The PSP Go!

[Raiden]

So, as we all know (or should know if you are posting in the Gaming section of the forum :D) that E3 begins officially tomorrow. While tomorrow will be focused more on Microsoft, Tuesday is the day I'm waiting for due to the Sony and Nintendo coverage.

According to numerous websites and Qore on the PSN, the newest version of the PSP, the PSP Go! has been confirmed and according to a good source of mine (coughKlarkcough) it should be released near the end of the year if I remember correctly. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, I'm going to skip some of the details of the PSP Go! for now, but I'm sure you all want to see pictures. Here you go!

I know I want it...

ObElhJIcOKE&eurl

Shane

[Hitodama]

I've heard they've ditched the UMD in favor of downloads.

Now, I'm sorry, but I refuse to rely on digital media by itself. Also, I like actually owning the disc, to have something tangible that I can hug and kiss in my sleep-uhh, I mean put on display...

Further more, that thing is tiny, I'd be afraid I'd snap it in half by holding it wrong, or accidentally sitting on it.

Last but not least, does it smudge?

[Raiden]

I've heard they've ditched the UMD in favor of downloads.

Now, I'm sorry, but I refuse to rely on digital media by itself. Also, I like actually owning the disc, to have something tangible that I can hug and kiss in my sleep-uhh, I mean put on display...

Further more, that thing is tiny, I'd be afraid I'd snap it in half by holding it wrong, or accidentally sitting on it.

Last but not least, does it smudge?

I understand your concern about this. However, there are some perks to some of the changes that will be coming about.

As far as them ditching UMD and going for digital downloads, I think I read somewhere that digital downloads will be available, but also the disc will too. After all, it's basically a small PS3 sans the updated graphics. I know that Street Fighter 4 came with a disc, but it also gave you the option to download it directly to your hard drive so you didn't need it.

As far as the shape and style of it, I find it to be much slimmer and sexier than the other models. Just because it's a bit more fragile doesn't make it worse. Think about it, cell phones these days are most expensive than ever and more fragile than ever. It's all a matter of making sure that you take care of your electronics. :D

Finally, for the smudging...I'm almost certain that it will because every other handheld device, gaming or otherwise, will eventually smudge. However, I'm sure that you can buy some kind of protectant film for the screen if you are really that worried about it.

Shane

[Klark]

I've heard they've ditched the UMD in favor of downloads.

Now, I'm sorry, but I refuse to rely on digital media by itself. Also, I like actually owning the disc, to have something tangible that I can hug and kiss in my sleep-uhh, I mean put on display...

Further more, that thing is tiny, I'd be afraid I'd snap it in half by holding it wrong, or accidentally sitting on it.

Last but not least, does it smudge?

It should also be noted, that in the near future, discs will become a thing of the past. It's only a matter of time before everything is nothing more than a download away.

[Hitodama]

As far as them ditching UMD and going for digital downloads, I think I read somewhere that digital downloads will be available, but also the disc will too. After all, it's basically a small PS3 sans the updated graphics. I know that Street Fighter 4 came with a disc, but it also gave you the option to download it directly to your hard drive so you didn't need it.

As far as the shape and style of it, I find it to be much slimmer and sexier than the other models. Just because it's a bit more fragile doesn't make it worse. Think about it, cell phones these days are most expensive than ever and more fragile than ever. It's all a matter of making sure that you take care of your electronics. :D

Finally, for the smudging...I'm almost certain that it will because every other handheld device, gaming or otherwise, will eventually smudge. However, I'm sure that you can buy some kind of protectant film for the screen if you are really that worried about it.

Shane

I wasn't aware it could still play the UMDs, so my opinion on that matter has shifted...slightly.

Now, as for its style, I'm a fan of solid-feeling devices, and I've always prefered a somewhat-blocky appearance for gaming consoles. About the durability of the handheld, I take excellent care of all of my consoles and handhelds...however, accidents do happen, and I prefer it if the device in question doesn't blow apart like the Deathstar if it slips from my hands and hits the ground, though I do understand that with disc-reading technology, care must be taken.

Also, I already have a protective film over my PSP's screen, it was one of the very first things I did when I got it.

[Raiden]

I wasn't aware it could still play the UMDs, so my opinion on that matter has shifted...slightly.

Now, as for its style, I'm a fan of solid-feeling devices, and I've always prefered a somewhat-blocky appearance for gaming consoles. About the durability of the handheld, I take excellent care of all of my consoles and handhelds...however, accidents do happen, and I prefer it if the device in question doesn't blow apart like the Deathstar if it slips from my hands and hits the ground, though I do understand that with disc-reading technology, care must be taken.

Also, I already have a protective film over my PSP's screen, it was one of the very first things I did when I got it.

I see what you mean, but Klark is right. Also, I'm not too sure if it'll still be able to play UMD's, but I'm sure that you'll be able to download the games you own for free with some kind of code thing from the bar code or something.

