Official PSP Thread! [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

Oobgarm

03-24-2005, 09:56 AM

I did the trade in thing at Gamerush. They were giving $5 extra per title on top of trade in values, so I took advantage of it and cleaned out my collection of stuff I'd never play. Got enough in trade for it and 3 games, plus some leftover.

I'm a bit concerned about the dead pixel issue; I've checked on IGN, PlayStation.com, and gamefaqs(I know, I know), and they each have large threads dedicated to dead pixels. :/

Still, I'm excited to go get mine after I get off work and try out Lumines, Untold Legends, and Need for Speed. :D

link1110

03-24-2005, 10:17 AM

Got mine today. None of the launch titles interest me too much, so I have Tales of Eternia in the mail. Shoul dbe here tomorrow.

NintendoMan

03-24-2005, 10:37 AM

i too am anxious to see how many people picked one up today and how the games play. Also, I can't wait to hear how good the analog stick does work? The only game that looks any good to me, really good, is Twisted metal, espcially since it's online, I wanna see how good it works online!

I unfortunately won't be getting one until the price on everything goes WAY DOWN. That also unfortunately probably won't be for a couple years, but that's alright.

kainemaxwell

03-24-2005, 10:45 AM

I don't plan on getting one but I'm working tonight at FYE so I'm gonna findout how many total sales we get on it during cleanup tonight.

s1lence

03-24-2005, 10:46 AM

This is the first time since the release of the ps1 that I will not go get a system on its lauch day. I just cant see paying 250 for the psp. That and all my game time has been going to GT4 and Halo2. I'm curious as to how good the PSP is, as I'll probably pick one up in a few months.

GrandAmChandler

03-24-2005, 11:21 AM

what does it come with for memory wise? 32MB card?

Are there larger ones for purchase?

I was thinking about getting an Ipod but, if this thing can do MP3s.........

8-)

Cmosfm

03-24-2005, 11:39 AM

Picked up mine this morning, WELL worth 250.00, hell.....it's worth more than that really. But anyways, no time to chat, I'm off to PLAY!

Putney

03-24-2005, 12:02 PM

Just got mine this morning too...definitely worth the cost (even though I did a bunch of tradeins to cut the price down).

Only spent a few minutes with Ridge Racer and Wipeout, but I don't see where all the gripes were about the analog nub on it...sure, it's not as nice as a dual shock, but it's not hard to adapt to. Much easier than trying to play Ridge Racer DS with that damn wrist strap :)

It comes with a 32MB card, but I think you can buy up to a 1 gig card ($100+ as I remember). Depending on how much you listen to, it may or may not be a good iPod replacement. As someone who has more CDs than games, I could never replace my 30 gig iPod though.

Ridge Racer plays like a dream, it's sort of a 'best of' compilation with tracks from Ridge Racer, RR Revolution, Rage Racer, R4, and Rave Racer (my favorite, oh how I've missed those tracks!). Plus, for true old schoolness, you can play New Rally X on load.

Wipeout feels like a hybrid of XL and 3, which is a very good thing. The graphic design isn't as good as those two, but it far surpasses that dog Wipeout Fusion. Anyway, back to playing!

shvnsth

03-24-2005, 12:14 PM

picked up wipeout, twisted metal, metal gear, and ridge racer

this is a very beautiful system, and all its accesories cept for the case are cool looking, very sanitary looking

the screen is awesome

buy one, its worth it, and it will own the ds, as much as i love nintendo

kainemaxwell

03-24-2005, 12:20 PM

So are the PSP launch titles pretty rehases of other PS2 titles?

Tachikoma

03-24-2005, 12:35 PM

The only rehashes I can think of are Darkstalkers and Tony Hawk Underground.

zmweasel

03-24-2005, 12:47 PM

So are the PSP launch titles pretty rehases of other PS2 titles?

Ape Escape: On the Loose looks and plays pretty much like a Dreamcast bleem! version of the original Ape Escape, which is cool with me, as I loved the original.

I'm exchanging my PSP for another one later today, as the one I picked up last night has five dead pixels and what appears to be dust (?!) on the inside of the screen.

-- Z.

