So who picked up the psp Go today? Thoughts?

[RyanMurf]

I for one picked the system up this morning rite before school. I have to say that I am kinda disappointed. The whole feel of the system is pretty comfortable but the buttons just don't cut it. The buttons are like the original Nintendo ds buttons. The screen also looks very similar to that of the 3000. I am having fun playing the rock band game that came with it though. So yeah I was just wondering what everyone else thinks of it if you bought it or not.

[Dangerboy]

Wait, it came with Rock Band? I thought there were no bundles with it?

I got to try out our Sony Rep's model, and aside from fixing the analog stick finally, everything else was just meh. I can safely pass on it.

[Oobgarm]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136482

Absolutely zero interest, thanks.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Wait, it came with Rock Band? I thought there were no bundles with it?

I got to try out our Sony Rep's model, and aside from fixing the analog stick finally, everything else was just meh. I can safely pass on it.

The Rock Band that comes with it is a lite version (though not a demo) that contains a few songs and the ability to buy more from the store if I'm not mistaken. Not a terrible idea IMO.

[IcBlUsCrN]

sadly i have interest but

1 there is no way in hell i am paying $50 less then a ps3 for it
2 i will wait till they hack it anyway so i can put my own games on it.

the thing that interest me is the size i want something that fits in my pocket better then the og psp and has better graphics then a ds.

[Damiean Dark]

Sony are never going to learn that a a GAMES CONSOLE needs GAMES for it to be really successful. Forget the PSP many other features i want great games this is why the DS is stomping it into the ground with its mix of hardcore gaming and more leisure games.

I may well pick up a first generation cheap PSP someday but no way am i paying through the nose for the Go.

[kupomogli]

Sony are never going to learn that a a GAMES CONSOLE needs GAMES for it to be really successful. Forget the PSP many other features i want great games this is why the DS is stomping it into the ground with its mix of hardcore gaming and more leisure games.

I may well pick up a first generation cheap PSP someday but no way am i paying through the nose for the Go.

They've got alot of good games downloadable for the Go as of right now, quite a few good ones per genre to cater to everyones needs. Mainly for people who don't own a PSP right now I'd say. On UMD they obviously have alot more. Just this week a ton of games have been added to the PSN though, so who knows how many games will be added next weeK?

Also, while the PSP(regular/umd format) doesn't have the amount of games the DS has, the amount of games it has that are actually good surpasses the DS.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Sony needs to change their sales slogan for PSP/PS3 to

Playstation : You can't please all of the people, all of the time.

[portnoyd]

They've got alot of good games downloadable for the Go as of right now, quite a few good ones per genre to cater to everyones needs. Mainly for people who don't own a PSP right now I'd say. On UMD they obviously have alot more. Just this week a ton of games have been added to the PSN though, so who knows how many games will be added next weeK?

Also, while the PSP(regular/umd format) doesn't have the amount of games the DS has, the amount of games it has that are actually good surpasses the DS.

Thanks for your valueless opinion, Sony fanboy.

$250 for a portable? Hello Turboexpress. Actually, it's like the Turboexpress. A portable version of something out, but for more and you get less. I expect the same result.

I hope they rebrand it as the PSP LOL.

[Press_Start]

They've got alot of good games downloadable for the Go as of right now, quite a few good ones per genre to cater to everyones needs. Mainly for people who don't own a PSP right now I'd say. On UMD they obviously have alot more. Just this week a ton of games have been added to the PSN though, so who knows how many games will be added next weeK?

You forget we're in a recession. Price will be the biggest thing holding sales back for the Go as people are trying to make every buck count. Anyone could easily get a regular PSP with 5-10 good games for the same amount as the handheld itself.



Also, while the PSP(regular/umd format) doesn't have the amount of games the DS has, the amount of games it has that are actually good surpasses the DS.

Warning! Warning! This thread is entering fanboy country, please leave all facts, logic, and reason at the border. Thank you! X_x

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Sony are never going to learn that a a GAMES CONSOLE needs GAMES for it to be really successful.

To be fair, this is an equally ridiculous, short-sided statement worthy of being branded "fan-boy drivel", and which obviously egged Kupo into his own polarized statement.

I'm still WICKEDLY amused by the near violent fervor that the Go has whipped the "hardcore" community into.

I'm fully expecting to see bricks hurled through store windows and some type of offensive burning effigy on the lawn of SCEA by the end of the week.

[Emuaust]

So you have one Frankie?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So you have one Frankie?

No, I'm fine with my 2000.

Why do you ask?

[GarrettCRW]

You seem to be a pretty heavy defender, for one thing.

[kupomogli]

You forget we're in a recession. Price will be the biggest thing holding sales back for the Go as people are trying to make every buck count. Anyone could easily get a regular PSP with 5-10 good games for the same amount as the handheld itself.

I'm not saying people can't pick up an original PSP. I for one wouldn't ever pick up the Go and believe it's not going to do good either, but then again, I already own a PSP 1000 and two PSP 2000s(one I'm going to sell.) I don't purchase digital content so the Go wouldn't appeal to me.

I'm only mentioning what the Go has to offer. Regardless that the system is a ripoff, it still has good games on the PSN. This will obviously do no good for someone who has a PSP already and already has alot of games(especially alot that you can't get on the PSN,) but to newcomers who are interested in what it has to offer, price aside, atleast 10-20 PSP games on the PSN are good.


The buttons are like the original Nintendo ds buttons.

This is a good thing. The original DS face buttons are better than the PSP buttons. The L and R buttons on the DS are just a bit akward to press repeatedly though(compared to the original GBA. Most comfortable handheld.)

As for the DS Lite. Don't remember anything about the buttons, but the control pad is awful. Good thing you didn't mention that system.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

You seem to be a pretty heavy defender, for one thing.

Defender?

I've stated numerous times that I don't personally think that the device will be a success.

Don't mistake the fact that I'm not personally insulted by its production/existence and/or vehemently bemoaning it's market presence at every turn as PURE defense for the system or Sony's development decisions ... the Go is certainly a strange device, but I'm not met with any other gut reaction than acceptance when I look at it all on paper.

Honestly I could care less that it's being produced, like I said, I'm simply amused by the reaction it's causing.

Those who know me should know that I'm very even keel about any new tech/hardware from any company and that I don't buy into "predictions of doom" out of the gate.

5 years ago people were certain and I mean absolutely, positively certain that the PSP would not make it in the market at its original launch price, with its launch & 1st year lineup and on store shelves alongside the DS long-term.

Lots of people were wrong then, and they MIGHT be wrong now about the long term success of this (myself included since I'm gauging the market reaction in my estimation that it might not succeed)

Yeah, it doesn't feature a UMD drive - but the 3000 does, and the 3000 will continue to be produced along with UMDs. This isn't supplanting the current model PSP it's just another choice that consumers can make. It's OBVIOUSLY not the choice for everybody, and not one for media-loving collectors ... but it's a choice nonetheless, why fault more choices for ANY reason?

I'm game collector who digs physical media, but I'm also a futurist who likes ergonomics and convenience.

While I'm not embracing the Go for my personal collection at the moment, I see absolutely no problem with it, it's there, I think it's obviously an experiment and whatever it winds up doing at retail I completely fail to see the logic in all the Go-hate.

[RyanMurf]

Defender?

I've stated numerous times that I don't personally think that the device will be a success.

Don't mistake the fact that I'm not personally insulted by its production/existence and/or vehemently bemoaning it's market presence at every turn as PURE defense for the system or Sony's development decisions ... the Go is certainly a strange device, but I'm not met with any other gut reaction than acceptance when I look at it all on paper.

Honestly I could care less that it's being produced, like I said, I'm simply amused by the reaction it's causing.

Those who know me should know that I'm very even keel about any new tech/hardware from any company and that I don't buy into "predictions of doom" out of the gate.

