should i snag a PSP?

[vuzedome]

The 1000s here cost just as much as the 3000s, or should I say it's actually the other way around
Me and a couple of guys were laughing our ass off, bought a bunch of discounted 3000s and sold them off for their actual prices to the rich kids.
Profit $$$$$$$$.

[Southrop]

I still buy a lot of my PSP games. Like how I've bought most Gundam games and every Monster Hunter main series game. But some of them I can't afford/aren't immediately available here.

[hanayome]

If only they did not have overkill prices, i would have bought them. When i went to check out crisis core, due to the platinum game stuff, its price was double of the normal games. I do love Square Enix a lot, but so much for a single game which can be gotten free....And i'm not exactly rich, neither do i have my own money.

[DaggerLite]

If only they did not have overkill prices, i would have bought them. When i went to check out crisis core, due to the platinum game stuff, its price was double of the normal games. I do love Square Enix a lot, but so much for a single game which can be gotten free....And i'm not exactly rich, neither do i have my own money. ::)

Your retailer tried to scam you. Apparently, you have no idea about what Platinum PlayStation games are.

When a game sells over a certain amount of copies in a region, they go Platinum (actual term varies with region). This means that the title drops a lot in price so that they can sell even more copies. If I'm not mistaken, they used to cost less than half of their pre-platinum price. Here's Crisis Core in Platinum. Perhaps you were looking at this, which is a limited edition, and has risen in value due to its increasing rarity in mint condition.

[kenshin-dono]

wow took me a while to pour over that, tnx for the info guys.
@ daggerlite. I had forgotten about prinny: can i really be a hero!? that game looked neat, tnx. And what did they actually change for Disgaea 1 and 2 for the psp? I was a huge fan of 1 but not really so much 2. The tales series is a big plus since id o like them a lot.

lotta good psp hacking info there southdrop thanks. I think i would actually wanna get the psp3000 though. The better screen/load times is attractive to me. Also, monster hunter is not very appealing to me. I was wondering if you or anyone knew if you could actually rip your games to a memory stick on the psp3000's or if you need some kinda pirate stuff to do that. You would think they would let you use a 'digital copy' with any psp, since using a memory stick would cut down on battery life and system wear. is that at all possible or did Sony not impliment that for some reason?

Since a lot of people are talking about some remakes, like persona, final fantasy, star ocean 2, ect i should mention that i have pretty mucha ll the ps1 originals that are remade. I basically am wondering if the remakes are worth getting for me considering i have all the originals. I actually have several of my ps1 games here because i was getting ready to clean and wax their cases. the ones in the box are:

Suikoden
Suikoden II
Vagrant story
chrono cross
Ogre battle
tactics ogre
Final fantasy tactics
Final fantasy anthology
Final fantasy chronicles
Lunar
Lunar 2
Tales of destiny
Tales of destiny II
Jade cocoon
Saiyuki
Koudelki
parasite eve
parasite eve II
Kartia
Vandal hearts
Vandal hearts II
Rhapsody
legend of dragoon
threads of fate
thousand arms
legend of mana
breath of fire III
breath of fire IV
Fina fantasy VII
final fantasy VIII
final fantasy IX
Grandia
Star ocean the second story
legend of legaia
granstream saga
wild arms
Wild arms 2
front mission 3
Castlevania: Symphony of the night

I also have more than that thats just what was in front of me. I also have a lot of SNES and Genesis rpgs, like the phantasy star series, shining force, ect.

So are all remakes worth it, or are they just graphical ports? Do they add anythign new? Dagger mentioned the disgaea ports addes stuff.. what? what does FFT add? what about some of the other top ones mentioned? (i was really interested in lunar and maybe valkyrie profile). This is a big question because though there are quite a few decent looking original games that i see and have been mentioned, the majority are in fact remakes. Are they worth it if you own the original? Anyone know?

I have a psp 3000 because I could only buy one psp or ds and when I bought the psp I already knew Valkyrie Chronicles 2 was going to be released for psp so I decided on that system since I really liked the first one. I have played alot of the rpgs on the psp and they are good. My only issue with handhelds is I dont play games while outside my house. So basically when im home I do my gaming. Issue I run into is most times I dont end up playing the psp games for long periods of time because I would usually rather play something on the ps3 or my computer.

 I think its amusing Sakubo had valkyrie chronicles 2 bet he selling point for picking a psp over the DS, because thats one of the major reasons i want a psp. I loved the first one and was pissed the 2nd only came out on the PSP. But if i get one then i guess i can play it =D Actually that whole post is eerie because thats pretty much teh same situation im in. I almost never game outside the shouse, so this is kinda being bought almost exclusively for playing indoors next to my other systems. Hence why im curious if someone could elaborate on how the tv hook up stuff works.

I may want to try emulation of a few psp games to see if its worth getting a system, but im pretty much sold on getting one. The emulator linked on the first page looks a bit confusing but i may give it a shot. Does it work pretty well?

