1P Start

I’m going to get a bit technical on you for a moment. I hope you can forgive me if you get lost… who am I kidding, I got lost, too. Here’s the story: Once Sony released the new PSP update 3.80, some hackers got into the coding and found some interesting little things that could hint that Sony is gearing up for yet another SKU of the PSP hardware.

Yes, that’s right: Another PSP.

“While working on the future 3.80M33, we found a VERY interesting string in the IPL’s playload: “/kd/pspbtcnf_03g.bin”

For those who do not understand here is a bit of history:

since 2.71 and especially in 2.80, we could see a string refering to pspbtcnf_02g which suggested the support of a new hardware or at least of a new operative mode. Later with the slim release we found out that the slim’s codename was this infamous 02g (proably standing for second generation) and that it used the _02g modules as well as pspbtcnf_02g
.bin. It means that they worked on slim firmware/kernel for months before the actual hardware was announced/released.

We believe it is the same with the 3rd generation hardware which they are now preparing for sure. Will it be yet another lighter (and pandora proof) psp or will it be the new psp phone? Time will tell”

My bet is on the PSPhone that everyone has been clammering about. While it’s possible Sony may be working on yet… another… PSP handheld, I have a hard time believing they’d be in development of one SO soon after the Slim’s release. But alas, only time will tell.

[lan.st forums]

Sony, PSP, PSPhone

With the PlayStation 2 finally approaching it’s death bed, Sony has found out that they could add a little bit of life back into the old hag by porting games from the PSP to the PS2. Two seperate Grand Theft Auto games have made the leap, and now rumors of two more high-profiled PSP games making the jump are running rampant across all the internets, as both Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters and Silent Hill Origins are rumored to be making the jump from the handheld to the console.

The R&C rumor is based on a listing on GameStop’s website showing that Size Matters is indeed listed for the PlayStation 2, with a ship date of February 12th, 2008. If that wasn’t enough for people to go “hmmm” over, the ESRB’s website has Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters listed as both a PSP and PS2 title.

Silent Hill Origins, on the other hand, appears to be pure speculation at the moment. An anonymous tipster passed along an alleged fact sheet to Kotaku that showed that Climax, SHO’s developer, would be responsible for the PS2 port.

If either one of these turns out to be true, it’ll just go to show that the PS2 is still the single best bet on the market today. Good Lord, if you can’t find a PS2 game you like…

Sony, PlayStation 2, Konami, Climax, Silent Hill Origins, Ratchet & Clank, Size Matters, PSP

Take a good long look at that picture up there. Now, rumors have been swirling for as long as I can remember, and there have been a ton of different concepts for the PSP/Cell Phone monster child. But now it appears that Sony Ericsson has settled on a final design, because there’s a big ass full-page photo of it in a magazine.

The ad, found by someone at PSP World, clearly shows the advertisement in an issue of UK Stuff Magazine, which is far superior to US Stuff magazine. Trust me.

Now, where is that DS phone?

UPDATE
So, I’ve gotten word from one of my friends who lives in England that this isn’t an advertisement, but rather the cover to an article speculating about a possible PSPhone.

PSP, Sony, Sony Ericsson, PSPhone

Not long ago Sony launched the PSP store on the PC. Through your USB cords and a program you had to download, you could download games straight to your PSP. While this feature was certainly cool, and a big ol’ boost for PSP owners, one question would constantly arise:

When the hell will we get this on our actual PSPs?!

Well, if you ask Eric Lempel, Playstation Network Operations Director, the PSP store is “definitely something we’re thinking about.” Gee, I would hope so considering it’s the freaking PSP store.

The reasons for the delay in the PSP launch and the launching of the service via PC first was so they could work out any security kinks and whatnot.

[PSPSPS]

Sony, PSP, PSP Store

The PSP, which will soon be getting a new battery that will improve its battery life by some 80% in newer models, is getting another little upgrade in the form of the 3.73 Firmware update.This newest update addresses some random occurences of the PSP failing to load data from the UMD. If you’ve never had this problem, then don’t sweat it.

To apply the update, simply go to your Network Update option in your Settings menu. If you’re not able to get online with your PSP (then odds are you aren’t reading this) simply go to the PSP System Update page and download the firmware update to your PC, and transfer to your PSP via the handy dandy USB cord.

Sony, PSP

Sony has answered the prayers of PSP Slim owners worldwide, announcing today a new battery pack that will add upwards of 80% more battery life for the PSP Slim. Not to be left in the dark, the original PSP will gain a cool 20% extended battery life.

Unfortunately the battery will still bulge out a little on the Slim, but not to fear. Sony is including a new battery cover that will make sure the new battery fits. Unfortunately, if you are one of those who own the Star Wars white PSPs… well, first you’re a tool. Secondly, you’re SOL as Sony will only be releasing black and silver backplates.

You can get your hands on this new battery sometime in December, for $44.99.

[PSP Fanboy]

Sony, PSP

If you own a PSP, rejoice! The PlayStation Store for the PSP is now live on your PC! That means if you want to play PlayStation classics like WipeOut or Crash Bandicoot, or download some of the latest demos for upcoming PSP games, you can finally do that from the comfort of your own office chair… unless you sit on a stool or somethin’, then I pity you.