Uzi 9mm

03-24-2005, 01:11 PM

I love my PSP, I was the first one at GameStop last night. Pretty soon a crowd started gathering, and me and a couple others just talked about games and such for about an hour.

Unfortunately, I have 3 dead pixels. Fortunately, GameStop just called telling me they have an extra PSP we can swap out later.

As for the games, WOW. Ridge Racer is absolutely stunning, I still don't believe it is a handheld. I haven't played much of Metal Gear Ac!d, but from what I have played so far, it is stunning as well, if not a little boring.

I also picked up a blue slipcover, since the PSP is very shiny. I really recommend buying one of these, the PSP is very prone to scratches and fingerprints.

Plus, for true old schoolness, you can play New Rally X on load.

Heh, I found playing this for at least 10 minutes.

My final though: Well worth the 250.

Beefy Hits

03-24-2005, 01:17 PM

Picked it up at midnight last night, and am very impressed with it.

2 dead pixels, barely noticeable only during black loading screens.

I hate how you have to use the remote control in order to use the headphones! On a side note though, the headphones are good quality, better than token iPod headphones.

I had to read the manual to figure out how to turn the thing off.

I don't see myself using the battery pack much as the instruction book says it lasts 3-5 hours playing games on one charge. The battery pack will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Good thing you can plug it into the wall and play it that way. I play it mostly at home anyway.

Games:

Lumines: Seemed very difficult at first, but I'm getting better and better at it and love it! I play this game the most. For those of you who don't know, Lumines is done by the creator of Rez. It's a puzzle/music game where the music changes depending on how well you do.

Metal Gear Acid: Nice graphics, but only had time to play 20 minutes worth. It's like a metal gear game, only you play with cards. I have a feeling rumors of non-randomness will make this game less than what it could be.

Wipe Out Pure: Fun game. Kinda easy tho - I unlocked the first three sets of tracks on my first try and got 2nd in the tournament mode. DOesn't quite have the style and panache of XL. Graphics aren't what I expected. Would have been nice if they would have introduced the music track and artist before the race like in XL.

Too bad there really aren't many games coming out soon for the PSP, but at least the launch lineup is strong.

zmweasel

03-24-2005, 01:25 PM

I hate how you have to use the remote control in order to use the headphones! On a side note though, the headphones are good quality, better than token iPod headphones.

I plugged the included earbuds straight into the PSP and adjusted the volume with the buttons on the hardware. No remote required. Hell, I didn't have time to tear open the remote bag before I noticed the dead pixels.

-- Z.

buttasuperb

03-24-2005, 01:35 PM

Got mine at Best Buy this morning at 8am. There were around 30 people ahead of me, and by the time I left there were maybe 10-15 more people behind me. I got Twisted Metal and Darkstalkers since you got a $10 gift card if you bought 2 games. Also got the screen protector thing. Went with the 2 year replacement plan for an extra $40 since it's possible a variety of things can go wrong with a device like this. And I can return it for a new one before the 2 years is up even if not much is wrong with it. And if it's cheaper than $250 at that time (which it will be) they give you the difference (in cash or store credit, i'm not sure which)

Haven't got to play it yet since the boss is here today... @_@

Dangerboy

03-24-2005, 02:12 PM

I need to hold off on mine, since I am currently strapped for cash (as well as need money for a date), but I ddi get the chance to hold one.

My god that thing is SHINY. Looks like a mini-convertable with a new wax finish.

The dead pixel issue seems pretty large, I'll keep tabs to see if I can figure out a ratio on the systems.

I wanna play Ridge Racers! :bawling:

link1110

03-24-2005, 02:19 PM

I couldn't wait yo get a game for it, so I picked up Ape Escape. In other news, I have a copy of Ape Escape PSP for sale. LOL

Eternal Tune

03-24-2005, 02:23 PM

I picked up mine at Gamecrazy this morning at 10. They claimed to have only received 20 systems, all for pre-orders only. I was third in line of about 6 or 7 people (all mini-van moms, except one boy my age). There was only one guy working, and he was very confused as to how to operate the computer. A half hour later, I finally got to purchase my system. I bought Lumines and Need for Speed, along with a carrying case and USB cord. Got home and was relieved when (knock on wood) my system was just fine.

