It's not quite the
PSP 2 some might've hoped for, but Sony is giving its handheld console a serious refresh in the form of a slimmer, lighter and faster "updated" PSP. The new unit still includes the 4.3-inch LCD and UMD, but is 33 percent lighter, 19 percent slimmer, has sped up game load times and improved battery life. The only real "new" features is a video output capability to allow you to play your PSP games on a big screen TV. You can score one in September in the original Piano Black, a new Ice Silver color, and a Star Wars Battlefront special edition. The latter two PSPs come in $199 bundles with related games and a 1GB Memory Stick in the case of Ice Silver. More pics after the break.
Update: Also worth noting is the fact that this new model "is equipped with enhanced feature to temporarily store game data from UMD, reducing load time during game play." No complaints about that!
posted Jul 11th 2007 2:20PM
Price?
Exactly! Make it a "reasonable" price point release the camera here in the US add Skype and, well, SOLD!
From Joystiq:
"The system will also come in two new colors which are also part of two new packs. First is the Ice Silver, part of the $199.99 Entertainment Pack that comes with a 1GB Memory Stick, Daxter, and the Family Guy Frickin' Sweet Collection on UMD. Also is a new, white Star Wars-themed PSP that will retail in October for $199.99 packed with Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron. These release plans are for North America, announcements for Japan and Europe are forthcoming."
SWEEEET!!
Wait... so they reduced the size and weight by switching to newer tech and thus reducing their costs to produce and ship the unit, but they are still going to charge the same price?
Are we supposed to celebrating Sony's move to increase their profit margin on a less then top-selling handheld, or the TV-Out feature they threw in as an afterthought? I'm confused. I honestly don't mind a company reowrking things to make more money as long it's done legally, but don't go putting on a song and dance show and try to convince me that this has anything to do with better serving the consumer. If you wanted to impress me, you'd have fixed those crummy controls we've been complaining about since the thing first shipped, or at least install an HDD so we can better make use of it in the only capacity it's really worth a damn in: playing videos on the go.
The ironic thing is, of all the 'how would you change the PSP' threads I've read, I can't seem to recall the PSP's size or lack of TV hookup ability ever being mentioned.
THE PRICE IS NOT JUST $199!!
THE TWO BUNDLES (THE SILVER PSP & STAR WARS BUNDLES) ARE $199.
THE BLACK UPGRADED PSP WILL COME OUT A FEW WEEKS LATER AT $169, THE PRICE OF THE CURRENT PSP, WITH JUST THE SYSTEM, COMPONENT CABLE AND CHARGING PLUG.
JUST AS SONY IS PHASING OUT THE 60GB PS3 THEY WILL ALSO BE PHASING OUT THE ORIGINAL PSP NEAR THE UPGRADED PSP'S LAUNCH.
ALSO WHAT THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT MENTION IS THAT THE UPGRADED PSP HAS A NEW TRAY FOR THE UMD'S. INSTEAD OF A SPRING LOADED TRAY, THE NEW TRAY OPENS UP, YOU HAVE TO PLACE THE UMD ON IT AND THEN CLOSE IT, SIMILAR TO CLASSIC CASSETTE PLAYERS.
Cash, you're dumB. When you switch to newer tech, you don't reduce the production cost, you increase it; Sony's spending more money. The only units that are going to cost more than the current $169 model are going to be the silver and white bundles that include games and bigger memory cards, for $30 that's a pretty good deal. So do explain how any of what Sony's doing as being illegal, please. And as it goes for the HDD, WTF do you think the Memory Sticks are for, what are they up to now, 8GB and growing. If you want to be thought of as an intellectual, say something intellectual, though I'd rather not.
As it goes for the rest of you haters; THIS IS NOT PSP2. When the mini PS1 came out did you all go, "what a lame PS2"? When the Slim PS2 came out did you all go, "what a lame PS3"? It's a revamping of a system that needs to happen every once in a while. As technology improves, so does the product it's placed in. I thought all you nintendo lovers would've realized that what with the half dozen revampings of their handheld.
