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.
Product Description
Introducing the smallest and mightiest PSP system yet. Download rich, immersive digital gaming or the best movies and TV shows saved directly to the ample 16GB hard drive. Browse the incredibly deep lineup of PSP gaming and movie content on PlayStation Network. Show off content via the ultra-crisp 3.8 inch LCD screen on the most portable PSP system yet.
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
"Pretty great, actually"2009-11-05
By Brian Oosterhouse (Howell, Michigan, United States)
There's no amount of hate for the PSPGo, and some of the arguments against purchasing one are hard to counter. That said, I purchased one anyway, and I couldn't be happier with it.
First, I'll admit to having owned a PSP-2000 a few years ago. I eventually rid myself of it, mainly because I was doing the vast majority of my gaming at home, and there weren't many games out for the system that really held my interest. With more RPGs out for it now such as Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions and Dissidia, I was all prepared to bite the bullet a 3000, but the notion of carrying around a number of UMDs around with me stopped me. I commute every day and so whatever I bring with me for entertainment needs to be as compact and integrated as possible. There's just no good way to transport UMDs short of buying a carrying case, and throwing one of those into my bag with my laptop, phone, notebooks, MP3 player and associated peripherals was definitely a step beyond my comfort level. Enter the PSPGo.
Integrated 16 GB flash memory, negating the need for both UMDs and memory cards? Check. Smaller size, allowing one to pocket the device without exposing half of it to the elements? Yeah, buddy. Incredibly crisp screen resolution? Also present. Considering I'd sold my PSP games along with my unit, yes, I needed to build a library again. That was solved with a simple $50 Playstation Network Card, which gave me enough to buy a whopping seven PSOne games from my earlier years. I was in gaming heaven. I really can't stress how amazing it is to be able to play those games again, and whenever I want, no less.
The unit itself really is great. I have fairly large hands and fingers, and I have had no trouble holding and operating the device comfortably and accurately. The sliding mechanism is much like what you'd find in many cell phones nowadays, and it feels sturdy and will likely not break easily. I've always been a fan of Sony's XCrossMediaBar, the operating system of sorts for the PSP and PS3, and navigating it is intuitive and simple.
To address a few common complaints about it:
First, yes, it's true. The PSPGo only supports wireless-b, which is pretty frustrating if you like to keep your personal wi-fi network up to date. I'm not sure if Sony has any plan to rectify this considering the most obvious work around to this is to download whatever you need onto your PC and then transfer it to the PSP, but it's my major complaint about the product.
Second, I've had no problem playing a number of different games on the unit, including classic PSOne RPGs. I can read all text without straining my eyes. I'll state here that I don't wear corrective lenses of any kind, so this experience may be different if you do; my advice is to try it out as much as you can before you purchase it. Simple.
Third, some claims regarding the battery life seem to be exaggerated. I charged mine to full capacity right out of the box (which, I expect, some do not do with most new electronic devices despite it being the very first step in any Quick Start Guide) then proceeded to play with it for nearly five hours straight without needed to plug it in. If you turn off redundant, nonessential and unused features (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, anyone?), the unit will go for a very respectable amount of time.
Finally, the biggest complaint of all: Sony doesn't seem too eager to make their entire UMD library available for digital purchase, apparently. Really? Bear in mind that this technology launched just over a month ago, and that all sorts of negotiations need to be made with developers to make their software available in Sony's Playstation Network Store. All of this takes time. Sure, the argument could be made that Sony could've had the wheels in motion much earlier, but given the sheer number of games out for the original PSP system, are you really going to fault them for having only a limited number of titles available after the launch? Remember that Nintendo only had a handful of games up for purchase and download when the Wii was released. Give it time, people. Sony may be trying their hand in the casual gamer market, but they're not stupid. They know where their real consumer base is: dedicated gamers who won't run out and buy their newest incarnation unless they have a lot to offer. This includes the PSP library.
That said, considering I was most attracted to the portability of the PSPGo combined with the availability of classic PSOne games and the fact that I did not currently have a PSP or any games, this was a great purchase. I couldn't be happier with it.
"Pricey but worth it for gamers on the go"2009-11-03
By mellowspaz (San Jose, Ca United States)
Most of the negative reviews posted here come from the PSP community, which are a backlash of early PSP adopters. These are unverified purchases from customers who don't even own the PSP Go. With that said, I think some of these reviews have merit, and most do not. People need to realize that this is made to co-exist with the PSP-3000 (you don't see PSP Go owners posting reviews to bash the 3000 model). Personally, I did not find the PSP-3000 appealing for the reason that PSP's in general are too bulky to be portable.
For me the convenience of carrying a portable system in your pocket without the hassle of carrying several UMDs everywhere you travel is worth it to me. It actually is remarkable how small the PSP Go is compared to a DS or any PSP model (about the size of an Iphone). Now $250 is a lot to pay for, but most people seem to glance over the fact that 16gb of memory are included with the system. $80 extra for 16gb of memory is somewhat reasonable considering how much Sony is charging for their Memory Sticks. Also, with a little bit of research you'll find that the display screen is better than the 3000 model in terms of refresh rate, colors, and there are no ghosting issues here. Sure the screen is a little smaller, but it's meant to be portable right?
