http://kotaku.com/5273208/qore-lets-slip-the-first-look-at-psp-go
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/sonys-psp-go-leaks-out-before-e3-is-obviously-a-go/
http://gizmodo.com/5273203/psp-go-leaked-slider-with-16gb-of-flash-storage-and-bluetooth
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/qore-leak-reveals-new-psp-metal-gear-jak-and-daxter-and-more/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Portable_Go


I'm glad they got rid off the UMD drive, but I don't like the fact that they didn't replace it with something more functional and went with no drive instead. having to download all the games can be a pain for some people, plus having no physical back up. And what if I want to get my old PSP games on it? Will I have to buy a second digital copy?

The 16GB of internal flash memory is a nice addition, especially when combined with the Memory Stick Micro slot, Now we can keep the PSP specific content like games and videos on the actual console and free up more space on the stick for music, that's definitely a plus for me since I use the same Memory stick in my phone because the PSPs battery life and size makes it a crappy mp3 player.

The things I don't like are the design and button layout, it looks really uncomfortable to me, the concept pic that was floating around the net before looks way better. I can't comment on technical stuff like RAM and processing power yet but I feel I'm going to be disappointed.

Overall, I think they are marketing this towards casual gamers or people who just use them for the web and videos, and although I think it's too cell-phony already I still wanted a few touch screen functions.

I hope they make some changes before the release like what they did with the PS3 boomerang controller.

Firefly3D

I'm glad they got rid off the UMD drive, but I don't like the fact that they didn't replace it with something more functional and went with no drive instead. having to download all the games can be a pain for some people, plus having no physical back up. And what if I want to get my old PSP games on it? Will I have to buy a second digital copy?

This is what I'm really upset about. This was an absolutely horrible idea in my book. While I do agree that UMD is sometimes rather frustrating, depending on how well the game was coded, it's not nearly as annoying as download. Basically, their going to have to make much larger cards and then we're going to have to purchase them in order to be able to download a good portion of games. Judging by what I've seen of the redesign, it looks like they've completely gotten rid of the UMD all together, so does that mean that previous titles will be available for download? If so, how will that work, how will I be able to prove that I have purchased a title I already have on UMD so I don't have to buy it again for download? I know I would personally like to put my whole library on there. Though, in all fairness I don't know how big PSP games are. I personally feel that they should of saved sometimes like this for the PSP 2 or something. This should of not been released during the original PSP's lifetime.

Firefly3D

The things I don't like are the design and button layout, it looks really uncomfortable to me, the concept pic that was floating around the net before looks way better. I can't comment on technical stuff like RAM and processing power yet but I feel I'm going to be disappointed

From what they've shown, be it official or not, I actually like the new layout. It looks to be far more comfortable, though with how thin it is could be a rather large issue. I already feel that the PSP itself is rather thin and I feel like it could be easily broken (I've had all of the models) but I do think that it'll be more comfortable on the hands and will make it a much better MP3 player than it's larger counterpart.

Firefly3D

Overall, I think they are marketing this towards casual gamers or people who just use them for the web and videos, and although I think it's too cell-phony already I still wanted a few touch screen functions.

The PSP has always been criticized for it's design, so I believe that's the main reason for this redesign. Considering that the DS has drastically changed in size as well as design, I think it's great that Sony decided to go one step further. As for touch screen, I think it would be a horrible idea for Sony to go that route. First, they'd be treading too much into the DS territory. While it's not a bad idea, that's basically the main gimmick of the DS and it would also alienate all of their previous games, so basically you'd be getting a mix of games like the DS owners get now with the DS and DSi. Honestly speaking, I wouldn't want to have to pay more money for a touch screen either, especially when I highly doubt I would really use it.

All in all, I'm excited and somewhat nervous as well. I just recently bought the 3000 model and I really don't feel like upgrading again, but from the rumored technical specs of the PSP GO that have been released, I wouldn't mind getting it either. Price point will be a big issue for me as well as what they decide to do. I know they can't add a second analog stick because it'd be worthless for any of the previous titles that weren't programmed with one, but I hope that the changes they'll make will be much larger than what they've made every time they jump up a model.

This would be better they should still have the drive so you can play your old games to also let you install any game you buy to the console build in flash hard drive to run games with high speed and same time they can release physical disks to buy, kind of like the xbox360 where you can buy the games but install them to the hard drive for silent quick gaming. also the button layout sucks it looks like it slides to reveal the buttons , when it should be like the DS a foldable handheld to fold all the way back to reveal only one huge screen D pad and Analogue/Digital stick.