The only problem I've had so far is figuring out how to format the memory card so I could put images on my PSP.

I can't wait for Oobgarm to come get me, so we can go pick his up and then proceed with a night of sweet love making with PSPs. Eepo!

LiquidPolicenaut

03-24-2005, 02:27 PM

Well, I got mine this morning at 8. I was first there, but by opening there were only 5 people in total. Anyways, I too think it is a sexy machine. Mine unfortunately has 2 dead pixels, but they are in the lower left and, as stated before, so unnoticeable, didnt notice it 99% of the time actually. Spiderman 2, as well as everything on the demo disc, looks very sharp and sounded good too. I had bought Ridge Racer and Lumines yesterday and finally got to play it today. Lumines is hard at first, but it does grow on you and im getting addicted to it. Sadly, I still have only unlocked one new skin :( Ridge Racer is exactly what I wanted.. a pure Ridge Racer from the old days, plus some nitro. Music is very nice, although I wish there were more tracks from RR and RRR (Good Remix = Drive U 2 Dancing, Bad Remix = Rare Heroes). It brought a tear to my eye to see the 2 tracks from the originals in there, but now with PSP graphics *sniff sniff* So far, Im pleased with it!

P.S. - I also hooked up the PSP to my stereo and Ridge Racer and Lumines sound even more splendid on a home system :)

s1lence

03-24-2005, 02:28 PM

Well I posted earlier today that i wasnt going to get one, but my wife picked one up today as a surprise for me. So I guess I'll post what I think of it.

NE146

03-24-2005, 02:32 PM

norkusa

03-24-2005, 02:32 PM

This sucks. The first PSP I got had several bad pixels on it. I returned it for another one and now the new one is even worse than the first one I had before. Now there is a cluster of 6 or 7 bad pixels in one corner of the screen. Almost looks like a big glob of dust is trapped under the screen but after looking at it closely, it's obviously a problem with the pixels. It's not that noticeable while playing a game, but it sticks out like a sore thumb when I'm watching videos.

I called the store I got it from and they said they are now all out of PSP's. They said I could either get my money back or wait for the next shipment to come in to get an exchange. Not sure what I want to do now. x_x

zmweasel

03-24-2005, 02:36 PM

Has anyone messed around with DVD/video-clip conversion utilities yet? The latest issue of OPM mentioned iPSP (www.kaisakura.com) for Mac users, and I just found www.pspvideo9.com for PC users.

On a barely-related note, my non-gaming sig-other was blown away by the quality of the Spider-Man 2 UMD, and said she'd gladly buy movies in the UMD format.

-- Z.

NoahsMyBro

03-24-2005, 02:36 PM

I just walked around NYC for the last 45 minutes (10 short blocks, and 5 long blocks - I earned my McD's value meal today!) , and saw all sorts of PSP-ness around.

Verizon's got PSP's covering the back of payphone-banks.

The Virgin Megastore has photocopied sheets on every door saying they do have PSPs in stock, but there is a 1-to-a-customer limit, and you MUST buy 2 games with the system in order to buy one.

While out and about, I saw 4 or 5 people walking carrying just-purchased PSP units.

I stopped a Gamestop to look for Gamecube stuff. The store was pretty crowded. A clerk told me they had sold about 300 units total (presales). THere was a long line of folks buying their preslae units, and the store was nearly out of games. As an aside, I tried to buy a copy of NFL2k3 (used) for the gamecube. WHen the sales clerk came out of the backroom with the game, he explained that they had no original cases for the game - he had a few copies in the back to sell ,and he couldn't give me the case I'd picked up from the display as it was his only one. SO he offered me an empty DVD case to use. I declined. I haven't ever tried to sell old games - do Gamestops/EBs/etc... typically buy games without a case?

Also, I'm curious to see what the physical media looks like. Anybody here have pics yet?

link1110

03-24-2005, 02:52 PM

I just tried converting one of my home movies to PSP. It got to like 5% and it was 5MB thus far. That movie was NOT fitting on the 32MB memcard that came with it. I'll mess around with thius more when I get a bigger memory card.

