Hacking the PSP Blog

New PSP Firmware 3.51 Released

Of course a few days after a buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in the original Lumines UMD, prompting the Noobz team to port Homebrew Enabler and develop a downgrader, Sony has released firmware update 3.51. If you look below at the change log, it's no suprise that they've listed a security patch as one of the changes. With that said, be aware that this will spoil your chances of downgrading your PSP or running any homebrew applications, so consider yourself warned.

• Network
• You can now connect a PSP® system to a PS3™ system via the Internet using [Remote Play].
• [Communication Settings] has been added as an option to the [Remote Play] menu.
• [RSS Channel Guide] has been added as a feature under [RSS Channel].
• Other
• New for 3.51: A security patch was added to address security vulnerabilities in the system software.

Download PSP System Update v3.51

PS3 outselling Wii and 360 in Australia

Last week, Nintendo Australia was shouting from the rooftops about the success of the Wii in the country, with the console becoming the fastest to reach 100,000 units sold down under. Now Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCEA) has gone on the offensive, with managing director Michael Ephraim saying the PlayStation 3 has been the number one-selling next-gen console in the country since its launch, outselling the Wii and the Xbox 360 almost every week.

In an interview with GameSpot AU, Ephraim quoted figures from data trackers GfK Australia, which show that the PS3 has sold more than 50,000 units since it was launched on March 23, 2007. In comparison, the Wii has sold 100,000 units since its launch on December 7, 2006. "Based on GfK since launch, PS3 has been the number one next-gen console, outselling Wii and Xbox 360 every week, except for last week," Ephraim said.

"Since March 23, PS3 has been the number one-selling next-gen console in Australia, and this is GfK figures. We've now sold 50,000--and we're very excited about the fact that it's being sold in retailers that are gaming retailers as a gaming device and other things, but as you'll notice it's now being sold in Harvey Norman consumer electronic stores as a Blu-ray player."

Australia's next-gen console sales figures seem to be in marked contrast to Japan's, with figures from May showing that the Wii outsold the PS3 by five units to one.

Randolph Ramsay
June 29, 2007

Source: GameSpot AU

Don't judge consoles by launch software, says Harrison

Sony's Phil Harrison has warned that it's "dangerous" to make predictions about the success of a console based on the software released for it at launch.

Speaking to Game Informer magazine, Harrison took issue with the view that the PlayStation 3 lacks titles demonstrating its superior technology - referring to Motorstorm, Resistance: Fall of Man and Formula 1 to illustrate his point.

Even so, Harrison was quick to warn against judging the PS3 on the basis of those launch window titles alone.

"Now, it’s always dangerous to judge any system by its launch lineup… You only have to go back to the games that launched Playstation 1 and Playstation 2," he said.

"If you took those few dozen titles and analysed them, you would never have imagined that either of those formats would have on to sell over 100 million units each."

Harrison also addressed the issue of platform exclusives. Although he pointed out he is in charge of first-party output, not third-party exclusives, Harrison said that he is "always concerned to make sure that consumers can buy the best games and get the best game experiences to validate their system purchase".

Read the full article here...

Mark Androvich
June 29, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

3.50 Downgrade Video Tutorial

A YouTube user by the name of barroni1977 has posted a video tutorial for downgrading a PSP from firmware 3.50. Some of you probably find a visual guide more helpful than a text-filled readme so this should provide a little extra aid. Again, firmware hacks can potenially render your PSP permanently useless so proceed in downgrading at your own risk. With that said check out the video using the link below.

3.50 Downgrade Video Tutorial

Via DCEmu

SCEA offers to settle lawsuit for $8.5 million

Sony Computer Entertainment America has agreed to pay a USD 8.5 million settlement to employees who claim they are owed unpaid overtime.

As reported by law firm Shapiro Harper & Urmy, SCEA's Andrew Wilson filed the suit in February 2005.

He seeks to represent a group of "Image Production Employees" - including animators, artists, modellers, visual effects and lighting specialists - who worked at the company between February 2001 and September 2007.

The lawsuit alleges that Sony "has failed to comply with California labour laws requiring it to pay overtime", and calls for "statutory penalties, damages, punitive damages, restitution and injunctive relief".

A conditional settlement has now been reached, under the terms of which current and former employees will receive payments from a USD 8.5 million fund. Sony has also agreed to reclassify class members with the job titles of associate artist and artist 1 as non-exempt employees under California's Fair Labour Standards Act.

The settlement must be approved by a court, with a hearing scheduled for September. According to SH&U, the settlement "may be rescinded if a sufficient number of class members opt out".

Ellie Gibson
June 28, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Few console owners using multimedia capabilities, says study

According to the Diffusion Group, while 80 per cent of US households own game consoles capable of DVD playback, only 30 per cent were aware of that fact and only 13 per cent of gamers are using them for that purpose.

The Dallas-based research firm also found that, of the households who view movies on their game consoles, 74 per cent are watching physical DVDs and only 26 per cent are going online to purchase or rent a digital movie download.

"Today's next-generation games consoles such as the Xbox 360 or Sony PS3 are true digital multimedia powerhouses," said Dale Gilliam III, author of the Diffusion Group report.

"Yet very few of these devices are connected to the Internet and, even though these same platforms may feature a high-definition DVD playback system, very few consumers are using them for non-gaming media applications."

The report also found that approximately half of US households with broadband own at least one game console, with 15 per cent owning two or more game consoles. Those consoles are most likely to be located in the living room or family room (52 per cent) than in a second bedroom (24 per cent) or in a dedicated games room (21 percent).

The Diffusion Group's report, On The Use of Game Consoles for Movie Viewing, is based upon a survey of 2,000 US broadband heads-of-households.

Mark Androvich
June 28, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Off Topic: Nintendo Confirms Plans For WiiWare Downloadable Content

Officials from Nintendo have confirmed plans to release original downloadable content on the Wii, with an announcement today at a private Nintendo developer conference.

The company describes WiiWare as a “game-creation service” that will allow developers of all sizes to create downloadable games content for sale by Nintendo through the Wii Shop Channel.

