PSP Go review

At last, Sony's other worst-kept secret, the UMD-less PSP Go, is working its way through retail channels this week. The device itself is a marked improvement, but of course that's not the whole story. In many ways antithetical to the hype surrounding the PlayStation 3 Slim, the debut of the Go has been marred by some pretty downtrodden decisions on Sony's part, most notably the $250 price tag, an utter lack of compatibility with any previous PSP accessories, and no UMD conversion program. Will newcomers flock to the system? Will veterans upgrade? Read on for our full impressions!

PSP Go vs. PSP-2000... fight!

Hardware

One of the most noticeable changes when you first pick up the Go is the size reduction -- no doubt helped by the complete removal of the UMD drive. The depth and height are only negligibly smaller than the PSP-2000, but as you can see from the image above, the width has been shrunk considerably, with the controls now tucked away via a new sliding mechanism that feels remarkably sturdy -- we gave it some slight prodding and it held up well to the coerced wear and tear. Its finish is a glossy black, and with it comes an insatiable appetite for remembering fingerprints, pretty much as bad as the black iPhone 3G. The 3.8-inch screen is just a tinge smaller, but it honestly wasn't anything we really noticed until we put it directly next to a PSP-2000. One thing we did clearly discern was what seemed like sharper colors, ones that didn't have the same overly-red hues as the PSP-3000. The battery's no longer removable, meaning no chance to bring a replacement for longer trips. On that note, we haven't done any rigorous battery life tests, but in our time the charge has managed to last about a day and a half doing some light gaming, about as long as our PSP-2000 would last. It's now adopted Bluetooth for syncing with headsets, and more importantly, 16GB of internal flash memory expandable with a Memory Stick Micro (M2) card.

The bottom row of buttons found on the older PSP models has been separated and moved all over the system. WLAN is now on the left edge, the start and select pair are on the same plane as the buttons hidden under the slider, the Home button is now to the left of the display (something that confused a number of PSP owners we showed), and the volume / screen brightness adjusters are on the top of the unit, which honestly we found inconvenient since we had to flip the portable over to see what we were pressing, whereas before we could keep our eyes on the screen the whole time. As far as the gameplay controls are concerned, the D-pad and buttons don't stick out nearly as much, and while a little smaller, we very much appreciated the extra clickiness of the Go. The analog nub, however, does suffer from being smaller, but it didn't take long to get used to.

Sony's done away with the mini USB port in lieu of a proprietary port that works for charging the unit, connecting to a PC via USB, and outputting video. Good thing it comes with the proper cable, but really, your old cables are now completely useless here. Any of your old add-on accessories -- notably the 1Seg tuner, GPS receiver, and camera -- won't work without the recently-announced Go Converter, which looks way too ridiculous for our tastes. Like we said earlier, your trusty Memory Stick Duo's been replaced by a slot for a Memory Stick Micro (M2). Frankly, if you have an old PSP and a library of UMDs, the Go probably isn't on your radar anyway -- and that's a shame, too, but all these little decisions add up to ultimately separate the experience from Sony's locked-in audience. Point is, if you're thinking of upgrading, be prepared to start from scratch.

Overall, though, we're impressed with what Sony's done here. In many ways we prefer the Go over past models -- it's sturdy, it's light, it doesn't skimp on screen clarity and the controls are more or less just as easy to get to and logically placed. If you can look past all the other details, it's hard not to love what's been done here.

Software



The firmware for the PSP Go is the same as with the older models and will be updated as such, but that said, it seems from the onset to have a couple of extra tricks. Most notable is the "Pause Game" feature selectable from the Home menu, which saves the state of your game and lets you go back into the XMB to navigate. Only one save can be had at a time, and once you try to open a new game, the old state is removed. A welcome addition, to be sure, but we can't help but wish the XMB was still more accessible mid-game, à la the PS3 system. The other feature is an analog clock and calendar when in the closed position, switchable by pressing the L and R buttons together... but really, beyond highlighting your birthday, there's nothing special going on here.

