Sony Confirm PSP release + battery details

[_Belial]

Just spotted this over at spong, looks like a good xmas for handhelds

It’s been a long time coming, but Sony has finally confirmed those crucial details about the forthcoming PSP handheld. The first issue is: when can we get one? There has been much speculation as to when the PSP might be in shops, with many analysts predicted delays into next year, but Sony is sticking to its initial promise… and the PSP will be released in Japan on 12th December 2004. That’s official.

And the second big question on everyone’s lips – how much will it cost? In Japan, at least, it will retail for 20,790 Yen (approximately £105). Next to the loftier expectations some had predicted, this seems like a good value deal. Sony will also be releasing an extra value package; bundled with an AC adaptor, battery pack, 32 Mb Memory Stick Duo, remote control headphones, a soft case and a hand strap(not forgetting the console) for 26,040 – which works out a shade over £130.

There’s no official confirmation of PSP prices outside of Japan, but SPOnG believes that something around the £150 would be a sensible estimate over here in Blighty.

Sony has also addressed the crucial battery-life issue, which Nintendo was keen to suggest petered out after a couple of hours. Fortunately, that is not quite the case: according to the official press release the PSP has an “integrated high output lithium-ion battery that provides play time of between 4 and 6 hours for game titles and continuous 4 to 5 hours for video viewing.”

Interestingly, there’s still no concrete confirmation of what the launch line-up might be. Sony promises that there will be 21 games available in Japan before the end of the year, but which of these will be ready on December 12th will remain to be seen. Hot Shots Golf, Ridge Racer and Metal Gear Acid look to be some of the important titles for the Japanese launch; the full list is as follows.

Bandai – Lumines; The Legend of Heroes
Capcom – Vampire Chronicle: Chaos Tower
CyberFront Corporation - Kollon
EA. - Need for Speed Underground Rivals; Tiger Woods PGA Tour
FromSoftware – Armoured Core: Formula Front
Husdsonsoft - Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory
KOEI. - Dynasty Warriors; Mahjong
Konami – Metal Gear Acid; Mahjong Fight Club
Marvelous Interactive Inc. - AI Go; Al Mahjong; Al Shogi
Namco - Kotoba No Puzzle Mojipittan Daijiten; Ridge Racer
SEGA - Puyo Pop Fever
Sony - Dokodemo Issyo; Hot Shots Golf
Taito – Puzzle Bobble Pocket

After Nintendo’s early volley of fire, detailing attractive DS related information, Sony has finally returned the shot: and the handheld war has truly begun. There’s still everything to play for, with the DS reaching the US before even Japan gets the PSP: but once these finished consoles are actually out there in the public domain, being pawed by real-life gamers, the competition is sure to heat up even further.

Expect much, much more on the ensuing handheld battle in the weeks to come.

[ZX7R]

Boxart and contents:

http://www.playstation3insider.com/f...pic.php?t=3729

Official Press Release:

Tokyo, October 27, 2004 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), announced today that it would release its new handheld video game system, PSPTM (PlayStation™Portable) (PSP-1000), on December 12, 2004, at a recommended retail price of 19,800 yen excluding tax (20,790 yen including tax) for the Japanese market.
With high-quality graphics processing capability equivalent to that of PlayStation 2, in addition to rich stereo sound, PSP offers the joy of playing full-scale 3D-CG games and viewing high resolution video images anytime, anywhere.

Equipped with a wireless LAN feature (IEEE802.11b), PSP enables users to connect to the Internet through access points, making it possible for users to download game characters and content and also to play games on-line with families, friends and on-line community members. For a more intimate gaming experience, a maximum of 16 PSP systems can be connected wirelessly through the ad-hoc mode allowing family and friends to create an instant yet powerful local on-line entertainment community (*1).
PSP features an integrated high output lithium-ion battery that provides play time of between 4 and 6 hours for game titles and continuous 4 to 5 hours for video viewing. (SCEI actual measurement) (*2)

With PSP, the world of PlayStation, people’s most favorite platform, is further enhanced. A 4.3 inch wide 16:9 high resolution LCD screen, the largest in a handheld gaming device, creates a personal environment in which to enjoy games, music and video anytime, anywhere, with a dynamism that has never been possible before.

To accompany the launch of the PSP system, a total of 21 game titles from SCE and third party software developers and publishers will be released by the end of this year. In addition to these titles, over 100 exciting new titles are currently in development. Innovative titles using the unique features of PSP, as well as PSP versions of hit titles that have been the drivers of the PlayStation platform will continuously be introduced.

Entertainment software of an entirely new category mixing game, music and video on a single UMD® is expected to be released in spring 2005, further enriching the world of PSP.

With PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PSP, SCEI will continue to expand the market and create a new world of computer entertainment.

