Sony's last firmware update "overclocks" PSPs
- June 25, 2007 00:00 AM PST
The restriction on the PSP's processing speed was finally removed in Sony's last firmware update, allowing future games to run fully at 333 MHz.
By Eugene Huang
In a recent revelation, representatives from Sony Computer Entertainment America have revealed that their last system software update for the PSP has removed a firmware restriction that prevents the machine's CPU speed from exceeding 266 MHz. According to a report today from GamesIndustry.biz, firmware update version 3.50, which was released at the end of May, has already eliminated this limitation.
Since the PSP's initial introduction, processing speed for all games has been limited to only 266 MHz, which was an inhibitor put into place presumably due to concerns that running games at full clock speed would also stimulate a greater drain on battery life. But after this update, developers have now been given the option to create games that run at 333 MHz, which would undoubtedly result in much better frame rates. However, the report also states that only future games or games currently in development will be affected by this change.
There have been rumors claiming that Sony's decision to eliminate the processor restriction may foretell the impending release of a brand new PSP with a much longer battery life. However, SCEA has still remained adamantly mute on the issue, offering no comment on any news of a PSP redesign.
[CORRECTION: We erroneously reported this change as part of an upcoming firmware update for the PSP, but have since realized that system software update 3.50 has been available since the end of May. We apologize for the confusion.]
