Sony PSP Go (black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: PSP98513
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The PSP Go is a sleek and sexy redesign, but its high price tag and some frustrating caveats mean it's not a must-have upgrade for existing PSP owners--at least for now.
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CNET editors' review
Sony PSP Go (black) price range: $225.00 - $249.99
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar and David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 09/28/2009
- Released on: 10/01/2009
The good: Sleeker, slimmer PSP design; 16GB of internal storage; expansion slot for additional memory; Bluetooth connectivity; good integration with PS3; can access multiple downloaded games without needing to keep bulky UMDs at hand; you can pause and resume game states.
The bad: Pricey, despite lack of touch screen and second analog stick; smaller screen (but same resolution); awkward placement of analog stick, volume, and display controls; unable to play UMD games or use old PSP accessories; uses obscure and expensive Memory Stick M2 format for memory expansion; battery not user-replaceable; slow download times for large games; online store not as intuitive as others (like the App Store).
The bottom line: The PSP Go is a sleek and sexy redesign, but its high price tag and some frustrating caveats mean it's not a must-have upgrade for existing PSP owners--at least for now.
Editor's note: This review was updated on October 9, 2009 with a rating now that Sony revamped its online store and expanded game offerings for the PSP Go.
On the surface, Sony's PSP Go doesn't really look like anything radically new for the PSP franchise. Yes, it's more compact than the three earlier generations of the portable gaming and multimedia handheld device. And yes, it features such additions as built-in Bluetooth, slide-out controls, and a smaller, more pocketable overall design. But the real change here--the radical departure, if you will--is the fact that the Go is the first dedicated handheld gaming system to go completely digital and move away from cartridges or optical discs.
Is that a good idea? Well, with the success of Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch as casual gaming devices, Sony has little choice to head down this path and it's probably smart that's doing it sooner rather than later (you can argue whether it should have done it four years ago, but that's another story). That said, while we applaud the jump to a digital-download-based system, it's certainly fraught with challenges, and how Sony overcomes them will go a long way to determining the PSP Go's success.
Design
While the features list differs little from earlier iterations of the PSP, the PSP Go is a complete redesign, with a focus on trimming the console down in almost every way. The initial version is available in black or white; don't be surprised to see more colors or specially branded versions in the future.
For starters, Sony has removed the UMD media slot and opted instead for 16GB of internal storage. It's also shrunk the screen from 4.3 inches (diagonally) to 3.8 inches while maintaining the same resolution at 480x272 pixels and its wide-screen aspect ratio. On top of that, the Sony-proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo slot has been swapped out for the smaller M2 Micro memory card slot--another proprietary Sony format. And finally, a slider mechanism has been incorporated to hide the controls when not in use.
All these design choices pay dividends, as the 5.4-ounce PSP Go is noticeably smaller than the PSP 3000 , measuring only 5 inches wide, 2.75 inches tall (when closed), and just over half an inch thick. Particularly when it's closed, it has a nice, minimalist look, and we're happy to say that it's the first PSP that can fit comfortably in your pocket (when the screen is slid open, the device expands to about 4 inches tall).
The screen itself does not seem to have the interlacing issue that plagued the PSP 3000, and it does seem more vibrant and a bit brighter than the 3000, as well. The smaller surface area does give you less of a viewing space, but since the resolution is still intact, some graphics do seem a bit sharper.
The body of the PSP Go is reminiscent of the glossy black plastic seen in all previous models and still remains a fingerprint magnet. The plastic surrounding the buttons and the D-pad, however, has more of a matte look. The back of the Go keeps the glossy finish, but also has two rounded rubber stoppers that help you grip the device.
The PSP Go feels great in your hands but we definitely had some gripes with how the new button layout performed in-game. Since the analog stick has moved to the right of the D-pad, you may feel off-centered. We tested our PSP Go with Motorstorm: Arctic Edge and could not help but notice that the new positioning felt a bit awkward. While it may not be as much of an issue to newcomers, veteran PSP users will certainly notice the change.