We've noticed some confusion over this, so to be clear, all PSN downloads will work with both the PSP Go and all previous models. Sure, there's a large number of PSP games coming to PSN this week, but rest assured, your older 1000, 2000, and 3000 editions will do the job just fine. Of course, on the PSP Go you don't have access to UMDs anymore, and while most retail games will be going to the PlayStation Network for download, that "good will" UMD-to-digital conversion program has been nixed in the US and severely limited in Europe, essentially rendering your old physical media collection useless with the device -- yeah, it's a major bummer, and it doesn't look like the company'll be changing its mind anytime soon. One good note, although it might have to do with saving instead onto internal memory (we didn't check with a Memory Stick Micro card), is that our PSN downloads finished considerably faster with the new model. There was no change in the download itself, but activation and installation time zipped by. We tried it with a few games on both the Go and 2000, even managing to shave off 45 seconds from a Rock Band Unplugged demo. See it for yourself in the video below.


Pricing

Obviously this is gonna be a big sticking point, and there's no easy way to look at it: the PSP Go is $249.99. That's just $50 less than a brand new, Blu-ray equipped PS3, and $50 more than a new PSP-3000 -- more if you factor out any bundled games -- and while a little clunkier in form factor, it's got all the same functions as the new model and can play UMDs. Pouring lemon juice on this proverbial paper cut, Sony's publicly stated its intention to maintain a "pricing parity" with the MSRP for its digital downloads, meaning games sold at retail as UMD will frequently be undercutting the PSN's pricing. We're not gonna lie, it's very nice to have the option of gaming without carrying a case of discs, but those few dollars extra per game are gonna add up -- not to mention no chance of trading in to GameStop later.

Wrap-up

If we were to just take a look at the hardware at face value, we'd say Sony has done some great work here. It's a sturdy, classier game system that we're not as shy about taking out of our pocket on long, public commutes. We really do like the portable, but there's no way to separate our feelings on the hardware from all the decisions surrounding the launch. That $50 upfront premium (more if you factor out the bundled PSP-3000 games) is more or less negated when you consider the cost of a 16GB Memory Stick Duo, something that the Go already has with internal flash memory, but long-term you're still gonna be paying more for every retail game bought digitally instead of on disc. That last bit is something that should make first-time buyers take heed, as lack of legacy support on same-generation games and accessories isn't our biggest gripe here. It's not as if Sony's oblivious to the perception -- in fact they've even gone on the record as saying there's a "certain premium" associated with the Go -- but we're really not getting enough here to justify it to our wallets.

PSP Go unboxing

[Devin Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:04AM]

second video is down

[BlazeBlaster Posted Oct 3rd 2009 1:29PM]

Alright, now a couple of questions.

1. How big are the downloaded games? I'm gonna assume at least 750MB+.
2. So doesn't that mean there sort of limiting the amount of games? Assume someone comes out with a giant game that's like 2-3GB, that's a big chunk of memory, and I know people who put at least 1-2GB of music on there psp.
3. What size does the M2 cards come in & how's the pricing? If I bought say, a one gigabyte one, that would basically be equal to 1 or so games...

Oh well, I'll end my opinion when Engadget puts up a "How would you improve the new Sony Psp Go"

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 13th 2009 10:24PM]

@blaze

PSP game downloads are actually not big at all. Most of the space on a UMD was essentially wasted. The downloadable games on PSN (full featured PSP games) were surprisingly small.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:05AM]

I want one just because I love gadgets.

[trevr Posted Sep 28th 2009 11:01AM]

now YOU'RE hardcore. you win at life. (on this site anyway :D)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 11:51AM]

If it had 2 analog sticks, I'd have bought one. As is, SONY CAN KEEP IT.

someone at SONY design needs to be FIRED.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 7:35PM]

I'm getting mine today (thanks to knowing the owner of the place that I pre-ordered)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 8:14PM]

Change that I've got it now. It actually looks and feels a lot nicer in person.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 4:09PM]

sony fanboy checking in here

wont buy any psp without dual analog


I returned mine. there is no reason not to put it on there.

I will not learn 2 control schemes for the same damned games

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 11:48PM]

picked one up today and I'm absolutely loving it to bits and pieces.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:06AM]

BTW, good article engadget.
The wrap up:
Yo PSP Go i'm really happy for you, and imma let you finish, but PSP 3000 was the best portable of all time. Of All Time.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 5:53PM]

It's Sad whenever people downgrade your comment just because your name includes the word "Apple". Very Sad indeed.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 7:52PM]

@paddyireland
That...or maybe its because this Kanye West Ordeal is getting old....

