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PSP Go found in the wild being sold ahead of October 1st launch date?
Feel free to feign surprise, but seeing how Sony handled the PlayStation 3 Slim's launch, we kind of expected this. According to an anonymous tipster, at least one Metro Atlanta-area Target store has the PSP Go in stock and is apparently already selling them to (presumably) eager customers. So much for that October 1st street date, but you're still gonna have to wait until then for all the new digital content. We've pinged Sony for more details. In the meantime, anyone else happen upon the new portable during their daily travels?
Video: PSP Go torn down, owners counseled on warranty violation
Sure, most of you are interested in the playability and durability of your gaming devices -- that's why we do our extensive, award-winning reviews (for instance, our latest PSP Go review is quite a page-turner). But sometimes you just want to rip into a device and see the chips and the solder -- that's why we're grateful that the kids at iFixit have provided us with a complete tear-down guide, featuring step-by-step instructions and plenty of pretty pictures. Apparently, the Go owes its diminutive size to the fact that it eschews an internal metal framework altogether (instead relying on the external plastic shell to provide structural integrity). But don't take our word for it! Check out the full video below -- it's basically Hostel with a handheld gaming device.
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! %Gallery-74096%
Sony America abandons UMD-to-PSP Go "good will" program, offers 225 games at full retail price instead
You know that UMD-to-PSP Go conversion program? Ain't gonna happen. The "good will" program that would have provided free (or at least heavily discounted) digital copies of games already purchased on UMD discs has been scrapped. A spokesman for SCEA said, "We were evaluating a UMD conversion program, but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time." Adding insult to injury, the PSP Go Rewards program offering 3 free games to European UMD owners will not be offered in the US. That's the bad news. The not so bad news is that 16,000 pieces of digital content will be available for the US PSP Go launch on October 1st. These include 225 downloadable games (full PSP titles, PSN exclusives, UMD legacy titles, and Minis), 2,300 films, and 13,300 television episodes. Still, not quite the "at least 300" digital games we were expecting. So US PSP owners, still planning to "upgrade?"Read -- UMD-to-PSP Go program scrappedRead -- 225 games at US launch
PSP Go Converter gives you a more well-rounded portable with support for last-gen's peripherals
Honestly, when we first heard the phrase "PSP Go Converter," we were really hoping it something to do with that UMD-to-digital good will program we heard about back at E3 -- but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Instead, the attachment lets you utilize accessories so far only compatible with last-gen PSPs, such as the 1Seg tuner, GPS receiver, and camera -- and if that's not your thing, we're sure it makes the device a tad more aerodynamic, as well. Sony also announced a number of other accessories, including a bluetooth stereo headset. Full press release and pics from the show floor just below. %Gallery-73862% Show full PR text SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES PERIPHERALS FOR PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE)GO Expands the Entertainment World of PSPgo with Attractive Peripheral and Accessory Line-up Tokyo, September 24, 2009 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced today that it will release Bluetooth® Stereo Head-set Receiver and Converter Cable Adaptor for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)go (PSP-N1000) on December 24, 2009, in Japan, at a recommended retail price of 4,980 yen and 1,980 yen (both including tax), respectively. These peripherals will also become available in North America, Europe/PAL territories and Asian countries and regions beginning January 2010*1. Bluetooth Stereo Head-set Receiver With a sleek design that matches perfectly with PSPgo, users will be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment content sounds comfortably through the Bluetooth wireless technology with the combination of commercially available head-phone and head-set. The Bluetooth Stereo Head-set Receiver pairs easily with PSPgo by simply holding the power button of the receiver, and operation buttons on the receiver will also enable users to instantly play, stop, pause, forward, rewind, and adjust the volume of music and videos. Additionally, the receiver can be paired with up to eight Bluetooth devices by using the Multi Pairing Feature. Converter Cable Adaptor With the new Converter Cable Adaptor*2, PSPgo users will be able to utilize the existing peripherals for PSP such as 1Seg Tuner*3, GPS Receiver and Camera designed for PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series on the PSPgo system that adopts Multi use connector. Additional peripherals and accessories will be released for PSPgo in conjunction with PSPgo launch in Japan to enhance its portability and convenience of users' use, including: AC Adaptor 2,100 yen (including tax) USB Cable 1,575 yen (including tax) AV Cable 2,200 yen (including tax) D-Terminal AV Cable 2,800 yen (including tax) Component AV Cable 3,000 yen (including tax) Cradle 4,800 yen (including tax) Accessory Pack 6,000 yen (including tax) Display Protection Film 800 yen (including tax) Privacy Film 1,000 yen (including tax) Pouch & Hand Strap (Black/White) 1,000 yen (including tax)/each PSPgo Pouch (Black/Grey) 1,600 yen (including tax)/each PSPgo Leather Case & Hand Strap 4,200 yen (including tax) Car Adaptor 1,980 yen (including tax) SCE will continue to further expand the PlayStation platforms with these new peripheral and accessory line-up with introducing the new PSP line-up, PSPgo.
