Sony's New Handheld Gaming Console

[Uninformed]

http://news.com.com/2100-1043_3-1001279.html?tag=fd_top

just announced at E3. Maybe I'll buy this instead of a CLIE.

So much for the Helix . . . . . .

[Reggie]

Hmm, it does compete with the Helix and the XBoy (from Shogmaster). One thing mentioned though is it will run UMD discs which are the size of DVD/CDs. This will be a big handheld device.

Btw, what does PSP mean? PlayStation Portable?

[Uninformed]

the disks are half of the size of CDs or DVDs according to the press release.

[Reggie]

Oh I missed that. Thanks!

[yOyOYoo]

wow too bad no pictures or specifications...

[Alistar]

I am thinking about the size of Mini-discs.
This should be an interesting development.

[Reggie]

I guess the processor and the video card will just be amazing considering it can run 3D games...

[Joel]

Hmmm... I think the PSP will fare better than the Helix. ;)

[macktv]

yea but how much will this cost? Me thinks a teenie bit more than the GameBoy Advance...

[Alistar]

I agree.
The Helix does not really offer anything new, more a shift in perspective.
This PSP looks to be a truly impressive portable gaming system.

[Reggie]

If they can pull off connecting PSP to PSP via Bluetooth, then they'll really kill Helix. To date, no one has done handheld to handheld gaming using real gaming handheld machines. Helix was the first one to announce that they would.

[Shogmaster]

Fourth Quarter 2004? This announcement is more of a pre-emtive parade rainer to the others than a real product announcement.

Something tells me that this is one of those crappy convergence device rather than a gaming protable. Look at the language they are using to describe it:

From Gaming-age.com news

Enhancing its strong platform strategies, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced today plans to expand its in-home entertainment to outside the home with a new, all-in-one portable entertainment platform, "PSP(TM)." Scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2004, the company's goal is to extend the reach of PlayStation to a broader audience, allowing consumers to enjoy gaming and other entertainment content anytime, anywhere. Specific details on release plans and pricing will be disclosed at a later date.

The introduction of "PSP" highlights the company's long-awaited foray into the portable entertainment market. With unmatched advantages of the Sony Group, such as global brand awareness, superior technologies in the most advanced semiconductor processes, "PSP" further broadens entertainment experiences into the portable arena.

Sony Computer Entertainment will offer PC-based development tools starting from fall 2003 for the preparation of a new range of computer entertainment content. A new license scheme for "PSP" software development will be announced in summer 2003. Pursuing the founding principles of the PlayStation business, the company will expand its efforts to support content developers to create new forms of computer entertainment.

Plus, I don't like the idea of optical media in a portable. It goes against the 3 most important things in portables: Battery, battery, battery!

[Joel]

If Sony has the PSP, then isn't it "easy" for them to insert OS6 somewhere in there? :D

[Uninformed]

Shog, I agree it is the VAPOR PSP right now. But, I bet it comes out in 2004. And I bet it is a killer. Helix will be a flash in the pan by then.

BUT I WANT A PSP/CLIE!

[Caffeine kid]

I want one... I sooo want one

[Reggie]

Shogmaster,

Regarding battery life, I think they have improved this on their Net MD Walmans which uses mini-discs. It can go up tp 58 hours continuously using the internal rechargeable battery. With PSP, I would guess the dics wouldn't be running allthroughout the game. Just like PS1 and PS2, part of the games are loaded to memory, a block or scene at a time. But of course there is also the screen to consider.

If they don't use high capacity discs, how do you think will they distribute these high capacity 3D games? 2GB MS pros will just be way too expensive and I doubt they will use 2GB CFs and SDs too. Cartridges ala GameBoy, I think, is out too. I think high capacity discs is the most realistic solution.

Do you know what will XBoy use?

