News via PSPita

It's been a few days after the release of the official firmware 6:37 that, surprise, check out a new version of system software: the 6:39. As it has done to the firmware 6.36, this new 6:39, discovered by a user forum PSPKing, is included nell'UMD a Japanese game, but for which the title was not disclosed. For this reason, we present the news as a rumor, waiting to find out more details on this new firmware.

* UPDATE *
The same user PSPKing has recently updated his post, announcing that the FW is contained nell'UMD 6:39 Japanese edition of 3 Valkyria Chronicles released last January 27. ...

Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter
Manufacturer: Kingmax
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $17.00

Overview : Transform microSD into Memory Stick Duo

Features :

• Ideal for use in small digital devices
• Transform microSD into Memory Stick PRO Duo format
• Compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo device e.g. PSP

Specifications :

• Form factor:
• MS PRO Duo adapter: 31(w) x 20(H) x 1.6(D)mm
• Operating Voltage: 2.7V~3.6V
• Weight Aggrox. 1g

Quality/Usability : Some of you have probably heard about this unique adapter. The Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter allows you to use your microSD card, also known as TransFlash, in your electronic devices that uses Pro Duo such as Sony Ericsson cellphones and your Sony PSP.

Prices of microSD are fairly cheap and are the size of a thumbnail. If you can find the right deal, you can get a 1GB microSD card for free or for $10. The bigger the storage, the higher the price. This is a great alternative to having to buy a 1GB Pro Duo card.

Slipping the microSD card into the Pro Duo adapter is like any other adapter whether its Pro Duo to Memory Stick adapter, microSD to SD adapter and so on. Removing it is the same as well.

Once a microSD card is inserted, reading and writing is about the same as if it was a Pro Duo. I used Brando 55 in 1 Card Reader/Writer and the speeds of reading/writing to the card is fairly quick.

I tried the adapter both in my Sony PSP and Sony Ericsson w810i. I tested this with a SanDisk, PNY and US Modular 1GB microSD cards. In both devices, they both read the adapter without a problem. Listening to music and playing videos did not show any signs of slow down. With regards to playing games on the PSP, I didnt notice any slow downs or lags.

Conclusion : Overall, the Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter is great if you have microSD cards laying around the house. The speed of reading and writing is as fast as a normal Pro Duo card. Luckily, the price of microSD cards are cheap so it makes a good alternative to the Pro Duo card. Currently, the highest microSD card available is 2GB.

Images via comments ...

News via Nmax

EmuCenter2 is a simplistic interface that combines the best emulators *
cfor video game consoles with greater simplicity

* Console emulation: enables a computer to run games like a video game console

Highlights :

- A simple interface that combines all your games (emulation, pc or internet).
- Brings together the most popular console emulators for both 32 and 64 bits.
- Sets all emulators for immediate use with good settings.
- Brings together the most common settings for all emulators on the same page.
- Automatically sets the controller for all possible emulators. (plug and play
- Automatic and regular update of EmuCenter2 and its emulators.
- Download the game covers with a few clicks.
- Automatic seeking of description and a slideshow of the game (Work in progress to make the last 2 points automatic)

Supported consoles :

- Nintendo : Nes, Super nes, Gameboy, 64, Gamecube, DS and Wii
- Sega : Master system, Genesis, Gamegear, Saturn and Dreamcast
- Sony : PlayStation 1, 2 and PSP
- Other : Neogeo and arcade systems (Capcom CPS, Taito, Sega model 2, Arcade LaserDisc, ...)

version 1.5.8.0 (Complete / Full)
- Ajourne emulateur PCSX2 (PS2) -> SVN 0.9.7 build 4271
- Ajourne emulateur Dolphin (GAMECUBE / Wii) -> SVN R 6954 x86/x64
- Fixed some games appearing in the wrong section

Version 1.5.7.22 beta (partial)
- Prevents automatic search of covers more than 3 times per day
- Fixed various bugs
- Improving the filter before renaming a search (pouches, descriptions)
- Add passive mode to share games MD5 (avoids an error)
- Add a delay of 3 sec. before applying an update
(Supposed to fix an error when updating: s)

1.5.7.8 (partial)
- Allows a large amount of ROM to be displayed without problems
(Multithread)
- Option to display a list of games in list
- Redisplays description when the cursor returns to the game
- Add a search function pocket auto
(Uses a database being created)
(Option to share the results are output to enlarge the database)
- Removes extension displayed in the title description
- Attempts to correct aspet ratio pockets Nintendo DS (110px/100px)

