Buy PSP Go - what should you know!

The new PSP Go is a sleek-looking device, its very slim compare to its brothers PSP 3000. The size which is 16 percent lighter and 35 percent smaller than its predecessor, the PSP 3000. The screen has shrunk to 3.8 inches from 4.3 inches.

The Go supports Bluetooth but, most importantly, the UMD drive is gone. Wow!! that's suck izzit? That means all content, including games, must be saved to the device's 16GB internal memory or a Memory Stick Micro (M2) card. But Sony on the launching date give a Surprise solutions for this problem.

The Go retails for $250, and it looks like a 16GB Memory Stick Micro card will set you back somewhere between $60 and $80.

Other Features:
1) The ability to download games, movies, TV and other media directly from the PlayStation Network to your PSP Go.

2) 16GB of built-in flash memory for file storage and removable memory expansion via memory stick.

3) Bluetooth support for skype headsets and other devices.

4) Slide out control design to maximize the ultra-crisp 3.8" LCD screen functionality.

5) No UMD design makes for a quieter, more energy efficient device.

By :Terry Mesnard

Ignore my score for a moment, please, because it doesn't really mean much. Looking at the scores already here on Amazon.com, I completely understand and can agree with most of them. As such, it's hard to really place a score on this new device. Honestly, I don't think there's been such a contentious electronic device launch like the PSP Go in...well, recent memory. Having refreshed the PSP what feels like a hundred times already, Sony, presumably feeling the sting from Apple's success with the iPhone/iTouch as a digital gaming device, decided to refresh the PSP yet again. And herein lies the problem.

The Go gets rid of the UMD feature of all of the previous PSPs and embraces the digital world in a remarkable way for a gaming device. Without getting too far into the "owning versus not owning debate" (let's keep this civil), a lot of people have flocked to the iPhone's bite-sized, digital-only gaming and Sony's new direction is pretty much inevitable. If a way of presenting games is making money, a company will always follow suit. The problem is that with the lack of a UMD drive, Sony's faithful who've purchased at least one PSP in the past are left high and dry. For individuals who have a nice UMD collection going, this move can only be met (and has understandably been met) with vitriol, with calls of "why are you ignoring us?" There was talk, at one point, of having a UMD transfer system that would allow gamers to somehow turn their UMD into a digital purchase. This was scrapped in the USA even though, from the sounds of it, Sony Europe still has a program for some games. Then there's the issue of the price. Buyers can easily purchase the slightly older PSP-3000 for about $170, $80 less than the PSP Go's $250 price point. To make matters worse, any of the digital products being released for the PSP Go will work on prior models, as long as they have a memory stick. Yikes.

All of this history going into today leaves the question is the PSP Go worth it? Well, that kind of depends (with one huge caveat I'll mention in a bit) on the consumer. The Go is about 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000 (more so for the original PSP) and has a slick sliding system that hides the keys. When closed, it's roughly the same size as an iPhone, a tad longer, wider and rounder but almost the same size. Unlike the other PSPs, this one does seem a lot more portable. It also does look and feel like a nice expensive piece of electronics. I remember when I first held the original PSP in my hands and it felt like an expensive system; this brings back memories of that day. While it doesn't have the UMD drive, it does come with 16 GB of storage space (which could cost you $60ish to get the same amount of space on the PSP 3000). One of the bigger new features, though, is the Bluetooh technology. The latest firmware update (available today) will allow tethering to your cell phone, which, if your plan allows for it, will allow you to use your cell phone as modem if you don't have Wi-fi available. It's a nicety and one I won't be able to use (thanks AT&T) but somehow I don't think a cell phone, even 3G, will be strong enough to consistently play online or be quick for downloads.

