PSP Go: PSP Go Black
Introducing the smallest and mightiest PSP system yet. With the PSP Go, PSP users can download the best digital games and movies directly to the 16GB built-in memory and use built-in Bluetooth support to connect a wireless headset to more easily utilize Skype to talk with friends. But best of all, you can show off content via the new ultra-crisp 3.8-inch LCD screen, maximized by the PSP Go’s new slide out control design. Go versatile, Go digital, Go anywhere.PSP Go: PSP’s Most Portable and Powerful Yet
The PSP Go, has all the functionality that older PSP hardware versions had, but includes many important and exciting changes. Unlike previous versions whose primary means of playing media was via a built-in Universal Media Disc (UMD) drive, the PSP Go does away with UMDs altogether and instead relies on a media solution combining download functionality via Sony’s PlayStation Network, larger onboard storage capacity and removable Memory Stick Duo support. This major change allows for a slim design, quicker access files and a much more quiet, energy efficient gaming experience since there are no longer any spinning UMDs.
PSP Go: PSP Product Features
Color Name: Black
- The ability to download games, movies, TV and other media directly from the PlayStation Network to your PSP Go.
- 16GB of built-in flash memory for file storage and removable memory expansion via memory stick.
- Bluetooth support for skype headsets and other devices.
- Slide out control design to maximize the ultra-crisp 3.8″ LCD screen functionality.
- No UMD design makes for a quieter, more energy efficient device.
A Full PSP Go Entertainment System in Your Hands
The PSP Go was designed to handle all varieties of applications and entertainment — music, video, communication, wireless networking, and, of course, gaming. PSP Go users will enjoy topnotch 3D games with high-quality, full-motion video, and high-fidelity audio. Its ultra-crisp 3.8-inch wide screen LCD display is bright and beautiful, and works well under many different lighting conditions.
A Wealth of PSP Go Games to Choose From
The PlayStation Portable gaming library is hundreds of titles strong and covers a wide variety of genres. The PSP Go is compatible with all PSP formatted games and Sony has pledged to have all these available for download via the PlayStation Network’s PlayStation Store. Whether you are seeking the hard knocks of football or other sports games, the strategy of a puzzle games, or the action and adventure of shooters and racers, there’s sure to be many games in your future with the PSP Go.
Via the PlayStation Store users can also download an assortment of PS One games ported over to the PSP format. The PSP Go is capable of graphics quality that is comparable to the PlayStation 2 console, but in a pocket-sized package, so whatever your game is you can be assured of a quality experience.
Watch Movies and Videos on the PSP Go
When you just want to sit back and enjoy a movie or video on a long plane trip, or anywhere else, the PSP Go has you covered. It offers two options to do this: you can either transfer media ahead of time to a Memory Stick Duo, or using the PSP Go’s Wi-Fi functionality, your free membership to the PlayStation Network and access to a hotspot, you can download movies, TV shows, game trailers and more directly to your PSP Go. If users prefer they can also download content ahead of time to a PS3 or a Windows-based PC, via Media Go software, for faster transfer to their PSP Go, and can also watch recorded television content downloaded to a Memory Stick Duo with the TiVo-To-Go service. (additional fee and a TiVo Series2 connected to your home network also required).
Music and Other Functionality
With the ability to play MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3+, and MP4 files, you can easily use your PSP Go as an audio player. Simply place your music on a Memory Stick Duo, and you can navigate your collection using the PSP Go’s XMB (XrossMediaBar) to select your song to play.
Built-in Wi-Fi Allows for Internet Browsing, Online Gaming and More
With built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you can access the Internet from any accessible hotspot. Once connected, you can surf the Web, check e-mail and visit the PlayStation Store to download games, exclusive demos and game content and even update your system and game software in seconds. The PSP Go is first and foremost a gaming device though. Ad hoc enabled multiplayer games allow PSP players in close proximity to play together, but your PSP Go’s Wi-Fi connection also allows you to battle other gamers anywhere in the world over the Internet, in online infrastructure multiplayer games. Other functionality available remotely via a broadband connection includes: Internet radio; LocationFree TV, allowing you to view your home media setup from anywhere; RSS feeds; Remote Play, which gives you access to your PS3; and more.
What’s in the Box
Black PSP Go system, AC power adapter and system documentation.
The PSP Go Reviews
4 Stars Great for its intended purpose!
First off, I’ll begin by saying I own a PSP Go…which unfortunately about 99% of all reviewers do not. So please accept a review from someone who has purchased one and logged about 30 hours of playtime.