[Uninformed]

Display: Wide screen (16:9) TFT LCD with backlight (480 x 272 dots)
Disc: “UMD” 60mm optical secured ROM disc with cartridge (1.8GB)
Video CODEC: MPEG4
Graphics: 3D (polygons and NURBs)
Sound: PCM (built-in stereo speakers, stereo headphone output)
I/O: USB 2.0, Memory Stick slot
Battery: Rechargeable (lithium-ion)


Courtesy of Gamespot. . . . . .

[Reggie]

Aww, no bluetooth :(

[Shogmaster]

Bluetooth will be something they definitely DON'T want in a device like this: Easy trading of files.

This isn't a PDA folks. It's all about PROPRIETARY DATA DELIVERY. Their business model will be to make money from the software, not from the hardware. It's crucial that they block out every possible method for piracy of the content.

[Alistar]

Exactly this isn't a PDA so what files. You put the disc in and it plays the games just like the Gameboy. Adding bluetooth for wireless multiplayer would a great option. Anything you could do with bluetooth you would be able to do with a physical multiplayer connection.

[Reggie]

1.8GB through bluetooth? Probably it'll be easier to copy or backup the files using its built in USB 2.0. Some hack sites created mod chips for the PS1 and PS2 so it can run games duplicated from CD and DVD writers, but PlayStation remained on top. With PSP though, there's even no UMD writer locally available, and according to the article, it uses secured UMD. From what I undestand about 'secured', just like MagicGates, you can't copy one ATRAC file to another MagicGate and expect to play it.

As for multi-player gaming, I guess they'll do it by cable then.

[riversen]

I believe this is the "new" PDA we were all waiting for... we have been duped!!!!!!

[OcellNuri]

Heyo!

I fall asleep for two hours, and I wake up to this! I have horrible timing. If Sony can get the games behind the PSP it will do well with the older gaming market. That has always been the stregnth of the Playstation, GAMES. I am very eager to see what's down the road. Amazing....

[Spiral]

You don't even have to worry about it till like late next year tho.

[Shogmaster]

Originally posted by Reggie
1.8GB through bluetooth? Probably it'll be easier to copy or backup the files using its built in USB 2.0. Some hack sites created mod chips for the PS1 and PS2 so it can run games duplicated from CD and DVD writers, but PlayStation remained on top. With PSP though, there's even no UMD writer locally available, and according to the article, it uses secured UMD. From what I undestand about 'secured', just like MagicGates, you can't copy one ATRAC file to another MagicGate and expect to play it.

As for multi-player gaming, I guess they'll do it by cable then.

Yeah, it would be cumbersome, but give people a way in, they will use it for piracy. And no way the games will use anything near the 1.8GB capacity of the media. Take out the FMV, most games are couple hundred MB at most.

I'm glad that Sony is ballsy enough to make this thing a really serious 3D machine. NURBS support? That's some heavy duty horse power.

Anyways, Tapwave Helix is finished now.

[Unregistered]

the psp is not a pda, will not run palm os, or have anything to do with a pda, it is just a game machine, the helix is better if you want a pda and gaming device

[JackAxe]

Aren't the optical discs the same as the ones that Nintendo uses in it's GC?

<]=)

[Spongematt]

Don't forget about the other great portable Sony invention that uses a optical disc! The MiniDisc.

The MiniDisc can run on a single AA battery for a long long long time.

Of course no screen, but still the minidisc can spin long into the night after many a mp3 player has died and gone seeking for a wall outlet

[kusumo]

Show me the pic of the new gaming device.
Then I may decide whether to trade my TG for that thing...

I'm just joking... of course. :)

[Twin_Pixel]

I really hope that PalmOS handhelds continue using RAM or Flash memory instead of optical external discs.

Why? Well, I like to download my games and apps instead of purchasing them physically. If I have to do it the latter way, it'll cost a lot more money because of the discs and shipping costs.

Besides, RAM is probably much faster than any optical disc.

[Twin_Pixel]

I really hope that PalmOS handhelds continue using RAM or Flash memory instead of optical external discs.

