After last month’s launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, which seems to have received best score of all time for both consoles, these new games are probably going to go unnoticed. And Wii users are still probably rejoicing with Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart.

Nintendo Wii:

• Emergency Heroes – Ubisoft
• Wii Fit – Nintendo
• DECA Sports – Hudson Entertainment, Inc
• We Ski – NAMCO Bandai Games America, Inc
• Castle of Shikigame III – Aksys Games
• Blast Works – Majesco Sales, Inc
• Bloom Box – Electronic Arts
• Iron Man – Sega

Play Station 3:

• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – Disney Interactive Studios
• UEFA EURO 2008 – Electronic Arts
• SlingStar – SCEA
• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars – Activision
• Monster Madness: Grave Danger – Southpeak
• Haze – Ubisoft

Xbox 360:

• Iron Man – Sega
• Wits & Wagers – Microsoft
• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – Disney Interactive Studios
• UEFA EURO 2008 – Electronic Arts
• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars – Activision
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition – Capcom

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

It looks as though April will be another slow month in terms of the quantities of games being released. PlayStation 3 owners will rejoice since Gran Turismo 5 is finally hitting store shelves. In addition the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV will be hitting both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.

Nintendo Wii:

• Mario Kart Wii – Nintendo
• Okami – Capcom
• Baroque – Atlus

PlayStation 3:

• Gran Turismo 5 Prologue – SCEA
• NBA Ballers: Chosen One – Midway
• Monster Madness: Grave Danger – Southpeak
• Grand Theft Auto IV – Rockstar

Xbox 360:

• Ninja Gaiden II – Microsoft
• Grand Theft Auto IV – Rockstar
• NBA Ballers: Chosen One – Midway

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

It looks like October is going to be a massive month for games launches, dominated by the Xbox 360 with 17 games. Amazing especially after last month’s launch of Halo 3. Nintendo’s Wii owners will be able to purchase Super Mario Bros and three other games. PS3 gamers will have 8 games to choose from.

Xbox 360:

• Naruto: Rise of a Ninja – Ubisoft
• The Simpsons Game – Electronic Arts
• Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation – Namco Bandai Games
• Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground – Activision
• The Orange Box – Electronics Arts
• Tetris Splash – Tetris Online, Inc
• Sega Rally Revo – Sega
• Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Avatar The Last Airbender: The Burning Earth – THQ
• Thrillville: Off the Rails
• Beautiful Katamari – Namco Bandai Games
• Bee Movie Game – Activision
• Cars Mater-National – THQ, Inc.
• Clive Barker’s Jericho – Codemasters
• Conan – THQ
• TimeShift – Sierra Entertainment
• Need For Speed ProStreet – Electronic Arts

Wii:

• Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels – Nintendo
• Sin & Punishment – Nintendo
• Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast – Nintendo
• Battalion Wars 2 – Nintendo

PlayStation 3:

• Go! Sports Ski – SCEA
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights – THQ
• Folklore – SCEA
• FIFA Soccer 08 – Electronic Arts
• Sega Rally Revo – Sega
• Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground – Activision
• THE EYE OF JUDGEMENT – SCEA

Game Lists: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

September will be the month for virtual console games on the Nintendo Wii. As for the PS3, Sony has been heavily pushing its marketing campaign behind Heavenly Sword. And, the most important, Halo fans don’t have to wait ANY LONGER as Halo 3 will be finally released for the Xbox 360.