Sony plans to keep PSP downloads at 'pricing parity,' whatever that means
Here's a great scenario for you, if you happen to be Sony's wallet: charge $250 for a handheld console without a physical game media option, and then charge on average $5 more for downloaded titles than they go for at retail, since you have zero competition in the download space. That seems to be SCEA's definition of "price parity" right now for the PSP, though in Japan downloadable titles have been on average slightly cheaper than their physical counterparts. Sure, it's rough on retailers if they have to compete with a lower-than-MSRP price coming straight Sony, but the likes of Amazon are already at below MSRP on plenty of titles, and we're not so sure consumers are going to take kindly to paying more for less (in the physical sense, anyway) after they already splurged hard on the PSP Go... not that they'll have much choice in the matter, outside of trying their luck at the old swap-a-roo. [Via Joystiq]
PSP Go unboxing (update: with video!)
Sony's just handed us a shiny new, UMD-less PSP Go (or "PSPgo," depending on who you ask) to run our greasy fingers all over, and while we can't give you our impressions until later this month, we can let you live vicariously through us and our unboxing photos. Enjoy! Update: Now with video, after the break. %Gallery-73475%
PSP Go refused by game retailer as Blockbuster fiddles
Do you run a brick-and-mortar store that primarily sells media? Yeah? Then lean in real close, we've got a little trend that you may have overlooked. The physical media you carry -- be it films, music, or games -- is going digital and moving on-line for direct-to-consumer downloads. Still, Dutch gaming-house Nedgame has a statement on its website saying it will not be selling the UMD-less PSP Go. It lists six reasons framed in a way that makes them sound like they're fighting for the rights of the consumer. However, as a seller of gaming media that boasts two new store openings on its home page, the primary beef likely stems from the shop's inability to sell physical media to the download-only PSP Go. Maybe a search on the tag Blockbuster could help with expansion planning?[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
PSP Go disassembled, reassembly still in question
Well, the PSP Go may still not be available to the general public just yet, but the folks at levelup.cn have somehow managed to wrangle one out of Sony's hands, and have promptly gone and done what appears to be the first proper disassembly of the device. While there's expectedly not a whole lot of surprises, we do get a good look at the now non-removable battery (pictured above), the on-board memory, the familiar nub and controls and, of course, the complete lack of any UMD remnants -- not to mention a curiously placed GameCube watermark. Hit up the link below for the step-by-step teardown.