It needs 4 L are buttons at the top and 6 single buttons on the front for fighting games minimum etc.. then they can have any other types of games easily played with the amount of buttons.

so basically its a ps2 pad but with a big screen in the middle id like to see a sega gamegear size screen, i never take out handhelds and if i do id put it in a bag not my pocket iv personally had enough with this compact rubbish the screen sizes are just too small for decent gaming.

Shizusan

also the button layout sucks it looks like it slides to reveal the buttons , when it should be like the DS a foldable handheld to fold all the way back to reveal only one huge screen D pad and Analogue/Digital stick.

but then what would be the point of releasing a separate system if it's going to have practically the same style as the DS? I can understand why you don't like it, but personally I think it's an improvement. Though, I'm worried if it'll feel flimsy or not.

Shizusan

It needs 4 L are buttons at the top and 6 single buttons on the front for fighting games minimum etc.. then they can have any other types of games easily played with the amount of buttons.

But wouldn't that be too many buttons? It works for controllers, because that's all it is. A portable system is both the system as well as the controller. Try to imagine a larger version of the PS3/360 controller with a screen and there you have it. I think it works perfectly for fighting games. Keep in mind that not all fighting games use a large amount of buttons.

Shizusan

so basically its a ps2 pad but with a big screen in the middle id like to see a sega gamegear size screen, i never take out handhelds and if i do id put it in a bag not my pocket iv personally had enough with this compact rubbish the screen sizes are just too small for decent gaming.

They offer handhelds for those that want gaming on the go. For those, like you, that prefer playing on a larger screen, consoles are the way to go. I personally think that the screen is plenty big and if I have any issues I can just buy a set of cables from Sony for 15 bucks to plug into my TV so I can play it like that.

I like the new layout for the PSP GO. But it is true that there isn't any physical backup in case something goes wrong. It's a lot slimmer, and it'll fit in your pocket more. I hope it comes with a protective screen since the buttons are on the bottom slide, your fingerprints are likely to get in the screen when you're trying to pull it out of your pocket or bag. In any case, I'm looking forward to it. I would buy it, but right now I'm happy with my DS Lite. :D

I'm definitely not interested. I don't really like the button layout scheme. I have a PSP 2000, so I'll just stick with that.

Thats the thing with me I prefer standard 6 buttons at the front of the pad and its default for any game companies to build on it, and the L and are buttons at the top of the handheld can be used for playstation ports or any new games, for instance Valkyrie profile remake on the psp L1 and L2 R1 and R2 all 4 buttons at the top of the ps1 pad were used in game, but when it was ported to psp they had to rely on only 2 buttons parts of the game, one was used to switch between characters the other used i believe to switch skills i used it often.

Think that they don't do it my way because then they couldn't sell as well extra 6 button pads for consoles maybe? When i plug my psp into my tv the quality isn't 100% there and the screen is shrink down doesn't full scale it cause of output limitation, this why i prefer they just use a larger screen for psp, but maybe they not do that because it consumes too much power?

I saw ps3 press conference and they had the psp go, its sad its way too small to play for long hours, my hands too close together i don't like it. This what i hate about the DS the psp 2000 has decent hand spread when holding it.

I thought I'd leave a quick post on the PSP Go! matter. It is not meant to be a replacement or an actual upgrade to the PSP 3000 or any other models. It was stated yesterday that they'll continue selling the 3000 series alongside the Go! as they know there are two types of gamers. One who prefer digitally carrying the games around and those who prefer physical ownership of their games and for that reason they have given gamers the choice of choosing which they prefer. There's no real difference except a bigger size capability, no UMD drive and a new design, no-one is asking you to upgrade or swap models. It's down to YOUR preference of ownership.

The PSP GO model i think it was ridiculous idea for Sony because the overall design didn't look standout. The are only a few changes in the new model are the controls slide, the screen is slightly smaller than the other old PSP models and why did they remove the UMD Drive anyway. They should just keep the UMD drive in case the people want to play their old games again.

williamtan91

They should just keep the UMD drive in case the people want to play their old games again.

Uh... I just explained why they did in the post above yours.

Personally, I think the design is quite cool. It appeals to gamers who had problems with the ugly clunky look of the original PSP's and to the mainstream casual gamer who wants to play on something that isn't so embarassing to whip out in public, which is where the whole cell-phone kind of look kicks in. I agree with the first post though, the concept design was much, much cooler than the final product but it isn't so bad really. It looks fresh and slick.

Though, I still couldn't warrant buying the thing as the list of games I would actually want to play on it aren't that many.

