PSP games getting PS3 HD 'Remasters'

Sony has announced a new "PSP Remaster" initiative in Japan, bringing PSP hits to the PS3 with an HD makeover and some new features. The first game will be Monster Hunter Portable 3rd.

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Sony Computer Entertainment announced a new initiative over the weekend to bring select PlayStation Portable titles to the PlayStation 3 in Japan, with an HD makeover and new features on Blu-ray discs. It's called the "PSP Remaster" series, and will feature high-def visuals, PS3 controller support, plus potential new add-on content or 3D support. If you already have a PSP game save, the Remaster will be able to read the save so you can continue on it, and you can switch back to playing on your PSP via the ad hoc function. How meta.

The first game to get the Remaster treatment will be Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, a sales hit in Japan with 4.5 million units sold since its release in December 2010. Sony teased upgraded graphics for the remake, but was cagey on any other new features being added.

Remasters are starting in the Japanese market, but coming to other regions as well eventually. We may see the HD treatment applied to games more popular in the west, like God of War: Chains of Olympus or Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    May 23, 2011 9:15 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, PSP games getting PS3 HD 'Remasters'.

    Sony has announced a new "PSP Remaster" initiative in Japan, bringing PSP hits to the PS3 with an HD makeover and some new features. The first game will be Monster Hunter Portable 3rd.

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      May 23, 2011 9:20 AM

      I like this idea.

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      May 23, 2011 9:25 AM

      still blows my mind that they didn't do this earlier

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      May 23, 2011 9:27 AM

      I am a little confused. If you buy a "remastered" psp game for the PS3, that you previously didnt have for the PSP, does it come with a downloadable psp copy? Or does these mean you need to buy 2 copies of the same game for the same(ish) console?

      If its the later, then this feels like a slap in the face by Sony.... "give us another $30+ for PS3 controller support and PS3 graphics for a game you already have!"

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        May 23, 2011 9:41 AM

        [deleted]

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          May 23, 2011 10:26 AM

          i view rereleasing games, in a package, that are 2+ years old and releasing a 'remastering' a game that is about 7 months old pretty different.
          Also collectors editions dont add new features that previous purchasers would miss out on. The company boasts allowing people to connect their psp to the PS3 for extra features, then does this? I mean the most requested new feature for the PSP has been the dual analog sticks......now it will be an additional fee to use that each game? kinda lame.

          I was just giving sony credit for partnering with steam and allowing the "buy Portal on PS3 and get it for PC for free" deal (though im sure that is almost completely Valve), and then they take a giant step back with this.

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            May 23, 2011 10:32 AM

            why is it a step back? effort is probably minimal to port the games, and no one is forced to buy or subsidize them

            for people like me, who don't own a PSP, now we can experience some of their finer games on our consoles

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              May 23, 2011 10:45 AM

              it is a step back if they are asking people to buy the same game on multiple platforms for added features.

              As someone who has an original PSP and a PSP-2000, being told basically "You can finally have that 2nd analog stick you wanted; you just need to buy the game on the PSP, then again for the remastered PS3!"
              that is actually pretty ridiculous IMO.

              Its one thing if they are just rereleasing these games for PS3 with enhanced graphics, that would just be allowing others to experience the content ...like rerealising a PS1/PS2 game...and thats great.
              However, its just frustrating to think PSP owners would need to purchase a game twice to get a feature that we have been begging for since the first PSP.

              I would also like to know why Sony stopped releasing games with PSP Plus functionality.....MGS Peasewalker and MHFU would have been great candidates.....

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            May 23, 2011 10:58 AM

            [deleted]

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              May 23, 2011 11:32 AM

              Going by Sony's views on product lifecycle, and considering they are releasing NGP its safe to say that Sony doesnt consider PSP to be a dead platform.

              But yes, releasing a game with reduced functionality first...then 'remastering' it several months later is a model that will push fans/customers away.
              uh hu... PS3 games get updated graphics, and PSP games can be played on the go. That doesnt have much to do with selling the same product twice to your customers.......... Again all i am saying is if Sony intends to sell the same game to PSP owners twice, they are screwing them over.

              As far as what am i going to do about it? The only thing really available to me....not support it.

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      May 23, 2011 9:55 AM

      I might just buy a PS3 after all the shit that's gone down after all.

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      May 23, 2011 10:05 AM

      MHP3 north american release immediately all over my face please

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      May 23, 2011 10:08 AM

      nice, two more god of war games

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      May 23, 2011 10:35 AM

      If it means I can play Peace Walker and Portable Ops, awesome.

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      May 23, 2011 1:32 PM

      Very awesome! With all Sony's troubles they will come out of this hole fine... I'm getting sick of hearing the bashing against this company like they are evil... So I guess Microsoft's an angle eh?

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      May 24, 2011 3:25 PM

      Hopes for 3'rd Birthday chance on the ps3 =)

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