DCEmu Featured News Articles

Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter PSP
Manufacturer: Griffin Technology
Site: Buy from Griffin
Price: $24.99

Overview : Offering a sleek, slim design that slides securely onto the bottom of the PSP quickly and easily, without adding bulk, the iTrip’s easy to read display sends audio right to your radio. Rock your game, movies and music through your own home and car systems and you’ll never go back to the stock speakers.

Technical Specifications :

• Built-in antenna
• Power requirement: 2 AA Batteries (included)
• Modulation: FM Stereo
• Frequencies: 88.1-107.9MHz
• High stability crystal oscillator, phase-lock loop control
• Frequency response: 50Hz to 15KHz
• Operating range: 10-30 ft
• Dimensions: 5.81" x 1.49" x .092" (147.7mm x 38mm x 23.4mm)
• FCC compliant

Quality/Usability : With Griffin being well known for their iPod accessories, Griffin decided to port their ever so popular iTrip for the iPod to the PSP.

The design and sleek which matches the look of the PSP. The iTrip PSP runs on 2 AA batteries (included) which are located on the back. On the front, are three buttons which is used for your presets, an LED display to show you what station you are using, LX (stereo)/DX (monaural), -/+ buttons to select between stations and a SELECT Button.

In order for the iTrip PSP to work, you have to select your frequency to a station where you hear nothing but static or silence, with no music in the background. Once the iTrip is plugged into the bottom of the PSP, you will need to change the frequency on the iTrip to that of the one on the radio.

First you'll need to press the iTrip's "SELECT" button twice. This will flash the frequency numbers. To change the frequency, you'll have to press the - or + buttons. Once you have selected the frequency that matches the radio, press the "SELECT" button once to confirm.

To store up to 3 frequency's, all you have to do is press the SELECT button once and choose either 1, 2 or 3 and hold down that corresponding button for 3 seconds. If you want to choose a preset frequence, just press the SELECT button once and then press either 1, 2 or 3 for the station you want.

The iTrip lets you play in either Stereo (LX) or Monaural (DX) mode. To toggle between Stereo and Mono, you would press the SELECT button three times and the mode indicator (LX or DX) will flash. Press the + button to toggle between LX and DX. Once you have chosen a mode, press SELECT to confirm the change.

Since the iTrip occupies the headphone jack and power plug, the bottom of the iTrip has what you would call, a pass-through port. Even with the iTrip connected, you can charge your PSP and listen to music. Unfortunately, it wont allow you to use a remote control headset and it will not charge the batteries in the iTrip.

iTrip was tested both inside a house and in the car. If you have a car that does not let you manually scan for frequency, you'll have a problem as the car radio will only look for stations that has signal. With the iTrip connected the sound is clear coming out of the radio but as like any other FM transmitter, sound is very low and you will either have to raise the volume on your PSP and/or on your radio. Just remember that if you do raise the volume on your radio, to lower the volume before you disconnect the iTrip from the PSP.

I must say though, even on the road whether its in a crowded area with tall building or in non-congested area, the quality is still clear. Whats great is that the RoadDock PSP fits well with it as the iTrip has a small groove that allows the RoadDock to somewhat clip onto it.

Conclusion : Overall, the Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter PSP does a great job of transferring sound to your radio. This comes in handy for those on long roadtrips where you want music from your PSP to be played through the speakers of your car. This can also become a nice little prank if someone you know is using a radio and you "intercept" their frequency and play something of yours. The iTrip unfortunately does not have a ON/OFF button and the LED display turns off automatically after a few seconds even when in use. It would have been nice if they did add one. Griffin also included a nice little pouch to store your iTrip. The pouch is a little big for it though.

Image via comments ...

Capdase Alumor Metal & Silicone Case
Manufacturer: Capdase
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (grey) / Buy from Play-Asia (red) / Buy from Play-Asia (silver) / Buy from Play-Asia (blue) / Buy from Play-Asia (purle) / Buy from Play-Asia (pink) / Buy from Play-Asia (gold)
Price: $14.90

Overview : Capdase Metal hard cases for PSP have always been hot demanding products among stylish gamers worldwide. Taking the successful Alumor (Anodized Aluminum) case technology from iPod products, Capdase announced to launch the new hard cases for PSP. You protect your console first with a layer of Soft Jacket and then cover it up with the colorful and stylish metal hard case. Available in 7 different colors, Red, Blue, Purple, Grey, Silver, Gold and Pink.

