PSP Go: What we know so far
(Credit:
Eurogamer.net)
Update (June 2, 2009, 2:25pm PT): We have an updated first take of the PSP Go, based on Sony's official announcement.
Details of Sony's new PSP Go have leaked ahead of the company's Tuesday press conference in a big way, with photos and videos now widely circulating on the Internet. And while we don't yet have a comprehensive list of the new PSP's feature list, the leaked info gives us a pretty good idea of what we can expect--including hints of several new games.
The leaked Qore video is embedded below. Host Veronica Belmont talks to John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America, about the forthcoming PSP Go. (Note: The audio is out of sync and exhibits a buzz, but it's watchable enough--though we wouldn't be surprised to see it pulled off YouTube soon.)
From the video, here's what we can glean so far:
Form factor: The PSP Go has a 3.8-inch wide screen (versus 4.3-inch on all previous PSP models). It's said to be 43 percent lighter than the PSP 3000, which means it would tip the scales at about 3.8 ounces. The PSP Go design is very reminiscent of the Sony Mylo--the screen slides up to reveal the controls.
Storage: The Go will offer 16GB of built-in flash memory, and it's expandable via a Memory Stick Micro slot. There is no UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive on the PSP Go. While that no doubt allows for the smaller size (and, we hope, the potential for better battery life), it also means there's no way to play existing PSP software you might own on the PSP Go.
Controls: While the layout may be different, the control scheme on the PSP Go looks to be little changed from earlier PSP models: a 4-way d-pad on the left, the standard quartet of geometrically coded Sony controls (circle, square, cross, triangle) on the right, select/start buttons in the center, and the PlayStation "home" button to the left of the screen.
A second analog control is always at or near the top of wish lists for PSP redesigns, so its absence is all but certain to get a thumbs-down from gamers. The single stick's placement--closer to the center of the control deck rather than the outside right, where it sits on earlier PSPs--could also be problematic. (That said, the Go control layout is more closely aligned to that of a traditional full-size PlayStation controller.)
None of the leaked info mentions touch-screen support, leading us to assume that the feature is not present on the PSP Go.
Wireless: In addition to certain Wi-Fi support, the PSP Go adds Bluetooth capability to the Sony handheld platform for the first time. In addition to support for standard Bluetooth headsets (and, presumably, A2DP headphones and speakers), Koller also specifies the ability to tether the PSP Go to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The advantage of that isn't highlighted, but that would potentially allow Web browsing and online gaming via a tethered phone with a 3G data connection (when Wi-Fi access wasn't available).
Games: On the leaked Qore video, Koller specifically mentions PSP versions of Little Big Planet, Jak and Daxter, Gran Turismo, and "a new Metal Gear Solid." Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier had been previously announced and a PSP Gran Turismo was originally shown off way back at E3 2004. A PSP-optimized Little Big Planet has been all but confirmed, and a new MGS game will likely be welcomed with open arms (assuming it's more like the action-packed Portable Ops and less like the bizarre Metal Gear Acid).
Koller also emphasizes casual games in the interview, implying that Sony would like to see the PSP platform become home to shorter, simpler "pick up and play" games that can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store on a whim.
As for the downloadable titles: a wide selection already exists on the PlayStation Store for existing PSP owners, and it's long been clear that Sony has been moving away from UMD. The recent high-profile Patapon 2 game, for instance, is download-only.
Digital media support: Presumably, the Go will have at least the same baseline media features as the existing PSP models, which includes ample support for music, video, and photo files. Koller also mentions downloadable movies and TV shows (already available for purchase from Sony's existing iTunes-like PlayStation Store). Despite rumors of a downloadable music store, an online music option is notably not mentioned.
PS3 integration: Again, it appears that the existing interoperability between the PS3 and the PSP line will be carried over to the PSP Go. That includes the ability to cross-load some games and media, as well as the Remote Play option (access PS3-based content from the PSP over the Internet).