Did you guys notice the speakers are not on the bottom anymore. They are right next to the screen. This should increase the sound volume a bit.
Those speaker notches on the front were always there.
Kichigai:
Those "notches" are on the old PSP, but they're plugged up. I'm not sure why they're there at all. The sound comes from two holes on the bottom, which was stupid. It looks like they've fixed that.
Still no right thumb stick ...still no purchase for me:(
Price??
See MS.. if you're going to do an sku based on a game.. you include the FREAKIN GAME on which the theme is based on!
Once the new PSP is mod-able, I'm in.
How difficult would it have been to inlcude a right analog stick?
You know you can get video out on the current psp through the usb + homebrew. A little more complicated but still...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW3yl_hg4sQ
I wish it was September.
For those comments asking, the price is $199
Where did you find that info?
Price is $199 according to Gizmodo.
$199 for the BUNDLES. Game Informer magazine also confirms this.
It Looks So... So... Simillar?
Seriously, I don't even think it looks better than the DS Lite.
Nice Try Sony, but I think I'll stick with the one I've already got, how about you make some games now?
That's the point.
The price is $199 the just said it on E3 its on G4 right now
they said it during the conference @ ryanrworrell
Video Out is nice... I wish my DS had one, for the top screen or something.
Still, what I'd like to see the most in both portables is support for a browser with full capabilities, just like the one I use in my PC.
Tabs, Flash, Java and fast browsing included. Specially fast browsing, which would probably require faster processor speeds.
But I guess I'm asking for too much... meh.
1) Is the screen brighter?
2) Are there side shots of the new PSP to illustrate how thin it really is?
3) From observing the current shots, are the holes at the top of the PSP supposed to be speakers?
To be honest, I was expecting more from Sony. Look how dramatically the Nintendo DS changed going from a bulky gaming device to a extremely slim and attractive-looking one.
If this "PSP 2" doesn't have a brighter screen at least, then this is a waste of time; especially for $199 when you can get the same thing for $169.
I agree. I am a PSP fan (although I do own and play a DS), but I was very disappointed. He pulled the new system out and I said "Ok, that's the old one. Now for the new one right?"..... "right?".... And thus the disappointment hit me. I wanted them to release a PSP that was cool enough to make me want it even though I already have the old PSP. Instead, I just kinda feel like I have to buy it (to have the latest model), but I don't really want it.
And Sony continues to profit off suckers. :)
What a missed opportunity. Very disappointing.
I'm still holding out for the PSP2.
"More pics after the break." ???
What about LCD lag? Didn't see any place make mention what that yet.
harpreet - watch your language.
Looks good to me. I'll probably upgrade just for the video out. Better battery life and faster load times sweeten the pie.
Not really interested in the Entertainment Packs but to play the games I like on the big screen and maybe scoop up some of those UMD movies they keep having on sale make the difference for me.
@ Everyone who keeps crying a second analog nub, NO! It will be a useless upgrade since none of the previous games support it and new game developers have obviously found a way around it. If that is the only reason you won't buy a PSP because it lacks a second nub then keep your money and stop sqauwking about it.
But I am eternally grateful Sony didn't cave to the misinformed and "me-too" crowd who kept wanting a touch screen on the PSP. If you like the touch screen concept ala the DS, get a DS for crying out loud (and stop sqauwking about it).
for all the retards that want a second analog, just think about it for a moment, WERE THE F*** WOULD YOU PUT IT!?!?!?!?!? the psp is smaller than your ps2s controller, here lets see if you retards can do any better than sony, your challenge? trying to fit a tv, speakers, ps2 controller, a ps2 system, and a battery into a box 6.7 x .9 x 2.9 in. ... go ahead try it. for sonys first try at a hand held gaming system i think they did extremely well, and this new system is just an improvement to an already great system, it's just like those updates you keep getting to update your firmware, it's small but it's still an improvement, one step closer to a perfect hand held gaming, well complete entertainment system...