Why? Well, I like to download my games and apps instead of purchasing them physically. If I have to do it the latter way, it'll cost a lot more money because of the discs and shipping costs.

Besides, RAM is probably much faster than any optical disc.

[ashVID]

Known about this for a while as I have a friend who is a Senior VP in the video game dept. (she has NO clue about the new Clie so dont ask LOL). I was sworn to secrecy and SOO wanted to blab when people were going off about the Helix

I can tell you the device is going to be amazing. The games WILL BE BETTER than PSX games and approach PS2 graphics. The new media they are using is great as well, cheaper than carts and not easy to pirate. It will be in a caddy form, at least the current prototype. Also, there are two form factors being talked about, flip up similar to a portable DVD player, the other a more standard Gamegear look. SHe says they are leaning toward the clamshell. Also it will have a MS slot for gamesaves, MP3s, movies, etc. This device will DESSIMATE any handheld game machine you have ever seen... Plus I will get one before anyone else NEENER NEENER NEENER... My only beef is going to be if they only port over old Sony titles of if there is little 3rd party involvement or new games...



ash =o)

[yOyOYoo]

sure this info is good to know, but by LATE 2004?! that sure is a long wait.

[ashVID]

The main issue is getting it to a price point that is affordable. They are targeting a HUGE launch for Xmas next year. In the past they have made the mistake of releasing a device like PS2 when the cost was too high, they were LOSING over $100 for every unit sold and people werent buying many games. Because there are multimedia options, people have more utililty in the device and thus buy less games. You may have 2 games but can still listen to MP3s and watch movies and such...


ash =o)

[Joel]

Originally posted by ashVID
... Plus I will get one before anyone else NEENER NEENER NEENER...


Then you're welcome to send me an early review for the front page, of course. :D

[Rosenkrantz]

The new GameBoySP sets the bar pretty high. Nice and small, easily pocket size, decently lit screent hat folds shut to protect it. Built it rechargeable battery. Good sound volume.

And of course an HUGE inventory of old and new games that all play on the SP. I'm intrigued by a mini-ps2 and hope it works well for Sony.

But, they need to know that titles like Pokemon for the GB are going to be very hard to beat. Sony is used to being the leader in the console market, hope they know its an uphill battle for several years.

[TheZodiac]

I guess those disks are the size of an MD but use some diff compression r/w standard? Suonds cool - but still large.

[mashoutposse]

The discs are about the size of a GBA cartridge.

The PSP was announced early to give the developers time to make games, and also time to build up hype for the sure-to-be successful Christmas 2004 release.

I think that the PSP will absolutely murder the GBA SP. The GBA does nothing but play games (old school 4-8MB SNES 2D games, at that), while the PSP plays 3D games, uses 1.8GB media, and can play MPEG4 and MP3s. The PSP will be the number one handheld by the end of its second year on the market.

[Catchem]

Is Microsoft planning to get into the handheld gaming market, too? Just curious, but it would seem like it is a market that Microsoft will not ignore forever. I can just see it now: "Pocket PC 2003 - Games Edition."

Anybody hear anything?

[icarus]

Originally posted by Shogmaster
Fourth Quarter 2004? This announcement is more of a pre-emtive parade rainer to the others than a real product announcement.

I totally agree. Seems to me like a bit of fighting the Helix, before having amunition in hand. :)

[jpolz]

Originally posted by mashoutposse
. The GBA does nothing but play games (old school 4-8MB SNES 2D games, at that),

Where's the problem in that? Maybe I'm just showing my age, but I got TONS more enjoyment out of the old 2D Games that came out on the NES, SNES, Genesis, etc..then the news games out today. They try to dazzle you with fancy graphics and sound, but come up short on the FUN FACTOR.

[phattie]

This thing is going to be expen$ive. The cheapest MD recorder player is 180 cdn (assuming UMD is based on MD). Then you have to add a 3d LCD screen, controls, buttons, R&D costs, MS slot to save games, etc.