Currently over one hundred retro tiles are available for download via the Wii’s virtual console, with games paid for via redeemable Wii Points. Other content has so far been restricted to new interactive channels, all of which have been free (although the Internet Channel – featuring a re-purposed Opera Web browser - will incur a charge of 500 Wii Points ($5) from the beginning of July).

In a press statement Nintendo suggests that WiiWare will pave the way for “smaller, more creative games” at lower prices and without any inventory risk to developer. Despite the announcement today, though, the first WiiWare content will not be launched until early 2008.

"Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit," said Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime. "WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners."

David Jenkins
June 27, 2007

Source: Gamasutra

Daedalus R12 Released (N64 Emulator for PSP)

StrmnNrmn has released yet another version of his Nintendo 64 emulator for the PSP, Daedalus. Most of his focus went into compatibilty with Super Smash Bros but he says that the changes may very well have provided a boost for other games as well. Below is the change log posted on StrmnNrmn's blog and the download link is just beneath that. Enjoy!

• [!] Fixed issue preventing Goldeneye from being loaded.
  
• [!] Fixed dynarec for Goldeneye.
  
• [!] Fixed dynarec for Super Smash Bros.
  
• [!] Fix various texturing issues with 4bpp and small or non power-of-2 textures.
  
• [!] Fix TexRect instructions with negative s/t components.
  
• [!] Fixed the HUD in Mario 64 (broken in R11.)
  
• [!] Fixed lights in F3DEX2 microcodes.
  
• [+] Correctly implement instruction fetch exceptions, improving compatibility.
  
• [+] Improved floating point compatibility.
  
• [+] Correctly handle mask_s/mask_t tile values.
  
• [+] Implemented a few custom blend modes.
  
• [+] Screenshots just cover visible viewport.

Download Daedalus R12 for FW 1.00
Download Daedalus R12 for FW 1.50

Source: Retro Console Dev

SCEA: PSP Will Be Big Revenue Driver

GameDaily BIZ recently sat down with SCEA Senior Marketing Manager, John Koller, to talk about the PSP's recent boost in sales, the lessons they've learned in the handheld business and how it stands today. Here's some of the interview:

GameDaily BIZ: So how do you feel about the progress you've made since entering the portable gaming space?

John Koller: Very strong. It's been a fantastic experience for Sony and SCEA overall. We were to new to the handheld space on the gaming side, and we really carved out a new area. We created a product with the PSP that differentiated significantly from all the other portable products that are available, whether it's the DS on the gaming side or the iPod on the video/music side. Nothing really comes together with all the feature sets that the PSP has... I've been giving my "Knut Rockne speech" for the last six months or so, but this is really going to be a big year for the PSP. That kicked off a few months ago with the price drop campaign, but if we continue through the year with the number of titles that'll be coming out, some of the announcements at E3 and then beyond, some of the things that'll be happening in the fall... The PSP is a fantastic growth platform for SCEA and we look at it as a significant revenue driver for us as we continue through the year and beyond.

BIZ: If you look at the competition, Nintendo has owned this space for such a long time, and with the DS they're outselling the PSP worldwide about 40 million to 20 million units. Do you even think about trying to become number one or are you just happy to be able to carve out a niche for the PSP, considering that in all the previous years competitors (Game Gear, Lynx, etc.) met their demise facing the Game Boy?

JK: We certainly look at the competition and see how they're stacking up and what they're doing, but we have our own strategy in place. And we do look at the DS as a competitor on the gaming side but we also look at what Apple's doing with iPod and what Microsoft's doing with Zune and even what some of the mobile phone companies have been doing with their products, so we can make the PSP that much better. I think where the PSP has the opportunity to gain the most traction over the next few years is really in the teen and younger demographic, which Nintendo traditionally has carved out. We've been targeting the 13- to 17-year-old throughout this whole year and we've seen a significant amount of sales coming from that group. In fact, that's the number one owner group now of PSPs.

Read the full interview here...

Source: GameDaily BIZ

Burnout advert branded "irresponsible" by ASA

The Advertising Standards Authority has branded a poster for Electronic Arts title Burnout Dominator as "irresponsible" following complaints from members of the public.

An ASA spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz that 37 complaints were received about the advert, which depicted a crashed car surrounded by broken glass and featured the slogan: "Inner peace through outer violence."

"The complainants described the advert as offensive as it condoned and was likely to encourage violence, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour such as vandalism," the spokesperson said.

"The Advertising Standards Authority determined that the implication of the advertisment was likely to cause serious or widespread offence."

The ASA also found that the image of the car and reference to violence in the slogan "could be seen to condone a violent lifestyle, anti-social behaviour or dangerous driving" and that the poster was "therefore in breach of advertising codes".

Electronic Arts was given the opportunity to defend the poster, and said it was clear the advert was for a videogame and was not condoning violence. However, EA will abide by the ASA's instruction that the ad is not to appear again "in its current form".

The ASA has also recommended that in future EA seeks advice from the copy advice team of the commitee of advertising practice.

Ellie Gibson
June 27, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

HEN and Downgrader for Firmware 3.50 Now Available!

The Noobz team has done it again! Just days after releasing information and a proof of concept of a buffer overflow exploit in Lumines save game files, they've released a ported Homebrew Enabler and downgrader for firmware 3.50. Here's the official word from Fanjita that was posted on Noobz.eu:

This downgrader is for v3.50 firmware, and includes a port of the Homebrew ENabler (HEN) for firmware 3.50. It will automatically detect all known PSP motherboard types, and do the appropriate steps to ensure a safe downgrade.

Before we get started, let's have the obligatory warnings:

Any downgrader carries some risk of permanently damaging your PSP.  We've done everything we can to remove as much danger as possible, but if you choose to use this downgrader, you are accepting all of the risk involved. Nobody else will be held responsible for any damage to your PSP, howsoever caused.

Recent Sony official firmwares (3.30 onwards) have included checks that block upgrade from previously-downgraded PSPs with TA-082 or later motherboards.  If you use this downgrader on such a PSP, you will lock yourself out of official firmware updates - although you will still be able to use new OE firmwares when they are released. We intend to release a tool to allow a return to official firmwares in the future.

