What's the Hype With PSP Go?

With the Nintendo DSi out and selling like hotcakes Sony needs to come up big with their next version of the PSP. The PSP Go hits retail stores on October 1st, 2009. The Go is the newest of Sony’s line of PSPs. It is the smallest and lightest of all the PSPs as of yet. One of the largest changes from the PSP 3000 to the PSP Go is the non-existent use of UMDs. Instead games are purchased via PlayStation Network. If you plan to buy one or are just curious you’ll want to know all about the PSP Go. Specifically it’s specs, the new application store, and whether or not it’s really for you.

The PSP Go is a sleeker smaller version of the existing PSP, but what’s really new? First off the PSP Go features a 3.8” screen compared to the 4.3” screen the existing PSP has. However the PSP Go is reportedly 43% lighter than the PSP. Which means at 3.8 ounces it’s quite light.

The Go will offer a 16GB built-in flash memory and is expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. There is no UMD drive for the PSP Go, which is a reason for the smaller size and hopefully better battery life. On the downside it means it’s impossible to play your old UMD games on the PSP Go.

The layout may be different, but the controls are barely changed from earlier PSP models. Four way d-pad on the left, standard Sony controls on the right (circle, square, cross, triangle), select/start buttons in the center and a PlayStation Home button to the left of the screen. In many ways it’s very reminiscent of a PS3 controller. With Wi-Fi already available on previous PSPs Sony added Bluetooth capability to the PSP Go. This should allow standard Bluetooth headsets to be used with the PSP. The PSP Go will also be able to connect as a controller for the PS3.

One of the largest additions to the PSP Go is the fact that instead of games being bought and loaded into the system via UMD they can be downloaded onto the PSP Go itself. This brings the PSP Go to a whole new level. Instead of carrying cases or game cases gamers can travel on the go with their PSP Go in their pocket with every game they have, but all on the system. It literally makes the PSP Go really true to it’s name.

However to anyone that previously owned an existing PSP your UMD games are virtually worthless with the PSP Go. On the upside not only will games be downloadable, but Sony also has a PSP App store in the works.

Unfortunately unlike Apple’s Iphone the development kit for the App store will not go public. Some games that will be featured for the PSP Go at its launch are Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, and select others. For the on the go gamer the PSP Go is one of the best things you can possibly get.

So you know all about what the PSP can do, it’s great portability and upcoming App store, but is it for you? The PSP Go looks to be a very good portable gaming system, but it has its downsides. If you already own a PSP and use it primarily at home or even in the car you maybe don’t need it. However if your constantly using your PSP as your main source of entertainment and like to have it with you quite often then the PSP Go is definitely an option for you.

If you don’t own a PSP at all and want the best use out if it get the PSP Go. Although the PSP Go is not the PSP2, more like the PSP 1.5. It does provide a gap between Sony wanting digital-only distribution, but older PSP’s can also play download-only titles they won’t be leaving the scene as of now.

The PSP Go is looking to be a great addition to Sony’s line of PSPs. With a price point of $250 USD it’s a steep $80 dollar climb up from the PSP 3000, but in new customers and old alike possibly very well worth it. Whether or not the PSP Go is too late in the online application and video game distribution market will just have to be seen. Either way Sony has dished out another great product.