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

Posted in PSP, PSP Lite, PSP revision, Sony, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Gameindustry.biz has learned that the PSP will get original titles, via the Playstation Network, in 2008. The store will also carry demos of retail releases and PS1 titles. All the PSP merchandise is scheduled to be available to find, purchase, and download to the PSP, via any wireless hotspot.

According to the Gameindustry source, thirteen games are being developed internally for release in the Playstation Store. Sony is also hopeful that more developers will jump at the chance to make downloadable games, as the cutting out of the middle man — fuck you, Gamestop — will make it more lucrative for both Sony and the publisher.

While this sounds amazing in theory, I have my doubts as to whether it will actually happen as they say. Sony is not in a position where they can screw with retailers, as evidenced by the release of Warhawk in both retail and downloadable forms, making we here at ESG pretty sure that whatever games come out for download will be released in some sort of retail form as well (hellllooo game bundles).

Chufmoney

Posted in PSP, PlayStation Network, Playstation Store, Sony, psp download store | No Comments »