About the DS.. that one im really not too sold on. The world ends with you looks cool and i REALLY want to own Suikoden Teikeris (seriously, Suikoden is my favorite series) But i just really dont like the stupid stylus setup. Im guessing if i get a DS i should get the older lite version right? i hear it plays old GBA games. What does the DSI actually do better? is the screen better? Maybe i'll get one around xmas if the price drops since i could also get nintendogs and stuff for my niece =P Regardless, thats one i DEFINATLY would want to try before i buy. Does anyone know a good DS emulator?  Im not sure how that would work since you need their gimicky stylus. If not maybe i'll make a new thread specifically for that since this is mostly about the PSP

Actually price point is something i was wondering about. Does anyone know if there will be a price drop for the PSP or DS anytime soon around xmas? I was planning on waiting until around then anyway. Im guessing the new 3d handheld nintendo system would instigate one but i have no clue when thats due. For the PSP theres no real bundle that seems worth it for me. i dont really care about kingdom hearts. And im probably gonna want an AC adaptor and memory stick

Thanks for the help so far guys. Any other game sugestions would be great, and im still wondering if someone can point out what games are good from the list here:
http://xevon.awardspace.com/psprpgs/

Legend of heroes looked kinda cool, so does generations of chaos, as did Astonisha story 2.. but astonisha story 1 is rated piss poor everywhere. PoPoLoCrois  looks weird but interesting

[Temuthril]

I was wondering if you or anyone knew if you could actually rip your games to a memory stick on the psp3000's or if you need some kinda pirate stuff to do that. You would think they would let you use a 'digital copy' with any psp, since using a memory stick would cut down on battery life and system wear. is that at all possible or did Sony not impliment that for some reason?

You cannot rip your UMDs to the memory stick (on official firmware), but you can buy digital versions of the games from the PSN store.

But i just really dont like the stupid stylus setup.

There are games that do not rely on the stylus at all.

Im guessing if i get a DS i should get the older lite version right? i hear it plays old GBA games. What does the DSI actually do better? is the screen better?

I've heard DS Lite has some durability issues, but it's probably the cheapest alternative. DSi has a slightly larger screen and supposedly better buttons.
In my opinion, the original DS has pretty much perfect buttons.

Actually price point is something i was wondering about. Does anyone know if there will be a price drop for the PSP or DS anytime soon around xmas? I was planning on waiting until around then anyway. Im guessing the new 3d handheld nintendo system would instigate one but i have no clue when thats due.

http://ds.ign.com/articles/111/1116809p1.html

[Southrop]

I was wondering if you or anyone knew if you could actually rip your games to a memory stick on the psp3000's or if you need some kinda pirate stuff to do that. You would think they would let you use a 'digital copy' with any psp, since using a memory stick would cut down on battery life and system wear. is that at all possible or did Sony not impliment that for some reason?

You cannot rip your UMDs to the memory stick (on official firmware), but you can buy digital versions of the games from the PSN store.

With custom firmware, you can rip the iso to your computer. This is achieved using a custom firmware feature to change your USB device, so instead of accessing the memory stick, you access the UMD drive. By then opening the drive on your computer (make sure you're in USB mode in your PSP), you can copy the iso onto your computer.

[tomoya-kun]

Buy the PSP go!

Also, Miku Hatsune Project Diva 2nd is excellent, and has quite a lot of songs.

[sdedalus83]

, so instead of accessing the memory stick, you access the UMD drive. By then opening the drive on your computer (make sure you're in USB mode in your PSP), you can copy the iso onto your computer.

Or you can rip directly to the memory stick and bypass the absurdly slow process of transferring directly from the psp.

[kenshin-dono]

still havent got much feedback on the remakes.

Tnx for the info on the ripping stuff but i was really leaning to the psp 3000. I was actually all set to pick one up this holiday season. i even picked up Jean D' arc since it was 20 bucks at walmart, but i just found somethign disturbing out. I was told that teh psp 3000 has major interlacing issues and shows serious scanlines that are particualrly visible when playing 2D games... well since thats mostly what i'll be playing thats a big problem!


this disgaea screenshots the first thing i saw:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/10/21/psp-3000s-screen-showing-all-sorts-of-problems-jaggies-interlacing-abound/

and the pic of metal slug here has really horrible looking scan lines:
http://www.reghardware.com/2008/10/22/psp_3000_scan_lines/

Since i'll be getting this system for 2d rpgs mostly i really need to know whats up with these supposed issues. From what i saw online it seems the 2k version has ghosting issues, while the 3k version has interlacing and ugly scan lines, but theoretically it does have a brighter more vibrant screen.