Not much comes in the box. You get a cell phone-like charging kit, based on a new framework for charging. It's kind of a "one jack fits all" multi-purpose plug-in. The cord has a USB connector on one side and the cell-phone-like plug-in for the PSP. This same jack will be used for other purposes like TV out, etc. This means that any of your old accessories won't work on the new system. It also comes with a voucher to download the PSP Go version of Rock Band Unplugged; this version is free to start out and comes with five songs ("Buddy Holly," "ABC," etc.) and then you just buy additional tracks à la carte. The demo for Patapon 2 comes pre-loaded, as well. The final thing, besides the manual, is the Media Go software which you can also download from the internet, to purchase games on your PC to transfer to your PSP. Nothing fancy. As a quick update, I've had more time to mess around with it and have started using the Media Go to download files. Like a cell phone, you can plug the PSP Go into your computer through it's power/USB jack to charge the phone. Media Go acts like iTunes (and has a similar skin) so you can download games through Media Go, directly to your PSP Go. It's a lot faster. As an example, it took me around the same time to download/install God of War (over 1 GB) via Media Go as it did Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (200ish MB) via the PSP Go 802.11b Wi-fi. The synching process will be familiar to anyone who's used iTunes or Zune software and is actually a bit easier and quicker, even if it takes an additional step.

So, again, is it worth it? This brings us back to that one caveat: the price. If you're not a current PSP owner, have embraced digital-only gaming and don't mind dropping $250 (as a comparison, you could get an Xbox 360 or a Wii for that price or less; or, for $50 more, a PS3) on a "new" gaming system that is technically about four years old in terms of games (meaning, not a "next generation" PSP), then yes. The PSP Go is a worthy purchase. It's still the same PSP, a strong, powerful device that has a good assortment of fun games. Even when the most angry at the product, you have to admit that. It's just a great device, whatever version you buy. But it's just not as well-rounded and consumer-beneficial as the older, cheaper models. So, if you're not that person above, either keep (or upgrade to) the PSP-3000 and you have the benefit of not only getting all the new digital games and "minis" available today but also play UMDs.

I like mine and am glad I purchased it. I love the portability of it and the lack of UMDs. But, I'll be honest, the PSP-3000 is still a cheaper and more well-rounded option.

By: Truth and Justice

You might think cool hardware would be enough, but, you would be wrong. Apple has cool hardware, but after playing a lot of games on a touchscreen, I didn't really care for it. I was ready to jump over to the PSPgo, which would deliver a far better gaming experience.

To be honest, I love the hardware, its cool, no worries. Smaller buttons, yeah, well, its ok. I don't mind. I have man hands and I can make it work. I really like the controls being under the screen, I don't have to hold up the PSP as high, it just "feels" better. I love the sliding mechanism. Some themes you can get make it so that when you slide it shut, a clock appears. Its really cool. Some of the controls, like the volume control, are in a truly irritating place. But its small, and portable, and sacrifices were made and I'm ok with that. I am a Sony guy, I love their stuff, and once again the Sony hardware team does not disappoint!

Problem is, when you roll a piece of hardware that has no UMD slot, you better have some awesome supporting infrastructure. And we know what cool supporting infrastructure is thanks to the iPhone and its Appstore.

There are a lot more games for the iphone than for the PSP. But the PSP is supposed to be a better, pedigreed gaming machine. We all know it. There are more Mustangs than Ferraris out there and most of us would rather have a Ferrari. And as for the gobs of games for the iphone, over 20,000 I think, how many games does one need, anyway? And most of them are junk.

So i was really excited about the PSPgo. Sony knows games and gaming systems. The PSPgo should smoke any wimpy touch screen gaming "system". And in terms of hardware, I think it does.

But the PSP go has its own issues. The bottom line is, you should buy a PSP with a UMD slot - for now.

Here are the reasons:
There are only 7 "mini" game titles in the app store at the time of this review.

There are 16 "exclusive" PSP downloadable titles.

Then there are hundreds of PSP games, but, the issue there is that many of these PSP games cost LESS on UMD than they do on the PSPgo! So not only do you lose the ability to buy a USED game, and the ability to RENT the game from gamefly, you also actualy get to pay MORE for the games in download format. Its INCREDIBLE!

Ape escape... $13.99 on Amazon.com, $19.99 via digital download on the PSP.
beaterator... $36.99 on Amazon.com, $39.99 via digital download for psp.

Other games are the SAME PRICE as getting a hard copy. Except, you don't get to sell or trade that hard copy when you are done.

The biggest software source that I have access to a huge back catalog of PSP games that are NO LONGER IN PRINT. Gee. I'm super unimpressed. We all know the only reason games go out of print is because they aren't selling anymore and you can buy a used copy at gamestop for $5.

And guess what - I could access all this software from a PSP1000, PSP2000, or PSP3000, and buy used UMDs and sell my games when I'm done.

