Hacking the PSP Blog

No PSP 2, but a "PSP FIX?"

We reported earlier about a rumor that Sony is hinting a PSP2 with Sony allegedly emailing survey forms that seek feedback about how the PSP could be better. That's not the only "hint" that the Sony people are giving; apparently, there was a PSP focus group in New York wherein the guys over at Sony distributed preliminary questions that focuses on the PSP's functions and how the gamers used 'em.

If you're already rejoicing that indeed a PSP2 is on the way, well hold your horses. A PSP2 is still far from the horizon, instead a "PSP Fix" may be the reason for all those hints. Also, it seems that this PSP Fix will include an " "iTunes-like" downloadable content, e GPS functions, maps, and PDA life software apps."

As for the downloadable content factor, those who participated in the focus groups were asked to rank 7-1 "content like You Tube/User Videos, Music Videos, Full Length Movies, 30 Minutes TV shows, 60 Minutes TV Shows, HBO Programs and such, like The Sopranos." Will these be any indication of the features included in the fix? Your guess is as good as ours.

There was also a lot of talk about software emulation (for PS1 and homebrew) but the Sony rep was allegedly uninterested, or maybe he just didn't know what to say. What do you think about this rumored "PSP Fix"? Is it good or bad news? Tell us through your comments.

Source: PSPUpdates

10th Anniversary edition of Tomb Raider on the way...really!

Eidos Interactive have today confirmed that they will be bringing a 10th Anniversary edition of the legendary Tomb Raider series to the PSP, PC and PS2. Tomb Raider fans should be pleased to hear that despite the confusion, the special Anniversary edition is currently being developed by Crystal Dynamics, the same people that brought us Tomb Raider: Legend.

Earlier this week we reported that Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary edition was cancelled by developers Core Design. After the game was dropped, Eidos Interactive gave the job of producing a remake of Tomb Raider 1 and 2 to the ever-dependable Crystal Dynamics, with the reassurance being the quality of the latest Lara Croft offering, Tomb Raider: Legend.

“Our ‘10th Anniversary Edition’ of Tomb Raider, is a one-off title to celebrate both Lara and Tomb Raider, it will appeal not only to the loyal fans of the Tomb Raider series but will also attract a totally new audience.” Said Larry Sparks, Head of Brands Management at Eidos Interactive. Hopefully this game will be as big of a hit as Tomb Raider: Legend was for the PS2 and Xbox, which topped the gaming charts for a number of weeks after it's launch April.

Expectations are high for Tomb Raider, and hopefully the PSP version of Tomb Raider: Legend will turn out to be a cracker when it hits the PSP's screen on June 21st. This considered, with the time Crystal Dynamics have had to fine-tune the system used in Tomb Raider: Legend, the 10th Anniversary edition should even better. For 10 years running its seems that gaming fans cant get away from Lara Croft, who has now become one of the legendary characters of gaming by her own right.

Source: PSPUpdates

Off Topic: Xbox 360 well below PSP, DS sales

Xbox 360 sales continue to be well below hot handhelds like Nintendo DS and PSP in Japan.

The Xbox successor sold only 1,100 units from June 5 to June 11 in sales data published by Media Create Co. on Friday.

The Xbox 360 has seen weekly sales of around 1,000 units per week on low consumer interest and lack of attractive software.

By comparison, the Nintendo DS sold 132,027 units and PSP sold 21,656 units in the same period.

In the six months since the 360 dropped to Japan retail, it has failed to make a dent in the video game market among consumers.

The Xbox 360 continues to see brisk sales in the U.S. and Europe where action, first-person, and sports titles are more popular.

The last high-profile release for Xbox 360 in Japan, Ninety-Nine Nights, debuted at #11 and quickly fell the top 50 software sales.

Source: Punch Jump