Gamereviewgod

03-24-2005, 02:54 PM

Ok, quick thoughts.

Too easy to get fingerprints and smudges EVERYWHERE. Easy to clean off though.

I find Ridge Racer in all its glory is easier to control with the d-pad. Could be just me. That's nothing against the nub, it's just that RR feels more natural with the pad.

Graphically amazing. Some slightly blurry textures during replays; way too hard to see during gameplay.

The screen is the greatest thing to ever happen to video games. Ok, maybe not, but I have to make a point somehow.

Video quality on Spiderman is better than a DVD, damn close to HDTV quality... really.

No demos on the extra disc? Boo.

I'm worried about dust getting under the hole in the back of the UMD caddy.

I could care less about the downloading qualities and that, but it seems easy.

I'm split on Wipeout. That, or I'm in love with RR. Not sure yet.

No dead pixels because I rock, or I'm just damn lucky.

buttasuperb

03-24-2005, 03:12 PM

Man I really hope I don't get any dead pixels. Just because I don't wanna deal with the hassle of getting another one.

RetroYoungen

03-24-2005, 03:22 PM

Did anyone pick up Archer Maclean's Mercury? It looked pretty interesting and pretty fun, maybe one of the reasons why I would buy this system. Though, hearing about all of the dead pixel problems, maybe I should hold out, maybe just buy the games, just in case they're discontinued...

norkusa

03-24-2005, 04:07 PM

I just returned my 2nd PSP. They said that I couldn't get any more replacements or store credit because all the other retail stores like Best Buy and Circuit City are basically saying "tough luck" to anyone with pixel problems. They did let me exchange it for another "defective" PSP that someone else returned earlier that day that had one sole dead pixel (so far, they've had 5 returns of 17 PSP's sold). It really isn't even that bad and you can barely see it, so I'm happy with it. Actually looks more like a speck of dust than a dead pixel. Those other two I had though were terrible.

Now I can finally relax and enjoy this thing!

buttasuperb

03-24-2005, 04:30 PM

samuraiX

03-24-2005, 04:34 PM

Best Buy and Circuit City are basically saying "tough luck" to anyone with pixel problems.

If I wind up with a bunch of dead pixels and they tell me that, all hell will break loose considering I paid the extra $40 for the replacement plan. I'll take a shit on their floor. O_O

like that would be abnormal for you? you shit everywhere you go...

http://www.zargabox.uklinux.net/downloads/doodie.gif

youruglyclone

03-24-2005, 04:36 PM

picked up two

ridge racer
mgs
ape escape

tempted to do the trade in thing at eb for a generic sports game....

still so far so good

Richter

03-24-2005, 04:47 PM

what's the capacity of them UMDs?

Raedon

03-24-2005, 04:58 PM

samuraiX

03-24-2005, 04:59 PM

what's the capacity of them UMDs?

Pretty sure it's 1.8GB or something close to that.

Raedon

03-24-2005, 05:02 PM

what's the capacity of them UMDs?

Pretty sure it's 1.8GB or something close to that.

wow! That is amazing portable space! even 1 gig bests the DS like the N64 and PS1

buttasuperb

03-24-2005, 05:16 PM

spider-man

03-24-2005, 05:36 PM

Glad to see other gamers enjoying the psp :) I picked up mine a couple months ago, but am excited to see how it does in the states. Btw, has anyone heard if tokyo highway battle psp is coming to the states?

davec

03-24-2005, 05:42 PM

Congrats to all the lucky devils who landed one,
I'd dearly like to get one, but I'd have to live on instant noodles for a month or so. :-P

vincewy

03-24-2005, 05:52 PM

Man, I don't know why people are putting up with Sony for such high rate of dead pixels, I know it's cool product, but one out of 10 having dead pixels is not acceptable.

Other than major cities like NY, I don't think it's selling out like what some sites have claimed, couple stores in my area haven't even sold a single unit (no joke), worsened by the fact that most places are bundling this thing up like crazy with game prices upward of $40, anyone with common sense would think twice about it.

98PaceCar

03-24-2005, 05:56 PM

Hey Darren, I heard you got one. Impressions?