The downloadable games should be CHEAPER than buying a hard copy. You aren't paying for extra convenience. You should be paying less because that game did not have to be pressed and distributed thousands of miles to get to you.

In addition, the Playstation store - which is your most convenient way of getting games - is very poorly set up. Forget seeing a video of the game, as you can on Amazon. None of the games for sale even have screen shots so I can't tell what the heck i'm buying. There is less information available than on the back of a UMD case in the store. Hello 1995!

There are also no customer reviews, so I can't make a judgement from that.

The free Rockband Lite took 30 minutes to download, which seemed waaay too long and a lot longer than the iPhone games I've been buying. In a world where you can download a Kindle book in 2 minutes, and a iPhone game in less than 5, without even using WIFI, a 30 minute wifi required download is going to get old in a hurry. Oh yes, I know I could tether it to a computer or PS3 with a USB cable. Hellllllo 2004. Lets not brag about that too loudly, the PSPgo is starting to be a King of Inconvenience.

The bad appstore, poor download prices, and lack of cheap, addictive games is a total deal killer for me. Yes, Sony will fix this. Over time. Not by Christmas 2009.

Buy a PSP3000 this year. And leave the PSPgo for another time, after Sony works out its growing pains...

Sony have provided some more information on how they intend to help people transfer their old UMD games onto the new PSP Go.

Background
The UMDless PSP Go is a download only games machine. PSP Go owners will not be able to purchase games from a high street or Internet store, all games will be bought and downloaded from the PlayStation Network. Retail will get a small slice of the pie however, as they will be able to sell PSN points cards that entitle the recipient to download games. This should come in handy at Xmas time.

PSPgo Rewards Solution
The solution outlined by Sony is far from the UMD PSP Go solution we speculated about in our previous blog post. PSP owners will not be able to transfer any UMD games to the PSP Go. Instead they are being offered three free games to download from a small selection of games, just 17 in fact.

The scheme is open to owners of the PSP1000, PSP2000 and the PSP 3000. To prove they already own a PSP, they will be required to login to the PSN using their old PSP and register for PSPgo Rewards. After inserting a UMD they will verify that they own an old PSP. They will then download the game theme and receive a code to download a copy of the full game to their PSP Go. The scheme runs from October the 1st to March 31st 2010.

Full list of games available through PSPgo Rewards
Their are currently just 17 games available through PSPgo Rewards

Killzone Liberation
Medieval
Wipeout Pure
Buzz Brain Bender
Buzz Master Quiz
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Everybody's Golf
Resistance: Retribution
Syphon Filter Dark Mirror
Lemmings
LocoRoco
Patapon
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Echochrome
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice
Daxter
Get Gran Turismo PSP for ree

For early adopters of the PSP Go Sony are offering Gran Turismo PSP free for buyers that apply for the download code up to 10 days after the launch in October.

The launch of the PSP Go means that Sony is releasing a lot of downloadable PSP games this week. And I mean a lot. But we've also got quite a few interesting demos and add-ons for PS3 owners as well. On to the list.

What's in the store? Gran Turismo PSP ($40), God of War: Chains of Olympus ($16), Daxter ($16), Resistance Retribution ($32), MLB 09 The Show ($32), and that's just half of SCEA's titles.

Poke around and you'll find stuff from Activision, Atari, Capcom, Codemasters, EA, LucasArts, Rockstar, Sega, Square Enix, THQ, Ubisoft, among others. If I'm counting accurately, it all adds up to 95 new PSP games, 7 debut PSP minis, and four new PSone classics.

Check out the official PlayStation Blog breakdown for the list in full. Movies and TV shows aside, it's the biggest content overhaul Sony's made to the games section since the service debuted.