[alinos Posted Sep 30th 2009 4:59AM]

or the fact that he said the PSP 3000 was the best portable of all time because its not even a close 3rd

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:07AM]

If they had made this 150$ or about 100$ then i'm sure a lot of people wouldn't mind picking one up.

[Federaly Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:35AM]

I would that too. But thats abit unrealistic for them to undercut a existing product.

[monkey with glasses Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:44AM]

*think*

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:15AM]

Your an idiot.

"My Crystal ball tells me this introductory price is for shafting people long-term, it will drop by $100 around Christmas, then people will think their getting a bargain... in actuality its not even worth that, as its still a way inferior product... stopped buying Sony years ago... had a good laugh at its regular marketing bullshit ever since, I advise you all to do the same ;)"

[Widgetech Posted Sep 29th 2009 4:11PM]

@Bigsofty

"Your an idiot."

FAIL.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 30th 2009 3:05AM]

I'm surprised SONY didn't discontinue the current PSP and then try to force this one down the fanboy's throats. Not enough about it make me want it. Drop the price at least $100 bucks and some cool hack come out for it that just makes the thing the most awesome device ever created, then we'll talk. Until then, I've got phone that does everything that one does (and NO, it's not a GD iPhone!).

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:09AM]

It's a big rip off. sony are trying to destroy the second hand market, you will not be allowed to lend or trade with friends, you will not be allowed to resell the "NEW" games rendering the investment void, worthless. you will however be forced to purchase every game brand new from sony authorised outlets at the same cost as current retail even though the overheads will be significantly reduced.

sony scum being anti customer as per usual.

bend over and lub up people, its time to get shafted by sony yet again.

[chansthename Posted Sep 28th 2009 7:49PM]

the deal sony is giving you is without lube, I'm sorry but prepared to be torn at the same time

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 10:00AM]

Sony just cant win. I saw so many posts over the PSP's lifetime saying Sony should ditch the UMD and do download only. Now that they've done it, I'm seeing all kinds of posts saying they're out to screw the customer. But the funniest thing about it all is that they're offering BOTH options concurrently and instead of people saying, "look, they're giving us a choice," people are saying they're wrong for both options.

If you can buy the PSP 3000 and play the exact same games, Sony is not screwing you with downloads. Period. If you can buy the PSP Go, then sony is not screwing you by forcing you to use UMDs. Period. This is a good thing. Choice is good.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 4th 2009 1:50PM]

Maybe they might be better without the UMD (which is doubtful) but the moment you make the digital version of the same the same price as the physical version,you fail. When the physical version can be swapped, discounted by retailers (especially with age) or sold second-hand, you have an epic fail.

Add to that a truly sucky download experience for the games where you can't even do anything else, and the battery has to be fully charged... (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2009/10/psp-go-review-sony-is-charging-you-much-more-for-much-less.ars/)

Lastly, it's another massively backwards step to move away from mini-USB to a proprietary cable. In the EU, all phones are going to be required to use mini-USB as standard, and this will likely have an effect on other kit as well.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 18th 2009 11:10AM]

The psp go is a gr8 gadget smaller, lighter but sony r ripin us off cuz its £225 no sharing games with mates and slightly the same as the 3000!!!

But i still want the psp go!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 8th 2009 1:59PM]

"It's a big rip off. sony are trying to destroy the second hand market, you will not be allowed to lend or trade with friends, you will not be allowed to resell the "NEW" games rendering the investment void, worthless. you will however be forced to purchase every game brand new from sony authorised outlets at the same cost as current retail even though the overheads will be significantly reduced.

sony scum being anti customer as per usual.

bend over and lub up people, its time to get shafted by sony yet again"

WOT A IDIOT!!!!!! cannon fodder u are a thuggish,disrespectful,duhbrain,noob!!!! SONY arnt scum they rule, if u are a nintendo ds fan u r a fat girl! Blue tooth? Wi-fi? Psn? No need to go to shops cos u can download? WOW!!!!!! Another site said
"Although there is no news on a technical solution for this problem, SCEA director of hardware marketing, John Koller has spoken about a 'Good will program' aimed at owners of the old devices. We're assuming this means they will make your existing games available for download for free. Sony have two options in verifying that you own the games, they can either do this electronically across the Internet or they could ask you to send them the UMD games by post." So thats the umd solution PSP GO sure will be a massive hit!=)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:12AM]

a first post and a old meme, holy shit. throw in a website url underneath your post and youll have a fail trifecta