Here's to hearing more information about this during E3!

Shane

[Hitodama]

It should also be noted, that in the near future, discs will become a thing of the past. It's only a matter of time before everything is nothing more than a download away.

I don't look forward to this day.

Call me old fashioned, but I just don't like the idea of everything being stored on servers, and I doubt the companies will be willing to let people make back-ups of the games that they buy...so that won't bode well when someone has a system failure, and has to buy everything back.

[Klark]

I don't look forward to this day.

Call me old fashioned, but I just don't like the idea of everything being stored on servers, and I doubt the companies will be willing to let people make back-ups of the games that they buy...so that won't bode well when someone has a system failure, and has to buy everything back.

Actually, you can. On the PS3, you can back up your system, which also saves a copy of your games. It's only natural that a company would allow you to make a back-up of something you purchased. After all, as with Sony again, you can only distribute 1 copy of a game on up to three different PSP systems. They are semi-protected from piracy and you are allowed to have your on-site back-up. I can tell you from personal experience, that I have multiple back-up copies of downloaded games on my PSP saved on my home computer or in a flash drive in my home.

Even if my PS3 failed, I wouldn't have to buy everything back. I would simply need to download it again. Once you buy something on the PSN, it's in your download list forever.

In the days of cartridge, no one looked forward to games being distributed by disc because it was easily scratched which would ruin the entire game.

Not everyone likes change, but change will happen.

[Lore]

Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/) is a very good example of the type of system Klark is talking about.

For those of you not familiar with it Steam is an application on your computer that allows you to purchase games from a company called Valve. They have a lot of big game names on there. One the front page itself you see Mass Effect, Splinter Cell: Double Agent and of course Half-Life 2.

Anyway no matter what happens to your computer or where-ever you go you can download the Steam app to your computer, enter your username & password and just download the games you've purchased.

Also if you purchase a game on a disk that's on the Steam network you can enter in a code and you'll have it stored there as well.

[Klark]

Well, it's confirmed, no UMD drive for the PSP Go, however, it will be sold side-by-side with PSP-3000, so that means there will be a UMD PSP available on the market.

PSP Go also has bluetooth! 'Bout time. Unfortunately, I know it will chew the battery up and spit it out.

That's also discussed in the video posted by Raiden, but for those who might not be able to view it, you might wanna read the news story on it.

(I can't see posted YouTube videos when I visit ww.com on my PS3. They all revert to Penn talking about Tweeting.)

Story is here. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/05/psp-go-revealed-detailed-real.ars)

I'm also very disappointed in the placement of the nub.

[Raiden]

Well, it's confirmed, no UMD drive for the PSP Go, however, it will be sold side-by-side with PSP-3000, so that means there will be a UMD PSP available on the market.

PSP Go also has bluetooth! 'Bout time. Unfortunately, I know it will chew the battery up and spit it out.

That's also discussed in the video posted by Raiden, but for those who might not be able to view it, you might wanna read the news story on it.

(I can't see posted YouTube videos when I visit ww.com on my PS3. They all revert to Penn talking about Tweeting.)

Story is here. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/05/psp-go-revealed-detailed-real.ars)

I'm also very disappointed in the placement of the nub.

This is to continue on what Klark was getting at...

If you check out this (http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/696432/Just-About-Every-PSP-Game-Released-After-October-1-Will-Be-Downloadable-For-PSP-Go.html) link you will find out that almost every game that has been on a UMD will become downloadable on the Playstation Network when the PSP Go comes out.

So, if anyone was worried about not being able to play your favorite PSP games because of the lack of UMD slot, you now have nothing to worry about.

Enjoy!

Shane

[Revan]

Im pretty sure there is no point in this.
I mean.
My psp still works fine.
And the processing power hasnt been upgraded for this new one.
I refuse to buy this just cuz it looks a bit different and has bluetooth.
There ain't no point.

[Klark]

Im pretty sure there is no point in this.
I mean.
My psp still works fine.
And the processing power hasnt been upgraded for this new one.
I refuse to buy this just cuz it looks a bit different and has bluetooth.
There ain't no point.

Yes, but for someone like me who is on the move a lot, I'd rather have everything downloaded onto it instead of carrying my small briefcase with me everywhere. Also, the new one will have a longer lasting battery because the UMD drive eats it up.

Never fear though, for those happy with the current PSP or wanting tangible disks, the PSP-3000 will still be available and UMD disks will still be used to make games available on the market.

I sent my old PSP to my son for Christmas, which was a PSP-2000, so it's not really that old. But instead of purchasing the 3000, I'll just wait until the Go comes out.

[LucimOfTheMoon]

I hear that Sony wants to make everything Downloadable, even future PS3 games. From what I have been told they are trying to completely lose the compact disk medium. Any word, confirmation, or proof of the contrary?

