The PSP Go may have been the worst-kept secret of this year's E3 show, but Sony's press conference has now supplied the official details. For the most part, there's little that wasn't already revealed or correctly assumed: the PSP Go is smaller, has a slide-up screen, no UMD drive--and no game-changing upgrades, such as a touch screen or second analog stick. But the big news is that the new PSP will be available in North America on October 1 for $249.

Here's a roundup of the PSP Go's features and specs, as we understand them so far.

Form factor: The PSP Go has a 3.8-inch wide screen (versus 4.3-inch on all previous PSP models). It's said to be 43 percent lighter than the PSP 3000, which means it would tip the scales at about 3.8 ounces. The PSP Go design is very reminiscent of the Sony Mylo--the screen slides up to reveal the controls.

Storage: The Go will offer 16GB of built-in flash memory, and it's expandable via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot. There is no UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive on the PSP Go. While that no doubt allows for the smaller size (and, we hope, the potential for better battery life), it also means there's no way to play existing PSP software you might own on the PSP Go.

Controls: While the layout may be different, the control scheme on the PSP Go is little changed from earlier PSP models: a four-way d-pad on the left, the standard quartet of geometrically coded Sony controls (circle, square, cross, triangle) on the right, select/start buttons in the center, and the PlayStation "home" button to the left of the screen.

A second analog control is always at or near the top of wish lists for PSP redesigns, so its absence is a disappointment. At the same time, sticking with the same control scheme means game compatibility between the PSP Go and older PSPs is maintained. It remains to be seen whether the single stick's placement--closer to the center of the control deck rather than the outside right, where it sits on earlier PSPs--will be problematic for seasoned PSP gamers. That said, the Go control layout is more closely aligned to that of a traditional full-size PlayStation controller.

Despite early rumors, there is no touch screen on the PSP Go.

Wireless: In addition Wi-Fi support, the PSP Go adds Bluetooth capability to the Sony handheld platform for the first time. That should allow standard Bluetooth headsets (and, presumably, A2DP headphones and speakers) to pair with the PSP Go. In the leaked video, Sony rep John Koller also specifies the ability to tether the PSP Go to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The advantage of that isn't highlighted, but that would potentially allow Web browsing and online gaming via a tethered phone with a 3G data connection (when Wi-Fi access wasn't available). Another possibility (though pure supposition) is that you could pair a PS3 controller (which is Bluetooth-enabled) to the PSP Go.

Games: At Sony's press conference, the company confirmed new PSP versions of many of its most popular franchises. Notable titles--many of which will be released in 2009--include Little Big Planet, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, MotorStorm Arctic Edge, and SOCOM Fire Team Bravo 3. The first Resident Evil game for the PSP is scheduled to appear next year as well.

PSP games will be available for download directly from the PlayStation Store over the console's Wi-Fi connection. In addition to direct download, Sony says that "all" new PSP games will continue to be available on UMD, too. We have to wonder how long that'll last, given the fact that the company seems to be embracing digital-only distribution on titles like Patapon 2. However, since older PSPs can also access and play download-only titles, the eventual death of UMD shouldn't make them obsolete.

Digital media support: The Go boasts the same support for music, video, and photo files as earlier PSPs, so you should have no trouble transferring gigabytes of media from a PC (or via the M2 flash media card). Downloadable movies and TV shows can be purchased directly from the PlayStation Store over Wi-Fi (no more need to use the PS3 or PC as an intermediary). Despite early rumors of a PSP-centric music store, Sony's instead opted for a partnership with eMusic. In other words, users can purchase DRM-free tracks from any online music store (Amazon, iTunes, eMusic, and so forth) and simply copy them over to the PSP.

Sony will be releasing software called Media Go to help users manage the PSP's content on their PC (this replaces the older, and not terribly useful, Sony Media Manager software). The company is also promising a feature called "Sense Me" that will analyze your music library to play music based on a mood you choose.

PS3 integration: Again, it appears the existing interoperability between the PS3 and the PSP line will be carried over to the PSP Go. That includes the ability to cross-load some games and media, as well as the Remote Play option (access PS3-based content from the PSP over the Internet).