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:13AM]

a shame that it completely locks out current owners of the PSP. it's one thing to create a new system and not allow backwards compatibility, but the PSPGo is just too similar to the old PSP.

it'd be somewhat like having a cartridge-less game boy pocket (effectively having your game boy games useless).

it is nice that they did go the download/flash media route.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:13AM]

Ah yes the same people will whine now that Sony is "anti-customer" who whined before the UMD was "a failure" and they should get rid of it. Can't make some people happy.

Personally, as I have a rather sizeable UMD game collection and I'm happy with my 3000, I can't really find a reason to get this ... especially at that price point. But if it hits $99, might be nice for travel.

[Uncontrol Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:13AM]

I appreciate the idea of a download-only portable, but this feels too soon. Feels like it should have been done for the next generation of the PSP instead of an "incremental" upgrade.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:14AM]

I'll do it. I bought a vaio. I might as well face my whoredom right the fuck now, even if I hate them in principle.

I never owned a PSP, so that's not an issue.

[Greg7388 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:14AM]

Sorry, no dual analog, no UMD to digital program, no go.

[maveric101 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:34AM]

i'm guessing dual analog will come with the true PSP2 (the Go is just another variant of the PSP, like the 1/2/3000). well, at least i hope.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:39AM]

people that keep talking about Dual Analog arent getting the point of the Go...its NOT a NEXT GEN PSP...Simple a re-imagining....they didnt want to jump to the PSP2 JUST yet...so they made this....something that will open the way for the PSP2...which depending on HOW this does may or may NOT Support UMD, and will most certainly have an another nub, App Store as well as some sort of touch screen...as long as the games are touch screen based I'm all for it...

[monkey with glasses Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:48AM]

So Chris, it still would have been nice, ok. Sony could have done a lot better with the PSP Go, matter of fact, I don't even know why they came out with this now, patience is a virtue sony.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:10AM]

only better they could have done is WAITED l the legalities of digital distribution were worked out..its obvious this is where we are headed...much like the Dreamcast it could be said that the Go is ahead of its time....

as I said if it was $200 and 64GBs I'd snatch one up...Sony just needs to run sales on PSN more often

but the way its lookin I will be waiting out for a TRUE PSP2...which will most likely be out in 2012 at the latest

[willyu Posted Sep 28th 2009 12:37PM]

I'll get it once, uhh.. Dark_Alex does some work on it.

Since the firmware should be similar, I am expecting soon. ;-)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:17AM]

I'm sorry, but this is a big FAIL!!!

Unless you really just have to have one, I see no point in this revision and am scared the platform is going no-where...

The processor is no faster... 300MHZ MIPS
The web-browser is no better...
There is no added active RAM... 64MB
There is no touchscreen... Non-existant

All you're getting is bluetooth and a smaller form factor...

I'm not even an Apple fanboy, but you would probably be better off investing in an iPod Touch.... I'm 100% serious...
Unless you just have to have physical controls, seriously consider the iPod Touch instead for your gaming needs...

Atleast you would have...

A 600MHZ (3G iPod Touch)
32GB (3G iPod Touch)
E-mail (even Exchange) & a muti-touch web-browser.
Capacitive touchscreen...
Bluetooth (though profiles are limited)
And an entire actual App Store with Facebook/Twitter/MySpace/VNC/SlingPlayer/Rhapsody/Hava Player/Kindle apps...
A music/video purchase store right on the device...

But whatever... Be it as you may... But I think anyone who buys the Go is a fool...

[Creativity Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:24AM]

I can't disagree with you completely, but the PSP Go! still has one more thing that the iPod Touch doesn't, and thats half decent games. You can't compare a PMP and a portable gaming system...

That doesn't change the fact that I still think you'd still be better off getting an Touch (or Zune HD in my case) instead of this...

