Sony Debuts 2009 PSP Line-Up, Including LittleBigPlanet, Assassin's Creed

PSP editions of major titles including LittleBigPlanet, Assassin's Creed and Rock Band are on the way, says Sony Computer Entertainment America, announcing what it calls an "unprecedented" lineup for its handheld. The announcement at SCEA's annual Destination Playstation retail and publisher event in Scottsdale, Arizona seemed aimed at putting to rest the primary criticism about Sony's handheld: that it lacks software support from publishers. Not only will Ubisoft debut a PSP-focused line of its successful casual Petz games on PSP -- but Harmonix also announced Rock Band Unplugged, the first portable version of its hit rhythm franchise. According to SCEA, Rock Band Unplugged will use the PSP's WiFi capabilities and include an in-game downloadable content store -- the first PSP title to include such a service in North America and Europe. SCEA also announced that Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 10 will let players transfer football plays they've built on the PSP to the PS3 console edition of the upcoming game. As for its own titles, a PSP LittleBigPlanet developed with Media Molecule promises new levels specifically created for the platform with the same gameplay, although SCEA didn't specify whether the PSP edition of the game will interface in any way with the console version. The company also revealed the BigBig Studios-developed MotorStorm: Arctic Edge for PSP, while a PS2 version of the offroad racer franchise sequel is expected to hit in Fall 2009. Two new bundles are also in the works. SCEA plans to release a Lilac-colored PSP system bundled with a Hannah Montana game, aiming to appeal to young female audiences, while a second bundle includes Assassin's Creed for PSP with a black system. Both bundles will retail for $199 and will be available at some point in 2009. Sony recently announced that the PSP's global userbase has reached 50 million to date. Relative to that number, though, its software sales have been a little disappointing outside of Japan, with 200 million units sold to date. "With new content being added every day to the PlayStation Network combined with an unmatched line up of exclusive titles on PSP... we remain confident in our approach and strategy for another record year of growth and momentum," said SCEA president and CEO Jack Tretton.