5 years ago people were certain and I mean absolutely, positively certain that the PSP would not make it in the market at its original launch price, with its launch & 1st year lineup and on store shelves alongside the DS long-term.

Lots of people were wrong then, and they MIGHT be wrong now about the long term success of this (myself included since I'm gauging the market reaction in my estimation that it might not succeed)

Yeah, it doesn't feature a UMD drive - but the 3000 does, and the 3000 will continue to be produced along with UMDs. This isn't supplanting the current model PSP it's just another choice that consumers can make. It's OBVIOUSLY not the choice for everybody, and not one for media-loving collectors ... but it's a choice nonetheless, why fault more choices for ANY reason?

I'm game collector who digs physical media, but I'm also a futurist who likes ergonomics and convenience.

While I'm not embracing the Go for my personal collection at the moment, I see absolutely no problem with it, it's there, I think it's obviously an experiment and whatever it winds up doing at retail I completely fail to see the logic in all the Go-hate.
Well Said!!!

[dao2]

They've got alot of good games downloadable for the Go as of right now, quite a few good ones per genre to cater to everyones needs. Mainly for people who don't own a PSP right now I'd say. On UMD they obviously have alot more. Just this week a ton of games have been added to the PSN though, so who knows how many games will be added next weeK?

Also, while the PSP(regular/umd format) doesn't have the amount of games the DS has, the amount of games it has that are actually good surpasses the DS.

wow you are definitely kidding yourself if you think the psp has a larger amount of "good" games then the ds :P I'm not tryin to bash the psp or anything but ya... no way in hell....

[RyanMurf]

wow you are definitely kidding yourself if you think the psp has a larger amount of "good" games then the ds :P I'm not tryin to bash the psp or anything but ya... no way in hell....

There really is no such thing as a system in general having better games than the other. It all comes down to what style of gaming you like more. For example I cant stand ps2 games...(i know i know) I just dont like many of them. On the other hand I love xbox and xbox 360 games. Almost all of them I cant complain about. Bottom line it depends on what kind of games you like to play. Everyone is different.

[Kid Ice]

Honestly I could care less that it's being produced, like I said, I'm simply amused by the reaction it's causing.

Me too....so much....I don't know....hate? For a system hardly anyone has had their hands on yet? At least the Wii hatas already have one. Sheesh.

I'm probably getting one tonight, will call back if I do.

btw they released *100* psp games to the PlayStation store today for the "it doesn't have enough games" crowd. Give me a break.

[The 1 2 P]

Sony needs to change their sales slogan for PSP/PS3 to

Playstation : You can't please all of the people, all of the time.

Perhaps but shouldn't every video game platform maker use that as their slogan?

[eskobar]

Apparently, too many people will prefer to buy the PS3 over the PSP for its price .... it's strange that one of the first thoughts when you see the price of the PSP Go is :

"no way i'm paying 249 usd if the ps3 costs 299 usd"

The PSP Go is not made for me ... i love gaming, but opening a brand new game is like a sacred ritual to me; collecting doesn't help either :/

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Perhaps but shouldn't every video game platform maker use that as their slogan?

Yes. That too.

Video Games : failing to please everybody since 1971

[meancode]

I'm still WICKEDLY amused by the near violent fervor that the Go has whipped the "hardcore" community into.

I'm fully expecting to see bricks hurled through store windows and some type of offensive burning effigy on the lawn of SCEA by the end of the week.

I agree about the hate. But man, that would be so awesome!

[c0ldb33r]

$250 for a portable? Hello Turboexpress. Actually, it's like the Turboexpress.
Dude, don't compare it to the turboexpress. I'll have to buy it. I LOVE the turboexpress!

[mobiusclimber]

5 years ago people were certain and I mean absolutely, positively certain that the PSP would not make it in the market at its original launch price, with its launch & 1st year lineup and on store shelves alongside the DS long-term.

Lots of people were wrong then, and they MIGHT be wrong now about the long term success of this (myself included since I'm gauging the market reaction in my estimation that it might not succeed)

People were wrong only insofar as not realizing a) Sony has deep pockets; b) they would actually fix their many many mistakes over time. What has caused most other contenders who've entered into the handheld market and tried to compete against Nintendo to fail is that they just don't have the cash flow to hold on long enough and take a beating long enough to succeed. Only Sega came anywhere close but both of their handhelds had a large share of problems that were never addressed let alone fixed. The early PSP could be used as a weapon if you sharpened the UMD case since it could shoot them out across the room. Not to mention most of the early games were underwhelming. The early PSPs felt flimsy, and yet were fairly expensive. It took awhile for Sony to correct these things, but most of them WERE corrected. And of course, once people figured out how to run emulators on the PSP, the system took off. While the PSP has many great games, they can't and don't compete with the DS on that level. And that's fine given the state of emulation on the PSP.

This is why the critics who said the PSP wouldn't last were "wrong." Their criticisms were all right on the money, it was the predictions of failure that weren't. Once people crack the Go and figure out fun and illegal things to do with it, AND the price drops about a hundred bucks, it'll sell a lot more units. I don't think it's ever going to be a financial success for Sony (thank god, since this is one big experiment in digital distribution which, if successful, could spell the end of next gen gamer for most of us collectors since there won't be anything to collect), but the system itself will at least be a decent seller.

But that's just yet another prediction. It all comes down to what Sony does.

[TonyTheTiger]

The only thing I'm curious about is how Sony is going to handle the inevitable hacking of this thing. I ask because it's somewhat different than the original PSP. Even if somebody hacks a PSP they still might want to actually go out and buy a game once in a while and a PSP with pirated games on it is not the same as a PSP with a library of actual UMDs.

But a PSP Go with a whole bunch of pirated stuff on it might not look all that different from a PSP Go with legitimately purchased stuff on it. So if Sony was hurting because people were buying the original, hacking it, and not buying much after that, I fear this new machine might make that sting even worse because now the pirates are getting quite literally exactly what the paying customers are.

[Kid Ice]

Has anyone seen a store demo of this anywhere yet? I'd really like to get my hands on it before I buy one. Also they told me in Gamestop that it doesn't come with the proprietary USB cable....I didn't want to insult the guy's intelligence by asking to look at the box, but I'd be really surprised if this were true. Anyone know for sure?

[Dr. Dib]

Perhaps my memory is b0rken, I'm too much of a Nintendo fanboy, or my mind has been warped by the Internet, but I remember a lot of buzz about how great the PSP was compared to the DS at E3 05. Nintendo was still the kiddy console and most people though the DS was a terrible idea. I remember EGM, or it may have been gamepro, going so far as to call it the Virtual Boy 2 in a sort of editorial. The PSP looked to be the more advanced system, and many people though the Playstation brand would help it sell. Though to be fair I do remember people saying Nintendo knows their handhelds.

Now off that topic, I'm not really interested in the PSP Go and can't see it going to far. Sony probably did release it at a good time since it will have time to settle into the market place for the holiday season, but it is unlikely to sell it to the mass market. Then again, I remember Sony saying the PSP Go was more for the tech geek than the casual consumer. If that is there market perhaps they will corner it easily.

I'm only an amateur analyst who can make statements on the Internet, but I see the PSP Go as a bit of a testing the waters for how well a system solely reliant on digital distribution will go. Which, reminds me a bit of Nintendo and how they played it safe with the Nintendo DS. If the PSP Go and its online market place does well, we'll probably see the PSP 3000 phased out. Otherwise the opposite memory and the PSP Go will sit in portable Hell right next to its many other inhabitants.

