It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."


Q. I work for a well-known store and everybody wants to know, what is the new PSP like? Does it play the same games? Does it have it's own memory card or a built-in one?
A. The PSP Brite (PSP-3000) will be very similar in physical appearance and size, with some notable differences including a brighter, glare-resistant LCD screen, and a built-in microphone. It will still play your UMD games, and depending on the pack you purchase, may come with a 1GB or 4GB memory stick.

Q. Will the PSP-3000 have support for Dualshock 3 controllers?
A. Sony has not released any information regarding Dualshock compatibility with the PSP-3000, however we did discover this patent a while back, so it's certainly a [future] possibility.

Q. Hey, I have a PSP-2000 and I don't have a HDTV. I was wondering if I could buy a Component AV cable and have it work for a normal TV until I get an HD one? I know it can't show games but does it still have the right plug-ins for a normal TV?
A. As long as your TV supports the proper inputs (in this case, component), you shouldn't have trouble with video output. Chances are, if you don't have a HDTV, you don't have component inputs.

It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."
Q: Do you know if, when connected to a standard definition TV (like an old Trinitron, to keep it in the family), will games still show up within a black letterbox frame? You know, on all four sides, not just top and bottom. I think standard def TV is 640x480, so that would mean the PSP's 480x272 resolution wouldn't fill it up, but a guy can dream can't he?
A: Unfortunately, you will see those letterbox bars when playing through a TV that does not support the local resolution. There are some video settings you can play around with on your PSP, but generally the black bars will be present. Sorry!

Q: Is there a way to download items from the PLAYSTATION Store over again?
A: Once you've logged into the PC PLAYSTATION Store, you should see a link in the top-right corner that will allow you to "View downloads." From there you'll have access to any content you've already downloaded, and can therefore re-download anything lost.

Q: How can I quickly turn off the PSPs screen, without shutting the whole thing off?
A: While you can simply flick the power button up to put your unit to sleep, I believe you're looking to keep the handheld running, which can best be done by holding down the video button. It's the same button you'd use to adjust your brightness, near the "start" and "select" buttons. Additionally, holding down the music button will mute your PSP.

It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."


Q: Have you heard anything about No Gravity lately? I heard August for Europe. Any news for a U.S. release? On his website its clear that he plans a release date for the United states eventually.
A: Yes, according to the developer's site, the release is planned for "Summer 2008," which translates to an August release, pending some sort of delay. There's currently no date set for the United States.

It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."


Q: I'm thinking about getting a PS3 and I heard that you can put a PS1 disc in the PS3, then use Remote Play to play the PS1 game on your PSP. Is this true?
A: It sure is! Once you've paired your PSP and PS3, any PSone disc inserted into the PS3 can be played remotely on the handheld. This functionality was introduced with firmware 2.10 (PS3) and firmware 3.80 (PSP).

Q: Any updates on the keyboard? I think this will be an awesome addition as long as the add is clean and acts as a screen cover when closed.
A: We haven't heard much since the announcement back at CES, but we're confident Sony will release the peripheral sometime next year. As far as the design? Your guess is as good as mine.

It took some time off, but fear not, Ask PSP Fanboy is here to stay. Got a question about Remote Play functionality? Looking to setup Skype so you can chat with your friends over Wi-Fi? Or perhaps you're split between two titles as your next gaming purchase? Look no further, as Ask PSP Fanboy aims to be your one-stop source for Playstation Portable answers.

Throughout each week we'll be collecting your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." The first batch of responses will be posted next weekend. We look forward to reading your questions!

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every few weekends, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: How do you change control schemes for downloaded PS1 games?
A: You can switch between a number of control options for PS1 games. For example, you may want to use the analog nub to move the character, instead of the D-Pad. You may want the shoulder buttons to be assigned differently. To switch these options, press Home during a PS1 game, and you'll see options for controls. You can change these settings on the fly -- convenient!

Q: When will the PSP GPS be released for the United States?
A: Next year. My guess? Summer of 2008.

Q: What happened to Godzilla on the PSP? Will we ever see it on our console?
A: Atari has quietly canceled production of the game. Looks like you'll have to go to the Wii to get your Godzilla fix.

