Hacking the PSP Blog

Beware: “Ljk-Sang” Phishing Scam

PSP-Hacks posted a phishing email that one of their readers recieved as a warning to former Lik-Sang customers. If you didn't already know, Lik-Sang closed shop last week after a legal battle with Sony in the UK over grey importing of PSP units. Deciding to use this to their advantage, someone has begun a phishing scam to lure former customers. Below is a sample of one of the emails. The Paypal link in the email apparently went to a "ljk-sang.com" URL.

Your Login/Email is: xxxxx
Your password is: ********

As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal. To read the full article please visit: http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3901

Our records indicates you can retrieve an additional $ 9,99 USD refund in your PayPal account. In order to successfully retrieve the refund please confirm your existing PayPal account on this page. Please notice that the confirmation of your PayPal account is needed to have this refund send into your PayPal account.

If your PayPal account is no longer active on this (xxxxxxxxxx) address you will have to create a free PayPal account at: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_registration-run to retrieve this refund. Once your account is created and activated please confirm your account information at the above page.

We feel very sorry for any inconvenience and trying to make all refunds to take place as soon as possible.

Team Lik-Sang

Via PSP-Hacks

PSP Push-Activated Shoulder Button Lighting

Everett has put together an article explaining how to make those conveniently clear shoulder buttons on your PSP light up when they're pressed. In the article he uses surface mount LEDs from an old cell phone and limit switches from a CD-ROM but these are things you can most likely find at your local electronic supply story or online. Be aware that this does involve soldering and will void your PSP's warranty. Everett gives very detailed instructions on how to place the LEDs and run the wires as to no affect the movement of the shoulder buttons or any of the other buttons. Below is a link to the how-to and an image of his finished product.

Read

Via PSP-Hacks

Sony Makes Major Donation to Get-Well Gamers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sony Answers the Call from Get-Well Gamers Videogame Charity to Receive Approximately 200 Games, with Retail Value of over $5,000.00 Donation to Go Directly to Newly Expanded Network, which Includes 41 Care Facilities in 26 States; More Encouraged Huntington Beach, CA, October 31, 2006—The Get-Well Gamers Foundation, a California-based public charity dedicated to bringing electronic entertainment to children in healthcare facilities, today announced that it had received a donation of approximately 200 games from the Sony Corporation, with a retail value of over $5,000.00.

The donation comes on the heels of the news that the charity had recently expanded its network to 41 care facilities in 26 states; a 25% increase in capacity since last year owing to the success of recent campaigns with corporate partners, in addition to the efforts of private individuals stepping forward to support the cause.

“We are deeply grateful to the Sony Corporation for its wonderful generosity, especially with the holiday season upon us,” said Ryan Sharpe, President of The Get-Well Gamers Foundation. “It is the kindness of such acts that sustains an organization such as ours and truly saves the day for the children we serve.”

“Of course,” Sharpe adds, “with our expanded network comes an even bigger responsibility to fulfill our mission. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to use the Sony donation has a shining example and not hesitate to give as well. No matter how small, every donation makes a difference.”

The Get-Well Gamers Foundation accepts console games and equipment as well as hand-held systems and the games supported by these platforms. To make a tax-deductible donation or to recommend a treatment facility, visit www.get-well-gamers.org.

About Get-Well Gamers:

The Get-Well Gamers Foundation is a California-based 501© (3)-certified public charity dedicated to bringing electronic entertainment to children's hospitals for the benefit of entertainment and pain management since 2001. For more information, please visit www.get-well-gamers.org.

Media Contact:

William Lessard

PRwithBrains for The Get-Well Gamers Foundation

(914) 476-6089

wlessard@prwithbrains.com


Via GamesIndustry.biz

The Clear-Up: Does Vice City Stories play on 2.71?

From PSPUpdates:

We would like to start this article with a sincere apology and by admitting that yesterday's article claiming that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories required PSP firmware 2.81 was incorrect. We based this information on data we had obtained from what we thought was a trustworthy news source, but it appears we were wrong. The fact of the matter is that you can play Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories without updating to 2.81, using Booster's amazing DevHook. All you have to do is emulate firmware 2.71 and select the 2.xx to 2.00 UMD option and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will work fine. The 2.81 update is on the UMD disc, but you do not have to use it.

Discussion has been rife on this subject both in the comments section and in our forums, with many PSP owners confused on whether to buy Vice City Stories or not because of this. We have had it confirmed by many of our forum users that it works with 2.xx to 2.00 UMD option in DevHook and firmware 2.71 emulation. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you, but it was a mistake that we highly regret. Most of you will have probably discovered that VCS works on 2.71 with DevHook, but this post is an informative article and is an apology from us to you. How will we repay you? By giving you the best news 24/7 of course!

An 11-page discussion in our forums has been going on since yesterday, so if you want to get in on the action, all you have to do is head over to our forums. This may be an apology, but it is clear now that you can have Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories playable with homebrew on 1.5 and with Dark_Alex's 2.71 SE-B custom firmware using the miracles of DevHook. To me, that sounds like more of a success!

Source: PSPUpdates

Another headache for Sony: falling PSP sales

As if the laptop battery recall and stumbles towards the launch of the PlayStation 3 weren't enough for it to deal with, Sony Corp. said this week that shipments of its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld game device are well below expectations.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the unit of Sony responsible for PlayStation products, expected sales this year to be below 2005's levels, but they now appear to be falling much faster than initially anticipated -- and much sooner after the launch than was the case with the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles.

The PSP was launched in Japan on Dec. 12, 2004, and 3 million units were shipped by the end of March 2005, according to figures from Sony. In the financial year from April 2005 shipments jumped to 14.1 million units as the machine went on sale in North America and Europe. For the current fiscal year, from April 2006, Sony initially said it expected shipments would decline to 12 million units, but this week revised that figure to 9 million units.

Martyn Williams
October 27, 2006

Read the full text here...

Source: ITworld

Phil Collins amazed by Vice City Stories' rendering of him

How do you know if you're out of the technology loop? When you're amazed at how accurately they made your character in a video game on a handheld.

