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Portables (Games) Sony

PSP Function Additions In the Works 23

Posted by Zonk from the new-stuff-for-the-shiny-box dept.
Gamasutra.com is reporting that Sony is mulling functionality upgrades to the PSP. New options could include USB peripherals or downloadable game titles. From the article: "However, in discussing the idea of downloadable PSP games, Kawanishi commented that the idea is under consideration, and suggested equivocally that it would be interesting if users could develop their own simple games and distribute them online. So far, although many unofficial 'homebrew' PSP games and emulators have been created, the only Sony-sanctioned support for this concept is via From Software's Adventure Player PSP game, which allows construction of RPG games using PC software which can then be replayed on the PSP."
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PSP Function Additions In the Works More

PSP Function Additions In the Works

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  • Well i'm not sure about everyone, but the first thing i think about is that this is somewhat of a good and bad idea. Good idea in the place that being able to download more games is good, but bad in the sense that if you have to purchase them people will turn to pirating them as it would be easier to put on the psp and cheaper (in the pirate sence).

  • Why (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Gogo0 ( 877020 ) on Wednesday August 24, 2005 @03:10AM (#13387136)
    Is Sony reacting to generally underwhelming sales (see japanese aug8-aug15 week: 103k DS' sold, 25k PSPs sold) or are they toying with more features to make the PSP worthwhile to a broader range of people?

    My PSP sits in my console games cabinet until I want to play Wipeout (which isnt so often anymore), but my DS goes with me everywhere. The web browser in the 2.0 firmware will get me to use the PSP around the house, but I am buying software for the DS and stuck with Wipeout and a few other launch titles for the PSP... Sony might be creating a problem for themselves: People buy PSPs and no software.

    I suppose we will see a web browser for the DS eventually. I dont know which I would use for wireless handheld internet (big screen PSP or smaller-but-touchscreen DS), but if Nintendo (or anyone, really) sells it separately, at least they will be making money off of it (not considering the fact that Nintendo profits off every DS and Sony sells at a loss).
    • This might open the door for homebrew, if Sony's downloadable video game process could be reverse-engineered at a different site (where the game source would be redirected by a firewall perhaps). Then you could benefit from the homebrew scene without needing to stay locked in at the original firmware.

      Just a thought. Anyone care to comment?
  • This article just parrots the Gamespot original.

    Check it: http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/08/23/news_61317 39.html [gamespot.com]

  • Take it one step further eventually? (Score:3, Interesting)

    by neglige ( 641101 ) on Wednesday August 24, 2005 @03:53AM (#13387260)
    Maybe in the long run they think about adding another feature: streamed movies. From what I read, watching movies on the PSP has become quite popular. Why not add the capability to display streamed videos?

    I am aware there are several limitations, as you won't watch a complete movie in an Internet Cafe (where you have WLAN coverage) or at home (where the DVD player is just a few feet away). But you COULD watch short news clips, music videos, travel information or movie trailers where WLAN is available (usually Internet Cafes, airports etc.) These types of short clips would also pose the least DRM issues.

    I think it might be a nice feature. Let's see if they give it a shot... I admit: I doubt it :)
    • From this article [gamespot.com] dated 8/10/05: "Kawanishi is thinking of further improving the PSP's movie-viewing experience by adding a function to watch streaming videos. If that happens, users will be able to watch movies on the fly without having to save them on their Memory Sticks. Kawanishi also said that he plans to include Digital Rights Management functions in a future update, which will allow for paid content to be watched on the handheld."

      The linked article also mentions an email client. It's just more cra
      • Ah, thanks for the info. I guess since the PSP will be available here in a week I failed to keep up with related articles ;)

        I currently thinking of actually buying a PSP... although I don't require it to be a mobile playstation; I'd be very interested in other applications, like web, movies & e-mail. So the lack of games doesn't bother me really.

        However, I wouldn't mind a huge choice of games. Maybe I'll wait till after christmas, hoping a number of games will be released, and prices will drop.

  • More software!!! (Score:2, Interesting)

    by Anonymous Coward
    Maybe I'm the only one, but I think that one of the most promising areas for the PSP is non-game software. The limitations of text input on the PSP may be a bit of a problem, but I would LOVE to see more productivity software on the PSP.

    Just because it plays games, doesnt mean that I dont want an address list, or a calendar function. I think adding some productivity software (perhaps with synch tools) would make the PSP more attractive to just about anybody.

    My 2 cents, though, to be honest, I AM insane.

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