Finally the PSP is getting functionality that actually makes it stand out in ways that the DS doesn’t. Here is a list of improvements/add-ons, that are coming soon for the PSP:

1. Skype support (for PSP Slim only): VOIP support for the PSP will hit in the next few weeks. PSP owners will be able to call and receive calls from landlines and cellphones for an additional charge. It will come as a firmware update, but will apparently only be accessible for Slim owners. Sony points towards a memory difference between the two versions of the handheld as the cause.
2. PSP GPS: Sony is officially showcasing a PSP GPS system at the 2008 CES. GPS has been available in Japan, but is now going to come to other countries as well. Users will be able to download city guides, see real time 2D and 3D maps, as well as get driving directions. No pricing has been released at this time, but it is still awesome to see the potential use of the PSP as more of a powerful handheld device.
3. Blu-ray to PSP move download: Sony has been showcasing the PSP’s ability to download a lower-res version of a Blu-Ray movie through the PS3. This makes me actually kinda want some Blu-Ray movies….

Dunno about you, but all these PSP additions make me happy to own the system. I am not happy that I won’t be able to use Skype–though I don’t know how much I actually would have used it, but I still wish I had the option. Maybe I’ll just sell the phat PSP to Aegies…

Anyways, combine these new features with games like God of War: Chains of Olympus, and I think the PSP has a good year ahead of it.

Chufmoney

Sometimes Sony makes me super happy. Granted, I had mixed emotions about the new PSP. I was happy to see the improvements, especially the video out, but was sad to remember that I already own a PSP fatty.

For those of you who were waiting for a new PSP, it probably made you really happy to hear about its features: the smaller size, slimmer profile, video out, and built in flash memory.

Wait, what the fuck?

Where is the longer life battery? It is missing! That’s because the new slim PSP only gets 3-6 hours of game play per charge with the stock battery. However, for those of you who hate that idea you can take the old PSP battery and put it in your new PSP and it will make the life much longer. However, this also ruins the slimness of the system. Sony will be offering new battery covers for those who wish to put the fat battery in their slim system.

Seriously Sony, why did you shit on the good thing you were doing?

Chufmoney

[via PSP fanboy]

September 2007 is the slated release date for Star Wars Battlefront:  Renegade Squadron.  Previous installments of Battlefront games have sold over 10,000,000 copies.  And, unlike a lot of Star Wars games, they were damn good.

Before you start licking your lips with anticipation as you dream up how it is going to look in crisp 1080p visuals on your next-gen console, hear this:  it is a PSP exclusive.

That’s right, come September your friends who have PSPs are going to be rocking 16 player multiplayer over the internet.  Furthermore they will be enjoying an all new storyline that spans 11 missions.

Some of you are probably already hitting the boards writing up how “Lucas Arts is a bunch of fucking n00bs.”  Don’t fret just yet.  You might even want a PSP come September if the rumors about a PSP Lite prove to be true.  Besides, the PSP needs a worthy exclusive to help push its way back into a fighting place in the hand held market.  Competition is a good thing, people.

Chufmoney

[via IGN]