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Here's the requisite Kingdom Hearts PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 17th 2009 at 5:15PM }

Every major Square Enix release comes with a limited edition hardware bundle in Japan. The upcoming PSP-exclusive Kingdom Hearts prequel is no different. This Birth by Sleep silver PSP-3000 will be available on January 9, 2010 for ¥22,000 (about $250). Unlike other LE bundles, this package only contains the branded PSP system you see above and a copy of the game.

We're a little disappointed that Square and Sony didn't make a special edition PSP Go bundle, as that's something we'd love to see. Perhaps that's being set aside for when Square Enix finishes its other big PSP games: The 3rd Birthday and Final Fantasy Agito XIII.

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New PSP-3000 value packs coming to Japan

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 4th 2009 at 11:45AM }

Further proving that digital distribution is the new name of its game ... distribution method, Sony will begin selling a new PSP-3000 bundle in Japan on December 3 which includes no extra UMDs, but rather, a 4GB memory stick. An empty 4GB memory stick, upon which video games, once purchased, can be placed.

Though it somewhat defeats the pick-up-and-play accessibility of other game-infused bundles, at a price point of 19,800 yen, it should leave enough in Japanese gamers' pocketbooks to make a few PSN purchases.

PSP Go launch generates 'platform' sales boost

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 8th 2009 at 11:00AM }

Without disclosing actual sales figures, Sony has found a way to trumpet last week's launch of the PSP Go: In its first three days at retail (October 1–3), North American PSP platform sales soared by 300 percent over the previous week's figures. Again, we don't yet know the numbers -- but that's not even the most important part of the equation.

Read it again: PSP platform sales soared by 300 percent. Whether the Go tanks or not, it's got the PSP brand on consumers' wish lists again. "With several blockbuster games launching digitally and on UMD in the coming weeks -- from LittleBigPlanet to Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- we expect this momentum to continue and look forward to a strong holiday season for both the PSP Go and PSP-3000," SCEA corp. comm. director Patrick Seybold told Gamasutra.

The PSP Go currently retails for around $250, and its most compelling trait could be that it highlights what a great deal the only $169.99 PSP-3000 model is -- it plays all the same games, after all; from Minis to full-game downloadables.

Siliconera breaks down PSP game prices: PSN vs. Amazon

by Alexander Sliwinski { Oct 2nd 2009 at 4:15PM }

Siliconera has gone through the effort of taking all the PlayStation Store's digitally distributed PSP game prices and comparing them to the current cost for a UMD hard copy through Amazon. The list is eye-opening, with the prices shifting -- sometimes dramatically -- between which retail outlet offers the better price. It should be noted that third-party retailers selling through Amazon, which are used for some of the prices in the list, can seriously skew results (especially with the shipping cost added). Sony had previously mentioned it seeks to maintain "pricing parity" between its digital and boxed titles.

Go over to Siliconera to check out the full list. Oh, and if you'd like to see comparisons to retailers other than Amazon, why not offer your research services to them.

PSN Thursday: All systems are PSP Go for a massive update

by Alexander Sliwinski { Oct 1st 2009 at 12:28AM }

If a PSN Update could be a classified as a zombie invasion, consider this humble paragraph the red door keeping the horde at bay. Once you click past the break, be prepared for an update the likes of which you've never seen. It's big, it's scary and it's going to eat your brains ... in a good way.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:

(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

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Retailers pleased with PSP Go ... because it helps sell the PSP-3000

by Ben Gilbert { Sep 30th 2009 at 12:53PM }

Despite word from a few European retailers that Sony's download-only handheld, the PSP Go, won't be sold in their stores, the company's UK product manager isn't afraid of poor sales. Even with no ability to read physical media (read as: nothing for retail to sell other than the console), and a £224.99 price point ($362.07 -- seriously), Sony's Claire Blackhouse says retailers are happy to have the new console in their stores. "We were very aware of concerns when we went into it and I actually expected a lot more negative responses than we actually got," Blackhouse told GamesIndustry.biz. "[The retailers] were really quite fine with it."

Furthermore, she says that retailers see the console launch this week as a "way of getting people into the store," that those not able to afford the new hardware will "aspire to it" and "might buy the PSP 3000 instead." She even riffs on a PSP-ified family, where "dad might buy the PSP Go but the kids might get PSP 3000s." Sony's 180° marketing shift we've seen recently for the PSP 3000 certainly helps to serve as proof of the company's belief in this strategy. Only time will tell if it'll work.

Gran Turismo PSP bundle arrives October 20 for $200

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 2nd 2009 at 4:14PM }

Click to embiggen.

SCEA has announced yet another addition to its growing lineup of PSP "Entertainment Pack" bundles. The upcoming Gran Turismo pack joins Rock Band Unplugged and Hannah Montana this October by packaging a "Mystic Silver" PSP-3000 with a UMD copy of Gran Turismo, downloadable white Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick, and vouchers for movie and music downloads from the PlayStation Store and Sony Music Pass.

