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Go to have same battery life as standard PSP
You'd think that by removing the battery-draining UMD drive, the new PSP Go would have an improved battery life over its predecessors. That doesn't appear to be the case, as the European PlayStation.Blog notes "the battery life is equivalent with the current models." According to the site, that means "approximately 3 to 6 hours for gameplay and approximately 3 to 5 hours for playing back videos."The smaller system obviously contains a smaller battery, but we're still surprised Sony hasn't managed to engineer better battery tech for the upcoming handheld. Seems like those that want the most juice out of a PSP will want to stick with the 2000 series, equipped with the extended life battery.[Via Shacknews]
Call the waah-mbulance: Tretton talks PSP Go leaks
Sony's Jack Tretton is a pretty upset guy. Before last week's E3, two major surprises were spoiled for Sony, in the PSP Go and The Last Guardian leaks. That's made Tretton somewhat bitter -- as one would expect -- and he's told CNBC that the industry needs to do a better job of keeping a lid on it."People don't respect confidentiality in this industry," said Tretton, who is now concerned for the future of his company down the line, where he sees leaks once again beating Sony to its own news. "You have to prepare for people to know things in advance. The frustrating thing is they only know a part of the story and that opens up a lot of conjecture and misinformation that ultimately waters down the reality when you roll it out."Sure, it's tough, but it's all part of the game (sorry!). If Sony is so concerned with the confidentiality of who it trusts with this information, then it needs to do a better job of policing leaks and encouraging silence. To us, it's as simple as that.
Pachter apologizes for comments about PSP Go's rip-off price
Michael Pachter has stated he "sincerely" regrets commenting that Sony is ripping off consumers with the PSP Go's $250 price point. In an interview with IndustryGamers, Pachter takes the opportunity at the end to say that he doesn't believe Sony is doing anything nefarious and has "the right to price its products at a point that they think is competitive." He states the company is pricing the handheld to be competitive with the iPod Touch and that the PSP Go "arguably has much more value than the Apple product."Hmm, as much as we respect Present Pachter's opinion, Past Pachter was a little more on the ball with the consumer's perspective of the PSP Go's pricing. Past Pachter noted, "The $169 PSP-3000 is a profitable device -- the disc assembly, for a UMD, costs more than 16 gigs of flash does. So this new device doesn't cost them as much as the PSP-3000 and they jack the price up $80?" It seems Past Pachter was viewing the product through consumer eyes, while Present Pachter is in business mode and wearing the glasses of the Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter.%Gallery-64545%
A 'majority' of back catalog PSP games available to download Oct. 1, all first party titles thereafter
Sony has confirmed that "just about" every PSP game releasing after October 1 -- the release date of the PSPgo -- would be available for download. PlayStation Blog's Jeff Rubenstein stated on Sunday (via Destructoid) that he couldn't speak about the availability of third party titles at that time.We followed up with Rubenstein today and he told us, "The majority of back catalog PSP games will be made available for download around the launch of the PSPgo." We made sure to ask if he was speaking strictly about first-party titles and he told us he meant "the majority overall."So, as of October 1: A "majority" of past PSP titles will be available for download.After October 1: All first party titles will release as downloads on the PlayStation Network.%Gallery-64545%
Pachter says Sony is 'ripping off' consumers with PSP Go
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter hates the PSP Go. Alright, alright, he doesn't quite hate it, but he does despise its price point. On a recent episode of Bonus Round, Pachter matter of factly states, "$249 is too much. Period." He goes on to say that while the handheld is priced to compete with Apple's $229 8GB iPod Touch, it doesn't deliver the iTunes App Store or downloadable music from iTunes (as conveniently, at least, as the iPod Touch). Furthermore, he posits the $250 price of the PSP Go is vastly overinflated considering its contents, claiming it costs Sony less to build and ship the PSP Go than the PSP-3000 model, "The $169 PSP-3000 is a profitable device -- the disc assembly, for a UMD, costs more than 16 gigs of flash does. So this new device doesn't cost them as much as the PSP-3000 and they jack the price up $80?" When Keighley presses Pachter as to whether Sony is "ripping off" the consumer or not, he answers, "They're rippin' off the consumer ... they're making a lot more money on the PSP Go than the PSP-3000."%Gallery-64545%
Capcom promises 'totally different' gameplay for Resident Evil Portable
Details on Capcom "Mystery Title #2" are slim at this moment. Quickly mentioned during Sony's E3 press conference, Resident Evil for PSP is shrouded in mystery. Will it be a port of the original PS1 game? A port of the Wii port of the Gamecube remake of the original game?Well, looks like PSP owners are in for a "totally different" experience with the upcoming game. Capcom's Chris Kramer notes in his blog that the upcoming iteration will be an "all-new title created specifically for the PSP platform, with the PSP Go in mind." If it's designed for the go system, then we're probably looking at a PSN-exclusive game. Episodic, bite-sized Resident Evil, perhaps?[Via Destructoid]
PSP Go lacks mini USB, compatibility with existing accessories, common sense
Confession time: we weren't exactly charmed by Sony's PSP Go when Sony made the thing official. It's not that we're particularly fond of UMD (quite the contrary as a matter of fact), rather we found it a little hard to stomach a slimmer device that offers nearly the same hardware as its predecessor, swapping an optical drive for more storage, yet will cost nearly twice as much. Factor in the cost of all new accessories and things get even less appealing, with confirmation that the Go lacks a standard mini USB port on top, meaning things like PSP keyboards and Sony's GPS accessory are on a fast-track to obsolescence. Even current A/V cables and chargers won't work thanks to a new multifunction port on the base -- but Sony will be quite happy to sell you new ones. Is this the price of progress, or an attempt to boost profit margins? It's not good news for gamers, regardless.