At least, that's what we can say about Phil Collins these days. The 80's hitmaker was reportedly amazed at how the game designers at Rockstar recreated an 80's version of him for Grand Theft Auto: Vice city Stories. Collins said, "They have got it spot on - the five o'clock shadow, the suits, and all the other stuff that was so embarrassingly prevalent in my '80s wardrobe."

Of course, GTA isn't exactly the best at making really human looking characters. When you see one of the game's voice actor's being impressed by it, you're not sure whether to nod respectfully or smirk a little bit. Still, Phil Collins is both on a video game and providing music for it, and we aren't, so he's definitely doing something right. If you're interested in seeing more of his embarrassing 80's-garbed persona in the game, then you may want to take a look at Remi M's post some time ago. Enjoy!

October 30, 2006

Source: PSPUpdates

Color it Pink: Which market are pink handhelds really aimed at?

Pink. The color of femininity which is often associated with youth and affection. In Japan, pink is the color of luck, while the samurai revered the pink cherry blossoms as it symbolized something beautiful which perished in its prime. Pink is also a singer who is a known advocate against the marginalization of women. Pink also symbolizes joy and happiness in Catholic religion. Pink is a color that most men and males under the age of 18 are loathe to even touch.

So, with all the various symbolisms, meanings and superstitions associated with this popular pastel, one has to wonder about who exactly were the game executives at Sony and Nintendo trying to please when they decided to begin the Pink Invasion in consoles and handhelds?

It's all still fresh in our minds actually. First there was the release of the pink DS Lite in Japan which caused the country to swoon, and then came the Pink PSP, as well as the pink, slim-type PS2. One would think that perhaps this color was meant for children, but apparently this option can be crossed off the list since during the pink DS's release last July, the people who lined up for the handheld didn't include a single child, but was instead comprised of "College students...men in business suits... housewives, gray hairs, but oddly no children."

So then, the next obvious choice would be women, whether they be the Animal Crossing-loving mother, the Brain Age expert in her fifties, or the young women that society has inevitably labeled as "Grrrl Gamers". It has already been a known tactic to produce games which would attract more females into the gaming scene, but we suppose that the notion that girls would only play something that includes something cute in it would most probably send a lot of feminist hate mail flying back and forth.

Pink is the new blackOf course, we can never really tell what the original plan was, whether it was a deliberate method to tap a previously overlooked market, or someone just simply thought that they should have pink in their collection just to complete the range of available colors.

On a personal note however, and feminist ideals aside, I admit that I am still wanting to own a pink DS for myself, not because I feel girly or because I need my dose of cuteness, but because I love juxtapositions. Personally, if I saw another girl in a frilly dress with a pink PSP happily going through a round of Tekken: Dark Resurrection, I would think that the girl was cool. Had the same girl instead been playing anything that involves ponies, kittens and ribbons, I would have slowly backed away. Same goes for the other end of the spectrum, since I find it extremely cute to see a girl in a punk shirt, ripped jeans, and a spiked collar playing Final Fantasy III on a pink DS.

Maybe it's all a matter of personal preference or maybe some of us just want an uncommon version of a common item, but either way, maybe it would all just be easier for everyone to accept that pink will be around for a very long time yet. After all, pink just may be the new black.

October 30, 2006

Source: PSPUpdates

Limited edition Metal Gear Solid PSP packs

Coming out on December 22 in Japan are two limited edition Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops packages. The premium package (pictured below) has a camouflage colored PSP and a special case, the game and a set of 3 pins for 29,190 yen ($248). Konami is also releasing a special KonamiStyle package (pictured past the break) with the same camouflage PSP, a “skin of a warrior” PSP case and a matching “tail of the warrior” strap for 39,690 ($338). What both packages are missing is the GPS receiver, which Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops uses in the game.





Source: Siliconera

GTA: VCS requires FW 2.81 - confirmed

A lot of us here are waiting anxiously for Rockstar Leeds' Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. And by the time you're reading this, it's already out there on the shelves. But a lot of you might start to wonder if it's going to be worth it because... [cue lightning in the background] it will require you to run firmware 2.81 on your PSP. Oh yes. (Oh noes.)

It has been confirmed by GTAPSP.com, and they've posted a list of little knick-knacks that you might want to know about the game. The other tidbits of info are pretty minor, especially compared to that first bullet-point which is nagging at our brains:

• The game requires PSP firmware version 2.81 to play. An update is included on the game disc.
• The city appears to be VERY similar to the original Vice City in terms of layout.
• There is a pedal bicycle in the game and controls are said to be initial to San Andreas.
• You'll start out on the "second island" from Vice City with access to areas like the airport, army base and downtown.
• Vic can swim for over one minute before drowning.

Ultimate pwnage? Well, a lot of you guys must be so torn now, whether you're willing to upgrade your PSP (if it isn't yet) to 2.81 just to play the game. But think of it this way: it was bound to happen. We all saw it coming anyways. Now or never, folks... Maybe it's time to own up...

Buy Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Source: PSPUpdates

Sony Offering PSP Media Manager 2.0 for $9.95 through October 31

I received this email today - PSP Media Manager 2.0 is being released and there is an upgrade price of $9.95 (it's normally around $20) through October 31. The email said a serial number was required for the special pricing, but I was never asked for my s/n, and a new serial number was sent to me in email, so whatever :)

Here are the contents of the email, with the new features of PSP Media Manager 2.0. Note that the transfer of DVDs to your PSP is likely only non-copy-protected (i.e. non-commercial) movies, but you can probably use something to get around that (just make sure you OWN the movies you transfer please - piracy sux0rz!).

Upgrade for only $9.95* through October 31 Download only As an owner of version 1.0, you already know that Media Manager for PSP® software is the easiest way to move music, movies, and more to your PSP® system. Version 2 offers a variety of new features that makes it even more powerful—it's the best way to get the most out of your PSP®. And now, through October 31, getting Media Manager Version 2 is fast and affordable. Download it for only $9.95! This offer is only available to current registered users of Media Manager for PSP® software, and has to end October 31. Get your copy today! New in Version 2: New! Prepare files for conversion even when your PSP® system isn't connected to your PC New! Transfer video from DVD home movies or DVD camcorders to your PSP® system New! Transfer Internet Explorer favorites to you PSP® system New! Transfer and view documents on your PSP® system—supports Excel, Word, HTML, .txt, and more New! Support for additional formats—.m3u and .wpl playlists, ATRAC audio files, and Windows Media Center .dvr-ms files Only $9.95! Download your copy today! Upgrade Now US $9.95   For technical support or product questions visit: http://www.custcenter.com Sony Media Software 1617 Sherman Ave. Madison, Wisconsin 53704 Customer Service and Sales: 1.800.577.6642   About Us | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice | Terms & Conditions *Special upgrade pricing available only when you buy Media Manager for PSP® 2.0 direct through Sony Media Software via this email. A valid, registered serial number from a qualifying product is required for upgrade pricing. Offer expires October 31, 2006.

