By Stevie Smith Jul 4, 2007, 13:41 GMT
Reports are today suggesting that a new firmware update for the PlayStation Portable handheld videogame and multimedia device may pave the way for Sony to introduce videogames via a download service, which could well signal the end of the system’s current UMD delivery method.
Apparently members of the hacker community have broken down the code relevant to the PSP’s latest firmware edition (v3.51) and duly discovered the inclusion of an ISO loader (np9660.prx), which will allow games to be played directly on the system from a compatible flash Memory Stick rather than just from existing Universal Media Discs.
Tech boffins at Absolute Gadget also recount that Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), has already stated that Sony has plans to implement a specific PlayStation Portable store where users will be able to download games directly to their handhelds. Bringing those games to a flash-based Memory Stick would certainly be a viable option in terms of storing download files.
Other rumours put forth regarding the ISO loader discovery include chatter related to a revamped PlayStation Portable, dubbed the "PSP Lite" which could see any such device scaled down in physical size and weight thanks to the complete removal of the UMD drive in favour of on-demand downloads.
While currently only a wealth of speculation, Sony has seen a definite decline in retail support for its UMD movies, with the likes of American giants such as Wal-Mart and Target backing tracking away from the format based on its lack of competitive pricing in the DVD market and also its restrictive consumer appeal. Several major movie studios have also opted out of UMD, though core videogame support remains unchanged.
The PSP’s new v3.51 firmware update has also made the news recently for quietly enhancing the processing power of Sony’s diminutive piece of gaming hardware, shifting its speed up from 222MHz to an improved 333MHz, which is likely to boost the overall presentation of future games – though at the cost of valuable battery life.
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