This software is provided free of charge, so that you can use legitimate homebrew on your PSP.  You are explicitly prohibited from selling it, or using it to pirate commercial games or applications.  If you want to play a commercial game, do the decent thing and support the developers by buying it.  If you don't, then YOU are contributing to the death of the PSP software industry.

To use this downgrader, you will need the following:

1. A PSP, upgraded to the official Sony v3.50 firmware.  You should also set your language settings to "English".
2. A legal Lumines UMD, either the EU (ULES00043) or US (ULUS10002) version. The original, Platinum, or Greatest Hits versions are all fine.  Support for the Japanese version will come soon.
3. Sufficient intelligence and english language skills to be able to carefully and throroughly read the instructions.
4. It would also help if you've previously run the Illuminati Hello World, so that you're familiar with how to run the Illuminati exploit.

For instructions on how to run the downgrader, see the Downgrader_HOWTO.txt file in the ZIP.

Future plans?  Firstly, we intend to provide a solution for people who are stuck on firmware 3.10 or 3.11, unable to upgrade to 3.50 due to the new Sony checks.  The exact format of that solution is still to be decided.  We also intend to develop an eLoader for v3.50 HEN, so that those who do not want to downgrade will still be able to run some homebrew.

As well as the work from the Noobz team, credit is due to the following people:

1. Everyone who has contributed to the ps2dev.org toolchain, without which none of the Noobz software would ever have been possible
2. Archaemic for his original input into the Illuminati exploit, and JoeK for work on the kernel exploit
3. Dark_AleX and Mathieulh, for their work on custom firmwares, HEN and the downgrader core
4. The various websites who continue to develop and support the homebrew community.  You know who you are, and we're not going to stir up site politics by mentioning any specific sites. Wink

If you don't yet have a copy of Lumines, you can buy it from Amazon using one of the links below. Doing so will help us out, by automatically donating a small percentage of the purchase price to us, at no cost to yourself.

WARNING: Firmware modifications can potentially damage your PSP beyond repair. Use this at your own risk.

Download Downgrader for 3.50 Firmware

Sony follows Apple's lead with in-store support

Sony on Tuesday unveiled Backstage, a new addition to the company's Sony Style retail shops that adds in-store support for the first time. Unofficially taking its cue from the Genius Bars at Apple stores, the service supports both technical help and consultations: owners of VAIO desktops or notebooks can take them in for diagnosis or part replacements, but can also help customers transition to a new PC both before and after money has changed hands. Customers can get help choosing the right system, Sony says, and also have the choice of transfering data from an old PC (up to 100GB), installing RAM upgrades, or performing general system maintenance.

Prices for the services are unknown, though out-of-warranty service will be an option for an extra fee. Backstage is available as of this week at Sony Style outlets in New York City's Manhattan store, as well as New Jersey-based stores in Edison, Garden City, and Paramus; stores in Boston, Providence (Rhode Island), and White Plains (New York) will also receive the treatment by next week. A total of 15 stores should have the option by the end of 2007.

June 26, 2007

Source: Electronista

Lumines at Wal-Mart for...$0.10?

Chances are this won't, or didn't, last very long but looks like some lucky Wal-Mart customer was able to snag a copy of the now exploitable game Lumines from a bargan bin walk out for a mere $0.12 after sales tax. Apparently the bin was labeled at $11.83 but the game scanned for just $0.10, so maybe some will have, or have had, the same luck. Check out the image of the receipt below.




Via DCEmu

Lumines Buffer Overflow Exploit Works On Firmware 1.00 - 3.50!!!

For those of you who have been waiting for a homebrew-enabling exploit for PSP firmware versions beyond 3.03, your wait is over. A buffer overflow vulerability in Lumines (similar to the one in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories) has been found through joint research by Archaemic and the Noobz crew that works with all currently available PSP firmwares. Yes, even on 3.50!!! All you need is a PSP and a legal UMD copy of the original Lumines PSP game. This application is only a proof of concept but Fanjita has promised on the Noobz website that they place to use this to develop a homebrew enabler and downgrader. Here how he explained getting it to work:

To make the exploit work:

• Check that you have an EU or US version of Lumines (ULES00043 or ULUS10002).  Currently we don't have a version for the Japanese version, but we're working on it, as soon as we get hold of a Japanese UMD.
• Extract the contents of the 'MS_ROOT' folder from the ZIP file into the top-level of your memory stick. (HINT: If you wind up with an 'MS_ROOT' folder on the stick, you've done it wrong).
• Start the game, and as soon as it gets to the 'Press START' screen, press START.  If you wait until the demo has started, the exploit may not work.
• The screen should go blank, and the exploit will start after a few moments.  It doesn't do anything except look pretty at this stage - but feel free to enjoy the first homebrew on your v3.10 - v3.50 PSP Wink

Download Illuminati Exploit "Hello World" Proof of Concept for FW 1.00-3.50




Source: Noobz.eu

Sony unbricker battery "Sony JigKick" pictures revealed!

It's seems pictures of the elusive, rumored special battery pack to be used with an "unbricking" application from Sony has surfaced on the web. The photos bear PSP-Gen water marks but I can't say for sure where they came from. Here's the rundown of the device posted by Xandu on DCEmu:

There was a PSP that Sony unbricked that was sent back to the owner with a memory stick inside.
The memory stick contained these items:

• Binary encrypted full NAND image.
• Required modules for system control for use by IPL of debug hardware.
• Logging module for debug log review (log is saved after full write).
• A file used for testing that the system plays well (usually a demo of a PSP game).

This memory stick supposedly unbricks any PSP.
But, you need a special battery in the PSP to load the files.

