Hacking the PSP Blog

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Trailer

In this trailer we see a bit of the story involved as well as some gameplay clips. The video is a little over 4 minutes long and definitely shows us what to expect with this upcoming title. In Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, players take control over the original Snake throughout the game as well as recruit their own mercenaries teammates. Set after MGS3: Snake Eater, this game offers a fully loaded single player campaign as well as various online modes. Players can take their squads online and battle in new levels featuring a unique 'White Flag' mode that will allow players to surrender or fight to the death.

Download the video here.



Source: PSPUpdates and IGN

Tekken PSP packs a new 8-way PSP D-pad in Japan

Miyamootoo from GameBrink sends us word of a new PSP D-pad cover that will come with the Japanese release of Tekken. No word on a US release of the accessory, but we wouldn't mind having 8 directions just as long as (a) the cover is not flimsy and (b) it come in black -- call us vain, but the grey overlay is kind of ugly.



Read the full article here.

Source: Joystiq

It's Apparently Real, Folks: "Undiluted Platinum" PSP Modchip Specs and Pic (will it ever see the light of day, or just the cold flourescent lights of a courtrooms and the reflections from Sony's attorney's spectacles?)

PSP owners, rejoice. Max Console has more details on the world's first PlayStation Portable modchip, the Undiluted Platinum. The chip (dubbed "U.P.") is a replacement flash that allows folks to run homebrew code on the latest PSP systems. Here's the technospeak from Max Console:

The U.P. contains 32MB NAND flash which is programmable from the PC via a high speed USB connection, using our user friendly software. You may boot the PSP from either its onboard flash or the flash contained on the U.P; the flash which is used is determined by a button press as the PSP is powered on (U.P. flash is used by default, hold L1 to use the PSP onboard flash). Since U.P. provides a secondary flash which the PSP can boot from, it can even be used to restore a PSP which has been "bricked".

Play homebrews and get the latest firmware updates? Brillant! Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Max Console] Thanks, Brad!

Other details from PSPUpdates:

Features Announced:

    * Ultra reliable and feature rich Actel ProASIC Plus FPGA
    * Full Speed USB 1.1 ASIC onboard
    * Branded 32MB NAND flash onboard (same flash as used in PSP)
    * Stable and reliable flashing software freely available for download
    * Installation verification using flashing software
    * Ultra compact four layer PCB
    * High quality Japanese connectors
    * USB cable included
    * FPC cable included, reducing installation effort and improving shock resistance
    * Copper enamel wire included
    * Open platform development system for software developers
    * Installation has been optimized to fit entirely inside PSP
    * All PSP hardware versions/regions supported
    * User updatable flash
    * Low power consumption
    * Flash select via button press
    * Ultra compact PCB has been designed to avoid signal bounce

Bundled Stuff:

    * U.P. MAIN MODULE x1
    * U.P. USB BOARD x1
    * USB CABLE x1
    * INSTALLATION AIDS 1 SET
    * COPPER ENAMEL WIRE 1 SPOOL
    * FPC CABLE x1

Source: Kotaku

Sony Announces Adult Goods Brand - "Playstation Signature" Series

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has announced the start of a PlayStation-related goods brand for Japan. Called PlayStation Signature, this brand includes PSP related goods that target the more sophisticated and thick-pocketed gamer.

The following PlayStation Signature products were announced by SCEJ today:

• Remote Control/Headphones: Special versions of Sony's MDR-EX90SL headphones and the PSP remote. 13,000 yen, available in white and black.
• PSP Stand: Has holes for the speakers. 2,200 yen, available in white and black.
• PSP Pouch: A leather case. 8,000 yen, available in white and black.
• Wrist Watch: Features a 39mm, simple, round case. Available with leather strap band for 73,000 yen or metal band for 68,000 yen.
• Wallet: Full leather, with PlayStation symbol colors used for stitching. 11,500 yen, available Summer 2006, only in black.
• Crew Neck Knit Shirt: 15,000 yen, available only in white.
• Wine Glass: Imprinted with the triangle, circle, X and square controller logo. 2,100 yen.
• Wine Opener: Has a gold-colored imprint of the controller logo. 4,200 yen, available Summer 2006.
• Photo Frame: Front is a mirror, back is made of wood. The frame attaches as a magnet. 3,500 yen, release in Summer 2006.
• Leather Note Cover: Has pockets and pen holder and is made of leather. 20,000 yen.
• Set of Two Ball-Point Pens: Controller logo is on pen cap. 2,600 yen, includes one each of silver and black.
• EMILIO PUCCI X PLAYSTATION Signature PSP Case: A PSP case designed as a collaboration with Emilio Pucci. Each unit has a unique design. 33,600 yen.

Pics for all the products can be seen at Impress Watch.

Except where specified above, these products will be available starting 6/14 exclusively at the PlayStation Square showroom on the first floor of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan's Tokyo cooperate headquarters.

Source: IGN