well...

Dan was present on CPS2 version? if so... just some game modes...

@AmethystHarp You are right, there is no Dan in the CPS2 version.

I wouldn't be surprised if the PS1 version worked using Pops (Unlocked version of Sony's PS1 Emulator), which would make them look pretty silly for not making it PSP compatible.

I'd love to know. Becuase this marks the first PS1 classic that I want but wont buy.

HEY I wonder if it works on a custom firmware PSP? I might hack mine now to see.

So....what you're saying is that Pocket Fighter is now available on PSN?

Thank you, Capcom. I'm off to Pocket Fight!

No sympathy for fools who won't read.

Are they starting to phase out the PSP1 thru 3000? Apparently the NGP can play PS3 games, so why make a separate PSP version?

it would probably conflict with some other fighter they want to release for PSP. like how tetris minis wasn't playable on the console

(the Letters2Kay in question, commenting here since 2008. How do I become"Verified"??)

If "the game is only playable on the PS3 and not on the psp due to technical issues" then I don't think it should've been released. If there are technical issues and it doesn't work the way every single other PSOne Classic game has for the four plus year history of the program, then have Capcom keep trying until it's fixed and if it's still broken, DON'T RELEASE IT! If they'd slapped an upscaled coat of paint on it, widescreen support, and a batch of trophies, I'd gladly pay $15 for it. But an SD PSOne game with no online component or achievement incentive to get slipped into the PSN Store incomplete with almost zero notice after they had several opportunities when promoting the title to do so) is a straight up d*ck move. I have many other fully featured PS3 games stacking up (no pun intended, lol) at home and almost nothing to play on the go, I was looking forward to this. I even followed Sony's blog on new releases and was aware in advance of the release. I should have been made aware of it's rather severe limitations, and so should every other PS3/PSP user like myself! Thank you for publishing this, Joystiq.

Mod your PSP, rip your own original copy of Pocket Fighter, problem solved.

After all of the borderline evil crap that Capcom's pulled in the past couple of years, I /want/ to believe this is a technical issue.

meh, this game wasnt that great. it was ian nteresting spin off on a more serious series.

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PSA: PSOne Classics Pocket Fighter is PS3-only

Reader Comments (51)

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:01AM RKN said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:07AM Baha05 said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:13AM FuriousMailman said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 10:33AM thelolotov said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 9:40PM BlackLuigi7 said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:09AM Pure Black World Tendency said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:12AM lostmongoose said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 3:20AM mietha said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 8:49AM lostmongoose said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:10AM SpiderPrime said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:10AM lostmongoose said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:18AM StrikeMan said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:33AM lostmongoose said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:43AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 11:42AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 12:30PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:23AM Premature ejaculation man said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 9:10AM CaptainProtonX said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:38AM maemikemae said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:40AM maemikemae said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 12:18PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:41AM Nolan North said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:47AM Nolan North said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 5:09AM NewEraBlood said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 11:38AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 7:40PM Nolan North said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:41AM wcarnation said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:43AM Faceless Troll said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 2:47AM dynamoman said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 12:26PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 3:10AM kosmocrisis said

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Posted: Feb 10th 2011 8:51AM lostmongoose said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 3:27AM TigerC10 said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 5:34AM PN04 said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 3:33AM billysea said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 3:09PM Hank Hill said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 3:52AM pibs said

Posted: Feb 10th 2011 5:58AM AmethystHarp said

Posted: Feb 11th 2011 8:36PM pibs said

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