The Dragon Double Expand Memory Converter is here again

So you want to expand your PSP's media capacity without having blow off all your allowance? Well, fret no more, cause the Dragon Double Expand Memory Converter for the PSP is back in stock!

Available over at Divineo.net, this product is the plug & play solution you've been looking for. It converts SD, Mini SD, and MMC card to be used on your Sony handheld. Not only that, it even allows you to simultaneously use two pieces of memory cards!

Weighing at just 0.080 kg, the Dragon Double Expand Memory Converter is tagged at just US$ 19.95. Now, if you buy it in bulk, say like, 5 or more pieces, you get it for US$ 16.00 a piece. If you buy at least ten, you get it for US$ 15, for US$ 25 if you buy at least 25, and for US$ 13 if you get 50 or more...Well, you get the drift. So what are you waiting for? Place your orders now, get a good night's sleep, and wake up to the sound of the delivery van outside your driveway, cause hey, it does ship within 24 hours.

Just click on the link below.

Buy HERE!



Source: PSPUpdates

Lua Animated Sprite Class Library v2.0

I'd advise you to free up some memory stick space on your PSP right now as I can see that an influx of Lua games and applications will be coming your way very soon. It's time for the second Lua library released of the day, and this time it's coming from alatnet.

This alatnet-made library focuses on completely different area or coding compared to Glynnder's ssLib screensaver library. This library will help Lua developers with Sprite animation, an area which some new coders find pretty hard to grasp. To use the worlds of alatnet, "The goal of this classlibrary is to provide an object with animated picture along the time with a sequence of pictures."

If you are a complete newbie to PSP homebrew, then using this - coupled with Dragula96's Lua Script Generator - should make coding a brand new Lua project so much easier, giving you more time to work on other areas such as graphics. alatnet has said that he may be releasing more classses/libraries in the future if he finds something which he believes will be beneficial to the community. Stay tuned for more updates!

Download HERE

Source: PSPUpdates

Dave Perry on Redesigning the PSP

From Spong:

Following on from our piece on the game industry's quietly-held belief that Sony is poised to release a reworked PSP hardware unit, SPOnG caught up with development veteran Dave Perry, former head of Shiny now fronting GameInvestors and a new MMO by the name of 2 Moons.

“It's pretty clear from our industry's history that there's a mad rush to get hardware product out, then the hardware companies start to look at ways to fix the problems they encountered. Apple does this all day every day with its iPods, their Computers and their Software.

“It's a normal business model. When you look at version 2 of the Sony PlayStation 2 (the small slick one that won't hold an internal hard disk drive like version 1 did) it's clear that they changed their mind on a major feature. If you take the latest PS2 joypad apart, you will see where there were edge connectors, they've removed them and just press track connectors together. They save every single cent they can to get the price of the product down. I hope that they will do this with the Sony PSP. It's a great little machine, but the price is a major barrier. The American public like $149 to $99 for handhelds. So how could the PSP get there?

Read the full text here...

Source: Spong

Kawanishi clarifies details on PS3-PSP connection

At the beginning of this month, we all heard the conflicting reports surrounding the PS3-PSP connection. GameWatch claimed that the PlayStation Portable can be used to control and view the related next-gen game. Famitsu's take is a bit different, saying the remote play function is all about game data trading between the two platform. However, judging from the latest information coming straight from Izumi Kawanishi himself, both appear somewhat correct and lacking in detail.

First off, to use the PSP as a remote viewer for the PS3 media content, the two would have to be within ad-hoc connection range. Sony plans to kick thing up a notch in the future, leaving the wireless range and ultimately aiming at the internet. Kawanishi also mentioned that they are not content with simple media viewing. Sony is also thinking of allowing owners play PS3 games remotely on the PSP.

Being in charge for the development of both PS3 and PSP hardware, Kawanishi confirmed the region free software. "PlayStation 3 game software does not have this region code. In other words, if you can get your hands on overseas software, you can play as is," he quipped. Furthermore, aside from the traditional online updates, Sony is intending to let users do the updates via flash memory.

Lastly, the Famitsu article mentioned that users would be needing the 60GB PS3 model to activate the PSP connectivity. However, there was no confirmation given regarding this matter. We're wondering if connecting a USB Wi-Fi socket to the 20GB model would to the trick for us.

Source: PSPUpdates

Sony Helps Cast Voodoo over New Orleans

Sony will be showcasing PlayStation 3 in New Orleans this weekend as part of the Voodoo Music Experience rock show.

The two-day concert, which features such bands as The Red Hot Chili Peppers (pictured), Duran Duran, The Wu-Tang Clan and the Kings of Leon, will also herald the debut of the new PlayStation Experience truck, which will allow show-goers to engage the latest PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable titles. The Voodoo Music Experience represents the beginning of the new truck’s national tour.

Sony will also be holding a donation ceremony at the event where it will present charitable support to the Warren Easton Charter Foundation, which will benefit Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. Many New Orleans-area schools have found difficulty in staying open since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005.

Joe Keiser
October 26, 2006

Source: Next-Gen

Lik-Sang: Setting it straight

In light of previous events, the whole Lik-Sang vs. Sony intellectual property rights case has now escalated to the point wherein the said distributor of Asian electronics has eventually closed its doors.

Statements are flying left and right from Lik-Sang and from Sony. And now, every Tom, ***, and Harry is wondering: where's all of this taking us? Should we take sides now? Where do we get our PS3s come launch date? What really happened? Lik-Sang's marketing manager Pascal Clarysse now follows up their statement from last October 22, and tries to set things straight.