[oldmanhorton Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:28AM]

uhhhh. thats good and all, but your missing one key point.
HURRAY FOR BUTTONS. which, resistive or capacitive touchscreen, buttons are necessary for gaming. it just cant be done by touching glass and having no feedback whatsoever.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:34AM]

I dont want an ENTIRELY Touch Screen gaming system....the controls on iPhone games BLOW because of that...I have an iPhone and the only game I only is Droplitz and I just play that on the shitter

[maveric101 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:41AM]

look, i have an iphone, but you really can't compare it to an actual gaming system. about the processors and performance, the PSP's hardware is more specialized, and it probably has a better graphics processor. it's not all about the CPU Hz. and, BUTTONS BUTTONS BUTTONS. you just can't play real games on an iphone. the games in the App Store remind me strongly of flash games on the internet, cheap tilt games, tower defense stuff, a Boggle-type game, etc. you need hardware controls for real games.

[Greg7388 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:44AM]

Agreed

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:48AM]

it's not a new psp. it's just a redesign.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:59AM]

It's just a revision, not a new system, so being the same is not bad.

Just the price tag that's a bit off.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:10AM]

The most annoying part is, you cant trade, lend or used old games. it a big F*** rip off .. and i will be pissed if my PSPgo is stolen. i cant wait till someone hack the s*** out of it

[EJ Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:11AM]

@DPolsky

I consider CivRevolutions, Zenonia, Monkey Island, Robocalypse (a $30 game that goes for $5 on the app store), Gangstar, Meteor Blitz, Modern Combat: Sandstorm, and Real Racing for example, to be first-rate games - high production value titles with average play time well over 10 hours. Notice how most of those have been released in the last two months; developers are only starting to push out the more development-intensive titles. I'm also intentionally omitting the torrent of first rate casual apps (puzzle games, word games, pinball, stripped-down sports) that won't appeal to hard-core gamers but are exactly what busy adults are looking for from a portable system.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:21AM]

@Jay...Cant lend or Trade games??

Welcome to the PC World...a place where we have had games that we Cant Trade, lend, or sell for YEARS....

I assure you that publishers will begin to welcome this model a lot more as it pretty much cuts out any lost revenue from resales...

[Smigit Posted Sep 28th 2009 8:32PM]

Who really cares about how fast the CPU is? It's about the software. If you want to play field runners or look at face book or whatever get an iPhone. If you want to play Loco Roco or God of War get a PSP. Hell get both if you want.

Comparing the systems based on hardware specifications is a complete waste of time, especially for an incremental update of an existing system.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 9:58PM]

You forgot the camera!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:18AM]

hope everyone realizes this was more to get people with 3000 models and older to purchase games off of PSN

[Brother Unit No 4 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:29AM]

Anyone who thinks that this isn't just a test for Digital Distribution is short-sighted or blind.

Just saying.

[maveric101 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:42AM]

hasn't it already been proven by XBL Arcade and the PSN?

[Brother Unit No 4 Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:10AM]

@maveric101

While both XBLA and PSN have shown that digital distribution works, the Go is designed to take it to the next level and pretty much cut out the middle man AND shrink the second-hand game market. The only reason Sony has those download vouchers is so that the Go can actually get shelf space at the local Gamespot or Best Buy or whatever it is you have where you live.

[maveric101 Posted Sep 28th 2009 11:39AM]

well now XBL has Games on Demand, so theoretically MS could also release a 360 without a DVD drive. though that's pretty recent.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:18AM]

Nothing about the scanlines/interlacing? I have a 3K and my gf wants a PSP so if the Go doesn't have them.. she get the 3K and I'll get a go once it's (inevitably) hacked.

[Podaman Posted Sep 28th 2009 11:17AM]

From IGN's review:

"Although the screen retains the brighter, more vibrant color range of the PSP-3000 (which we are happy to report is seemingly without the interlacing problems we had experienced with the PSP-3000), users will find themselves noticing their own reflection or of the environment around them more often than not."

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 11:24AM]

woo!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 12:12PM]

Wouldn't an anti-glare screen protector help?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 9:01PM]

you seem like a nice guy... generously giving your gf your old PSP-3000 ;)

Go get here the PSP Go.


anyway, she (probably) doesn't have a collection of UMD's, so I doubt that would be any problem

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:23AM]

So, after playing with one in the Sony style store I think it's horrible. I mean I am all for making gadgets smaller etc... but at some point this becomes impractical. I have a hard enough time using my PSP the DS sees more play time (fewer buttons\controls means less discomfort in my hands).