A feature exclusive to the PSP Go is the save state feature. This saves the game at the exact point you're playing for future use. This is not the same as sleep mode that all PSP models have (including this one). If you're playing an RPG and know there's not a save point for some time; you can use the save state feature; play another game, surf the web, listen to music, watch a movie, and come back to it later rather than sticking it out from sleep mode until you find another save point in the game. This is a HUGE convenience and something that should get more attention from all reviewers.
In terms of actual hardware improvements there are some hits and misses. The PSP GO is small, which is great for portability, but it takes a while to get accustomed to since it is half the depth when opened. The analog on the Go are an advantage over earlier models, there is a noticeable difference in resistance compared to other PSPs which allow for more precise controls. The battery, on the other hand, is something left to be desired. Battery life on Go isn't any better than other PSP's and the fact that it's not interchangeable means that you're limited to 3-5 hours until you can find an electrical outlet. I found that portable USB charging devices do work with this system (look for Duracell), and they are great for long car trips. Still, it would be nice if battery life was improved over earlier models considering this does not have a UMD drive and should require less power to operate.
The PSP Go obviously isn't for everyone, but if you're still using a PSP-1000 I would suggest the upgrade. You'll be surprised how much more you'll play when it's this portable, rather than second guessing whether or not it's worth it to bring your other PSP.
"PSP Go - Better than PSP 3000"2009-11-03
By Anthony (Australia)
I realise that many of these reviews have been negative against the PSP Go. Mainly around price & the lack of UMD support.
I agree the price is too much. In Australia it is only $50 cheaper than a PS3 which is crazy!. When you factor that most PS3 deals include a game, the PSP Go is actually more expensive than a PS3. What the??
I have owned a PSP 3000 and now a PSP Go so feel I can make a fair comparison. I purchased my PSP Go on special. I am not sure that I could have paid the full retail price.
Once you have one and the price pain fades away these are my thoughts:
1. Portability - this PSP is really small. It is a similar size to the iPhone.
2. Design & Build - beautifully designed & built. Although I would buy a case & not drop it onto concrete it is built to last.
3. It is quite! No more spinning UMD discs to annoy you.
4. On board storage - I have 5 games on board & still 8GB of memory left. You can upgrade to 32GB with a memory card.
5. You do not have to carry UMD discs around. Just the PSP Go.
6. Games load faster - as the games load from the on board storage they load much faster.
7. Buttons & Analog stick feel great.
8. Bluetooth headset & PS3 controller support
9. Game pause feature works really well.
10. With PSP Go TV cable you can play on a TV using a PS3 controller
11. Battery life seems on par with PSP 3000
Besides the price the only other negative i can think of is Wi Fi (b) support only which is a bit silly for a system designed to download games only. I use PC or PS3 as the PSP Go is too slow for anything other than small downloads.
Some people have said that the ergonomics are not great & it feels cramped. I agreed with these comments when I first played it, but am now used to it & it feels fine.
In summary, all I know is I hardly ever used the PSP 3000 compared to the PSP Go which I now use all the time.
The main reasons for this are (1) Portability (2) No UMDs to lug around (all my games come with me) & (3) Game loading times - I used to find game loading times from UMDs unbearable. On a portable system you just want to pick it up and play.
So for me, the PSP Go earns the full 5 stars. Because I use it, it is well built & designed...and it works.
"Great for thirty-something"2009-11-02
By Randall J. Pederson (Philadelphia, PA)
You have to filter through a lot of reviews on this product because most negative reviews are written by those who do not even own the PSP Go. I can understand why they are upset. Most of them are PSP 1000, 2000, 3000 owners who have a stack of UMB disks and are looking for something fresh, new, and innovative to upgrade to. They were hoping for something that would ensure the longevity of their UMB disks.
The PSP Go is not what they were hoping for. Rather, the Go is geared and marketed towards a new breed of gamer: the casual. It's for those who don't own any PSP system but can see the merits of playing a game here and there on the go. It's for those who don't have a stack of UMB disks and who could care less about swapping games, lending them out to friends, or finding bargain bin prices at Target. In other words, its for an older generation of gamers (read 30+) who want a system to remember what it was like when you were young (I can remember banging away on the NES in the 80s), but who also realize that in today's tech savvy world and with the responsibilities of adulthood, it is simply unjustifiable to sit in front of a massive screen playing video games for hours on end.
In other words, the PSP Go is perfect for people like me.
"Good"2009-11-02
By Korean (Oregon, Usa)
The good:
Sleeker, slimmer PSP design; 16GB of internal storage; expansion slot for additional memory; Bluetooth connectivity; good integration with PS3; can access multiple downloaded games without needing to keep bulky UMDs at hand; you can pause and resume game states.
The bad:
Pricey, despite lack of touch screen and second analog stick; smaller screen (but same resolution); awkward placement of analog stick, volume, and display controls; unable to play UMD games or use old PSP accessories; uses obscure and expensive Memory Stick M2 format for memory expansion; battery not user-replaceable; slow download times for large games; online store not as intuitive as others (like the App Store).
The bottom line:
The PSP Go is a sleek and sexy redesign, but its high price tag and some frustrating caveats mean it's not a must-have upgrade for existing PSP owners--at least for now.
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