Sony PSP Go
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
A new entry into the portable video game market was announced at E3 Expo 2009 in the form of the new Sony PSP Go. This was easily one of the biggest unveilings at the video game conference, infusing Sony with new vitality and promise for the future.
What Is the Sony PSP Go?
The Sony PSP Go is not technically a successor to the existing PlayStation Portable (PSP) portable game console. While it may be tempting to do so, the PSP Go should not be considered a true PSP2. It is meant to be a minor update or alternative to the current PSP.
While the current PSP has its controls on either side of a widescreen display, the PSP Go hides its controls in a portion that slides out the bottom. This gives the PSP Go a smaller footprint, making it easier to fit into pockets. Sony also notes that this is the slimmest PSP released to date.
Many analysts and pundits have indicated that the PSP Go may be a better competitor in the casual gaming market against devices like the iPod touch and Apple iPhone. This is because it embraces the concept of downloadable games.
Features and Specifications
Ever since people started to suspect that Sony was working on some sort of successor, we have been bombarded by a wide range of new PSP rumors. Many of these can remain intact for whenever a true PSP2 is released, but some of these have already been implemented in the Sony PSP Go.
The UMD drive in the current PSP, which is where you insert game discs, has been removed for the PSP Go. In its place, you get 16GB of NAND flash memory, not unlike the scenario found on the iPod touch. This makes room for downloadable content over a Wi-Fi connection, just as you would with the Nintendo DSi or Apple iPhone.
The 3.8-inch screen on the PSP Go is slightly smaller than the 4.3-inch screen you find on the regular PSP, but this affords for a more compact form factor. There is still just one analog stick, four face buttons, and two shoulder buttons.
Where Can I Buy PSP Go Games?
With the Sony PlayStation 3, you have the ability to purchase new content through the PlayStation Network. A similar system has been set up for the Sony PSP Go wherein you can purchase new games, videos, music and other multimedia content using a Wi-Fi connection.
The games will then be saved onto the 16GB of internal flash memory, letting you play them at will without having to insert any discs or memory cards. At 16GB, there should be enough room for several games at a time.
What About My UMD-Based Games?
Since the PSP Go does not have a UMD drive like its larger PSP cousin, the question arises as to how (and if) the user will be able to play UMD-based games like Lumines. Sony has indicated that a solution is in the works wherein the UMD game can be transferred to the PSP Go's internal memory. Exact details have not yet been announced as of the time of this writing (June 2009).
Pricing and Availability
The Sony PSP Go, which is also known as the PSPgo or PSP go, is scheduled for release in North America and Europe on October 1, 2009. The Japanese release of the portable system is slated for November 1, 2009.
Regarding price, expect to pay $249 for the new system, placing it right in the same neighborhood as a Nintendo Wii and iPod touch.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 383 times. This page was last modified 13:16, 13 June 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook