Pocket-lint.com : PSP

REVIEWS: Sony PSP Go console

Chris Hall — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:21:37 +0000

Better or worse than before?

The PSP Go comes in as another reworking of Sony's handheld gaming platform, the PlayStation Portable. As such it is quite a drastic reworking on the original format, but in essence little has changed.

The biggest shift is the placement of a sliding 3.78-inch screen where previously the PSP saw a straight slab-like device. The screen retains the same resolution at 480 x 272 pixels, so despite the change in size, it still looks sharp. The changes mean the unit can shrink down to approx 122 x 66 x 15mm, meaning it is easily pocketable, where the previous versions weren't.

The PSP Go is dependent on the sliding screen which has a precise sliding action with plenty of pop. It feels like a quality device and is free from twist of lateral movement: when open, you don't need to be scared it is going to break off. The same goes for the rest of the build – it feels well constructed.

The exterior finish is mostly glossy, which will attract fingerprints, whilst the inner deck is a matte finish, where you'll find the main controls. These controls are ringed in silver, matching the edge of the unit, giving it a distinctive and premium looking finish. It's a fetching design for sure, and one we like.

One of the effects of moving the controls around is that the bumper buttons now sit behind the screen, with the screen brightness, volume control and mute buttons sitting right behind the screen so in-use they are more difficult to get to. It perhaps doesn't matter, but it does at least keep the device looks clean on the front.

Otherwise we found that we preferred the new layout of controls, with the PSP Go lying in a different grip on the hands, we found it easier to play for longer periods without feeling the thumbs cramp up, which was always a problem for previous editions. But this will come down to personal preference, the size of your hands on so on.

The new design also sees the removal of the UMD drive, so it no longer accepts the discs of previous versions. If you are already a PSP owner, this may be a serious consideration if you are looking at an upgrade – you won't just be able to slap in your existing games.

Those upgrading don't get left totally in the cold – there is an upgrade reward scheme that lets you register your old and new PSP on PSN, then you get access to three reward downloads to get you started. Three? Yes, that's right. Your past loyalty is rewarded with three downloads, rather than the conversion of every UMD you already have.

The move to download also kills the secondhand market so for those on a budget who like to play the trade, you are effectively stuffed.

Sony instead are moving gamers over to a download system using PlayStation Network. It's relatively simple in truth and something that people are now familiar with, especially on the music front. Here you simply visit the PlayStation Store, either on the device itself, your PS3 or a PC (using Media Go) to download games and install them on the PSP Go.

It's not a great process however, especially as you can't download in the background on the console itself, so you'll be sitting there looking at it slowly dripping in, rather than listening to music or playing something else.

To accommodate these games you now have an internal "16GB" of memory, although brand new out of the box you only get to use 14GB of it. An M2 card slot lives around the side for further expansion.

The PSP Go offers the same Wi-Fi as it did previously letting you connect to the Internet, now a core concern for the PSP. The Wi-Fi also lets you dive into Remote Play of your PS3, so you can access content, configure PlayTV or whatever whilst you are on the move. Wi-Fi on the PSP has never been great, compared to the simplicity of modern mobile phones, which will happily dive in and out of connections intelligently, something the PSP Go doesn't seem to want to do.

The new PSP Go also rocks out with Bluetooth, so you can connect to a Bluetooth device, or a new PS3 controller. This means you can tether your PSP Go to a mobile phone to access the Internet on the move using your phone's data connection, or simply go for Bluetooth headphones. We tried the data connection, but it didn't work, so don't get too excited.

There is a standard 3.5mm headphone jack sitting on the bottom of the PSP Go, alongside a new bespoke connector. In the box you'll find a new USB cable, providing your power and PC or PS3 connection. It's a shame to see another bespoke connection, as you'll have to carry around yet another bit of cable.

The PSP Go, with its new format really lends itself to being a PMP, albeit an expensive one. The screen looks fantastic and with the 16GB storage capacity, you can fill it with music and movies to take with you on the move. You'll be more likely to slip into a pocket for listing whilst on your commute, something that the old PSP didn't really excel at.

But in terms of overall functionality, the PSP Go isn't a revolution. Little has changed from previous versions. You still get the XMB interface which makes it easy to get around, but essentially the PSP Go offers you an external format change and little else. For this reason, it is unlikely to appeal to existing users, who will still be able to download games and can use the memory card slots on their existing device to expand storage.