The statement talks about what hardships they had to go through, with a bombardment of lawsuits "forcing the relatively small company behind Lik-Sang.com into a bizarre world of lawyers." There's also an update about the said Sony officials that were reputed to have purchased orders from Lik-Sang.

It seems as if this issue is far from settled. Although Lik-Sang is now no more, their memory and what they stood for is still very much alive in a lot of gamers. The battle might have been won, but the proverbial war isn't quite over yet.

Now, before you take up your pitchforks and torches, better read Pascal Clarysse's full statement first:

"First of all, Sony's claim that Lik-Sang didn't turn up and therefore incurred no legal cost is absolute nonsense. Lik-Sang's legal representatives spent over a year to vigorously contest the UK's court jurisdiction until the last moment, produced witness statements and documents, and replied to Sony's allegations about parallel importation and copyright infringement. Plenty of documents were sent back and forth from Hong Kong all the way to the UK, and it was also argued to the London High Court that Sony has launched duplicate actions in different countries, but all to no avail. The court case in Hong Kong is still ongoing, and Lik-Sang as well as its lawyers spent hundreds and hundreds of hours trying to catch up with Sony's mass of documents and claims. As a result, two different High Court judges at different occasions expressed their surprise about the unusual high legal expenses claimed by Sony's law firm.

Read the full text here...

Source: PSPUpdates

PSP Firmware Update 2.82 Released

It appears that Sony is rolling out their new update to the PSP's firmware via the Network Update feature and the official websites. This was a minor update, as it only included "security strengthening revisions." If you have any desire to continue running homebrew, DO NOT UPGRADE. However, for those of you how wish to have the lastest and greatest, the download links for the updates are below.

PSP Firmware 2.82 JP PSP 1000
PSP Firmware 2.82 US PSP 1001
PSP Firmware 2.82 AU/NZ PSP 1002
PSP Firmware 2.82 EU PSP 1004
PSP Firmware 2.82 KR PSP 1005
PSP Firmware 2.82 RU PSP 1008
PSP Firmware 2.82 CN PSP 1009
PSP Firmware 2.82 MX PSP 1010

Via PSPUpdates

2.71 SE-B Custom Firmware Released!

Dark_AleX, along with Mathieulh & harleyg, have released the highly anticipated custom 2.71 Special Edition Revision B firmware. As mentioned below [here] it features a whack of great additions — if you liked 2.71 SE-A, you’ll love this crafty piece of work. And if you’re new, 2.71 Special Edition is a custom firmware supporting a single flash advantage of FW 1.50 and 2.71 together.

Current 2.71 SE-A users can easily upgrade to SE-B by following these simple instructions:

• Copy the directories seb_update from SEB_UPDATE/PSP/GAME150 to /PSP/GAME150/.
• Run it. After you press X, the update will be done in a little moment. You are now in SE-B.

The remaining details — fresh install for a non-SE PSP, using SE, recovery menu, DevHook, known problems and troubleshooting, etc… — can all be found in the well documented “Readme.txt.” It’s highly recommended you read this over prior to installing.

WARNING: As with any firmware modification there is a risk of damaging your PSP beyond repair. Use at your own risk! NOT FOR USE WITH TA-082 MOTHERBOARDS!

Download HERE

Source: PSP-Hacks

How-To: Craft an analog control stick for your Sony PSP (part 2)

Every so often, that console-modding Benjamin Heckendorn wanders away from his lair at benheck.com to share some interesting projects with Engadget.

A couple weeks ago we showed you, the teeming PSP loving masses, how to attach a standard analog stick to the embattled portable. Now join us for part 2 where we construct a case for the analog stick and create a convienent way to clip it onto a PSP. With a little luck you'll be able to look as cool as the loser shown above! So get your hot glue guns fired up and let's do this thing!

Intially I struggled to come up with an easy way of doing this project. You know, the typical tossing and turning at night, running up to the apex of hills and screaming "WHY?????" Standard stuff. Even wandering around Hobby Lobby for an hour didn't really spark any ideas. Eventually I did hit upon an ideal object to make an analog stick attachment case out of -- behold!

Benjamin Heckendorn
October 25, 2006



Check out the complete how-to here...

Source: Engadget

Sony admits to buying grey goods

Sony admits senior staff bought PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld consoles from an illegal source but only for investigatory purposes.

It is the latest revelation in its legal tussle with Hong Kong import/export firm Lik-Sang.

Lik-Sang ceased trading on Monday following legal action from Sony.

Announcing its closure, it named Sony executives it said had used its service to get the PSPs before they went on official release in Europe.

Sony does not deny that staff bought the game gadgets from Lik-Sang but said it was done to check the nature of the goods that were being sold.

This latest battle of words is part of the ongoing war Sony is waging with companies which import so-called grey goods - Asian versions of its products - to the European market without its permission.

Last week its legal action against Lik-Sang was validated by a British judge who ruled that it was illegal for the firm to import the Japanese version of PlayStation 3s into Europe ahead of its official release in March 2007.

Gamers have been disappointed about Sony's decision to delay the release of the PS3 in Europe , which the firm says is due to stock shortages of vital components.

The PS3 console goes on sale in the US and Japan in November.

Sour grapes

Lik-Sang announced that it was going to close down on Monday, following legal action from Sony. In its out-of-business notice it took the opportunity for a side swipe at Sony.

"Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang mugs or Lik-Sang badge holders, starting just two days after Japan's official release, as early as 14 December 2004," the notice on its website reads.

In a statement to the BBC News website, Sony said the accusations were a case of "sour grapes" and accused Lik-Sang of contravening data protection laws by naming directors.

"The purchasing of PSP consoles by SCE employees would be for investigatory purposes. We would also like to express our surprise at a company releasing personal information about its consumers," the statement read.

"This release is sour grapes on behalf of Lik-Sang which is aimed to belittle Sony Computer Entertainment and the British judicial system that found against them," it read.

Gamer outrage

The electronics giant has been criticised for its decision to pursue firms such as Lik-Sang. Critics argue that gamers should be able to get their hands on products as soon as they are released in Asia.

Sony said that it was using the full scope of the law to block the importing of PlayStation 3s in order to protect consumers from being sold hardware that didn't conform to European safety standards.