[Kid Ice]

(comment retracted)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

People were wrong only insofar as not realizing a) Sony has deep pockets; b) they would actually fix their many many mistakes over time. What has caused most other contenders who've entered into the handheld market and tried to compete against Nintendo to fail is that they just don't have the cash flow to hold on long enough and take a beating long enough to succeed. Only Sega came anywhere close but both of their handhelds had a large share of problems that were never addressed let alone fixed. The early PSP could be used as a weapon if you sharpened the UMD case since it could shoot them out across the room. Not to mention most of the early games were underwhelming. The early PSPs felt flimsy, and yet were fairly expensive. It took awhile for Sony to correct these things, but most of them WERE corrected. And of course, once people figured out how to run emulators on the PSP, the system took off. While the PSP has many great games, they can't and don't compete with the DS on that level. And that's fine given the state of emulation on the PSP.

This is why the critics who said the PSP wouldn't last were "wrong." Their criticisms were all right on the money, it was the predictions of failure that weren't. Once people crack the Go and figure out fun and illegal things to do with it, AND the price drops about a hundred bucks, it'll sell a lot more units. I don't think it's ever going to be a financial success for Sony (thank god, since this is one big experiment in digital distribution which, if successful, could spell the end of next gen gamer for most of us collectors since there won't be anything to collect), but the system itself will at least be a decent seller.

But that's just yet another prediction. It all comes down to what Sony does.

Criticisms are almost always relative.

Derisions like "costs too much", "not enough games", "long load times", "short battery life", "too much shovelware", "too many games for kids", "too much emphasis on graphics", "too many ports", "not powerful enough hardware", and so on and so forth, are generally opinion based and have varying degrees of meaning/importance depending on the user.

The gaming community is so spoiled in this generation of portable systems by truly fantastic hardware and software from both Nintendo and Sony that they seem to hunger for reasons to dislike things.

If you think about all the genuine shortcomings of handheld gaming in the past and look and how far we've really come, and how great we have it it's really pretty baffling.

[ShinGundam]

Honestly I could care less that it's being produced, like I said, I'm simply amused by the reaction it's causing.
Yeah It kinda ironic that we barely hear any negative reaction to DSi which is much
worse than psp go for reasons like DSiWare Games Can't Be Transferred
and DS games with DSi enhanced features and DSi games both are region locked :|

[duffmanth]

Sony are never going to learn that a a GAMES CONSOLE needs GAMES for it to be really successful. Forget the PSP many other features i want great games this is why the DS is stomping it into the ground with its mix of hardcore gaming and more leisure games.

I may well pick up a first generation cheap PSP someday but no way am i paying through the nose for the Go.

This is such a huge misconception some people have about the PSP. It has a whole shit load of great games both in UMD format and downloads. I think one of the reasons why people still think the PSP doesn't have many great games is because Sony hasn't promoted and marketed the system and its games very well over the last few years. I hardly see any ads on TV for the PSP and never really have. They need to do a better job in this department.

I think judging from the about of shit Sony is already taking, and has already taken with the PSPgo, they should really re-think their strategy with the go. First knock off $50 at least, these PSP minis should be 99 cents to $5 at the very most if they want to compete with Apple and iTunes, digital copies of UMD games like Resistance shouldn't be $30-40 more like $10-20, and Sony needs to get this UMD conversion program into full swing and stop feeding us shit about legal issues when it just comes down to sheer greed on their part. I'm sure there are some legal issues that need to ironed out, but making the program somewhat available in one territory and not others is messed up.

[mobiusclimber]

The gaming community is so spoiled in this generation of portable systems by truly fantastic hardware and software from both Nintendo and Sony that they seem to hunger for reasons to dislike things.

If you think about all the genuine shortcomings of handheld gaming in the past and look and how far we've really come, and how great we have it it's really pretty baffling.

Maybe we ARE spoiled, but it's only because that which has preceded the two current handhelds (DSi and PSP Go) is in so many ways superior. Both the GBA and the DS are amazing handhelds and I'd say that the PSP has really had tough competition, yet has mostly succeeded at competiting. It's truly a different handheld with a completely different feel to it and its games. These are the pinnacles of handheld gaming. It's why the decisions for both the DSi and the PSP Go seem so stupid, and why they look so unattractive to hardcore gamers/collectors.

To answer the question of why there hasn't been more backlash topics against the DSi... it's always seemed like more of a thing that we could simply ignore and not buy. Yeah, the region locking of games, and removal of GBA slot are both horrible decisions, and I have in fact seen topics lamenting these decisions. Yet I never got the feeling like Nintendo was "testing the waters" for more things to come. Most systems ARE region-locked, for instance, and most of us knew that eventually a Nintendo handheld wouldn't be GBA compatible (given that the DS isn't GB/GBC compatible, it's no real surprise they removed GBA compatibility except that they didn't wait for the next iteration to do it in). The big problem w/ the PSP Go is that we all, I think, know that at some point console makers are going to want to go download only with their games. So this becomes a line drawn in the sand, basically. If this even enjoys a modicum of success, we're going to see a nightmare of next gen consoles w/ DLC only. That's the big fear. I guess tho that for me any it won't matter too much. I'm losing interest in the current gen every day and have been contemplating getting rid of the Wii and 360 for awhile now. The games just don't appeal to me. So maybe it'll be a good thing if/when all games are download only. I won't be compelled to buy them anymore.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Perhaps the topic title should be changed to "who is not picking up the PSPgo?"

hmmm there are several threads below about games I don't plan on buying, perhaps I'll check into those and tell everyone how I am not buying them.

The OP wanted to know who was not buying it also and for what reasons...

Sony's last great product idea was nine+ years ago... It's time for them to get their shit together. The difference between the Nintendo and Sony in the back field slump talks is just how could Sony go software only? LOL Oh noes! Sony Imagesoft! :beaten:

I'm in the "No way in hell" camp. Sure, I traded in old DS units when they were getting huge trade bonuses in for a DSi and got it for practically nothing. The DSi also added features. And more features than it subtracted (GBA slot)... Since I payed ~$25 out of pocket for my DSi, I'll gladly buy a PSPGo for ~$50. But in reality, my 2000 does everything the Go can do, so it would just be more for the "what the hell" factor than anything else. Of the current consoles, two of three are cheaper than a handheld? I'm sorry, the Go is just ludicrus.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The DSi also added features, not subtracted...

Oh, come on now. Your memory must be playing tricks on you.

It added AND subtracted. Remember that GBA/Rumble Pack slot on the DS/DS Lite?

[Icarus Moonsight]

What you get from DS/Lite to DSi
Removal of GBA slot... and added features;
Bigger Screens
SD Media slot
A bit of internal storage (IDK how much, I have so many SD cards, first thing in was a 4GB SD)
Cameras (up to this point worthless really)
DSiWare and built in browser
Upgraded architecture and RAM

VS

What you get from PSP to PSPGo
8 or 16GB? internal storage... Now comes the butcher;
Removal of UMD drive
Smaller screen
Battery?

Yeah, my memory is the faulty part of this.

[Rickstilwell1]

Defender?

I've stated numerous times that I don't personally think that the device will be a success.

Don't mistake the fact that I'm not personally insulted by its production/existence and/or vehemently bemoaning it's market presence at every turn as PURE defense for the system or Sony's development decisions ... the Go is certainly a strange device, but I'm not met with any other gut reaction than acceptance when I look at it all on paper.

Honestly I could care less that it's being produced, like I said, I'm simply amused by the reaction it's causing.

Those who know me should know that I'm very even keel about any new tech/hardware from any company and that I don't buy into "predictions of doom" out of the gate.

5 years ago people were certain and I mean absolutely, positively certain that the PSP would not make it in the market at its original launch price, with its launch & 1st year lineup and on store shelves alongside the DS long-term.

Lots of people were wrong then, and they MIGHT be wrong now about the long term success of this (myself included since I'm gauging the market reaction in my estimation that it might not succeed)

Yeah, it doesn't feature a UMD drive - but the 3000 does, and the 3000 will continue to be produced along with UMDs. This isn't supplanting the current model PSP it's just another choice that consumers can make. It's OBVIOUSLY not the choice for everybody, and not one for media-loving collectors ... but it's a choice nonetheless, why fault more choices for ANY reason?