Videos available, too! http://www.t3.co.uk/news/247/games/psp/psp-2-thin-and-lite
What kind of video out? Is it via an adapter? Anyone know the specs?
Also what media codecs will be supportedd?
Hopefully they'll use a screen that isn't gonna smear the video with this one.
When the GBA came out, people bought it and liked it and all was well.
When the GBA SP came out, tons of people bought it, and loved it, and the people that already owned a GBA bought it and loved it, and all was great.
When the DS came out, people bought it, and liked it, and all was well.
When the DS Lite came out, people bought it, and loved it, and the people that already owned a DS bought it and loved it, and all was great.
When the PSP came out, people bought it and thought it was ok, but were largely disappointed.
When the "new" PSP was announced, EVERYONE was disappointed.
I don't have a DS, so I can't comment on it. But the original Game Boy Advance was EXTREMELY flawed. Most notably, the screen was so dark that it was barely visible. The GBA SP fixed that problem (sort of), but required an adapter to use headphones.
The PSP was (and is) a well designed machine. The game library is just a little lacking.
GBA and DS appeal to kids who like kids games, or well immature adults who like kids games.
Ok, how about some frickin' accessories. I bought my PSP at launch and I loved it, but then Sony went home and stopped answering the phone. ...and so I ask, "What now?" the answers turns out to be a slightly different PSP? Do they only have one guy working in development? Where is the docking station where I can watch a movie and charge my PSP simultaneously? How about an FM modulator so I can listen in the car? How about flash support in the browser? Why are we being shown the camera and then it not being offered to us? Why do the say they have PS1 titles available for download but then only offer it to the people who have both a PSP and and PS3?
Lately the most enjoyment I get out of my PSP is to look for software updates only to then find out the only upgrade is to lock down the system a little more.
Do any of you remember the Philips CDi? I am one of the six people who bought one. The PSP is slightly behind that device in my dissapointment rating. Both are good technology where the designers then dropped the ball.
So, they say it's 19% slimmer, but they didn't bother to show us a side view. Riiiight...
When Apple announces a new handheld product, Steve usually takes a minute to show us all the angles (you know, to see how thick it is).
sorry dude didn't mean to hurt you
dumb dumb dumb
make games for it
make it easier to convert video to it
make it actually useful
not prettier
I'm glad they've done some upgrades to the PSP. But, weight was never an issue for me. Sure it feels a bit heavy. But, I keep mine in a MadCatz metal case. So, that in itself makes it even heavier. I love the "video out" feature. I've been hoping for that. Moving the speakers to the top doesn't make a difference to me. But, I don't fault them for that. I'm sure it brings the audio closer to the ears height making it a bit louder.
Now, considering that I have a PSP (1) would they be making some sort of "USB-Video Out" adapter? It'd be nice.
But, one of my main concerns with the PSP is the low refreshing rate of the screen. It's a bit slow for video content. And please, don't tell me "it's a machine to play video games, not movies..." If Sony wasn't thinking of the PSP as a PMP and video games unit, they would've never released their movies in UMD.
Price? I'm glad they kept the prices at the same level. I'm sure they're going to include the version without the games for $169. They'd probably allow the old ones to go lower a couple of Hamiltons, allowing retailers to sell them all out, and then fill the market with the PSP2.
I wouldn't mind picking up one when it comes out.
Right. They invested in movies to distract you from the crummy games. :) Still failed though. Many stores don't even care UMD anymore.
I remember a few days back somebody from Sony making a big deal that UMD was not dying... maybe this is what they had in mind? Since day 1 I've been saying that UMD movies are worthless if you have to buy a separate DVD to watch it at home -- now, if I can get a UMD for the same price as a DVD, and one works on my PSP *and* home theater... well, that might change things.
