Looks like a hotfix may be in order for Sony’s recently-issued PS3 firmware 3.56. Although merely a ‘security patch,’ users on various sites such as NeoGAF and HighDefForum are reporting that they can no longer swap the internal HDD for a upgraded one. A wide range of PS3 models are affected, all of them with a 16MB NAND flash, which […]

Sony plans to market ‘multiple’ versions of the recently announced NGP (PSP2), including several non-3G SKUs, according to SCEE head Andrew House. Specifically, the exec told Eurogamer that only one 3G configuration is planned, while the other models will come equipped with standard WiFi only. The first thing to clarify, which I’m not sure the presentation did a perfect job […]

The legal battle between George “Geohot” Hotz and Sony has taken a somewhat unexpected turn, as US District Judge Susan Illston has granted Sony’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO). New filings, unearthed today, indicate that the further hearings will remain in California as well. “The Court has reviewed all of the filed materials, and after consideration of the […]

Following up on the initial announcement of its PSP successor, Sony has sent over a fresh batch of high-res photos of the OLED-touting, dual analog device. For a complete lowdown on the specifications, hit up our previous NGP (PSP2) article. Otherwise, to indulge in some sightseeing, hit the break. Yes, that holiday 2011 release target seems so very far away right […]

While the original PSP was oft-criticized for its lack of third-party support right out of the gate, it seems its successor will not suffer the same fate. At this year’s PlayStation Meeting, Activision pledged its support for the next-generation handheld, announcing that Call of Duty is indeed NGP bound. With the NGP capable of pulling off PS3-level visuals without much effort, we’d […]

Metal Gear Solid mastermind Hideo Kojima took the stage as this year’s PlayStation Meeting to show off a tech demo of Metal Gear Solid 4 running on the PSP2, or NGP as it’s tentatively known. While Kojima was keen to note that the demonstration was merely a test, not an actual product, it’s certainly a testament to the NGP’s capabilities. […]

Update: Photos have gone live. Putting an end to rampant speculation, Sony today formally announced the PSP2 at its Japan-based press event. It’s codenamed NGP, short for Next Generation Portable. The handheld boasts an impressive set of specs — including a quad-core Cortex-A9 CPU, 5 inch OLED display, 3G and GPS, front and rear touchpad. Even more impressive, that sexy OLED […]

Sony Computer Entertainment bossman Kaz Hirai just lifted the wraps on PlayStation Suite at the company’s Japanese press event today. It marks Sony’s first-ever cross platform endeavor, bridging the gap between PSP and cellphones. Billed as a “hardware-neutral” framework, it allows developers to create content that runs seamlessly on Android smartphones and tablets, along with PlayStation-specific devices. The goal, Hirai […]

Sony has quietly released PS3 firmware 3.56, a minor update that adds a “security patch.” Vagueness aside, there’s little doubt this comes in response to the recent wave of PS3 hacking efforts which have resulted in several custom firmware variants. Suffice to say, those who value homebrew access are advised not to update at this time. It likely won’t be […]

Along with the open beta that launches next week, Sony is giving gamers yet another way to experience Killzone 3 ahead of its retail debut in the form of a single player demo come February 15. PlayStation Plus subscribers will get it a week earlier, on February 8. The demo segment highlights the arctic warzone of ‘Icy Incursion.’ It comes in […]

Kotaku has gotten their hands on what they’re calling the “first official shot of the PSP2” tonight. It looks mightly compelling with dual analogs, a touchscreen, bluetooth, and dual memory card support. Really can’t tell much else from the image but it jives with all the reports that we’ve heard so far on the yet unannounced PSP successor. Check out […]

It looks like Davee has maintained his word of a new downgrader even though the PSP’s signing keys were released. The new downgrader will take your PSP running 6.31 or 6.35 firmware to the earlier 6.20 firmware, which is HEN-capable. The downgrade process is relatively simple: copy the PSP folder from the downgrader to your PSP and then put the […]

Heads up, Sony is giving PS3 owners a chance to snatch select PSN titles at deep discounts. Running through January 31, the ’11 for 2011′ promotion highlights 11 PSN gems for 50 percent off their original purchase price. This includes Shatter, Deathspank Thongs of Virtue, and MotorStorm 3D Rift. For the complete listing of deals, hit the break. Note that […]

The PSP2 is shaping up to be one well-specced powerhouse, if a recent leak from Japan’s business daily Nikkei is any indication. According to the paper, the upcoming handheld will boast 3G connectivity powered by NTT DoCoMo, the region’s leading cellular provider. While the 3G service will not allow for phone calls, gamers can use it for online gaming sessions […]

While the initial Killzone 3 beta run was delegated exclusively to PSN Plus subscribers, Sony is opening the welcome gates to all PS3 owners as part of an open beta beginning February 2. Boasting PS Move and stereoscopic 3D support, it’ll run through February 14, granting access to the MP05 ‘Frozen Dam’ multiplayer level across all three modes — Guerrilla […]

Square Enix announced today that its oddly-named mashup brawler Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy will arrive in North America on March 22. A PSP-exclusive, the sequel expands on the original outing with new characters, abilities, and customization options that allow for a “more strategic combat system” that blends action and RPG elements. Also featured is a robust multiplayer mode that includes communication […]

Update: It’s out. Ahead of the PSP2’s unveiling next week, Sony is giving the original PSP a dose of firmware lovin’. According to a recent PlayStation Blog post, PSP firmware 6.37 is due out ‘soon.’ It aims to “improve system software stability during use of some features.” Nothing terribly exciting here, really, but we’ll let you know when the update […]

As part of a cross-promotion deal, Sony is throwing in a perk for those that purchase Guerrilla Games’ gritty shooter Killzone 3 in the form of early access to the SOCOM 4 multiplayer beta. A PSN code that grants entry is included with all North American copies of KZ3. Participating retailers include GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon. Further details regarding the […]

Are Sony’s lawyers grasping at straws to take down PS3 hacker George “Geohot” Hotz? In order to establish personal justification in the state of California, the latest round of court documents once again attempt to pin Hotz’s hacking efforts under the terms of the PSN user agreement. It also includes evidence to support such a claim, notably that Hotz has […]

While we knew Portal 2 on PS3 would feature some degree of Steamworks integration, the Sony and Valve partnership announced at E3 2010 extends far beyond what we initially expected. Not only does Portal 2 boast cross-platform co-op play between PS3 and PC, those who purchase a copy of the PS3 version can unlock a Steam copy at no additional […]