This battery is know as the "Sony JigKick".
It sends data through through the 3rd. battery pin that enables writing to the IPL from the memory stick.
Here are the battery specs:

• 1.1v-3.5v debug unit for connecting through the serial port in 3rd. battery pin.
•  Transmission of data is UNENCRYPTED but uses a XOR algorithm for transmission (easily parsed and analyzed).
• Contains any number of IPLs (different ones for each motherboard revision (TA-XXX))
• IPL is loaded into the Kernel Memory. ME area seems most likely (IPL of the PSP is the same but missing 2 essential modules that the debug unit has).
• Contains ipl_mg_modules.bin and ipl_mg_nanddriver.bin
• IPL is encrypted in 3 stages. Easily decrypted to show stages, but not for decrypt each individual stage.
• Contains a 40x120 column TFT screen for display.
• Has a SERIAL port for PC connectivity.
• Seems to have a 32MB ROM IMAGE on Flash.
• 8MB of RAM.
• Nickel-Cadmium Battery Cell (possibly 76 hour battery life).
• AC/DC adapter port 15V.
• Contains 4 buttons (on/off, reset, connect/disconnect, menu).
• Arrow keys UP and DOWN for menu.

Decide for yourself but these pictures look pretty convincing.





Via DCEmu

Barcode Scanning Application by Art

Homebrew developer Art (of X-Flash fame) has decided to share a video of a little project he's been working on called PSPrice that uses a barcode scanner to display barcode (looks like UPC) information on the PSP. He won't be releasing this application but it sure does look cool nonetheless. It even speaks the price too. Check it out on YouTube using the link below.

View Art's PSPrice

Via DCEmu

Best Buy: Buy a PSP, Get a Free Battery Pack

Right now Best Buy has an online only deal running where if you buy a PSP core unit, you get a 2200mAh battery pack for free. The only catch is that if the battery has to ship separately then you might pay a little extra for shipping. Check this deal out while it lasts via the link below.

Free Battery w/ PSP Purchase @ Best Buy

Via PSPUpdates

Sony reveals plans to win Christmas battle

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has hit back at criticism that its PlayStation 3 (PS3) console is suffering from sliding sales and revealed it is harbouring treats for gamers up its corporate sleeve to conqure the all-important Christmas market.

Nintendo’s Wii console is currently riding the crest of a wave in terms of market share, leaving both Sony and Microsoft in its wake. But Jonathan Fargher, SCEE representative, said it was wrong to pit the Wii and PS3 against each other.

“The one thing we have always done with the PlayStation is stick to our business strategy,” he said. “We keep an eye on the competition, but it is unfair to put the Nintendo Wii and PS3 in the same category. The Wii is a sub-£200 console and does one thing pretty well. Compare that with a £400 piece of hardware that plays next-generation games, allows users to access photo files and has built-in Blu-Ray technology.

“Many people have said PS3 is not doing well, but in nine weeks we have sold more than one million machines in Europe, which is faster than the sell-through rate of the PS2. The PS1 and PS2 sold 115 million machines worldwide, so we are confident of the PS3’s performance in time,” he added.

“However, the problem has been a boom and bust scenario with the software, particularly in the summer months when many firms tend not to release big-name games.”

Fargher said Sony is looking to counterbalance the lack of games from third-party developers by making other titles available on its online PlayStation Store.

“It will be towards the end of the year when the big titles start to show what the PS3 can really do and hopefully make people feel more comfortable about the decision they made to invest in our hardware.”

Read the full article here...

Sara Yirrell
June 22, 2007

Description Source: CRN

Sony Confirms Full PSP CPU Speed

A Sony Computer Entertainment representative has confirmed to Shacknews that developers can now take full advantage of the PSP's CPU following the late May release of the system's version 3.50 firmware. Rumors of the unlocking were initially reported by fansite PSP Updates via an unnamed source.

Previously, developers were only able to run the CPU at 266MHz rather than its full potential clock speed of 333MHz, though most games ran at only 222MHz. High Impact Games' Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, released in February, is said to run at 266MHz. Hackers long ago discovered methods to run the PSP's CPU at full speed, the benefits of which include a smoother framerate for certain games, at the cost of reduced battery life. There is no word yet if this update enables previous PSP releases to run at 333MHz, something hacked PSP firmware has enabled in the past.

It is widely believed that the PSP CPU was underclocked to increase the portable's battery life. Some speculate that the availability of the portable's full CPU speed affirms recent rumors of an upcoming redesign, which supposedly includes a brighter screen, a slimmer profile, and increased battery life. Such a system would be better equipped to deal with the greater power demands of the unthrottled CPU.

Update: The availability of the PSP's full CPU speed only affects in-development titles, a SCE representative has told Shacknews. Previously released PSP games continue to operate at the speed they were originally programmed for, and do not see any sort of change in performance or battery life.

Chris Faylor
June 22, 2007

Source: ShackNews

Take-Two delays plans to distribute "Manhunt 2"

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. said on Thursday it has suspended plans to sell "Manhunt 2" after the title was slapped with restrictive ratings for its extreme violence.

The game, developed by the same Take-Two studio behind the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" and "Bully" titles, had originally been scheduled for a July 10 release.

Take-Two said it "temporarily suspended" distribution plans for the game while it reviewed its options following the banning of the game in Britain and a U.S. ratings body decision to give it an "Adults Only" rating.

The rating would prevent its release on game machines made by Sony Corp. and Nintendo Co. Ltd.

"We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment," Take-Two said in a statement.

Read the full article here...

Source: Reuters

PSP-Devolution Installation Video

A couple weeks after the PSP-Devolution "USB-JTAG Programmer," jrfhoutx over at AcidMods has begun putting together a video review of the new modification for the PSP. Basically what this programmer allows you to do is flash any firmware on to any PSP, even if it has been bricked. The first part of the review covers installation of the PSP-Devolution. Be aware that this is a review and should not be used as an install guide for your own chip. If you'd like to get an idea of what's involved with installing the PSP-Devolution then check out the video below.

CAUTION: Hardware modifications will void your warranty and can possibly damage your PSP. Do so at your own risk.

PSP-Devolution Installation Review

Source: AcidMods via PSPUpdates

UK PSP/PS2/PS3 Owners: Protect your console with Continuous Play from Sony

Good news for UK PSP, PS2 and PS3 owners, Sony is now offering Continuous Play, an extended warranty plan for the consoles. The warranty covers accidental damage, continues beyond the original manufacturer's warranty and does not expire if you make a claim. You can protect your PSP or PS2 for £2.49/month or your PS3 for £4.99/month. Check out the official website via the link below for more information about this service.