Price and availability: Koller says that it's coming in the fall of 2009; price isn't specified. He also confirms that the PSP 3000 will stay on the market concurrently. That, at least, is comfort for those of us who like to buy cheap used UMD-based PSP games, which are widely available.
Final thought: It's worth pointing out that the earlier leaks on this product--right down to the name--have been remarkably accurate.
But I'm more interested in what you think. Share your initial thoughts on the PSP Go in the comments below.
Additional reading:
Sony's missed opportunity: How the PSP could have been the iPhone
Sony's Mylo killer: PSP2?
CNET hands-on review: Sony PSP 3000
Source: GameSpot
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002. 
no umd, making it incompatible with the existing library...
god awful looks
it has the windows 1.0 clock
ditches the USB-mini for proprietary connector
16GB+games+movies+music=no more space for new content
HORRIBLE placement of the analog stick
bluetooth...for ps3 integration and a headset?
and five years late...GT mobile.
Also, this thing is full of fail...
And no 2nd analog stick either
I actually got excited when I thought they would have a device with a second nub and/or touchscreen, but no.
I don't think it looks all that bad. I really like the redesign.
Who cares if it's the Windows 1.0 clock? Don't like it, don't look at it.
Actually we've only seen the bottom of the new device. If it follows what current models do, then the USB port will be on top. What you're seeing is most likely the video out port on the bottom, much like the other PSP's.
I agree, 16GB does seem quite insufficient, but hey it can be expanded!
I don't think so. Sure it looks weird, but I think it will feel much better.
Exactly, bluetooth support for just that, and maybe more!
A) You can download games via PSN. Most of not all current PSP games will be available via PSN.
B) 16 GB storage is 16 GB more than the PSP had. Also you can use memory sticks for additional storage.
C) You're a hater.
D) No one is forcing you to buy this thing so why do you care? Most likely a Nitendo fanboi.
[CNET editor's note: Personal attacks deleted.]
NYHOW, personally, I think it looks ok, I was hoping it would have a second joystick, but maybe it'll have an accelerometer? Eh, I'm more of an xbox person (I have all three consoles), but this looks very interesting, might pick one up......
actually, i own a PSP and have been a big advocate for it in the past i have even down graded mine and several other so they can run custom firmware. i understand that it does have expandable memory, That there is a PSN Store and what not...but games arent apps in the itunes store and its alot harder to convince mom or dad to drop $20 dollars on a game versus $1 for an app.
And just because this one has 16GB more storage then the 1000-3000 models doesnt make it more superior, it just means it has more in storage. I prefer not having to juggle music, movies, and games and a device that i should just be able to grab and go...honestly, that was the only advantage of the UMD was its portability.
I have enjoyed my PSP, i bought mine on launch day and it has had alot of use. i was a well rounded multimedia player that was alot ahead of its time, but now it is passed up by every device on the market in every field except for graphics.
there are top and bottom pics floating around and it looks like it totally drops the mini-usb....easily the BEST feature (for those of that like to really get into it, at least). just because with the new models you could charge through USB and since it was a standard cable you could connect it to just about anything.
i think the original layout was fine, a second analog stick would be nice but not necessary. When i see this design, i can help but think that they were still convinced that the Mylo design was the way to go. But when they start getting returns on these units because wal-mart employees dont know that PSP games dont work with the PSP then you will see this design quietly fade away.
Sorry NOT a fanboy. if I'm such a Sony fanboy how come the only game system we have in the is a XBOX 360? He's fanboy because his opinions aren't based on FACTS nor LOGIC. You post adding NOTHING to this topic and wasted everyone's time. Thanks.
to terminalblue
A) you are comparing this to a Iphone/Itouch. You realize that those are IMMENSLY more expensive than this. So if parents are shy about a $20 game they certainly aren't buying an Itouch. And how do you know there won't be apps for this? You're making blanket statements without FACTS. I'm also curious where you get this $20 a game price point. 1/3 of their downloadable UMD games on PSN are $10 or less. 3/4 are $16 or less. See how a little fact checking would do you some good. Also show me all these great $1 apps that the iphone/itouch has. You're not getting GAMES for $1. And you're not getting any GOOD or USEFUL apps for $1 either.