Wii:

• Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure – Hudson Entertainment, Inc.
• Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole – Sega
• Adventure Island – Hudson Entertainment, Inc.
• Donkey Kong Jr. Math – Nintendo

PlayStation 3:

• NHL 2K8 – 2K
• NHL 08 – Electronic Arts
• DiRT – CodeMasters Software
• Heavenly Sword – SCEA
• Stuntman: Ignition – THQ
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights – THQ
• Skate – Electronic Arts

Xbox 360:

• NHL 08 – Electronic Arts
• Fatal Intertia – KOEI
• Kengo: Legend of the 9 – Majesco Entertainment
• skate. – Electronic Arts
• Eternal Sonata – NAMCO BANDAI Games
• Halo 3 – Microsoft

Game Lists: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: See Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

Unlike the last month, there will be a few more games released this month (February). PS3 and the Xbox 360 are getting a few, but the Wii seems to be getting only one game. In addition most of the games seem to be quite boring. The flOw for the PS3 seems to be quite similar to the highly anticipated Spore. Other than that, Forumla One might be good for HDTV sets. Wii owners planning to purchase another controller should purcahse Wii Play package since it will include a controller ($40) and a game for $50.

Playstation 3:

• Virtua Fighter 5 – Sega
• College Hoops 2K7 – Take Two
• flOw – SCEA
• Formula One Champion Edition – SCEA

Wii:

• Bust-A-Move Bash! – Majesco Sales Inc.
• Wii Play – Nintendo

Xbox 360:

• Dance Dance Revolution Universe – Konami
• Crackdown – Real Time Worlds
• Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 – Konami

Note: The items mentioned above are games for the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 are planned to be launched in February 2006. The list is accurate as of 02/05/07, however games may be added or removed. Therefore check with Nintendo, Sony, and/or Microsoft for changes.

Links: Nintendo Wii List | Sony PS3 List | Microsoft Xbox 360 List
Related: Upcoming PS3, Wii, & 360 Games: January

As predicted, today Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has officially released firmware v3.00 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The new firmware has many major improvements however the notable ones include the ability to play PlayStation 1 games and communicate with the PlayStation 3. Another feature SCEA has finally added, which should have been included since 1.50, is the ability to disable automatic loading of UMDs, which saves the hassle of having to remove the game if you want to use any of the PSP’s other features. (Video demonstration below!)

PSP v3.00 Firmware Features:

• PlayStation Network titles are now supported under [Game].
• [Remote Play] has been added as a feature under [Network].
• [Online Instruction Manuals] has been added as a feature under [Network].
• Timed recording has been added as a feature under [RSS Channel].
• A visual player has been added as a feature under [Music].
• 3-speed fast forward and fast reverse has been added as a feature under [Music].
• [Camera] has been added as a feature under [Photo].
• [UMD Auto-Start] has been added as a feature in [System Settings] under [Settings].

One smart addition was in depth Online Instruction Manuals which covers almost every feature that the PSP offers. However I don’t know how useful it will be for the many PSP users who are still trying to get online via WiFi.

Another good feature is the timer for the “RSS Channel”. After setting any specific time, the PSP will turn itself on (even if completely off) and download the latest podcasts, photos, or videos from the feeds you have specified. The coolest feature added in v3.00 is probably the visualizations for the music playback. There are currently 5 different styles including a random feature which switches through the 5. The visualizations work for both content under Music and RSS Channel.

Of the features included in the update the PS1 game emulator is probably the most important, but there is no content available yet. We are unable to demonstrate “Remote Play” feature since we still haven’t received our PlayStation 3. Check back later for reviews of these features including a review of the PSP camera once it is released.

Notice: (11/22/06) Sony has just released second update v3.01. It consists of the exact same features as v3.00, except for “security enhancements”. We don’t know what this means, but do not update to 3.01. We have v3.00 available for download below. Just copy the EBOOT.PBP file into PSP\GAME\UPDATE folder to update. We think that Sony might have left a hole to allow for homebrew on 3.00 so don’t upgrade any further unless you don’t care.

Download: EBOOT.PBP (v3.00) or via PSP: Settings -> Network Update
Related: PSP Firmware 2.80 Info | PlayStation Update Page

The following is the Offical list of games, as published by SCEA, that will be released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) in North America for November 2006. Note: This was the accurate list of games as of 11.01.06, games may be removed and new ones may be added later.