Price and availability: The PSP Go will be available in North America on October 1 for $249. (The portable console will go on sale in Europe the same day for 249 euros, and availability in Japan will follow a month later.) The PSP 3000, currently $169, will stay on the market concurrently.

Unanswered questions: We're hoping to get more details on the PSP Go in the weeks and months ahead. Chief among our unanswered questions: does the Go support video out like the PSP 3000? How's the battery life? Does the screen have the same weird interlacing issues that bothered some on the PSP 3000?

Is it worth waiting for? That, of course, is the big question. The PSP Go isn't the PSP2, to be sure--it's more like the PSP 1.5. Like Nintendo's done with the DSi, Sony is extending (and, it hopes, revitalizing) a portable platform that's sold tens of millions of units worldwide. Considering that this is an evolutionary product--the only real appeal is the smaller form factor--the high price is certainly going to be a barrier for those who already own and enjoy the existing PSP.

On the other hand, owners of the older (and heavier) PSP 1000 and 2000 may find the PSP Go to be the upgrade they've been waiting for. But with the DSi and iPhone/iPod Touch competing for the time--and pockets--of casual gamers, the ultimate answer may again rest with the quality and desirability of the games. We'll be able to answer the question more definitively when we get some hands-on time with the PSP Go later this year.

When the PSP was originally introduced in 2005, many gawked over its brilliant screen, design, game graphics, and multimedia capabilities. Many thought it to be the Gameboy killer, but it did not quite pan out that way. Instead, the PSP found its own voice of gamers loyal to Sony's first ever handheld.

Since the PSP was introduced, the hardware design has gone through a few cycles of changes, starting from the Sony Slim AKA 2000 to the current the Sony-3000.

We discuss the evolution of this machine and review the new PSP 3000 we think deserves more attention than it has been receiving.

Design

Sony has always been known for its design, and this still holds true up to this day. While the new PSP 3000 isn't a revolutionary overhaul from its previous versions, some minor yet welcomed cosmetic changes have been made.

For example, the measurements of the PSP remain the same at 2.81 inches high by 6.3 inches wide by 0.63 inches deep and its weight is a little lighter at just a little over 7 ounces.

Also, Sony decided to release the PSP 3000 in two different colors. The classic black piano finish as well as a high quality brushed metal matte finish which we think is quite striking. In our case, we have the brushed metal version for review that came with the Ratchet and Clank value entertainment pack for $199.99.

The nice thing about the metal matte finish was that fingerprints and smudges were much less apparent. Unfortunately we wish we could say the same for the screen, which still embraces fingerprints in all its glory.

Maybe it's the materials used for this round of manufacturing, but the 3000 feels more solid in my hands. The build quality seems to have been upgraded all around, even its plastic shell. The buttons are shaped a little more aerodynamically and the joystick pad felt sturdier and more responsive as well.

The Screen

One of the most glaring differences between the old and new model is its screen. With the new screen, there is a notable difference in anti-glare when playing games or watching movies. For gamers who like to use their PSPs outdoor, the screen's anti-glare technology is dramatically improved outside in daylight. The glaring screen has always been a complaint from previous models and we're happy Sony finally addressed the problem.

It is worth noting that the changes to the screen are not merely superficial. The screen's technology has changed as well. The PSP's screen now has wider color gamut and features five times the contrast ratio and quicker pixel-response times than the PSP's previous versions. What this does is vastly reduce ghosting while playing fast action games or watching movies. Ghosting is when the frame of an image is apparent from a previous scene and overlays with the present frame.

But this increased clarity comes at an expense. The clearer reveals the PSP hardware's age with more visible scanlines and jaggies. It distract from gameplay less than ghosting, but its important to consider, especially for those consumers debating an upgrade. It's noticeable, it exists, but it does not ruin an update to Sony's underrated handheld system.