Q: What original games are available on the PLAYSTATION Store?
A: There are currently two: Beats and Syphon Filter: Combat Ops. More original games will be available next year.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every few weekends, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."


Q: Will there be a keyboard for the PSP?
A: Not officially. However, older systems that are homebrew-ready have a workaround solution. A USB keyboard officially supported by Sony would be great, but unlikely.

Q: Why haven't the demos from the PLAYSTATION Store been uploaded to PSP Fanboy?
A: Unfortunately, the demos are DRM protected, so they can't be shared from system to system. Hopefully, this will be remedied in the future.

Q: Is there a US release of Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core yet?
A: No. Unfortunately, there is no planned release. We're going to have to be a bit more patient for this one.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every few weekends, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: When is Wipeout Pulse coming out?
A: From Paul Murphy, SCEA: "We have not made any official announcements with regards to a launch date
for Wipeout Pulse." Ouch! We want it to come out soon -- hopefully in tandem with the upcoming PSN release, Wipeout HD?

Q: How do I install demos?
A: Good question. We made a quick write-up for people like you. Check it out here.

Q: I am interested in Portable Ops Plus. Do I need the first Portable Ops to play this?
A; Yes. The new game coming out is just an expansion pack and will require the original game to play.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every few weekends, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."
Q: What is the story with GPS and the camera for US consumers? Will it ever be available retail for US?
A: The GPS and camera will be available in the US ... next year. If you can't wait, you can always import the GPS and camera. While the camera will work fine with the downloadable Go!Edit software, the GPS will require you to have a homebrew enabled system. Supposedly, the US version of the GPS device will be enhanced in some way. We don't know when these PSP peripherals are going to make it to the US, but if we had to guess, it would be during Spring, before people get ready for their summer plans.

Q: Are there any protective cases specifically for the PSP Slim?
A: Hard cases for the PSP Slim have been hard to come by, especially because Sony hasn't made an official one. If you're using a soft pouch, like the one included with the PSP at launch, those will work just fine. Mad Catz seems to have a case for the Slim -- but we haven't tried it out yet. Play-Asia also has a fantastic list of products made specifically for the redesigned system, and cases and pouches are on the list.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every few weekends, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: Do the component cable ONLY work on HDTVs? Or can you use a SDTV as well? And what is the difference between the two cables?
A: We get this question on a nearly daily basis. Component cables will only work on EDTV/HDTV sets with component inputs. You can NOT use a SDTV. The main difference between the two is that the component cables will allow you to play games on your TV. If you do not have a HDTV, you will not be able to play PSP games on your TV. Hope that clears things up!

Q: Is there any way to access the PlayStation Store for downloading PSP from PS1 ports without using a PS3? If there is how does it work? And if not do you think that they will have it any time soon?
A: A PSP version of the Store is already in the works, and is available right now in Japan. We won't see it until next year, I'd assume. However, the Store will not only include PS1 games, it will also include brand new games that were made specifically for the PSP.

Q: Is the PSP-2000 just as capable of running custom firmwares as the original?
A: It depends. The first batch of PSP-2000 systems can be exploited using Pandora's Battery. However, recent reports suggest that any new systems, such as the Star Wars PSP, are not vulnerable to the exploit. You'll have to experiment

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: Why doesn't PSP Fanboy make a mobile friendly version of their website/blog/news for consumption on the PSP?
A: We actually do have a mobile version of the site (one of the first Joystiq sites to have one, actually!). Simply visit m.pspfanboy.com from your PSP browser.

Q: Why are so many RSS feeds no longer working?
A: Many RSS feeds are starting to use high resolution video, 640x480, that the PSP currently doesn't support. Hopefully, Sony will further remove the restrictions on video playback, because we know PSP is capable of handling video of resolutions up to 720x480.

Q: With pre-orders for the new PSP Slim being high, do you see more (and/or better) PSP-exclusive games coming out in the future?
A: If the PSP redesign takes off as much as the DS Lite did, then yes, we'll see more exclusives hit the system. However, the DS Lite was a significant change compared to the original -- one that's easily noticeable at first glance. The PSP redesign is a lot more subtle.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: Will my PSP be able to hook up to my Sony HDTV with an update or will I have to buy the PSP Lite?
A: If you want to have easy TV-out, you will need the new slim PSP.