Official Continuous Play Website

Analysts dissect Manhunt 2 rating

Industry watchers predict whether Take-Two and Rockstar will tone down the violence in their action sequel or release it with an Adults Only label.

This week, the unreleased action game Manhunt 2 took a beating worthy of its brutal subject matter. It's only Wednesday, and already the game has been banned in the UK and Ireland, drawn the ire of a parent watchdog group, and slapped with an AO for Adults Only rating in the US.

With the game's July 10 release date rapidly approaching, Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games will have to decide quickly if they want to tone down the game and have it rerated, appeal the Entertainment Software Rating Board to change the rating, or just accept the original judgment and release the game with the AO label intact.

GameSpot went to a handful of analysts asking for their expectations on how Take-Two will handle the situation, and found them split on how they expected the publisher to handle it.

Nollenberger Capital Partners' Todd Greenwald said he expects the publisher to do what it takes to get the game on the market with an M for Mature rating.

"Take-Two will have to make some edits--though Rockstar won't like it--to knock the rating down to Mature," Greenwald said. "AO games don't sell. They did it with GTA San Andreas after the Hot Coffee incident. I'd expect them to do it again here. The UK ban I think they could live with or work around, but I don't think they can launch the game with an AO rating."

Lazard Capital Markets' Colin Sebastian was a bit less certain about what the publisher will choose to do, but ultimately thinks Take-Two will resort to toning down the game.

Read the full article here...

Brendan Sinclair
June 20, 2007

Source: GameSpot

Rumor: PSP Firmware 3.50 Will Run New Games at 333mhz

Currently, official Sony firmware runs the PSP's CPU at 266mhz, most likely to preserve precious battery life. However, QJ.NET says that their "insider" at Sony has informed them that the 3.50 firmware update allows commerial games to use the PSP's full 333mhz. While they did not say whether it would affect all games, old and new, or be restricted games to games requiring 3.50 or later, PSP Fanboy's Andrew Yoon did suggest that this will only apply to the latter.  Homebrew developers have been creating software that bypasses this restriction for some time now, but if this is true then let's hope that Sony has a heftier battery on the way to make up for the shorter life. Without an offical statement from Sony, this one will have to fall into the rumor category.

Via PSPUpdates & PSP Fanboy

New Stock of Downgradeable European PSPs @ SuccessHK

SuccessHK now has a new stock of European PSPs with downgradeable firmware versions. They're running $204.77 (€151.66) plus shipping but this price is pretty appealing for potential European buyers with the PSP retailing for €169.99.

Buy Downgradeable European PSP @ SuccessHK

Via DCEmu

More AV features to come for PS3, says Sony

Sony technical officers Izumi Kawanishi and Kanehide believe there's room for 30 to 40 per cent more improvement in the PS3 as an audio-visual piece of kit via future firmware updates.

The pair also remained confident that this wouldn't have an adverse effect on fan noise, even hinting at the possibility of a fan-less model somewhere down the line - similar to the PS2.

"So far, we are not worried too much since we have plenty of processing power left even at peak usage," AV development boss Kanehide told AV Watch.

Platform development boss Kawanishi agreed: "Nothing yet comes close to the load that Folding@Home applies. And I can see the possibility of a fan-less PS3 in the future, just like there was for the PS2."

The most recent firmware update for PS3 was version 1.8, which added support for PS1 and PS2 games to be upscaled to full 1080p. DVD playback at the same resolution was also featured, but only with an HDMI-compatible television.

It also introduced remote-play, allowing users to control the PS3 with the PSP.

Read the full article here...

Matt Martin
June 20, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sony, Nintendo forbid AO-rated Manhunt 2

When Take-Two Interactive yesterday confirmed that the Entertainment Software Rating Board handed down a rating of AO for Adults Only for Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo Wii, the publisher said it was exploring its options.

GameSpot has confirmed with Nintendo and Sony that one of those options, which would be to accept the ESRB's judgment and release the game with the AO rating, isn't an option at all. Both companies forbid licensed third-party publishers from releasing games rated AO for Adults Only on their various hardware platforms. Though Manhunt 2 isn't slated for any of Microsoft's systems, the company has also confirmed that it does not allow AO-rated titles on the Xbox or Xbox 360.

The sole exception to this rule was in 2005 when the already released Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was retroactively rated AO, at which point retailers pulled it from shelves and Take-Two suspended production of the game.

"It's currently our policy not to allow the playback of AO-rated content on our systems," a Sony spokesperson told GameSpot.

Read the full article here...

Brendan Sinclair
June 20, 2007

Source: GameSpot

First Working PS3ToolChain Released

Over at the PS2Dev forums ooPo has posted a release of the first working version of PS3ToolChain. This is something you'll want to check out for PS3 homebrew software development. Here's what ooPo had to say in his post.

How can you get it?

svn export svn://svn.ps2dev.org/ps3/trunk/ps3toolchain

What does it include?

PPU: binutils-2.17.50, gcc-4.2.0, newlib-1.15.0
SPU: binutils-2.17.50, gcc-4.3-20070608, newlib-1.15.0

Anything else I should know?

The PPU toolchain was compiled with a target of powerpc64-unknown-linux-gnu, except for newlib which used powerpc64-unknown-none. This means there's no startup code (crt0) so it is of limited use at the moment.

Support for the SPU has been included by IBM in the latest binutils, gcc and newlib sources. No extra patching is needed, however I haven't tested SPU code yet so who knows. :)

Both PPU and SPU should work with C++ code, again this is untested at present.

I've tested it by building the otheros demo program...

...which is very cool, btw.

I'm sure plenty of bugs and tweaks and general 'Why did you do it THAT way?!' will be said, but in the meantime...

Enjoy!

Via PS2Dev.org

Father of Sony PlayStation Steps Down

The chief architect of Sony's PlayStation game console stepped down Tuesday as the Japanese company struggles to defend its dominance in the video game industry and revive its reputation as an electronics pioneer.

Ken Kutaragi, 56, retired as Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s chairman and group chief executive, the gaming unit said Tuesday. The unit is now headed by Kazuo Hirai, SCE's former president and chief operating officer.

Kutaragi had already been relieved of day-to-day responsibilities as president last year but stayed on as chief executive and chairman. In April, he announced his intention to retire from those positions this month.