I'm game collector who digs physical media, but I'm also a futurist who likes ergonomics and convenience.

While I'm not embracing the Go for my personal collection at the moment, I see absolutely no problem with it, it's there, I think it's obviously an experiment and whatever it winds up doing at retail I completely fail to see the logic in all the Go-hate.

I think most people are just worried that if it does really well, they might try to make newer systems be download only after this. So they want it shot down so that doesn't happen in the future. It has nothing to do with PSP games themselves.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Removal of GBA slot... and added features
Bigger Screens
SD Media slot
Cameras (up to this point worthless really)
DSiWare and built in browser
Upgraded architecture and RAM

VS

Removal of UMD drive
Smaller screen
Battery?

Yeah, my memory is the faulty part of this.

Mmmm, yeah, not looking for hardware comparisons or debates as to whether the DSi or PSP Go are better/worse than each other ...

My observation was only that denying (or making statements which elude to the fact) that the DSi didn't "subtract" anything from its design vs. the DS Lite, well ... is pretty silly.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I kept it objective and in family; 1/2/3000 vs Go and DS/Lite vs DSi. Direct comparisons of the DSi and Go? Not what I do nor was it my intention. Only comparing the gains/losses of upgrading.

Ok, I understand. But it's only equal if the DSi dropped both slots... Gutting a BC enabling slot is a whole different case than gutting the primary media altogether. Slot-2 removal is really inconsequential in this case since the PSP had no physical media to BC, but I'll change the posts to match and clear all that up. Sometimes what's going on in my head doesn't quite make it to the keyboard. :)

[ShinGundam]

What you get from PSP to PSPGo
8 or 16GB? internal storage... Now comes the butcher;
Removal of UMD drive
Smaller screen
Battery?

Yeah, my memory is the faulty part of this.
- save state spot
- TV output
- Bluetooth support : allows to use DS3 controller , 2 Players for PS1 ,
connect to the internet via bluetooth-equipped mobile phones and
bluetooth headsets
- external storage M2 micro

[Icarus Moonsight]

- save state spot
- TV output
- Bluetooth support : allows to use DS3 controller , 2 Players for PS1 ,
connect to the internet via bluetooth-equipped mobile phones and
bluetooth headsets
- external storage M2 micro

I thought most of that was enabled on the other units (at least the 3000) as well in some way...

Save state... pause and sleep. Different method same result right? Well, yes there are other uses. Traditionally that's been viewed as cheating and mostly available on emulation or pirate/cheat devices. Not a native factor I would consider weighty in terms of upgrading. That changes the games themselves since part of the design is when you can and cannot save...

I have microSDs in my 2000... external storage is external storage.

Only thing I'm completely in the dark about is the bluetooth stuff. I use normal headphones, I just got a cell phone with a camera and internet last week (probably no bluetooth on it though) and I don't have anything PS3 yet.

[c0ldb33r]

how does the save state system work? I thought that it was like a DS where you could just put it to sleep at any point. Does the Go's system work like an emulator's save state system? if so, is that for all PSP games or just go-enabled ones?

[mobiusclimber]

how does the save state system work? I thought that it was like a DS where you could just put it to sleep at any point. Does the Go's system work like an emulator's save state system? if so, is that for all PSP games or just go-enabled ones?

Dunno how the PSP Go's save state works, but I'm sure it works differently than "put it to sleep at any point" b/c that's what ALL the PSPs can do. You flick the on/off switch to off and later when you flick it back on your game is still sitting there in the same spot you left it at.

[G-Boobie]

I think I'll be picking one up in the coming months for three reasons. Firstly, my PSP 2000 is HACKED LIKE WHUT (for MAME and 8-16 bit emus), and getting my legitimate PSN downloads on it is therefore a pain. I'm not complaining here, just to be clear about it: I am a dirty, dirty retro game pirate and I guess I deserve to burn. Second, the PSP Go seems to be far more portable than the PSP 2000: actually carrying the PSP 2000 around is a pain in the ass, even if you're not also carrying extra UMD's. Third, it comes in white, and I am an idiot consumer whore.

I salute Sony for having the balls to actually release the crazy thing, even as I'm shaking my head at their Sega-like confusion about their hardware strategies.

[portnoyd]

The Ars review Flack posted in the other thread is pretty damning:

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2009/10/psp-go-review-sony-is-charging-you-much-more-for-much-less.ars

I mean, really.

[Icarus Moonsight]

"If Sony continues this trend expect a $500 PS3 that doesn't play Blu-ray discs"

:above me: That review is some scathing stuff. I feel bad now, I was too kind.

[badinsults]

The Ars review Flack posted in the other thread is pretty damning:

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2009/10/psp-go-review-sony-is-charging-you-much-more-for-much-less.ars

I mean, really.

Wow, for the price of the system, and the fact that it is online only, they went with 802.11b wireless? What the hell were they thinking?

[swlovinist]

I consider myself a fan of all three companies equally, but have been most vocal of the mistakes Sony has made in the past years, most due to being a fairly large PS2 fan(one of my top three favortie systems of all time). The company I feel has made some great strides(PS3 slim for the most part) and bonehead moves lately. I would put the PSP go falls in the latter

I got some time with the PSP go at Penny Arcade Expo. I dont have a problem with it being download only, as I NOW see that Sony is probably testing the market with it as seeing if a download only system will be embraced. As others have mentioned, I am a collector so I will not be getting one of these personally.

The main problem I have is that dang price tag. $250 is outrageous. The price point of the system is all wrong. With that being said, I see the system selling alot better if it was $150, which is what it should have been priced at.

I know that eventually all consoles will probably be download only. It is only a matter of time. For that I cant complain about the PSP Go. What I can complain about is a price that does not match up with what is offered. I predict this system coming down in price at least $50 before the holidays due to slow sales.

[dao2]

There really is no such thing as a system in general having better games than the other. It all comes down to what style of gaming you like more. For example I cant stand ps2 games...(i know i know) I just dont like many of them. On the other hand I love xbox and xbox 360 games. Almost all of them I cant complain about. Bottom line it depends on what kind of games you like to play. Everyone is different.

I didn't say the ds was better in terms of games, just said the psp was most definitely not :P

[dr101z]

My feeling is that the PSPGo is aimed squarely at the ipod Touch/iPhone market more than the traditional handheld market. The more game related ads that Apple produces the more Sony is going to want in on that market.

[Press_Start]

A thought came to my head. If Sony wanted to test the DLC water, why not dip games as baits? I mean, release UMD and DLC versions of PSP games concurrently and see how the numbers go. At least, players have a choice and Sony reels in profit. On top of that, they can follow and observe to cast at a fortunate opportunity for optimal results as opposed chucking systems into the dark water and see if it floats.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

A thought came to my head. If Sony wanted to test the DLC water, why not dip games as baits? I mean, release UMD and DLC versions of PSP games concurrently and see how the numbers go. At least, players have a choice and Sony reels in profit. On top of that, they can follow and observe to cast at a fortunate opportunity for optimal results as opposed chucking systems into the dark water and see if it floats.

Ummmmmmmm.

They are doing this. Like, now.

In addition to the 100+ legacy games available on the store now, all new PSP games will be released at retail and on the PSN.

And you don't even need a Go to download them. All PSPs have the PSN store on the XMB.

[Kid Ice]

I bought a black one tonight with a case and $100 in PSN cards.

Tomorrow I am going to be the victim of a family wedding, so I will have plenty of hands-on time, expect a full review on Sunday.