The analog stick is also smaller than in previous PSP models, but it feels more durable and sturdy. There's also more friction when moving it around, which we prefer over the much looser analog stick we saw in the PSP 1000 through 3000.
For the most part, the buttons themselves feel and perform very well. The D-pad and face buttons all have a much more solid tactile operation to them, almost exactly like those seen on the Nintendo DSi. They are also a bit smaller compared with the 3000, and they aren't as loose as in previous PSP models.
The L and R buttons are much more prominent, too, and we definitely prefer their feel over the clear shoulder buttons that adorn earlier PSPs. As for the Select and Start buttons, we felt that they're placed too close to one another, and for some reason they don't have the tactile click the other buttons have.
The display, volume, and sound buttons have also been moved: they now lie in between the L and R shoulder buttons. They all seem to work fine, but unfortunately you will need to glance at their location when the screen has been slid up in order to use them.
Most of the other switches and sliders remain basically in the same areas as preceding PSP models: the power/hold toggle is still on the lower right side and the wireless switch is on the lower left side, immediately below the new M2 Micro memory card slot.
As noted, the PSP Go does add Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity. That should make it easy to connect wireless headsets, though we could not get it to pair with one stereo Bluetooth headset that otherwise worked fine with an iPhone. However, the addition of Bluetooth does add the somewhat curious ability to control the PSP with a PS3 controller--though to set that up, you'll need to link both the portable and the controller to a PS3 simultaneously via USB cables.
Like the PSP 3000, this model has a built-in microphone for such applications as Skype calls via Wi-Fi. The microphone is located in between the analog stick and Select and Start buttons. (You can also opt to use a mic-enabled wired or Bluetooth headset instead.)
Two things you won't find on the PSP Go: a second analog stick and a touch screen. The former has long been on the wish list for the PSP, since it would effectively duplicate the familiar control scheme found on the PS2 and PS3. That would make (for instance) first-person shooters much easier to play. The dearth of a touch screen is notable because rival gaming platforms DS/DSi and iPhone/iPod Touch both utilize them. A touch screen on the PSP would also have allowed for an onscreen keyboard for Web surfing and data entry--both of which remain a chore.
Games and multimedia
With the removal of the UMD slot, all gaming and multimedia must be accessed via the 16GB of internal storage or a M2 Micro memory stick. Users can download software off of the PlayStation Store directly to their PSP Go (it's got built-in Wi-Fi) or transfer data from their PC or PlayStation 3 via USB.
Sony will also be selling bigger-budget downloadable games (that will also be available on UMD) and for those titles we recommend transferring the data directly off your PC or your PS3 rather than using the Wi-Fi connection on your PSP. For example, our download of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge (520MB) took more than 2 hours to complete from the Go. When we grabbed it off our PC, it took less than 20 minutes.
As of October 1, Sony is pledging to expand the available online offerings to include more than 225 games, 2,300 movies, and 13,300 TV episodes. Among the key games will be brand new (and highly anticipated) titles such as Gran Turismo and MotorStorm: Arctic Edge. Other notable PSP favorites include PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe, Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, Madden NFL 10, Soulcaliber: Broken Destiny, Beaterator, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Daxter, Star Wars: Battlefront II, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Tetris, and Fieldrunners. While you'll be able to download these games directly from the PlayStation Store, the newly announced Amazon.com PSN store does not have access to some titles in the Sony store.
As we said, in an effort to compete with the microtransaction-based download system that's been so successful with the iPhone and the iPod Touch, Sony's doing its best add a similar element of casual gaming to its PlayStation Store. At the forefront of the initiative are PSP Minis, a new type of bite-size casual game offered exclusively on the PlayStation Store, starting October 1. To be clear, these games aren't exclusive to the PSP Go (any PSP owner can download these games to a memory card), but their launch is tied in with the launch of the Go. Games can be bought online by loading up with PlayStation Store credits or buying prepaid cards at retailers (which provide a unique unlock code). As of now, PSP Minis range in price from $5 to $10--a bit more than what customers might be accustomed to paying in other places like Apple's App Store.