Our Picks:

• SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals Bravo 2 – SCEA
• Sonic Rivals – Sega
• NFL Street 3 – EA
• Superman Returns: The Videogame - EA
• Metal Slug Anthology – SNK
• Tony Hawk’s Project 8 – Activision

view full list

Sony also plans to release a pink, silver, and blue PSPs by Christmas along with the camera and GPS modules. Skatter Tech will also be getting a hold of some of these games early so check back for some reviews and more PSP updates. On another note, still PlayStation-related, Sony still plans to launch the PlayStation 3 on November 17, 2006 as originally planned.

Links: PlayStation Portable Upcoming Games
Related: Upcoming PSP Games: October | Killzone Liberation Review

Full List:
Activision Hits Remixed – Activision
Bubble Bobble Evolution
EA Replay – EA
Eragon: Dragon Rider – Vivendi Games
Every Extended Extra – Buena Vista
Gitaroo-Man Lives! – Koei
Gunpey – Namco Bandai Games
Hard Rock Casino – Crave Entertainment
Justice League Heroes – Warner Bros Interactive
LUXOR: Wrath of Set – MumboJumbo
Online Chess Kingdoms – Konami
Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts – Activision
Platypus – MumboJumbo
Pocket Racers – Konami
Sega Genesis Collection – Sega
Shrek Smash and Crash – Activision
The Sims 2: Pets – EA
Thrillville – LucasArts
Warhammer Warcry: Battle for Atluma – Namco Bandai Games
WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007 – THQ
Xiaolin Showdown – Konami
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force – Konami

If you are one of those lucky enough to get a PlayStation 3 during the first shipment, you may also want plan on which game(s) you plan to get. Luckily Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), last week, announced the 21 PS3 launch titles (listed below) which would be available on November 17, 2006, when the console makes its debut. Note: This is the official list as of 10.22.06, check us.playstation.com for updates.

Our PS3 Game Picks:

• Call of Duty 3 – Activision
• F.E.A.R. – Vivendi Universal Games
• Need For Speed Carbon – Electronic Arts
• Sonic the Hedgehog – Sega
• Ridge Racer 7 – Namco Bandi Games

View The Full List

“Our line-up of PS3 games that will be available through the holidays is unprecedented in terms of volume, variety and innovation, surpassing any previous competitive launch catalog and even our own original offerings for other PlayStation platforms,” said Kaz Hirai, CEO – SCEA

Fortunately there are plenty of games ranging from WWII, Racing, to Shooter which will be available during launch to attract a wider audience. However we do find it funny (read quote above) that SCEA’s CEO boasts about “unprecedented volumes” of PS3 games when there will probably not even be enough PS3 owners to buy them. Most PS1/PS2 owners have enjoyed their consoles, so lets hope this one keeps up the standards.

Links: PlayStation 3 Games | PlayStation Press Release

Full List:
Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII – Ubisoft
EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 – Electronic Arts
Full Auto 2: Battlelines – Sega
Genji: Days of the Blade – SCEA
Madden NFL 07 – Electronic Arts
MARVEL: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE – Activision
Mobile Suit Gundam: CROSSFIRE – NAMCO BANDAI
NBA 07 – SCEA
NBA 2K7 – 2K Sports
NHL 2K7 – 2K Sports
Resistance: Fall of Man – SCEA
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Bethesda Softworks
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 – Electronic Arts
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas – Ubisoft
Tony Hawk’s Project 8 – Activision
Untold Legends Dark Kingdom – Sony Online Entertainment

The following is the Offical list of games, as published by SCEA, that will be released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) in North America for October 2006. Note: This was the accurate list of games as of 09.30.06, games may be removed and new ones may be added later.