Though no longer a board member, Kutaragi will hold an advisory post at the gaming unit, according to SCE official Sayoka Henmi.

The departure of Kutaragi, an icon among gamers, marks the end of an era at Sony Corp. that saw the company dominate the video game industry with its flagship PlayStation consoles.

Read the full article here...

Hiroko Tabuchi
June 19, 2007

Source: Forbes

Off Topic: No political influence over Manhunt ban, states BBFC

Previous controversy "had nothing to do with decision"

The BBFC has stated that there was no political influence in the decision to ban Rockstar's Manhunt 2 from sale in the UK.

The original Manhunt caused a media frenzy following release when it was unfairly linked by the press to the murder of teenager Stefan Pakeerah.

The UK games industry was forced to defend itself at the time from various media outlets, with ELSPA's director general Roger Bennett coming face-to-face with Pakeerah's parents on national TV - while publisher Rockstar remained characteristically aloof.

However, the BBFC's Sue Clark has told GamesIndustry.biz that past incidents have not influenced the decision to deny the sequel to UK consumers.

"That had nothing to do with this decision, absolutely not," said Clark.

"We are independent of government and independent of the industry and we reached this decision based on our guidelines and our concerns and not on any other basis at all," she said.

Recent research by the BBFC showed that negative press surrounding controversial games actually encourages sales. A UK ban of Manhunt 2 would not be able to stop dedicated consumers importing copies on release.

"We've rejected this game so you can't buy it legally in the UK," added Clark.

"We have to make a decision. If we feel it's not appropriate for classification then we have to make that decision – we can't classify it and hope nobody notices it."

The BBFC has recently supported the release of a number of violent videogames despite the titles attracting controversy, including Rockstar's Canis Canem Edit and Capcom's Dead Rising.

Matt Martin
June 19, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sony pulls the plug on Connect, refocuses on PlayStation

After a lengthy, albeit fledgling stay in the digital music distribution biz, Sony has reportedly decided to cut its losses and disconnect the Connect service. We'd already seen the service get shuffled around in an effort to strengthen the division, but it seems like it has finally succumbed to the competition. According to reports from an internal meeting, some 20-plus employees were told that their jobs were being "phased out" as the Connect resources were being shifted to handle the needs of the PlayStation group. Interestingly, it was noted that the eBooks segment would still remain alive and well to service the Sony Reader demands, but Steve Banfield, the head of the Sony Connect division, would be "leaving within the next few weeks." Farewell Connect, it seems we all barely knew you.

Darren Murph
June 17, 2007

Source: Engadget

Off Topic: Microsoft denies "systematic issues" with defective consoles

Microsoft says it takes customer concerns about Xbox 360 hardware quality "very seriously" but denies there are any "systematic issues" and won't specifically address concerns relating to defect or return rates.

"We continue to look into these things very deeply," Todd Holmdahl, Microsoft's corporate vice president of Gaming and Xbox Products Group, told Mercury News reporter Dean Takahashi.

Takahashi pressed Holmdahl on the return rate and what constitutes a normal return rate; how the figures on Xbox 360 compare to Xbox 1; how Microsoft would explain the anecdotal evidence of a high failure rate relative to PlayStation 3 and Wii; defect rates relating to yield; whether yields were good; how poor yields and high defect rates might affect the business model; whether a change of manufacturing partner (Wistron to Celestica) might have been related to product quality; whether a change to 65 nanometer chips will impact quality; whether changes to warranty policy were due to specific problems, like a problem with graphics memory; what the number one reason for a return is; whether, in fact, he could say anything about anything.

In response, Holmdahl stressed Microsoft's pride "in the box" and that people were buying lots of games, accessories and Xbox Live accounts.

Read the full article here...

Tom Bramwell
June 18, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Off Topic: Blockbuster Bets on Blu-Ray

A year ago, HD DVD players were touted as the next big thing in home entertainment. Now, industry watchdogs wonder if Toshiba's pet project will become obsolete.

In the high-definition DVD war between Blu-ray and HD DVD, Blu-ray is pulling ahead. On Monday, Blockbuster announced that its next batch of high definition DVDs will be exclusively offered in the Blu-ray format.

The Blu-ray boost, expected in mid-July, will feature 170 titles to be distributed at 1,700 Blockbuster stores.

Shares of Blockbuster were up 0.4%, or 2 cents, to $4.60 in pre-market trading from $4.58, Friday's closing price.

Since late 2006, the movie rental company has offered both formats at 250 stores across the country. Both formats were given equal billing, but Blockbuster soon realized that Blu-ray outsold its competitor by 70%.

Blockbuster will continue to rent the HD DVD titles it already offers and may expand its HD DVD inventory in the future but, for now, the company has placed all its chips on Blu-ray.

“We intend to meet the demands of our customers and based on the trends we’re seeing, we’re expanding our Blu-ray inventory to ensure our stories reflect the right level of products,” Blockbuster executive, Matthew Smith, said Monday.

Read the full article here...

Evelyn M. Rusli
June 18, 2007

Source: Forbes

Daedalus R12 coming in a week...or so...

This weekend Daedalus creator StrmnNrmn posted a response to several questions about the release date for Daedalus R12. Here's what he had to say:

A number of people have been asking in the comments when R12 is going to be released.

There are still a number of things I want to work on. Now that Super Smash Bros. is running nice and quickly with dynarec enabled, I want to spend a week or so polishing the graphics and trying to make it as playable as possible. Although Goldeneye is running with dynarec in R12, it still needs a lot of work before its playable, so I'm not going to spend any more time on it for R12.

I'm going on holiday at the end of June, so I'd like to have R12 released before then. I'll aim for next weekend (23rd/24th June) but it may end up being as late as the 26th/27th.

-StrmnNrmn

So there you have it. It looks like we'll have a new version of StrmnNrmn's N64 emulator here in about a week and a half.

Source: Retro Console Dev

PSP Software Development Kit for Linux Users

Over on Zx-81's website, he's released a compilation of things he's used to make PSP software on his Fedora Core Linux machine. The full title is PSP Software Development Kit for Linux Users, but let's just shorten it to PSP SDK for Linux.

