In the past 30 days or so, we have seen the release of three PSP Firmware updates, and now the fourth, Firmware 3.03 has been released by Sony fixing a minor issue.. While the only major software update was Firmware 3.00, Sony has release three minor updates dealing with issues regarding the PlayStation Store and PS3 connectivity. Firmware 3.03 doesn’t add anything new to the PSP list of features, however, it does extends the number of playable PlayStation 1 titles. Unfortunately, if you don’t own a PS3 or happen to live in Europe (where PS3 is currently unavailable) this update isn’t much use.

The new titles will be available to download from December 21st in Japan. Here is a list of what’s new:

• R-Types
• Taiyo no Shippo
• U-SA
• Dino Crisis
• Global Force
• Gekisou Tomaranna
• Maru Oukoku no Ningyou Hime
• The Convenie Ano Machi wo Dokusen se yo
• Mr. Driller

There has been no mention of these titles being released in other territories as if yet. Note that Firmware 3.03 is not homebrew-friendly and upgrading will mean you will loose the ability to run unsigned code. In addition, Firmware 3.03 is not devhook compatible just yet. As usual, for those of you who would like to upgrade the update is available via the Network Update feature from the PSP’s Settings menu. For owners of a Japanese PSP (PSP-1000 series), the download is also available on the regional website has been updated with the download link.

[Via: PlayStation Japan]

Square Enix has confirmed that it is developing a PSP version of Final Fantasy Tactics, while a sequel to FF Tactics Advanced is also reported to be in development. The new game, titled Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War, will be based on the original PlayStation 1 game but adding new jobs, FMV sequences and cut scenes. Details of the announcement can be found in the current issue of Shonen Jump, and confirmed by EuroGamer.

Check out some screen shots below:

[Visit Official Site (JAP)]

Wow, yet another firmware update has been released for the PSP. It seems that Sony is getting sloppy in testing their updates since firmware 3.02 is a simple security update for the system software (put simply, a patch for a bug they found in the system). Since it is only a patch, nothing new has been added to this firmware update. You can download the update the Network Update feature on the PSP or via the regional PSP websites. It is not necessary to update just yet since games requiring firmware 3.02 will not be available for quiet a while.

For those interested, firmware 3.02 is Devhook compatible so it can be emulated on lower firmware versions, however, not all functionality will be supported. Another point is that homebrew support is not available on this firmware version which means you cannot run unsigned code.

The December 2006 issue of the XTREME PSP Magazine is now available to download. Issue 18 is packed with over 90 pages of great content including previews of Dead Head Fred, Rainbow Six Vegas, Sonic Rivals and Chili Con Carnage. Plus reviews of SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo, GTA: Vice City Stories, Space Invaders Evolution and Pilot Academy. You will also find all the regular content including tips and cheats, the latest news, a competition, homebrew reviews and a feature on what to expect in 2007.

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[Read Online (PSP)]

DK Jr. has released yet another issue of PSP M4M: Magazine for Men. Issue 7 is packed with christmas gift ideas for him and her as well as some sexy christmas babe photos. Also included are various other articles. Download a copy not and check it out. Please be aware that you must be over 18 years of age to download and view the magazine.

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[Via: DK Jr.]

It seems that Firmware 3.00, released yesterday, has a bug and as a result Sony has released firmware 3.01 to correct this. According to the Japanese PlayStation Website the bug involves playing Jeanne D’Arc on firmware 3.00, which causes the PSP to crash during loading data from the UMD and does not return you to the game. Nothing else has been added to this new firmware update. You can download the update via the Japanese PlayStation site, as for the rest of the world, the update will be available soon through the normal channels.