And who is this targeted at anyways? Kids? Kids with rich parents? Kids + portable opitcal drive = trouble.

[Alistar]

Originally posted by jpolz


Where's the problem in that? Maybe I'm just showing my age, but I got TONS more enjoyment out of the old 2D Games that came out on the NES, SNES, Genesis, etc..then the news games out today. They try to dazzle you with fancy graphics and sound, but come up short on the FUN FACTOR.

I agree. I miss my Zelda and Mario, love that tanooki suit (if you don't know what I'm talking about I'm too old). I have the GBA SP with the mario and zelda remakes, plus orginal monocrhome marios from my original Gameboy collection. Ahh, love those classics, challenging and fun. And Bionic Commando, great game.

[JackAxe]

Originally posted by Alistar


I agree. I miss my Zelda and Mario, love that tanooki suit (if you don't know what I'm talking about I'm too old). I have the GBA SP with the mario and zelda remakes, plus orginal monocrhome marios from my original Gameboy collection. Ahh, love those classics, challenging and fun. And Bionic Commando, great game.

Zelda Oracle of Ages is a great game. I just need to finish it. I also bought the four swords, I never finished it on the Super NES. But now I can on my GBA.

<]=)

[iebnn]

The PSP is coming out a year after the helix

the PSP does not really compare, as it is a dedicated gaming device, while the helix should only be bought if you want to combine a gaming device with a PDA. You are sacrificing gaming quality for being able to do PDA operations with it. If all you want are games, then get a PSP or a GBA.

[iebnn]

There will obviously be new games for it, and not just ports of old games. It's not just a handheld version of the PSX or something. GBA has many game ports, but it has many more new games. Some people seem to say that it7s all just ports of old games, but that's really not the case at all.

It doesnt have a touch screen, and who knows about the resolution? also, it will not run other non-game software (other than mp3, video, etc probably). It's not a PDA like the helix. There will not be free games for it like the helix, or very cheap games. GBA games are around $30 brand new.

[TheZodiac]

In t3 magizine there is an interesting peice on a sony portable server running linux - the blurb below states it could be a prequal to a "Sony iPod" uses wither bluetooth or WiFi, Im not sure now - but for those who dont know the mag - its www.t3mag.co.ik

Take care :-D

[iebnn]

portable server? how does that have anything to do with an mp3 player?

[Unregistered]

An MP3 player can only "serve" MP3's (if you will) this device serves what ever file you want. In any format you want, because basically its a portable wireless server - Imagine, you are in your car, this device is in your trunk, you walk around the mall verbally requesting songs from your dual in ear wirelessly stereo (BT) headset. The device and server are connected via HSWIO (high speed wireless) a sort of portable personal intert portal.

Now - thats is just the headset..... imagine if you will a tiny handheld touch screen?.... the uses are limitless. The ultimate congergence device, really, when you think of it. But there really isnt much thinking of it to do. This is what it is - and this is where the technology is going. The future of *your* personal internet.

[iebnn]

heh bluetooth wouldnt reach your car as you walked around in a mall. maybe if you walked around the parking lot if it was a small one

even 802.11b doesnt have that good of a range

it sure is going to be funny in the future to see people walking around talking to themselves

it seems that the real product here is a headset that can do the things you describe. I don't see the advantage of using the portable wireless server over the laptop with wifi that you already have. Neither of them could be always-on, since a wifi device wont last more than a few hours unless it has a huge battery. I'm curious as to how this will work out

[JaToAc]

did someone of the lucky PSP owners had luck in transfering ATRAC coded music to the PSP and play it?

or could someone of the clie/sonicstage users post the folder structure of the songs location so that we could take a look at that?

thank you

[RMCF]

I hope that emulators will be able to run on the PSP. Imagine, with that horsepower you could do 100% SNES/GBA emulation, and the screen is amazing.