(*1) Complies with IEEE802.11b. Typical indoor range of approx. 30m at 11Mbps and approx. 91m at 1Mbps. Typical outdoor range of approx. 120m at 11Mbps and approx. 460m at 1Mbps. However, places with obstacles and strong electromagnetic waves, range may become narrower or transmission may be cut.
(*2) Measurement conditions: display luminance set to maximum (180 cd/m2) and minimum (80 cd/m2) while volume is set to half of the maximum level, headphone in use and wireless LAN not in use.

PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) Basic Specifications and Features

Product Name PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)
Color Black
Product Code PSP-1000
Recommended
Retail Price 19,800 yen (20,790 yen tax inclusive)
Dimensions Approximately 170mm (W) x 23mm (H) x 74mm (D)
Weight Approximately 280g (including battery)
CPU PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1～333MHz)
Main Memory 32MB
Embedded DRAM 4MB
Display 4.3 inch, 16:9 Wide screen TFT LCD
480 x 272 pixel, 16.77 million colors
Maximum luminance 180 / 130 / 80cd/m2 (when using battery pack)
Maximum luminance 200 / 180 / 80cd/m2 (when using AC adaptor)
Sound Built-in stereo speakers
Main Input/Output IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
USB 2.0 (mini-B)
Memory Stick PRO Duo™
IrDA
IR Remote (SIRCS)
Main Connectors Memory Stick Duo™ Slot
USB connector
DC OUT 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 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
Disc Drive UMD Drive (Read only)
Profile PSP Game
UMD Audio (profile name TBD)
UMD Video (profile name TBD)
Codec Video: H.264 / AVC MP Level3
Audio: ATRAC3plus™、MP3
Security (Encryption) 128bit AES
(Copyright protection technology) MagicGate™
Access control Region, Parental Control
Wireless communications Infrastructure mode
Ad hoc mode (connection up to 16 consoles)
Supplied accessories
AC adaptor
Battery pack

Separately Sold Accessories

Product Name Memory Stick Duo™
Product Code PSP-M32
Recommended
Retail Price 2,800 yen (2,940 yen tax inclusive)

Specifications Copyright protection technology : MagicGate™
Capacity: 32MB
Dimensions: Approximately 20mm (W) x 1.6mm (H) x 31mm (D)
Weight: Approximately 2g

Product Name AC adaptor (for PSP™)
Product Code PSP-100
Recommended
Retail Price 3,500 yen (3,675 yen tax inclusive)

Specifications Rated input voltage : 100V - 240V 50/60Hz
Rated voltage/electrical current output : 5V / 2.0A
Dimensions: Approximately 76mm (W) x 22mm (H) x 46mm (D)
Weight: Approximately 44g

Product Name Battery pack (for PSP™)
Product Code PSP-110
Recommended
Retail Price 4,800 yen (5,040 yen tax inclusive)

Specifications Voltage/Capacity : 3.6V/1800mAh
Dimensions: Approximately 52mm (W) x 12.5mm (H) x 36mm (D)
Weight: Approximately 44g

Product Name Headphone with remote control (for PSP™)
Product Code PSP-140(W)
Recommended
Retail Price 2,800 yen (2,940 yen tax inclusive)

Color White
Specifications Remote Control : Play/Pause, FF, FR, Volume +/-, Hold switch
Headphone : In-the-ear type headphone

Product Name Soft case and hand strap (for PSP™)
Product Code PSP-170(B)
Color Soft case: Black
Hand strap: White
Recommended
Retail Price 2,000 yen (2,100 yen tax inclusive)

Specifications
Soft case:
Dimensions: Approximately 195mm (W) x 7.5mm (H) x 108mm (D)
Hand strap:
Dimensions: Approximately 189mm (W) x 3.3mm (H) x 9mm (D)


Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

[Goldberg]

DS For me :tongue :thumbs

I mean come on how gay is this, shouldn't be like a 1980's mobile so you shouldnt need a strap! but White too!! Gay Gay Gay. Sorry if any gays on here I dont mean to offend you you pooofs!:

Product Name Soft case and hand strap (for PSP™)
Product Code PSP-170(B)
Color Soft case: Black
Hand strap: White
Recommended
Retail Price 2,000 yen (2,100 yen tax inclusive)

And who needs this it's hand neld for gods sake!:

Product Name Headphone with remote control (for PSP™)
Product Code PSP-140(W)
Recommended
Retail Price 2,800 yen (2,940 yen tax inclusive)

For god's sake it's meant to be a pick up and play console. If I want to use a remote control I'll buy a TV to use it on!!!