PSP Go and buy all-new accessories
click to enlarge Sony had a spot in its press-only booth area reserved for showing off the various accessories that will be available for PSP Go when it hits US shelves on October 1. There were cases, wrist straps, Sony-branded screen protectors ... and wait, what was that? Since the handheld doesn't have a standard mini USB port like the PSP-3000, we'll have to buy all new accessories? Sad, but true.The PSP Go has a new multifunction port on its base (check out the video!) that is used for everything from data transfer to charging to video output. While asking owners of the older model to change a USB cable is not really a big deal, the fact that more expensive existing accessories -- such as component A/V cables, voice headsets and pretty much anything made to work with the 3000 -- are completely incompatible is cringe-worthy. That's not even taking into account third-party add-ons, or things like Sony's own GPS module.We know Sony is planning a trade-in program for UMD games; somehow we think the company won't be extending the same offer to include cables, peripherals and other accessories.
Sony considering UMD game trade-in program for PSP Go digital versions
Sony's John Koller, director of hardware marketing, stated in a recent interview that the company is considering a UMD game trade-in program for PSP Go customers. Speaking with Gizmodo, Koller stated the company plans to unveil a "good will program," allowing customers to link digital copies of their games to their Go.Koller stated that in the past the company has seen a 20-25 percent "trade-up factor" among PSP owners. The company is apparently still in the "planning stages," but we contacted Sony to find out if there were any further details or timetable.
Obscure making PSP Go jump this fall
Despite its name, Playlogic is doing it best to ensure that its teen survival horror caper, Obscure: The Aftermath, is anything but hard to find. The publisher announced that in addition to the game's previously mentioned UMD release in September, the company will also release the Obscure sequel for download on the PSP Go this fall. A version for play on toaster ovens and other household appliances is also rumored to be in the works, though Playlogic representatives were not immediately available for comment.
Video: White PSPgo hands-on
Sure, speaking with Sony's John Koller was great and all, but one of the real treats with the interview was some quiet hands-on time with a white PSP Go, unfortunately not turned on but with the same build quality and weight as its functional black model (also found tagging along to the Q&A). Our impression of the device is largely unchanged from the initial experience -- a sturdy build that's surprisingly light, although with this go around we didn't find the shoulder buttons to be more comfortable this time. Still, our interest wanes pretty dramatically when we're reminded of its $249 price tag, but enough with our chatter, hit up the break for an up-close video of all its nooks and crannies, and while you're there, stick around for more tidbits from our interview.
Sony working on "good will" program to give digital copies of your UMD collection
We just sat down for an interview with Sony's John Koller, who among many other interesting tidbits and factoids (more on those later) assuaged fears that our giant UMD library would be entirely forsaken. While light on details -- they're still figuring it out, he said -- there will be a "good will" program by which owners of current disc-based titles will be able to obtain digital copies for use on the PSP Go -- "a set number of titles for a set period of time," to be exact. He couldn't confirm all games, or at least all your personal collection, would be transferrable -- that might have to do with the number of digitized games they'll have at launch, which will be at least 300 but not the whole back catalog -- but despite calling it a short-term program he did say, should you receive a new UMD game later down the line, you should still be able to make the digital transfer. As for price, we're still looking to confirm something there, but they wouldn't be putting so much effort into the program if it wasn't at least for a discount, if not free. If you happen to like your discs, Koller said UMDs aren't going by the wayside so long as the PSP is still around, but he expects digital to start taking an increasing share. Looking to the future, he confirmed all first-party titles and most third-party titles (by the developers' own volition, not a mandate) will be available as digital downloads day and date with the UMD hard copies, and yeah, despite the reduced shipping and manufacturing costs, it'll be for the same price, too.
