PSP Goes Online, Scuppers Retro Gamers
The inclusion of the version 2.0 with European PSPs won't be good news to everyone.
While Americans anxiously await the latest software update for the PSP, Sony has confirmed to Kikizo that the handheld will launch in Europe with the update already installed, meaning people can take to the Net instantly.
Version 2.0 of Sony's PSP firmware adds a smorgasbord of functionality to the portable, including better image and sound file support and a Web browser, bringing the Internet to your palm.
But the update does more than that.
Amateur programmers have been worming their way into the PSP's innards since its release in Japan last year, and they've come up with several interesting pieces of home-coded software.
Productivity applications, and a Web browser are already out, as are several emulators, allowing PSP owners to play old PC, console and handheld games - many of which are downloaded illegally.
But most of these programs need an older version of the firmware, which gave coders hooks to latch their kludged software onto.
Sony's inclusion of the latest firmware shifts the balance in its favour, but this will only give coders more incentive to swing it in their direction again.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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