Lik-Sang has said that all the PSP consoles it sold in Europe conformed with EU and UK consumer safety regulations.

Its decision to cease trading has elicited a barrage of comments from gamers, annoyed at the way Sony has pursued the firm.

Sony denies that its actions had anything to do with the closure of the Lik-Sang website.

October 25, 2005
Source: BBC News

2.71 SE-B to be Released Soon

Word on the virtual street is that Dark_AleX will soon be releasing a new version of his custom firmware — 2.71 Special Edition: Revision B (2.71 SE-B). It’s currently in the testing phase and will feature the following additions:

• Built-in ISO/CSO support (DAX to be added in 2.71 SE-C (or later)). The ISO/CSO in the “ms0:/ISO/” folder will display in the game menu. At this time an UMD has to be in the drive (that won’t be needed in the future releases);
• Ability to set the “ms0:/PSP/GAME/” folder for 1.50 kernel homebrews and “ms0:/PSP/GAME271/” for 2.71 homebrew (this is optional);
• Ability to run an EBOOT at startup;
• Some game compatibility issues were fixed;
• Ability to force the use of boot.bin in UMDs;
• Ability to enable/disable the noplainmodulecheck patch in UMDs/ISOs (for advanced users);
• All previous features from SE-A.

2.71 SE-B is currently being tested by Dark_AleX, Mathieulh, and harleyg; expect to see it in the near future!

Source: Mathieulh via PSP-Hacks

Sony denies responsibility for closure of Lik-Sang

In a statement issued to GamesIndustry.biz, Sony has denied any responsibility for the closure of Lik-Sang - accusing the online retailer of "sour grapes".

The statement begins by observing that Sony Computer Entertainment has successfully sued Pacific Game Technology, which uses Lik-Sang as one of its trading names, for infringing intellectual property rights.

"Lik-Sang did not contest this case (i.e. they did not turn up and therefore incurred no legal costs). We have been awarded substantial costs against Lik-Sang which have not been paid," the statement claims.

"We would therefore strongly deny that our actions have had anything to do with this website closing (we assume the legal entity is still trading), and would suggest that this release is sour grapes on behalf of Lik-Sang which is aimed to belittle Sony Computer Entertainment and the British judicial system that found against them."

Earlier today, Lik-Sang announced it was going out of business, citing a series of lawsuits filed by Sony as the reason for the closure. The retailer also alleged that several SCE executives purchased import PSP hardware and software on its website.

Sony responded, "The purchasing of PSP consoles by SCE employees would be for investigatory purposes. We would also like to express our surprise at a company releasing personal information about its consumers, as this is contrary to data protection principles around the world."

Ellie Gibson
October 24, 2006

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Lik-Sang.com Out of Business due to Multiple Sony Lawsuits

Hong Kong, October 24th of 2006 - Lik-Sang.com, the popular gaming retailer from Hong Kong, has today announced that it is forced to close down due to multiple legal actions brought against it by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sony claimed that Lik-Sang infringed its trade marks, copyright and registered design rights by selling Sony PSP consoles from Asia to European customers, and have recently obtained a judgment in the High Court of London (England) rendering Lik-Sang's sales of PSP consoles unlawful.

As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal.

A Sony spokesperson declined to comment directly on the lawsuit against Lik-Sang, but recently went on to tell Gamesindustry.biz that "ultimately, we're trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards, due to voltage supply differences et cetera; is not - in PS3's case - backwards compatible with either PS1 or PS2 software; will not play European Blu-Ray movies or DVDs; and will not be covered by warranty".

Lik Sang strongly disagrees with Sony's opinion that their customers need this kind of protection and pointed out that PSP consoles shipped from Lik-Sang contained genuine Sony 100V-240V AC Adapters that carry CE and other safety marks and are compatible world wide. All PSP consoles were in conformity with all EU and UK consumer safety regulations.

Furthermore, Sony have failed to disclose to the London High Court that not only the world wide gaming community in more than 100 countries relied on Lik-Sang for their gaming needs, but also Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang Mugs or Lik-Sang Badge Holders, starting just two days after Japan's official release, as early as 14th of December 2004 (more than nine months earlier than the legal action). The list of PSP related Sony Europe orders reads like the who's who of the videogames industry, and includes Ray Maguire (Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Alan Duncan (UK Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Chris Sorrell (Creative Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd), Rob Parkin (Development Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited), just to name a few.

"Today is Sony Europe victory about PSP, tomorrow is Sony Europe’s ongoing pressure about PlayStation 3. With this precedent set, next week could already be the stage for complaints from Sony America about the same thing, or from other console manufacturers about other consoles to other regions, or even from any publisher about any specific software title to any country they don’t see fit. It’s the beginning of the end... of the World as we know it", stated Pascal Clarysse, formerly known as the Marketing Manager of Lik-Sang.com.

"Blame it on Sony. That's the latest dark spot in their shameful track record as gaming industry leader. The Empire finally 'won', few dominating retailers from the UK probably will rejoice the news, but everybody else in the gaming world lost something today."

Source: Lik-Sang

WWE's latest THQ suit detailed

Last week, publisher THQ announced that it was being sued again by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). This is the second time the WWE has sued the publisher, with the first case still working its way through the courts.

THQ said the latest dispute was over alleged improper sales of WWE games in Japan and other Asian countries, quickly adding its contention that the suit is without merit and the publisher will fight it. However, other details were sparse. GameSpot obtained a copy of the suit today to find out exactly what the wrestling federation's beef with its game-publishing tag-team partner entails.

WWE is claiming that THQ sublicensed out the rights to games based on the wrestling organization for at least the last five years when it didn't have the rights to do so. For one thing, WWE says that THQ never had any kind of a license agreement with the wrestling company in the first place; its deals were made with THQ-Jakks Pacific, a separate joint venture half owned by the publisher and half owned by WWE's toy license-holder Jakks Pacific.

Furthermore, WWE says that the licensing agreement it does have with THQ-Jakks Pacific specifically forbids sublicensing to any company that is not wholly owned by the joint venture without prior written consent from WWE. WWE said that it never received a request for nor granted any such written consent.

