[Via Engadget -- thanks, jimb and rockeranimefreak!]
Touchscreen PSP arrives courtesy of modder
[Via Engadget -- thanks, jimb and rockeranimefreak!]
Hacker creates a real, functional PSP phone
[Thanks, NukeAssault! Via Engadget]
Mod makes PSP DualShock compatible
If you were one of those looking for dual analog control, then you may remember this older mod which added a second analog nub. This new one would probably be more comfortable to play with than that. Anyway, the only problem with this mod is that it's probably too difficult to do on your own. So don't try it. Instead, just see the thing in action in the clip after the break. Also check out AcidMods for more pics of Blizzrad's hard work.
[Via Engadget]
Details on Phantasy Star Portable, import PSU characters
Also, the game has an all-new story mode with new missions. A four player co-op mode through an ad hoc connection will also be included. Phantasy Star Portable is currently set for release in Japan on July 31. A North American release has yet to be announced.
Mod for slim PSP adds second analog stick
It is sort of baffling why anyone would need to mod a PSP in order to have two analog nubs. Why isn't one enough? Is playing Me & My Katamari just that difficult? Or maybe there is some sort of massage therapy simulation game out there that requires the most accurate symmetrical touch scheme? Perhaps a Karate Kid game -- wax on with the left nub and wax off with the right nub. Well, whether it's useful or not, someone still made it.
LordNico of AcidMods made this slim dual analog stick PSP. The second analog nub replicates the functions of the regular four-buttoned pad. While it's a neat trick to pull off, it's something completely unnecessary. We suggest just to check out the dual nubs in action in the clip after the break and not try it yourself.
[Via Engadget]
Sony issues consumer alert: PC PSN illegally accessed
It is very likely this is just a small incident; however, it is a smart idea to stay cautious. To verify that your account is intact, sign into the PSN with your pre-set password. If you are successful, then your account is not affected by the incident. Currently, Sony is contacting customers who may have been affected. You can find more information about that at Sony's Knowledge Center.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Bluetooth hack doesn't save time or space
[Via Engadget]
Take-Two acknowledges Manhunt 2 hack
After word spread throughout the internet of gamers hacking the M-rated version of Manhunt 2 to unlock its censored content, Take-Two has now confirmed the diabolical deed.
"Multiple edits were made to revise Manhunt 2 for its M-rated version. Hackers apparently have altered one of those edits to produce an illegally modified version of the game that can only be played on an unauthorized, modified PlayStation Portable handheld system," a Take-Two rep wrote to GamePolitics.com. "All of the game material, and especially these specific edits, was submitted to and reviewed by the ESRB in accordance with requirements regarding disclosure that were enacted two years ago and any contrary suggestion is inaccurate and irresponsible."
Because the ESRB approved Rockstar's edits of the game, it will probably be safe from any actual lawsuits, but that probably won't stop some uneducated media members from blowing it out of proportion. We just can't wait to hear from dear ol' Jack.
Rumor: Hackers unlock Manhunt 2's censored content
Evoking bad memories of the past, a group of Russian hackers have reportedly hacked the PSP's retail version of Manhunt 2 to unlock the game's censored content. However, unlike the highly publicized "Hot Coffee" mod, you don't need a third-party device to access the content, only a homebrew-enabled PSP and the modification a few configuration files.
If word of this gets out to the mainstream media, it's possible Rockstar could face yet another row of bad press and costly lawsuits. God forbid anyone dressing up as a scientist turned mental patient and going on a dismemberment spree.
Since GTA: San Andreas had a nifty name for its mod, we've come up with one of our own - the "Hot Man Coffee Hunt."
[Thanks for the tip, Mexa]
Rip open a PSP battery to find Pandora inside
One of the biggest victories for the homebrew community was the development of Pandora's Battery, a device that allows hackers to unbrick and downgrade nearly every PSP on the market. Reverting systems from later firmware releases from Sony allows hackers to exploit the system and run homebrew on the machine.The usual method of producing a Pandora's Battery required multiple systems and a rather cumbersome software installation process. Quite possibly even more nerve-wracking than the current solution is a new hardware-based one, which requires actual disassembly of the PSP battery. Supposedly, only a single wire needs to be soldered in order for any standard PSP battery to turn into a service one. Quite a fascinating find!
We wouldn't be able to muster up the courage to open a battery and start playing around with its innards. However, for the inquisitive, this is yet another fascinating discovery about the particular workings of the PSP.
[Via PSP Hacks]
Camera gets fitted into PSP innards
Will the Acidmods community ever stop impressing us? Unlikely. Their latest project adds a camera to the PSP. However, unlike all other PSP cameras out there, this is internal, installed directly inside the PSP. The camera is natively supported by the PSP firmware. Neat!
[Thanks, grandpasmurf!]
Hacked Silent Hill demo smuggled, released to public
The Games Convention in Leipzig is only a few days away, and it appears that Konami's upcoming Silent Hill UMD demo from the show somehow got leaked for public consumption. Unlike regular demos, this must be ripped into a disc image and run off of a homebrew-enabled PSP. We're not sure if Konami is too appreciative of having early code released to the public, and we're going to refrain from linking to places where it's available for download. However, video proof (seen above) shows that this is, in fact, real.
[Thanks, Joe!]
A rumbling PSP, seriously
The ninjas at Acidmods can do anything, right? In the midst of E3-related chaos, we missed this awesome modification, which brings sound-activated rumble to the PSP. F00 f00 explains the magic: "In basic terms what is happening here is the volt amp is sending voltage fed by the speaker to the pic, when it hits a certain pitch the pic turns on the motor."
Obviously, this feature isn't included in the upcoming PSP redesign. However, it's awesome to see the community add interesting new features to our handheld all the time.
Dark_Alex working on 3.30 OE [Update 1]
DCEmu is reporting that Dark_Alex already has a custom firmware version of 3.30 in the works. He's only just begun to decrypt the newest Sony firmware, but seems to think that it will be an easy nut to crack. Dark_Alex seems to think we won't have to wait long for a new custom firmware. This is good news for me and other PSP owners who currently run custom firmware. Let's just hope it comes out before the next big title that requires 3.30 firmware.
[Update 1: Fixed firmware list errors]
