Sony PSPgo: Very early impressions

Kelvin Low | Sep 18, 2009

We were lucky enough to actually sample the latest PSPgo at the "Get Slim and Go" event held in Singapore yesterday.

(Credit: Kelvin Low/CNET Asia)

Size matters

Sony's newest portable console is noticeably smaller than the older units. However, the PSPgo is just as thick as the PSP-3000 that will be remaining on the market. The former is also noticeably lighter at 158g compared with the PSP-3000's 190g.

The feel of the unit is very familiar to the DualShock controller that Sony has used from the very first PlayStation. The D-pad and left analog joystick placement sit right where your left thumb would be.

Unlike the PlayStation controller, it doesn't have the right analog stick. That area is filled with the Start and Select buttons. However, due to the differences in depth, the PSPgo feels a little harder to hold on to, but otherwise offers a very familiar layout.

One of the most widely discussed topics of the PSPgo's design has been the position of the analog joystick. While we agree that the position looks out of place compared with the previous generations of PlayStation Portables, the feel isn't all that bad in our big hands. However, there's a caveat: We think those with smaller hands may find switching between the D-pad and analog joystick a bit of a stretch. It'll be best for you to try this out for yourself.

As for the non-game controls, the volume rocker sits at the top of the unit, as do the screen brightness and music buttons. The left side of the slide-up screen's face sports the PS button which takes you to the home screen.

Having a go at the go

We liked the fact that the PSPgo feels like a PS3 controller. (Credit: Kelvin Low/CNET Asia)

Quite unfortunately, there were only two PSPgo units at the event, and the white one was not operational. Still, we had a quick run though of the black PSPgo's menu (disappointingly, there was no installed game for us to have a quick gaming hands-on or to even try out the Game Sleep function).

The Bluetooth + EDR capability allows standard Bluetooth headsets that support the A2DP, AVRCP, and HSP profiles to pair with the PSPgo. And yes, the PlayStation 3 wireless controller can also be paired up with the PSPgo for wireless control (or gaming) when the latter is hooked up to a TV.

The possibility of tethering a phone to the PSPgo remained unexplored as our phone didn't want to connect with the PSPgo. We don't know why, but we'll find out when we receive a proper review set.

When the go is closed, the XMB home icons "blow" away and a new clock interface takes over. The background waves have that bouncy effect to it and the clock face mimics the wave behind it. There's also a calendar feature if you hit the L/R buttons. Also, since Sony has shrunk the screen and retained the resolution, the display looks nice and sharp. In fact, we're generally agreeing that the shrinking of the screen is not a bad thing.

In summary

The position of the analog joystick is far from epic fail. (Credit: Kelvin Low/CNET Asia)

The PSPgo isn't a ground-breaking development, but it addresses the issue of improvements to the PSP bloodline. When Sony introduced the PSP-3000 last year, we were dismayed that the company didn't bring many upgrades along with the product redesign. With the buzz surrounding the PSP2 (that turned out to be the go), we were anticipating many more improvements. Well, what can we say? Sony has brought the familiar PS3 controller feel to the PSP platform, and that's worth mentioning over other features like Game Sleep and Bluetooth.

Ultimately, you'll have to decide if a smaller, UMD-less PSPgo is worth shelling out S$412 (US$292.59), when the older PSP-3000 is currently retailing for S$299 (US$212.34) with a 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo costing about S$99 (US$70.31). The go may not be a good choice if you have a huge collection of UMD games, and Sony has assured users that its downloadable game services will also be available to current PSP users.

Is the PSPgo worth that much? For me, I'm getting one on October 1.

Kelvin Low is CNET Asia's very own go-to intern for Music & Play. When he's not fiddling with gadgets or setting up new PC rigs, he can be found hitting the dirt tracks on his mountain bike. Kelvin is currently studying mass communications at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. Email Kelvin.

Filed under: Music & Play
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tracyjump

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tracyjump says...
Reviews: Sony PSP go will be released on October 1 for ï¿¡220-ï¿¡230. This Sony PSP go review will help you understand the new PSP go in the round.
www.convert-video-dvd.com...

Sep 28, 2009 14:24