Posted Oct 6th 2008 10:30AM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: News
Eurogamer got some hands-on time with the PSP Brite (PSP-3000) and spilled some details on the upcoming piece of hardware as well as the firmware installed on it, version 4.20.
In terms of the hardware, they noticed that the screen was significantly brighter; the PSP Brite's highest brightness setting not plugged in to an outlet is noticeably brighter than the PSP Slim & Lite's brightest setting with the PSP plugged in. Unfortunately, they did not test the PSP Brite's performance in the sun, which was something we were looking forward to finding out. The battery life was then tested, and they clocked the PSP Brite's battery life at 5 and a half hours -- exactly the same as its predecessor.
The PSP also came equipped with the latest firmware. Firmware 4.20 appears to bring only minor updates -- there is a new "USB Auto-Connect" feature, which will allow the PSP to automatically enter USB mode at any time (except during gameplay) when it becomes connected. They also noticed a "Flicker Reduction" option, but nothing else noteworthy. For their full preview of the PSP Brite, check out Eurogamer.
Posted Oct 2nd 2008 5:00PM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: News
During the past few weeks the PSP's sales have been less than ideal, but Sony's portable is still on top in Japan for 2008 ... so far. According the Enterbrain, the PSP has sold 1,583,731 units the first half of the year in the land of the rising sun. The PSP's main competitor, Nintendo's DS, sold 1,314,919 units during that same period. Nintendo's portable is still way ahead of the PSP in terms of lifetime sales though -- 23,484,680 units of the DS were sold versus the PSP's 10,157,757 units sold.
In the software arena, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G is in second place with 1,602,386 copies sold. It was beaten by yet another Nintendo product, Mario Kart Wii, which sold 1,744,387 copies.
With the PSP Brite launching in about two weeks and DSi launching in a month, the two handhelds' struggle for dominance in Japan will truly begin. Now we gotta ask: who are you rooting for?
[Update -- Apparently, Amazon can run out of stock, but they replenish throughout the day. Keep checking back a little later if you don't see the $9.99 deal!]
The winner of last year's PSP Fanboy's Game of the Year award was Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow. The game still goes for almost $40 in most places, but now Amazon has copies of them on sale for $9.99. The complex storyline, orchestral soundtrack, excellent controls and lush graphics made it an instant classic on the PSP. At this price, you can't afford not to give it a try. Take advantage of this deal here.
The critically-acclaimed strategy RPG Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness is going for $14.90 + $3.40 = $18.30 over at Play-Asia.com. Most places still have the game for $29.99. Be aware that while this is not the US version of the title, this Asia version has English text and menus and otherwise identical to the US release. Take advantage of this deal here.
Another RPG from NIS, Dragoneer's Aria, is also $18.30. The game was released last year in the US and received average to negative reviews, so we might want to skip this one unless you really love RPGs. The Asia version (which is again, identical to the US version) is finally coming out October 2nd of this year, and you can preorder it here.
Here's a nice deal that will last till Thursday, October 2nd. Print out the above coupon (click on it to enlarge) and head to your local GameStop for 20% off all used games and accessories. If you have an Edge Card, you will get up to 30% off. You are limited to three items per offer. Enjoy!
Posted Sep 29th 2008 10:30PM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: News
Last week in Hawaii, Ms. Denita Waltz was horrified to see the driver of her bus engaging in something else besides, you know, bus driving -- he was enjoying some gaming on his favorite portable, the PSP. Not only that, he was "speeding on the highway," and he "had his legs and feet up on the dashboard."
Waltz wasted no time and took out her trusty cell phone and begin recording the multitasker in action. When the bus stopped, Waltz and her son hurried off the bus. Oahn Transit Services has suspended said driver, who is an eighteen-year veteran with no complaints lodged against him in the last three years, without pay pending an investigation.
Posted Sep 26th 2008 8:00PM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: News
Gamestop is having a special this weekend: Buy 2 used games, and get 1 free. You can head to a local Gamestop or used the code GSB2G1 during checkout. If you are part of the Edge program, you will receive an additional 10% off. The offer ends this Sunday, September 28th, so you'll have to hurry if you want to take advantage of it.
The fine folks over at Siliconera got a chance to speak to the marketing manager of NIS America, Jack Niida, about Disgaea DS. Those sneaky snakes managed to surprise Niida with a question about the possibility of a localized version of the PSP-exclusive platformer Prinny: Is It Okay If I Am The Main Character? -- and yes, the game is confirmed to come to the US. The publisher will be NIS America and the release dates are still up in the air at this time. We can't wait!
Having played all the Star Ocean titles officially available in North America, I was more than eager to try out Square-Enix's remake of the game that started it all. As most Star Ocean fans know, the original title was released on the Super Famicom in 1996 but never saw the light of day in the US, so this PSP-exclusive remake is the first time many of us will be playing the game. Read on to find out my thoughts after spending a couple of hours with the game.
[Update 2 -- Seems like the 8GB ones are back. We are assuming they replenish their stock throughout the day, so if you don't see the deal, try back again later.]
[Update -- Unfortunately, it looks like the deal expired. However, they do have the 4GB for $14.99, which is still better than yesterday's deal. Thanks, Joepal!]
The prices for these babies just keep falling, huh? Yesterday we posted a deal about a 4GB Memory Stick for $20. How about we top that deal? At $40 with free shipping, these Lexar 8GB Memory Sticks are simply a steal. Need we say more? Head over to Frys for this incredible deal now. When will the 16GB ones (currently at a little less than $125) reach these affordable prices?
The third installment popular Japanese high-school gangster series Kenka Banchou is headed for the PSP. In Kenka Banchou 3: Zenkoku Seiha, the player will have the ability to fight rival gangs, participate on training trips, as well as meet some beautiful ladies. The game will retain many of the trademark mechanics of its PS2 predecessors, such as branching storylines and a peculiar battle system that involves picking lines of dialog to determine who will attack first. New additions to franchise include online play via ad-hoc mode and the ability to change the protagonist's name and place of birth.
The game will arrive in Japan on November 27th. Since the first two games were never made it to our shores, this appears to be an unlikely candidate for localization. For more information, check out the scan of Famitsu magazine, screenshots, and the official website.
Missed the deal on the 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo last month? It's okay, because they are offering the same deal again: twenty clams for a Memory Stick that will store 4GB worth of whatever you want on it. Though this will be sufficient for most user's demands, you may still find yourself needing more storage. At this price, you can afford to buy more than one. Take advantage of this deal here.
Posted Sep 12th 2008 12:00PM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: News
Sorry to disappoint you folks, but apparently the MotorStorm listing for the PSP we told you about yesterday on Game.co.uk was an error. The guys over at Videogamer got in touch with an SCEE spokesperson, who confirmed the listing was a mistake and requested that Game.co.uk remove the listing.
This doesn't mean a PSP version of the MotorStorm won't happen in the future, especially considering the positive responses the listing generated, but for now nothing is in the works.
Looks like there is some good news for Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force fans -- Konami is bringing the third installment of the game series over to Europe in November. We've heard that Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3won't be headed for the US, so this is also good news for you guys who were hoping for an English port of the game.
The game will feature 3,500 cards from all the recent trading card game packs, such as The Duelist Genesis set. Konami is also promising DLC, in the form of decks or individual cards. Other features include online play where up to four players can duel together via Ad-Hoc and a new Gallery feature. Check out the first screenshots in English in the gallery below.
This platformer will be headed to Japan at end of November, but a demo will be landing the Japanese PS Store on September 29th. No release info yet for anywhere else in the world. Check the rest of the screenshots of our favorite tormented souls in action here.