Of course, I already have a PSP, and there's basically no chance of me ever buying one of these PSP 1.1's (PSP 2 is a bit much, no?) So what I guess I'm saying is that UMD may die more slowly if everybody who buys a PSP starting next year has video out, but they really should have included it from the beginning.
you can just get a location free player so you can watch your dvds on you psp, as long as you have a wi-fi connection, location free also works with laptops, you can also use it to watch tv on your psp from ANYWHERE as long as you have wi-fi
So let me get this straight:
PSP dimensions:
= 6.7 x .9 x 2.9 in.
= 17 x 2.3 x 7.4 cm
19% thinner = 1.86 cm thick
= less than half a cm...
Not exactly earth shattering, wont be upgrading just for that.
For such a sexy design I think the PSP has captured what a handheld should look like, and be like, but ironically the flaws of the psp come from core design decisions. No second thumb stick - which ostricises it from its parent product immediately, and proprietary format UMD - which further ostricises it and we've all seen the support for that bottom out. I was hoping for a broadening of what the psp could actually *do* from this update, if only to match it's wonderful design, but this is potential lost. Sadly disappointed. If only Sony would have listened to all the people who contributed to the many "what I would like to see in the next psp" threads. Tut, tut, tut...
I love my PSP, like quite a bit. But that being said I'm a custom firmware user, so playing Resident Evil games, Final Fantasy's, and a few other classic games are what I mostly use it for. Some of the UMD games have been good, but overall it's very similar to the N64, some good, most bad. I would've preferred a real update to the PSP not just size/weight ratios. I have to say that I am quite disappointed. I think that I will keep my old schooler model myself. Too bad Sony, you could've had another $200 from me.
No hard drive? Crap..
@Adam Zey - read the posts above yours or else take a look at: http://www.t3.co.uk/news/247/games/psp/psp-2-thin-and-lite
This is awesome. The new hardware is certainly better (though of course not revolutionary) and it's nice for new customers to have a choice ('value' 1.0 or sleeker and more expensive 1.1) It's no PSP 2 but it also doesn't break existing games ore hardware. Instead it just adds to the PSP 'ecosystem.'
As for the ppl excited about video out - man, what kid of 'big' TVs do you guys have? UMDs are gonna look like poop on a 50" 1080p plasma or LCD given how pixelated the video will be. If you own a big screen - why on Earth would you want to watch such a low-res source as UMD movies? As for PSP games on a big screen - I guess I'll have to see just how bad they will look. But again - if you own a quality 1080p TV - get a PS3 and enjoy HD gaming...
Michael
I guess the point is to like a portable HD movie player or summink. You can stream HD content from the PS3 or your PC to the PSP if you want to watch it in another room/friends house etc
As far as I remember, the files saved on UMD-Video are in full NTSC (even in Europe) and only downscaled for playback on PSP.
I guess games will see no resolution increase on a TV, either.
I found it, reliable source: http://www.heise.de/ct/05/19/042/default.shtml
UMD- Universal Media Disc- Disc format univeral to PSPs and apparently nothing else.
So it's the PS Lite
here's a comparison side by side.. http://www.t3.co.uk/nested_content/gallery_assetlisting_navigation?root=813218&result_page=14
It is worth mentioning that the infrared (IR) has been removed.
I like the IR, I still wonder why they didn't come out with a usb/ir printer for the chotto shot or screenshots or pictures you have on the stick or the GPS...
Video out is swanky though. Dark_Alex?
Yeah, the IR is gone. And yeah, Sony never made use of it. Which is why they ditched it. It was there as an option, but it never got any blood, so it withered and died off.
iR Shell (by AhMan) did make use of it though, you could use it as a remote for almost anything.
but other than a remote, its kinda lacking in transfer speeds, so it'd be impractical for most other things
And if I'm not mistaken... Dark_AleX left the scene (at least for now). He mainly focused on firmware hacks and exploits though, like the custom firmwares and some of the downgraders. Video out can be done by other homebrew devs out there. Or void your warranty. Your choice.