The overall gaming proposition of the PSP Go remains the same as before, which might come as something of a disappointment for some. With the PSP Go closed it is begging to be tapped on the screen, but there hasn't been a move to touchscreen here.

Purists will argue that the screen looks better without touch which is probably true, but with the iPhone and Nintendo DSi enjoying successes in gaming with a touch-interface, it seems like Sony is holding back on something.

Verdict:

Overall we can't fault the handware on offer with the PSP Go. It looks excellent and is a pleasure to play with. The compact format means it slips into a jacket pocket more readily than before, but the removal of UMD means a whole stack of games are sitting in the corner, unloved.

And then there is the price. Launched at ?225, you can pick it up for just under ?200, but it is seriously undercut by the Nintendo DSi, with the iPod touch also offering an alternative. Sure, the PSP Go may be better for pure video, but from a gaming point of view, the Nintendo DS range has been storming.

For those who were just about to put a PSP on their Christmas list then overall they get a better looking device, with expanded memory, but for us we'll be sticking to the old hardware and our old games.

Tags: Gaming PSP Go PSP Gaming hardware Sony

Sony PSP Go console originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:21:37 +0000

NEWS: VIDEO: LittleBigPlanet PSP UK launch confirmed for 20 November

Amy-Mae Elliott — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:43:06 +0000

Sackboy goes portable

The date for the launch of the PSP version of LittleBigPlanet has finally been confirmed for the UK.

Sony has told gaming site CVG that the new title will be out in the UK on 20 November, a few days behind the US release on 17 November.

LBP PSP is a whole new adventure with new levels for Sackboy fans - hit play now on the video to see a teaser video of the game.

Tags: Gaming PSP Sony LittleBigPlanet Video

VIDEO: LittleBigPlanet PSP UK launch confirmed for 20 November originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:43:06 +0000

NEWS: PSP-4000 rumours return

Duncan Geere — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:48:57 +0000

UMD to make a comeback?

It's being rumoured that Sony will be announcing a PSP-4000 in 2010. Edge is reporting that the Tokyo Game Show this year was full of whispers that the PSP Go hasn't been selling at all well, and that Sony has decided to reverse the decisions made and return to the UMD format.

The PSP Go launched with a rather large price tag, and a limited catalogue of games, as well as a poor upgrade experience. Sales rocketed 300% in the first few days that the PSP Go was on sale, but appear to have fallen off just as quickly. As a result, is Sony stepping back from its digital-only strategy?

We won't know for sure until the company makes an announcement one way or another, and Sony Computer Entertainment UK refused to comment on this story. Until then, we'd be interesting in hearing your thoughts - do you have a PSP Go? Do you miss the UMD? Or have you refused to get one thanks to your catalogue of UMD games and movies?

Read

Tags: Gaming PSP Sony PSP-4000 Rumours

PSP-4000 rumours return originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:48:57 +0000

NEWS: Exspect offers hemp cases for PSP Go

Amy-Mae Elliott — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:19:42 +0100

For the hippy in you

Exspect has launched a range of new accessories for the Sony PSP Go that includes the usual cases and screen protectors you'd expect from such a company.

What you might not expect (no pun intended) are cases made from good, old fashioned hippy fave hemp.
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Made from 100% recyclable materials, the PSP Go hemp range is aimed at the "eco-conscious". ?

The hemp slip case features a pull tab, a sewn PSP logo and costs ?9.99 while the flip version goes on sale for ?14.99.

Leather slip cases are also available, as are privacy screen protectors, all on sale now from the likes of HMV and Play.com.

Tags: Eco Gaming PSP PSP Go Cases Exspect

Exspect offers hemp cases for PSP Go originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:19:42 +0100

NEWS: PSP sales rise 300%

Duncan Geere — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:36:54 +0100

Following launch of PSP Go in the States

Sales of the PSP in the United States have rocketed 300% in the 3 days that followed the launch of the PSP Go - the smaller, lighter, more download-y, little brother of the original PSP-3000. Game downloads also climbed 200% in the same time period.

Sony's corporate communications director Patrick Seybold told Gamasutra: "The launch of PSPgo has generated strong consumer interest in the overall PSP platform and the PlayStation Network's digital content offering".

"With several blockbuster games launching digitally and on UMD in the coming weeks - from LittleBigPlanet to Assassin's Creed Bloodlines - we expect this momentum to continue and look forward to a strong holiday season for both the PSPgo and PSP-3000", he added.