1.5.7.4 / 1.5.7.7 (partial)
- Fixed interface colors applied even if cancel
- Attempt to filter the name of the game before finding description
- Adjourn translations (Français corrected: fredi125-> [email protected])
- Google Images.nl for Dutch language
- Corrects the name of a language Deutsch -> Dutch (Netherlands)
- Improved search function description and slideshow
- Fixed bug: Unable to delete a file storage for Megadrive
- Add support for missing extensions (*. rom; SEGACD *. mp3, ...)
- Fixed refresh after adding faulty games (PS2, Sega Genesis)
- Straighten resolution does not MAMEUI modifiée

1.5.7.3 (partial)
- Added option to change the language interface
- German Language added Thank tom9358
- Allows the addition of several storage directories games section
- Recursive Search games in their cases
- Adds a 1900x1080 resolution 16 / 9
- Fixed bug when adding bios when there is already
- Try to avoid having the residue icon JoyToKey
- Add support for missing extension (PSX, Fusion)
- Fixed window Desmume partially hidden for small resolutions
- Saving window position before leaving EmuCenter2
- Compact the interface principale
- Copy inftead move the games when adding

1.5.7.2 (Partial)
- Adds search function automatically description (EN) and slide show of a game
(To function, the name of the game must be perfectly written)
- Adds a description and a slideshow (5 images max) for games
- Allows the addition of several games in one section of a sudden
- Fixed location of the backup bios Saturn
- Improves various things

1.5.7.1 (Partial / Partial)
- Fixed an error in the update
- Simplifies the operation of the daphne emulator in EmuCenter2
read:
'.\EmuCenter2\EMULATEURS\daphne\roms\README - daphne roms PART1 (Arcade LaserDisc emulator).txt'
'.\EmuCenter2\JEUX\Arcade\README - daphne roms PART2 (Arcade LaserDisc emulator).txt'

http://xotob14.free.fr/viewpage.php?page_id=2 ...

XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France
Price: $39.99


Overview : Finally a way to charge all your valuable electronics with one device!

Introducing the Multi-Charger from XCM. This unit will charge your iPhone, PSP (all PSP series from 1000-3000 series), Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, PS3 Wireless Controller, NDS (all NDS series, including NDS, NDSL and NDSi) and more.... (all devices using USB 5v input will be supported, such as the Nokia mobile phone series etc) with ease. No more lugging around multiple chargers, this one does it all. Made with the high quality craftsmanship you've grown to expect from the XCM brand, this charger will surely provide the power you need for many years to come!

Features:

• 4 USB ports
• Supports any USB 5v input

Compatible with:

• PSP (1000-2000-3000)
• NDS, NDS Lite, NDSi
• iPhone
• Nokia mobile phones and many more

Includes:

• PSP USB cable
• DS Lite USB cable
• DSi USB Cable
• iPod/iPhone USB Cable
• US AC plug
• EU AC Plug
• Australia AC Plug
• BS AC Plug

Quality/Usability : I must admit, I'm a gadget freak. I have surge protectors daisy chained to each other. There just isnt enough outlets! I'm surprised my house hasnt burned down with all these wires. If I find an open slot in my surge protector, I'll charge my DS, PSP, camera battery, cellphone..thats if I'm lucky to find 1 spot. If I cant, I use my USB port on my computer. Now, my USB ports are starting to become scarce as more portable devices start to use them. Yes, you can purchase a USB hub but majority of the time, they arent powerful enough to charge the device and you get an error message on your computer. Even the ones that come with power plugs gives me an error.

XCM has released a stand alone Universal USB Multi-Charger. No need to plug this charger into a computer or USB port. Choose your AC plug and connect plug it into a socket (AC 100-240V) and the other end into the Multi-Charger. The Multi-Charger has a square glossy white casing with a small LED light that lights up when plugged into outlet and the logo on top. The logo uses a Walt Disney type font. On the front of the Multi-Charger are 4 USB ports. Since it draws its power from the socket, you wont have to worry about overdrawing power or having to wait 5 hours to fully charge a device when it should only take 1 hour or so.

