The PSP has always been a very solid contender. Acceptable multimedia management, a decent-sized screen, and a joystick (of course, we could always use a second) — and upcoming games like Soul Calibur, Little Big Planet, and Gran Turismo are all very valid reasons to get the Sony PSP — but before you run along and pick one up, you should know about the new kid on the block…
The PSP Go
Digital gaming is nothing new — Steam’s been at it with the PC for at least a good five years (I say “at least” because I remember getting Counterstrike: Source around five years ago). The idea of downloading games to a personal account isn’t a bad one — firstly, the games are more flexible because they can be downloaded anywhere. Secondly, a copy of the game will always exist — no need to worry about the condition of the physical disc. Thirdly, a minor convenience — but we don’t have to step outside to pick up a game anymore (the implications might be a bit depressing — after all, what happens when people don’t need to leave their houses for anything anymore? Alas, that’s a whole other can of worms).
Sony's new PSP Go can slide!
The PSP Go’s physical appearance is the most noticeable change — it is made more portable by sizing down the screen and the removal of the D-pad, analog stick, and the respective PSP buttons. Instead, Sony decided to split the physical form of the PSP Go into two differing platforms — the screen at the top, and the various methods of navigation on the sliding bottom platform.
With the PSP Go, Sony enters the digital gaming market — a good time to be entering the booming industry (could’ve been earlier, but it’s still not too late to make an impact). The PSP Go will not have a UMD slot for traditional PSP games — but it will have 16GB of flash storage as well as an extra memory slot for games, music, and videos (an acceptable 3.8-inch screen). According to Cinema Blend, Sony will allow for old games to be downloaded in the PSP Go format (http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Sony-Offers-Solution-For-UMD-To-Digital-PSP-Go-Game-Conversion-17993.html). Not a bad idea, considering the possibility of a huge conversion from the PSP 1000 crowd.
A look at the PSP Store concept on the PSP Go.
If you’re hoping to keep the Internet in your pocket, the PSP Go offers wi-fi connectivity (note: no 3g though). I suppose it’s alright — after all, it saves on the complicated bit on finding a supporter for the 3g and whatnot. The PSP can also connect to devices via Bluetooth, so connecting to the Internet via cell phone (sounds awfully redundant though) is a possibility.
Is the PSP Go something to wow over? It depends — what will you be needing it for? If you are wanting the portable gaming experience, then by all means consider the PSP Go. However, if Internet or multimedia playback is more important than gaming, the iPhone or iPod Touch si always an alternative.
Sources:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10254798-1.html
http://www.us.playstation.com/psp/systems/pspgo.html
http://gizmodo.com/5273203/psp-go-leaked-slider-with-16gb-of-flash-storage-and-bluetooth
http://www.developmag.com/news/32092/UMD-PSP-games-going-digital-to-support-Go-launch
thanks for the tips on the ps3!!
You commented on the wrong article, sir. This article refers to the psp
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