I'll be down for that test drive thing so I'll look at it then.. No one I know has one yet..

As for dead pixels.. LCD tech. is used stock by the time it gets to the US.. We get Japan's old tech. repackaged.

Haven't gotten mine yet. I went through that local store I took you to for mine. Won't get it today, but at least I know I'm helping them stay in business.

Come down next weekend and you can play it all you want! I've already got Twisted Metal and will be picking up at least Untold Legends and Lumines.

link1110

03-24-2005, 06:17 PM

wheelsx45

03-24-2005, 06:55 PM

Can you play online if you connect to a hotspot thats connecting to the internet, or just connect to a psp thats within 100ft ?

vincewy

03-24-2005, 06:58 PM

Other than major cities like NY,

Well, ncsx.com says its readily available around there, and theyre right by NYC (Flushing, Queens) and here on Long Island I was on the Best Buy line at 7:00 AM and there were maybe 25 people on the line with the store having gotten in 210 PSPs, so I don't think it's even selling out here like those sites had hoped.

My main gripe with Sony is actually quality of hardware, not price, if they launch the system with very low rates of dead pixels and good/no-hassle exchange policies for retailers and customers, I'd be glad to pay $250 for the newest gadget. It looks like the same problem with Japanese launch.

On a side note, to my amusement, some suckers/geeks actually think they can buy up all the PSPs they can find on launch day and resell them on eBay for huge profits

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=62054&item=8179841661

The break even point is $300 (price after tax + bloody eBay and Paypal fees), anything lower than that you're losing money, not to mention time and energy, and this guy is even trying to offer lower bidders 2nd chance offers.

link1110

03-24-2005, 07:19 PM

Haha, I like how there's a copy of the yet-unreleased Gran Turismo game (And the Spiderman 2 game, too, which isn't included) in that picture in the auction. Could be a bit misleading. :)

Jasoco

03-24-2005, 08:32 PM

I WILL get one.. But I'm balking on a quick buy due to the price.

I'm sure once a game comes out that I can't resist I will have one in my pocket.. usually this process takes anywhere from a month to one and a half years. :)Ditto what Anyone for sex said.

I've already looked at the release forecast and it's all stuff I won't like. So far there's a total of three games I want for it.

Lumines looks kick ass. I watched a 25, TWENTY-FIVE minute video of it the other night. It was AWESOME. Though there was a long pause between songs. Unexplained. Weird. The PSP should be able to handle changing songs, so it seems weird they actually programmed that in? Loading time? Weird. Almost a turn-off.

Mercury I haven't seen in action, hell, I have only seen some shots, but for some reason I really want it. Don't know why.

Namco Museum. Yeah. Looks awesome. And is my third choice.

Other than that, I can't see anything I'd want to play myself.

The gamer in me wants to wait until good stuff comes out and it comes down in price. But the collector in me wants to get a launch model so I don't miss out on the free Spider-Man 2 DVD.. er UMD.

DeputyMoniker

03-24-2005, 09:08 PM

When I paid for my PSP, I plugged her in while I was still at the counter. I found a bubble in the screen so I swapped it for another one. I found a bubble in that one too so I swapped it for another one. That one was perfect but when I got it home, I found a dead pixel right in the center of the screen. Other than the dead pixel, its freaking awesome! It really makes makes my DS look like something out of a Barbie tea set.

Jasoco

03-24-2005, 09:11 PM

I hope they fix all the problems for the next round. I'm actually starting to not want that first generation with Spider-Man 2. Not if there's a high chance of dead pixels or bubbles.

Uzi 9mm

03-24-2005, 09:18 PM

My GameStop must have had really bad shipping problems, because both PSP's have assorted scratches on the screen, although barely visible.

Anyone else have this problem?

By the way, to answer DeputyMonkier's Question....

2. How large a file is a full length MPEG4 movie? Ive seen people talking about saving "movie clips" on their card but isl it able to handle a full length movie?

Well, it really depends on the clip quality, length, and capacity of the Memory Card. If you increase the quality to High, then the video clip will play well, but it will also have a bigger file size, so it really depends.

