In case you haven't heard, Sony's PSP Go went on sale today. It's OK if this announcement took you by surprise, since the launch is one of the quietest in recent memory. As of 10:00 a.m. this morning, a picture of the device was nowhere to be found on video game retailer EBGame's front page, or even Amazon, for that matter. Rest assured, though, that the PSP Go is a sexy device that also represents (like the iPhone) a dramatic shift from physical to strictly digital media. While that will probably convince techies to flood stores in search for Sony's new toy, its $249.99 price tag may keep casual consumers at bay. Fortunately, numerous websites have already posted reviews.
Unlike previous models of the PSP, the Go is sleeker, has a flip up screen that's much smaller than its predecessors (3.8 inches to 4.3) and lacks the proprietary UMD drive, meaning you cannot play PSP discs on the device. Instead, you must download games, movies and other pieces of content through Sony's PlayStation Network store, either through the unit's Wi-Fi connection or tethered to a PC.
That particular feature is cause for concern if you already own a PSP. Engadget says "all these little decisions add up to ultimately separate the experience from Sony's locked-in audience. Point is, if you're thinking of upgrading, be prepared to start from scratch." IGN echoed this sentiment, adding "relying on users to disregard their previous UMD libraries or perhaps even alternate between the hard-copy and digital platforms is a pretty big gamble." CNET agreed, saying that "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."
Despite issues over its price, the reviewers mostly praised the design. IGN gushed over the device, saying "there is no question, the PSPgo is by far the most visually appealing PSP yet", and ending with "the PSPgo is easily the most compact current-generation handheld and its place as the first all-digital gaming-exclusive platform tickles our techie sensibilities." Joystiq continued the good vibes, saying "the Go is a wonderful gadget--it's beautiful to look at, feels great to hold in your hands and certainly has the air of a high-end, tech lust worthy device." And for gamers who still feel embarrassed whipping out a system with others around, engadget put those fears to rest with "it's a sturdy, classier game system that we're not as shy about taking out of our pocket on long, public commutes." Joystiq followed, with "early adopters, the devoted Sony and PSP fans, are going to find themselves wowed by the hardware, but a little unsure of what to do next." Joystiq also says "from the second you unbox it and hold it in your hands--I'm talking before even powering it on--the PSP Go looks and feels like the coolest thing ever."
On the downside, everyone mentioned that the device is prone to fingerprints and smudges. Engadget writes "its finish is a glossy black, and with it comes an insatiable appetite for remembering fingerprints." IGN went a little further, saying "even those with the most stringent hand-washing regiments will smudge every inch of the PSPgo's body within minutes of first picking it up."
On the positive side, critics had nice things to say about the PSP Go's buttons. CNET said "The analog stick is also smaller than in previous PSP models, but it feels more durable and sturdy," while engadget said "the controls are more or less just as easy to get to and logically placed."
IGN, on the other hand, had less positive things to say, with "the shoulder buttons are probably the weakest aspect of the control design having been constructed from thin plastic and having a very loose depression mechanism." CNET doesn't mention that, but chimed in with "since the analog stick has moved to the right of the D-pad, you may feel off-centered."
In addition, CNET mentioned old complaints, including the lack of a second analog nub, something PSP users have repeatedly asked for: "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."
CNET also brought up the lack of a touch screen, a feature on both the Nintendo DS and iPhone. "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."
Our biggest concerns, however, are Mac compatibility (or lack thereof) and download times. Although PSP Go's Media Go software works seamlessly with PCs, IGN writes that "unfortunately the Media Go software is Windows-exclusive at the moment, but there are plenty of Mac-alternatives available; without PS Store integration, of course." That dramatically affects Mac users, since CNET says that "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."
That's unsettling news for us, since we dislike the idea of waiting so long for downloads. Nor do we want to purchase new peripherals, since the PSP Go is not compatible with the ones that work with older PSP models; the Go's charge cable comes in three pieces.
At the same time, Sony succeeded in creating a form-fitting and compact device with a lot of available content, including God of War: Chains of Olympus and Patapon 2. Games appear affordably priced, save for the PSOne classic, Parappa the Rapper, which costs a ridiculous $22.99. We somewhat agree with Joystiq, who writes "PSP Go is a bad idea, but at least I can say it's a perfectly executed one."
But who are we kidding? We'll probably buy one eventually, even though Joystiq rightfully mentions "the little angel on your shoulder who's saying you don't need to spend $250 on another PSP." There was no angel, however, when we bought a PS3 Slim.
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