B) you complain that 16 GB is not enough and that UMD is more portable. Um first of all a memory stick is more portable than a UMD. Second when could you burn anything to a UMD? I mean you complain that 16 GB couldn't hold all your music and movies yet each UMD only held ONE game or ONE movie and even if you could burn something to a UMD it only held 1.8 GB. So you're whole "UMD is better/more portable" argument doesn't hold water. The largest UMD game in the PSN store is 1.08 GB. most are much smaller. You can hold fourteen 1.08 GB games on a 16 GB memory stick. So let's see 14 UMDs or ONE memory stick, which is more portable? Hmmmmm.
By the way the itouch which you like to compare it too starts at $229 for 8 GB yet you complain about the PSP GO's 16 GB. And no slot for additional storage. The 32 GB itouch is $399. So unless this thing cost $300 a PSP GO and a 16 GB memory stick which is 32 GB total is MUCH cheaper than an itouch.
C) Until the OFFICIAL specs come out you have no idea if there is a mini-USB port or not. So to complain about the lack of one NOW before you even know the FACTS is stupid. Also you complain about it maybe having a proprietary charging port. Once again to bring up your itouch comparison, it has a proprietary charging port. Hmmm.
I have to wonder how you think the iphone/itouch is better when it suffers from many of the same "faults" you think the PSP GO has. Also how much storage does a DSi have by the way? 256 MB I think. Does the DSi have a propietary charging device? YEP. Are there some games that are download only with the DSi? YEP. Did Nintendo take away ability to play GB Adavance games by removing the GB Advacne slot like Sony did with the UMD? YEP.
Hello Pot meet Kettle he's black too.
a few points about your last comment
i never said the ipod touch was better, just an alternative and serious competition (btw, i am a zune user)
i never said that UMD was better, just portable.
2/3 of the games on the PSN store are still over $20.
it does not have a usb mini, and dont care about the charger connector (the 2000/3000 were great because they could charge 2 different ways).
you can fit 14 games on the Go...but then you have to juggle space with other contentand carry fewer games, putting you in the same place as you would be with the UMD.
Also, i said that wasnt enough space for "music movies AND games" you have failed to point that out at any point.
the ipod uses a proprietary connector...that you can buy from walgreens. i dont have an ipod, but i have two connectors...its more standard then you think, and t wont cost $30.
there are almost zero apps, over $10 dollars from apple.
AND ABOUT THE DSi... So what about advance games, they ge harder to find everyday, the umd is still an active format. Also, the DS series is the most popular handheld in the world right now and it still has cartridge loading. the DSi still has an SD card slot, so what about storage....and really, the dsi s not a very well rounded media device, comparing the dsi and psp is silly; it just seems that you are grasping at straws.
What i said is based on fact, but it is still my OPINION. but i do hope you get a PSP for Christmas. i am sure thats all you really want.
omg, that made me "LOL" for real...
Cody
Web browser would have been way better if that screen was a touch screen. The OSK would be faster and easier to use, etc. I think Sony had the potential for a killer device and blew it.
Anyway, if you cant make use of your UMD's then the 3000s still on the market. Use that instead. But like I said before, UMD's are low quality and klunky. They will be replaced eventually, like every form of media out there.
I'm sticking with my PSP-1000 till Sony decides to get it's act together.
Every game system uses a proprietary format for game storage and delivery.
Can you use a PC game in a Mac? A Gameboy Color game in a Gameboy DS? Nope
You do not own a PSP. You will never own one so you are just trying to come up with some ******** reason to justify not buying one.