Zx-81 wasn't very explicit as to what was inside, but so far, we see plenty of scripts, C++ information, as well as samples you can try out and study.

In any case, you should probably pick it up if you're a Linux user who wants to expand his current base of programming info. In the meantime, we'll just sit here and wait for you guys to come up with newfangled applications we can cover, so we can give credit to your programming prowess. Enjoy!

Download PSP SDK for Linux

Source: PSPUpdates

Sony apologises to Church

The Dean of Manchester Cathedral, the Very Rev. Rogers Govender, has received a letter from Sony apologising to the Church of England for any offence caused by Resistance: Fall of Man.

As reported by Fox News, the letter stated, "It was not our intention to cause offence by using a representation of Manchester Cathedral in chapter eight of the work. If we have done so, we sincerely apologise."

However in the letter, Sony does not accept "that there is any connection between contemporary issues in 21st century Manchester and the work of science fiction in which a fictitious 1950s Britain is under attack by aliens.

"We believe a comprehensive viewing of the work will make its content and context clear."

According to Fox a Sony spokesman confirmed the letter as genuine, and said it included an offer to meet with church officials. Govender said the Cathedral would accept Sony's offer. The Church wants to continue discussions over its requests that Resistance be withdrawn and Sony makes a donation to its initiative against gun violence.

As reported earlier this week, the Church demanded an apology from Sony over the depiction of Manchester Cathedral in Resistance.

"For a global manufacturer to recreate the interior of any religious building such as a mosque, synagogue, or in this case, a cathedral, with photorealistic quality and then encourage people to have gun battles in the building is beyond belief and in our view highly irresponsible," Govender said.

Mark Androvich
June 15, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

PSOne games on PlayStation Network next week (UK)

Semi official Sony blog Threespeech has announced that the first PlayStation One titles to appear on the PlayStation Network will be Crash Bandicoot, Wipeout, Medievil, Jumping Flash and Syphon Filter.

The titles are set to appear next week on the PlayStation Store for the UK and it's highly likely Australians will get them on the same day. PlayStation One titles can be downloaded only from the PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3 and are playable on both the PlayStation 3 and the PSP. These titles were available months ago in America, so it's pleasing that PAL gamers will finally get a chance to play some of the very first PlayStation One games.

Luke Van Leuveren
June 16, 2007

Source: PALGN

NPD: Video Game Industry Up Almost 50% in May

Following an April in which software sales were slightly down, in May the video game industry in the U.S. bounced back nicely. Console software was up 31 percent to more than $274 million, and total video game industry sales soared 49 percent to $815.5 million. Year-to-date, video game sales have reached $5 billion, a 47 percent increase over last year's $3.4 billion. A record breaking year would almost seem guaranteed for 2007.

Console hardware was a real driver of growth in May as sales climbed 79 percent to $221.4 million. Overall in hardware, the Nintendo DS (at this point, not surprisingly) took top honors... again. Nintendo sold through 423K units during the month. This was followed by Wii, PSP, PS2, Xbox 360, and then PS3. Unfortunately, NPD could not provide a complete hardware sales breakdown as of press time, but directionally it is interesting to see the PSP outselling the PS2, 360 and PS3.

On the software side, Nintendo's Pokemon Diamond for the DS once again led all titles. The game sold an additional 331.2K units, bringing total sales of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl in the U.S. to well over 2 million thus far. Diamond and Pearl have already sold over 5 million copies in Japan, and the entire Pokemon franchise has sold over 155 million.

Here's the complete top ten list (ranked by units), as provided by NPD.

1. Pokemon Diamond—DS—Nintendo
2. Mario Party 8—Wii—Nintendo
3. Spider-Man 3—PS2—Activision
4. Pokemon Pearl—DS—Nintendo
5. Wii Play w/remote—Wii—Nintendo
6. Forza Motorsport 2—Xbox 360—Microsoft
7. Guitar Hero II w/guitar—Xbox 360—Activision
8. Spider-Man 3—Xbox 360—Activision
9. Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars—Xbox 360—Electronic Arts
10. Guitar Hero II w/guitar—PS2—Activision

Note: NPD industry analyst Anita Frazier was not available for comment on this month's data.

James Brightman
June 14, 2007

Source: GameDaily.biz

Sony looking to "refine" cost of PlayStation 3, says Stringer

Sony boss Sir Howard Stringer has said he is aware that consumers would like the cost of PS3 to be lower - confirming that the company is working to "refine" how much it can afford to drop the console's price.

Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times Stringer said, "While people have not bought as many PlayStation 3s as it looks, it is no different from PS2 and PS1 in terms of percentage of sales."

However, he conceded, "I think that the public would like the cost to be lower, there’s no question about that."

When asked by how much Sony could afford to cut the price the CEO replied, "That’s what we’re studying at the moment; that’s what we’re trying to refine."

The interviewer then asked if Sony will "come up with an answer by Christmas" - and Stringer answered, "Yes, of course." He went on to observe that PS2 is "selling gangbusters", and that introducing a PSP price cut sent sales of the handheld "into an upward spiral".

Read the full article here...

Ellie Gibson
June 14, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sony threatens to pursue legal action against PS3 hackers

Following reports that hackers have cracked PlayStation 3's anti-piracy software, SCEA has declared that it will "aggressively pursue" anyone caught engaging in such activity with legal action.

"Unfortunately, hackers will try to exploit any hardware system software," SCEA spokesperson Dave Karraker told GamesIndustry.biz.

"The best we can do as a company is to make our security that much stronger and aggressively pursue legal action against anyone caught trying to use an exploit in an illegal manner."

As reported by CVG.com, hackers have cracked PS3 firmware versions 1.10 and 1.11 - thereby forcing the console to boot illegal copies of games.

Booting games and playing them are two different things, however; so far, hackers have not been able to get any of the copied games to run, nor have they been able to run homebrew software.

Every hardware launch brings with it a race for hackers to defeat the system's protections, whether for the technological challenge, to run copied software, or to allow for homebrew games.

Despite Sony's attempts to prevent its emergence, the PSP has a strong homebrew community - and hackers are doubtless hoping to establish a similar base for PS3.