Our Picks:

• ATV Offroad Fury Pro – SCEA
• BattleZone – Atari
• FIFA 07 – Electronic Arts (EA)
• Gangs of London – SCEA
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories – Rockstar
• Killzone: Liberation – SCEA
• Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City – EA
  View The Full List

According to a recent Sony press release, a GPS module, Camera add on, and a firmware upgrade to support playing PlayStation One games should all be availble by the end of this month (more info). We will post any new information as it becomes available, so please check back soon.

Past Links: Upcoming PSP & DS Games: July
Related: PSP Firmware v2.80 Released | How To: Stream iTunes To PSP

Full List:
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception – Namco Bandai
Activision Hits Remixed – Activision
Avatar: The Last Airbender – THQ
Cabela’s Afriacan Safari – Activision
Capcom Classic Collection Reloaded – Capcom
Carol Vorderman’s Sodoku – Empire
Dave Mirra BMX Challenge – Crave Entertainment
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony – Take Two
Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2 – Koei
Ford Street Racing – Eidos
Gunpey – Namco Bandai
GUN Showdown – Activision
Hard Rock Casino – Crave Entertainment
Mercury Meltdown – Ignition Entertainment
Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts – Activision
Power Stone Collection – Capcom
Scarface: Money, Power Respect – Sierra
Scooby Doo! Who’s Watching Who – THQ
Stacked w/ Daniel Negreanu – Myelin Media
Star Trek: Tactical Assult – Bethesda Softworks
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 – EA
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas – UbiSoft
Warhammer Warcry: Battle for Atluma – Namco Bandai
WTF: Work Time Fun – D3

As announced last week at Comic Con, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has officially released Firmware v2.80 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). This update comes with a variety of new features making the PSP easier to use and giving it more functionality. The updates main features include the ability to download videos through the RSS Channel and place media into new easy-to-access folders.

PSP Firmware v2.80 Features:

• Download video and image content under [RSS Channel].
• Register devices via a wireless LAN access point under [LocationFree Player].
• Play AAC files with file extension .3gp under [Music].
• Play content saved in [MUSIC], [PICTURE], and [VIDEO] folders on a Memory Stick.

The RSS Channel was originally introduced in v2.60, but was limited to only audio files. With this update, video and photo files will be recognized and displayed in the RSS Channel. Although new functionality has been offered, this update unfortunately does not offer streaming video content through the RSS Channel similarly to how the audio works. However it does allows saving videos and pictures to your Memory Stick.

The other important implementation is the new folder layout. The PSP no longer requires media files with special names if they are placed into the “MUSIC”, “PICTURE”, or “VIDEO” folders respectively. These folders are to be placed in the main directory of the PSP. Also note that previous arrangements of files will still function as usual. This feature will make it easier for newbie as well as all PSP users to organize their media.

Download: Sony PSP Update Page [or via PSP WIFI: Settings -> Network Update]
Related: PSP Firmare v2.70 Information
Links: How To Transfer Videos To PSP via WIFI

The following is the Offical list of games, as published by SCEA, that will be released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) in North America for May 2006. Note: This was the accurate list of games as of 04.28.06, games may be removed and new ones may be added later. Check PlayStation for any future updates. Also search our archives for previous title releases.

• FIFA World Cup 2006 – Electronic Arts
• Astonishia Story – Ubisoft
• Field Commander – Sony Online Entertainment
• Guilty Gear Judgement – Majesco
• Lemmings – SCEA
• Monster Hunter Freedom – Capcom
• NBA Ballers®: Reboundâ„¢ – Midway
• Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords & More! – Crave Entertainment
• Race Driver 2006 – CodeMasters Software
• Stacked with Daniel Negreanu – Myelin Media
• Tomb Raider: Legend – Eidos

Past Links: PSP Games Released in April 2006
Related: PSP Firmware v2.70 Released | Stream iTunes Library To PSP

On 04.24.06, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) released a major update (v2.70) for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Once PSP owners update their PSP, they will be able to playblack Macromedia Flash files through the WebBrowser and save Podcasts to the Memory Stick through the RSS Channel. Video Podcast support has not been added yet, but should be included in the next update. Full v2.70 ChangeLog below:

PSP Firmware v2.70 ChangeLog:

• You can now play Macromedia Flash content under [Internet Browser]. *Note that you must adjust a setting to enable this feature. A connection to the internet is required to adjust the setting.
• [Connection Settings] has been added under [Settings] in [Internet Browser].
• You can now save content added under [RSS Channel] on a Memory Stick.
• [Automatic] has been added as an option under [Rate] in [Location Free Player].
• [UMD Video L/R Button] has been added under [Video Settings] in [Settings]. You can now disable the channel skip feature of the L/R buttons. (This applies to UMD VIDEO.)
• A new file extension has been added to playable AAC formats.
• [Simplified Chinese] and [Traditional Chinese] have been added as options under [System Language] in [Settings] > [System Settings].
• [RSS Channel Settings] has been added under [Settings].

With this update, it seems as though Sony is sticking with their PSP Timeline Plan they had presented in the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing. To update your PSP to v2.70 either visit the U.S. PlayStation Software Update page or to [Settings] > [Network Update] on you PSP. Updating does have a major draw back, homebrew that worked on v2.60 PSPs using the GTA exploit will no longer function. If you do update you won’t be able to run any homebrew applications until PSP hackers release a new exploit. But if you don’t wish to run homebrew you might as well update. Both the Macromedia Flash Player and the Save Feature for the RSS Channel are great new addons. (Stream iTunes to PSP will now allow saving files.)

Links: US PlayStation SoftWare Update | ChangeLog
Related: PSP Firmware v2.60 Released

The following is the Offical list of games, as published by SCEA, that will be released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) in North America for April 2006. Note: This was the accurate list of games as of 03.29.06, games may be removed and new ones may be added later. Check PlayStation for any future updates. Also search our archives for previous title releases.

• 007: From Russia With Love – Electronic Arts
• Astonishia Story – Ubisoft
• Bust a Move: Deluxe – Majesco
• Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts – Activision
• Field Commander – Sony Online Entertainment
• FIFA World Cup 2006 – Electronic Arts
• Major League Baseball 2K6 – Take Two
• NBA Ballers®: Reboundâ„¢ – Midway
• OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast – Sega
• World Poker Tour – Take Two
• WRC: FIA World Rally Championship – Namco

Links: PSP Games Released in March 2006
Related: Play Station One Terminated | iTrip & iFM PSP – Griffin

Sony’s first gaming console, the PlayStation, was pushed into the market in December 1994. Six years later, Sony released a re-designed smaller unit called the PSOne. (same hardware specs, only smaller than the original) The PS1 line has been on the market for over 11 years and as the PlayStation 3 (PS3) launch approaches, Sony has decided cease all PS1 production. (Over 100 million PSOne units have been produced) Even though all production has ended PS1 games won’t be going away too soon. SCEA has announced that they are working on an emulator to allow running PS1 games on the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Since the PS3 is fully backwards compatible, it will be able to play both PS1 and PlayStation 2 (PS2) games. (PS2 can already play PS1 games) Sony also mentioned that they expect to keep the PS2 in the market for at least another 4-5 years. PS1 fans and others who own many PS1 games should be very excited to hear this news.

Links: PlayStation Products | PS1 Specs
Related: Wikipedia: PlayStation | PlayStation Briefing

On March 15, 2006, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) held two press conferences. The first announcement came from Tokyo, Japan revealing the launch date for the PlayStation 3 (PS3). The second announcement came from Foster City, CA revealing their future plans for the 1-year-old PlayStation Portable (PSP).