Over on this side of the Atlantic, a price war erupted for the new console, with the cost dropping ?25 almost immediately. The console is available now for around ?200, depending on where you pick it up from.

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Tags: Gaming Sony PSP PSP Go Statistics

PSP sales rise 300% originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:36:54 +0100

NEWS: DoubleTwist builds OS X app for Amazon MP3

Duncan Geere — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:59:36 +0100

iTunes alternative for non-iPhones

Following its teaser video the other day, DoubleTwist has announced a new version of its software for Mac that allows users to avoid iTunes and load up music, videos and other media onto their mobile phones. The update brings the addition of the Amazon MP3 store.

It's essentially a desktop front-end to the web store, but the integration - as you can see in the video above - is pretty nifty. Tracks can be purchased with just an Amazon login and will automatically download into your library complete with metadata, ready to be dragged over to your device.

The software works with BlackBerry, Palm Pre, and Android handsets, as well as the Sony PSP and "hundreds of other devices". It's available now, but the version with the Amazon MP3 store won't be out until 13 October. Grab it now, and it'll auto-update then.

Read

DoubleTwist builds OS X app for Amazon MP3 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:59:36 +0100

NEWS: Sony PSP Go price cut

Stuart Miles — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:37:32 +0100

11% slashed by online retailers a week after launch

The Sony PSP has been out less than a week, but already retailers are slashing the prices of the PSP Go in the UK.

Amazon.co.uk, Play.com, HMV and GAME have cut 11% off the RRP taking the price of the console from its original ?225 down to ?199.

The move appears to be an attempt to lure gamers away from other handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS and Apple iPod touch and make it the console of choice in the Christmas stocking.?

However, the price drop still makes it more expensive than both the Nintendo DSi (priced at ?139.99) and the 8GB Apple iPod touch (priced at ?149.99).

Sony is hoping that the bigger screen compared to its rivals, and downloadable content will be the killer application to help it win the handheld console battle this Christmas, retailers it seems, aren't so sure.

Tags: Gaming PSP Sony Amazon Play HMV GAME PSP Go

Sony PSP Go price cut originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:37:32 +0100

NEWS: Quick guide to the PlayStation Store for PSPs

Dan Sung — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:29:11 +0100

Your games and the way you've got to get them

Since Sony waved goodbye to the UMD, those wishing to upgrade/splash out on the PSP Go are going to be getting awfully familiar with the PlayStation Store. Now we know that change can be a difficult thing to get used to, so, to help ease the move from one format to t'other, do have a read of this here Pocket-lint guide on how it all works.

Do I need to use the PlayStation Store?

The short answer is no, no you don't. If you have a PSP-1000, 2000 or 3000 and a UMD drive, then you can just continue buying games in shops or online as you always have done. Just no promises as to how long Sony decides to continue the format for. If, on the other hand, you have a PSP Go and therefore no UMD drive, then it's downloads only for you, which is going to involve the Store at some point.

How do I download onto my PSP Go?

The two main methods of getting the content onto your device are via the PSP Go itself over a Wi-Fi connection or by side loading from a PC via a USB cable. If going for the latter method, you'll need to install Media Go which is Sony's iTunes-like desptop application for organising your media and accessing the Store portal. The third way of doing things is to download media onto your PS3, if you happen to have one, and then a transfer via USB from there.

What kind of content can I find on the store?

Games is obviously the big focus. There are games for the PS3 as well as the PSP and mobile phone-type application titles called Minis which cost anywhere between ?2.49 and ?3.99 and take up no more than 100MB of storage. There's currently a total of 162 games for the handheld and more will be added each week, we're told. There are also free game demos, movie trailers, short films (currently free) and other content in the shape of themes and wallpapers for your PSP. After a deal with Marvel, comics will also be added soon and expect there to be a full movie and TV series push as well.

What about my UMDs?

We'd like to tell you that Sony's got your back here but it hasn't. There's an offer open initially whereby you can download three games, from a set list, for free if you have any game at all on UMD, but there is no way to transfer your already purchased optical disk titles onto the PSP Go. On the plus side, if you do wish you repurchase any from the Store, all the old games are available.

Can anyone use the PS Store?

Yes, if you want to. Download the software, register your user name and password for free, add funds to your in-store Wallet with a credit or debit card and get shopping. Technically, you don't even need a PS product at all. Just don't expect much joy trying to play the games on your computer.

Quick guide to the PlayStation Store for PSPs originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:29:11 +0100

NEWS: Gran Turismo finally to get PSP release

Duncan Geere — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:28:51 +0100

Finally here, several years after originally promised.