I sold my PSP1000 this summer to fund the purchase of a replacement xbox that RROD’d on me. I’ve been wanting to get another PSP since, especially with the advancement of PSN games and PS1 games on the PS Store. The PSP Go only fueled my desire to get another PSP. One of my biggest gripes with the PSP1000 (which applies to the 2000 and 3000 as well) was the UMD drive and not-so-portable size.
Pros:
Size. The Go really is small. You won’t realize how small it is until you’ve actually handled one. It is only a fraction larger than my cell phone. I know some people put it in their pockets, and it certainly is small enough to do that, however I do not for fear of scratching the screen. But it can be carried anywhere in a pocket, unlike the previous models.
Screen. Coming from a 1000 unit, the screen is much brighter and much more vibrant colors. It looks gorgeous and the games really pop!
Analog Stick. Much more improved feel, added resistance.
Buttons. There is much less travel, and almost a “click” to the buttons. I much prefer that, as the older models’ buttons just felt too mushy. Even the L/R buttons are better. Many have complained that they are hard to reach. People, you don’t have to wrap your fingers all the way around the buttons! Just tap the tip that overlaps the side of the unit to press the buttons, they were designed that way!!
Bluetooth. This is incredible. I have a nice set of bluetooth headphones that I love to use with the system. Not necessary, but just a bonus. I have used my PS3 controller with the unit once, and it is incredible, but the problem still lies in holding the PSP. If you’re holding the PS3 controller, who’s holding the PSP? I haven’t figured out the usefulness yet, unless you buy Sony’s proprietary cradle.
Volume. I never remember my 1000 playing this loud. Part of that is the fact that the Go’s speakers are on the front of the unit, versus the bottom of the unit (i.e. under your hands) on the previous models.
Pause Feature. This should be included on every system, portable or not. Better yet, stupid game developers need to abandon the “Save Point” system altogether. That’s the dumbest thing ever. Sony has remedied that as best they can with the Pause feature.
Cons:
Finish. The “Piano” finish has no place in a portable unit. It gets greasy, smudgy, and just looks awful. Sure, the screen is fine as is, but sony should have definitely used the flat black from the bottom sliding portion for the rest of the unit. That flat black holds no smudges, doesn’t reflect, and provides more grip. Shiny =/= better.
Battery. This is by far the worst part. I can only get 4 hours with full volume and screen brightness. That just isn’t enough, especially when there is no UMD drive. I can get over this as long as the battery has a fairly long life, but having to recharge this often will mean the battery might not last very long. I want several years out of it!
Nuetral:
UMD/Lack of UMD. What do you prefer? People are offering way too much criticism of this aspect. Sony is not replacing the UMD nor the PSP3000. It is simply trying to offer a product to a specific customer. I prefer it this way. It makes the system much more portable not having to carry around 7 fruity little game “totes” with your 20 different UMDs when you go on a trip. I never liked that.
If you already have a PSP, this was not intended for you, get over it. If you are looking to buy your first PSP, and don’t want to carry around a bunch of little UMDs, this is for you. I just don’t understand why people are giving Sony so much flack for just adding more options. When they came out with the Purple Hannah Montana bundle, did everyone cry because it was just dumb? No, sony was trying to win over new customers of a different audience. It isn’t meant for everyone! It is simply another option…an option that I very much enjoy.
If sony had made the PSP Go flat black finished all around, and a longer batter life, I would have given 5 stars. As is, the Go is still a great portable game system, the most portable of all.
4 Stars Go anywhere,anytime
At first i wasn’t going to get the go due to size,and converting everything worth playing that i haven’t beat to digital form. While smaller i must admit the shoulder buttons are night n day better than the cheap flimsy shoulder buttons on 1000,2000 or
3000. I really am glad it comes with bluetooth because you can link your phone,headset or more importantly a dual shock 3 controller.For this you’ll need your go,a ps3,the ps3 controller and 2 usb cables one of which is part of go’s power pack.
After setting it up you can set the go in the sony cradle -buy it-so you can see the screen straight on.
The only negative would be that if your go freezes during gameplay you will have a harder time popping the battery out as you need to remove 4 screws.
The old psp’s had a removable battery cover and an easily removed and reinserted battery.
