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Nintendo Europe: 'No plans' for Skype on the DSi

by Ben Gilbert { Apr 22nd 2009 at 11:16AM }

We found out earlier this week that Skype is "technically possible" on the Nintendo DSi, but the question remained: Will Nintendo adopt the VoIP service for its fancy new handheld? CVG put that very question to Nintendo of Europe and, more or less, got a resounding, "No."

"We have no plans to release a Skype application for Nintendo DS or DSi," the company told them. Guess we're stuck only using the service on our PSP, iPhone, computer ... wait, do we really need this on the DS too?!

Skype 'technically possible' on DSi

by JC Fletcher { Apr 20th 2009 at 9:35AM }

TechRadar sent an inquiry to Skype about the possibility of its VOIP telephone service appearing on the Nintendo DSi. While we'd love to tell you that the Skype rep responded with a concrete "yes," we can at least say that the representative didn't totally shut TechRadar down. In fact, the wording of the boilerplate response suggested that there's no reason the service wouldn't spread to the DS platform.

According to the representative, Skype's growth strategy "includes extending the Skype infrastructure and platform to bring Skype functionality wherever, whenever, and on whatever device or site people choose to use it." Currently, that includes computers, some smartphones, and, of course, the PSP. As for the DSi, "Whilst we can't comment on any future plans to bring Skype to Nintendo's DSi, it would technically be possible."

Of course, DS homebrew enthusiasts have known for a couple of years that it's possible. But the DSi Shop makes it seem more likely to happen in an official capacity.

Sony launches PSP headset with remote for Skype

by Ross Miller { May 8th 2008 at 3:55PM }

Sony has announced the release -- finally! -- of the PSP headset with remote control, ideal for your handheld Skype yammering. The headset is currently available at Amazon and GameStop for the MSRP of $30 and buy.com for $20. The headset was originally due out last month for $20; it launched in Japan mid-March.

For help on how to get the headset working with your PSP-2000 (sorry, early adopters, it doesn't work with older models), check out PSP Fanboy's official guide.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Skype headset finally available (for real!)

by Andrew Yoon { May 8th 2008 at 2:00PM }

We're glad that SCEA finally confirmed the availability of Skype-compatible PSP headsets at retailers today. When we first discovered the peripheral, it was supposed to release last month for $20. Well, looks like things have changed. The peripheral is now available at a MSRP of $30 at your favorite retailer. We checked amazon.com, buy.com, and GameStop -- and it appears that buy.com is still your best bet.

The new headset offers stereo sound, an adjustable microphone, and a lightweight design with soft ear cushions. It's the easiest way to get Skype working on your PSP. For more information on how to use the VoIP service, check out our guide.

Reminder: Mario Kart Wii has voice chat, it's called XBL, PSN, Skype, etc.

by Ross Miller { Apr 26th 2008 at 7:30PM }

We thought it'd be best to reprint our advice from the Super Smash Bros. Brawl release: if you want to chat up your friends while doing laps in Mario Kart Wii, here are five options we found -- harnessing the power of other consoles or a com-pu-ter -- for chatting up your friends. (Looking for a place to share your Kart friend codes? ~~We'll set up a über-list post closer to tonight's US release.~~ Here's a link to the über-list.)

Xbox Live: Or as we've come to know it -- Kart LIVE®. Just set up private chat and off you go. Got more than one friend? Go into a Halo 3 lobby (you do have Halo 3, right?).
PSN: Start up a new chat under the "friends" section of the XMB. Invite all the friends you want and wait for them to join. Works and sounds exceptional! USB and Bluetooth compatible.
Skype: Set up a conference call.
TeamSpeak or Ventrilo: Guilds, clans and other computer types know these services. Perfect for guildies racing together.
Nintendo DS: Use Metroid Prime Hunters or Pokémon Diamond or Pearl. Warning: More inane codes required to pull this option off. There are also homebrew options.

Of course, if none of these options are viable, might we suggest using a classic: The phone.

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Wherefore art thou, Skype headset?

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 15th 2008 at 10:45PM }

Why is this taking so long? Many have inquired about the PSP Skype headset, which was originally listed as an April release for $20. Now, amazon.com is showing a May 7th release and a price of $30.

We love using Skype on our PSP -- it's a nifty free feature that we'd like to see become ubiquitous in the community. However, without this official headset, we don't think too many people are going to jump on the Skype bandwagon. C'mon, Sony! Let's get this headset out there!

Update: Reader Rick Adams pointed out an excellent deal: buy.com has the headset available for $16 + $6 shipping. They have the product listed for release on April 25th.

[Thanks, Bryan!]

Skype headset for PSP coming April, for $20

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 14th 2008 at 5:30PM }

Looks like that rumor was right ...