Sony Suck, Sony Suck, Sony Suck! There! My DS is already bought! I might buy a new Sony PS2 slim version to use as a book end! Why? Because I can! Look what mentioning Sony has casued me to do now! :grr: :annoyed:

[_Belial]

Don't get me wrong, i'm a big fan of nintendo, and i'll be getting the DS as well as the PSP. BUt no matter how big a nintendo fan I am, there's no doubt they have a fight on their hands here. The rumours about 2hr battery life for PSP have been crushed now so it's some serious competition, especiually when you consider how superior the PSP's graphics are compared to teh DS.

Check the comparisons out here

http://playstation3insider.com/forum...pic.php?t=3567

Sure, nintendo make great games, but so do sony. It'll be a close fight, i'm not putting my money on anyone atm, but I can see nintendo loosing a lot of the handheld market to the PSP.

[whatnow]

the PSP looks pretty damn nice! It would be awesome if you could get gta on it!

so how are we ment to write UMD discs eh? damn you sony...gonna have to buy originals on release dates or something! argh.

[ABCMan]

remember that quoted battery life figures are always under absolutely optimal conditions and are rarely achieved in the real world. for example temprature can affect battery life as can processor load, assuming that multiple video formats are useable then the quoted figures will be based on the easiest to decode format rather than a processor intensive one. this isnt a critisism of the psp (for once) just a fact that the battery life is likely to be at the absolute minimum quoted in the real world, obviously this applies to the ds too although with solid state media the battery life will always be longer.

[debug77]

The thing you have to remember about all the DS and PSP screenshots that are on the web, is that you're viewing them on your monitor, not the actual console's screen, and they've probably been scaled up too. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, or viewing, whatever. (I have to admit that the DS screens look utterly shonky compared to PSP on that other forum)

Goldberg, I think the remote control is so you can use your PSP as an MP3 player. PSP in one pocket, half a dozen expensive memory sticks in another pocket. In "Sony's world" anyway...


BTW, What happened to the white PSP? Could have swore I saw pictures of white PSPs when they were first shown...

[Goldberg]

BTW, What happened to the white PSP? Could have swore I saw pictures of white PSPs when they were first shown...

Think about it!!! Sony will target Homo's who want 'pretty coloured' ones in the future.

Ingredients to sell more PSP's (too poofs)..:

First create a PSP.
Then sell it in a black case.
Then wait 12 months and 1 day til the drive starts to fcuk up (Like all Playstations!!)
Then release nice shiny 'Limited Edition' colours to niave people.

result, a good few thousand extra sold because of fashion victims lmfao!! erm... I pod anyone lol

Sorry but I can't help been loyal to Nintendo who would never ever ever ever ever do such a thing.... :whistle

[debug77]

LOL come on, admit it, you have a Tribal GBA...


Anyway, just found this :
http://www.pspinsider.com/itex.php?iid=340

Says that movies are region protected but games aren't. Sony's words...

Think they're basically warning people against buying Japanese stuff because it'll be in Japanese

[skel28]

Yellow N64 or a Tribal GBA anyone? lol

[Goldberg]

Standard SP, Glacier GBA currently looking for Pokemon 64 lmfao

[Goldberg]

LOL come on, admit it, you have a Tribal GBA...


Anyway, just found this :
http://www.pspinsider.com/itex.php?iid=340

Says that movies are region protected but games aren't. Sony's words...

Think they're basically warning people against buying Japanese stuff because it'll be in Japanese

Thought as much, they know the way Nintedo work.

If I worked for these companies I would unlock all consoles to be region free, however I would package the games in huge packs so it would be a nightmare to ship!! That would put people off.

Seriously though, how many people bother to get PC games imported??

[xdir]

Found this http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/psp.htm if it has not been posted already.

[_Belial]

Sony have now confirmed that the PSP is REGION FREE for games, great news for importers )

Shame the OS will probably all be in jap on the import tho

[Keva]

Game prices have been announced

5,040 yen = $47 = £25

http://playstation3insider.com/forum...pic.php?t=3733

[Gel]

To get 5 hour battery life the screen would have to absolutely suck, i.e. the same type of screen as an SP, which isn't a bad screen at all but considering what is expected of the PSP then it will.

[maltloaf]

any import stores litsing these yet ? otherwise its a trip to jap-land for me fancy going there anyway !

[Keva]

any import stores litsing these yet ? otherwise its a trip to jap-land for me fancy going there anyway !

think the usall lik-sang are shipping em play asia and a few others to

[ABCMan]

any import stores litsing these yet ? otherwise its a trip to jap-land for me fancy going there anyway !

i'd wait a week and go west

game dude will have the us model and the os will be in english + r1 movies are going to be better for you than r6 ones

[Keva]

i'd wait a week and go west

game dude will have the us model and the os will be in english + r1 movies are going to be better for you than r6 ones

i didnt think the US date had been announced