Jasoco

03-24-2005, 09:31 PM

norkusa

03-24-2005, 09:46 PM

I'm hoping someone down the line creates drag and drop emulators for NES and SNES (And even a DOOM engine.) that I (A Mac user) can just drop onto the memory card and run on the PSP. To me, that'd be heaven. It's only a matter of time.

Yeah, I'm a Mac user too and would love to have an emulator like that for my PSP. I hear that there is a drag-and-drop NES one for the Gameboy Movie Player that can be loaded up easily from a Mac but I'd like one for my PSP instead.

At least we have a program for OS X that's an all-in-one tool for video conversion (iPSP).

badinsults

03-24-2005, 10:28 PM

The PSP looks very nice, but for the price I could pay my rent for a month.

Uzi 9mm

03-24-2005, 10:52 PM

Should I return my PSP? The dead pixel is very annoying, but the problem is GameStop probably won't get another shipment in for a while.

goatdan

03-24-2005, 11:07 PM

Should I return my PSP? The dead pixel is very annoying, but the problem is GameStop probably won't get another shipment in for a while.

From what I heard, not too many stores that got big shipments sold out of them today, so I'd expect availability soon. Personally, if there is a dead pixel, I'd return it in a heartbeat. Those drive me nuts!

I played one for a bit today at EB when I picked up SpikeOut for the Xbox. The system is pretty, the weight feels just about right and I love the analog nub. That thing is seriously awesome. While I was impressed overall, I didn't think the screen was quite as beautiful as it has been made out to be.

The analog control however... Honestly, that impresses me a ton. And the way the unit looks is pretty slick. It looks cool.

norkusa

03-24-2005, 11:09 PM

Should I return my PSP? The dead pixel is very annoying, but the problem is GameStop probably won't get another shipment in for a while.

If it bothers you, yeah, return it. I'd rather wait a few weeks for a new shipment to come in than be stuck with a PSP with a bad screen.

kainemaxwell

03-24-2005, 11:10 PM

My FYE sold 4 of the 10 units we had today. No returns. I'm assuming the button layout "problem" and the disc-ejection issue, if that wasn't fixed, will be fixe din the 2nd gen PSPs?

Half Japanese

03-24-2005, 11:50 PM

At my Circuit City we had 61. We ended the day with more than 50 still, so there was definitely some disappointment. The management told us initially that we (employees) wouldn't be able to purchase a PSP for a few months due to the apparent demand for them. By 5 pm (when I came in) an email was sent that any employee that wanted one could buy one. I think the problem stemmed from the unnecessary and unavoidable inclusion of Twisted Metal in the bundle (given a choice of games, I'm sure we would have sold a lot more of them). Either way, from my personal standpoint, it was kind of a disappointing launch, but still better than that which the DS received. I must admit I'm intrigued by the PSP and hope to get one at some point.

Crush Crawfish

03-24-2005, 11:59 PM

Before today, I had almost no interest in the PSP, but all the stuff I read about it recently has me dying to get one! Though I think I'll wait it out until June-ish, when I'll have more time to play it and more money to put into it. It'll also give the game lineup sometime to beef up, and hopefully some RPG's will come out. I'd also love to have an emulator on this thing...If it can play Chrono Trigger perfectly, then I'll gladly plunk down the cash, no questions asked! :D

Ikari Warrior

03-25-2005, 12:25 AM

I picked it up tonight, I wasn't expectin to but I caved quickly. My friend said he definitely wasn't buying one at all, and he got one too. It is just so irresistable. I picked up Ridge Racer, Untold Legends, Wipeout Pure, and Darkstalkers. All three are great, with RR being my favorite. The thing is amazing, and my first few minutes playing it truly felt like one of the biggest moments in gaming history, like a new age of gaming had just begun.
I thought it would be cool, but it's actually revolutionary.

Putney

03-25-2005, 12:40 AM

I think a lot of the slow sales might just be due to the fact that so many places are requring bundle purchases...I know at FYE where I got mine I only needed to buy one game, but a lot of other places aren't as lenient.

