Unleashed: PSPGo and Massive PlayStation Store Update

October 2, 2009 in Hardware 2 Comments

Hosting problems prevented me from posting yesterday about the release of Sony’s PSPGo portable gaming and media system. The PSPGo eschews UMD discs in favor of a large built-in flash memory (16 GB) and downloading games from the PlayStation Network Store online. Nearly half the width of the original PSP, the system now fits easily in your pocket and the sliding face protects the button controls.

The system has proven rather controversial since it’s announcement last spring, especially in regard to dropping the UMD disc system. This move basically disenfranchises retailers who typically make a larger profit from the sale of game systems by selling and reselling game software in-store and online. Several European retailers responded by refusing to sell the system. Rumors arose of PSPGo kiosks appearing at retailers to enable shoppers to connect to the PlayStation Network to buy games while in the store. However, no one seemed certain how retailers would make any money from the kiosks, and no one’s reported these stations materializing at any store.

The PSPGo does have advantages, however. Its smaller size allows for easier carrying, without keeping track of a bunch of little UMD discs and even tinier memory sticks. Like the regular system, the PSPGo can connect to your computer via USB for download and backup of games, saves, and movies. And the huge size of its flash drive allows the user to have more games and movies conveniently available at the same time, whereas a 16 GB Memory Stick Pro Duo is still rather costly on the technology market at this time. Plus it’s bluetooth enabled–meaning wireless headsets can be connected–whereas the regular PSP provides only a headphone cord jack.

PSP A/V cables such as the all-valuable component cable are not compatible with the jack on the PSPGo. To connect to your TV you must purchase another Sony-manufactured component cable. Also the PSPGo uses Memory Stick Micro M2 and not Memory Stick Duo, but this means very little since users can save games to the flash drive. Only those who share game saves via memory cards may feel any pinch from this changeover. There are rumors and photos circulating about a PSP to PSPGo peripheral converter, but this item seems to still be in the prototype phases and is not available at launch–which means it may never see the light of day.

Then of course there’s the distasteful discussion of price. PSPGo debuts for $249.99, whereas the PSP-3000 still retails for $169.99, plays all your UMD discs, connects to the PSN Store and downloads new media just as easily, and uses slightly cheaper Memory Stick Duo and third-party PSP peripherals. With the economy currently so deep underwater it’s very difficult to recommend running out to buy a system which is already trumped by a cheaper, more versatile, and equally capable system sold by the exact same company.

Probably Sony’s biggest miss on the PSPGo is failure to include better networking. The name would seem to indicate that you can play “PSP on the Go,” but this is only true after first connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot or downloading content through your PC. In other words, if you could connect to the 3G Internet to download games, then the PSPGo would truly be innovative. But just like the PSP-3000, you must still connect to the PlayStation Network through a friendly source. That means downloading all your content before leaving the house, whereas so many mobile devices feature download anywhere/anytime capabilities.

The one great benefit of the PSPGo launch–for all PSP owners–is the release of Sony’s recent titles on the PlayStation Store. Wednesday’s update added more than 100 new PSP games to the online service. There again, retailers are probably frowning at Sony cutting them out of selling UMD disc in-store. But as users we have great reason to rejoice for not having to leave the house or pay for shipping to get a new game. PSPGo users have to hope that the updates will continue until the PSN Store eventually includes the PSP’s entire back catalog. Because without the ability to play UMD discs, PSPGo users are missing out on some great titles from the early days of the system such as Silent Hill Origins, Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops, and plenty more.

PSP, video games