Last October, we posted a story with a quote from Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida who said that the company had a development team working on Gran Turismo on the PSP, but that it wasn't ready yet.

Nearly a year later, Sony has finally announced that the game is getting a release on the console. The PSP edition contains more than 800 vehicles from real-world car manufacturers, all with driving dynamics specific to each model. There's over 4500 paint variations, too.

You can race them around 35 tracks, and "70 variations on those tracks" (which just sounds like you can go round each one backwards) that include original courses, world circuits, city courses and other racing environments.

Various gameplay modes are available - driving challenge, single player, time trial and drift trial, and multiplayer is accomplished through the PSP's ad-hoc mode with a series of head-to-head races that handicap faster drivers with slower cars. You'll also be able to trade cars with other players.

Gran Turismo PSP comes on UMD but also as a downloadable product via the PSNetwork for owners of the all-new PSP Go - which doesn't take UMDs. It's out in the United States now, we'll keep you posted on European availability.

Gran Turismo finally to get PSP release originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:28:51 +0100

NEWS: The first 13 PSP Minis on the Playstation Store

Dan Sung — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:03:59 +0100

Puzzles, shoot-em ups, even football and all under 100MB

We were beginning to think it was never going to happen but, just like that, the PSP Go has arrived and, with it, the much anticipated PSP Minis.

There are 13 to choose from as of today, expected to grow to 50 by the end of the year. Each is no larger than 100MB and all are under ?4. So far, this is how they line up:

Alien Havoc

Price: ?3.99
Developer: CREAT Studios
Genre: Arcade

Old school action as you take on the role of an alien running round the mid-west and rounding up cattle to take on board your space ship and fly away with. Plenty of levels of fun throwing vegetables at the angry farmers trying to stop you.

Bloons

Price: ?3.49
Developer: Hands On Mobile Inc
Genre: Puzzle

It might not be as enjoyable to do it for real but there's an old equation that rings true for this game: Balloons + Darts = Destruction + Fun. Essentially, burst as many as you can and look out for special weapons.

Brainpipe

Price: ?3.99
Developer: Hands-on Mobile Inc
Genre: Arcade

Wander through the inner workings of your very own mind in your search to transcend human existence. When you're not focusing on the over-arching storyline, however, just enjoy a shoot bit of platform arcade action.

Breakquest

Price: ?2.49
Developer: Beatshapers
Genre: Break out

100 levels of vintage Archanoid-style blockbusting action featuring a glut of power ups and weaponry for a new generation.

Fieldrunners

Price: ?3.99
Developer: Subatomic
Genre: Strategy/Arcade

Heavily popular, heavy artillery tower defence game as played by thousands on the iPhone OS. Choose from a range of weaponry and different tower types to vanquish invaders across a series of levels.

Fortix

Price: ?3.49
Developer: Complete IT
Genre: Strategy/Arcade

Besiege the castle and the waiting dragons with power catapults and troops of all sorts as you battle to take back your ancestors' land.

Funky Punch

Price: ?3.49
Developer: Solus Games
Genre: Fighting

3D fighting game where dancing recharges your energy. Don't ask. Just play.

Hero of Sparta

Price: ?3.99
Developer: Gamesloft SA
Genre: Action Adventure

Hack and slash your way through this ancient Greek 3D action adventure as King Argos and wreak your hideous revenge with an assortment of weaponry at whoever gets in your way.

Kahoots

Price: ?2.49
Developer: Honeyslug
Genre: Puzzle/god game

Very much in the spirit of Lemmings, guide your little guys around from A to B by turning over blocks and putting in special spring-loaded bricks and other types of terrain.

Pinball Dreaming: Dreams

Price: ?3.99
Developer: Cowboy Rodeo
Genre

Silver ball classic from the Amiga days as ported onto the iPhone and now PSP Go too.

Puzzle Scape

Price: ?2.49
Developer: Farmind
Genre: Puzzle

Arrange, re-sort and align coloured bricks which when placed correctly will explode. Hmm, sound familiar?

Tetris

Price: ?3.99
Developer: EA
Genre: Puzzle

Which cave have you been living in?

Vempire

Price: ?3.99
Developer: Impressionware SRL
Genre: Puzzle/Strategy

Debuting on the PSP platform is this puzzle game with a strategy twist. Collected artefacts and minios to be used during the gameplay in the quest to become king of the monster empire.