I guess it should also be considered that there's supposedly some 1 million systems out there right now...at $250 each on a weekday, pretty much all the hardcore gamers got theirs with a lot left for the more casual buyers to eventually pick up. I know two Targets I went to today had entire display cases full.

Jasoco

03-25-2005, 12:42 AM

Oh no.. People are caving. I'm afraid I might too. :(

Noooooooooo!!!!!!!

Kaaaahhhhhhnnnnnn!!!!!!

Dobie

03-25-2005, 12:42 AM

I want one of these, and they seem to be readily available around here, but I REALLY need to know what the battery life is before I plunk down the $250. Nobody has said anything concrete about that yet. I know the estimates, and what Sony has said, but I want to see what people are actually getting in terms of performance. Lumines is calling me.

Jasoco

03-25-2005, 12:45 AM

Lumines is calling me too.

I hear 1 hour with Wireless. 8 hours with games. I don't know. Times are all over the place. Either way, battery life seems to be disappointing me.

I like my SP and DS. I haven't plugged my DS in in weeks and have been playing on and off and it's still going. I just can't see that happening with the PSP. Someone prove me wrong.

Also, I'm not a fan of their little workaround, i.e. releasing a battery pack to plug in you wear on your arm.

zmweasel

03-25-2005, 12:48 AM

My FYE sold 4 of the 10 units we had today. No returns. I'm assuming the button layout "problem" and the disc-ejection issue, if that wasn't fixed, will be fixe din the 2nd gen PSPs?

The disc-ejection non-issue only occurs when a retarded PSP owner twists the damn thing like a pretzel. Quoting the PSP manual:

"Do not forcibly twist the PSP system or expose the system to strong physical shock during gameplay, as doing so can damage the system or cause the disc cover to open, ejecting the disc."

In other words, don't be a dumb-ass, and the PSP will be fine.

As for the SQUARE-button blown-out-of-proportion issue, my SQUARE button is working fine, and the issue only affected a small percentage of Japanese PSP units.

The only legitimate reason to wait for a second-gen PSP is if you're fretting over the current hardware's battery life, but it's fine for everything short of cross-country road trips and cross-continental flights, and you can (and should) buy an external battery pack if you're putting in that much travel time.

-- Z.

zmweasel

03-25-2005, 12:52 AM

I played one for a bit today at EB when I picked up SpikeOut for the Xbox. The system is pretty, the weight feels just about right and I love the analog nub. That thing is seriously awesome. While I was impressed overall, I didn't think the screen was quite as beautiful as it has been made out to be.

Damn, Dan, you're hard to impress. :) You honestly don't think the PSP's screen is miles above and beyond any previous handheld game system? Or are you comparing the PSP screen to PC monitors?

I'd love to hear what the forum's resident videowhore, Anthony1, thinks of the PSP screen. Have you seen/bought a PSP, A1?

-- Z.

mieu_c

03-25-2005, 01:12 AM

Uzi 9mm

03-25-2005, 01:14 AM

I don't understand how you all are still satisified with dead pixles!! @_@ Thats crazy. If I'm going to spend 250. I want it to be perfect.

I'm waiting ... for awhiel... until they figure out there little problem, and lower the price.

I am not satisfied, but I will accept it.

How far are you guys with Ridge Racer so far? I am almost done with the second tour...

Anthony1

03-25-2005, 01:20 AM

I'd love to hear what the forum's resident videowhore, Anthony1, thinks of the PSP screen. Have you seen/bought a PSP, A1?

-- Z.

Yeah baby, I'm a videowhore and a graphicswhore to the max.

Well, unfortunately, I don't have $355.54 burning a hole in my pocket right now for a portable gaming system. But, having said that, I did get to see one in action today, and I did get to see the screen.

My initial impresssion?

Off the hezie, fo shezie!

In other words, "Man, that is so F'ing beautiful".

Honestly though, I really only got to get a good view of the screen for about 10 freaking seconds. Probably not even that. This dude was playing some NBA game on it. The system itself looks absolutely sweet, the media looks sweet, everything about it looks sweet. It also appears that there is actually quite a few really good games avail. for the thing on launch, unlike some other portables that shall go nameless.

