Capcom to release PSP "grip" peripheral

[Frances_Penfold]

About damn time that a quality grip system be released for the PSP! I mean, the PSP is pretty ergonomic for a handheld console... but my hands STILL hurt during long Wipeout Pulse / Pure sessions :)

Anyway, for what it's worth:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20080201/msy.htm

Obviously it's primary audience is for "Monster Hunter" gamers but I think it looks promising for Wipeout on the PSP as well.

Edit: it's not for sale yet but should be by the end of the month, at least in Japan and at import stores. No word on a North America or PAL release yet.

[Medusa]

Wow, that actually looks nice, I think. Very streamlined compared to the image of ugly grips I had imagined. If it makes it here before I kill my PSP I might even try it.

[Vincent_VII]

Can someone link an image of the device? Work has the link blocked. :(

[Frances_Penfold]

I agree, Medusa-- not nearly as fugly as one might image for a third party (does Capcom count as third party?) product. I suppose the crazy enthusiasm for Monster Hunter in Japan has motivated them to put some effort into the design :D

Vincent, here are some alternate links... let me know if these don't work and maybe I can re-host an image somewhere.

http://pspupdates.qj.net/Capcom-reveals-Monster-Hunting-Grip-PSP-peripheral/pg/49/aid/112888

http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=24842

[Lance]

That looks like it would give the player much better control, and maybe be easier on the hands, too.

[DjManiac21]

Hey! I have one! :D

Well, no THAT one, but I have a grip for my PSP which actually does the same as this one, plus, you can fold it! :D

I only found this: http://www.dragon-electronics.com/dragon/products/DRG0000166/images/datasheet.jpg

Mine doesn't recharge the PSP, I got it for 5 euros on lik-sang...

God, I miss that store... :frown:

[JABBERJAW]

getting one as soon as possible, in that the way I hold the psp, it slides out of my hands around lap 3-4

[Asayyeah]

it slides out of my hands

Good to know for next month, Al :P

[Medusa]

Better hide the Pam spray, Al.

[Vincent_VII]

Frances, thanks for the links. I like the way it looks - really streamlined. That would be great to keep around the house for sore-wrist free gaming at home. I will definitely pick one up if it comes to the states (doubtful).

[jklasdf]

i cant wait for this thing. my thumb gets so sore! it affects my racing, so i can usually never play for too long b4 i need to take a break cause i keep losing :(

[Frances_Penfold]

I haven't seen the Capcom grips ready for sale at the online import houses yet-- but I did recently obtain these PSP grips from Boxwave and can vouch for them being a good product.

http://www.boxwave.com/products/gameractiongrip/gamer-actiongrip-gaming_cat_l1.htm

These are lightweight, soft rubberized grips that are collapse-able and thus easily transported. I think these grips were designed for the PSP "fat" (PSP-1000) but they do fit my PSP "slim" (PSP-2000) pretty well-- not quite as tightly as I might like but nonetheless solidly.

Having used them to play Pulse over the last few days, I definitely think they provide a substantially more ergonomic experience, especially for my wrists and thumb-- they allow my hands to be an a more normal, gently angled position when playing. There is a bit of a learning curve for buttons, since your hands will be held more behind the PSP than you are used to-- but I was flying fast and fancy free within a few minutes :)

Anyway-- I suspect that the Capcom grips will be the better product but the boxwaves are worth considering, especially for their relatively low price and light weight, and ease of obtaining from Amazon etc.

[blixabargeld]

once i tried one, and i played even worst than without..