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DSi XL FAQ: Sized up

by JC Fletcher { Oct 30th 2009 at 9:22AM }

Early yesterday, Nintendo of Japan announced the DSi XL (DSi LL in Japan), a larger, larger-screened version of the DSi. It's a big system, and kind of a big mystery, given that the only advance notice we had of the thing was a Nikkei blurb two days prior. While we can't answer the big questions, like how long this idea has been in the works, and whether a bigger handheld is a good idea as an alternative to the DS's continual miniaturization, we can round up what we know and can reasonably speculate about the DSi XL -- right after the jump.

Gallery: DSi XL

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Go to have same battery life as standard PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 12th 2009 at 7:45PM }

You'd think that by removing the battery-draining UMD drive, the new PSP Go would have an improved battery life over its predecessors. That doesn't appear to be the case, as the European PlayStation.Blog notes "the battery life is equivalent with the current models." According to the site, that means "approximately 3 to 6 hours for gameplay and approximately 3 to 5 hours for playing back videos."

The smaller system obviously contains a smaller battery, but we're still surprised Sony hasn't managed to engineer better battery tech for the upcoming handheld. Seems like those that want the most juice out of a PSP will want to stick with the 2000 series, equipped with the extended life battery.

[Via Shacknews]

PSP Extended Life Battery gets extended life

by Majed Athab { May 25th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Oh, so it's not discontinued after all, you say? Well, that's good for anyone looking to add a couple extra hours of battery life to their PSP. Those looking to do so should check out SonyStyle, where a new model of the Extended Life PSP Battery has popped up. Though it's not yet available and listed as backordered (for $44.99), we know this battery is all-new, given the different model number (now PSP98560, was PSP-280) and PSP-3000 compatibility.

Apparently, someone on the PlayStation Forums has claimed to have already purchased one of these babies. If the forum poster is to be believed, then we can expect this battery to be just as bulky as its predecessor. Also, keep an eye on Sony's press conference next Tuesday; we'd assume that would be the most likely of places for more details.

[Via Engadget]

Datel sued by Sony over for 'Lite Blue Tool'

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 13th 2009 at 5:15PM }

Datel had intended on manufacturing a battery which would make the PSP Brite susceptible to hackers.The product never found release, however, and many were left wondering why. According to Portable Video Gamer, Datel cannot manufacture the battery due to a lawsuit in progress from Sony Computer Entertainment.

We're glad that SCEE is taking a more aggressive approach to PSP piracy. The causes of piracy and its effect on PSP software development are debated quite frequently in our comments section. We stand by the belief that curbing piracy on our system is the best way to get the system back to its former glory. Stopping devices like this from entering the market is a key step in Sony's new efforts in making PSP a viable platform once again.

[Thanks, David B.!]

PSP Brite cured of ailing battery life

by James Ransom-Wiley { Sep 3rd 2008 at 6:29PM }

You gotta tip your hat to modern medicine. It just five short days the diagnosis of PSP Brite's battery life has gone from dim to, um, serviceable. PSP hardware marketing director John Koller dropped his latest prognosis on PlayStation.Blog today, assuring all that his original evaluation was incorrect. "The new PSP will have equivalent battery life to the current PSP," Koller writes. He estimates:

4-6 hours for games
4-5 hours for UMD movies

Well then, looks like we'll be returning that Nyko snake oil we bought last week. And does this mean we can stop storing our PSP in the freezer?

Sony revises battery life statement: says Brite will be the same

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 3rd 2008 at 3:10PM }

It seems like Sony crammed a bit more magic juice into the upcoming PSP Brite (PSP-3000). Before, they claimed that the upcoming hardware revision would have a slightly shortened battery life. However, a new post on the PlayStation.blog says otherwise. John Koller admits that the "screen of the new PSP draws a little more power" but he claims that "our engineers in Japan worked to reduce the power consumption of the overall system including its components." As such, final battery life on the Brite series will be nearly identical to that of the previous model: "about 4 to 6 hours for games and about 4 to 5 hours for UMD videos," says the post.

PSP Brite diagnosed with lower battery life expectancy

by James Ransom-Wiley { Aug 29th 2008 at 7:30PM }

It happens to all battery-operated devices that burn too bright. They die so young. Oh PSP Brite, it was just 3 short hours ago when we powered you on, cradling your Slim body in our palms, eyes numbing from the vibrant images dancing upon your screen. And then, you went dark. (Well, that's how we're imagining it at least.)

PSP know-it-all John Koller has diagnosed the new PSP model with short-term battery disorder. Koller estimates PSP Brite will burn through its charge 20-30 minutes faster than current PSP-2000 series units. That's not a good thing, you know. Luckily, Sony's bringing back "the bulge" (the now-discontinued extended battery) to combat the crippling disorder. We hear playing close to a power outlet also helps to ease the symptoms.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

PSP Brite battery life will decrease by 20-30 minutes

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 29th 2008 at 2:30PM }

PSP main man John Koller went to Gamespot to talk about the upcoming PSP Brite, and revealed a few key facts. He admits the change is "minor," one in a continuing series of changes the PSP may see along its proposed life cycle. Most revealing of all is his comment about battery life: the brighter screen will draw more power, diminishing battery life by 20-30 minutes.