The control lay out on the Go is horrendous for big hands... the reach is all wrong and causes weird contortions of the thumbs and other fingers to balance the device and still game on it effectively. I have been playing a lot of FF Dis on full sized unit and even that unless in command mode for 40 minutes a stretch. On the Go I think I would last maybe 10 minutes at most. Before my hands decided they quite, detached and hid under the couch until I promised to never make them use it again.

[Brother Unit No 4 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:31AM]

Sony's been ignoring your kind for a long time Mr. Big Hands. Don't expect it to change anytime soon.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 7:35PM]

I really want one, just for the fact its going to fail so hard, be discontinued and I can be one of those few that actually owned it back in 09'.

But I don't have $449 AU to do that T_T

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:27AM]

Give me a Go for $200 with a 64GB HDD and I will jump on it...I only own 3 UMD based games for my 3000 anyways...

[m3nphls Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:29AM]

As soon as someone hacks this PSP Go then it's worth it getting one....otherwise screw sony on this one.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:30AM]

@ aGMo

well maybe sony could have opted 4 the widely used & relatively cheap sd card, dont confuse that with sony's very own, lets collect bucket-loads of royalties, over priced propertarian hell memory stick duo.

but they choose a silly disc that they could sell licences for what a surprise.



but now they have found a new level of low by blocking trading games, lending, reselling games.

there is a way out here, sony could give customers a FREE game trade alternative but what's the likelihood when they can just sell a full priced game to everyone.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:31AM]

PSP 2000.
I like it.

[maveric101 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:31AM]

i don't think i'm going to buy another portable system (last was the GBA-SP) until i can get dual analog.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 29th 2009 11:26PM]

You're missing out because the DS is a blast - the whole screen is analog! My PSP 1000 was fun at first, but my pinky fingers fell asleep after extended use so it collects dust now.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:33AM]

Is it true that it still only has wifi .b? How am i supposed to download games up to 1 GB with only 1-2 mbit line speed? Even my digital camera has wifi .g!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:32AM]

wow. no Mini USB? I love how Sony goes from a well established standard in early generations and later on makes it more of their proprietary crap. Case in point: older Sony cameras had a miniUSB port. Nowadays, they are all proprietary. Way to be dicks Sony.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:36AM]

I'm shocked to say that I'm fairly impressed with the Go. I can see why people view it as overpriced (it is) and lacking in functionality without the UMD slot... but as an owner of both a 1001 model and 2k I have to say the loss of UMD isn't a big deal, and it looks to me like long gaming sessions might be more comfortable with this design. As an avid video game collector turned father recently, I am very much starting to see the benefits of not having huge media shelves storing all kinds of video games. I've lost at least 3 Nintendo DS games over the years due to their tininess, and never end up having the PSP games I want with me because carrying around more than a few UMDs is really inconvenient. Having it all on my PSP or being able to re-download it whenever is a huge win in my book. There's a reason everyone with a DS has a flashcard, it's because carrying around a zillion cartridges with a portable is a PITA.

My favorite thing about this is that it is very clear Sony wants to test the waters here before making final decisions for PSP 2. One would assume they realize PSP 2 has to have a touch screen, but to add it to the Go wouldn't really make a lot of sense if it is playing the same PSP library. If they can get the devs on board with this (they should, digital-only is *way* more profitable for devs, particularly smaller ones), they can really set the stage for PSP2 to kick ass as a digital-only machine.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that when they start playing with the price the Go gets a lot more attractive. It's overpriced now, but once they make some bucks off of the early adopters and get production ramped up, they can drop it pretty quickly-- it's probably cheaper to make than a 3k model already. At $250 it's a rip, but at $150 or even $199 a machine like this that can play video, music, and all the PSP/PS1 games from the PS Store is pretty damned attractive. GoW and classics like Castlevania: SOTN, FF VII, and Silent Hill is just sweet. Especially with the new game pause feature (I'm looking at you FF VII).
.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 1st 2009 1:58PM]

AND bluetooth phone tethering!