By downloading the PlayStation Network downloader, you can download games and demos from your PC, and install them right onto your PSP.

If you own a PSP this is surely excellent news. If you’re not a PSP owner… well, then you’re probably not reading this, and if you are you have way, WAY too much time on your hands.

[PlayStation Store]
[PlayStation Network Downloader]

Sony, PSP, PlayStation Store

The Golden Compass `Iorek` Trailer - Large

Here’s the latest trailer to The Goldan Compass, an action/adventure game based on the film “The Golden Compass”, which itself is based on the first book in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy. After seeing the video, I have to say I’m pretty interested in seeing how this game comes out. After all, it’s not every day you get to maul people as a polar bear, right?

The Golden Compass will be released on the Xbox 360 on December 5th, and the Wii, PS2, PS3, PSP, and DS on December 7th.

[Gaming Today]

Sega, The Golden Compass, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS

In my youth I was a huge wrestling fan. I was lucky enough to start watching wrestling at the height of the WWF/WCW wars of the 1990s, and actually switched my allegiance from WCW to WWF during what is now known as the “Attitude” era. Hell, I still own Stone Cold Steve Austin shirts, and I still wear them with pride.

Just not in public.

THQ has been pumping out the WWF/WWE games since 2000, and in fact has been involved the development and publishing of wrestling games since 1997’s atrociously bad WCW Nitro. Apparently, after a decade of practice, they still can’t get it right.

And it only enhanced the bad tastes Conan left in my mouth. (If any one of you sons of bitches makes a comment on that, I will hunt down your entire bloodline)

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Cyanide Studios, who’ve previously worked on several DS and PSP titles as well as Loki for the PC, have announced that they are working on a game called “Blood Bowl”, which will feature a new game engine developed by Cyanide Studios that promises to blend “real-life, real-time character behaviour for collisions, falls, tackles, kicks, punches, etc while takeing into account all the forces governing the game environment”.

Blood Bowl itself is based on a table-top fantasy football game from Games Workshop (Warhammer 40,000 ring a bell?), set in a universe where goblins, dwarfs, elves, trolls, orcs and humans settle their differences on the gridiron, in an obvious parody of American Football. I asked how the game will play, and while nothing is yet set in stone, I’ve been told that it will involve both Madden-esque real-time play as well as the tabletop/turn-based gameplay found in both the table-top game and Cyanide’s previous release, Chaos League. Of course, this info could easily change over time.

Blood Bowl is currently slated for a late 2008 release on the Xbox 360, PC, PSP and Nintendo DS.

Download the full resolution Blood Bowl image

Cyanide Studios, Blood Bowl

According to figures from GamesIndustry.biz (who they got from Media Create), Sony’s PlayStation 3 has overtaken the Nintendo Wii in sales.

In Japan.

This week.

While it is no surprise that the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable are #1 and #2. After all, the two handhelds have sold over 70 million units combined. However, the race for third has been a tight-knit, two-horse race between Sony and Nintendo for a while now and until this week the Wii had been able to hold off the PS3’s advances. But, this week Sony finally overtook Nintendo in weekly sales, selling close to 56K units while the Wii sold just under 35K. It continues a downward trend for the Wii, which has continued to slide in console sales for some time.

You Xbox fanboys out there… yeah, it sold 5,800 units. Yippee. Full figures after the break.

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If you live in Europe and have been waiting for the right time to get a PSP, you’re in for a treat as Sony and Electronic Arts have teamed up to release a special bundle for The Simpsons Game on PSP. The bundle, which comes packed with The Simpsons Game will feature a limited edition yellow and white PSP.

Now, if you live in the United States you’re out of luck. A Sony representative has informed us that this is a European exclusive. In short: It’s not coming over here. But hey, you still have Star Wars and Daxter, right?

The Simpsons Game, PSP, Sony, Electronic Arts, Europe

My excuse to buy a Wii is finally here! No, not Super Mario Galaxy, although that is pretty badass in itself. I am referring to Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. Other notable games this week include Assassin’s Creed, Kane & Lynch: Dead Men and WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008.

At this rate, we may have to cancel Christmas because we’re all broke.

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The list of nominees for the Video Game Awards by Spike has been released on ifilm.com, where you can ‘VOTE NOW!’ for the most addictive game fueled by the Nectar of the Tards (ie Mountain Dew), featuring 2006’s Wii Sports. Where as Game of the Year and Best RPG features the not even released yet, Mass Effect. All I know is The orange Box is going to take home something, being in 5 categories and even Valve getting themselves in Studio of the Year. Check the full list of Nominees after the break:

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Now that Halloween is behind us, it’s time to gear up for Christmas! …sure, there’s Thanksgiving and all, but let’s be honest: Who cares about a bunch of turkeys when Santa is but weeks away!?

Many notable games are due out this wee–*coughCallofDuty4cough*… excuse me. As I was saying, there are many not–*coughSimpsonsGamecough*… damn, must be gettin’ sick. Now, again, many notable games coming to all plat–*coughGearsofWarPCcough*… lots of games. Click after the break to see just what all is due in stores.

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