Very terrible idea. How should I start?

1.- Yeah, I'll join the "no physical media" complain. Simply pointless, and it's a big "screw you" to the old userbase that has already bought a lot of UMD games for the PSP.

2.- Horrible design. Original button layout wasn't that awesome but at least it was functional most of the times... but that thing doesn't make me feel like I'd be able to play properly.

3.- Oh, come on! A smaller screen? A lot of people liked the first PSP models because the display was bigger than any other handheld's ever released before. Why would I want a smaller screen that will make things more difficult for me to appreciate the graphical details of the PSP games?

I'm gonna keep my awesome fat PSP.

I think there is still a bit of a misunderstanding on the PSP Go, so I'll help clarify a few things. I will admit that my original post was before I found out that they were going to continue production of the PSP-3000, so I'm not 'switching sides' or anything like that. As stated, this basically comes down to personal preference and while I like some of the new ideas I don't think I'll be trading in my PSP to pick this up.

Kyosuke

1.- Yeah, I'll join the "no physical media" complain. Simply pointless, and it's a big "screw you" to the old userbase that has already bought a lot of UMD games for the PSP.

Deerstalker actually covered this is his previous post, something that I didn't find out until E3. Actually, Sony is releasing this with the PSP-3000, which is the current model. The PSP Go is for those who prefer only the system, so you don't have to deal with UMD cases and the likes. However, they will continue to sell the PSP-3000, which is basically the newest model of the PSP Slim. I doubt they'll be going all digital with their games, but I'd imagine that they might with some games, like Patapon 2. I think this is great, because they won't be alienating the rest of us who have the most recent model, like myself. I just hope that other games won't be taking the DL route like Patapon 2 and if they do, provide physical copies as well.

Kyosuke

3.- Oh, come on! A smaller screen? A lot of people liked the first PSP models because the display was bigger than any other handheld's ever released before. Why would I want a smaller screen that will make things more difficult for me to appreciate the graphical details of the PSP games?

I figured I'd respond to this with another quote.

Kotaku

The screen ratio looks similar to older PSP models, but is considerably smaller in size—3.8 inches versus the PSP-3000's diagonal size of 4.3 inches or 11% smaller.

I don't mean to be rude, but that doesn't seem to be that significantly smaller. While I do agree with you on the aspect that they have made the screen larger, and with the PSP-3000 they made it the largest yet for the PSP, I don't think this is a terrible drop. It's not like they went from the original PSP screen size to what the GameGear screen size was. I imagine their will be a bit of a difference, but I don't think it'd be as night and day as you think it might be. Of course this is also more of just a personal nitpick.


To Kyosuke : Since I quoted you so much, I figured I'd share some good news with you.

That's far from being good news :(

I prefer my games in totally physical format. Digital formats will always be like "meh" to me ;/

Also, how would they replace my imported games? I have like 4 of them.

CrimsonCyanide

As for touch screen, I think it would be a horrible idea for Sony to go that route. First, they'd be treading too much into the DS territory. While it's not a bad idea, that's basically the main gimmick of the DS and it would also alienate all of their previous games, so basically you'd be getting a mix of games like the DS owners get now with the DS and DSi. Honestly speaking, I wouldn't want to have to pay more money for a touch screen either, especially when I highly doubt I would really use it.

I don’t think it would be that bad an addition, especially since the buttons will be locked away for most of the time when you’re on the move it would be easier to scroll or FFW tracks than having to slide the buttons out, Plus I’d love a touch screen keyboard.

CrimsonCyanide

I know they can't add a second analog stick because it'd be worthless for any of the previous titles that weren't programmed with one.

Well, I don’t remember that many complains when they added "L" & "R" shoulder buttons to the GBA, except for changing the screen size they were pretty useless on older games as well. Plus if I recall correctly there were some PS1 games that use both sticks, what if I want to play one of those?
Anyway, I’m not going to complain about a second analog stick this time since the GO is just remodeled PSP and not the PSP2 everyone was expecting.


I still don’t like it, the buttons are too close for my taste, it’s like moving from a DS to a Gameboy pocket.
Imagine trying to use both the left analog, D pad and shoulder buttons while tapping triangle at the same, think of how something like Monster Hunter would feel on it.
And one more thing, where are the TV out and USB ports, will we have to connect to a PC using WiFi or Bluetooth? And what’s that slot at the bottom can anyone ID it?
The only selling point I see would be the 16GB of internal memory, just hope I can access it from the PC or I wouldn’t be able burn my store downloads to DVD anymore.