At the first briefing Sony announced that the PS3 would have a world-wide launch (North America, Japan, and Europe) in early November 2006. They expect to have about 1 million units available during launch. SCEA has also confirmed that the PS3 will be using Blu-ray technology, which will be able to store a total of 50GB on a single disc. Sony also guaranteed that the PS3 would have 100% high-definition support as well as standard-definition for older TVs. The PS3 will also be able to access plenty of online content and can connect to millions of other users through any high-speed broadband network. Many expect a shortage of units since only 1 million units will be available at launch. SCEA has not yet confirmed the official price on the unit, but is expect to cost around $400-500. Some other items that SCEA mentioned was that the PS3 would come standard with a 60GB HDD and would be 100% backwards compatible with both PS1 and PS2 games.

At the 2nd briefing Sony announced a new PSP package, which would be available on the market by March 22nd. The package will be cost only $199, down from $249, and will include all standard accessories. Even though SCEA managed to sell over 15 million PSPs worldwide last year, their goal is to make the unit more affordable for consumers. The PSP already has a large selection of media to choose from: over 107 brand name games and 347 blockbuster movies. SCEA also stated an USB camera for the PSP would be available this spring. (similar to the PS2’s EyeToy) With this new hardware and the built-in WiFi card, Sony has plans to turn the PSP into a VoIP device wich will support video and voice chat. There also may be a GPS module that includes a UMD with maps available for the PSP very soon.

SCEA Press: Tokyo Announcement | California Announcement
Links: PlayStation Products Global | U.S. PlayStation
Recent: A “PSP 2″ Soon? | More PS3 Information

The following is the Offical list of games, as published by SCEA, that will be released for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) in North America for March 2006. Note: This was the accurate list of games as of 02.28.06, games may be removed and new ones may be added later. Check PlayStation for any future updates. Also search our archives for previous release dates.

• 007: From Russia With Love – Electronic Arts
• Daxterâ„¢ – SCEA
• Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai – Atari
• Field Commander – Sony Online Entertainment
• Kao Challengers – Atari
• Me and My Katamari – Namco
• Mega Man® Powered Up – Capcom
• Metal Gear Acid 2 – Konami
• Neopets® Petpet Adventuresâ„¢ The Wand of Wishingâ„¢ -SCEA
• OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast – Sega
• Pursuit Forceâ„¢ – SCEA
• Samurai Warriors: State of War – Koei
• Splinter Cell Essentials – UbiSoft
• Syphon Filter®: Dark Mirror – SCEA
• Untold Legendsâ„¢: The Warrior’s Codeâ„¢ – Sony Online Entertainment
• Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble – Capcom
• World Poker Tour – Take Two
• Worms: Open Warfare – THQ
• Y’s Arc of Napishtim – Konami

Related: PSP Games Released in February 2006
Recent: Intel Mac Mini & iPod Hi-Fi | Royale Theme for XP

Some new rumors indicate that Sony may be planning to release a new and improved edition of the PSP by the end of this year. The unit might be called the “PSP 2″ if it ends up to be a complete redo. (it will still probably be considered a first generation portable gaming device) These rumors indicate that the PSP will get 4GB of internal NAND flash storage, which will be provided by Samsung Electronics. They also claim that SCEA may also include a small camera into the unit to allow taking pictures, recording videos, and streaming content to others using WiFi. (it can stream to PS3) Many posts also indicate that the PSP may be cut down in size of the depth by a quarter inch.

If this rumor were true this would be a great step for Sony and they would have fixed the biggest drawback of the unit, storage space. The PSP would cost more because of the included 4GB of memory, but would be cheaper than purchasing a 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo costs ~$300. (1GB card = ~$80) With internal storage the portable can hold music, photos, and videos without the need of expensive MS media. The “PSP 2,” would be a big competitor for Apple’s iPod, which can now play video. Sony would once again take the lead because the iPod doesn’t offer speakers, a large screen, WiFi, or true gaming. UMD sales have also dropped drastically so SCEA may plan to offer downloadable content through the PSP’s browser as they stated at the Consumer Electronics Show 2006. (downloaded media can be stored on “new” internal drive).