Features :

• 2in1 excellent protection: Soft Jacket & anodized aluminium casing
• Precisely molded case for perfect fitting
• Detachable movie stand included for movie & picture viewing
• Innovative "unbreakable screen cover" for total screen protection
• Protects against drops, shocks, dust, dirt & scratches
• Easy access to all controls & buttons
• Attractive choice of colors to personalize your game console

Quality/Usability : The Capdase Alumor Metal & Silicone case is a 2-in-1. Capdase decided to add a metal casing to their ever so popular silicone case for the PSP. The silicon case protects the PSP both front and back. The silicone case leaves the directional pad, analog stick and face buttons open except for the bottom row buttons. The Alumor also comes with a durable screen protector for the silicone case. On the back of the silicone case, there is an opening for easy access to your UMD tray. There are also openings for you to charge your PSP, power switch, WiFi switch, USB port and headphone jack.

To insert your PSP into the silicone case, you must slide the PSP into the Soft Jacket. Once its in place, you can place the screen protector on top with the cushion side down.

The Alumor case is made of metal. The metal case consists of two cases. To form the casing, place the front metal cover on top and push down onto the Soft Jacket. Then place the back cover on top and push down to ensure closure. Like the silicone case, the metal case has opening that are easily accessible to all buttons and ports. On the back of the metal case is a stand. This is great if you want to prop the PSP for easy viewing while watching a movie. The stand is also detachable. Unfortunately, the metal casing does not have an opening for the UMD tray. In order to swap games, you must remove the metal back casing.

To remove the back casing, just push the front and back metal cover away from each other in the opposite direction.

Conclusion : Overall, the Capdase Alumor Metal and Silicone case is a nice product. It feels comfortable in the hands. Its nice that you can have either the option of using just the silicone case or the silicone case with the metal case. You will not be able to use the metal case only as it is too loose for the PSP alone. It can be annoying having to remove the metal casing everytime you want to swap UMDs.

Images via comments ...

PSP 3600mAh Battery Pack
Manufacturer: Dragonplus
Site : Buy from Brando
Price: $20.00

Overview : This battery pack provides 1800mAh of extra power for your PSP console, double the battery life and extend your play time.

Features :

• Extended to 3600mAh after installing the original battery
• Extend your play time
• Inner lithium battery
• 1800mAh, 3.7V
• Size : 72.8 x 47.8 x 31.3 mm
• Weight : 59gm

Quality/Usability : This isnt your normal external battery pack where you charge and than plug into your PSP. This one is actually like an attachment or an adapter (see pictures). Installation setup is easy and is just like you would place the PSP battery into the PSP..just that there is an extra attachment.

Installation :

• Open PSP battery cover
• Take out PSP battery
• Place PSP battery into battery pack
• Place PSP battery cover onto battery pack
• Place PSP battery pack into PSP system
• Complete

Unlike the other battery packs, there is no charging. You dont plug this into any adapters and there is no ON/OFF switch to conserve battery. Just simply place this inside the PSP's battery port and place the PSP battery into this battery pack and thats it.

To remove the battery pack, there is a button that you press on top. Removing the battery itself is a little hard. I had to use a credit card to get pop it out. Other than that..the battery and battery pack fit snuggly in its place.

The packaging of the battery claims you get up to 12 hours. Thats an additional 6-8 hours.

Conclusion : This is a nice piece of an accessory. Blends in with the PSP nicely. It even accepts the PSP battery cover to cover the back. My only complaint is the size of it. Its kind of bulky, so it gets a little use to. Not to mention, if you're using a Logitech PlayGear Pocket, you wont be able to use the case at all due to the size of the battery pack. You'll either have to eliminate the use of the case or remove the battery pack each time you're not playing.

Images via comments ...

News via http://www.romhacking.net/forum/inde...pic,12111.html

The following Hacks have been submitted and approved to the database (in submitted order oldest to newest):

•Ninja Warriors Again - Blood Patch (Improvement)
•Pac-Man Saw (Complete)
•Marble City (Complete)
•Colinbound Infina’s Invasion (Complete)
•Pokemon TCG: Mint’s Adventure (Improvement)
•Final Fantasy VI Once Again (Improvement)
•DOOM Spinball (Complete)
•Zelda3 PuzzleDudes Quest (Improvement)
•Space Manbow Fixes (Bug Fix)
•FF6: Is the Best Game Ever (Improvement)
•1942 Cold Winter (Complete)
•Block’o Coin Mario (Improvement)
Relevant Link: (http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/) ...