The Multi-Charger measures 5 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and comes with four (4) AC plugs (US, EU, UK and Asia). The plugs are short in length so you will not be able to place it on a table or next to your computer. Wires measure about 16 inches long from tip of plug that inserts into XCM Multi-Charger to the base of AC plug (not the prongs). Also included are four (4) USB plugs (PSP, DSL, DSi, iPhone/iPod). You're not limited to using only these devices. I was able to charge my Blackberry device, Bluetooth headset, PS3 controller, Xbox controller, USB battery, pretty much anything I can think of that uses a USB to charge the device. The charge time is about the same time it would take if you use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chargers that came with the device.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger is a great product. I do not have to use all my USB ports nor do I have to leave my PS3, Xbox 360 or computer on just to charge my USB devices. Since some wall chargers are huge and can cover up an empty socket, this also eliminates the amount of wall chargers and bulk. I was able to charge all my devices without a problem. My only complaint is the lack of cord length on the AC plug for the Multi-Charger. I was not able to place the Multi-Charger on a desk. I had to place it on the floor. This is also a drawback for those who need to plug this in the back of a shelf or entertainment center. You can use an extension cord but do you want to go out and buy one or even find one in the house? The price was originally $70 but it was wayyyy to overpriced for a 4-port USB charger. But it seems XCM has lowered the price to a much more affordable price range. However, $40 is still a little pricey. I think $25-30 would be a nice sweet spot.

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DIGG THIS ...

Few things in this world make us angrier than the blatant inequality between the PSOne Classics catalog in the various territories said catalog is available. Sure, each region has titles which the others don't -- we're still waiting on, like, a billion Square Enix games -- but it still hurts our heart, you know? Sony's Ross McGrath recently popped into PlayStation.Blog to explain how easy it is for these games to get hung up, whether it's due to an expired license, PAL-to-NTSC compatibility or the existence of game-wrecking bugs.

McGrath added, "In some cases the original publisher of the game in the US is not the same publisher as in Europe, so publishing rights need to be secured," which some publishers aren't willing to invest in. Doesn't sound like there's much Sony can do about those -- however, the PSOne Classics emulator is constantly being updated, which should help a few of the platform's buggier titles become eligible for some trans-continental voyages.

Related note: The amount of money we would give Sony for a downloadable version of Vagrant Story has reached $80. That's where we're at.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/so...tween-regions/ ...

SNK Playmore has officially announced a new PSP compilation of classic games for Japan, to be released on April 21. Unlike most SNK collections (like Metal Slug Collection and SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1) that offer games exclusive to Neo Geo, SNK Arcade Classics 0 is a collection of 20 games made by the company before the release of the Neo Geo hardware.

Yes, finally, you'll be able to get Ikari Warriors and Athena on the same disc, along with Psycho Soldier, P.O.W., and a lot of vintage SNK games we've never heard of. Find the full list after the break, as transcribed by Andriasang. Many of them were originally released in vertical format, a setup emulated on PSP by holding the device sideways.

An ESRB rating for SNK Arcade Classics 0 has been online since late 2009, suggesting that SNK has plans to release this collection stateside. Of course, the rating occurring that long ago also means SNK has had plenty of time to change its mind.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/sn...-back-catalog/ ...

Drivers who regularly play videogames are nearly twice as likely to be stopped by police while on the road, according to a new study.

The survey, carried out by Continental Tires and reported by Jalopnik, polled 2000 motorists between the ages of 17 and 39, half of whom were regular gamers, about their driving habits.

The results showed, among other things, that 22 per cent of gamers have been stopped by police, compared to 13 per cent of non gamers.

31 per cent of gamers claimed to have run a red light, compared to 14 per cent of non gamers, while 30 per cent had claimed on insurance for an accident, as opposed to 15 per cent of the non-gaming population.

That said, it seems gamers are more likely to pass their driving test first time out and suffer fewer prangs.

Here's the full run-down of results, with gamers' figures in bold:

% stopped by police: 22/13
% who use mobile when driving: 19/12
% ever made a claim for an accident: 30/15
% ran a red light in last 12 months: 31/14
% driven wrong way down one-way street: 13/10
% hit stationary object when parking: 22/13
% accidentally clipped a car but kept quiet: 19/11
% take risks (accelerate too quickly, overtake): 44/21
% suffer road rage: 45/22
% who speed: 25/13
% scare others with their driving: 26/11
Attempts before passing test: 2/3
No. of prangs to their vehicle in last 12 months: 1/2
So, where are all those Gran Turismo 5 fans going wrong?

"It seems that while gamers develop useful skills and are more confident, they need to apply some balance with a sensible assessment of risk," said Continental's Tim Bailey.

Peter Rodger from the Institute of Advanced Motorists chimed in too, offering the gaming populace a firm finger-waggling.

"I am not surprised that regular gamers find themselves making the same decisions and judgements when driving for real as they do when in the virtual world," he said.

"The issue is that when actually driving, our actions lead to 'real' results, and mistakes have very real consequences."

Expect The Daily Mail to be all over this little gem in 3, 2, 1...

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...rrible-drivers ...

Monster Hunter Freedom 3 has slipped to second in the Japanese software chart, giving way to From Software's Another Century. However, the Capcom game's 68,274 sales for the week ending January 23 have tipped it over 4 million lifetime sales.

