PSP Go: The official details
Update (September 28, 2009): Read the full, hands-on review of the Sony PSP Go.
The PSP Go may have been the worst-kept secret of this year's E3 show, but Sony's press conference has now supplied the official details. For the most part, there's little that wasn't already revealed or correctly assumed: the PSP Go is smaller, has a slide-up 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 available in North America on October 1 for $249.
Here's a roundup of the PSP Go's features and specs, as we understand them 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 (M2) 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 is little changed from earlier PSP models: a four-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 a disappointment. At the same time, sticking with the same control scheme means game compatibility between the PSP Go and older PSPs is maintained. It remains to be seen whether the single stick's placement--closer to the center of the control deck rather than the outside right, where it sits on earlier PSPs--will be problematic for seasoned PSP gamers. That said, the Go control layout is more closely aligned to that of a traditional full-size PlayStation controller.
Despite early rumors, there is no touch screen on the PSP Go.
Wireless: In addition Wi-Fi support, the PSP Go adds Bluetooth capability to the Sony handheld platform for the first time. That should allow standard Bluetooth headsets (and, presumably, A2DP headphones and speakers) to pair with the PSP Go. In the leaked video, Sony rep John 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). Another possibility (though pure supposition) is that you could pair a PS3 controller (which is Bluetooth-enabled) to the PSP Go.
Games: At Sony's press conference, the company confirmed new PSP versions of many of its most popular franchises. Notable titles--many of which will be released in 2009--include Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, MotorStorm Arctic Edge, and SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3. The first Resident Evil game for the PSP is scheduled to appear next year as well.
PSP games will be available for download directly from the PlayStation Store over the console's Wi-Fi connection. In addition to direct download, Sony says that "all" new PSP games will continue to be available on UMD, too. We have to wonder how long that'll last, given the fact that the company seems to be embracing digital-only distribution on titles like Patapon 2. However, since older PSPs can also access and play download-only titles, the eventual death of UMD shouldn't make them obsolete.
Digital media support: The Go boasts the same support for music, video, and photo files as earlier PSPs, so you should have no trouble transferring gigabytes of media from a PC (or via the M2 flash media card). Downloadable movies and TV shows can be purchased directly from the PlayStation Store over Wi-Fi (no more need to use the PS3 or PC as an intermediary). Despite early rumors of a PSP-centric music store, Sony's instead opted for a partnership with eMusic. In other words, users can purchase DRM-free tracks from any online music store (Amazon, iTunes, eMusic, and so forth) and simply copy them over to the PSP.
Sony will be releasing software called Media Go to help users manage the PSP's content on their PC (this replaces the older, and not terribly useful, Sony Media Manager software). The company is also promising a feature called "Sense Me" that will analyze your music library to play music based on a mood you choose.
PS3 integration: Again, it appears 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: The PSP Go will be available in North America on October 1 for $249. (The portable console will go on sale in Europe the same day for 249 euros, and availability in Japan will follow a month later.) The PSP 3000, currently $169, will stay on the market concurrently.
Unanswered questions: We're hoping to get more details on the PSP Go in the weeks and months ahead. Chief among our unanswered questions: does the Go support video out like the PSP 3000? How's the battery life? Does the screen have the same weird interlacing issues that bothered some on the PSP 3000?
Is it worth waiting for? That, of course, is the big question. The PSP Go isn't the PSP2, to be sure--it's more like the PSP 1.5. Like Nintendo's done with the DSi, Sony is extending (and, it hopes, revitalizing) a portable platform that's sold tens of millions of units worldwide. Considering that this is an evolutionary product--the only real appeal is the smaller form factor--the high price is certainly going to be a barrier for those who already own and enjoy the existing PSP.
On the other hand, owners of the older (and heavier) PSP 1000 and 2000 may find the PSP Go to be the upgrade they've been waiting for. But with the DSi and iPhone/iPod Touch competing for the time--and pockets--of casual gamers, the ultimate answer may again rest with the quality and desirability of the games. We'll be able to answer the question more definitively when we get some hands-on time with the PSP Go later this year.
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
E3 2009: complete coverage
On Sale Now: $244.99 - $293.99
View the latest prices for Sony PSP Go (black)
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002. 
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I doubt there's any way they could offer a free download for UMD games, since there is no way to be sure that you actually own it, unless you had to mail the disc in and never get it back.
and there is a way for them to make it possible to run umb games. They can have there media application that current lets you download and install games on our current psps to read UMB disks either by computer drive or through psp and save it locally and/or to the stick in the psp then you can use it in the pspGo.
that way you can do that to all your disks and have the games stored on your computer...
so there is a way... whether they'll do that is another question...
If Sony were smart, they would offer a CHEAP and easy way to transfer old UMD games to this device.