The PlayStation Store isn't the most intuitive experience we've had using an online app store. You can't see screenshots of games and, for the most part, they aren't necessarily organized in the most logical of ways. Plus, once you've started a download, your PSP Go is essentially locked down, meaning you can't use it for anything else until your download is complete.
If you have content across multiple Sony devices, you're going to want link the Go to your online PlayStation Network account to ensure that it will be able to play or view whatever you've purchased (games and video). This isn't the most practical process, but it does work, and the fact that you can share content with up to five Sony devices (PSPs and PS3s) is really convenient. The best deals are the so-called PSone classics--games originally designed for the original PlayStation that can be played on either the PSP or the PS3. Buy them once, and download them to any of the PSPs or PS3s on your account, at no extra charge.
For those PSP owners who may be upgrading to the Go, you'll have to manually move saved files over to your new system since your Pro Duo stick is no good on the new device. Of course, this process is only worthwhile if the game you're trying to play has been downloaded off the PlayStation Store. The lack of a UMD drive prevents you from playing all of your old UMD-based games, and--despite early rumors--there's also no trade-in program for existing UMD games at this time. That's another reason current PSP owners will want to think twice before upgrading.
Beyond gaming, the PSP Go is also a solid multimedia portable. In addition to playback of videos, digital music, and photos, it's also got a built-in rudimentary Web browser. Additionally, it's got a dedicated Internet radio player as well (though, again, setting it up and accessing music is somewhat more convoluted than it should be).
Separate cables must be purchased in order to hook the PSP Go up to a TV. You'll have the option of buying either a composite or component cable for displaying videos and games.
Operating system
The PSP Go seems to be running a slightly modified operating system than the older PSPs. Our review sample is running a software version 5.70, while our PSP 3000 is updated to 6.00. There are slight differences between the two versions as far as we can tell, most likely due in part to the fact that the PSP Go's slider affects the device's behavior.
For example, when the screen is closed (slid down), the device enters a sort of screensaver mode, where an analog clock and date are displayed. You can hit both shoulder buttons together to bring up a calendar and scroll through the months by hitting either L or R. When slid back open, you're returned back to the cross media bar (XMB). You can also change the way the PSP Go behaves when the screen is closed. Instead of the clock display, you can set it to go to sleep. While playing a video, you can close the display and continue watching. (If you really want to turn the PSP Go off, you'll need to hold the power switch for about three seconds. Slide the switch or the screen to power it up again.)
The only other significant improvement on the PSP Go's firmware is the option to pause a game and return to the cross media bar. During gameplay, hitting the PlayStation logo button in the bottom left corner of the screen will bring up a menu similar to the older PSP's home button options. By selecting "Pause Game" you can essentially freeze your game and return to it later by clicking "Resume Game" under the game icon in the XMB. It does take about 10 seconds to pause a game, but we found this to be a very useful feature.
Performance and battery life
While there are some rumors that the PSP Go sports a faster chipset that may offer performance benefits in the future, we didn't notice any discernible differences between our review sample and the PSP 3000 we had on hand. Playing the digital version of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge, the load times were virtually identical on both devices and the games played the same.
Much like the iPhone, the PSP has never been known for offering great battery life. And while the PSP Go seems to perform roughly the same as the PSP 2000 and 3000, it's important to note that the battery isn't user-replaceable, which means you can't just carry around an extra battery to swap in during long road trips or flights. This seems to have been a deliberate move by Sony to combat piracy, as previous PSP models have been exploited via custom battery packs such as Pandora's Battery.
Sony claims a fully charged PSP Go should net you around 3 to 6 hours of gaming time. We were able to squeeze just over 5 hours playing MotorStorm: Arctic Edge with the brightness on the lowest level and the volume only up 25 per cent. Of course your results may vary depending on your display settings. We were hoping for better battery life--especially considering there are no longer any moving parts--but the PSP Go's battery performance appears to be on par with the 3000's.
