Sony PSP Go may the worst-kept secret of this year’s E3 show, but Sony press conference now has the official information. In most cases there is little that is not already revealed or correctly assumed: Sony PSP Go is small, has a slide screen, no UMD drive – and no game-changing upgrades, such as a touch screen or second analog — stick. But the big news is that the new PSP will be in North America on 1 October for $ 249th
Here is an overview of the Sony PSP Go functions and properties, as we know them so far.
Form-factor: The PSP-Go has a 3.8-inch screen (compared with 4.3-inch on all current PSP models). It is said that 43 percent lighter than the PSP-3000, which means they would Zünglein at the scales at about 3.8 ounces. The PSP-Go design is very interested in the Sony mylo – slides up the screen to complete the checks.
Storage: The Go offers 16 GB of built-in flash memory, and it is expandable via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot. There are no UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive on the PSP-Go. While there is no doubt that for the smaller (and, we hope, the potential for better battery life), it also means there is no way to play existing PSP software you can rely on the PSP-Go.
Controls: While the layout may be different, the scheme on the PSP Go is little changed from earlier PSP models: a four-way D-pad on the left side, the standard quartet of geometrically coded Sony controls (circle, square , cross, triangle) on the right side, select / start buttons in the middle, and the PlayStation “Home” button on the left side of the screen.
A second analog control is always at or near the top of the wish-lists designed for PSP, so its absence is a disappointment. At the same time, remain with the same scheme means the game compatibility between the Sony PSP Go and older PSP will be retained. It remains to be seen whether the placement of each stick – closer to the center of the control deck, not as far right side, where it sits on earlier PSP – will be problematic for PSP experienced players. This means that the Go-control layout is closely aligned with that of a traditional full-size PlayStation controller.
Despite early rumors, there is no touch screen on the Sony PSP Go.
Wireless: In addition to Wi-Fi support, the PSP Go adds Bluetooth capability, the Sony handheld platform for the first time. That should be the standard Bluetooth headset (and, presumably, A2DP headphones and speakers) to go with the PSP. In the leaked video, Sony rep John Koller, the ability to power the PSP Go to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The advantage is that it is not marked, but that would potentially allow Internet surfing and online gaming on the connection to a mobile phone with a 3G data connection (if Wi-Fi access was not available). Another possibility (although pure conjecture) is that you could pair a PS3 controller (which is Bluetooth enabled) Go to the PSP.
Games: At Sony’s press conference, the company confirms new PSP versions of many of its most popular franchises. Known titles – many of them will be in 2009 – even Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Jak and Daxten: The Lost Frontier, Motor Storm Arctic Edge, and SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3rd The first Resident Evil game for the PSP is expected to be published next year.
PSP games are available for download directly from the PlayStation Store on the console’s Wi-Fi connection. In addition to the direct download, Sony says that “all” new PSP games will also continue to UMD to. We have to ask how long we last in the light of the fact that the company appears to be comprehensive digital distribution only in titles such as Patapon 2nd However, as the older PSP can also download and play title, the eventual death of UMD should not obsolete.
Digital media: The Go provides the same support for music, video and photo files as previously PSPs, so you should have no trouble transferring gigabytes of media from a PC (or on the M2 Flash Media Card). Downloadable Movies and TV shows you can go directly from the PlayStation Store over Wi-Fi (no more need the PS3 or PC as an intermediary). Despite early rumors of a PSP-centric music store, Sony instead opted for a partnership with eMusic. In other words, users can DRM-free tracks from online music store (Amazon, iTunes, eMusic, etc.) and copy it onto the PSP.
Sony will release software called Media Go to the PSP users to manage the content on the PC (this replaces the older and not very useful, Sony Media Manager software). The company is also a feature called “Sense Me”, the analysis of your music library for playback of music on the basis of a mood you choose.
PS3 integration: Again, it seems, the interoperability between the existing PS3 and the PSP-line will go to the PSP. This includes the ability to cross-load a number of games and media, as well as the remote play option (PS3 access to content from the PSP via the internet).
Price and availability: The PSP-Go in North America on 1 October for $ 249th (The portable console will be on sale in Europe on the same day for 249 Euro, and the availability in Japan a month later.) The PSP-3000, currently $ 169, remain on the market.
Unanswered Questions: We hope to learn more about the PSP-Go in the coming weeks and months. Chief among our questions unanswered: Is the Go-Video support like the PSP-3000? How is the battery life? Is the screen the same strange interlacing issues, some effort on the PSP 3000?
Is it worth waiting? This is of course the big question. The PSP-Go is not the PSP2, to be sure – it’s more like the PSP 1.5. As with the Nintendo DSI, Sony extended (and, it hopes, revitalizing) a portable platform, the ten million units sold worldwide. Given the fact that it is an evolutionary product – the only real appeal is the smaller form factor – the high price is certainly an obstacle to those already existing and enjoy the PSP.
On the other hand, owners of older (and heavier) PSP 1000 and PSP 2000 can go to the upgrade they’ve been waiting for. But with the DSI and the iPhone / iPod Touch at the time – and pockets – from casual gamers, the ultimate answer may again rest with the quality and appropriateness of the games. We can answer the question more definitively, if we are some hands-on time with the PSP Go later this year.
Sony’s press conference had something to keep, such as Microsoft opens up E3 with an impressive presentation shows a bunch of exclusives and new hardware. The question was, Sony still has surprises for the “leak” of the PSP Go? The company could be on her presentation with the best audio and video devices are available, but it had some pop to go along with all the flash.