New PSP Heaset

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced the launch of its new Headset with Remote Control for PSP yesterday. The new headset gives PSP Slim (PSP-2000) users a considerably easier (and somewhat more private) way to make Skype calls on their PSP, thanks to its high quality stereo sound, adjustable microphone and comfortable, lightweight design.

Sony opened up the PSP Slim's capabilities as a communications device earlier this year, when it made Skype available through the update to PSP firmware version 3.90. Skype for PSP works just like Skype on PC. Users can add and manage contacts, make free calls to Skype users on other PSPs, PCs or Skype-enabled phones anywhere in the world. They can also call land lines or mobile phones using Skype Credit.

To get Skype on your PSP (only available for the PSP Slim), your system needs to be running firmware version 3.90 or later. Once the PSP is running Skype capable firmware, connect to the Internet using a wireless access point, either at home or at a Wi-Fi hotspot, attach a headset to the PSP and insert a Memory Stick Duo into the PSP to save the Skype software. The Skype software will be accessible from the XMB (XrossMediaBar). If you are already a Skype user, all you'll need to do is sign in. If you're new to Skype, you can create an account at www.skype.com.

For more information on Skype for PSP, click here.

Paradise coming to PC

Criterion Games, creators of the Burnout franchise, announced today that Burnout Paradise is being rebuilt specifically for PC. This will be the first time that a Burnout title has ever been made for PC, and it will include an expanded multiplayer system, enhanced online features and community driven content. The PC version of B urnout Paradise has not yet been rated. No release date has been announced yet.

Battlefield: BC demo coming to Live and Playstation Store

DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts, announced today that a demo for its highly anticipated summer release, Battlefield: Bad Company will be available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace and Playstation Store on June 5 ^th . “ Players will land on the battlefield as part of the ‘B’ or Bad Company, a wayward band of soldiers more interested in the pursuit of gold and personal financial gain than following the rules. Gamers will get a sneak peek at how tactical destruction changes the way shooters are played, both offline and online in the single player and multiplayer demo. “

If you can't wait to sink your hands into some gameplay, you can also get early access to the demo by pre-ordering the game at a participating retailer in North America or Europe. More information on pre-ordering is available here. Battlefield: Bad Company will be available in stores for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 on June 25 ^th in North America, and on June 27 ^th in Europe and is rated T for Teen.

Playstation Store update

Here is this week's Playstation Store update:

Downloadable Games

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil ($9.99 USD and CAD)

Join Nick Sion, Alec Mink and the rest of the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System from the tyrannical grip of Lord Invictus and the Legion of Terra! With its distinctive cel-shaded art style, engaging storyline, RPG elements and non-stop action, this shooter promises to keep players coming back for more!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 124 MB

Add-on Game Content

PixelJunk Monsters Encore ($5.99 USD and CAD)

PixelJunk Monsters Encore is an expansion pack to the popular and addictive tower defense game, PixelJunk Monsters. Encore includes 15 levels on a new map, “Toki Island”, as well as the ability for players to track their score across both maps. Just as in the original game, Encore continues the simple real-time strategy concept of building, researching and base defending that made PixelJunk Monsters an instant classic.
File size: 67 MB

Rock Band

Scene Pack 01 ($5.49 USD and CAD) - Scene Pack 01 includes It Hurts by Angels & Airwaves, This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race by Fall Out Boy, and Date with the Night by Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Each track is available individually for $1.99 USD and CAD each.
File sizes: 22.7 MB - 31.9 MB (singles), 83.3 MB (track pack).

Rock Band price promotion: CrushCrushCrush - Paramore and Rock N Roll Band - Boston are reduced to $0.99 USD and CAD until May 15th.

Guitar Hero III

Muse Track Pack ($6.25 USD and CAD)

Includes Exo-Politics , Stockholm Syndrome & Supermassive Black Hole as performed by Muse. For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com.
File size: 45 MB

Game Demos (free)

HAZE Demo

Play the beginning of the Haze campaign in single-player or in cooperative mode (up to 4 players).
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.43 GB

The Bourne Conspiracy Demo

An intense, fast-paced, authentic Bourne experience. Become the perfect weapon.
ESRB Rating Pending
File size: 1.61 GB

GRID Demo

Experience a new world of racing as Codemasters releases the multiplayer demo for GRID.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 961 MB

Game Videos (free)

WipEout HD Trailer

It was there back at the beginning and now it’s taking the franchise into the future: WipEout HD is set to deliver 1080p High Definition visuals running at a breathtaking 60-frames-per-second.
File size: 79 MB (HD), 126 MB (1080)

PLAYSTATION 3 “What You Need” Video

Inside the PLAYSTATION 3 system lies the most advanced entertainment system designed to bring you the highest definition games, movies and so much more. Take a look and see what the PLAYSTATION 3 is all about.
File size: 167 MB (1080)

Mirror’s Edge Gameplay Trailer

As seen at PlayStation Day in London.
File size: 113 MB (HD)

Mercenaries 2 Payback Trailer

Check out the new Mercenaries 2 trailer. It’s time for Payback – Mercs Style!
File size: 77 MB (HD)

Overlord Raising Hell Trailer

Overlord Raising Hell is an Action-RPG title that immerses you in twisted parodies of classic fantasy scenarios. After becoming the all-powerful Overlord, you learn how to master a horde of mischievous creatures, called minions. The title comes to PLAYSTATION 3 complete with exclusive features and the ‘Raising Hell’ downloadable content seamlessly integrated into the action-packed story line.
File size: 101 MB (HD)

The Wheelman Trailer

Vin Diesel is The Wheelman, one of the most dangerous men in the world behind the wheel of a vehicle.
File size: 48 MB (HD)

TNA iMPACT! Gamers’ Day Trailer

TNA iMPACT! is the exclusive Total Nonstop Action wrestling game based on the top-rated weekly television show.
File size: 43 MB (HD)

Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers (free)

Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Teaser Trailer

On May 22, Indiana Jones is back in a new globe-trotting adventure, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull .
File size: 22 MB (SD), 81 MB (HD), 107 MB (1080)

The Love Guru

In the comedy The Love Guru , Pitka (Mike Myers) is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus.
File size: 31 MB (SD), 112 MB (HD), 149 MB (1080)

Iron Man Trailer 2

Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the story of a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon.
File size: 29 MB (SD), 108 MB (HD), 143 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)

PixelJunk Monsters Theme 3

Customize your PS3 system with a cool PixelJunk Monsters theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 984 KB

Sports Theme

Customize your PS3 system with a cool Sports theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 7.07 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

PixelJunk Monsters Wallpapers (x2)

Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new PixelJunk Monsters Wallpaper.
File size: 562 KB - 879 KB

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

Game Demos (free)

* SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2 Demo (also downloadable via PS3)