|
Mega Man Maveric Hunter X ships
Capcom today announced the release of Mega Man Maverick Hunter X for the PSP. The title is a fresh remake of the original Mega Man X title that debuted on the Super Nintendo, launching a
separate Mega Man storyline and a new central character named X.
New UMDs this week
 A handful of movies were released in UMD format for the PSP this week. Among the new titles are: + The Pink Panther
+ The Legend of Zorro
+ Live Freaky! Die Freaky!
+ 20 Years To Soon: The Superstar
Billy Graham Story
New Umds this week
Bunch of new movies in UMD format released this week, among them are: 
- Scarface
- Escape From New York
- Flightplan
- The Fog
- Initial D
- Lord of War
Guilty Gear heads toward PSP in Spring
Majesco has announced that a new Gulity Gear title, Guilty Gear Judgement, will be released for the PSP this
spring. The game combines two titles on one UMD — the arcade fighter Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, plus a brand new side scrolling
game, Guilty Gear Judgment. Both games will feature ad-hoc multiplayer modes. No further release or pricing information was
available.
Bunch of New Games Revealed by Konami
 Konami today announced several new titles and additional details for its 2006 lineup. Among the list of games were several
PSP titles, including Gradius Collection, Chess Battle, Metal Gear Acid 2, Silent Hill Experience, Steel Horizon, Street
Supremacy, World Soccer Winning Eleven 9, and Ys: The Ark of Napishtim. Complete details of all the games after the jump.
Tomb Raider: Legend Officially Announced
 Eidos Interactive, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, announces that Lara
Croft Tomb Raider: Legend will make its debut on the PSP from spring 2006.
Created by Crystal Dynamics in conjunction with Buzz Monkey Software the game is
grounded in the series' tomb raiding roots and built to challenge even the most accomplished serial adventurer.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend revives the athletic, intelligent and entertaining adventurer who
won the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. Lara comes alive with intricately animated expressions, moves and abilities.
An arsenal of modern equipment, such as a magnetic grappling device, binoculars, frag grenades, personal lighting device and
communications equipment, allows gamers to experience tomb raiding as never before.
No New Star Wars for UMD
 TheForce.net is reporting that according to Lucasfilm, there are currently no plans to release any of the films in the two Star Wars trilogies on the UMD format used by the PSP. While this doesn't rule out
a future release, it does mean we won't be seeing the Skywalker saga playing on the PSP anytime soon. In the meantime, you
can get your portable Star Wars fix with Battlefront II.
Neopets: Petpet Adventures The Wand of Wishing for PSP
 Sony has released ten new screenshots for its upcoming PSP title, Neopets: Petpet Adventures The Wand of Wishing. The game, which is an action RPG, "brings a hidden Petpet world of Petaria to life in 3D for the first time," according
to Sony. The game features more than 100 unique characters and enemies, over 800 items, and ad-hoc wireless multiplayer. Neopets:
Petpet Adventures The Wand of Wishing is rated "E" for Everyone and will be available February 28 for $39.99.
Tomp Raider: Legends new screenshots
10 levels are reported in Legends, with a level of detail that allows the appearance of Lara Croft to alter
according to your actions throughout the game. The first Tomb Raider title to be designed by Crystal Dynamics (after years
under original creator Core), Tomb Raider: Legends is an all-new start for Lara Croft.
New characte animations and control schemes compliment the more natural character design and level details for the
most immersive chapter in the series. Lara comes packing modern devices such as a magnetic grappling device, binoculars, frag
grenades, personal lighting device and communications equipment for her all-new adventure.
 
 
The Godfather delayed for PSP
"While we don't know what the reason for the delays are, one could surmise it has to do with developing for
radically different systems. The Xbox, PS2, and PC versions are still slated for their March 2006 release. While no release
dates have been set for the PSP and Xbox 360 versions, EA representatives are calling for a late summer release."
Leather PSP cases offered by Dunhill
 Luxury leather goods maker Dunhill is now offering two new products designed specifically for the PSP. The Confidential PSP Complete Kit has a black cowhide
leather exterior with tan cowhide interior, and features a fold-up design and storage for UMDs, earbuds and cords. Dunhill's
Motorities PSP Case is made of water-resistant cotton canvas with cowhide trims and features a zipper closure and pocket for
UMDs. Prices were unavailable.
20,000 videos offered for PSP
Veoh Networks has announced that the majority of its catalog of more than 20,000 independent, user published videos is now available for download for the PSP. Veoh's software automatically
downloads videos to the PSP each time they connect it to their computer. The Veoh software is available as a free download
for both Windows XP and Mac OS X.