There were few new releases in Japan last week, with Arcana Heart on PS3 being the highest new entry at six. Elsewhere, the 360 SKU of Mass Effect 2 made fifteenth with nearly nine thousand sales.

In the hardware chart the PlayStation 3 remained in first place despite the strong software showing for the PSP, although all hardware figures were down over the week prior.

All figures are courtesy of Media Create. Bracketed software figures are lifetime sales, hardware numbers in parentheses are last week's sales.

01. Another Century's Episode Portable (Bandai Namco, PSP): 70,217
02. Monster Hunter Freedom 3 (Capcom, PSP): 68,274 (4,051,743)
03. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo, Wii): 29,412 (734,268)
04. Ni no Kuni (Level 5, DS): 19,020 (438,544)
05. AKB1/48: If I loved an Idol (Bandai Namco, PS3): 18,616 (339,178)
06. Arcana Heart 3 (Arc System Works, PS3): 17,219
07. Wii Party (Nintendo, Wii): 15,986 (1,746,021)
08. Pokemon Black & White (Pokemon, DS): 15,542 (5,027,870)
09. Gundam Musou 3 (Bandai Namco, PS3): 12,804 (331,682)
10. Mario Sports Mix (Nintendo, Wii): 12,173 (546,234)
11. The 3rd Birthday (Square Enix, PSP): 10,572 (223,433)
12. Magician's Quest: The Merchant's Store of Sorcery (Konami, DS): 10,211 (307,117)
13. SaGa 3: Shadow or Light (Square Enix, DS): 9,772 (37,116)
14. Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 9,275 (2,232,218)
15. Mass Effect 2 (Microsoft, X360): 8,864
16. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 8,511 (3,139,306)
17. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 8,114 (4,210,586)
18. Wii Sports Resort w/ Wiimote Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 8,053 (254,827)
19. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2011 (Konami, PSP): 7,764 (138,846)
20. Call of Duty: Black Ops Dubbed Version (Square Enix, PS3): 7,586 (65,104)
PS3: 33,190 (59,612)
PSP: 29,806 (28,757)
Wii: 21,291 (56,547)
DSi LL: 17,452 (44,122)
DSi: 13,416 (38,486)
X360: 2,636 (3,859)
DS Lite: 1,956 (4,510)
PS2: 1,629 (2,547)
PSP go: 1,208 (4,084)

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...-japanese-no-1 ...

2400mAh USB Power Backup
Manufacturer: Unknown
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $20.00


Overview : Have you ever had experiences that devices are running out of battery while in use? It is disturbing when you are enjoying your MP3 or chatting happily with friends on the phone, etc. Now! USB Power Backup (2400mAh) won't let these situation happen anymore! You can charge your devices in a flash before battery exhausts! It is designed for Handheld PC, Digital Camera, Cellphone, DV, MP3, CD Player, PMP and any other applicable devices.

Features

• Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
• Standard 5V-USB DC Output
• On/Off Switch
• Green LED Indicator Switch
• Built-in Short Circle, Over Discharge
• Over Load and Over Charge Protection
• Charge it by direct plug or USB Cable
• Charging Time: Approx. 3 Hours
• Size: 70x50x12mm
• Weight: 71g

Specification

• Capacity: 2400mAh
• Input: DC-5V
• Output: Standard 5V-USB
• Working Temperature: 0~45 degree

Colors

• Black
• White

Package Contents

• USB Power Backup (2400mAh)
• USB Charging Cable

Quality/Usability : The 2400mAh USB Power Backup is a Lithium Ion battery can be charged via USB port or USB hub. Included is a USB cable if you are unable to reach a port.

On the front of the power backup is a green LED indicator that lights up when charging or supplying power and turns off when its fully charged or battery has been depleted. To the left of it is a USB port where you can plug any USB plug into it as well as an ON/OFF switch. To the right is a sliding switch exposes a USB connector when fully extended. You can use this to plug into your USB port or hub. The bottom has a DC 5v port where you can plug the supplied USB cable into. This is for those who are unable to access a USB port with the slide out USB connector.

To fully charge the power backup, it took about 2-3 hours. With a fully dead PSP battery, I was able to recharge it 2 times on one full charge of the power backup. I was able to charge my completely dead iPod about 5 times before the battery pack ran out of juice. I was also able to charge my Sony Ericsson w810i about 6 times.

Conclusion : Overall, the 2400mAh USB Power Backup delivers and at a great price. The USB Power Backup is great for those who want to carry a small battery backup incase you are unable to charge your cellphone, iPod, or portable game system. The compact size is great for traveling as it does not take up much space.

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