As for whom THQ was licensing the rights to, WWE claims it was SmackDown! franchise developer Yuke's (of which THQ is only a part owner), which handles the distribution of WWE games in Japan and other Asian countries. The wrestling organization also claims that THQ was collecting royalties from Yuke's that should have gone straight to the WWE instead.

As for why the WWE hasn't brought the issue to court before now, the company claims that THQ concealed the sublicensing agreements from it. It says that when THQ submitted package approval request forms in 2004 for a game to be sold in Japan, the publisher listed Yuke's as "THQ's regional distributor," and not a sublicensee.

THQ-Jakks Pacific has held the WWE game license since June of 1998, according to the suit, and the agreement currently extends throughout 2009. THQ-Jakks also holds the option to extend that by another five years "provided that certain conditions are met." Those conditions are not specified in the lawsuit.

The WWE is asking for a declaration that it is entitled to terminate its licensing agreement with THQ-Jakks Pacific, for THQ to give up whatever money it made from the sublicensing agreement, and for monetary damages with interest.

When WWE first brought the charges to THQ's attention earlier this year, the publisher denied them. "The WWE had been aware and had consented to the manner of distribution in Japan and the payment of royalties with respect to such sales and, in addition, had separately released the joint venture from any claims with respect to such matter as a result of a settlement of a royalty audit of the THQ/JAKKS joint venture," THQ said, later adding, "We believe we have several bases for defending any claim of breach of the video game license agreement resulting from the manner of distribution of WWE-licensed products in Japan and other Asian territories."

Brendan Sinclair
October 23, 2006

Source: Gamespot

JAPAN: The Psychology of a Hardware Launch

PlayStation 3’s Japanese launch looms ever closer, and yet, Sony has once again eschewed advertising. Next-Gen looks into the thinking behind launching, and the mind of the man waiting in line. Also, Square Enix’s weird hiring strategy.

I was browsing the Xbox 360 fan community for the Xbox 360 console this morning, in which a Japanese gamer living in America posted a picture of himself flashing the middle finger at a PlayStation 3 poster display in a Best Buy store. I saw this photo, and figured: this is as good a place as any to find violently interesting Japanese opinion on the PlayStation 3 launch.

After the first three dozen comments of "GJ" (Japanese Internet shorthand for "Good Job") were out of the way, the community surprised me by asking a thoroughly interesting question: "You know, come to think of it, I haven't seen a single PlayStation 3 advertisement yet in Japan."

The next poster commented on the PlayStation 3's small launch quantities, and concluded that, "Even more than when they launched the PSP, the PlayStation 3's launch is basically just a beta test."

This is a good point. If you'll recall your videogame news of 2004, you may remember a few photos of hundreds of people lined up to buy PSPs at large electronic stores in Tokyo. They had lined up because they were convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that they wanted a PSP more than anything else in the world. The absence of an advertising campaign was a shrewd move on Sony's part. It's not an exaggeration in any regard to say that 99% of those lined up all night to purchase the PSP had already obtained preorders -- in fact, you couldn't GET a PSP back then without a preorder. Why were they lined up? Without delving into the prevotee (that is, "preemptive devotee") mentality too deeply (there's probably a Wikipedia entry on that), we can understand that it's because they just wanted their new game console as quickly as possible.

Read the full text here...

Tim Rogers
October 20, 2006

Source: Next-Gen

Lik-Sang hits back at Sony following court judgement

Lik-Sang has hit back at Sony after a judge ruled that the online retailer had breached copyright laws by importing Japanese PSP units into Europe.

Marketing manager Pascal Clarysse commented, "Fighting multiple lawsuits in different countries at the same time and paying high premiums to expensive lawyers is an overwhelming situation for a small company like Lik-Sang.

"Launching separate court actions with separate claims and different judges is completely unnecessary, except for the fact that it helps reaching one single target: outspend Lik-Sang to death."

Clarysse went on to refute Sony's assertions that the sale of import PSPs is having an impact on its business, stating, "Contrary to their claim, I don't believe they are suffering 'losses and damages' through Lik-Sang's activity".

Earlier this week, Judge Michael Fysh ruled against Hong Kong-based Lik-Sang in a case brought by Sony to the High Court.

In his ruling Judge Fysh said, "The acts of which the complaint is made have, in my view, been perpetrated not in Hong Kong but here in the EEA, and without Sony's consent."

But according to an official statement issued by Lik-Sang, "Hong Kong's laws are clear when it comes to parallel trade, and the company has no ties whatsoever with the UK."

The statement also claims that Sony intends to obtain a UK injunction against Lik-Sang to prevent the company selling products to consumers in the EEA, and that the platform holder has "threatened to initiate yet another lawsuit to prevent the sales of PlayStation 3 consoles to Europe".

"How this decision will affect Lik-Sang's business is not entirely known at this time," the statement concludes.

"The retailer is currently exploring its legal options and analysing the consequences of this ruling."

Ellie Gibson
October 20, 2006

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sony ships Pretty-in-Pink PSP packs to Europe in November

It seems that SCEE wants Europeans to see only pink in November. Pink PSPs, that is. The new Pink PSP may have made quite a few PSP fanboys blush. But Europeans don't seem to mind the console's coming out (so to speak) with a color associated with poodles. After all, you know how more relaxed Europeans are about gender-bending than, say, the good people of Peoria. Can you imagine David Bowie in Peoria?

To make the Pink edition of the PSP even more eye-catching, Sony is offering three special pink pack-ins. Color-blind PSP fans can choose Loco Roco, Daxter or P!ink to go with their handheld. The Pink PSP will be available in Europe before the end of November. If you want to see more pics of the the feminine side of your macho in black PSP, you can view them here.



Source: PSPUpdates

UMD's starting to require firmware 2.81

As you may already know know (just by reading the title), UMD's are now starting to require firmware 2.81, and many titles in the future will likely be the same. Over at PSPupdates , they have said that Cabela's African Safari is one of the first to require this firmware. It has been reported that the game will not run on anything lower than 2.81, and it's not DevHook friendly either. Another game, Star Trek: Tactical Assault, also requires 2.81, and won't work with DevHook. A lot of you may be wondering why DevHook would help run the UMD anyways. Apparently DevHook v0.46 has had no problem running many 2.80+ UMDs, but there's been a recent change to the PRX modules, which now seem to be more 2.81-specific. Hopefully DevHook will be updated soon, so all the 1.50 users can play future releases.