The arsetechnica review was the usual "let's tick off all the things that are wrong with it and add a few" deal. They can no longer be trusted for straightforward hardware reviews as far as I'm concerned. Most 14 year-olds I know have enough patience to fully charge a portable device before setting it up...so this "it takes to dern long to set up!" business is already suspect in my eyes. I'll find out for myself in the morning.

And the picture of the middle finger over the UMD's....funny, that's half the reason I BOUGHT the Go.

Anyway...more to come. If you'll excuse me I'm going shopping now.

(PS the Sony case is on the big side, but it has the most protective padding I've ever seen in one of these things)

(PPS the guy at GameStop last night was an idiot. Of course it comes with the usb cable.)

[WCP]

My biggest problem with the regular PSP, is the lack of ergonomics. I would play that thing for like 15 minutes, and my fingers would start going numb on me. Just not ergonomically designed at all. I've heard that the Go fits much better into someones hands. Supposedly, it is much more comfortable. This seems strange to me, because of where they positioned the analog nub. I'd love to try playing around with one for awhile, but I don't know when that is ever going to happen.

I'm pretty anti-Digital Download, because I like having the ability to do whatever the hell I please with my games once I purchase them. If I want to give it to a nephew, I want to have the ability to do that. If I want to sell it used on Craigslist, I want to have the ability to do that. So the whole Digital Download revolution is something that I'm not really looking forward to at all. If Sony had a UMD trade in program of some sort, I still might be interested in the Go, but without one, you can pretty much forget it. Even if it is really comfortable.

[Press_Start]

Ummmmmmmm.

They are doing this. Like, now.

In addition to the 100+ legacy games available on the store now, all new PSP games will be released at retail and on the PSN.

And you don't even need a Go to download them. All PSPs have the PSN store on the XMB.

Sorry, I rarely use the PSN store. Actually, never used it. All my PSP games are UMDs and kinda nipped in the behind on this one. :beaten:

[Jimid2]

People were wrong only insofar as not realizing a) Sony has deep pockets; b) they would actually fix their many many mistakes over time. What has caused most other contenders who've entered into the handheld market and tried to compete against Nintendo to fail is that they just don't have the cash flow to hold on long enough and take a beating long enough to succeed. Only Sega came anywhere close but both of their handhelds had a large share of problems that were never addressed let alone fixed. The early PSP could be used as a weapon if you sharpened the UMD case since it could shoot them out across the room. Not to mention most of the early games were underwhelming. The early PSPs felt flimsy, and yet were fairly expensive... {snip} ...

O_O

You know, pretty much this entire paragraph is revisionist history - I don't think any of it is accurate... First of all, many other "contenders" to Nintendo's portable throne were well-heeled; Sega and Bandai both had plenty of money - either corporation was as big as Nintendo when they entered the portable market - but they didn't sell enough systems to keep the developers churning out the games, and the systems ultimately didn't have legs... Sony, on the other hand, is still in the portable game because the PSP has sold 50 million systems worldwide. That's five times the next closest pretender to the Nintendo crown (Game Gear sold 10 million in the end, I believe). The flying UMD thing was ridiculous - one silly, contrived and completely staged Youtube video and a bunch of net dweebs are convinced the PSP is perfect for home defense. :rolleyes: And although there were a lot of criticisms aimed at the PSP1000, I don't recall any reviewer, anywhere saying that they felt "flimsy" or cheap in any way. On the contrary, the original PSP was high-quality hardware, and the reviews acknowledged that as I recall...

As for the PSPgo, I went out and grabbed one, but I'm a total handheld hardware whore! ROFL Yes, it's a "premium priced" system - which is to say that I'm clearly Sony's BEEAOTCH, and my wallet's butt hurts! - but what people really don't (and won't) realize until they actually hold one of these is the incredible portability of the system... People are comparing it to a DS or the original PSP, but afaic, they should be comparing it to the GB Micro - it's that freaking small! and that's the market it will appeal to. I've got a Micro I've been carrying everywhere with me for years - it's got a G3 in it with maybe 100 Gameboy and GB Color games, as well as twenty or so GBA games on it, and it's the ultimate portable system for me; discrete, tiny, uber-portable! The PSPgo is in the same league - it's only a tiny bit larger when closed! Loaded with games, this thing is a killer portable! But ya, it costs an ungodly amount for a face lift on old tech, and the double dipping is really irritating...

re: the TurboExpress - at least I didn't have to buy all my TG-16 games over again when I dropped $350 (CDN) on my TurboExpress back in the day! LOL

[c0ldb33r]

Can we merge the two PSP-Go bashing threads? I'm getting two update emails every time someone lays down the hate.

[Wolfrider31]

I laid down the Sony hate pretty strongly in another thread after they announced that NA would not be getting the three free game deal but weirdly, after stopping into an EB, I just decided to grab one.

My last PSP was a 1000 and I didn't bother to upgrade to any of the newer models so alot of the features I bought a Go for you guys might already be enjoying on your 3000s.

First of all, the screen is magnificent. They've completely eliminated that weird ghosting issue on the PSP1000 and now everything is bright, vivid, and pops in a way that I wasn't at all expecting.

The unit itself is much easier to hold. I played Suikoden on it for three hours straight without realizing it. All the buttons are placed perfectly (it's comparable to the comfort of a dual shock actually) with the exception of the L and R buttons. They're by no means bad, but they feel a little "off". I thought the analog nub was in an odd spot as well but after playing with it its easier to deal with than the one on the old PSPs. In fact the groove the nub is placed inside prevents all that slipping and sliding that happened whenever I used it on my old PSP.

I've read the reviews talking about the setup time being an issue. That's bullshit as far as I'm concerned. All major electronic devices take time to set up and I was up and running in under an hour. I've also been hearing a lot of garbage about how difficult it is to transfer your digital items to the new Go. I don't know if these people are making stuff up just to be trolls or they're just completely inept but simply re-downloading my games was all I needed to do to get my Go back up to speed.

As far as the UMD issue is concerned I'm not really bothered by it. It's an inconvenience sure - but again it's not really Sony's fault. The licensing issues alone would have been enough to derail any hope of a transfer solution. That's just the way it is thanks to our current system of copyright.

Should you buy one? Depends on a number of factors? Do you own a PSP already? And if you do, how often do you use it? If it's a lot and you own an earlier model I'd consider upgrading. The size and form factor alone made it worth it for me. If you happen to own a 3000 with all the TV out options then the value of the Go is reduced quite a bit. If your a technophile though some of the Bluetooth tethering (and the fact you can use your PS3 controllers with it - perfect when using the TV Out feature) is pretty cool. As is the onboard memory. I really hate carrying games around.

Then again, I'm almost 100% pro digital distribution so my views may be skewed somewhat.

[RyanMurf]

I must say I was pretty disappointed when I first got the "go", But now I am absolutely loving it. The buttons that I didn't like in the beginning are feeling great now. And the screen....after playing a few games you really notice how much of an improvement it is. So already I have bought Resistance, Motor storm, rockband(free), Grand Turismo, and socom fire team bravo 2. not a bad start for only having it for 2 days IMO. But best of all about this sytem is how it looks hooked up to a hd tv via component cables. The picture doesnt blur or anything and I also have a dualshock 3 controller connected to the go via bluetooth, so i have been playing all these games on a 42 inch and using a dualshock 3 controller. Great handheld in my opinion, yet still not worth the price tag but its a great portable.

[RyanMurf]

just in case anyone was wondering what the new save state feature is on the go this video explains...pretty nifty stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC_JbWTbNOM&feature=player_embedded#at=67

[Berserker]

I have to say, save-state is one feature that I really like about the Go, on paper anyways (seeing as I don't own/haven't played one). To me it represents yet another way in which the emulation scene has influenced mainstream gaming consciousness.