He does say that the now-discontinued extended life battery will make a return, possibly rebranded for use with the PSP-3000 series.

Wii Fanboy hands-on with Penguin 4X Quad Charge Station

by Alisha Karabinus { Aug 22nd 2008 at 10:00AM }

Wii Remotes eat batteries. It's a fact we've long granted as simple, stark truth -- but what to do about it? Wii owners have a lot of solutions at hand, from simply sucking it up to elaborate rituals with charge stations, rechargeables, and even voodoo rituals (or so we heard). Got a Balance Board? There's a whole new battery dilemma for you ... and with Wii MotionPlus on the horizon, and its battery-destroying potential, if you don't already have a plan in place for handling the coming battery power crisis, it might be time to consider some options.

Don't worry -- we're here to help. We've explored several solutions in the past, and now we're back with a look at an all new charging apparatus: Penguin United's 4X Quad Charge Station. PU is so proud of being able to charge four remotes at once that they boasted of the ability twice in its name!

Jokes aside, it's a solid option that comes at a price some might consider hefty. But hey! It charges four remotes at once.

Gallery: Penguin 4X Quad Charge Station

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PSP extended life battery kit is discontinued

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 8th 2008 at 8:05PM }

Well, this sucks. According to SCEA's Al de Leon, the extended battery life kit for PSP is discontinued. The product nearly doubled the battery life on PSP-2000 systems, but came at a slight aesthetic price: a larger battery cover would be installed, creating a bulge in the system. However, with battery life as impressive as 12 hours or more, we were absolutely satisfied with the peripheral.

"Yes, we are discontinuing this product as we look for other opportunities to service the consumer," notes de Leon. Hopefully, we'll see something else that can augment the PSP's battery life.

E308: Wii MotionPlus may kill battery life

by Alisha Karabinus { Jul 16th 2008 at 12:47PM }

At least, the prototype Wii MotionPlus accessory sucks down batteries, according to Siliconera's Spencer Yip. After a talk with an unnamed Nintendo representative, Siliconera is reporting that the early versions of the add-on deliver an underwhelming nine hours of battery life on a fresh pair of AAs. Considering that Wii owners have been struggling to find solutions to battery-eating remotes since the console debuted, this could be bad news indeed. Luckily, Yip says the Nintendo rep assured him that these are only prototypes and, by the time the add-on is ready, they hope to have the issue fixed. But don't be surprised if they follow up with Wii MotionPlus 2 six months after the initial accessory is released.

Wii Fanboy hands-on: Nyko Energy Pack for Wii Fit

by JC Fletcher { May 30th 2008 at 1:15PM }

When I first looked at the Nyko Energy Pack, a rechargeable battery pack designed for the Balance Board, I was dubious. I had no problem believing that the thing could function (as in be charged and make the balance board work), but I thought the form factor indicated a hack job. As it turns out, that was dumb and wrong of me. Though it may look unmistakably kludgey (involving a battery pack to which a cord is attached, which is then attached to another cord, which then goes to the wall), the Energy Pack is smartly designed, unobtrusive, and easy to use.

Gallery: Nyko Energy Pak for Wii Fit

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Nyko reveals Energy Pak for Wii Fit [update]

by David Hinkle { May 9th 2008 at 1:30PM }

Update: Sorry, got our dates confused. The post has been fixed.

Nyko wants you to know they've come up with a solution for the Balance Board's power consumption, making sure they get in on the cash cow others think it will be. It's a rechargeable battery pack that will release on May 19th, for a MSRP of $19.99. The cool thing about this rechargeable battery pack is that, in order to recharge it, you won't even need to unplug it from the Balance Board. You can charge and play at the same time.

Hit up the gallery below for some screens of the accessory at work.

Gallery: Nyko Energy Pak for Wii Fit

[Via press release]

DS Daily: Charged with reckless battery use

by David Hinkle { Apr 29th 2008 at 9:00AM }

Perhaps it's just our affinity for electric gadgets in general, but as we set up our DS for its routine charge, we wondered if many of you out there also had your handheld on a prescribed regiment of "the good juice." You know, the kind of juice you can jack on with.

So do you have a special place set aside for charging? Do you not play that often and only charge when necessary? Charge in the car? How do you keep the games going on your DS?

Hilariously large PSP battery

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 8th 2008 at 12:30AM }

We love Sony's extended life battery for PSP. Although it protrudes slightly out of the system, it offers so much juice for the system that we can't complain. However, this third party effort doesn't really compare, does it? Watch as you discover the "biggest PSP battery ever."