At $199, the limited edition bundle seems like quite a bargain, especially when you consider how much cheaper it is than a PSP Go. The announcement of yet another PSP-3000 package reaffirms Sony's stance on supporting UMD as a format -- but also places into doubt the viability of ending PSP piracy any time soon.

Gallery: Gran Turismo PSP

Japan to get limited edition Gran Turismo PSP bundle

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 18th 2009 at 10:00PM }

Although the PSP Go is ready for the masses, Sony isn't giving up on the PSP-3000. No, Sony Japan is actually releasing even more colors for those that don't want (or can't afford) the all-digital PSP Go. The "Gran Turismo Racing Pack" will include a special limited edition black PSP-3000 with a very subtle GT logo on its front. (Really, look for it.) The bundle will also include Gran Turismo on UMD and special Polyphony Digital-inspired accessories, like a strap and pouch. No price has been revealed yet, but we guess Sony didn't want to announce everything in just one day, right?

Turquoise, Lilac and Pink PSP-3000s hit Europe in November

by Richard Mitchell { Aug 18th 2009 at 2:05PM }

At GamesCom 2009, Sony has announced that it plans to bring three new PSP-3000 colors to Europe. The new colors will be "Turquoise" blue, "Lilac" purple, and "Blossom" pink. We're already familiar with the lilac PSP, thanks to its Girlz Play Too campaign. The other two are brand new colors (and not to be confused with the carnival colors that were released in Asia earlier this year). The turquoise PSP will be bundled with LittleBigPlanet, while the lilac PSP will be bundled with Hannah Montana, just like the US version.

European girlz can finally get their hands on one this November.

Sony considered second analog nub for PSP Go

by Ben Gilbert { Jul 22nd 2009 at 11:35AM }

Like most PSP owners, we've definitely had our fair share of, "Why isn't there a second analog stick on here?" moments, fiddling in the air with our thumb for the phantom nub. And Sony knows that we want it, according to the most recent issue of Game Informer where Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida confirmed that the company "had a very serious discussion" on the subject, but ultimately decided against it due to worries over splintering the market.

"The PSP Go is designed to be perfectly compatible with the PSP-3000 and all the games that released before that," Yoshida said. For him, it's not a question of improving future games' controls but keeping parity with previous PSP iterations. "We are talking about the mid-life cycle of this platform," he says. Considering the PSP launched in the US in March of 2005, it appears as though Sony is sticking to its 10-year life cycle plan for the handheld.

See the PSP-3000 and PSP Go side by side

by Richard Mitchell { Jun 26th 2009 at 5:15PM }

You've seen the PSP Go on video. You've seen it compared to its older cousin in good, old-fashioned shaky-cam glory, but how about some nice, clean side-by-side comparison shots? Game Watch has you covered with some nice photos that show each device from different angles. Regrettably, you still won't be able to see each device from behind, but that's not really the important side anyway [Gold Five disagrees! - Ed].

Head over to Game Watch for more shots.

[Via CVG]

PSP survey hints at game rental service

by Alexander Sliwinski { May 20th 2009 at 12:20PM }

Click to embiggen

A recent survey seeks consumer interest in a PSP game rental service. With the PSP Go ~~all but confirmed~~ a possibility and UMD on its way out, a PSP that takes full advantage of the digital age and the PSN doesn't exactly sound like crazy talk. Plus, there's always going to be a rental market, so why shouldn't Sony take advantage of that?

Depending on the terms and price, the idea of a direct rental service sounds like a potentially cost effective option for gamers during these hard economic times. Should it ever come to fruition, that is.

[Thanks, MrEverdred01!]

PSP receives 'carnival colors' in Asia

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jan 8th 2009 at 5:48PM }

Sony Asia has revealed two new striking "Carnival Color" PSP-3000 models for the region. The "Radiant Red" and "Vibrant Blue" handhelds will begin burning Asian retinas on January 17th for roughly $177 each.

There's no word on whether these colors will make it to other regions; however, CES is currently going on, so there may be an announcement buried in the circus. We've contacted Sony and will update with any new info.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Sony Asia introduces two new colors

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 8th 2009 at 9:02AM }

There haven't been many color variations of the PSP-3000 series yet. That is, until now. Sony Asia has just revealed two new colors: Radiant Red and Vibrant Blue. Both models are part of a new series called "Carnival Color." No word on whether if these colors will make it to other territories. These two colorful systems will be available in Taiwan starting January 17th.

[Via PSPHyper]

Exploit that works on the PSP Brite found in GripShift

by Alan Tsang { Jan 7th 2009 at 5:15PM }

Famous for its imperviousness to hackers, the PSP Brite has now been hacked by one MaTiAz over at lan.st. An exploit was supposedly found in the 2005 title GripShift and has been described as "a buffer overflow vulnerability when loading savegames [sic]." It is now available for download, as well as an accompanying new SDK. Remember however, this exploit doesn't grant the all-important kernal access. A video of this proof of concept in action, after the jump.

[Via Engadget]

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