On a related note, we noticed that in other PSP models, you can manually check the battery's current status, but we couldn't find the same option in the PSP Go's system settings. Perhaps that feature will arrive with the next firmware upgrade (as noted, our system had system 5.7 firmware even though system 6.0 is the current version for other PSP models).
Accessories
Included with the PSP Go you get an AC adapter, a USB cord, Media Go software, and an instruction manual. Unlike previous models, the PSP Go does not offer a standard mini-USB port. Instead, everything has to be connected via a proprietary port. That includes the AC adapter, the USB cord (the Go charges when connected to a USB port on your PC), and the aforementioned PSP Go AV cable accessories that allow you to view games and videos on a TV screen.
The included Media Go software lets you convert most videos for playback on the PSP Go and can rip audio CDs to the device as well. The software acts as a mediator (think iTunes for an iPod) between your PC and PSP Go. (Plenty of other software--such as Format Factory--is also available to handle the conversion of videos to a PSP-friendly format.)
Conclusion
As we said in the intro, the PSP Go represents a bold move for Sony. In terms of design, this model, which is the sleekest and most pocket-friendly PSP yet, is very appealing, though not without a few downsides. However, its success will largely depend on the software that runs on it and whether Sony is able to get a large number of developers on board to produce inexpensive, compelling games, along with a core staple of AAA titles that fully exploit the PSP's graphics and gameplay advantages (yes, this remains a powerful little system) .
Because we've yet to see what Sony will offer as far as PSP Minis or additional nongaming applications, it's hard to pass final judgment on the Go at this time. For now it's safe to say that this is a sexy gaming handheld that's got potential but is overpriced at $250. If Sony had launched its PSP franchise with this model we wouldn't be as nitpicky. But as it stands, with the existence of the perfectly good $170 PSP 3000, it's really hard to tell people to go run out and buy the Go, which is limited by the number of games it can currently play.
Of course, as Sony works out the transitional kinks, builds out its PSP Minis offerings, and perhaps offers up some interesting, nongaming apps, we'll update our review accordingly.
Make no mistake: the PSP Go is a work in progress. Buy it if it strikes your fancy but realize that it's got some maturing to do. And also be aware that by the time it hits its stride, it will probably cost less--or may even be replaced by a better model.
In the meantime, if Sony were to lower the price of the PSP Go, create a smoother, more intuitive PlayStation Store experience, and offer all the titles available on the PSP platform in the PlayStation Store, we'd have a much easier time recommending the system over the current PSP 3000.
User reviews
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VERY Dissapointing
by broo2 on September 28, 2009
Pros: Small form factor; Good Screen dpi
Cons: No support for former PSP devices; no UMD upgrade options; proprietary memory upgrade (M2); poor ergonomics; same CPU/hardware as 8 years ago for a $250 premium
Summary: This device is a slap-in-the-face for any former PSP owners; all reverse compatibility has been ditched- hardware, memory card and UMD discs- and there are no plans for UMD upgrades ...
Summary: This device is a slap-in-the-face for any former PSP owners; all reverse compatibility has been ditched- hardware, memory card and UMD discs- and there are no plans for UMD upgrades to digital format. I would like to play Patapon on a PSP Go, but I am not paying $20 again for a game that I already own on UMD.
The device looks decent, and it is just about pocket-sized- but offsetting the analog stick to the center makes for an awkward holding position- especially if you are playing a game that needs the L/R shoulder buttons (which are under the screen when opened- another annoyance).
Lack of a removable battery is a hindrance if I want to use it on a long flight, and battery life has not improved in spite of the omission of the UMD drive.
Sony still continues to use their own proprietary memory card formats- this time they are going for a 'Memory Stick Micro M2'- which looks very similar to a MicroSD, but works only in this device and Sony Ericsson phones.