Hands-on: Flippin' out the PSP Go
We got some hands-on time with an untethered PSP Go. So, unlike our one-hand-on with the system, this time we actually got to open and close it to our heart's content. The system definitely feels light, but solid. The opening and closing function is totally smooth, and we joked that the company should set up an IKEA-style live feed of it opening and closing until it snaps. Anyway, the video compares the Go's size (closed) to the iPhone and the standard PSP.%Gallery-64545%
Is Sony's PSPgo just what you needed, or an overpriced rehash?
Apparently word is slowly trickling through Sony that its brand new handheld is actually called PSPgo (at least according to the second of two pieces of PR we've seen on the thing). We're guessing a similar word of mouth pace will operate in the inverse to communicate to top Sony brass that most folks think $250 for years-old gaming handheld hardware is a little steep these days. Of course, sequestered in our Engadget HQ and flush with cash from a hefty hit and run settlement a couple years back, we're more curious as to what you think about the price and feature set here. Don't be shy, just let it all out.%Poll-30708%
One hand-on with PSP Go
Here's the PSP Go that we got a hold of on the show floor playing Little Big Planet. Of course, the thing that kinda threw a wrench into the works is that the handheld was locked open -- which kinda defeats the whole point of showing the device. Otherwise, the device is about the size of an iPhone collapsed and there's still only one analog stick.
PSP Go first hands-on! (updated)
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/PSP_Go_first_hands_on'; Well we battled the mob to get our first hands on with Sony's latest PSP -- the Go! It was actually fairly light in hand, but not un-solid feeling. We thought there could be a little more depth between your thumbs and palm of your hand, and it felt a bit hard to locate the shoulder buttons, but that may be because we're used to the older model. Look -- we know what you really want, so hit the gallery below!Update 3: New galleries are in -- more pics, and some detail shots. Enjoy!
Gran Turismo for PSP finally parking October 1st
Hot on the heels of the PSP Go announcement, Sony also tells us at E3 that Gran Turismo may finally see release on the system. They say that even though the game will be on the tiny system, it will be packed with content: 800 cars to race around on 35 tracks with multiple variations that actually allow for 60 different race route. In singleplayer, you'll be able to run singleplayer time trials, and there will also be a mode to help your driving improve. Multiplayer will bring ad hoc four player racing as well as the ability to trade cars back and forth with your friends.The game will release on October 1, right alongside the new PSP system.
PSP's 'SensMe' will sense you and your awful taste in music [update]
Speaking at Sony's E3 2009 press conference, Kaz Hirai unveiled a new service for PSP and PSP Go, dubbed "Sense Me." SensMe will ... well, sense your deplorable addiction to The Jonas Brothers and deliver custom music playlists, straight into your earholes. It might also recommend an appropriate pair of pants should you choose to forgo the PSP and stick your trusty 3000 into your pocket instead.Open SensMe on your PSP this Fall. Update: "Corrected" the spelling of "SensMe."
Sony bringing PSP Go! October 1 for $249 in North America
Can you even believe it? Yeah, so, not a big secret, but at least we know that Sony is really bringing out a much smaller version of their portable console with the PSP Go!We heard from Sony at its E3 press conference that it won't "replace" the PSP-3000 or UMD, it's 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the original PSP. All future retail titles will have retail and PlayStation store release. Japan can look for it Nov. 1 for ¥26,800.
Sony PSP Go announced -- $249, no UMD
Just as expected, Sony just announced the PSP Go at E3 just now -- Haz Kirai called it the "worst kept secret at E3." The slider handheld has a 3.8-inch LCD, built-in Bluetooth and 16GB of internal storage, all in a case 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the original PSP-1000 -- a weight savings we're guessing is directly attributable to the loss of the UMD drive. That's right, the Go doesn't have a UMD drive -- games will instead load in through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation Network. That's not the end of the classic PSP, though -- Sony says it will "live on." New PSP titles will be distributed through both UMD at retail and online simultaneously -- Sony's beefing up the desktop client and renaming it Media Go for easier access and syncing with Playstation Network media, but you'll be able to get PSN content directly from the Go as well. The PSP's music features have also been beefed up with a new auto-playlist feature called Sense Me, which sounds a lot like Pandora or iTunes Genius playlists, and there's a new video delivery service being rolled out.Don't expect the loss of UMD to lower the price, though: the Go will be $249 when it launches on October 1 in North America and Europe and November 1 in Japan. Sony's showing demo videos with both black and white versions, but that's not confirmed yet -- we'll let you know.Update: Check the full PR here.Update 2: Sony has just blasted out the detailed specifications. Here are the highlights: Approx. 128 x 16.5 x 69 mm (width x height x depth) Weight: 5.6 ounces (including batter) CPU: 333MHz 64MB memory 3.8-inch display (480 x 272 resolution) Built-in stereo speakers and microphone 802.11b WiFi Bluetooth 2.0+EDR USB 2.0 Memory Stick Micro slot Analog video out 16GB storage
