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PSP Final Specs and Launch Titles

Posted by Zonk on from the don't-fear-the-reaper dept.

Via Joystiq, the official PSP site has the final specs on the U.S. PSP console and its launch titles. And some nice titles they are, including an Ape Escape game, Metal Gear Acid (the card battle game), and one of most of EA's sports franchises. The system releases here in the states on March 24th.

68 comments

  1. Re:another reason to read engadget by FLAGGR · · Score: 1

    Wow, you'd think that Slashdot, which is a portal for news, not a news site, which posts summaries of news articles and a link, and provides a forum for posts, would get more original articles. Well you would if you were retarded. Engadget etc write stories, slashdot links to them. I think you've misunderstood something.

    p.s. I wouldn't call anything psp breaking news :P

  2. Here's one reason to read /, by heinousjay · · Score: 2, Funny

    It gives you the ability to feel self-satisfied at pointing out the flaws of something.

    Marge:It's easy to criticize.
    Homer:Yeah, and it's fun, too!

    --
    Slashdot - where whining about luck is the new way to make the world you want.
  3. Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by bolix · · Score: 4, Informative

    The US is getting a rev2 PSP with the current problems (X button and UMD ejection) resolved. The release price is slightly more expensive than the Asian one. I'd hate to think the US consumer is paying for Sony's hardware fixes...

    1. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by alatesystems · · Score: 4, Informative

      It's not more expensive, or if it is, not by much. The $249 price (at which, I've pre-ordered 3 units) is the "value pack" including spiderman 2 movie, headphones, case, and a 32MB memory stick duo.

      The $199 price is the PSP only. That will also be offered later in the US, but Sony found that in Japan, the value pack was far outselling the version that was roughly equivalent to $199.

      Even if it was marginally more expensive compared to the japanese value pack, that could easily be explained by the declining dollar.

      Regardless of its previous shortcomings, I can't wait to get mine and play wirelessly with friends in Wipeout and Ridge Racers, and hopefully shortly after launch, Burnout.

    2. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by bolix · · Score: 1

      It is slightly more expensive but maybe we can blame that on the weak dollar or the trade deficit. The bundle doesn't appeal to me and neither do the launch titles. I'm going to wait for a truely interesting use of the units capabilities. Four player FPS/racer pickup sounds boring.

    3. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by incom · · Score: 1

      Are you sure they've fixed anything? I though the sony pres. was on record that he would not fix the square button problem.

      --
      True genius is grasping a situation like a peice of fruit, and peircing it just right so that it drains dry.
    4. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by bolix · · Score: 1

      No, they reversed that faux pas. Heres a randomly googled report which confirms they're fixing any retail models with the problem and the US (and newer Japanese) PSP-1000K models don't ship with it.

    5. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      No, you misunderstand. Sticking buttons they fix, but the position of the sensor and resulting lack of responsiveness for the square button will not be fixed.

    6. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      The square button problem was solved, the UMD ejection problem never existed.

    7. Re:Early Adopter vs Mature reflection by Zigg · · Score: 1, Informative

      The square button problem was solved

      Depends on whether you mean the problem with it sticking, or the problem with it being designed with an off-center sensor. #1: yes. #2: not on your life; it's the most beautiful thing in the world!

      the UMD ejection problem never existed

      Like hell it didn't. The latches didn't hold under stress. The disc didn't fly across the room on its own, but it certainly ejected without being told to.

  4. "Value" pack? by Japong · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You really have to wonder what they're trying to achieve by having a "value pack" - that doesn't include a game! I know Sony is trying to market the movie-playing features of the PSP, but having users gameless after forking out money for the unit seems a bit excessive.

    I doubt many users will watch Spiderman 2 more than once on their machines, and probably then more for novelty than anything. It's two hours of entertainment... for $300+. It's kind of difficult to see the "value" in that.

