PSP Firmware 5.0 Impressions

The new PSP firmware version 5.0 is out, and if brings a number of improvements. If you are lucky enough to be using it on a brand new PSP-3000 system, the results are even better. We got our hands on the new firmware for our PSP 2000 Slim, and took it for a spin. Here are our thoughts on each of the newly added features:

Playstation Network Functionality
This was perhaps the biggest change that fans were looking forward to. Not only is PSN access a convenient feature, it changes the entire strategy and usefulness of the PSP system. Sony is planning to release all first-party games directly on the store as digital downloads from day one. That means that for many people, UMD is a thing of the past. We couldn't be happier. In terms of functionality, the PSP Store looks exactly like its big brother on the PS3 customers can browse through tabs on the left, while larger icons and prices are displayed on the right. The interface also loads quickly, which is a nice surprise. Downloading is not so speedy: it can take up to 20 minutes to download and install a 100 MB file.

Full screen QWERTY keyboard
In principle, this is a nice idea. We have become so used to typing on our iPhone keyboards, that the old numeric PSP system seemed utterly obsolete. In implementation, however, the fullscreen keyboard on PSP changes little. Without touch input, selecting and moving between letters and numbers is still a pain, and will never replace a tactile keyboard for rapid communication. To try out the new keyboard layout, hit "Select" while in the regular keyboard mode.

Output PSOne Games to Interlaced (non-HD screens)
Sony has managed to meet us half way on this one. In the previous iterations of firmware, owners of a PSP 2000 could connect their systems to a high-definition television display for gaming on the big screen. For some unexplained reason, regular TV set owners were left out in the cold, as the output didn't support regular interlaced output. That problem still has not been fixed for regular UMD games, but firmware version 5.0 CAN output PSX games in full-screen size on any connected device (HD or interlaced). PSP 3000 owners will not have this problem, as the new hardware supports all television displays.

The [Original] theme has been redesigned
One of the first things folks will notice is that the wavy design of the first generation PSP has been changed! It now sports a simpler two-toned color scheme, with a darker wave above the XMB and a lighter color below. We think it looks pretty slick, and is a nice reminder that current PSPs are cabable fo so much more than they were at launch. The only downside is that it can be difficult to read white text against the background of the lighter color. But, if you don't like the new wave, you can always switch back to the old one in the settings menu.

Automatic USB Detection
Remember how annoying it was to plug your PSP into a PC, only to stare at it for 5 minutes waiting for something to happen? Now, instead of facepalming and remembering to go into Settings to activate the USB transfer mode, the PSP will do it automatically. Genius!

Overall, the new version 5.0 firmware is pretty impressive. By far the nicest improvement is the PSP Store, which we predict will entirely change the way that people purchase and play games on the handheld. Already, folks are getting exicted for PSN downloads like Everyday Shooter Portable, which digital distribution makes that much easier to pick up and play. If you have not yet upgraded to the new firmware, grab your PSP and check it out!