Built-In Mic

Since the introduction of Skype to PSP users, the software has had a lot of success with games that utilize its potential and also for general phone use. Sony decided to build in a mic into the PSP 3000 to expand on it success and usability. We tested some voice calls within the North America to see how clear the audio came in and we were impressed with its uncompressed sound. Users on the other end were surprised on how clear my calls came through, even when I had some music turned on in the background.

Conclusion

Although the new PSP is not a game changer when compared to the Slim, the new Sony PSP has some great minor cosmetics changes and some fantastic under-the-hood additions. However, do not expect enormous changes if you are just looking to upgrade. But those looking to benefit from the PSP 3000 are new customers looking to adopt their first ever Sony Portable System - if you are a member of that group, the PSP 3000 is definitely the way to go.
 

 

PSP Slim 2000

Sony finally announced the long-rumored redesigned Sony PSP during its E3 2007 press conference. A recent patent update sparked speculation that the new PSP would have a swivel screen and mobile phone capabilities, but Sony Computer Entertainment president Kaz Hirai revealed a more modest PSP redesign at E3. The new “enhanced-design” PSP is a smaller and slimmer version of the original, with a third less weight and about four-fifths the thickness. Sony plans to phase out the current PSP design and replace it with the new model by September.

The new weight is immediately noticeable as soon as you hold the PSP in your hand. It's so light that you might think that it's missing a battery or doesn't have a UMD inside. Sony was able to slim down the battery size while maintaining the system's 5-hour battery life by decreasing the power draw of the unit. You'll be able to use old batteries from the original PSP to double playing time, but the standard battery cover won't be able to fit over it. Sony will offer a high-capacity power kit that will come with its own PSP cover to fit over the larger battery.

 

The difference is really slight, but several GameSpot editors have noticed that the d-pad and buttons on the new PSP provide a little more tactile feedback for a better overall feel. Other changes we noticed include a spring-less UMD retention mechanism and new speaker holes just above the d-pad and button areas. The remote jack has changed--headphones will still work with the regular headphone output, but new systems will ship with a new headphone/remote unit to fit the new remote jack. The memory stick slot remains on the left side--shifted over a bit, but the Wi-Fi switch has moved from the left side of the system all the way to the top of the unit where it's far more difficult to hit accidentally.

The 4.3-inch display remains the same, but the new unit will now include a video output that will let the PSP to output gameplay, movies, and photos to a TV display. The component cable we saw also had audio connectors to offer complete AV connectivity. The actual composite, s-video, component, and D-Terminal (Japan) cables will be sold separately, price TBD. The PSP we tested was able to play back a Spider-Man 2 movie clip at 640x480. The video on the big screen looked sharp with minimal loss.

 

Sony has doubled the built-in memory from 32MB to 64MB, and the new PSP will also be able to speed up game load times by storing UMD data in temporary memory. The new PSP will also be able to recharge over the USB data connection.

The redesigned Piano Black PSP will make its way into the basic $169 Core pack this September. Sony will offer a $199 Ice Silver PSP in a new Daxter Entertainment Pack that includes Daxter, Family Guy, The Freakin' Sweet Collection on UMD, and a 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo. Star Wars fans can wait an extra month to pick up a Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Pack on October, 9th. The limited edition package includes a copy of Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron and a ceramic-white PSP with an image of Darth Vader silk-screened on the back battery cover. Sony currently has no plans to release a ceramic white unit after the Star Wars edition sells out, but that can always change.

 

 

• Download your MP3, MP4, WAV or ATRAC3Plus music files to your PSP system via the Memory Stick Duo or take in a full-length concert or behind-the-scenes footage on a pre-recorded UMD
• Plays Playstation Portable Games - Dazzling widescreen LCD brings gaming to life. Whether reaching your personal best or locked in wireless combat, you'll have the freedom to play wherever and whenever you like
• Plays UMD Movies - New releases of films available on UMD for play through PSP
• Store your digital photos, create custom wallpapers and share your favourite photos with the image transfer feature using the Memory Stick Duo (Sold Separately)
• Surf the Worldwide Web using the Internet browser whenever you are in an Internet-accessible location