[Rickstilwell1]

I must say I was pretty disappointed when I first got the "go", But now I am absolutely loving it. The buttons that I didn't like in the beginning are feeling great now. And the screen....after playing a few games you really notice how much of an improvement it is. So already I have bought Resistance, Motor storm, rockband(free), Grand Turismo, and socom fire team bravo 2. not a bad start for only having it for 2 days IMO. But best of all about this sytem is how it looks hooked up to a hd tv via component cables. The picture doesnt blur or anything and I also have a dualshock 3 controller connected to the go via bluetooth, so i have been playing all these games on a 42 inch and using a dualshock 3 controller. Great handheld in my opinion, yet still not worth the price tag but its a great portable.

you can do that? that sounds cool using the PS3 controller for it. Maybe I'd get one after I collect all the old US released systems I'm missing, including the 80s microcomputers.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

you can do that? that sounds cool using the PS3 controller for it. Maybe I'd get one after I collect all the old US released systems I'm missing, including the 80s microcomputers.

Yes.

PSP Go has bluetooth (a feature which no PSP has sported).

If you sync a Dual Shock 3 or Sixaxis with the system you can use it to play any game either on the Go screen or output to a TV.

You can also sync a bluetooth headset for online gaming or Skype (PSP is actually a fantastic WiFi Skype portal for those who use it. Dedicated WiFi skype phones run about $100.)

Murf, does the Go output full-screen on a HDTV setup or is it still letterboxed?

[RyanMurf]

it outputs the actual psp menu in full screen. When you play a game it cuts about an inch of the screen off all around. still not bad very useful.

[Kid Ice]

I set it up yesterday and played it for about four hours. A few general impressions before I get into my rebuttal of the Ars Technica "review".

I'm pleased with the size and feel of the system. With the original (1001) model my hands began to hurt after about an hour of play. Although the base is pretty thin, it still felt comfortable to hold. The d-pad side is a little awkward because my pinky finger has nowhere to rest. I have average-size hands.

The buttons and d-pad are nearly flush with the base. I've never cared for the Sony d-pad and this system is no exception. The buttons have a nice feel imo. The analog nub is much improved with greater resistance. I did not have any problem "reaching" the analog nub....many reports complain it is too close to the center of the control pad. Uhh...the control pad is like 3.5 inches wide; nothing is hard to reach! The shoulder buttons are better than the original but rest up against the back of the screen; I didn't find this to be a big problem, just weird. I really disliked the volume buttons on the original so the volume bar on this thing is an improvement imo, although it will take getting used to since it's not visible from the face.

Speakers are great. Playing Activision Hits, I was amazed how good the music sounded.

Screen looks great as it did on the original model. I was using this in the back of a van while traveling over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in direct sunlight. Visibility was not great, but it was playable. One weird thing about playing this in the car though...the screen vibrates slightly. It's not a problem visually but you feel it vibrating as you hold the base. Makes me a little concerned about build quality...hope it's not just mine!

I played Activision Ice Hockey for about a half hour which requires a good deal of button pressing and a lot of urgent d-pad movement...no problems with pain or discomfort at all. The light weight of the system will take getting used to.

The battery was fully charged overnight. It was down to one bar by the end of the day, after turning it on and off about 20 times and approximately five hours of game play. I was hoping for more, given the jettison of the umd drive. Load times seemed much speedier to me....this isn't a scientific observation since none of the games I bought were ones I previously owned on umd.

I did encounter one glitch (seemingly). I unlocked the Megamania commercial in Activision Hits, then later when I went to show someone it was locked again. It could just be that I failed to set up autosave on the game, but I still thought that was odd.

Now about that Ars Technica review:


The new, UMD-less PSP Go is an absolute dream for Sony. Since it lacks a way to play games purchased at retail, Sony gets to set the prices for every piece of content bought on the system. Who cares if the store down the street has a game for $10 cheaper? You can only get your games from one place; competition with discounting and used games is gone.

Then logically Sony should have priced all the games much higher. The games are priced the same as you would find them at retail, in some instances less. There are bargains to be had. You could argue "But what about when there are NO games in stores?" Whatever. I mean we could go there, but it's pure speculation. To hang up the entire digital delivery debate on this one little system is just absurd.


Like we said, the PSP Go is great for Sony. For the rest of us, retailers included, not so much.

It's great for me too, I like it. I finally have a small, well-designed portable system with nice controls, a big library, and plenty of built-in storage, without all the emulation bullshit. There's a possibility that I will play this system *every day*.

I'm not losing any sleep over the fortunes of GameStop or Walmart. When did the fortunes of brick and mortar retailers become a gaming issue?


We bought our system at retail, and there was no line, no risk of a sellout, and no signage or posters in the store hyping the system.

Is this a hardware review or not? Why is this relevant? Did they issue the Wii a poor review because you couldn't find it at launch?


But now that we've had a day or so to play with it, it's clear that Sony's new portable is nothing but raw deal after raw deal. The complaints are numerous, the slights against consumers are many, and the hardware is flawed. On top of these issues is a price point that's so high it seems like a sick joke in the current economy.

Wow, very dramatic. What a piece of shit this thing must be! Oh and the current economy, there's an issue relevant to a hardware review.


There is no argument to be found about aesthetics; on the surface this is one of the best-looking pieces of consumer electronics out there.

But just a paragraph ago it was "clearly nothing but raw deal after raw deal"?


You better have small hands

The PSP Go is surprisingly comfortable in your hands when you're simply holding it, but there's no getting away from the fact the analog nub is very, very close to the face buttons. When the screen is slid up to reveal the controls, it also rests directly in front of the shoulder buttons, which means you can't really rest your fingers there. It's like fighting over the armrest on a plane.

The discomfort over fighting for an armrest on an airplane is social, not ergonomic. Exaggerations like this are abundant throughout this so-called review, which is obviously already a hatchet job. Yes, the screen and control base are small....it's supposed to be a more portable system. Did you ever look at someone with a netbook or an iPod nano and yell "You better have small hands!" Anyway, like I said imo the controls on this system are more comfortable than on the 1001.


For a product that is tethered to digital downloads, the process of getting to the content is oddly annoying.

It is? If you have a hard time downloading stuff on the system you still have the option of doing it on a PS3 or a PC. Truthfully I would never bother with a direct download on this thing, I would rather store all the content on my PS3 anyway.


If you buy a PSP Go, your UMDs are worthless; there is nothing to be done with them.

Except to do what I do and sell them to buy shit for your Go? I mean, honestly, duh. And is it so unquestionable that one would keep their older model PSP? Does Sony require you to throw it in the trash?

I hate to bring Nintendo into this, but I'm getting a Dsi soon and when I do I'm keeping my old DS. Why? So I can play Metroid Prime Pinball with the rumble pack in the GBA port. Do you hear me trashing Nintendo because "OMG you can't play Metroid Prime Pinball on this piece of shit!" Just because Sony released a device that plays UMDs are they now required to use that format on every new system? It's a childish expectation.


It's somewhat infuriating to see a sticker announcing a voucher for Rock Band: Unplugged that comes with a few free songs and access to the store.

Infuriating stickers. What's next? The corners of the box are too sharp?


Sony will soon release Blu-ray discs with transfers for a PSP version of the film, so you're telling me there is no way that physical games could come with codes allowing you to download the game via the PlayStation Network?

Again, this expectation that Sony will give a free digital copy of a umd you bought two or three years ago is simply childish. Beyond unreasonable; childish.


The phantom 2GB

When it comes to storage, what it says on the box and what you see as being available rarely line up. The PSP Go is supposed to come with 16GB of internal storage, but when you first turn on your virginal system you'll find 14GB free for your games, movies, and songs.

This will bother you if it happens to be the first storage device you've purchased in about ten years. Don't we all know that actual storage NEVER matches up with what's advertised? Why is this being hung on the PSPGo? Yeah let's hold our hands over our ears and yell "la la la" and ignore the realities of the technology marketplace and complain about something that happens with every PC, MP3 player, digital camera...damn near everything on the market. Ridiculous.