The first 13 PSP Minis on the Playstation Store originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:03:59 +0100

NEWS: PSP Go arrives on shelves

Duncan Geere — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:58:24 +0100

?225 for slimmer, lighter, screen-sliding PSP cousin

Sony has announced that the PSP Go, long rumoured, and eventually confirmed, has now arrived on the shelves in Europe. It's considerably closer to the iPhone and DS in terms of functionality with the arrival of "minis" - smaller, cheaper games with a 100MB size limit.

The PSP Go is also considerably slimmer and lighter than its older brother. It weighs 160g compared to the original's 190g weight, and is 66mm thick, compared to 71mm on the original. The screen is smaller, though - 3.8-inches instead of 4.3-inches for the PSP-3000.

The PSP Go will cost ?225, and comes with 16GB of internal memory and the capability to expand that with Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Micro format. It has 802.11b Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and has video-out, in case you want to load videos up to your TV screen. It's available now.

PSP Go arrives on shelves originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:58:24 +0100

NEWS: The history of the Sony PSP

Dan Sung — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0100

From the first handheld with an optical drive to a digital download device

It's easy forget that the PSP Go is actually the fourth PlayStation Portable handheld from Sony but it was over six years ago that the original model was announced. Hold the two side by side and it's easy enough to see the differences but the transformation didn't happen over night. So, here's how it all went down in the history of the Sony PSP from that heady summer's day in June to where we are today.

June 2003 A Sony PlayStation handheld is announced and described CEO Ken Kutaragi as the "Walkman of the 21st Century". There are no images, mock ups or models but the technical specifications are discussed.

November 2003 The first concept drawings of the device are discussed at a Sony meeting which include flat buttons and no analogue stick.

May 2004 The PlayStation Portable is unveiled at a press conference just before E3 and is the first handheld device to use optical disks - the UMD.

June 2004 The PSP is on show at E3 along with the games Metal Gear Acid and Wipeout Pure.

October 2004 The PSP is officially launched with the worldwide release dates.

December 2004 PSP launches in Japan on 17th October for ?19,800 for the basic model and ?24,800 for the value version. It sells 200,000 units on the first day.

March 2005 PSP launches in North America for $249, approximately $20 more than the Japanese price and $100 more than its recently launched competitor - the Nintendo DS. 500,000 PSPs are sold in the first two days but there are later suspicions that the first weeks do not reap quite the figures that Sony had hoped for.

June 2005 Hackers release the PSP code and distribute it online. As a result the ISO loader is created crammed full of pirated games and is thought to be responsible for the rise in sales of the PSP but the drop in retail of the games.

September 2005 PSP launched in the UK for ?179 - at the time over $100 more than the US price. Sony say this is because of high VAT pushing it up in the UK and the need to compensate for local sales taxes in the US. All 185,000 units sell out in the first three hours doubling the DS's record on launch.

March 2007 The PSP totals 25.39 million units shipped worldwide.

June 2007 The next generation of Sony's gaming handheld is announced as the 33% lighter, 19% thinner PSP-2000 and is the first of the Slim and Light series. It supports USB charging, has a composite TV-out and twice the RAM taking the memory up to a healthy 64MB. The screen is brighter and the UMD speedier to load.

September 2007 PSP-2000 goes on sale worldwide

August 2008 An update of the PSP-2000 is shown off at a press conference in Leipzig. The PSP-3000 is ostensibly identical to its predecessor but features an improved LCD screen with a better contrast, colour gamut, a faster response time and an anti-reflective coating.

October 2008 The PSP-3000 goes on sale worldwide

January 2009 Built-in Skype service is added though a firmware update as Sony announces that 50 million PSPs have been sold to retailers worldwide

May 2009 After much internet speculation, the PSP Go is revealed in June's issue of Qore online

June 2009 PSP Go officially launched at E3 with Bluetooth, a smaller 3.8-inch screen and at 43% lighter than the original PSP. The UMB has vanished and instead is replaced by 16GB of internal flash memory for digital downloads plus a Memory Stick Mirco port. The release dates are revealed as the 1st October for North America and Europe, and 1st November for Japan.

August 2009 56 million PSP units reported sold worldwide

September 2009 PSP service called the PlayStation Room is announced where users will be able to host real time communications inviting people in to their "rooms" much like the PlayStation Home service on the PS3. A closed beta test is to take place in Japan only between 24th September - 5th October.

October 2009 We await reviews and sales figures for the PSP Go.

The history of the Sony PSP originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0100