[Klark]

Proof to the contrary can be found in Sony's E3 presentation. The company said that while the PSP Go will lack any ability to play any discs whatsoever, it will be sold along side the PSP-3000, which will continue to sport it's UMD drive. Games will be available via download for the Go and via UMD disc for the PSP-3000.

As for the PS3, there is no way in hell they can do that. PS3 games are published on Blu-Ray discs, which hold as much as 50 GB of information.

I have one of the fastest Internet connections going. My top download speed has reached 10.5 Mbps. I can download a 600 MB file in just under 10 minutes. To download a 35 GB game would take ridiculously long even with my connection.

Also, there are many ISP providers attempting to find ways of capping download sizes for customers. PS3 games would easily surpass any reasonable amount of monthly download allotment these companies seek to get in place.

Blu-Ray will continue to be the disc format of choice for the PS3.

[Raiden]

Proof to the contrary can be found in Sony's E3 presentation. The company said that while the PSP Go will lack any ability to play any discs whatsoever, it will be sold along side the PSP-3000, which will continue to sport it's UMD drive. Games will be available via download for the Go and via UMD disc for the PSP-3000.

As for the PS3, there is no way in hell they can do that. PS3 games are published on Blu-Ray discs, which hold as much as 50 GB of information.

I have one of the fastest Internet connections going. My top download speed has reached 10.5 Mbps. I can download a 600 MB file in just under 10 minutes. To download a 35 GB game would take ridiculously long even with my connection.

Also, there are many ISP providers attempting to find ways of capping download sizes for customers. PS3 games would easily surpass any reasonable amount of monthly download allotment these companies seek to get in place.

Blu-Ray will continue to be the disc format of choice for the PS3.

So, you're saying that while the PSP Go will be sold side by side with the PSP 3000, that they aren't going to phase out the UMDs? I mean, while I really want the PSP Go, the $250 price tag is kind of steep. I guess I've got some thinking to do, then again, there's plenty of time for saving...

Shane

[Klark]

So, you're saying that while the PSP Go will be sold side by side with the PSP 3000, that they aren't going to phase out the UMDs? I mean, while I really want the PSP Go, the $250 price tag is kind of steep. I guess I've got some thinking to do, then again, there's plenty of time for saving...

Shane

That's correct. During the Sony E3 conference, they announced that games will continue to be sold on UMD for customers who prefer tangible products like game discs.

As for the price, you can do what I'm doing. Start saving now. It doesn't roll out until October, giving us plenty of time to have that cash stored.

[Raiden]

That's correct. During the Sony E3 conference, they announced that games will continue to be sold on UMD for customers who prefer tangible products like game discs.

As for the price, you can do what I'm doing. Start saving now. It doesn't roll out until October, giving us plenty of time to have that cash stored.

Understood. I've got nearly $100.00 saved up for it on GameStop gift cards alone, haha. So, let's see here...we've got a bit more than 3 months to save up. Plus, I'm thinking some time in October I've got some money coming to me.

Well, here's to hoping we both make up the difference by launch day! :beerchug:

Shane

[Raiden]

I'm going to bump this topic up because I wanted to ask a question that hopefully someone around here could answer about the new PSP Go.

I've read that it has a 16G hard drive in it. Will it be easily upgradable like it's big brother the PS3? I ask because it seems 16G isn't too much space when you start adding things like entire games, movies, and music onto it.

Shane

[Klark]

I'm going to bump this topic up because I wanted to ask a question that hopefully someone around here could answer about the new PSP Go.

I've read that it has a 16G hard drive in it. Will it be easily upgradable like it's big brother the PS3? I ask because it seems 16G isn't too much space when you start adding things like entire games, movies, and music onto it.

Shane

No, the hard drive is actually flash memory. There is no hard drive to actually remove. However, the memory is always expandable through a flash memory card just like the current PSP. So if you get a 8 GB card, you can have a 24 GB PSP.

[Raiden]

No, the hard drive is actually flash memory. There is no hard drive to actually remove. However, the memory is always expandable through a flash memory card just like the current PSP. So if you get a 8 GB card, you can have a 24 GB PSP.

Ah, I was hoping the bump of this thread would attract your attention. :D

Well, at least it's upgradable through flash memory cards. I suppose that I'll just have to pick up a good sized card and I should be fine. I believe it's time to start doing some online shopping for certain accessories for such a purchase such as the PSP Go.

Thanks,

Shane

[Klark]

Ah, I was hoping the bump of this thread would attract your attention. :D

Well, at least it's upgradable through flash memory cards. I suppose that I'll just have to pick up a good sized card and I should be fine. I believe it's time to start doing some online shopping for certain accessories for such a purchase such as the PSP Go.

Thanks,

Shane

Absolutely. Now is a great time to get an 8 GB card or two, or a 16 GB card. You'll need to look for Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. That's such a great idea, I think I'll follow suit!