The fix would be to get a 32GB M2 memory stick micro and put all downloaded games on the easily removed memory stick-my hope is by removing the game from the system
it would go to the xmb screen…if not just wait til the battery dies and recharge it. I doubt it would continue to stay frozen.
This is highly unlikely to happen to you as all games are downloaded and unless you power off during a loading screen it shouldn’t happen.
5 Stars A review from a first-day original PSP owner
The PSPgo is an interesting device. It would appear to many that this hardware revision seems to have taken one step forward (sleeker design, bluetooth capability, built-in memory) and two steps back (no UMD drive, price, purchases tied to the PSN Store). I’m here to say: I love my PSPgo.
First, a little bit of my background: I was an original adopter of the PSP-1000 system. I love the PSP platform and feel as though the hardware itself as well as many of the platform’s games are severely unappreciated.
I want to provide some commentary for what kind of customers might be looking into purchasing a PSPgo:
1) The Gadget Geek
It’s obvious, even from the customer images and official product images, that the PSPgo is one slimmed-down, sexy device. If you’re into gadgets, the PSPgo will not disappoint: this is a much more portable, sleeker device than the PSP 1000 / 3000 systems. This handheld will fit where the old PSPs won’t, that’s for sure. The sliding-open of the controls is addicting; it mimics many of the cell phones that have this kind of mechanism.
2) Someone who is looking into purchasing their first PSP system
It’s a tough call to truly recommend the PSPgo for those who are looking into purchasing this as their first PSP system. Personally, I would. Many probably wouldn’t. As of right now, the PSN Store does not have all of the best PSP games available to download. However, they do have a fantastic current selection that includes Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2, LocoRoco 2 and more. As of today, they do not have several fantastic games on the PSN Store (Dissidia and Crisis Core, to name a couple). I can only assume, in time, these will be available.
The other consideration is buying used games at stores such as Gamestop. As a new PSP owner, you probably want to buy a lot of older games that you have yet to enjoy. These probably come in at fairly cheap used game prices at stores. If you have a PSPgo system, some of these prices are comparable; some are not.
If a first-time PSP owner does decide to purchase a PSPgo system, they don’t want to worry about purchasing additional memory right out of the game, which is a nice little bonus.
3) Someone who currently owns a PSP 1000 / 3000
If you have the financial means, I think purchasing a PSPgo to compliment your PSP 1000 / 3000 system is a great idea. This is the kind of customer I am. I was able to use Amazon’s video game trade-in program to knock the price down for the PSPgo system. I still have my PSP 1000 system around in case I want to play any of the games I have on UMD. And, not surprisingly (or maybe surprisingly for some), I have yet to have a hankering to go back and play any of the UMD games I own since owning a PSPgo. And I have some fantastic games on UMD that are not offered as a digital download currently on the PSN Store!
And I think this is where the PSPgo system gets a LOT of hate: the whole discussion about not being able to play any UMD games you may currently own. My thought on that is this: I think before owning a PSPgo, this might be a concern. But when you have one, you don’t have a drive to play any of your UMD games. I have plenty to play in terms of PSX / PSP games I’ve already downloaded and have downloaded since owning the system. I don’t know, maybe I’m just a special case or something.
Conclusion
I absolutely love my PSPgo: it’s sexy, it’s incredibly portable and I love having a whole smattering of games available right there on my system. The price may be a tad bit high, but if you can swing it, you’ll love the PSPgo system. Since owning my PSPgo, I have not wanted to play any of my current UMD games on my old PSP system. There’s a lot of currently released titles on the PSN Store to satisfy my needs.
Interested in the PSP 3000 Go Instead?
The Playstation Portable revision from late 2008, the PSP-3000 Go, has everything the older PSPs had but now includes a built-in microphone, which lets you take advantage of voice features in some games as well as the PSP’s built-in Skype functionality without having to use a headset. This PSP 3000 Go comes in a sleek black color scheme and also includes an improved anti-reflective screen that offers higher contrast and clearer visibility in well-lit places and can even be used outdoors.
A Full Entertainment System in Your Hands
The PSP was designed to handle all varieties of applications and entertainment — music, video, communication, wireless networking, and, of course, gaming. Users will enjoy top-notch 3D games with high-quality, full-motion video, and high-fidelity audio. The 4.3-inch wide screen display is bright and beautiful, and works well under many different lighting conditions. If you prefer, you can also connect your PSP to your TV. The PSP utilizes the Universal Media Disc (UMD) for a storage medium, each of which holds 1.8 GB of data.