The Xbox, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii all use DVD- not a proprietary format. The PS3 uses Blu-ray- not a proprietary format. PC games are on CDs or DVDs along with Mac games (however few of those there may be). They may not be compatible, but the physical media is not proprietary, it's the console and data on the disc that are proprietary. All the Gameboys and now the DS use flashcarts, which were an existing technology not created by Nintendo, therefore not technically proprietary.
Sony created the UMD specifically for the PSP. It is proprietary.
Also, by the wording of streamline's comment, I would think that he DOES own a PSP and just hates UMDs, as I do. They're a huge drain on battery and they make the device unnecessarily thick. Your logic doesn't work. Please think before you post your asinine comments on here.
Also, regarding PC games on Mac, their are many ways to make that work. Just use parallels or even Boot Camp to get Windows.
Your post makes no sense. If you use the argument that Gameboys are not proprietary because they use flash then the same can be said for UMD's. For they use the same standard laser and disc technology as DVD's. They are optical disc that uses the exact same laser as in DVD's.
It is you that needs to think before they post their contradictory and asinine comments for under your definition of proprietary nothing ever in the entire history of video gaming is proprietary except UMD's.
All ways I can play PC games on a Mac, the latter not even requiring Windows.
What a spoon.
PSP GO=Fail, Sony=Failure!
When did having 40% of the handheld gaming market (worldwide) and selling over 40 million PSP's world wide equal the disaster you have dreamed up in your little delusional mind.
I cant relate to the missing analog stick, because i dont own a PSP as of yet, but I have every intention to purchase this one.
lets see, actual PSP-3000 is $169, and have been this price for 1 year.
now the PSP-go get smaller screen, smaller form factor and weight (maybe new cheaper chips) and UMD-less, they only put in bluetooth and 16GB.
i really hope that what they added was cheaper than what was cut off
so i think $149 is very plausible, but if sony think of justify the actual or a higher price just with the 16GB and bluetooth, well they get that wrong, better ship it without internal storage and bluetooth, we will eventually start buying M2 cards anyway.
psp go is simply a re-encarnation of the same psp 1000-3000 series, more of a fallow up (4000) rather than a new model. Maybe and perhaps the psp 2 or however sony plans on naming it, will have a touch sceen and a second analog stick, but for now, think of it as a transitional device to create a path towards what looks like a psp 2 without umd's and a touch screen plus 2 analog sticks. Now, if you saw the video; he states (both psp go and psp 3000 will be sold simultaneously, the psp go will not replace psp 3000). that probably means that sony wants to get people like those of you complaining about the lack of a second analog stick use to the new design, see if it works and then make the psp 2 with the body and style that people seem to be more confortable with. (downloadable or umd's). Also, notice that making a device right now with two analog sticks will make pretty much a disaster arround the market, making all existing games obsolete. furthermore, i heard him say "sony has a commitment on a 10 year cycle in all our products and considering it was released in March 24, 2005, that means that at least it has 2 more years judging from the ps1-ps2-ps3 cycles. Note that committed to support does not mean that will be the only device, it means that they will support it in terms of making games and costumer service.......... with that said, yeah, its not the best looking device and the controlers seem to be a bit off, but how can we judge without experiencing?
Personaly i like it and i think i will hold off making a purchase of the psp 3000 until i can make a side by side comparison. price reange should be 199 but, but, considering is a sony device and it will be released as a new product and it has 16gb of (flash) memory ill say it will cost in the 350 mark to compete with the itouch (apple ipod touch). From what i have read and seen, thats what i think, psp gooooooooooooo
Why is it that Europeans are commonly found being bigots?
Dear monkeyfun14, i most say that the arrogance and lack of knowledge which you display in each and every of your comments has been the cause of many, many laughter, and this one is no different.
Im not european, im from dubai. I know you dont know what that means or where that is so make you google it or if you want request a link so that i pin point it in google maps for you.