    1. Re:"Value" pack? by Japong · · Score: 1

      Sorry, keep forgetting... $300+ Canadian, $250 for most Americans

    2. Re:"Value" pack? by alatesystems · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The "value pack" includes "non-interactive demos". You can read that as "videos of people playing the game". When was the last time you got a console that included a game? I know my last time was the original NES, when I got Super Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt.

      It's not $300+, it's $249. The normal value pack will not include Spiderman 2; only the first million units will. It is indeed a novelty, and the novelty is intended to gain early adopters, like me.

    3. Re:"Value" pack? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, that makes sense.

      Because if you get the value pack, then for some reason you don't actually get any of the other things offered, including the PSP. You only get the movie played, and you're unable to purchase any games. Right?

    4. Re:"Value" pack? by Mr.Dippy · · Score: 2, Informative

      Sega Genesis had altered beast and I remember numerous times they had the special "Buy a Sega Genesis and get 3 free games in the mail". That's how I got Super Monoco GP and Populous from what I remember.

      --


      -Dipster
    5. Re:"Value" pack? by Servo5678 · · Score: 2, Informative
      When was the last time you got a console that included a game?

      Well, aside from the NES the Super NES originally came packed with Super Mario World and later Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World and, even later, Donkey Kong Country. The Game Boy is legendary for coming with Tetris. The last Nintendo console to come packed with a full version of a game at launch was the Virtual Boy in 1995. It came packed with Mario's Tennis. The Nintendo DS comes with a demo of Metroid Prime Hunters.

      Nowadays the GameCube comes with various games as part of a push to sell the systems, i.e. The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition or Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. When it was first released it came with nothing.

    6. Re:"Value" pack? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's pretty much it... you get something that's useless until you fork out more money for an actual game. So the price is $250 + cost of game - and let's see how much those will set you back, hmm?

    7. Re:"Value" pack? by rmarll · · Score: 2, Insightful

      When it was first released it came with nothing.

      Largely because there was nothing worth bundling?

      I kid, Super Smash Brothers: Melee" was a years worth of gaming for anyone, I guess.

    8. Re:"Value" pack? by SetupWeasel · · Score: 2, Informative

      When was the last time you got a console that included a game?

      Not to turn this into a giant flame war, but I got a pretty good game demo with my Nintendo DS.

    9. Re:"Value" pack? by gl4ss · · Score: 2, Interesting

      how much is a single game cost?
      does it bump it up to 300$?

      not having anything playable is just shitty. a pack with nothing to play.. that's crap. doesn't matter if others do it as well, it's still crap.

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    10. Re:"Value" pack? by alatesystems · · Score: 4, Informative

      Most that I looked at cost $39. The only one I looked at that was $49 was NFS Rivals. The two I'll be buying at first, Ridge Racers and Wipeout Pure, are both $39.

      Still below 300 for a full game plus PSP value pack. After a while, the PSP will be available by itself for $199 without the value pack. Due to supply issues, they have to supply it in the format most people are going to buy anyway.

      Who's going to buy that tight ass screen without a cover for it?? Where are you going to store your gamesaves? You need a memory stick.

    11. Re:"Value" pack? by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      well, 32mb stick is practically free for sony.

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    12. Re:"Value" pack? by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      My PS2 came with Gran Turismo 3. My Xbox came with Jet Set Radio Future and Sega GT. My gamecube came with a whole bunch of Zelda games. What were you saying again? :)

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    13. Re:"Value" pack? by phaze3000 · · Score: 1
      If Nintendo had made a deal with Sega Super Monkey Ball was certainaly worth bundling.

      Luigi's Mansion was pretty fun too, although rather on the short side.

      --
      Blaming GW Bush for the Iraq war is like blaming Ronald McDonald for the poor quality of food.
    14. Re:"Value" pack? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      When was the last time you got a console that included a game?

      Are you kidding or something? This Christmas we had customers begging us to sell them "just the console", and we had a devil of a time explaining that we weren't allowed to sell the bare consoles.