I agree with you on the basis that the iPod touch and iPhone are marketed as Music/Video player first, Gaming device second. There's no doubt about that. However. If Apple where to up the graphics processor (or design it's own... -cough-) as well as transition the screen to OLED (not likely but, would be killer), and third-party accessories, then, hardware-wise, it could compete. To top it off, if some developer where to design a game around the iPod touch/iPhone existing UI methods ie accelerometer, touch screen, (possibly compass), and proximity sensor(somehow), and structure those tools effectively and in an innovative way, then, the software would be complete. Now, combine the hardware (faster, better processor, OLED screen, accessories) with the innovative software and the iPhone/iPod platform would be on par if not, better than the PSP Go. Assuming Apple creates the iPhone/iPod with the faster processor (likely), OLED (unsure), and allow third-party accessories (likely). Just my 2-cents :D
I think Sony has designed something that has potential... but sadly, they've made some very bad decisions that have left us with a console that will undoubtably be shoved aside and taken over by something that is better developed and more user-friendly.
Either way, the most obvious fact is Sony has little reason to bump up the specs so you're all just daydreaming at this point.
As for this crap about the slide feature getting stuck, you're just splitting hairs trying to find the most obsurd and hypothetical fault you think up. Numerous phones and electronic devices have similiar slide out controls and they work just fine.
I agree the console has its faults but you're completely on the wrong track here.
now its clear, the top priority of howard stringer was and is to kill the playstation brand, period.
how in name of god you can justify an increase in price... you only take away bigger screen, umd, etc. and only put bluetooth and flash storage (both really cheap) even the mylo cost less with touchscreen, camera and biger screen.
im mad... thinking about buying it, now not even close
shame on you howard... i always ask my self why you fired the father of the playstation, traitor.
Sony's attempt to compete with Apple was simply prompted by a realisation that they will EVENTUALLY have to make some changes to what has become an outdated product line...
Luisama is right, it's well overpriced.
Better luck next time Sony...
wow, obviously YOU have no common sense. that's the very point of shopping. sure you may think that the new features are cool, but some people don't. It's their opinion.
its like they completely ignored everything we wanted in a new psp
analog stick? nope
touch screen? nope
infact with a smaller screen, and no backwards media compatibility [umd and mem stick], its not even a sucessor to the psp 1000,2000 or 3000, its a few steps backwards away from the original psp
nice job sony, looks like your not seeing a cent from me this year.
Why would adding the second analog stick make all previous games unusable? It doesn't introduce a blockage of any kind.
All original games would work with the left stick. The second one would simply not be assigned, or could be cloned so that either would work (yay for leftys!; I'm a righty, but whatever)
New games would have the option of using the new stick (great for Super Stardust Portable; they could even patch the game to use the other now non-existent stick).
I like the bigger screen otherwise I'd just buy a Nintendo DSI.
The game incomplatibility is a game breaker, it didn't pay a butt load of money for my games to see them rendered useless. There is no away I am repurchasing my UMD games/movies to play on this POS.
I've never liked a device that has the slide away keyboard/gamepad, they just break to easily. What fun it is too have to push the screen back in place all the time,
I think this will be the nail in the PSP casket. The Go is an ugly overpriced piece of garbage, I'll keep my money and wait for something better.
Also I think Sony has learned its lesson from UMD's. Locking people in does not work all the time. That's why now they came up with downloading games from the internet.
- by Dan7637 June 2, 2009 4:45 PM PDT
- stop with your b**ching and listen, the PSP Go wont replace the 3000 just be another model and if you want UMD's go 3000
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- by happyslappy13 June 2, 2009 5:14 PM PDT
- shut up, u think ur so smart but then why does everyone else on here say that it sucks and is a step backwards for sony. stupid sony fanboy
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- by xxreaper17xx August 31, 2009 2:10 PM PDT
- Dan bro... your ******** awesome!! THANK YOU DAN!! LISTEN YOU IDIOTS, THE NEVER SAID OK GUYS GET THE PSP GO ITS THE NEW THING THEY JUST SAID ITS ANOTHER PSP FOR YOU USERS THAT PREFER TO DOWNLOAD GUYS INSTEAD OF BUYING THE AT A RETAIL STORE ITS NOT A OMG PSP VERSION 2, ITS PSP VERSION 1 BUT FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO BUY GAMES ONLINE YOU DONT HAVE TO GET YOUR NOT FORCED TO GET IT! If you want UMD's get psp 3000 if you want to download them Online get PSP GO END OF STORY. thats why it has 16 GB not because they thought it was cool but because your gonna need it to download the games, jesus christ people relax sony wasnt trying to screw you over there are some people that just prefer to buy games online they did them a favor, i agree the price is a bit to much but I dont care im getting it. once again you rock Dan
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- by Sony__Manager October 8, 2009 1:19 PM PDT
- Look dude if ur so pissed, get off the computer and cool you arse down before i take more app from the psp go
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Showing 1 of 5 pages (146 Comments)go to the cheapskate blog you tightwads, why a touchscreen- if you want touchscreen games then get ipod touch and be quiet
[CNET editor's note: Offensive comment deleted.]