I for one am not intolerable of opinion and, all im saying is that americans tend to make poor ones. (look up your posts for reference) and btw gosh, you could be a real person, i though you were a trojan, i just posted and you already have an answer (a dumb one) but gosh!!!!!! kid get a real job.
Can you not comment and complement my assertions for once?
all you Americans want to get two analog sticks, its not going to happen for now.
and just so you know, i did not speak, i wrote (ignorant).
Can you understand that two nubs mean no compatibility?
why is that so hard to understand?
BTW i emphasized in the americann population because they are the ones that have fragrant comments about sony ever since the DRM thing. People (americans) will just trash talk sony the minute they hear that name.
Just understand how to keep your comment and or "opinions to a more lucrative point of view". instead of saying the psp go is a failier since it does not have a second analog stick, say a more proper "this psp go is not for me since it does not have a second analog stick" type of thing. I only know English for 4 years and even i know how to properly state an opinion. If it hit you hard mgheff, probably you and mokeyfun14 are from the same incubator, from the same lab, and from the same virus root. LoL, i can go on for ever but seriously, do not try to make yourself clear, i know its out of the possibilities
What you're not understanding is that, without a second analog stick (which, even if it couldn't be used in old games, could still be used for new games and just left incompatible for old ones), the market for this device diminishes. It has nothing to do with our so-called "hatred of Sony." Given that North America has bought over 50 million PS2s, I think that says enough to contradict your statement handily. I believe that just because of the fact that people want a second analog stick shows that people (like Americans) love the PSP and want to see it improved. If Sony decides not to act on something potential customers have wanted, then those potential customers stay potential customers and do not become actual buyers. I happen to own a PSP-2000, and it's great. I think the PSP Go is intriguing, and I'll probably get one eventually. It could just be made better with a second analog stick.
You are also a hypocrite. "I for one am not intolerable of opinion, all i'm saying is that americans tend to make poor ones." Wow, nice unbiased, objective statement. According to your first statement of your first post, you are obviously intolerable of American opinions, or at least have a negative opinion on them, which makes you an non-credible source to tell us that you are "not intolerable of opinion."
Please reserve your judgment on topics that you clearly have a intolerance or bias towards and think before you post asinine statements like the one you just did.
when i said "I for one am not intolerable of opinion, all i'm saying is that americans tend to make poor ones." clearly states the fallowing. In general, i tolerate the opinions, more specifically, i tend to dislike americans for making poor opinions. In no way should i be any hypocrite since im stating what all other sentences support. next dubai which is in United Arab Emirates is not part of Europe, and its not the same (makes no difference to you, [shows arrogance and ignorance]).
Second, obviously making a device with two analog stick will not render the new psp totally imcompatible with the old games since it will have all the buttons and technically if there were a way to transfer them over, they should work. my point is the following, from a developer point of view now you need to develop new software that takes care of the upgrades, and there is where the problem is. Forget about them disregarding, they know, its the business model that its working agains them. I understand you have no knoledge what so ever about developing a game, i know you hardly know how to play, but hardware needs software. They are not going to go through the fire and flames like they did with the ps3. Creating a nice piece of hardware that has taken developers more than 2 years to finally start taking care of business. The next psp (psp 2) will address all these features and will give the developers their pain, but now that the psp is starting to sell well, i dont see sony trying to get out of this model to please some users that will probably just hack anyways and get their games pirated. So screw that. my opinion is not biased nor is it bad intended. its my opinion. And please, how dare you say im an unreliable source, i was not claiming anything, it was a suggestion, you dont need to reply nor take my advice. fact is, no other hand held has two analog sticks, why? they dont need it. hardcore is ps3, casual is psp. GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL. the sony representative said it "we want developers to develop games that are less complicated "to play on the go"". Can you understand that?
Fox News for one could never be broadcast in the UK, they'd break about half a dozen laws and get sued by half the country within five minutes of going on the air.