    15. Re:"Value" pack? by bozoman42 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      All the more reason that Nintendo *should* have bundled Luigi's Mansion. Oh well.

    16. Re:"Value" pack? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Still below 300 for a full game plus PSP value pack.

      You seem to be forgetting about taxes buddy......

    17. Re:"Value" pack? by macshome · · Score: 1

      My, admittedly very early, Sega Saturn came with an incredible port of Virtua Fighter in the box. Sega later sent all registered users a free copy of V.F. Remix in the mail too. Much later they sent a free copy of Christmas Nights in the mail. So that would be 3 rockin' games for free, one of them in the box.

  5. card battle game? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Umm... I leave card battle games for 8 year olds and Pokemon.

  6. Games by durtbag · · Score: 2, Insightful
    I have a feeling that the PSP is going to trounce the DS pretty quickly here. I've had a DS since it came out and the game selection is awful. I don't like sports or driving games so that leaves me with Mario, Sims, Robots, Spidey, and a couple puzzlers. Of course there is a huge library of GBA games I can play, but when you shell $150 for the "new hotness" you don't want to play Midway's Arcade Treasures...

    Sony looks like they're throwing more effort into getting games out.

    --
    itadakimasu
    1. Re:Games by 88NoSoup4U88 · · Score: 2, Informative

      It's easier to develop for the PSP as it's so similar to their console, whereas the DS asks for a totally different approach to make full use of the two screens/touch screen.

    2. Re:Games by kryogen1x · · Score: 1
      Sony looks like they're throwing more effort into getting games out.

      Sony makes games? I always thought they paid third parties to make games for them

    3. Re:Games by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is probably true but Nintendo mentioned that the DS isn't set to replace the GBA. What the PSP will probably be against is the GBA2 which, if I recall, is set to be shown at the E3.

      With plans for work applications and stuff, the DS might not even turn out to be much of a portable gaming console, but more of a PDA.

    4. Re:Games by Fisch2 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It's easier to develop for the PSP as it's so similar to their console, whereas the DS asks for a totally different approach to make full use of the two screens/touch screen.
      I wonder if the difficulty third party developers are having with developing games for the DS will also happen with the supposedly revolutionary next-gen Nintendo console. If Nintendo is really going to produce a home console as innovative as the DS is compared to other handhelds, the same alienation of developers will probably occur. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

    5. Re:Games by ayersrj · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It will be interesting to see how that rolls. With VPocket on the way, and a rumored Palm licensing arrangement that's what seems to be on the horizon for DS.

      The number of games coming for the PSP is pretty solid. People should be careful to realize that 20+ games won't be coming out on the first day though. This is a fairly big window. Still Nintendo.. where are the damn games.

      One more thing to consider is what if the GBA SP2, is really a handheld Gamecube. Nintendo hasn't even ruled that one out and the media is the right size...

    6. Re:Games by bitkari · · Score: 1

      I agree that Nintendo really does need to put some more decent DS titles out if they want the platform to do well.

      Sony have managed to put out a great deal of titles, but I wonder how many of them really work as handheld titles, and how many are just lazy implementations of existing IP?

      I'd really like to see both platforms do well - especially with their potential to expand the video game audience, but I can't help think that a little more thought needs to be put in to some of these games..

    7. Re:Games by SetupWeasel · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The DS isn't alienating developers, it is just taking them longer to code games, because they can't port existing code as easily.

    8. Re:Games by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 1

      Recycling: You know they could sell 8 mil units just by tossing ff7 in there.

      Not to mention other classics like RR4 and Bushido Blade and those were all for the ps1.

      The damn thing has an analogue stick! It's control scheme matches with it's console! It's *#(*$#* genius!

    9. Re:Games by gimpynerd · · Score: 1

      I mentioned that before but was shot down as being impracticle...

    10. Re:Games by Lynxara · · Score: 1, Troll

      Wrong. PSP is 1 rather painful-to-use analog stick, PS2 is 2 comfortable analog sticks. Games coded for a PSP as if it were just a shrunk-down PS2 will be the ones that suck.