Yesterday's PlayStation news, all in one place
Sony had itself quite a day yesterday, effectively reinvigorating the PlayStation brand with the $300 PS3 Slim and a host of upgrades and updates to the PSP, the PlayStation Store, and PlayStation Network. Now that the dust has settled, we thought we'd throw down a little recap in case you didn't catch it all -- it's clear that the lower-priced Slim has a lot of people talking about finally buying a PS3, but we think things like PSP Minis "snackable" games and the new PS3 firmware 3.0 might be equally important in the long run. Here's the full breakdown: Liveblog: Sony's GamesCom presser coverage live at Joystiq! Live from Sony's GamesCom Press conference (at Joystiq) PS3 Slim and PS3 classic: Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!) PlayStation 3 Slim unboxing and hands-on! PS3 Slim sized up: smaller, deeper, no Linux or PS2 compatibility Sony sneaks PS3 Slim through FCC under pseudonym, 250GB model discovered Sony finally hacks $100 from 'old' PlayStation 3 price, starting today Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer Editorial: A slimmer, cheaper, better PS3. Was that so hard? PSP: Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store Sony announces three new PSP-3000 colors for Europe PSP Minis, Digital Comics get their own promo videos
LocoRoco Midnight Carnival coming to PSP in Japan
"Midnight Carnival" is more than just the name of our favorite Rock/Metal/Glam band from Sugarland, Texas. It's also, according to Famitsu by way of IGN, the subtitle of a new LocoRoco game available for download only on the PSP this November in Japan (the same day the PSP Go arrives there). Details are scarce, but you can expect a new "Boing" move and more difficult stages with an action focus.Though LocoRoco Midnight Carnival hasn't yet been announced in North America, we have to imagine it's a safe bet. It's not as if there's a whole lot of localization to be done for singing balls of goo, right?
Sony to court iPhone devs, match App Store pricing?
We've known for a while now that "snackable" content (inexpensive apps for instant gratification) was in the cards for the PSP, a fact that supports rumours reported by Pocket Gamer that handheld games for the PlayStation Network will be priced in the €1-5 range -- on par with Apple's App Store. In addition, it seems that the company has been "actively sourcing" iPhone developers to bring their existing titles to PSN. Who knows? Maybe the quick'n'easy approach to games (and someday apps?) will take some of the sting out of the PSPgo's "premium" price point. Either way, if all this is true it's turning out to be a red letter day for iPhone devs. [Via gamesindustry.biz]
Sony said to have seriously considered second analog nub for PSP Go
It's no secret that a second analog nub was one of the biggest demands for what's now known as the PSP Go and, according to Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida, those requests were heard loud and clear during the Go's development. Speaking with Game Informer, Yoshida said that Sony had some "very serious discussion" about adding a second analog nub to the PSP Go, but ultimately decided against it to avoid splitting the PSP market in two. He further elaborated that the PSP Go is "designed to be perfectly compatible with the PSP-3000 and all the games that released before that," adding that "we are talking about the mid-life cycle of this platform" (referring to Sony's ten-year life cycle plan for all of its consoles). In other words, don't bet on one showing up on the inevitable PSP Go Slim 6000 either.[Via Joystiq]
Sony's plan for "snackable" PSP game and application downloads revealed
Sony already announced its intentions to bring more developers to the PSP platform at the big E3 gaming show last month. And the move to simplify its development tools was seen as a hint of new PSP applications beyond games. Now Develop has laid bare Sony's PSP development strategy as explained by Zeno Colaço, Sony's head of developer relations. According to Zeno, over 50 studios are working on "new kinds of games and applications" that will be sold via a "specially-branded separate area" of the PlayStation Store accessible by PSP and PSPgo owners. In effect, Sony is going after the kind of "snackable content" made popular by Apple's App Store -- inexpensive games and apps that can be downloaded in less than a minute for immediate gratification -- according to Subatomic Studio's Ash Monif. In fact, Subatomic, best known for its massive App Store hit, Fieldrunners, is developing a PSP-exclusive version of its tower defense game. Unlike Apple, however, Sony is charging for its PSP SDK in a bid to keep things, uh hem, "professional," as Zeno calls it.[Thanks, Calvin H.]