Games for this system can only be purchased from the Sony store and initial indications are that Sony will charge full retail for downloaded games- so no possible game sales at the local Target, no used games at GameStop and no options for trading/selling your used games. This reduces the actual value of the games to me significantly.8 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Different PSP.
by Orange006 on September 28, 2009
Pros: Slimmer light weight design, more portable then it once was. good interface although still looking for two analog sticks. overall the same features as your PSP 2000/3000. PS3 Sync is a nice feature. a tad bit better colors then previous models.
Cons: connects to computer by special cable. can't play UMD archive on it, but most games are available by download or soon will be. a bit smaller screen. high price. For those who don't want to lose all there games stick with your original PSP.
Summary: most of the people here rate poorly because they are expecting a brand new next-gen console. stop it, this is not a brand new PSP this a revamped PSP. If ...
Summary: most of the people here rate poorly because they are expecting a brand new next-gen console. stop it, this is not a brand new PSP this a revamped PSP. If you're afraid that you wont be able to play all the UMDs you purchased or don't like that you instead must download games rather then purchase them in stores then the simple answer is stay with your old PSP it does all the same things its just a different design. For what it was intended to do and what it does do its a great product.
jsnowbordr47 Sony isn't leaving their customers behind.If they are brand new users to the PSP, users they didn't obtain the device before maybe because of its bulkier size in comparison to the DS, they lose nothing. If your worried about losing all your games and movies that you got on UMD why bother switching to a PSP Go? why not just stick with the PSP that you have its practically the same thing, no one is being alienated because nobody has to switch its just another option.
Updated on Sep 29, 2009
As far as games go and being available for free download to the PSP Go thats soley a decison up to the game developers. If they want to do that they can go ahead but im exactly sure as to how they would.
I agree on your last point. Its shameless to create these unique cables/media storage/etc so you can't use anything else and have to pay a premium to get it from Sony and Sony only. They should be able to see if they make things more universal they will obtain more customers out of convience and price.6 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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They dropped one proprietary device and put in another.
by jsnowbordr47 on September 29, 2009
Pros: Slick Design
Cons: Smaller Screen, poor placement of analog stick, overall controls, and they have another freakin memory card format!?!?!
Summary: So... you can't use existing UMD based games and you aren't entitled to a digital copy since you bought the UMD version, so if you have $150 worth ...
Summary: So... you can't use existing UMD based games and you aren't entitled to a digital copy since you bought the UMD version, so if you have $150 worth of UMD based games, even ones that just came out last month, they are basically obsolete. Same goes with movies, if you were foolish enough to actually spend an extra $5 to buy a copy of Kill Bill Vol. 2 that plays only on a small PSP screen, that disc is now also obsolete.
Worst of all is that they have moved on to another Sony Proprietary memory card format. As if the Memory Stick Duo already wasn't "standard issue" enough for people, Sony goes ahead and moves to an even more obscure memory card format. ***?!?!?
They basically dropped 1 failing proprietary hardware (UMD Discs) and put another in its place (Micro M2). Has Sony not learned that people are not fans of THEIR proprietary technology? (Mini Discs, ATRAC 3's, Memory Sticks, Betamax, etc)
I mean, I have a relative who is a die-hard Sony fan. And he too has every revision of the PSP. He's the type of person who actually has shelf space in his house for UMD movies.lol But he also has a bunch of Memory Stick Duo's for watching downloaded videos on his PSP, so now he's going to have to go out and buy a whole bunch of new memory cards for this new PSP. That is, if he's crazy enough to buy it.lol
I haven't really been a big fan of portable gaming since GBA. It seems to take itself too seriously. When I'm on the go, I don't want to play deep games where I have to really get into the storyline. I want to play quick fun games that I can play for a few minutes just to kill time while on the BART on the 5 minute ride home. That's why Nintendo DS and even iPhone/iPod Touch is so much more successful in the gaming arena (and yes I know PSP has sold a lot, but it's nowhere near as successful as DS and iPhone has already sold more units and apps than PSP has units and games.) they aren't trying too hard. Sony tends to try and please everyone with its products by marketing them towards enthusiasts, casual gamers, etc. But in the end they usually end up either pleasing nobody. I have a buddy who was a diehard PSP fan when it was still in the pipeline and when it first came out. Last time I went to his place, It was under his bed and looked like it had been their for quite some time.lol1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very Disappointed
by ROckErJaMeS on December 7, 2009
Pros: Looks like they they spent no time on this
Cons: They should of added some color to this instead of the regular black color. Very boring looking
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If you don't already have a PSP handheld get this one!