[Yoshi1080 Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:38AM]

Does the Go have a scratch-proof display like the iPod Touch? As far as I remember Sony justified the high price by wanting it to compete with the iPod.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:39AM]

i like nds more just for a game--pocketmonster that's part of my childhood ,yet i have psp2000
maybe i'll wait for the next generation of psp ,there's nearly no enhancement in the GO,and not enough RPG games

[Federaly Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:41AM]

I would love to get this and actually considering just doing a long layby(not in a rush) to get it. Though sometimes I think I may just get a PS3. Also considering that EB-Games is not stocking it in Australia I am unsure whos stocking it :S

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:41AM]

sony's aware that few psp owners really bought UMD's.

The truth is that the average PSP user downloaded all his games from the internet, and the only one UMD owned is the demo one (!).

they just compared the number of PSP's sold to the n° of UMD's.

ciao

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:43AM]

This entire PSPGo fiasco just reeks of mid 90's Sony market strategy...you know...what eventually led to them getting their butts kicked in the digital music revolution...they are trying to get into the digital distribution game market a tad early here, but they are still making some huge strategical errors.

It's like how Hollywood (Sony included) believes smart people will still pay $20 for movies they download with no physical disc...

Sony is going to cause illegal file sharing to be a problem for them via this strategy. You have to price things in such a way that trying to go through the steps to get stuff for free is too much of a hassle....learn from the music industry people (though they still haven't gotten it quite right...fully).

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 2:59PM]

This is the PSP. Illegal file-sharing has ALWAYS been a problem.

[JPeak Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:49AM]

$250
proprietary port
inconvenient buttons
no umd

When you buy it, do they give you a sandwich board that says "SUCKER"?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:52AM]

There are buttons.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:53AM]

Phew! Good to see that Engadget didn't fall for those absurdities that the ridiculous review from Gizmodo pointed, like "OMG no 2nd analog stick and no touch screen!" and just commented on what matters.

Good work!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:54AM]

PS: just hope that a CFW come to this FAST - this new form factor is perfect to me (minus the lack of USB)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 12:13PM]

CFW on this thing and I'm in. I haven't used a UMD since i bought the thing. Sounds like that could be difficult on this guy though, we'll see!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 9:57AM]

Thanks for the review. Confirms what I thought and supports yesterday's purchase of a PSP-3000. I should get additional memory thought, but at least I can hold on to my GTA discs.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:09AM]

It is much better to buy a PSP 3000. I don't think PSP 3000s look bad at all, actually. bigger, yeah, but they are a good size to me.

I don't understand the criticism of Sony not giving away free games. Of course they won't do that, engadget! That would be silly. If you bought a UMD game and don't want a UMD system anymore, you are going to have to buy your games again. This is not exactly a bad move if you are the company selling the games, is it?

Sony isn't stopping the sale of UMD systems... the 3000 is a kickass system, afterall. I'm amazed the PSP platform has managed to thrive after looking so stale a could of years ago. It has lots of amazing games, though FF7 and GT and MGS are still where it's at.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:00AM]

give me stgh else

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:03AM]

Well, the $250 price tag and now no UMD conversion program seals the deal for me. I'll stick with my 1000 and my UMD library...

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:03AM]

As a current PSP owner I find the lack of a UMD conversion program makes it so that there is no way I would consider a go. I am sure it will make for a better experience when on the road, but I will just stick with my current PSP and 16 gig MG for now. I don't feel like I am missing out on anything at all.

Good luck to the new users.

@cannon fodder

Anti-Consumer? You are a special brand of silly aren't you. One that I see growing and somehow infecting others with thier insane ramblings.

The go doesn't replace the 3000. It is sold alongside the 3000. Since when is "choice" anti-consumer. If you feel that you want to purchase a handheld and that used games and lending your games to friends is going to be a large portion of your experience..... get a 3000.... or a DS lite. The Go's release does not force your hand in any way.


And as for your comments about the MG/UMD, as a proprietary means of data transfer....... WHO CARES?!?! You don't like the fact that the PSP doesn't accept your memory format of choice......... DON'T BUY IT. It is really that simple. Sony made their products support their products. The nerve of a company doing such a thing.