As for music games, Rock Band Unplugged gets both "Monkey Wrench" and "Lonely as You" by the Foo Fighters ($1.99 each) and Queens of the Stone Age hit Guitar Hero with "Avon," "How to Handle a Rope," and "Mexicola" ($1.99 each / $5.49 bundle). Not to be left out, we also have a heap of new Rock Band tracks available this week for $1.99 each, unless otherwise noted:

"U Suck" - Just Kait ($0.99)
"Knight on the Town"- Kula Shaker
"Hey Dude"- Kula Shaker
"So Cold"- Breaking Benjamin
"I Will Not Bow"- Breaking Benjamin
"The Diary of Jane"- Breaking Benjamin
Breaking Benjamin Pack 1 ($5.49)
"A Looking in View"- Alice in Chains
"Check My Brain"- Alice in Chains
"No Excuses"- Alice in Chains
"Rooster" Alice in Chains
"Would?"- Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains Pack 1 ($8.49)

The launch of the PSP Go also means the first batch of PSP Minis, which include Alien Havoc ($4.99), Tetris ($9.99), Hero of Sparta ($6.99), Brainpipe ($4.99), Fieldrunners ($6.99), Sudoku ($4.99), and Funky Punch ($4.99). Oh, and as for all those downloadable games, here they are:

Gran Turismo PSP ($39.99)
God of War Chains of Olympus ($15.99)
Secret Agent Clank ($31.99)
LocoRoco 2 ($15.99)
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe ($19.99)
Daxter ($15.99)
Resistance Retribution ($31.99)
MLB 09 The Show ($31.99)
MotorStorm Arctic Edge ($39.99)
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey ($29.99)
Cabela's African Safari ($14.99)
Rapala Trophies ($14.99)
Gun Showdown ($14.99)
SWAT: Target Liberty ($19.99)
Crash Tag Team Racing ($14.99)
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts: Ultimate Challenge ($14.99)
Crash: Mind Over Mutant ($29.99)
Crash of the Titans ($19.99)
Activision Hits Remixed ($14.99)
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus ($24.99)
Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai ($14.99)
Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai Another Road ($14.99
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona ($39.99)
Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded ($19.99)
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ($29.99)
Dirt 2 ($29.99)
Pinball Hall of Fame ($9.99)
Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords and More! ($4.99)
Brunswick Pro Bowling ($9.99)
The Sims 2 ($14.99)
The Sims 2 Castaway ($9.99)
The Sims 2 Pets ($9.99)
Need For Speed Underground Rivals ($14.99)
Need For Speed Most Wanted ($19.99)
Need for Speed SHIFT ($39.99)
Need For Speed ProStreet ($19.99)
Need for Speed Carbon ($19.99)
Medal of Honor Heroes ($19.99)
Fight Night Round 3 ($19.99)
G.I.JOE The Rise of Cobra ($39.99)
Madden NFL 10 ($39.99)
Scrabble ($19.99)
Medal of Honor Heroes 2 ($19.99)
Burnout Legends ($19.99)
Burnout Dominator ($14.99)
Lord of the Rings: Tactics ($9.99)
Def Jam Fight For New York: The Takeover ($9.99)
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 ($39.99)
NCAA Football 10 ($39.99)
Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce ($29.99)
Warriors Orochi 2 ($29.99)
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings ($19.99)
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventure ($19.99)
Thrillville: Off the Rails ($19.99)
Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron ($19.99)
Star Wars: Battlefront II ($19.99)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed ($19.99)
Mortal Kombat: Unchained ($19.99)
Hot Brain ($14.99)
SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny ($39.99)
Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light ($4.99)
Mana Khemia: Student Alliance ($14.99)
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness ($14.99)
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days ($29.99)
Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? ($9.99)
Dragoneer's Aria ($14.99)
Obscure: The Aftermath ($29.99)
Beaterator ($39.99)
Alien Syndrome ($15.99)
Super Monkey Ball Adventure ($15.99)
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars ($15.99)
Iron Man ($19.99)
Sonic Rivals ($15.99)
Sonic Rivals 2 ($29.99)
Full Auto 2: Battlelines ($15.99)
Sega Genesis Collection ($15.99)
Crush ($15.99)
The King of Fighters Collection ($19.99)
Metal Slug Anthology ($19.99)
SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 ($19.99)
Samurai Showdown Anthology ($19.99)
THEXDER NEO ($9.99)
Avatar: The Last Airbender ($19.99)
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights ($19.99)
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger ($19.99)
MX vs ATV Untamed ($19.99)
WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2009 ($19.99)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ($29.99)
Tom Clancy's EndWar ($29.99)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas ($19.99)
Prince of Persia Revelations ($9.99)
Prince of Persia Rival Swords ($14.99)
300: March To Glory ($14.99)
Justice League Heroes ($14.99)
Lego Batman The Video Game ($19.99)

That should be enough to keep you busy until next week. Or next year.