If legal consequences are not a deterrent, there are other risks involved. Like Microsoft, which has banned some modded Xbox 360 consoles from Xbox LIVE, Sony could easily stop PS3 units from accessing the PlayStation network. Hackers also risk bricking their consoles.

"Naturally, any use of an exploit on the system software does void the warranty on the PS3 system... Which could be a costly mistake to see if you can run an old SEGA CD game on it," said Karraker.

Mark Androvich
June 12, 2007

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Sony Answers Critics On PS3 Development Ease

Sony's Dave Karraker has used the recently launched PlayStation.Blog website to give his company's take on ease of development for the PS3, admitting that Xbox Live has more robust online infrastructure, but noting: "It’s not that PS3 is harder to write for, it’s just that you can do more with it."

The new entry is entitled 'Is the PS3 Really Harder to Develop for?', and uses a GamePro article as the jumping-off point for Sony's product development group to comment on the thorny issue.

The group initially claims: "If the game starts life on PS3, then man-hours per feature or costs related to asset production are comparable with industry norms", going on to suggest: "Since PS3’s Cell processor allows MORE features - better physics, more complex graphical processing, lighting or sound, etc. — there is inevitably going to be more cost in supporting those extra features. It’s not that PS3 is harder to write for, it’s just that you can do more with it."

Correctly harnessing the parallel SPU processors in the Cell chip is one of the most difficult parts of PlayStation 3 development, according to multiple sources, and the PD group at Sony weighs in on this: "SPUs are not ‘normal’ processors like the PPU. There is a trade-off between performance and versatility. A Ferrari is not the best car for a visit to Home Depot."

Read the full article here...

Gamasutra Staff
June 14, 2007

Source: Gamasutra

Sony Develops TV as Thin as Paper

In the race for ever-thinner displays for TVs, cell phones and other gadgets, Sony may have developed one to beat them all - a razor-thin display that bends like paper while showing full-color video.

Sony Corp. released video of the new 2.5-inch display Friday. In it, a hand squeezes a display that is 0.3 millimeters, or 0.01 inch, thick. The display shows color images of a bicyclist stuntman and a picturesque lake.

Although flat-panel TVs are getting slimmer, a display that's so thin it bends in a human hand marks a breakthrough.

Sony said it has yet to decide on commercial products using the technology.

"In the future, it could get wrapped around a lamppost or a person's wrist, even worn as clothing," said Sony spokesman Chisato Kitsukawa. "Perhaps it can be put up like wallpaper."

View the video here...

Source: LiveLeak

Sony blog cool on PSP rumours

Sony has used its new US blog to label rumour and speculation about a new PSP hardware revision and a possible PSP phone as, er, rumour and speculation.

"I just wanted to take the time to clear the air. We haven't announced anything about a new PSP, much less one that would have any phone capabilities," said John Koller, the PSP's senior marketing manager.
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"As SCEA's resident PSP guru, I'm thrilled to hear that there's so much interest in the platform, but sorry folks, these reports floating around fall into the rumours/speculation category."

In case you missed it, PSP spotters had unearthed a Sony Ericsson patent that outlined a device that mixed mobile phone functions and videogame features.

Elsewhere, rumours continue to float around about a rejigged PSP that includes 8GB of onboard flash memory and a better screen, with an improved d-pad that's closer to the PS3's in terms of design.

None of which, obviously, has been confirmed. But then, despite the Sony blog's cooling comments, none of it's been denied either. Perhaps we'll learn more about Sony's handheld hardware ambition at E3 in mid-July.

Tom Bramwell
June 13, 2007

Source: EuroGamer

Sony downplays PSP-phone rumors

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sony Ericsson has filed a U.S. patent application for a mobile device with video game features, but said on Monday it is not poised to launch a phone based on its PlayStation Portable (PSP) video game brand.

Sony Ericsson, a venture of Sony Corp. (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Ericsson (ERICb.ST: Quote, Profile, Research), filed a patent application dated May 31 with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office related to a mobile device with gaming functionality that originated from employees in Japan.

The fourth-biggest cell phone maker did not rule out the development of a device combining its phone technology with Sony's portable video game technology, but said it was not ready to announce any products.

"We're continually evaluating other propositions but they have to be credible propositions. We're not interested in sticking parts on phones that destroy the brand equity that's been built up by Sony," Sony Ericsson spokeswoman Merran Wrigley said by phone on Monday.

Read the entire article here... (source: Reuters)

Rumor: The ‘Real’ Skinny On the ‘PSP Slim’

After Kotaku ran a story a couple days ago about exclusive details concerning the much rumored 'PSP Slim,' Rumor reporter has their own set of information to share and claims that their sources are more reliable. All of these stories are purely speculation so you will have to make of it what you wish. Here's some of what Rumor Reports had to say:

Recent rumblings have started to fuel the hot topic regarding the next version of Sony’s PSP. A few days ago, Kotaku exclusively reported some details on a ‘PSP Slim’, which can be seen here:

http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/psp-slim-details-revealed-267108.php

Now, it’s been a few days after the report, and we still don’t have enough to confirm anything as fact. So… for the past weekend, I’ve been hesistant to post the following story until now.

Several sources have come to my attention regarding Kotaku’s original article last week. And in fact, plenty of their details about this ‘PSP Slim’ contradict the information that Kotaku has led thousands of its readers to believe already. My undisclosed sources tell me that Kotaku’s report is mainly factually inaccurate.

With that being said, these rumblings are based on my trustworthy sources, all of which have links to the actual details themselves:

- New slimmer PSP is indeed in the works. Hardware is essentially the same, and will NOT have any big speed increases.

- There’s no longer a UMD Tray, but a slot loader instead. Design is supposed to have an even “cleaner” look, much like the DS Lite.

- The screen is the exact same size, and is sidekick-esque. This means that there’s some sort of a flip-factor, making the overall system even smaller.

- The screen is still LCD, not LED. Either way, battery-life will obviously be improved.

- Sony is considering bluetooth capabilities.

Read the rest of the story here...

Source: Rumor Reports

PlayStation Trucks bring gaming to your neighborhoods

This is why a lot of people so love Sony's marketing departm