News written by Matti Robinson (January, 2007)

Noobz has released a new downgrader for PSP, this time v3.03 PSPs can be downgraded to v1.5. The downgrader doesn't work on other firmware versions, but if one has v2.81 - v3.02 firmware, he can upgrade it to v3.03 and then use the downgrader. Ultimately this means that all the PSPs out there can run homebrew and according to Noobz the downgrader is easy to use. Here are the details:

Some ground-rules:

* This downgrader is for v3.03 firmware only. But if you have v2.81 - v3.02, no problem - you can just upgrade to v3.03 to use the downgrader.
* You need a copy of the unpatched GTA:Liberty City Stories UMD. No ISOs, no patched UMDs, not Vice City Stories. See here for some info on how to check if your version is patched. The most reliable way : the unpatched disks have the v2.0 firmware update on them.
* This downgrader is intended to enable homebrew. Homebrew is NOT the same as piracy. Don't be a thieving loser - buy the games you play.
* The downgrader will work on all current PSP hardware (TA-079 - TA-086). Patching of TA-082+ is automatic in the downgrader.
* You downgrade at your own risk. There is always a chance of bricking, although we have done everything we can think of to make this process safe. Read more...

The most recent firmware update available for the PlayStation 3 has fixed the glitches that occurred during PS2 gameplay. The backwards compatibility was a downer for a lot of people, for PS2 games suffered from artifacts and other random glitches, but now it seems like you can toss away your PS2 if you have one of the 1.5 million PS3 sold.

Ben Kuchera reported, at Ars Technica Journals, playing Final Fantasy X-2 and Resident Evil 4 with good results. The firmware update also seems to have fixed the sluggishness of Playstation Store. Sony hasn't yet released any announcements about the update's details, so the official list of improvements and fixes remains to be seen in near future.

Source:
ArsTechnica.com

TBWA, an advertising agency, has told GamesIndustry.biz that the ad campaign for PS3 is running towards the end of March. This reinforces the previous rumors that the console would debut March 23 in Europe. Also a retail source is placing bets on 23, "It's safe to assume that the PS3 launch will be towards the end of the month. My money is on the 23rd."

Last month SCEE boss David Reeves confirmed that the PS3 European launch is on track, despite the rumors claiming otherwise. During the following two weeks Sony is expected to announce the launch date officially, so stay tuned.

Source:
GamesIndustry.biz

XCM is releasing a new version of multi-component cable for consoles. The upcoming XCM multi-component cable supports PS2, PS3, Wii and Xbox 360. With a single switch users can change the source console and enjoy their games without a hellish cable jungle, however it doesn't allow PS2 and PS3 to be connected simultaneously, other setups are viable. The cable can be pre-ordered and costs an affordable $29,99.

Source:
Gizmodo.com