New PSP will have shorter battery life

Monday 1st September 2008 - 17:00

Brighter screen means shorter battery says Sony exec, Grand Designs game announced and Disaster Day of Crisis Wii screens

We've all done it - squinted, tilted and cursed as once again a handheld game plunges into darkness due to a small screen in direct sunlight. In an attempt to counter this age-old problem Sony announced the forthcoming launch of the PSP 3000 at the recent Games Convention in Leipzig. The latest incarnation of the PSP will feature an enhanced screen along with an in-built microphone. Coupled with Go!Messenger and Skype, PSP 3000 sets out to deliver a high end visual experience alongside a host of mobile communications options.

Great! Or so we thought. It turns out that the bigger, clearer screen comes at a hefty price for portable gamers. In a recent interview with gamespot.com SCEA's director of hardware marketing John Koller explained that a larger screen meant a short battery life. "Battery life will decrease by a small amount; it's material, but it's about 20 minutes, maybe 30 minutes," said Koller. "And that's because there's a little bit of a larger power draw with the brighter screen."

Is half an hour a short amount of time? We think not - but judge for yourself when the new PSP hits the high street on Oct 15 for 149.99 (GBP).

Meanwhile, if you haven't had enough of home improvement shows on the TV then clap your hands with DIY glee as news reaches us that Grand Designs is all set to make a videogame debut in the near future. Touted as more of a tool than a game, Grand Designs 3D will allow the user to quickly design the exterior, interior and garden of their dream home. Initially, there will be three software packages (from what we understand, all PC based) in the product range catering for projects of a variety of sizes and budgets; from simple remodelling of existing properties to complete self-builds.