I like that the slot for the memory stick is more on the side now than in the back where the little flap thingy always opens when I'm really getting into a racing game etc. Good job Sony.
Dude, who is that huge hairy guy up on the stage? That is the freakin' hairiest guy I've ever seen. He's not even wearing any clothes!
This new PSP sucks-it doesn't even play bluray!
That's Chewbacca!
You know... Chewbacca....
And why would a handheld play Blu Ray?
Even if it did, that, I bet, would bump up the price at least a few hundred...
Not to mention that there would need to be a full-size blu-ray player to strap on if they did do it, and then everybody would complain about having to carry around a full-sized optical disc drive to play their games
Or blu-ray goes tiny, and everyone whines about having to upgrade their players to support the small discs.
And the UMD would be dead, and everyone would complain about having to buy all-new games and no backwards compatibility.
And anyone who doesn't know who Chewie is should be shot, in my opinion.
*smack*
Is this a joke?? Why couldn't they put in a higher resolution LCD and HDD??
Since it's coming out in October .. i wonder if I should interpret that to mean that we won't see a PSP2 with a HDD and high res LCD until at least 2009?
Why does anyone own Sony stock?
Why couldn't they put in a higher resolution LCD and HDD??
-------------
1) Compatibility with existing games, not breaking existing games, not offering significantly different specs for different models and creating fractured game experiences and more costly development/testing of content
2) manufacturing cost and profit. Most revisions of hardware are done precisely to benefit from reduced costs to increase profit margin.
Video of it here (hi-res or youtube), looks nice close up. http://www.t3.co.uk/news/247/games/psp/psp-2-thin-and-lite
I don't think Sony needed to change the design of the PSP. It looks cool as it is. Making it slimmer is always good though. The DS, however, needed a redesign.
I'll definitely be getting the newer one.
No improved analog nub and no benefits worth an extra 30$?
Pass. I was waiting for E3 with high hopes that an improved PSP was on the way. By "improved," I mean "fixed." Not "marginally made better and offered in more colors."
Wow dude this should get you banned, you raciest ass-wipe.
Damn, if they'd added Bluetooth with A2DP profile, I'd been in line. Video-out ... not really worth a new one for me.
what happend to the camera and skype?
gizmodo's got side views of the thing
i currently have a psp ANd a ds but they both work fine
agree abuot the psp library.need more GOOD games, and less ports please.
Must I replace my Casio Edifice watch? The reason I had the watch because it has the same look as this watch, Analog and Digital face on the back...
I'll wear both? I hope that's ok to the uber demi deities of Engadget?
Must I replace my Casio Edifice watch? The reason I had the watch because it has the same look as this watch, Analog and Digital face on the back...
I'll wear both? I hope that's ok to the uber demi deities of Engadget?
Must I replace my Casio Edifice watch? The reason I had the watch because it has the same look as this watch, Analog and Digital face on the back...
I'll wear both? I hope that's ok to the uber demi deities of Engadget?
does anyone know (or have any clue) if the hardware will be different? like the motherboard? will it be homebrew compatible? it was my understanding that it was the same thing just in a smaller package and with av out. thats the only thing i want with it besides the internet because my current psps wifi is broken
they should just bite off of nintendo again (hint, hint motion sensing six axis), and add a touch screen. That would be great wouldn't it be, so you would be paying 200 for a ds with one big touch screen. But it would make sony look like $hIt big big big time.
How bout just adding a touch screen and then we got a serious competitor to the ds lite. But how $ H i tt y would sony look for doing it ha. Sucks to be sony right now.
Whoops kinda double posted
OMG......only Sony knows how to screw themselves, no doubt about it. They could have easily integrated 4 or 8Gigs of memory in to it and put in a Camera or GPS into it instead slimming it down. Slimming it down is not surprising many of us...I think. Damn you Sony!!!
-_-
...there's a difference?
------
...besides the amazing results of technological bulimia (similar to RAZR syndrome), video out capabiltity (much appreciated, btw) and that purty "2" in that Sony font we love so much.