I personally doubt that such a major hardware update will be released so soon unless they have a really good reason. For example the PlayStation was launched in 1995 and only in 2000 did they release a totally redesigned smaller version. Then for the PS2, which was launched in 2000, there were no major hard ware updates until 2004 when they completely redid it and released a slim PS2. With this record, very slight chances that a new PSP will be released within a two year period.

Links: U.S. PlayStation | SCEA Products
Related: PSP v2.60 HomeBrew

Skatter Tech reported a few days ago that the Sony PlayStation 3 would have a built in hard drive. This information was partially false. Our source was a Business Week article, which claimed that the PS3 was loaded with some sort of hard drive. According to the PlayStation Global webpage the hard drive is suppose to be sold separately from the unit, which means it is either extenal or somehow goes into the unit. There is no word on this from SCEA yet, but if this is true we should expect that Sony will sell a bundle (aka. value pack) that includes a hard drive.

*Storage Media (HDD, “Memory Stick”, SD Memory Card, and Compact Flash) are sold separately. [From PlayStation.com]

No one still knows the official launch date for the unit, but many speculate that it would be some time between September and October because the unit was still buggy. All of the Sony’s PlayStation sites clearly state that the PS3’s launch date will be “Spring 2006″. Another clue backing the late launch comes from GameStop, a large video game retailer. The store has already posted a list of launch titles. All 32 of the games have a release date of 10/01/06. (Each game is priced at $59.99)

Another speculation about the PS3 was whether Sony was bluffing on the fact that it can actually supports HD games in 1080p. Most were not sure for sure if Sony had reached this until a hint was given away in a survey Sony sent out to PlayStation.com members. According to this the PS3 will be using Blu-Ray technology and can encode games the quality stated. The question states:

“The PlayStation 3 will include BluRay, the high definition DVD technology, and support games in resolutions of up to 1080p, (the highest supported standard on the market.)!” This proves that the PS3 may actually live up to its expectations.

Until SCEA makes their official press release no one will know about the true specs on the unit. For now according to PlayStation Global the PS3 has a “Spring 06″ launch, a deatachable 2.5″ HDD slot, support for Memory Stick Media, bluetooth controlers, and can display content in 1080p. Anyways that’s the update on the information that’s been found so far. We will inform you if any new information is leaked or announced.

Previous Post: Will The PS3 Have a Hard Drive?
Link: PlayStation Global | GameStop List
Related: Get a Free PS3 | U.S. PlayStation

The PSP can finally run homebrew games and applications on firmware 2.60. It previously only worked on 1.50 units and on PSPs that were downgraded from 2.00 to 1.50. There was minimal support on 2.00+, but with this tutorial most homebew applications should function. We should expect to see a new update very soon from Sony, possibly 2.70 or a minor “security” update to v2.60. If a new update is released, obviously do not update for a while untill information about what exactly it does is available. The homebrew on 2.60 PSPs will be able to run Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Atari Lynx, and many other applications.To run homebrew applications:

• PSP with v2.60 installed
• Memory Card with enough space
• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
• USB Cable or MS Pro Duo Reader

To install homebrew applications:

• Download “homebrew260.zip” and extract content
• Connect and open media storage device
• Copy contents of GAME & paste them in X:\PSP\GAME\
• Copy folder “ULUS10041S5″ and paste in X:\PSP\SAVEDATA\
• Place all the homebrew application files in GAME
• Start GTA & load profile 5 to get to the homebrew menu
• To quit the homebrew menu just hit the “start” button

Links: US PlayStation | GTA: LCS | PSP Updates
Related: PSP 2.60 Info | DownGrade 2.0 to 1.5

Note: At the momment standard homebrew applications can only be run on PSPs with either 1.50 or 2.60. (nothing in between). If you have 2.60 only way to run these apps is with the retail edition of GTA. (not a UMD rip) Also downgrading PSPs can only be downgraded from 2.00 to 1.50. (no other combos will work!) P.S. Don’t ask us how to find UMD rips.