Gamexpert speaker system for PSP
 Gamexpert is now offering its 2.1 Speaker Docking Station with Remote Control for PSP. The system features stereo speakers with a woofer to add bass response. It runs off 4 AA batteries or the PSP's power cord,
and also features a line-in port and two headphone outputs. The 2.1 Speaker Docking Station with Remote Control for PSP is
available now and sells for $47.00.
World Poker Tour heading toward PSP
2K Sports has announced that its title, World Poker Tour, will be released on the PSP. The game will feature
such poker personalities as Antonio “the Magician” Esfandiari, Erick Lindgren, Evelyn Ng, Lyle Berman, Michael
“The Grinder” Mizrachi and Phil “Unabomber” Laak. The game will also feature infrastructure online
multiplayer, where gamers can play online against opponents playing both on the PSP and PS2. World Poker Tour will be available
for the PSP this spring — no further release or pricing information was available.
Ape Escape Academy is shiping for PSP
Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the release of Ape Escape Academy for the PSP. "As one of the first party games for the PSP system, Ape Escape Academy is an ideal pick-up-and-play game with
a varied collection of more than 40 original mini-games including hockey, dodgeball, karate, rhythm dancing and more," says
Sony.
Splinter Cell Essentials Comes To PSP
Developed specifically for Sony's handheld, Splinter Cell Essentials starts off where Splinter Cell Double
Agent ends, and even takes Sam back to his years as a Navy SEAL before he became a Splinter Cell. The game features unique
gameplay sequences designed specifically around the PSP, contains new missions and objectives exclusive to the console, and
even has a wi-fi spy vs. spy deathmatch mode.    • PSP system debut: The highest-rated and top-selling spy franchise hits the PSP system for the first time,
pushing the boundaries of yet another platform. • Developed specifically for the PSP system: Unique gameplay sequences
designed specifically for the on-the-go nature of handheld gaming and a new adapted interface. • Exclusive content:
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials starts where Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent ends, and takes players
to the years before Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell when Sam was still a Navy Seal. • A game of gadgets for your
gadget: Features all the weapons and gadgets from the Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell franchise, in addition to some new
ones exclusive to the PSP system version. • Accessible Wi-Fi multiplayer: Challenge your friends in Spy vs. Spy
Deathmatch multiplayer mode.
Def Jam Fight For NY: The Takeover announced
EA has announced that the first Officially Licensed hip-hop fighting game, Def Jam Fight For NY: The Takeover,
will be hitting the shelves for PSP. The Takeover, a prequel to Def Jam Vendetta, features fighting action between well known
hip-hop figures such as Busta Rhymes, Carmen Electra, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit.
Players can create their own fighter, battle through the story mode to reveal the events that lead up to Vendetta,
or simply match up against other players in wireless 1-on-1 death matches. Def Jam Fight For NY: The Takeover has an expected
release date of Spring '06; no further rating, release, or pricing info. was available.
Six new games for PSP announced by Sony
Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced six new PSP titles, bringing the system's library to more
than 70 games. The following first-party titles will be available in the first quarter of 2006: Pursuit Force, Syphon Filter:
Dark Mirror, MLB 06: The Show, Daxter, Neopets: Petpet Adventures The Wand of Wishing, and Ape Escape Academy. Complete game
details from Sony after the jump.
PSP To Ship 20 Million Units In 2006
 Sony has told its manufacturing partners that it will ship 20 million units of the PlayStation Portable this
year, according to Hwang Chang Gyu, head of the semiconductor business at Korean electronics firm Samsung.
Samsung
supplies the NAND memory used by consumer electronics devices such as iPods and the PlayStation Portable, and Sony is one
of the firm's biggest customers - with forthcoming Sony MP3 players also expected to use Samsung memory.
Hwang was
speaking in a press conference late last year where he announced that the company had secured a huge order from an undisclosed
buyer for NAND memory - bigger than the half-billion dollar order it secured from Apple in November.
Sony today declined
to comment on Hwang's statement, with a representative of the firm telling GamesIndustry.biz that "the only statement we have
made for PSP is to confirm we have shipped 10 million [units]... No further announcements [have been made] for 2006 or next
fiscal year."
Over ten million units of the PlayStation Portable shipped during 2005, with a million of those going
to the UK alone, but the device continues to lag behind Nintendo's DS handheld in terms of overall sales. The DS had sold
through over 13 million units worldwide by the end of 2005.
Sony may well be hoping that better manufacturing rates
will allow it to speed up the rate of shipments of the PSP, while the launch of new software such as Gran Turismo 4 should
increase demand for the system. 2006 will be the first year that the PSP has been available worldwide, as it didn't complete
its global roll-out until September 1st when it finally arrived in European stores after a nine-month delay.