Slappa Hardbody Complete Case
Manufacturer: Slappa
Site: Buy from Slappa
Price: $29.99

Overview : The HardBody PSP Complete Case features the same highly protective xEVA shell as SLAPPA's award-winning HardBody CD and DVD line. It offers a storage capacity capable of carrying a gamer's full PSP collection for home storage that is also highly portable for travel. A hand sewn UMD storage page holds 6 UMDs, while separate Velcro secured scubaprene storage bags are provided for protecting and storing PSP, extra UMDs, headphones and remote separately. The PSP Complete's design is rounded out with a rainproof zipper and dual rubber SLAPPA logo pulls for an all-inclusive and sleek PSP storage case.

Features :

• xEVA shell with graphite and patent PVC exterior
• Large cargo net storage pocket inside case cover for storing extra PSP accessories
• Storage divider with secure Velcro closure to hold products in place and prevent scratching
• Super-soft, hand sewn UMD storage page with max. capacity of 6 discs

Quality/Usability : This is pretty much an all in one carry case. Not only does it protect your PSP and all your games and accessories, it carries them all. The case itself features a graphite and patent PVC outer design over a xEVA HardBody shell. When you first open it, on the left side (underside of cover), is a cargo net storage where you can put your charger, headphones and other accessories. You have one divider that protects items from falling out of the cargo net storage area. The second divider is where you can store up to 6 UMDs. Each flap have velcros to prevent the flaps from moving and secures the UMDs in place.

Conclusion : Overall, this is a well laid out design. Its convenient and very sturdy. This case is for those who carry lots of games and accessories with them and need them all in one spot. Considering the size is big, it would be nice to have a little hand or some sort to make carrying a little better.

Images via comments ...

News via http://www.romhacking.net/forum/inde...pic,12111.html

The following Hacks have been submitted and approved to the database (in submitted order oldest to newest):

•Ninja Warriors Again - Blood Patch (Improvement)
•Pac-Man Saw (Complete)
•Marble City (Complete)
•Colinbound Infina’s Invasion (Complete)
•Pokemon TCG: Mint’s Adventure (Improvement)
•Final Fantasy VI Once Again (Improvement)
•DOOM Spinball (Complete)
•Zelda3 PuzzleDudes Quest (Improvement)
•Space Manbow Fixes (Bug Fix)
•FF6: Is the Best Game Ever (Improvement)
•1942 Cold Winter (Complete)
•Block’o Coin Mario (Improvement)
Relevant Link: (http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/) ...

News via http://www.romhacking.net/forum/inde...pic,12110.html

The following Utilities have been submitted and approved to the database (in submitted order oldest to newest):

•Mario 64 Level Importer v13 (Level Editors)(N64)
•Nemesis Searcher (Searching)(GEN)
•Just F Patch (Patching)(Multiple)
•DOOM 32X DeHackEd Patcher (Game Specific)(32X)
•DOOM 32X response file for DM2CONV (Game Specific)(32X)
•CHEESE! (Game Specific)(GEN)
•Psy-Q flirt signatures (Assembly Tools)(PSX)
•Wily’s Toolbox (Level Editors)(GB)
•LAZY SHELL - Super Mario RPG Editor (Game Specific)(SNES)
•1942 Level Editor (Level Editors)(NES)
Relevant Link: (http://www.romhacking.net/utils/) ...

News via http://www.romhacking.net/forum/inde...pic,12110.html

The following Utilities have been submitted and approved to the database (in submitted order oldest to newest):

•Mario 64 Level Importer v13 (Level Editors)(N64)
•Nemesis Searcher (Searching)(GEN)
•Just F Patch (Patching)(Multiple)
•DOOM 32X DeHackEd Patcher (Game Specific)(32X)
•DOOM 32X response file for DM2CONV (Game Specific)(32X)
•CHEESE! (Game Specific)(GEN)
•Psy-Q flirt signatures (Assembly Tools)(PSX)
•Wily’s Toolbox (Level Editors)(GB)
•LAZY SHELL - Super Mario RPG Editor (Game Specific)(SNES)
•1942 Level Editor (Level Editors)(NES)
Relevant Link: (http://www.romhacking.net/utils/) ...

News via http://retroactionmagazine.com/retro...leased-on-msx/

Heroes Arena makes it into the MSXDev10 game making competition at the last minute. Developed by Imanok, Heroes Arena is a futuristic tennis style game that was inspired by the Neo Geo game Battle Flip Shot. One of Two players face off against each other with the aim of hitting the ball beyond the opposing player to destroy the wall of capsules that they have to try and defend. Destroying opponent’s capsules gains the player points and the highest points scorer wins. The game’s package (MSX ROM, manual and artwork) can be downloaded for free from the MSXDev website.

Weblink: http://msxdev.msxblue.com/?page_id=5 ...