PES 2008 Dated for PSP and DS. Platform-Specific Features Disclosed

Great news for handheld fans today as Konami has recently confirmed the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS versions of PES 2008, launching in Q1 next year. As you can imagine, each new port features platform-specific features, which I'm guessing you're just dying to learn more about, as a fan of the genre.

Konami says that the PSP version of the game shares a lot in common with its PlayStation 2 counterpart, featuring a wide range of tournaments and leagues on offer, but also a new World Tour mode, in which gamers must overcome a series of challenges as they tour the globe. As each task is successfully completed, further tests designed to show the capability of your chosen squad are unlocked. Easy as pie! Well, you know what they say: "it's easier said than done."

But wait, there's more to the PSP version of PES 2008. According to the same report, Full Edit modes have also been incorporated into the PSP port while the data sharing aspect has also been revamped to let you continue building your team while away from the home system (the PS2 that is). Thus you can now swap your Master League information between the PSP and PS2 versions, as well as League, World Tour and Cup Mode data too.

As for the DS PES 2008, it includes Exhibition, Penalty Shoot-Out and Konami Cup elements, and a variant on the World Tour system where the player faces elite teams from every continent. A Network Mode facilitates multi-player games of up four users with copies of the game, while one-against-one matches can be played with just one copy of PES 2008, all wirelessly. As a DS gamer you can also trade players with your friends, or collect coins and use them to add the world's best players to your team.

PES 2008 is set for its handheld release in Q1, 2008. PS3, Xbox 360, PS2 and PC owners can already grab and enjoy the game.