by Pumpkin31 on December 1, 2009
Pros: Amazing feel. Actually portable in pocket unlike psp 3000. No UMD= no moving internal parts to break or fail. Downloadable games. Very fast almost seemless loading times. Great resolution. You get to play Sony exlusive games!!!
Cons: Price is too high. Needs to be at least $50.00 less to encourage more sales and stronger user base. Games are expensive to buy online but I can understand why read below. Hate the power cord. Why can't they just have a simple plug without a bulky box
Summary: First of all; this is simply the best handheld on the market. Like I said before no UMD drive no mechanical failure from wear and tear. Also no UMD disc'...
Summary: First of all; this is simply the best handheld on the market. Like I said before no UMD drive no mechanical failure from wear and tear. Also no UMD disc's to cram in your pocket. It always facinates me how a once portable system gets less portable, every time we go anywhere. We wind up carrying a suitcase to hold all the games and power cords. Which brings me to my gripe with this gadget, why the big ass power cord? Let me slip my trim PsP Go in my pocket and cram this unforgiving thing in my other pocket....Lame! I also read a lot of reviews on people griping about load times and game costs. Has any of these people actually ever downloaded a game? I mean xbox 360 live takes the same time or even longer. Also why are the games so expensive is the most common complaint. First Sony has to make money to cover the loss of developing the system. Second they have to download the games into a giant server absolutely perfectly so game play isn't messed up once you download it. & Third the game server device is expenisve and is being run 24/7 costing electricity and maintanance. Not having an actual hard copy of my game feels foreign, and gives me no trade up at the usual game stores. However; I am also not contributing to waste; no manufactured boxes, games, cases, and manuals. Also no trucks, planes, ships, and trains wasting fuel on transport. Bottom line___ it is not a next gen console but deffinately a step in the right direction. Being unhackable through the unremovable battery, constant online updates and different mem card are also a good thing. People who hack systems only serve to raise the cost of the next new console and game prices due to financial loss from low sales . Strangely most of these people complain about this system due to this fact and then have the gull to complain about the price? Anyone remember the Sega Dreamcast? It was hacked and soon Sega had lost so much money in unsold games they had to drop the system. Soon after many honest Dreamcast owners where wondering what the heck happened? I hope Sony has learned from the past and secures a brighter future.
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Falling for it
by Emp.BL on November 27, 2009
Pros: New bluetooth connection, smaller and lighter, new slide design, no UMDs required (although some people thinks its a nuisance I think it's an improvment), better screen, better analog grip, 16GB built in memory, new Media Go software.
Cons: No backward compatibility of UMDs, battery unchangeable, special port instead of the standard USB port.
Summary: Very impressed by it, though I haven't gotten one yet, I am planning to get one soon. It's just simply beautiful, 43% lighter than the PSP 1000 and ...
Summary: Very impressed by it, though I haven't gotten one yet, I am planning to get one soon. It's just simply beautiful, 43% lighter than the PSP 1000 and no UMDs required, I was actually comparing an iTouch with the PSP Go, and I think I fell in love the the PSP Go.
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Amazing system with some flaws, mainly in its price tag
by flathead0 on November 23, 2009
Pros: The screen is the best lcd screen I've seen in a portable device, it's size makes it much more portable and the 16GB is quite nice, I also was very impressed with it's audio quality it was on par with the ipod touch and the added blu-tooth is nice.
Cons: Specialty sony usb./charging cables are very annoying and much to short(apx. 3-4ft), shorter battery life then expected and not easy to replace, limited psn store psp game selection, no umd reader and above all the price of this is just way to high.