Q: When are Wipeout Pulse and God of War: Chains of Olympus coming out and will these new 333MHz games be playable on the fat PSPs?
A: Both Wipeout Pulse and God of War: Chains of Olympus will work on any PSP system. In fact, any and all games that are 333MHz will run on the older PSP model. Unfortunately, there's currently no release date for either Wipeout or God of War beyond the vague "Holiday" time line.

Q: Will the "PSP phat" be shunned out from future firmware upgrades? If not, does this mean that specific firmware features for the PSP Lite will not be active in older PSP models?
A: The older PSP model will be able to upgrade its firmware, but it's true -- some features will not be available for older systems. Hopefully, future firmware revisions will continue to improve both the old and new system, but from what we've seen, all the features of 3.60 are only for the new PSP.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: HELP NEEDED, AFTER I UPGRADE TO 3.52OE, ALL MY GAMES AND MOVIE COULD NOT BE DETECTED. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHERE TO PLACE THE FILES OR DO I HAVE TO CREATE ANY FOLDER IN ORDER FOR THE PSP TO DETECT. THANK YOU.
A: Whoa, watch it with the Caps Lock, buddy. It sounds like your Memory Stick may have been reformatted. However, check by connecting your PSP to your PC. You should be able to browse the contents of your Memory Stick. If there are no files in it, then in your PSP go to System Settings -> Format Memory Stick. If there are files on your PSP, remember to have a folder named VIDEO for your videos, and a folder named PSP. Under the PSP folder, create a new subfolder called SAVEDATA, and make sure all your game saves are there.

Q: Will the new firmware on the PSP Lite be homebrew-accessible (hackable)?
A: New PSPs will come with firmware 3.60 installed, so it will not be immediately hackable. However, homebrew coders recently were able to exploit the firmware up to version 3.50 using Lumines. It is possible that later down the line, firmware 3.60 will be vulnerable, but who knows how long that'll take.

Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."


Q: When is the PSP Lite coming out in North America? Every other region has announced dates/pricing/colors, but we haven't heard a peep!
A: Incorrect -- we've had a launch window all along: September. On September 10th, the limited-edition Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack will be available. This package will include an "Ice Silver" PSP, Daxter, "Family Guy - The Freakin' Sweet Collection" on UMD, and a 1GB Memory Stick. On October 9th, the limited-edition Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron PSP Entertainment Pack will be available. This package will include a "Ceramic White" PSP with Darth Vadar on the back, and a copy of Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron. Finally, the standard "Piano Black" system will be available in September.

What? Two in one weekend? Insanity! In order to catch up for lost time, Ask PSP Fanboy is back with an all new edition. Every weekend, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ joystiq.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: Based off of your(limited) time with the redisigned PSP, do you think it would fit nicely in current PSP cases, or will i have to buy a new case fitted just for the new PSP?
A: The new PSP is exactly the same width and height as the original. However, it is much thinner -- and I don't think it'll fit as snugly in a hard case. It might rattle around a lot, which shouldn't be a problem, but that might be an uncomfortable thought for some. I don't use a hard case, but rather a soft pouch, and I don't see any problem with using the same pouch with the new system.


Q: I was wondering any news on GT Mobile surfaced during E3 2007?
A: Unfortunately, no news on GT Mobile appeared at E3. It appears that Polyphony Digital is hard at work on Gran Turismo 5, and most likely won't work on a new PSP version until they're done with the PS3 version. Now that 333MHz is fully unlocked, the system is fully capable of running a Gran Turismo game -- and we know it'll make money. C'mon, Sony! Hopefully, we'll see something at Tokyo Game Show.

Q: Will I be able to use the game saves from my existing MS Pro Duo on the new "Diet" PSP?
A: Yes, you will be able to swap game saves. Other than its size and video out, it is identical to current PSPs.

Q: Does the new PSP have a removable battery?
A: Yes it does. In fact, you can swap a battery from an older PSP into the new system and get extended battery life. Read more.