Let’s face it, the PSP is loosing big time to the DS, and Sony hasn’t responded quickly enough. Now, according to scans from the October issue of PlayStation Magazine, Sony is working on a redesign of the PSP, scheduled for release in March 2007.

Rather than just lowering the price to better compete with the DS, Sony will keep the current price point, but update the PSP with 8 GB of flash disk storage (instead of the current 32 MB). The new version will also sport a retooled UMD drive, and will also feature integrated EyeToy functionality.

A PSP with 8 GB storage capacity would be a bargain at $200. Memory chips of that size are quite expensive, and I doubt prices will be low enough for Sony to keep the current price tag. Perhaps Sony should focus on making some quality games for the system, instead of making a redesign? Unless they’re trying to pull off what Nintendo did with the DS Lite.

Japan’s most popular game magazine, Famutsu, has once again got exclusive details on an upcoming game. This time, it’s Ridge Racer 7 for the PlayStation 3. According to Famitsu, the game will support up to 14 players in 4 different online multiplayer modes; Relay, Time Attack, Team Battle, and Pair Attack.

There will be 22 tracks available, all with a reversed version. For singleplayer, the main game mode, Ridge State Grand Prix, will include 160 races, sporting a two player arcade mode as well.

The game will use PS3′s online capabilities to globally rank players, record their stats, and offer downloadable content later on. You will be able to customize your car fully, from the looks, to engine tweaks, and use your own custom nitro boost.

EA has signed deals with IGA Worldwide and Massive Inc. to serve advertising in their games. One of the first games to use the in-game ads will be Battlefield 2142, which we’ve covered extensively the past few days. EA says this would mean “new, realistic brand presence integrated into contextually relevant game environments”.

EA’s David Gardner defends in-game advertising and says,

“The debate ends this year. It’s here, let’s get on with it. In-game advertising adds credibility depending on the product. We’re not talking about US TV-style ads that are constantly interrupting the experience. [In-game ads are] part of the fabric. We just have to get on with it, and as creators, we must fit it in seamlessly.”

Somehow I’m having a hard time believing that. What’s so realistic about in-game ads in a high paced multiplayer shooter set in the 22nd century? Of all the games at EA’s disposition, why choose BF2142, or a game that requires the up most attention from the player? Maybe it would suit The Sims 2 better, and the countless expansion packs.

First images of the PlayStation 3 and Wii demo stands. Used to display the new systems and their games, stands like these usually appear a few days before the official console release, to generate the final bit of hype.

There is no confirmation that these are in fact the real ones from Sony and Nintendo. A lot of users on various forums have suggested they are fake, and the blurry images sure don’t make them look more authentic.

Via Aussie-Nintendo

Sony Japan has announced the pricing and launch details of two upcoming PSP accessories, the GPS module, and the PSP camera. The camera will be launched on November 2 for 5,000 Yen, or $43. It’s a 1.3 megapixel with a built in microphone.

The GPS receiver will be available on December 7 for 6,000 Yen, or just over $50. On the downside, Sony will not include any GPS software alongside the receiver.

Read (Sony Japan)

The latest Japanese software sales charts show that all top 10 best selling games are for the Nintendo DS. As we reported earlier, Final Fantasy 3 takes the top spot, with New Super Mario Bros. as number two.

1: Final Fantasy 3
2: New Super Mario Bros.
3: Rune Factory
4: Brain Training 2
5: DS Talking Cooking Nave
6: Tamagotchi Collection Shop
7: Mario Hoops
8: Animal Crossing
9: Brain Training For Adults
10: English Training

EA has announced that their popular Fight Night boxing series is heading for the PlayStation 3. The game will be Called Fight Night Round 3, and will be developed but EA Canada. Even thought it’s a port from the original Xbxo360 game, the PS3 version will feature an new game mode, “Get In The Ring”, and full ESPN integration. The new game mode let’s you experience boxing from a first person perspective. Expect it to be realeased later this fall.

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Recently we reported on the Battlefield 2142 hacks that have already emerged, and EA’s ability to overlook the most blatant bugs in the engine before starting on BF2142. The guys over at battlecoders.com have made a 7 minute video of the hack/cheat in action. Hopefully some of this will push a few buttons at EA and DICE.

[Thanks, Mike]

According to Famitsu, Sony expects 75 Blu-ray movies to be ready for the PS3 launch in Japan. The movies are expected to retail at 7,500 Yen, or $43.00 USD.

$600 for a PS3 console, $60 for games, $40 for movies. You gotta love the next-gen/HDTV/DRM extravaganza these companies are trying to pull off.

In a somewhat desperate attempt to draw some more players to the almost failed MMO Auto Assault, NCSoft has now released the soundtrack on the official website for free.

The soundtrack, composed by Richard Dekkard, consists of 9 individual mp3 files, totaling at 35 MB. I’ve listened to the first few tracks, and it’s pretty good actually. A mix of electronica and ambient sounds.

Download it here