Category: PSP

Sony Ericsson PSP Android Phone (Xperia Play) Previewed

Engadget has posted an extensive preview of the Xperia Play — the Sony Ericsson phone that combines Google Android with the PlayStation Portable. The preview covers most of the phone’s hardware and software features, but with two major caveats. The phone reviewed appears far from final and several features aren’t working. Secondly, the PlayStation Pocket app can’t be tested at this time, so the software limitations I’ve been hearing about can’t be verified.

That said, it’s definitely worth a look if you’re tempted by the prospects of a PSP Android phone. Well done Engadget!

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Coffee Talk #291: Your PSP2 Predictions and Wishes

I want to hear your PSP2 predictions. What do you think the system will have? What do you wish it will have? Are you expecting an OLED screen and 3G? Do you think it will pump out PS3-level graphics? Is it a lock for a holiday 2011 release?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your favorite movie robot, Kristin Bell being the new Neutrogena girl, or Rafael Nadal failing at the Australian Open (*snicker*), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

In less than 24 hours, Sony will be holding a press conference on the PlayStation Portable 2. At least, that’s what most experts are thinking. A few believe that the company will also unveil the PSP Android phone, but I don’t think it will; that’s a Sony Ericsson product and February’s Mobile World Congress makes more sense for it. Besides, two sources have told me that the PSP phone only plays a portion of downloadable games, not every PSP game available digitally. It’s an exciting product, but I expect the enthusiast press to knock its limitations because…well, that’s what those guys are best at. I don’t think that the PSP2 should have to share a stage with its (probably) gimped cousin.

Anyway, I want to hear your PSP2 predictions. What do you think the system will have? What do you wish it will have? Are you expecting an OLED screen and 3G? Do you think it will pump out PS3-level graphics? Is it a lock for a holiday 2011 release? Put on your magic hat a predict the future (please)!

PSP2 to Feature OLED Screen and 3G Chip?

The latest batch of PSP2 rumors claims that Sony’s next portable gaming system will feature a multitouch OLED screen and 3G connectivity. The 3G would, presumably, be used for wireless multiplayer and game downloads. At least, that’s the word according to Nikkei.

As most of you know, Sony is holding a press event on Thursday and most pundits expect a PSP2 announcement. Past rumors include the PSP2 being capable PS3-level graphics.

An OLED screen makes sense since it offers more vibrant colors and potentially better battery life compared to LCD technology. 3G would be extremely useful, but it will be interesting to see how Sony handles the cellular chipset since various regions use different frequencies for 3G connectivity. It will also be interesting to see if there’s a charge for wireless service; some have speculated that the limited 3G would be free and subsidized by Sony, similar to how Amazon offers free 3G on its Kindle e-readers. Of course it takes much more data to download and play games compared to downloading a tiny e-book.

What do you think of the latest PSP2 rumors? Are you more interested in the system now that it’s purported to have an OLED screen and wireless 3G connectivity?

Source via PC Magazine

This Week’s Videogame Releases

January’s slow trickle of quality games continues! Dead Space 2 will satisfy gamers looking for outer space thrills and chills. If you played your cards right, you can even get a set of DS2-inspired armor for use in the upcoming Dragon Age 2. If you’re looking for some multiplayer PSP action then Square Enix’s Lord of Arcana should do you good.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy Voice Actors

Square Enix has confirmed the voice actors for the upcoming PSP game Dissidia 012 [duodecim] Final Fantasy. There aren’t any surprises here, with longtime FF voice actors reprising their roles, but it’s nice to get the official word. Here’s some of the cast:

  • Rachael Leigh Cook as Tifa Lockhart
  • Keith David as Chaos
  • Steve Burton as Cloud Strife
  • George Newbern as Sephiroth
  • Ali Hillis as Lightning

Naturally, this is a great excuse to look at photos of Rachel Leigh Cook. She’s all that. *snicker*

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Final Fantasy Type-0 (Agito) Leaked Trailer

The game formerly known as Final Fantasy Agito XIII has a new name — Final Fantasy Type-0! I’m digging the trailer for this PlayStation Portable RPG. I know that a lot of you are down on the PSP, but this game looks to be the best thing going on the system since Crisis Core. In fact, one of the reasons I’m looking forward to the game is for Takeharu Ishimoto’s music. I loved his work on Crisis Core and hope that my ears are dazzled in Agito Type-0.

What do you think of the Final Fantasy Type-o trailer?

NPD 2010 Console Sales Figures (Flame On!)

NPD Group has released its December console sales figures, giving flame warriors some nice 2010 numbers to play with. I haven’t been able to track down the PSP year-end totals yet, but I’ll add them as soon as I do. Here are the total U.S. console sales in 2010 according to NPD Group:

  • Nintendo DS:  8.56 million
  • Nintendo Wii: 7.07 million
  • Xbox 360: 6.76 million
  • PlayStation 3: 4.33 million

While most of the numbers were lower than 2009, Microsoft had a tremendous year with the Xbox 360, selling more than 40 percent more units in 2010 than 2009. The new model combined with Kinect made the Xbox 360 a huge winner in America.

What do you guys and dolls make of the 2010 console wars (in America)?

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Rumor: PSP2 as Powerful as PS3, Q4 2011 Release

Following yesterday’s rumor that Sony will announce the PlayStation Portable 2 on January 27, MCV’s sources have told it that Sony’s next portable system will be as powerful as its current home system. The site also discussed release information. Here’s the nitty gritty:

Sony has told licensees the device ‘is as powerful as the PlayStation 3’.

The new PSP is expected to arrive within the Q4 period, perhaps as early as October, and includes a HD screen with twin-stick controls in the familiar ‘brick’ form factor.

The system’s power makes sense, though I’m sure it’s slightly exaggerated. Similar to how the PSP serves up graphics comparable to the PS2’s, I’m sure the PSP2 will serve up visuals that are comparable to what the PS3 offers. I’m also sure that the PSP2’s best graphics will be less impressive than the PS3’s best.

The Q4 2011 release date also makes sense. The holiday season is the most lucrative and Sony doesn’t want to give the Nintendo 3DS too much of a head start.

What do you think of the latest round of PSP2 rumors? Should I color you interested? If so, which of Crayola’s 133 colors should I use? Anyone else thinking something along the lines of, “Crap! Now I need money for two new portable systems this year.”?

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PSP 2 Being Announced on January 27, 2011?

According to MCV, Sony will announce the PlayStation Portable 2 at a press event in Tokyo, Japan on January 27, 2011. While Sony has taken some bumps and bruises with the PSP, the company has sold millions of units. It’s not the craze that the Nintendo DS was, but it was certainly a successful system (particularly for a debut).

With the Nintendo 3DS on the way and Apple drastically changing the mobile gaming market, what does Sony have up its sleeve with the PSP2? What features do you want the PSP2 to have (aside from dual analog sticks)? Do you think Sony’s game plan will be different this time around in light of the booming iOS gaming market?

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

We’re barely into 2011 and there are already some excellent games coming out. There are three very interesting titles shipping this week…and I want them all! First up is DC Universe Online. I still have dreams of forming The Super Buddies, Part Deux with some of you. Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded bundles some KH episodic content that was released in Japan. As a fan of the series, I’m psyched to play more of Sora’s adventures. Last, but not least, is Prinny 2, the sequel to a super-funny and super-challenging platformer based on those lovable demonic Disgaea penguins.

Any of you picking up new games this week?