Summary: Overall I'd say this is defiantly the best psp I've owned, and I've owned them all, I would recommend getting one provided you don't have any ...
Summary: Overall I'd say this is defiantly the best psp I've owned, and I've owned them all, I would recommend getting one provided you don't have any umd's to lose and are just getting your first psp, or absolutely need one for the portability, but I'd still suggest trying to find it on sale or waiting until the price of the unit goes down first. I also do find I use my psp go while I'm traveling a lot more often as it's about the same size as my ipod touch and there's no hassle of carrying around umd's , although you could solve that by getting a bigger memory stick for your psp 1-2-3k of course so it's not really a plus to this system. I was also surprised how comfortable the system felt, I have the biggest hands out of anyone I've ever met yet it feels very comfortable to play for hours at a time. There's honestly not much else to say on that, I've had mine for a week so far and I don't regret getting it over the 3000 or 1000, when it all boils down it's basically the same psp just smaller, so if your current psp is simply to bulky for you I'd recommend you take a look at this little system and give er a whirl, and when you think of it it's about the same price as an apple Ipod touch, both have the same memory and do mostly the same things and nearly the same size but I think the psp go is better myself.
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Complementary, not a replacement
by som_bod_eee on November 19, 2009
Pros: the greatly reduced amount of umd i hv to carry, nice 4 travel
in a way dowloading is more of a value (1 price can download 5 times)
the screen: smaller but sharper picture
is it just me or does the analog stick feel beter? maybe because it is newCons: user replaceable battery
no choice in terms of internal storage, all 16 gb (ipod has 16,32)
the hardware? cld have been better but effect is reduced by the better screen.
analog stick placement cld hv been more thought outSummary: I think this device is recieving extraordinary excessive negative press, i mean the concept is the same as nintendo's model for the dsi-ds lite, however the psp go does ...
Summary: I think this device is recieving extraordinary excessive negative press, i mean the concept is the same as nintendo's model for the dsi-ds lite, however the psp go does have major advantage especially in terms of hardware.
To cut it short, i have never once regret ditching my ds for this. My friends have said to me often that this was what the psp should have been like ages ago, this i think could explain why some people are not so happy with its release.
I think however the potential of Sony's psn store to challenge the app store (apple) is not so big due to the app store's sheer size. However i do like the set up of the psn store as u dont have random developers crowding out the games/apps we want to buy. And lets face it, the ipod touch isnt a dedicated gaming device.
As much as we can play with words, the best thing to do before writing a review is try it yourself, try the demo out and i guarantee at least something good will come out of it. -
PSP Go - It's an amazing little device
by tadzooks on November 14, 2009
Pros: 100% digital, ability to expand via M2 sticks, the screen is AMAZING..( extremly sharp color clarity ), Sound is fantastic. and believe it or not the size is better than the other PSP. I have the White Go - looks sweeet ( black does too )
Cons: Of course no ability to transfer existing UMD's. No battery replacement ( at least user replacement ) a touch screen would have been a nice addition ( when the sceen is closed, but really not that big a deal. )
Summary: If your thinking of a PSP Go as I have been ( and I've been extremly skeptical about it ) you will be shocked. I have 2 iPod touch's ( 2nd ...
Summary: If your thinking of a PSP Go as I have been ( and I've been extremly skeptical about it ) you will be shocked. I have 2 iPod touch's ( 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen ) and the PSP is as good ( some cases batter ) than the iPod Touch. Games on the Go are fantastic as well as music playback. The sound is awesome, graphics too. I did not think I would like the Go and actually decided against it, until I played it at Best Buy this past Thursday. Afterwards I was 100% sold and I love playing with it. The analog nub is 1000% times better than the orginial. ( I have had am Asian orginal , US original, and the 3000 model which I gave to my son - so I know what I am talking about. ) However, its a shame that Sony took this long to bring this out. The Go should have been the 1st model and improve upon that. Would like to see the next Go to have dual analog nubs and a Tegra proc from Nvidia. The machine is amazing, go try it and see for yourself. Thats the best way to decide if either you hate it or love it.
