Hacking the PSP Blog

GTA VCS Swap Trick on SE-B 2.71

PSP-Hacks posted an email they were sent by a reader that describes an alternate method (other than DevHook) of playing GTA Vice City Stories by swapping it with a compatible UMD during boot. The email and some videos proving this method are provided below.

Today I, as with many other PSP users in North America, went out and bought the new game in the Grand Theft Auto Series. Also like most of you, I did not want to have to update my 2.71 SE-B PSP. So recalling an article that I read around when GTA Liberty City Stories came out about the bait and switch technique for playing 2.00 games on a 1.5 psp without any loaders.

Today after I arrived home, I imediately went to my room and got my second PSP, which is the 2.71 SE-B that I was talking about earlier. So I thought maybe if I take like Socom and pop that in it’ll work. So I popped it in and started it up. As soon as it started to change from the colors in the boot screen into the plain white background with the PSP logo in the middle, I popped out SOcomFTB and replaced it with GTA VCS. I waited in great anticipation to see if it would work. After about 10 second my idea was confirmed. I had indeed gotten Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stores to work on a 2.71 se-b psp. Here are Four video’s depicting this action taking place. These were made over the course of Five hours durring Halloween Night and early in the morning of Nov.1 2006.

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4

Source: PSP-Hacks

Detecting a Fake Memory Stick

PSPUpdates posted a YouTube video that shows how to tell the difference between and authentic Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo and a cheap knockoff by cutting it open and taking a look at the inner workings. Of course there's not really much you can do once you've figured out that you have a fake Memory Stick. The video claims that there's nothing wrong with these fake Memory Sticks purchased online but I'm sure that many would disagree. Check out the video via the link below.

Watch the video...

Via PSPUpdates

Japan PSPs come in three new colors

And finally, you can make your dreams come true of splashing some variety on your PSP with these all new skins! If you're in Japan, that is.

We've got official word that Sony's handheld will soon be coming in three more colors to suit their clientele's varied tastes. That would be you guys. Anyway, the colors set to be released are pink, silver, and metallic blue. Now you won't have to stick to that classic black anymore. But regardless, what matters is that you've got your PSP to keep you company at any time of any given day. The colors are just a bonus.

Still, we're sure you'd want to know when they'd be out and for how much, so here goes. All three models are tagged at ¥ 20,790 (US$ 180). But while they are priced the same, they have different release dates. The metallic blue model (PSP-1000 MB) is set to come out this December 21st, while the silver PSP (PSP-1000 SV) is coming out on December 14th, and the Pink PSP (PSP-1000 PK) will be heading your way this November 22nd.

So, which are you gonna go for? Check out the images below and then decide. Have fun!






Source: PSPUpdates

Sony announces camera and GPS release dates, prices

Looks like Sony Computer Entertainment has announced some details about the upcoming camera and GPS receiver accessories.

The camera is called the "Chotto Shot" and will retail for 5,000 yen (~$42 USD). It can record still images at resolutions of 480 x 272 or 640 x 480. Videos can be recorded at 480 x 272, 30fps for as long as 15 seconds. Recording options include a timer, frame, and "watchdog recording." Included editing software allows you to apply 72 different effects, background music, captions, and so on. Videos can be played on the PSP itself, and can also be exported to AVI for watching on your PC. The package will also include a storage case for the camera.

The GPS unit will retail for 6,000 yen (~$51 USD), but includes no software. It refreshes every second, and has a resolution of 5 meters.

The camera package will be available November 2nd, and the GPS receiver on December 7th in Japan.

Read here for the full text and specs...






Source: PSP-Vault