      (You can code for it like a shrunk-down PSOne, though....)

    11. Re:Games by Deliveranc3 · · Score: 1

      Other than katamari Damancy name another game where both your thumbs are on the sticks?

    12. Re:Games by Lynxara · · Score: 1

      Basically all Grand Theft Auto-type games and a lot of action games require it (left analog to move, right to control camera). Also shooters - the Punisher, for instance, requires left analog to move, R3 analog for precision aiming.

      The lack of that 2nd analog makes a big difference in PSP gameplay, trust me on this.

    13. Re:Games by Lynxara · · Score: 1

      Most PS2 games are developed in 3:4 ratio, tho I've played one title that has an optional 16:9 mode.

      PSP games are natively in 16:9 mode. It's a big difference, unless you're playing Darkstalkers or something.

    14. Re:Games by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      When you hold the PS2 controller the natural resting spot of your thumb is on the D-pad. That's where they should have put the left analog.

    15. Re:Games by bobstevens_took_my_n · · Score: 1

      Shrunk down PS2? It's better than PS2 in a lot of ways. I agree on the analog stick, though. It's pretty painful to use.

    16. Re:Games by Zigg · · Score: 4, Informative

      It's true, Sony has pulled out all the stops for the US release. With the possible exception of Lumines, nothing on that list interests me personally, but it's a damned good list for appealing to the "mainstream" gamer.

      It's a sad fact that the US DS lineup is growing too slowly, primarily because games are taking so long to cross the Pacific. In a few days, Japan will have Meteos -- arguably a killer game -- in addition to highly-rated titles such as Another Code. NOA needs to push those titles over here fast, but (i.e.) Another Code isn't even announced for US release yet.

    17. Re:Games by Lynxara · · Score: 1

      It should be, but I've played with a Japanese one, and... it's not. For the most part, the software tends to resemble PSOne and early-gen PS2 titles more than anything else. Like... think Sega Saturn.

    18. Re:Games by Grey+Ninja · · Score: 1, Interesting

      You got some evidence to back that up? I've seen the register layout of the DS, and it looks like a very powerful GBA to me. The GBA was an amazingly easy console to develop for, and I can't see the DS being any harder.

      The PSP on the other hand, gives the developers two HUGE problems. First, you have to worry about battery life, or else your game will kill the batteries in under 3 hours. Second, you have to worry about load times, or else the player will spend 1.5 hours of that 3 hours in a loading screen.

      Are you just making things up?

    19. Re:Games by binaryspiral · · Score: 1

      No doubt. I jumped on the DS wagon because I've always enjoyed Nintendo's mobile game selection for the original gameboy line and really liked the new tech in the DS. I didn't purchased a GBA - but the DS was too cool to pass up. Now I feel I need to buy GBA games just to enjoy the platform. The DS looks like it's getting more support from GBA games than from anything else.

      The big N needs to get some good games out - fast! Or the PSP is going to PP on the DS.

    20. Re:Games by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      The main problem I see is that the DS is nowhere near the home consoles when it comes to power. Touchscreen and dualscreen support can be hacked in, downscaling assets and code complexity to make it run on the more limited hardware is a much greater issue.
      While it is universally assumed that the Rev will be less capable than the competition the difference will not be significant. Perhaps cutting a few effects might become necessary but nothing major. I doubt the controls are going to be all that different, Nintendo is known for playing it safe and they'd make the Rev an extension of gaming, not a replacement, no matter what their PR droids say.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    21. Re:Games by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I.e. (id est) means "that is", the acronym you're searching for is e.g. (exempli gratia) which means "for example".

    22. Re:Games by Zigg · · Score: 1

      While I believe it is indeed easier to develop a bog-standard game on PSP than current PlayStation consoles -- rumors pegged it having a GL-alike API as opposed to the horrid PS API -- your statement does not follow. As a more powerful console, it will generally require more work to make the pretty things that buyers demand.