Source: PSP-Vault

XBox Family Guy Game Doesn't Run On XBox 360???

I'm not kidding... I bought the XBox Family Guy game today since there is no XBox 360 version. It won't run on my 360!!! BRAND NEW GAME for the XBox console, which isn't even made anymore, and it won't run on the only XBox console in production. Amazing. Thanks, Microsoft. Really. If you ever get your head out of your behinds and start making the all prior XBox games compatible with the 360 (can anyone say Psychonauts?), just like Sony did for PSOne games with the PS2 (and will with the PS3), then I'll feel much better about your product. I love my 360 - but c'mon - hot, highly anticipated game, and you don't have it working on Day One? And now I can't return the $30 game to the store! BOOO!

-Auri

PS3 Stores Up PSP with PS1 Games

Ever since Sony Computer Entertainment President Kaz Hirai showed the world the original Ridge Racer (make that "Riiiiidge Racer!!!!") from the PS1 running on PSP, handheld gamers have been eagerly awaiting final details of the classic game emulation feature due on PSP. At SCE's Gamers Day, the company finally revealed one big missing piece of the puzzle, which was how those PS1 games would get on PSP's Memory Stick.

The answer to that is surprisingly easy: The PSP can get its games from PlayStation Store debuting on PS3 this November. Instead of building a separate network specifically for PSP or trying to connect PSP up to Sony Corporation's Connect service (both of which were previously assumed prior to SCE's announcement that the PlayStation Store would be ready for the PS3 launch), Sony Computer Entertainment has simplified the process by working inside the PlayStation family. Log onto the PlayStation Store, find your games, buy them, download them, and enjoy them. The PS1 games you buy on the system will be playable both on your PSP and eventually on your PS3 console -- the same compacted file runs on both machines with the right emulation.

For now, this feature seems restricted to PS3, as there is no version of PlayStation Store on PSP. It is possible and highly likely that the PlayStation Store will also be integrated into the PSP in a future PSP firmware update (technically, the store looks to simply be a heavily modified and closed-network website.) That being said, it is unknown exactly when or if that future update is planned -- we assume that if it was ready on PSP, SCE would have done double-announcement duty by telling the press that the PlayStation Store was launching on both PS3 and PSP this November, but the company made no mention of PSP utilizing the feature at the event or prior PlayStation showcases. For now, the console looks to be the means of digital distribution until the PSP gets its hook-up into that same network.

A number of PlayStation 1 games, such as Jet Moto, Twisted Metal, and Syphon Filter were listed on the PlayStation Store already, although the demo store was set up purely for demonstration only and there's no promise that these specific titles will be available for PSP when PS3 launches, if ever. (Frankly, we have no clue how Jet Moto will be brought to PSP ... that game took all 10 fingers and some toes to control, so we don't know how it will cope without some of the needed buttons.) Pricing on the PlayStation Store is expected to not tip over $15 for downloads, so pricing for these game downloads may be in that range (SCE was not clear if it was only referring to PS3 downloadable games in determining that price.)

Update -- 10/20/2006: Speaking to SCE Marketing Vice President Peter Dille, GameDaily BIZ was able to confirm that a "PSP downloads site" was up and running to distribute PSP games without the use of PS3, although this stops short of confirming that the full PlayStation Store will be on PSP as soon as the next PSP update releases.

We plan on taking our PSP shopping as soon as PS3 launches and the PlayStation Store goes up, so we'll give you impressions of PS1 gaming on PSP as soon as the games are available.

Nix
October 20, 2006

Source: IGN

PSP Update Due

At SCE's Gamers Day, Sony showed off a number of cool functions of the PlayStation 3 system. Many of those functions used an advanced version of the XMB Menu, the same menu PSP uses for its functions. Some of the cool features include a Friends List feature for online play and a fully-featured PlayStation Store. All good things, and all things that the PlayStation Portable could benefit from greatly. Unfortunately, further details are not available on whether PSP will make use of these fabulous new PlayStation features, but we were told at the event to expect an update for the PlayStation firmware in the near future, possibly around the time of the launch of PS3. Exactly what features would be added in that next version, again, have not been unveiled, but we would guess that integration of the awesome new Remote Play feature is bound to be a big addition.

The PlayStation Store and the PlayStation Friends List seem like features that could be added to PSP, and in fact SCE hinted several times that this was its plan (we're also eager to know if PSP games will utilize all of the PlayStation network features beyond just Friends Lists, as online games on this handheld have been undeservedly few and far between.) Having portable access to your PlayStation 3's online world would be good for both systems, so it seems to be just a matter of time now ... we hope. Look for details on the future PSP update as soon as we can extract details from SCE on its plans.

Nix
October 20, 2006

Source: IGN

PSP and PS3 Play Together

Sony Computer Entertainment Gamers Day was not one for those who considered themselves mostly portable games -- the event was used to exclusively show off PlayStation 3 features and games -- but there was one intriguing development for PSP at the event. In a demonstration at the beginning of the event, SCE showed off a PS3 feature called Remote Play, an instant-access ability for the PS3 to be able to send its media out to a PlayStation Portable.

How it works on the PSP side has not been made fully clear (the PSP demonstrated likely was utilizing an update of the PSP software not yet released to the public, although it's possible that the LocationFree feature added in PSP v2.5 was running the functionality), but on the PS3's side, all you had to do was select the menu option under Network and your PSP was free to connect to it. In demonstration, SCEA President Kaz Hirai demonstrated by playing half of a high-def, 1080p trailer for Casino Royale on his PS3 and the gigantic projection screen, then pausing the trailer, switching on his PSP, and playing the rest of the trailer right there on the handheld (complete with playback controls.)