SCE: PSPgo's 480MHz clock speed references USB, not CPU
Looks like all that excitement over PSPgo's faster (but likely to be underused) 480MHz processor is all for naught. Our friends at Engadget Japan have gotten in contact with Sony Computer Entertainment and been informed that the Maximum clock frequency mentioned here is for the USB device, not the CPU. All those dreams of hacked firmware to unlock more power? Better hold that thought for now.
PSPgo packs a 480MHz processor, probably not crossing 333MHz mark
Officially, Sony's PSPgo is only clocking in at 333MHz like the rest of its brothers and sisters, but as the gang at Sony Insider found out in the FCC filing, the internal processor actually maxes out at 480MHz. What that means for gamers is probably nothing in the near future, since the firmware'll underclock it to standard speeds and we've seen absolutely no sign Sony's interested in releasing software exclusively for the UMD-less iteration at this point. Of course, the opportunity to capitalize on the upped hardware is gonna be there, and we still remember a noticeable difference in the technical quality of games released after Sony bumped its original PSP's clockspeed from 266MHz to its max 333MHz, but for now, it's just something to keep in the back of your mind. [Via Sony Insider]
PSP Go processor more than 40% faster than original
The PSP Go isn't just smaller than the original PSP series -- it's more powerful. In fact, it features a processor that's more than 40% faster than the original. The original PSP (1000-3000) series include a processor capable of reaching 333MHz speeds. FCC documents reveal that the PSP Go (N1001) includes a processor that can go up to 480MHz.It's unclear what the added processor power will be used for. It may be necessary for PSP Go-specific features, like in-game XMB. But will it be used in more traditional gaming applications? If so, could we possibly see PSP Go-exclusive games? Perhaps. Nintendo has released a very small number of applications exclusively for the upgraded DSi, which also features a much beefier processor than its predecessor so there's portable precedence.Update: Sony says the 480MHz was referring to the USB.[Via Sony Insider]
Sony exec says UMD-less PSP was "always the plan"
Well, it's no secret that plenty of folks have been talking about a UMD-less PSP since day one, but it looks like that's been the case behind the scenes at Sony as well, at least according to the company's head of product planning, Naoya Matsui. Speaking with GameBusiness.jp, he said that Sony has "planned to release a PSP model without a UMD drive since the very beginning," but that if "we'd simply released the hardware, there wouldn't have been much for everyone to enjoy," adding that Sony "needed to prepare the right environment for it first - things like the transferal of content with the PS3 and PSN, and PC software to manage content like music and movies such as Media Go." Matsui further went on to explain that Sony also had to wait until the "delivery of digital content was on par with the delivery of physical media," which it obviously thinks has now finally happened.[Via Joystiq]
Lack of PSPgo pre-orders bemoaned by UK retailers
So that "certain premium" for the UMD-less PSPgo? We may gripe about the $230 price tag here, but our friends across the pond might actually have it worse. Right now, while UK gamers are shelling out on average £100 (about $165 US) for a new PSP, the "guide price" for Go is currently set at around £230 ($370 US). Egregious? We think so, and it looks like British consumers might agree, as two independent retailers have reported zero pre-orders so far. Ouch. Of course, it's not indicative of the entire region, especially given there's no data here from the big chains, but as a "canary in a cage" indicator, it still doesn't sound good -- but hey, there's still plenty of time before its October 1 launch, and anything can happen.[Via Joystiq]
Sony exec admits "certain premium" associated with PSPgo
Alright, so this one isn't exactly a shocker, but it is a little bit of honesty that's not often found when it comes to talking about the prices of new gadgets. Speaking with MCV, SCEE President Andrew House denied that R&D costs and retailer mark-ups were the reason behind the PSPgo's high price tag, saying instead that, "when you introduce a new piece of hardware you have the opportunity to say there is a certain premium that is associated with it, and we took that into account." So, in other words, Sony is charging $249 for the PSPgo because it can. Surprised? Now, about that price cut...[Via Joystiq]