Sony PSP Remaster makes portable games PS3 playable

Sony has announced plans to launch the "PSP Remaster" series, titles originally intended for the PSP but reworked to play on the PS3. As well as boosting the graphics quality to better suit a big-screen gaming experience, Sony will enable cross-platform PSP and PS3 multi-player titles using a new "adhoc party for PlayStation Portable" application on the home console.

There'll also be support for PSP save game data, so that you don't have to start from scratch when you start playing the PS3 version. Sony is also promising new add-on content and/or stereoscopic 3D support, depending on title.

The first game to get the PSP remaster treatment will be Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver., available in PSP form since December last year and now crossing over to PS3-friendly Blu-ray disc. No word on when the PSP remaster series will cross over to North America or Europe.

Press Release:

NEW "PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE) REMASTER" TITLE SERIES
AVAILABLE FOR THE PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM

PSP Blockbuster Games Re-mastered to Deliver Rich Gameplay on the PS3 System

Tokyo, May 22, 2011– Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that a new "PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Remaster" title series, PSP titles customized and developed specifically for the PS3 computer entertainment system, will become available as Blue ray Disc™ games starting in the Japanese market.

"PSP Remaster" titles will deliver rich and immersive gaming experience on the PS3 system through stunning high-definition graphics as well as through additional new features for these titles, such as operability on the PS3 Wireless Controller (SIXAXIS® and DUALSHOCK®3), new add-on content or stereoscopic 3D support*1. Users will also be able to utilize the same save data from the original PSP game for the "PSP Remaster" version and enjoy the game on the go with the PSP system and continue the game at home on a large TV screen using PS3. Ad-hoc mode gameplay will also be supported through "adhoc party for PlayStation Portable" application on the PS3 system*2.

For Japan, the first "PSP Remaster" title to be introduced will be Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. from Capcom Co., Ltd. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd for the PSP system is the latest installment of the blockbuster Monster Hunter franchise, which has alone shipped over 4.5 million units in Japan since its release in December 2010. The graphics of the PS3 version, including monsters, fields, equipment, as well as Felyne Comrades, are more gorgeous and vibrant than ever, and will deliver dynamic gameplay when played on the large TV screens. SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the software title line-up for the PS3 system.

SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment with innovative and exciting new titles.

*1 What content will be supported will depend by titles.

*2 Not all titles will be supported. Some software title will not function properly depending on the user's network status and or the software feature. The application is not supported on 20GB model (CECHB00) which does not support Wi-Fi feature.