The effect was very cool, but also, the promise this offers PSP is staggering. You are now no longer limited to the size of your Memory Stick for content; instead, whatever you keep on your PS3 can be played on your PSP. That goes for photos, for music, and for videos -- the PSP has full access to the PS3's XMB menu. Clips do not need to be recompressed, so you can use your PS3 as a repository for all your video content, and you can then watch that anywhere in the house. There was not a demonstration of Blu-Ray or DVD video, so we're not sure how robust the feature is on that end, but the trailer that was shown streaming from the PS3 was originally stored at full 1080p. (Quality may still be an issue, as we were not able to get a good view of the video being played to see if it has the same video streaming look as LocationFree Player or if the PS3/PSP connectivity makes for any better an image.) At first, this feature will only be available to connect to through an ad-hoc connection (meaning you can stream video down the hall of the house, about anywhere that your wireless connection can reach), but later updates of the software should allow IP streaming of Remote Play so you can use PSP to get your PS3 content anywhere in the world. Conversely, by the way, PSP can wirelessly connect to PS3 in much the same way and stream its media to the console without hooking in a wire.

Remote Play was not available for demo outside of SCE's event (developer units do not seem to have the ability built in), so we're not sure when we'll be able to see the feature at play next. Look for an update as soon as we're able to test out Remote Play fully.

Nix
October 20, 2006

Source: IGN

PS2 stick on the PSP Part Deux: The Ghetto Joystik

Still remember Ben Heckendorn's "solder a PS2 analog to the PSP" project? Unwieldy as it was, dangerous as it could be (because you had to open up your PSP to wire the PS2 stick to the handheld), it was nevertheless a most welcome proof-of-concept that demonstrated that a PS2 stick CAN communicate with a PSP.

You know what happens to proof-of-concepts, right? They're the stuff of dreams! In this case, the dreams of Joe Stranger, who's been inspired by Ben Heckendorn's mod, took the idea one or two steps further, and modded a detachable PS2 stick that sits securely against the PSP! He's emailed us about it, sent us the YouTube vid, and from what we've seen, it works!

What Joe did was to add a USB junction to Ben Heck's schematics. The PS2 stick (and its USB plug) sits in a frame mounting that would also plug into a USB port that had been hacked into the left side of the PSP case. Okay, so the mod is still dangerous, since you have to open up your PSP to add and wire in the USB port. It's now immensely playable, however, and you can now think of the PS2 stick as a detachable "accessory!"

Joe even foresees that the setup could be used to create different add-ons for the PSP. One suggestion he had - since he's a fan of racing games - is a steering wheel. Let your imaginations run wild! He thanks Ben for thinking up the idea in the first place.We say Joe and Ben Heckendorn deserve their props for this one-two kick-a** control mod. Thanks for telling us about it, Joe!

Check out the video here!

Source: PSPUpdates

Killzone + PSP: France's little bundle of joy

Some gamers keep more than one PSP, some use one PSP for playing games and the other for tinkering (brick!). But it is amazing to find out that some keep on buying units for nostalgic and sentimental reasons. Take for example this specific PSP bundle that will soon hit France and probably the rest of Europe:

This new Killzone: Liberation PSP bundle, which would be available on November 8, costs € 219 or roughly around US$ 275. It features an eye-candy box art and...nothing more. Regardless though, we expect that this would be out of stock as soon as it hit store shelves.

Also, we heard that another bundle involving GTA: Vice City Stories is expected on November 15 for € 229 Euros (US$ 288).



Source: PSPUpdates

Sony warns against grey importing

Sony has warned that it will take legal action against anyone engaging in grey importing of its products after scoring a High Court victory over online retailer Lik-Sang.

In his ruling yesterday, Judge Michael Fysh found that Lik-Sang - which offered Japanese PSPs to European consumers via its website - was in breach of intellectual property rights.

Lik-Sang had claimed that it was operating within the law as the company is based in Hong Kong, and has no trading presence in the UK or European Economic Area.

But, as reported by the Financial Times, Judge Fysh ruled that, "The acts of which the complaint is made have, in my view, been perpetrated not in Hong Kong but here in the EEA, and without Sony's consent."

Sony declined to comment directly on the case. However, a spokesperson did tell GI.biz: "The law is clear; grey importing PS2, PSP or PS3 into the EU, without the express permission of SCE is illegal. Therefore, we will utilise the full scope of the law to put a stop to any retailers who chose to do this."

He continued, "Ultimately, we're trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards, due to voltage supply differences et cetera; is not - in PS3's case - backwards compatible with either PS1 or PS2 software; will not play European Blu-Ray movies or DVDs; and will not be covered by warranty."

It's no surprise that Sony is offering a strong warning against importing PS3s - there's likely to be a high demand for the consoles in Europe, following the announcement that they won't be officially arriving here until four months after they go on sale in the US and Japan.

The company will doubtless be looking to avoid a repeat of the events of last year, where several retailers, including ElectricBirdLand, ended up in court for selling import PSPs.

Ellie Gibson
October 19, 2006

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sony Lowers Forecasts

Sony has revised its financial forecasts the 2006 fiscal year, and as one might expect given the headlines of late, the news isn't all that good. While the company still expects revenues of 8.23 trillion yen (about $69 billion), it has lowered its group operating profit forecast by 62% to 50 billion yen ($424 million) and net profit projection by 38% to 80 billion yen ($678 million).

Under The Hood: PSP Load Times

When you play a video game, you'll always have to wait for the game to load. From the moment you turn on your PlayStation or Xbox, you'll wait. Sometimes you might wait a few seconds, other times you might change the channel and watch a little golf. You'll even fruitlessly mash buttons in attempt to make the loading screens go by faster. When the game finally finishes loading, you might get to play some of it, and then you'll see another loading screen. It makes you wonder, when developers claim that a game has 40 hours worth of gameplay in it - do they factor in the time you spend staring out into space?

Recently, the PSP caught some heat for its inordinately long load times. Some users even posted videos on the Internet describing their experiences. One game in particular drew lots of ire: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006. The game takes multiple minutes to start a match, regardless of whether you want to use a custom play mode or simply want a quick match. Long load times aren't anything new; but when you combine them with portable devices, they're sure to press a few buttons (pun intended).

We're certain that most of the issues arise from the UMD media and the optical drive. The PSP has to spin up the drive, seek across the disc, and load the data. All of these actions require large amounts of time in comparison to Nintendo's cartridge based system.

In the interests of gaming science, we decided to find out how long it takes the PSP to move you from a dull gl