      It's probably more accurate to say that it's easier to come up with a PSP concept, simply because it's an extension of what folks have been doing all along. Developing a concept for DS requires more creative people. And frankly, as a DS enthusiast, I wouldn't have it any other way.

    23. Re:Games by RogueyWon · · Score: 1

      Hey, if it works, don't knock it...

      There's no reason why a game developed by Bioware, Rare or even one of the Electronic Arts studios should be any worse than a game developed by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo.

  7. (mirror) by BTWR · · Score: 1
    Was slow loading for me, so i pasted it here (don't karma me, but i never post AC)

    LAUNCH TITLES:
    Ape Escape: On the Loose SCEA Rated E
    Archer Maclean's Mercury Ignition USA Rated E
    ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails SCEA Rated E
    Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower Capcom Rated T
    Dynasty Warriors KOEI Rated T
    FIFA Soccer 2005 Electronic Arts Rated E
    Gretzky NHL SCEA Rated E
    Lumines Ubisoft Rated E
    Metal Gear Acid Konami Rated M
    MLB SCEA Rated E
    MVP Baseball 2005 Electronic Arts Rated E
    NBA SCEA Rated E
    NBA Street Showdown Electronic Arts Rated E
    NFL Street 2 Unleased Electronic Arts Rated E
    Need for Speed Underground Rivals Electronic Arts Rated E
    Rengoku: Tower of Purgatory Konami Rated M
    Ridge Racer Namco Rated E
    Smart Bomb Eidos Rated E
    Spider-Man 2 Activision Rated E
    THUG 2 Remix Activision Rated T
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 Electronic Arts Rated E
    Twisted Metal: Head-On SCEA Rated T
    Untold Legends Sony Online Entertainment Rated T
    Wipeout Pure SCEA Rated E
    World Tour Soccer SCEA Rated E

    SPECS: Color Black
    Dimensions Approximately 6.7 in (W) x .9 in (H) x 2.9 in (D)
    Weight Approximately 280g / .62 lbs (including battery)
    Main Memory 32MB
    Display 4.3 inch, 16:9 Wide screen TFT LCD 480 x 272 pixel, 16.77 million colors
    Sound Built-in stereo speakers
    Main Input/ Output IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) USB 2.0 (mini-B) Memory Stick Duo(TM) Infrared Port
    Disc Drive UMD Drive (Read only)
    Main Connectors Memory Stick Duo(TM) Slot USB connector DC IN 5V connector Headset connector
    Keys/Switches Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left) Analog Stick Enter keys (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square) Left, Right shoulder buttons x 1 START button, SELECT button, HOME button x 1 POWER/HOLD switch x 1 Display button, Sound button, Volume +/- buttons x 1 Wireless LAN switch (ON/OFF) x 1 OPEN latch (UMD) x 1
    Power Lithium-ion Battery AC Adaptor
    Access control Region, Parental Control
    Wireless communications IEEE802.11b
    Infrastructure mode Ad hoc mode (connection up to 16 consoles)

    1. Re:(mirror) by MilenCent · · Score: 1

      While the DS has a really slight launch line-up (Mr. Driller DS is the game I've been playing the most of), there's not on the PS launch list that engages my interest.

      Of course, I own a Gamecube and not a PS2, and the differences in launch games between the DS and the PSP go along similar lines.

      I've been thinking about picking a PS2 up in order to play Katamari Damacy, but the fact that I'd be paying $150 to play a $20 has given me uncomfortable flashbacks to the time I bought an X-Box just to play ToeJam & Earl III.

      As for "karma"ing you, your article really needs to be voted up despite your request, because many users will never see a post scored at 1.

    2. Re:(mirror) by Pxtl · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Looking at that list, I'm surprised that Twisted Metal and Wipeout aren't getting more loving from the waiting fans - these games are two of the most stylish, fun franchises for Playstation.