[Via: PlayStation Japan]

After months of anticipation PSP Firmware 3.00 is finally here, and with it comes the long awaited PS1 emulator and many other additions. Unfortunately, there is no mention of homebrew support, which for some is a huge disappointment. Owners of the PS3 will be able to download PS1 games which can then be transferred to the PSP. The PlayStation store, within a few hours, will release a small selection of PS1 games for around $5 each. Check below for a full summary of what’s new in 3.00:

Network

• [Remote Play] has been added (allows connectivity to PS3)
• [Online Manual] has been added
• [Timer Settings] were added to the RSS Channel

Games

• PlayStation titles can now be played using the PS3

Music

• 3 Fast Forward options were added
• Music Visualizations were added

Video

• Motion JPEG format (M-JPEG) is now supported
• [Camera] option has been added

Photo

• [Camera] option has been added

Settings

• [UMD Automatic Start] options have been added

As you can see a lot of features have been added. While some are not so great, the PS1 emulator is certainly a great additions, and may even tempt some homebrew enthusiasts to upgrade their PSPs. If Sony wants everyone to upgrade to the latest version, they should consider making the PSP Open Platform like the PS3. Currently, Firmware 3.00 is only available via the Japanese PlayStation website, but you can expect the other regional websites to update soon. You can download the update via the normal channels including the PSP Network Update feature.

Let us know what you think about the new update. Is it worth upgrading or would you rather have homebrew?

[Via: PlayStation Japan]

It’s official. The PS3 was lauched last night in Japan and as promised by Sony, Firmware Update 1.10 was also available. Although the PSP to PS3 connectivity is not yet available, since firmware 3.00 for the PSP has not been released just yet, there are still a number of good developments to report about regarding the PS3. Firmware Update 1.10 was released by Sony with several improvements to the System Software, and furthermore, the US version of the update is also available a week in advance before the US release of the PS3.

Here is a summary of the changes in the PS3 firmware update:

Whole (overall system changes)

• PLAYSTATION Network can be accessed
• European keyboard support added

Setting

• Music CD volume setting added
• ATRAC settings added
• Keyboard selection setting added
• Color filter settings was added to display setting
• Screensaver option was updated to include option ‘5 Minutes Later’

Video

• Full Screen mode added for video playback from Hard Disk

Network

• Downloading music and the video files with Internet browser are stored on Hard Disk
• PLAYSTATION Store – The following contents can be downloaded.
• PLAYSTATION 3 standard software
• PSP with the PlayStation standard software which operates (PSP system software version 3.00 or more is necessary)
• Chinese and simplified Chinese language support for Internet browser added
• The online manual was added

Other

• Calculation method of hard disk capacity was modified

In order to update to the latest version, simply use the System Update feature from the Settings Menu. A Internet connection and 110MB of free space is required. Alternatively, you can download the update to your PC from the PlayStation website (a file called “PS3UPDAT.PUP”) and copy it to the “X:/PS3/UPDATE”; folder of your console.

It is reported the the PS3 also supports Homebrew. Although no applications have been developed yet, Sony has created an official site about Open-Platform for PS3. The site is under construction, but they state that “;PLAYSTATION 3 allows any desired third-party system software to be installed on it besides its system software provided by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Details will be posted on this site soon.” We have no idea if Sony will release a SDK to assist in developement and if this feature actually provides full access to the PS3’s hardware features for virtually endless possibilities.

[PS3 Firmware Update (JAP)]
[PS3 Open Platform Site]

UPDATE:

It has come to out attention that PSP Firmware 3.00 will include the PS1 emulator. But for the time being, you must own a PS3 in order to download games. This is only until Sony make it possible to download games using your PSP or PC. No time frame was given as to when this will occur. The PS1 games will only work on the PSP until emulation support is added to the PS3, and the Japanese PlayStation Store already has a selection of PS1 games available to download.

[PlayStation Store (JAP)]
[PlayStation Store (Translated)]

Its that time of the month, and you know what that means! The new issue of XTREME PSP is now available to download. Issue 17 contains all the usual content from previews and reviews to homebrew games and more and it’s over 90 pages long, perfect for the commute to or from work. Previewed in this issue are Jeanne d’Arc, Crisis Core: FFVII and more, reviewed games included NHL2007, Scarface and Infected..

Post your comments and any feedback using the comment feature or use the contact form to send us an email. Next issue will include more previews, plus reviews on Space Invaders Evolution, Pilot Academy and more. Don’t miss it!

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