The PSP Headset Kit for Skype is coming in April for a very affordable price of $20. This kit makes much more sense than the current solution, which requires users to get two separate accessories. Hopefully, this release will not only encourage more PSP users to try Skype, but to try voice communication in their online-enabled games.

Rumor: New accessories coming in April

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 11th 2008 at 10:05AM }

A supposedly leaked PowerPoint presentation revealed some potentially new accessories from Sony. If this information turns out to be true, PSP owners can anticipate a new traveler case and Media Manager software this coming April/May. Both will retail for $20. More exciting, however, is the potential for a Skype Headset Kit. Currently, PSP owners must purchase two separate accessories in order for Skype to work. Providing one easy to purchase solution is far more ideal.

The same PowerPoint presentation also mentions that SCEA is planning to release the GPS peripheral in America for under $150. Unfortunately, when asked for comment, a SCEA rep informed us that "any information is speculation and rumor."

Skype finally comes to Japanese PSPs this month

by Scott Jon Siegel { Mar 4th 2008 at 6:55PM }

After being passed over due to failed certification tests, Skype on PSP will finally land in the hands of Japanese gamers on March 18, PSP Fanboy reports. The Japanese version of the Slim-PSP-only service launches a month later than the North American version, defying our normal expectations of how these things go.

The day after the firmware launch, a new Skype-optimized USB microphone atttachment for the PSP will be released for 2,500 yen (or two for 4,000). Expect a sudden surge in Japanese gamers yelling at their PSPs shortly thereafter.

Japanese PSP owners finally get Skype + mic this month

by Jem Alexander { Mar 4th 2008 at 6:00AM }

Poor Japanese PSP owners. They've been so used to being ahead of the technology curve for so long now, but when Skype was so suddenly delayed for the region they sadly had no choice but to wait. It seems that the headset related problems have no been solved, however, as Japan finally gets to sink its teeth into the VOIP service this month. A new firmware update will arrive on the 18th of March and will enable the service on Japanese machines - handy for those of us with Japanese import consoles.

The news of Skype's imminent arrival comes alongside an announcement of the new PSP microphone attachment. This will be released on the 19th at a price of 2,500 yen each (or 4,000 yen for two) and will plug into the USB socket on the top of your PSP, allowing you to chat with your other Skype wielding friends from all over the world. The press release states that the microphone is identical to the one that came with Talkman so we're curious to find out what the reason for delaying Skype rollout was. Still, it's all done and dusted now and we can look forward to chatting with our Japanese PSP owning friends in two weeks time.

M33 custom firmware catches up to latest 3.90 release

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 31st 2008 at 10:25PM }

It didn't take too long for the talented M33 team to release a custom version of Sony's latest Skype-enabled firmware. With the new Network Update feature of these custom releases, homebrew users can simply update directly from their systems. However, those that aren't fortunate enough to be near a wi-fi point can simply download the necessary files here. (But, considering Skype is the main benefit of 3.90, we think only those with reliable access to wireless internet will really download this update.)

Video: How to use Skype on your PSP

by Justin McElroy { Jan 31st 2008 at 12:00PM }

If Skype's a good enough program for us to use to lovingly craft the auditory (and often olfactory) experience that is the Joystiq Podcast, it should be good enough for you to use for any communication purpose. But we understand that some of you may need a primer with how to get the thing running on your PSP and we've got SCEA marketing dude John Koller leaping to your aid.

After watching the video and seeing Kolller with the full set-up, there's one question we still can't answer: We're down with Skype calling, but is there a way we can avoid looking like complete tools in the process?

John Koller explains how to use Skype

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 30th 2008 at 10:00AM }

From Crackle: Skype on the PSP

There are some confusions on how to run Skype on the PSP. Many fans are unfamiliar that the PSP headset will work with Skype (but make sure you have the PSP remote control as well!). See how the program works on the handheld in this comprehensive video from PSP's main marketing man at SCEA, John Koller.

PSP firmware 3.90 says 'Hello'

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Jan 30th 2008 at 8:40AM }

It may not herald the arrival of the mythical PlayStation Phone just yet, but the latest PSP firmware update brings the next best thing. Firmware version 3.90 is now available for download (access it through the XMB's "Network Update" option) and enables previously detailed Skype functionality for Slim PSPs. Before you start prank calling Cristian Cardona though, keep in mind that portable blabbering requires a PSP headset with remote control.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Firmware 3.90 now available on Network Update

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 29th 2008 at 11:00PM }

Ready for Skype? Here it is! Get it by accessing Network Update on your PSP. Here are the official details:

Support for PLAYSTATION Network titles has been expanded.
Skype has been added as a feature under Network.* (Only for PSP-2000 series.)

For more details on Skype and their free and paid calling services, visit the Skype official website. Note: Skype requires a PSP headset with remote control.

[Thanks, Jorge H.!]