Now, I don't hate everyone in the USA but it's not a country that does things by halves so inevitably its morons are extra moronic with a nice side-salad of stupid but it does produce the kind of surreal irony of someone asking 'why does everyone outside America hates (sic) it?' and within the same paragraph stating 'ignorance is NOT bliss'.
I can't wait for the electric car. How will Dubai maintain its wealth when oil is no longer needed? Will you export sand?
@steve5200
I naver said i dont like americans, i said that their opinion is most often out of line with the truth and i guess
odubtaig knows a little big about what im talking about.
Its not really americans fault per say, its the broadcasters and knews agencies.
They no longer report news, reporting is the act of saying things how they happened and what is known as a fact.
News channels such as fox often manipulate the outcome of the news stating facts along with assumptions and some times made of stories. I did live in america when i was hired to work for a gas company there during the bush years but soon after came back to my country. Not that i left because i was really not liking americans, they are besides my boss very outgoing and kind people, it was just business, i was called back to my original company.
Here in dubai is no slavery like you claimed, its very simple. If you are a foreigner and you dont have a job withing 3 month, you are sent back to your country,no questions asked. and here we have more liquidity that america, and its a more exotic place than america (the united states) no doubt due to the gas money our big companies get, but thats not about to change soon. The oil company is here but is based on american companies, if it where true that they wanted that money to go to your own pockets they would have allow legeslations to pass more often and develop home grown technology such as electric, but even though climate proves that its best to go else where for power, they are not leaving us. and this relates back to sony and all their devices and public perception about them. they game the world the best console, the ps3 and look how you bashed them for being expensive when they were and still are loosing money just so you guys (hard core gamers that like to play fps get all you need and want) just like those that want a 2 nub in the psp. You want to get it all but you want to pay your price, incredible.
Just so you guys know, im 20, got out of school 14, college 18 and beeing working in Lamprell Energy Ltd for almost 3 years now. I do not hate americans, without you guys what would have been of us? but seriously no other device has 2 analog sticks, and you havent played with the thing so how can some of you say it sucks? you havent seen the games that are out for it so how can you know it sucks? those are the opinions and comments that i refer to, and i know they are americans.
Still no youtube
LINK
and a way to transfer your existing library...
I' m really excited about this. I hope its not overpriced
AND FINALLY GRAN TURISMO>>>>>>>>***.......i wouldn't be suprised if they delayed it again.
- by frobation May 30, 2009 7:26 PM PDT
- LOL you know what sony is doing.... sony themselves sent out these "leaks" themselves to direct everyone on a completey different path.
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- by mrcockrell May 30, 2009 8:12 PM PDT
- I have a feeling you could be right... the way the select and start buttons are is VERY suspicious... it's completely obvious there should be a second joystick there and the select and start buttons should be in the huge space above them, i have a hard time believing this is really an approved design by sony
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- by petitbrilliance May 31, 2009 4:51 PM PDT
- that would be KICK ASS!!111
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- by petitbrilliance May 31, 2009 4:52 PM PDT
- that would be KICK ASS!!111
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Showing 1 of 4 pages (160 Comments)Be prepared to be suprised at the E3 =P
I suspected that too, when i saw the res of the pictures. Also, how could that interview be leaked? Im sure if it was official Sony would take better care of it, like the psp in the interview. Even if it was leaked, why would the video be so low quality if the pictures were so nice?
Then again, why would sony waste time making these devices and making false videos. Like i said, an E3 surprise would be great, but im a bit skeptical
I suspected that too, when i saw the res of the pictures. Also, how could that interview be leaked? Im sure if it was official Sony would take better care of it, like the psp in the interview. Even if it was leaked, why would the video be so low quality if the pictures were so nice?
Then again, why would sony waste time making these devices and making false videos. Like i said, an E3 surprise would be great, but im a bit skeptical
@mrcockrell I agree, if this isnt some kind of farce, then this whole psp control set up is lame.