We had to laugh a little when we saw this webpage for the news: the release date listed for Gran Turismo 4 on PSP is still 03/24/2005. Yes, this game has been delayed and considered dead almost as much as Duke Nukem Forever, but we assure you it is alive and well. Kazunori Yamauchi also says this, though admits the game will not be ready until 2009. This latest delay comes courtesy of PS3 development hurdles in regard to Gran Turismo 5. It seems some kind of online functionality has been added to the PSP title, though, to connect it to the PS3. So it's evolving. We just have to wait. Forever.

[via GamePro]

Who's actually surprised by this one? The on-again off-again Gran Turismo Mobile project for PSP has been canceled so many times, we can't keep track anymore. According to IGN, it looks like retailer Gamestop is finally returning pre-order monies, due to "vendor cancellation." Supposedly, Polyphony wants to work on the PSP GT, but only when they're done with the massive Gran Turismo 5 on PS3. Who knows when that'll happen?

Sorry to be such a dream killer, folks.

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This weekend, we're focusing on Sony's upcoming PS3 title Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

In a revealing interview with Joystiq, Polyphony Digital's Kazunori Yamauchi talked about his current plans, dreams and ambitions for the potentially upcoming Gran Turismo Mobile. "Once we get GT5 out," he notes. "We hope to position it as the satellite to GT5 on PS3, GT on PSP."

Of course, making Gran Turismo 5 is no easy task, and who knows how long it'll take for the team at Polyphony to put the finishing touches on that game. Regardless, it's clear that there are some truly ambitious plans for GT when (or if) it ever comes to PSP. One idea involves being able to save replays from the PS3 and display them on the PSP. "One example would be for people to utilize replays of their race experience. Take that outside the home, whereas at home you would need the PS3, but they can take that away and share."

Another wish of the GT team is for PS3-PSP versus play. "We're just talking ideals here – but it would be nice if we were able to allow people to compete whether they're on the road or in their living room on the PS3, compete in the same race. Even though the visual qualities will be different depending on which hardware they're on it would be nice if we could allow for that. Technically, we think we should be able to."

Finally, another feature that would be added to a PSP version would be one where players don't even race the car. "Basically you're the race manager. You don't even need to steer the controller, you just set the car and let it go; you're managing it. Another example would be the PSP would be your management tool: give it input and give it instructions and the car would continue on with the race." Visit Joystiq for the complete interview.

It was one of the first PSP games to ever be shown. Then, it was canceled. Then, it was resurrected. Then, it mysterious disappeared, hidden away under the shadow of the colossal Gran Turismo 5. Finally, things look a bit brighter for mobile racing fans. "We are working on the PSP version, and we will get around to it eventually," GT producer Yamauchi told GamePro.

The plan is to finish the game right after the release of Gran Turismo 5 next year. Although we'd love to believe you, Yamauchi, we're going to place some skepticism on your statement. Place your bets now to see how many times this game will get canceled, and uncanceled in the coming months.