Sony @GamesCom 2011 (Parts 1 & 2)

Yes, I know PAX is right around the corner (I'm not there this year) and I'm STILL writing stuff about Gamescom? Hey, I'm buried in Deus Ex: HR at the moment, so you get to watch a couple of really nice videos from Sony's press conference last week until I post my review and free up some time. By the way, so far, it's a spectacular game...

PSP E-1000 Specs: Cheaper, But Still A Hot Ticket For Some...

While the uber-techies are grumping over this new model's lack of certain features, personally, I think the E-1000 is a pretty great entry level handheld for new users looking to get into the PSP and its rather huge games library. I still have my original 1000, 1001 and Slim 3000 models here at the home office, so I'm not sure I'll import this one yet.

Import as in there's been no North American release announced, which in my opinion, is a bit strange. Is SCEA afraid that the system will be blasted on message boards for being "cheap" and lacking features found on past and current models or are they implying (or is it inferring) that European gamers aren't all that sophisticated and this budget model will find a niche amongst those who don't have high-speed connections and want to get some handheld gaming in. I can see a modestly to moderately successful market for the E-1000 here provided it's packed in with a few PSP Greatest Hits (or a compilation UMD with assorted PSN titles and minis), but we'll see what SCEA decides down the road.

Specs below the jump, by the way...

Some Quick Thoughts on "Transfarring"

OK, so we all know Hideo Kojima is a genius. My question is: why the heck didn't Sony think of this idea when the PSP was initially launched? As soon as I heard they were doing a portable unit, one of my top wishlist items was the ability to either link PS2/PS3 content to the unit for on the go action or have new games where portable versions had data that could be transferred back and forth between consoles. Anyway, now that "Transfarring" is not only a reality, but a new "word" gamers worldwide will be speaking whenever they hit the road with a Sony handheld, let's hope it's adopted by as many developers as possible as soon as possible.

Oh, and ANY sort of data transfer system NEEDS to be offline enabled as well just in case the PSN hacks never stop rolling out on a regular basis. Just a thought...

Sony NGP Image Gallery

Click below for more images (and some actual text!)...

Sony Unveils New NGP Portable System In Japan (Or: Welcome...The Artist Formerly Known as PSP2)

In possibly the WORST kept secret in an industry known for more leaks than the Titanic crossed with an incontinent elephant, Sony's next-generation successor to the PSP has finally been given it's official public unveiling at a press event in Tokyo. Codenamed NGP (Next Generation Portable), the new unit is sleeker than the current model and comes packed to the digital gills with a bunch of expected and unexpected features and functionality. The new handheld will feature dual analog controls (along with the standard D-pad and PlayStation keys), front and rear touch pads, Sixaxis motion control, a three-axis compass along with 3G network and Wi-Fi support.

In addition, while there's no UMD slot, there's a physical media slot that uses a dedicated card storage format, front and rear cameras and amazingly, a 5 inch OLED display that's four times the resolution of the PSP (go, Sony!). According to Sony, the new system is due for release during this Christmas holiday season - start saving those pennies, folks!

More info (and yes, SPECS) below the jump.

Little Big Planet 2 "Adventure" & "Storyline" Trailers

The Handmade Arcade is alllllmost here - take a look at these two videos from Media Molecule's instant classic and start setting aside some quality time, as you're not coming up for air for a loooong time.