PSN cards expanding to Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Rite-Aid in September

Filed under: Store

The only time we ever saw a PLAYSTATION Network card was when Sony gave us one for Christmas. Never -- not even once -- have we seen these cards available at a retail store. This is easily one of the most demanded items from our readers, many who don't have a credit card to use for the PSN. Thankfully, support for these cards will expand in September to stores we've actually heard of.

According to the PlayStation website, these pre-paid cards can be found at Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Rite-Aid this September. So whether you're renting a movie, drinking a Slurpee, or buying some condoms in a rush -- keep an eye out for these PSN cards.

[Via CAG]

Gundam vs Gundam headed for the PSP

Filed under: Gundam

Want more Gundam-on-Gundam action? You've asked for it, you've got it -- at least in Japan. The arcade title Gundam vs. Gundam is headed for the PSP with some exclusive content. The 2 vs. 2 arcade fighter will feature over 30 playable units, with extra bonus ones unique to the PSP release, according to Famitsu. Other new content includes an ad-hoc mode that supports four players, tweaking of existing mechs, players profile exchange, music from the source materials and an installation option. The game's release window will be this November in Japan, where it is sure to sell like hotcakes. Check out the scans from Famitsu here.

[Via PSPHyper]

PSP Brite may lead Sony's fight against piracy, homebrew

Filed under: Fan Stuff

While many argue that the homebrew community offers PSP owners a wealth of content that doesn't hurt games developers, Sony would disagree. The staggering amount of piracy on the system has created a situation where even cheap, high-profile games like Patapon are downloaded illegally far more than actually purchased. In spite of terrific hardware sales, software simply hasn't performed well, especially outside of Japan. With developers and publishers reluctant to create new content on a system that never breaks NPD's software top 10 charts, Sony had to change something ... and fast.

Kris Erickson of PSP World postulates that the speed in which Sony has upgraded its PSP hardware from the popular PSP-2000 series may be indicative of a new plan to combat piracy and homebrew. While the brighter screen is appreciated, it seems like too little to warrant yet another reboot of the hardware -- that is, unless something internal has changed. The new PSP-Brite system may have better hardware measures against piracy -- a direction foretold by SCEE boss David Reeves not too long ago.

However, the incredibly dedicated homebrew community -- whether or not they understand their responsibility in creating the current drought of PSP games -- will undeniably continue to hack the new PSP to find new exploits. Unfortunately for Sony, backwards compatability with old PSP firmware and software will continue to work as a Trojan horse against the company.

Over 10 million PSP units sold in Japan, top 5 games

Filed under: News

Can you believe it? Famitsu reports that according to statistics provided by Enterbrain, ten million units of the PSP have been sold since its introduction to Japan back in the December of 2004. We knew this already, but there is some software news as well. The top game was Monster Hunter 2nd G with almost 2.4 million copies sold. With three games on the top 5, Japan sure loves Monster Hunter.

1. Monster Hunter 2nd G (release date 03/27/08: 2,396,642 copies sold)
2. Monster Hunter 2nd (release date 02/22/07: 1,706,387 copies sold)
3. Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII (release date 09/13/07: 790,705 copies sold)
4. Monster Hunter Portable (release date 12/01/05: 668,964 copies sold)
5. Phantasy Star Portable (release date 07/31/08: 545,242 copies sold)

The PSP has been beaten by the DS in the hardware sales chart during the past two weeks. But with the PSP Brite coming out in October and Dissidia: Final Fantasy coming out in December, we believe the PSP will be back on top in no time.

[Via Kotaku]

Sony to bring Resistance and free goodies to PAX

Filed under: Fan Stuff

Are you going to Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) this year? Lucky you! You'll get to meet our very own Jem Alexander and you'll be able to get your dirty hands on all sorts of exclusive gaming -- never playable to the public before! PS3 fans can get in on some Resistance 2 love, while PSP owners will rush to check out Resistance Retribution. A plethora of PSN titles, such as WipEout HD, Savage Moon and Crash Commando will all be available for play. Even better -- you'll get to see live demonstrations of LittleBigPlanet and inFamous!

Even if you can't make it to Seattle, don't fret -- Sony has a consolation prize for you. Visit PlayStation.com when the show begins on August 29th, and you can win a PS3 prize pack. Find out more here.