Sony PSP 2.5” HDD Enclosure Available
 Got a ton of video in MPEG4 format laying around waiting to be put on your PSP, but you just can’t cram
it all on there? Never fear—the SavitMicro S25 HDD enclosure let’s you use any 2.5” hard as a PSP storage
device. Totally awesome. Just hook it up to your PSP, Digital Camera, or any other device that can accept an external storage
device and you’ve got tons of extra space. The price isn’t bad if you’ve already got the hard drive too.
It’s about $100 for the enclosure and USB cable and is shipping now.
Finally, 4GB and 8GB Memory Sticks are coming
 At this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Sony announced that it will be launching 4GB and 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media sometime in 2006. The company was showing off the large
capacity cards in the "Memory Stick corner" of the Sony CES booth. In addition, the company revealed that its online Connect
service will launch the online video distribution service for PSPs in March.
Play PSP on TV with ScreenMax
Digital Innovations has announced the GameDR ScreenMax Video Transmission System for PSP. The $70 product makes it possible to play
PSP games and movies on any TV or monitor. It will be available in February from major retailers.
"Resembling an oversized computer mouse, the ScreenMax snaps into two holes on the PSP and covers
the player's screen like a hat. The internal ScreenMax camera and lens system digitizes the PSP image, transmits it through
a four-foot-long built-in cable that is attached to a TV or monitor on the other end, and reproduces the image in magnified
form for a full-size gaming or viewing experience. A second cable that is also hard-wired into the ScreenMax unit plugs into
the PSP's headphone jack and pumps the soundtrack through the TV or monitor speakers."
GTA: Liberty City Stories takes over consoles
In its earnings report released today, Rockstar games parent company Take-Two Interactive revealed that Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for
the PSP will be ported to a "current generation console system." "Additional products expected for fiscal 2006 from Rockstar Games include Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
for a current generation console system, tentatively planned for release in the second quarter, Bully for PlayStation 2 and
Xbox, two new titles for the PSP handheld system, including an all-new Grand Theft Auto," the company said.
PSP being tested by Tivo, iPod support
 TiVo has opened up besting testing of its TiVo Desktop 2.3 software, which features automatic transfers and support for the PSP and video iPod. The TiVo software gives users of its digital
video recorders the ability to transfer recorded television shows to their PSP or video iPod with the company's TiVoToGo service.
The software only works with TiVo Series2 boxes. [via PVR Blog]
New Splinter Cell for PSP?
Ubisoft yesterday confirmed rumors that its forthcoming Splinter Cell title for the PSP, Splinter Cell Essentials, will "explain the origins of Fisher," referring
to Sam Fisher, the game's main character. Ubisoft is "preparing to make an official announcement and will give more details
very soon," which is good news for fans of the series. No official release or pricing information is available at this time.
Microsoft And Sony Partner In Video Download Service
Cable network Starz! has just announced that they'll partner with Microsoft and Sony to form Vongo, a legal, pay-for-play movie download service. For a $9.99 service fee per month, Vongo users will obtain unlimited access
to a rotating 1,000 film library, likely culled from Starz! current catalog. They'll be able to watch those downloads at any
time on a PC or portable media device (presumably that means iPods, PSPs, etc), and will be able to download "new releases"
(theatrical features will be available for download after a six month window) for $3.99 apiece. Though the service will obviously
draw instant comparisons to the iTunes Music Store, which just started selling television shows for $1.99 an episode with
a one day window, to VOD services like GreenCine and Movielink, and to traditional models of television-based pay-per-view,
Vongo would seem to go beyond old methods of delivery in terms of its breadth of content alone. But that six month window
seems terribly wide, doesn't it? Especially considering that, with the backing of Microsoft and Sony, Vongo will undoubtedly
be marketed to PSP and Xbox-rocking gamers. Bill Gates is expected to expand on the deal and the concept in his CES keynote
this week.
New UMD heading to PSP this week
Several movies were released in UMD format for the PSP this week. Among the new titles are:
-Wedding Crashers
-Alien Vs. Predator
-Austin Powers
- Behind Enemy Lines
- The Cave
- The Day After Tomorrow
- The Doors
- Dumb And Dumber (Unrated)
- Elektra
- Evil Dead 2
- Fight Club
- Friday
- Garfield
- Godsend
- The Gospel
- Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
- Made
- Rush
Hour
- Rush Hour 2
- SNL: The Best Of Will Ferrell - Volume 2
- Scarface
- Speed
iRiver G10 to take on PSP
iRiver has unveiled the G10, a new portable gaming console and media player. The G10 sports a 4-inch WVGA
screen capable of displaying 260K colors, will come in 4GB and 8GB capacities, and runs Windows CE 5.0. The device features
a sliding-screen design with familiar gaming pad controls. Further details are expected at this week's CES show in Las Vegas.
Larger pics after the jump.
|
.jpg)
.