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The PSP Go is a FANTASTIC portable entertainment device
by thedudereturns on November 7, 2009
Pros: Sleek and eye-catching. Can take it anywhere. Ample memory for games, music and videos. Comfortable to hold and use. Brilliant screen. Great games.
Cons: Wish the newly-released games were a bit cheaper, but there are plenty of affordable games.
Summary: I've had mine for about a week and I love it. I imagine 95% of the negative reviews are by those who have never even laid their hands on ...
Summary: I've had mine for about a week and I love it. I imagine 95% of the negative reviews are by those who have never even laid their hands on one. I'll address some of the issues that the haters harp on. The ergonomics are great. I've had lengthy game sessions and I have never felt cramping in my normal-sized adult hands. I had to get used to the recessed start/select buttons and the volume controls being behind the open screen, but it didn't take long. The screen is plenty big enough, with a very sharp picture. The price is quite reasonable. This is a very nice gadget. I feel I have gotten more than my money's worth. Downloading games is easy. I download to my PS3 first, then transfer them to the Go. I can't tell you how long it takes to download directly to the Go. Doubt I'll ever need to try. I can understand why people are angry about the lack of UMD conversion. I don't own any UMDs, so it is not an issue for me. Maybe Sony will solve this. Maybe not. If this is an issue for you, I would say either (a) hang on to your current psp and (don't) buy a go, or (b) trade in your current PSP and UMDs and get a Go. Don't bash the PSP Go out of bitterness.
I never bought a PSP before because it was too bulky. This is perfect for me. If you are an adult gamer or someone who loves gadgets, I highly recommend the PSP Go. If the price is an obstacle, if you buy/sell used games to support your gaming, or if portability and the 'cool' factor don't matter to you, you can probably just stick with the PSP 3000 or DSi.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: PSP98513
- Description: Expanding the PSP universe, PSPgo is the smallest, lightest PSP yet.Which means it's now even easier for you to play great games, listen to your favorite music, watch videos, view photos, surf the Internet and chat with friends on the move. Plus, with Bluetooth 2.0 technology now added to the mix, PSPgo also retains its critically acclaimed Wireless features including Ad Hoc Mode (direct PSP to PSP Wireless connection), Infrastructure Mode (PSP to Wireless local area network (WLAN) connection), Remote play (PSP to PS3 Wireless local area network connection) and Game Sharing, which allows you to share specific game features between two PSP systems. Never has there been so much power in your pocket. PSPgo has a brand new look that's perfect for slipping into your pocket when you're on the go. The system's stylish slide open design reveals the familiar PSP button layout and feature set - complete with analog stick and built-in microphone. PSPgo is now the ultimate portable PlayStation gaming system.
General
- Name Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP go) N1000 series
- Type Game console
- Form Factor Handheld
- Width 5 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 2.7 in
- Weight 5.6 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
- Available Body Colors White|Black
Game Console
- Color Support Color
- Features Built-in microphone
Processor
- Type 333 MHz
Memory / Storage
- RAM Installed ( Max ) 64 MB - Integrated
Display
- Type LCD display - 3.8 in TFT active matrix - Color - Internal
- Color Support 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Resolution 480 x 272
Video
- Max Resolution (external) 480 x 272
Audio
- Built-in Speakers Speaker(s)
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
Communications
- Connectivity Features Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11
Input Device
- Type Game pad - Integrated
- Pointing Device / Manipulator Game pad
- Features LCD screen
Connections
- Connector Type ( USB ), Headphones, USB, Composite video output
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 Memory Stick Micro (M2)
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery Game console battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
Product series
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Sony PSP Go - Game console, Handheld, 333 MHz, 64 MB - Integrated, White|Black, 480 x 272
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Sony PSP Go - Game console, Handheld, 333 MHz, 64 MB - Integrated
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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