I was thinking of buying a second hand PSP so that my friends who don't have a psp could join in the fun- so now i think i'll wait for the little sibling to be born and have a pair of great little machines that are very versatile (depending on how far you want to void your warranty - if at all). Thanks very much Sony, and please hurry with releasing GPS attachment in United Kingdom. I do agree that slimming down could have been sacrificed for in built GPS and hard drve(i wouldn't have wanted an inbuilt camera - far too risky) but shouldn't complain since it has AV out which is what I was surprised was not included in original. Slimming down does improve upon the 'Portable' principle, i.e. more discreet.
33% lighter, just in case you were such a hardcore gamer that it became hard to hold up from playing so long.
Silver is only new for the US market. Asia has Black, White, Blue, Pink, Silver and Gold for a while.
where's the side pic?
ooh la la finally! as soon as that is out used original psp's should go down. and finally i might be able to buy one
@Sukatoro
So you think you're any better than him by making fun of people that live in trailers? You're no better than he is .....period.
It Figures! After Finally getting a new PSP (after my original one's screen broke) a new one is scheduled for release!
the speakers have also moved to the top (i have noticed comparing the old one to the new picture)
okay for some of those who keeps complainin about the psp2 being a disapointment because it doesnt have REAL features...uhmm ITS A SMALLER THINNER LIGHTER BRIGHTER PSP WIT THE SAME SIZE SCREEN, why cant u b jus happy with that. haha. i mean psp's release wasnt that LONG ago, why would they make a different version of it when the original psp is already sellin out so well?? and the price of the psp2 is the same as psp wen it came out. they arent over pricin it after its make over so stop complaining. im pretty sure those that are complainin owns the original PSP n now is furious because there is a better one thats the same price and you would hate not to buy it because its the damn latest model. Blahhh .
Hey dude not to burst your bubble...but psps are in no way selling out well. Not to say they are bad cuz i have mine and love it (although recently something has gone wrong with it which ill describe in a second) But yes PSPs have not been selling close to what DSs have. But anyways back to what i think. The new PSP looks quite nice...and shiny....and nice and slimmer. Problem is i got the bulletproof logitech case on my psp which makes it honkin big. However my PSP right now is malfunctioning. Apparently somethin is up with my joystick or somethin cuz the menu keeps shifting to the right whenever im in the main menu or in a game. Can anyone help me with this btw? :(
is that it......sony is stupid! why dont they... i dont know maybe give up on the handheld game cuz they already lost most of there psp sales to the DSlite and ya now nintendo is already making another version of the DS lol forget it psp you lost! you dont even have any good games for your system....this thing your trying with the psp is going to fail and all its going to do is lose money
What i want to know is way Sony are tring to make the PSP smaller. Ok so they make a bigger profit because they product is smaller and there selling it for the same price as the old modle. But they could of took into consideration that if they included a camera and a HD screen moe people would like it and they could just put their price up a bit more. Any way i might get one anyway because my old PSP is, i could probaly find a mate who would suply some custom parts for it even if it gets rid of the warrenty.
Since my psp of 2 years was stolen on the 4th of July i have been without 1 and i am still pissed but now september is the best month of the year for me not only do i get an excuse to buy a new psp i get to get a better one in a different color!!YAY!!
One question what is the australian price?
Coz people have been saying it'll cost $200, is this US or what?
PLEASE REPLY!!
rascist asshole
were do you buy the new psp
by the way there is side shots of it and i think it looks good and is going to be brilliant go to
http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6173974/index.html?tag=topslot;title;1
and check the pics out there
anyone spotted the MASSIVE ploy here nano 1st gen yay ipodlinux i can watch movies on it ipod 2nd gen wow its thinner and extremely mildy different noooooooooooooo ipod linux wont work they encrypted the firmware those b*stards psp 1 yay dark alex's firmware i can make a tv remote andsteal games. psp 2
noooooo encryption its blatantly obvious