      I'm curious about the new Darkstalkers title - they were cute fighting games, but fighting games generally flop on handheld.

      And where the fuck is Armored Core? I saw promo footage of AC on PSP - to me, that's enough reason alone to own one (AC is hands down the best giant robot experience available - all you Mechwarrior fans can stuff it).

  8. This is a bit off topic, but... by rekenner · · Score: 1

    Does anyone else find it a little funny that the icon for this story is a Gameboy? Even if it does have a dual shock below it.

    1. Re:This is a bit off topic, but... by Corngood · · Score: 1

      A gameboy with a dualshock bolted on to it? Sounds like the prototype to me.

  9. Another reason NOT to read engadget by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    One reason not to read engadget, all the plugs they do just to generate easy ad revenue.

    A second reason not to read engadget, all the astroturfing shills they have posting links to their site.

    Another reason not to read engadget, a lot of their stuff is just write-ups of some other article with minimal changes.

  10. Re:another reason to read engadget by John+Gaming+Target · · Score: 1

    It's especially old when you consider the fact that Sony released this information in press release form a month ago.

    So in reality, engadget, et al is really LATE with their news.

  11. Two M rated games? by MMaestro · · Score: 1

    I thought Sony was supposed to gear towards the 'mature' audience..

    1. Re:Two M rated games? by superpulpsicle · · Score: 1

      Sega Genesis IMHO is the only system to ever specifically target the teenage/older crowd at launch time (golden axe, shinobi, last battle) with kiddier games like sonic later.

      Every other console I have seen are launched with play-it-safe, no-controversy 1st generation games.

  12. Re:another reason to read engadget by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Engadget is also a portal. That's the grandparent's point: Some portals are more timely than others. Slashdot is seldom that portal.

  13. High Price Point by likewowandstuff · · Score: 1

    I cringe every time I think about the price, but $249 is still far lower than importing (a viable option as there is no regional encoding) from a retailer like Lik-Sang, which at this moment is asking $279 before shipping for *just* the handheld and $329 for the value pack.

    I'm disappointed that Infected didn't make it as a launch title (see March issue of Game Informer mag.), because evil, explosive zombie mall-Santas would make summer more bearable.

    A pre-Christmas price drop might be too much to hope for, but I'm willing to wait... and use tacky sigs.... and on occasion be ridiculed over tacky sigs....

    1. Re:High Price Point by SimplePaul · · Score: 1

      Sony have said they are making a 'considerable' loss on each PSP, selling for much less than the manufacturing cost: http://spong.com/detail/news.asp?prid=7878

      This price is much less than the PS2 was at the time of release and I think it's important to remember that the PSP has a 16:9 LCD screen, MP3/4 playback, WiFi, etc, etc to make it different from the GameBoy's pricing.

      The price is reasonable enough for many people (myself included) to spend over-the-odds for an early PSP without regrets (except those with faulty units!).

      As for the launch title list, I'm pleased enough. The prospect of FIFA 2005 and Wipeout on the PSP is enough to keep me grinning :^)

      Good luck resisting a full-price purchase ;)

  14. Seriously by ibentmywookie · · Score: 1

    I don't own a DS (yet), but I've been playing with my friends DS and I've really loved it. Mostly playing "Wario Touched!", which is damn cool, and makes innovative use of the controls.

    My friend has Zoo Keeper (I think that's what it's called), Wario, and Mario. Wario is by far the most fun, and zoo keeper is surprisingly addictive. But lack of games is really hurting. The DS has sooo much promise and there could be some really great games (RPG's, even RTS's) for it in the future, because of the capabilities of the touch screen.

    Here's hoping the DS survives long enough for that to happen.

    --
    -- The doctor said I wouldn't get so many nose bleeds if I just kept my finger out of there!
  15. Processor by R.Pad · · Score: 1

    I find it interesting that the processor speed isn't listed. From what I've heard, even though it runs at 333MHz it has been software locked at 222MHz to help battery life. Can anyone confirm this?