The price

Here's the number one thing that may take down the system before it's barely off the ground. The PSP Go is a $250 piece of hardware. That's $50 less than a PS3, which you can also use as a Blu-ray player.

I forget, someone please remind me, how much did the PS3 cost when it launched? I agree the price is high for a handheld gaming system, but what a poor argument.


For $200 you can buy a PSP 3000 that comes with a 4GB Pro Duo card, a movie, and a current game

I don't have time to run the numbers on this but that sounds a bit low. (edit: Portnoyd says true)


In the middle of a recession, Sony has released the most expensive portable system on the market, and as an added bonus the company seemed to go out of its way to give the finger to existing customers. You can't even trade in your older system for the newer one to help with the price, because then you can't play your games.

Why is coming out with a new product giving the finger to existing customers? What does Sony have to do with trade ins? I mean, if I trade in my DS because I want a PSPGo instead, would it make sense for me to be mad that I can't play my DS games anymore?


Ultimately, this is the rare case where an old product gives you more freedom, more features, and at a better price. Of course, an older PSP won't have Bluetooth, and the screen won't slide to hide the controls, but existing customers can cry themselves to sleep on piles on cheaper games if they become upset.

That's true. The older model gives you the flexibility to use all those UMDs, so assuming you like that format, there's no reason for you to "upgrade". I happen to dislike the UMD format and imo it caused the 1001 to be awkward to deal with. But if you're satisfied with one of the older models you should certainly hold on to it. Why wouldn't you?

Oh, I know why not....because it's not the latest and greatest, and you're not about gaming, you're about techie status. If this describes you, then yes, you have reason to be angry about Sony. For the rest of us it's win/win....if you like the old PSP keep it, if you didn't here's a new model you may find more comfortable.


The PSP Go now uses a proprietary plug, which means no more generic USB cables. Your old chargers won't work either. In fact, the charging solution is rather tedious: you plug the cable into the PSP, and then into a block of plastic, and then you plug the power cable into the other side of the plastic, and then plug that into the wall.

Let that sink in: the cable you use to charge the hardware comes in three parts. You don't own a single cable that will work with the PSP Go.

Again, it's so obvious the writer just has it in for this system. No, nobody likes proprietary cables, that I agree with. But the three-piece cable described isn't nearly as awkward as the writer makes it sound...it just makes it more convenient to go back and forth between the power supply and a PS3/PC using the usb cable.

An analogy; the Xbox 360 wired controller has a nice breakaway cable. So since I hate the 360 in my review I say "Look, the controller cable is in two pieces! Let that sink in!"

btw if Sony had just not included the power supply at all it wouldn't have surprised me; I bought a Sansa MP3 player and a Flip camcorder and those both charge through USB with no included power cable.


On the PSP, Sony requires you to install each update before playing games.

He means just for the initial set up, and this only applies to brand new games like Motorstorm and Gran Turismo. He sure doesn't make it sound that way though, does he?



After the system was first powered on and connected to our wireless router, we were told that an update was required before we could go online and download a game. So we downloaded the update, which was a speedy affair. After the system rebooted, it told us that, although the system was plugged into a wall socket, the update could not be installed until the batteries were fully charged.

Well, that is stupid, but why would you not fully charge the thing before using it?


So the system had to charge, and then the update was installed. But then of course you have to download a game, since you can't use any of your UMD software, and that takes a while. But then the system disconnected from my network randomly because the 802.11b hardware doesn't handle being walked around my house very well, so I had to start completely over on the download.

Then my Aunt Hilda came over and that took time, then I had to walk my dog, and then I had to wash my hands before picking up the psp so I wouldn't get fingerprints on it.

And I just love the fresh dig about UMD. Get over it.


All told, it took around three hours to get to playing an actual game.

Leaving out extraneous nonsense, here's how long it should have taken according to my experience:

-less than five minutes to download Activision Hits on a PS3 (remember, he didn't say Gran Turismo, he said "an actual game")

-ten minutes for the initial set up of the Go

-two minutes to connect the Go to the PS3 and copy the game

Ta da! 17 minutes, including the time to actually go to the store and download the game.

Add about 45 minutes to download and run the system update and download Gran Turismo (through the PS3)



I passed the time by playing Gran Turismo on the PSP 3000.

I'm surprised he didn't pass the time sticking pins in his Sony executive voodoo dolls.


If you buy a PSP Go, I suggest bringing another video game along to keep yourself occupied while you wait for it to allow you to play something.

A set up process for a new piece of electronics is not uncommon, and no more time-consuming or frustrating than say, a new console, a new laptop, a new MP3 player, etc. Again, it's just an expert on consumer electronics pretending not to be an expert.



Now, keep in mind that the update issue exists on the standard PSP, but if a game required the update you always have the choice of putting in an older UMD that doesn't. You can have the system up and running in minutes. Since you're locked into using Sony's servers to get games for the PSP Go, you'll be forced to get every update they decide to send out, no matter if the game requires it or not, and if your battery isn't fully charged that could take a while.

This is simply untrue. If you use a PS3 or PC as your downloading device (and why wouldn't you since they're both faster, offer back up storage, not running on a battery, etc.) you do not need to update except in instances when Sony requires an update for a brand new game.

I played Activision Hits, Puzzle Quest, Medal of Honor, Wipeout, and a bunch of demos before I applied the update. So I imagine any game that was produced before, say, Gran Turismo will work without an update.

Again, a case of an expert behaving like a non-expert. "Oh, I'm just going to use the PSP to download everything...that's how it's supposed to work!" Well yeah, that's how it's supposed to work, but not very many users will do it that way. So if you buy a PSPgo and you have no computer and no PS3, okay, you're stuck with updates and long game downloads. How many people do you think that describes?


If you're agoraphobic and the idea of driving to a physical store to buy a game is terrifying, this system is for you.

I'm not terrified of driving to a store, but unless I need some fresh air or something, I'd prefer not to.


So we're looking for a gamer who is both wealthy and frighteningly antisocial.

Come on now. The system costs 50-100 dollars more than it should. At NAVA I sold my old psp and 5 or 6 games and pocketed more than half of what the new system costs. I'm not exactly Thurston Howell III.

People who download games are frighteningly antisocial? What are the social benefits of going to GameStop or Walmart?


If you sell a system that takes hours of setup, downloading, and charging before you can see what a game looks like on the screen, you have failed pretty spectacularly.

Pretending this is true (as I said it actually takes about 20 minutes or so), why does a lengthy set up process yield a spectacular failure? Even if it took nine days to set up, that's nine days I'm going to forget about in a year or two when I'm still enjoying the system.


The Bad

* The system can't download games while you're doing other things
* Way too expensive
* Absolutely no way to play any of your existing games
* Controls are cramped
* Smaller screen
* Games tend to be more expensive than retail
* No competition in pricing for games
* No way to sell games you buy
* None of your cables or accessories will work, except for headphones
* Screen is wasted while closed, only shows clock, calendar

1. So download them on a PS3 or PC

2. relative/subjective

3. you can play your existing games by buying them again, or wait for the inevitable hacking device that should be appearing any minute now

4. imo the controls are more comfortable...but to say it's "cramped", I mean, it's a more portable system, what did you expect?

5. smaller screen? reaching a little here, aren't we? THE WHOLE THING IS SMALLER, THE POINT OF THE SYSTEM IS GREATER PORTABILITY AND CONVENIENCE.

6. the games are the same price or less. In many instances used UMDs are cheaper especially if you buy them at yard sales and flea markets.

7. true

8. true

9. I didn't have any/ don't need any

10. dumbest thing in the whole article. What does the old psp screen do when you're "not using it"?