Whats the real difference between the screens here? The scanlines are a serious problem if they really look as bad as that pic. I can live with a little ghosting but NOT major interlacing issues or staring at big scan-lines. Here was a youtube video that showed them too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL9MVT_MXfA

in that one the system browser screen they show it had noticeable scanlines on it, plus there was interlacing artifacts. Does it really look this bad? Have any of you used a psp3000 with disgaea, metal slug, or other 2d games.. maybe lunar or something? Does it have big black scanlines and interlacing artifacts in it? I have no way of verifying it myself so hopefully someone can help me out here

[fohfoh]

Probably one of those things you won't notice unless it's side by side... but hard to say.

[tomoya-kun]

You can definitely tell if you know about it, Jean D'arc (amazing game) looks a bit different on the 3000.  2000 and PSP Go have better screens.  Personally, I still like my PSP1000, I can't seem to get the custom firmware on my 2000 or 3000

[fohfoh]

Idk... I also attributed such lines to nostalgia (if I ever saw it). I mean... anyone remember the totally visible grid lines on oldschool PSX games?

[kenshin-dono]

You can definitely tell if you know about it, Jean D'arc (amazing game) looks a bit different on the 3000.  2000 and PSP Go have better screens.  Personally, I still like my PSP1000, I can't seem to get the custom firmware on my 2000 or 3000

what do you mean different? Do you see the scanlines? interlacing issues?

Hell im really confused about these scanlines honestly. Since when do LCD's have them?? o_O

@fohfoh  its funny you mentino the PS1 scanlines. I just poped in breath of fire IV the other day and damn thats got it BAD. Especially since im playing on S-video. I couldn't stand if the PSP looked like that. Has anyone actually PLAYED the 3000 with 2d games and seen them? what about you foh?

side question guys. What kinda batteries does this thing use? Is its own rechargable battery pack? AA's? what? I was actaully looking at the upcoming god of war pack but it doesn't mention either a battery pack or AC adapter with it which is odd
http://psp.ign.com/articles/110/1109837p1.html

i would definitely need the AC adaptor since most of my gaming will be indoors. And im assuming i need a battery pack. Is that pack actually missing those 2?
here it is on gamestop
http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/productDetails.aspx?sku=020062

[tomoya-kun]

I own a 1000, 2000, 3000 and Go.  This image best explains the scanlines



It's not terrible, but I dislike it as I hold the PSP quite close to my eyes (bad vision)

[kenshin-dono]

thats not terrible?? if it really looks like that then thats the definition of terrible for me. That looks absolutely horrible

[sdedalus83]

I was told that teh psp 3000 has major interlacing issues and shows serious scanlines that are particualrly visible when playing 2D games... well since thats mostly what i'll be playing thats a big problem!

It's a tradeoff for having the only PSP useable outdoors on anything brighter than a heavily overcast day.  The 3000 is the only PSP with a transflective display.

[Southrop]

If i recall correctly, the improved screen performance and the scanlines are caused by the same thing: they decided to align something horizontally instead of vertically like they did with previous screens. In other words, it's a sacrifice that had to be made for the improved quality and brightness. And to be honest, it's usually hugely OMGWTFBBQ noticeable unless you play some fast action games (Gundam VS Gundam comes to mind).

[kenshin-dono]

well thats a 'compromise' that they just shouldn't have made if its really that bad. Im really surprised this isn't a wider known issue if it looks this terrible. Most of the griping seemed to be about the interlacing which doesn't look as noticable, but these scanlines are HORRIBLE I really should try to see it myself. Are there any games it stands out in that they would mostl ikey have at a gamestop? I'll try to go into one and see if they'll load a psp3000 up with metal slug or something if i can, but they may not have that. Any 2d game that may be common and has these horrible lines very obviously? I was thinking disgaea or something but its got a long opening and i dont want to make theg uy wait 10 minutes to play the game.

well this really sucks. I wanted the god of war pack coming out but if it looks this shitty i may have to try to get a psp 2000. Honestly i dont think the new screen looks all that much better than the older one. brighter yes, but brighter is NOT always better. In fact it rarely is in my opinion. I like to game in a room with blackout shades and i have my tvs backlight low. When stuffs too bright you lose detail and some accuracy of the colors IMO. Shadows look particularly blasted. In Most of these scan line/interlacing shots i prefer the psp 2000 look but i seriously thought they were being biased or something and not taking accurate photos.

It really is OMGWTFBBQ noticable all the time southdrop? Im guessing youve seen it in action? any games where it will stand out?

im really bummed now i thought this would be an easy buy. Anyone got an answer to my battery pack question btw? I was also gonna ask what kinda memory sticks it uses. I know they have the sony psp ones, but can you buy larger versions they make for their other devices? id like a 16 or 32 gig one

[tomoya-kun]

PSPs use Memory stick PRO duo.  Amazon US website filtered for 16GB+ cards

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_p_n_size_browse-bin_6?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A541966%2Cn%3A1292110011%2Cn%3A516866%2Ck%3AMemory+stick+duo%2Cp_n_size_browse-bin%3A677429011&bbn=516866&keywords=Memory+stick+duo&ie=UTF8&qid=1285185982&rnid=673240011