I know its cool to hate on sony now a days but this anti consumer stuff is just plain idiotic. Your sense of entitlement doesn't change the way a company chooses to make profit and it certainly doesn't speak for everyone. I find that thier is nothing anti consumer about sony products because as a consumer.... I still have choice. If I don't like the hardware, than I can chose not to purchase it. Your complaints are as valid as someone getting angry at toyota because they don't offer a camry with 6 wheels. (toyota is killing choice here!!!)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:05AM]

F it. After hearing about the good will trade in being nixed im going to have to stick to my psp 3000. I'm just going to buy a 32 gig memory stick duo and vualah, its a psp go with a umd drive. I do find it odd that engadget compared the psp go along the psp 2000. time to shop for a memory stick duo. whats a good site to buy it from?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:06AM]

No, Sony is not trying to destroy the handheld market as claimed in this thread.

They are experimenting with a niche product. They are still selling UMD bearing PSPs, and will be for years. But they are Sony, and sell lots of stuff all over the world. Minidisc players flopped in the States and still made tons of money worldwide. Blu-ray is taking off in some ways, but digital is more than looming.

Sony is not putting all its eggs in one basket. They don't intend for this device to be competitive. It's more expensive than the normal PSP... which does everything this does but includes the UMD drive.

What's hilarious is that the same people bashing Sony for having a UMD-less system bashed the UMD for ages.

This is a cute, designed, expensive toy. It's not the end of the world if you don't want it, which is why Sony is not selling them at a loss like they would if they wanted to take the gaming world by storm. They waited on their motion controllers and their avatar system and their online gaming platform for many years, and they were stupid to do so... those innovations are attributed to their competitors now. They could have had the PS2 with motion controllers and rich online gaming... and DECIDED to wait. Why not just take their ideas to the market more quickly?

Now, Sony is clearly willing to get to the market more early, and see what happens, and move on. Smart. The Playstation line, which many thought was doomed, is now doing very well.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:13AM]

this is so going to tank. i have no desire to buy a device, for which a perfect working substitute already exists, (all other PSP models) and that takes away functionality AND costs more, especially when the other models are in plentiful supply and the media is cheaper. convenience can be pricey, but you can't expect someone to want less just because you put a nice shiny gloss on it. see! you CAN polish a turd!

plus for the new adopters, its a slap in the face. its like taking someone on a first date and buying the most expensive stuff and expecting the unsuspecting girl to pay for it. then just as the jerk escorts the girl home to her front door he takes her keys and walks into the house before she can and locks her out, demanding a tribute of $50 extra bucks before he'll let her go home and he'll leave.

its no better for the older users. they have some of their favorite games on disc, and now if they want a GO its useless. save your money dude. the PSP you already have already works with the PSN games.

sony, you SOOOOO owe us for this con job

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:13AM]

My Crystal ball tells me this introductory price is for shafting people long-term, it will drop by $100 around Christmas, then people will think their getting a bargain... in actuality its not even worth that, as its still a way inferior product... stopped buying Sony years ago... had a good laugh at its regular marketing bullshit ever since, I advise you all to do the same ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:15AM]

"bend over and lub up people, its time to get shafted by sony yet again."
Well Sony is not forcing you (would it be rape in this case?) to buy it...

[lee7n Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:20AM]

Instead of wasting time reinventing the same system for like the 3rd time how about a new PSP with better graphics

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:31AM]

4th time actually

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:23AM]

Great review. This strengthens my objection in buying a PSP GO. I'll stick with my UMD tyvm.

[Seph Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:28AM]

Trading in your games or buying them used is just as bad as pirating them, at least from the developers' point of view, since the only one to profit from the transaction is the store, not the people who actually made that game.

That is why the retailers are so opposed to the Go. Not because they can't sell new games for it, they don't make all that much money from selling new games, and could easily overcome that by selling cards with PSN credits. They make a lot of profit on used games, and this has to stop, which is why I, and many developers, applaud Sony for this move. It's better for the developers, it's better for sony, and it's actually better for the gamers as well, because the developers earn more money to make games with.
The only ones not to profit from this are the retailers.

[richb93 Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:37AM]

Overpriced? Check
Smaller screen? Check
Proprietary connectors? Check

All in all a big fat fail.

If I want a PSP I'll grab an older one.

[decapitor Posted Sep 28th 2009 10:38AM]

PSN needs to have frequent sales ala Steam to get people into the idea of digital distribution more. I can't see myself paying full price for so long after an initial release when the used market's prices fall so much faster unless there were nice occasional deals on the digital media. Also FF8 and 9 need to join FF7 on PSN for ten bucks to push me over the edge on this PSPGo idea.