The Ugly

* Waiting hours to download a patch, charge your batteries, buy a game, download your game, and then install your game, and then finally... guess what? playing your game!
* Your system can already do what this system claims to do, and better. Minus the bluetooth and the 16GB of internal storage, this is a step back in every way
* If Sony continues this trend, expect a $500 PS3 that doesn't play Blu-ray discs

11. false

12. my old system can shrink itself to fit in my pocket? Is that in the manual?

13. With over a terabyte in storage, and most of the original PS3 discs downloadable? Tempting...could I fit it in my pocket?

[portnoyd]

This rebuttal is as biased as the Ars review, but just in the other direction. If you don't want us to take the Ars review seriously, we can't take yours seriously for the same reason because it's just as extreme.

I'll touch on some points without quoting:

- Using a PC and a PS3 for downloading games is a poor argument. While the option is nice, it doesn't let the system stand on its own. Ars's point regarding the download lockout stands. If I ever got the Go, I would never bother with loading games using anything but the system and I have a PS3.

- While UMD "trade ups" not being offered is reasonable, calling it childish is silly. If Sony expects you to upgrade to their new revision of the PSP, then it's reasonable for the consumer to ask what they are supposed to do with the games they already paid for. Selling them isn't a reasonable response. That's not childish, that's looking to protect your investment. It's basically either the consumer gives up something or Sony does, both sides can't win. Sony really should have waited until their next generation of hardware to launch this initiative to eliminate this.

- The most a portable system has launched for was the Turbo Express at $250. This matches that price. It's not unreasonable to call this system expensive when it's 47% more expensive than its direct competitor's latest iteration.

- 802.11b is old as shit.

- The GBA Rumble Pack example is really, really bad. You're talking about an accessory versus the media the previous versions used to load games.

- The Rock Band PSP 3000 bundle is $200 with Rock Band Unplugged, School of Rock and a 4 Gig card.

[kupomogli]

So it takes 20 minutes to download an 700mb file. You know what you do there. You first accept to pay for and download the file. Then you get off your ass and do something for 20 minutes.

What kindof dumbass waits while it's downloading. There are PS3 and 360 demos that are over 1GB. I have a 20mb/s connection so it doesn't take that long for me to download it, but while it's downloading I go do something else. I don't sit there like a retard looking at the screen.

The reviews complaining about the time it takes to download are just taking shots at the system. Either that or they're morons.

[The 1 2 P]

The reviews complaining about the time it takes to download are just taking shots at the system. Either that or they're morons.

With the 360(and the PS3 too I think) you can actually still use your system while you have several downloads going in the background. I think thats what their beef was, that you can't download and still use the system for something else in the meantime.

[Kid Ice]

Using a PC and a PS3 for downloading games is a poor argument. While the option is nice, it doesn't let the system stand on its own. Ars's point regarding the download lockout stands. If I ever got the Go, I would never bother with loading games using anything but the system and I have a PS3.

The next time I download a game I'll do it without using the PS3 and see how it goes. Something tells me it isn't the ordeal that the Ars review made it out to be. But we'll see.

Still my comment that most users will probably use a PC or a PS3 stands. But I could be wrong.


While UMD "trade ups" not being offered is reasonable, calling it childish is silly. If Sony expects you to upgrade to their new revision of the PSP, then it's reasonable for the consumer to ask what they are supposed to do with the games they already paid for. Selling them isn't a reasonable response. That's not childish, that's looking to protect your investment. It's basically either the consumer gives up something or Sony does, both sides can't win. Sony really should have waited until their next generation of hardware to launch this initiative to eliminate this.

It's not childish to wish for some kind of UMD transfer, or to not like the fact that there isn't one. It is childish to continue to stomp your feet over it, trash the system, and repeatedly flog a dead horse. It is not a true upgrade in the sense that the old media/hardaware version will be unsupported, so I don't see it as a huge deal...disappointing, yes...suprising...????


The most a portable system has launched for was the Turbo Express at $250. This matches that price. It's not unreasonable to call this system expensive when it's 47% more expensive than its direct competitor's latest iteration.

Expensive for a handheld, yes. For the "wealthy"?



802.11b is old as shit.

Well like I said I'll try to download a big game and see what happens. B G or N in my opinion doesn't mean a lot unless the speed is compromised. But you're right it does seem a little suspect.


The GBA Rumble Pack example is really, really bad. You're talking about an accessory versus the media the previous versions used to load games.

Which was exactly my point....that it was a minor annoyance blown into a major issue, like many of the "problems" that the system got pounded for in the review.


The Rock Band PSP 3000 bundle is $200 with Rock Band Unplugged, School of Rock and a 4 Gig card.

Fair enough.

[portnoyd]

I do agree that Ars review was extreme, kind of a kupomogli doppleganger. It definitely fed the Internet Tough Guy firestorm for hating on it which gave Ars a hit as far as unbiased positions go.

If you don't have a PSP, it's great. If we didn't already have 60 PSP games, I wouldn't mind giving it a spin. But not being to able to play those games without rebuying them leaves too sour of a taste in my mouth.

[PapaStu]

With the 360(and the PS3 too I think) you can actually still use your system while you have several downloads going in the background. I think thats what their beef was, that you can't download and still use the system for something else in the meantime.

Unless I'm mistaken I don't honestly fire up the PS3 enough to have experienced this more than a few times (and its been EVERY TIME save for this weeks playing), but in those few times, I couldn't do anything while it was giving itself yet another update, or when I was downloading Pain. The 360 is more than happy to let you play games assuming you're not trying to do MP over XBL. Then it pauses the download of the demo/map pack ect. The only time you can't do anything at all with the 360 (other than when its ded, I went there, move on) is when its doing the few times a year big update, or when its 'updating' a game (or reversing an update), and those game updates are always mere seconds.

[mobiusclimber]

And how often do you lose your connection while d/ling something on the 360? Does it start back up where it left off when connection is restored? That's the big thing this review is bitching about. You have to d/l a game in order to play it on the system. The reviewer lost the connection several times while trying to do this and when he started it back up, it had to start all over again.

I think it's funny that the reviewer has been accused of "sticking pins in a Sony exec voodoo doll" or whatever when he stated several times in the review that he has and enjoys a regular PSP. And I think the people who will be most unsatisfied w/ the Go are people who have a PSP already and have invested a lot of money into game for it.

Be that as it may, sounds like the reviewer had a number of problems getting the system set up, downloading games, and whatnot. If you don't believe he had those problems, that's fine, but I'd rather take the review at face value and believe they actually did happen and he's not just making stuff up for the hell of it.

[Kid Ice]

Be that as it may, sounds like the reviewer had a number of problems getting the system set up, downloading games, and whatnot. If you don't believe he had those problems, that's fine, but I'd rather take the review at face value and believe they actually did happen and he's not just making stuff up for the hell of it.

I believe he had those problems, but couldn't he have simply acknowledged that the process would probably have been easier (or at least different) if he went through the PS3 instead?

It seemed like the plan was the following: without even fully charging the system, I'm going to immediately going to try to download the largest, most state of the art game available.

I may be confused on this, but didn't he say he played GT on his 3000 while all this was going on? I guess he had the umd version but decided to download it too?

Does it make sense to anyone? If I *wanted* to give the system a poor review I would do exactly what he did...put it through a challenging process and complain when it doesn't work.

edit: I almost forgot....didn't he say he walked around with it while the game was downloading? Why would you do that? Did anyone else get the impression that he just didn't want it to work?

[TonyTheTiger]

edit: I almost forgot....didn't he say he walked around with it? Did anyone else get the impression that he just didn't want it to work.

To be fair, reviewers really should run what they're reviewing through the gauntlet. When Consumer Reports reviews a car they don't just drive it around the block a few times just to make sure it doesn't break down. They run it through rigorous tests. If the PSP Go can't hold a connection to the internet when walked around the house, something that people might very well do with it, that's something worth noting.