Man, this Sucks. I hate to see Sony get even more money and more market share in this industry. But you must give credit where credit is due I guess. As for the dead pixels and the bubbles and dust and all of this stuff, and the fingerprints and smudges and scratched screens and stuff. Man that is my big hangup with this system. That, and the fact that I've never really been into portable systems. Typically the only time that I really have to play games is when I'm at home, and when I'm at home, I might as well be playing some TG-16 in R.G.B. or something like that. Or maybe XBOX Next on my 113 inch HDTV screen.

No question about it, the PSP is in my future, but that could be a more distant future than I would like it to be.

Anybody care to guess when this thing will be $199.99 with a kick arse pack in? Spring 2006? Man I would hate to wait a whole year.

vincewy

03-25-2005, 01:24 AM

I don't understand how you all are still satisified with dead pixles!! @_@ Thats crazy. If I'm going to spend 250. I want it to be perfect.

I'm waiting ... for awhiel... until they figure out there little problem, and lower the price.

Agreed, there's no excuse for such high rate of dead pixels, if you buy laptops, you want the screens to be flawless, the dead pixel rates for those seem to be a lot lower than Sony's, and those have over 1 million pixels, compared to just a few hundred thousands for PSP.

On top of dead pixels, there're other issues like buddles and/or dusts under the screen, dented screen corners on the edge. I saw the unit and I really want one now, but it's $250, it has to be perfect, just ask Neo-Geo gamers who spend $300 on a game, everything has to be perfect from outside to inside.

buttasuperb

03-25-2005, 01:31 AM

Mine had one burnt pixel.

The burnt pixable is noticable against any darker background if you look for it. During gameplay you don't notice it unless you stop and look for that shit. But it is there, and kinda annoying. I dunno if I'll exchange it quite yet, it's not that bad really and I can get a new one anytime. Plus with my luck the new one will have 2 burnt pixels.

Darkstalkers looks and sounds great, but control sucks. Maybe it'll get better if I can get used to it, doubt it though. Tried playing online, no one was there.

Twisted Metal is pretty damn cool. Combination of TM2 and TMB. Tried playing that online, but couldn't get it to connect to any rooms. Maybe that's because I was dling porn. LOL

On second thought, if Best Buy still has any left, maybe I should exchange it for another one. I wonder if they'll let me plug it in right there to test it? I have a feeling that one burnt pixel is gonna bother the hell outta me.

Oobgarm

03-25-2005, 01:49 AM

Nice story to go along with mine.

As I mentioned back at the start of this thread, I got mine at Gamerush, taking advantage of their 'trade in a game and get an extra $5' deal. I traded in a good number of titles, netting as much as $40 for a couple of titles. I hit up a few stores, getting the balance put on one of their rechargeable gift cards. I had a little over $88 on the card before my last trip up there to trade in. On that trade in, I got an extra $157, and the guy tried to apply it to my gift card. Something was screwy with the phone service, so after two failed attempts at adding the balance, we just left it on my account. In total, I had enough credit to get the PSP, Untold Legends, Lumines, and, completely unrelated, NARC for Xbox.

So I get to the store as quickly as possible after work, get my PSP and two games and have the kid ring me out. I knew I had some credit left over, so I got a game for my finacee too. When the guy scanned the $88 gift card, he told me that I had a balance of over $150 left on it. It wasn't the same person who'd helped me before...and this kid seemed kinda aloof anyway. So with my newly found $150 I also snagged a hard case for the PSP, Ridge Racer and TimeSplitters for Xbox, along with a DS game for my fiancee.

The first PSP I got had a couple bad pixels in it, and I was able to take it back in and get a new one. First glance didn't show any bad pixels, even after testing out three of games I couldn't see anything. Then, once I put in SPiderman 2, I saw them. Five little pixels near the bottom of the screen. Only noticable when the screen is black. I'm just gonna ride it out, I think. No need to return it since I noticed them after playing my games on it, which is what I'm gonna use it for anyway.

I'm very impressed with it, pixel problem or not. All 4 games I have are excellent, and Ridge Racer is stealing my attention. Looks a bit flimsy, but it's surprisingly solid. Worth the scratch if you have it available, IMO.