It was one of the worst kept secrets of the year that turned into a full blown leak today via Qore. The PSP Go looks to spice up Sony’s portable lineup while leaving the current PSP model on shelves, similar to the situation Nintendo created earlier this year with the DS Lite and DSi. For Sony, though, the model refresh won’t have anywhere near the impact in either sales or product innovation. Read on to find out just why this is the case.
According to the leaked video of June’s Qore episode, the PSP Go won’t be replacing the PSP 3000 on store shelves. This has a few implications for upcoming releases. First and foremost, all new releases will have to ship with a digital download, something we saw tested with Patapon 2. Second, it seems that Sony will not be completely foregoing UMD releases for games. That’s two SKU’s for most products out there, which is sure to lead to confusion amongst the general non-tech saavy public. Second, and more importantly, the PSP Go does not have enough unique distinguishable features to warrant an upgrade for the majority of portable gamers. Let’s examine, shall we.
Nintendo introduced the DSi with a few small, but very key changes to the platform. The DSi introduced DSiWare, where you can download weekly released smaller games not availabe on the DS Lite. With the PSP Go, we aren’t seeing any major features to that effect. Sure, you get a new sleek design, 16GB of on-board storage and added Bluetooth, but fundamentally this is the same unit as the current PSP model. Any current PSP owners can pick up a large Memory Stick Pro Duo and download all future releases, both full retail and PSN games, instead of buying a disc-based edition. You can browse the PSN Video Store to check out movies and TV shows. You can play online with all of your friends. What, other than a nice new pretty package, will the PSP Go offer to set it apart from current and previous iterations of the device? Not much.
With very little reason for the current 47 million PSP owners (via VGChartz) to upgrade, don’t expect a flurry of sales in the same fashion as the DSi in March and April. I will, however, hold complete judgment until I get my hands on the unit this week and hear what Sony has to say on Tuesday morning. Maybe they’ll unveil some sort of PSP Go only service that will blow my mind, but somehow I doubt that will happen.
[Image via Eurogamer]
you are such a dumbass
what did the dsi have?
cameras that even cell phone companies are embarrassed about?
stupid service that the psp already has
i, for one, WILL PICK THIS UP. because the total digital distribution is the most revolutionary thing portable gaming has ever seen.
16 gigs is a ton of space, and the sleek design and compact shape make me want to go buy on right now
if anything, the dsi is the total fail, not the psp go!
i have a psp but i will but this when it comes out looks cool psp is to big for my pocket this one should fit fine and downloads sounds better than switching umd’s.
Single analog stick only …. EPIC FAIL …. again.
This is such a blunder by Sony. Eastern thinking again spoils the new product. How they ever sat around in engineering, design and marketing meetings and decided that dual analog nubs were not needed is beyond comprehension.
Old games that use only the single nub would still work, but new games could use both making it truly playable for FPS’s and such.
This is why Microsoft is raping Sony this generation. Sony would be great, WITHOUT the japanese running (or ruining) the company.
err without the japanese running it? HELLOOO? theyre a japanese company!!?
I’m thinking Sony may be moving away from total hardcore gaming device and more into Multimedia device. As it is the PSP plays movies, music, etc, this could just be a redesign to push it as more of a multimedia device to the general public. Maybe pick off a few Apple sales.
Sony is making a huge push internally to align all of their different brands (Walkman, Playstation, etc) and this could be the result of that internal push.
If they had 2 analog sticks all game would work on it – you are correct on that – but what about all the other PSP’s out there? This isn’t a full upgrade, and the PSP Go and 3000 are going to be on the market at the same time. This means that all games will have to be compatible with both handhelds, so if a game is made that supports dual analog sticks it won’t work on the older PSP’s. If this becomes a trend, then everyone will be forced to upgrade to the newer PSP to play new games, and since the PSP Go is download only that is going to turn off alot of potential game sales from people who arent comfortable with downloading everything yet.
I agree with you. Japan has really fallen from high horse they used to be last generation. They no longer dictate market trends or gaming innovation. The US and European markets now dominate the gaming industry and likely always will, until Russia, India and China’s middle classes grow large enough to challenge them.
It really is sad to watch Sony flounder around trying everything but eventually looking like the fat overweight kid in gym class trying to run laps. The japanese have lost touch with console gaming. Instead retreating back to Nintendo and casual ‘tard gaming. This has allowed Microsoft to nearly dominate the hardcore gamer scene.
Years ago, in every TV show or movie, you would see a Playstation or controller in the hands of someone. But now, all you ever see are XBOX 360’s. When America or Europe thinks of console gaming, they think XBOX 360. It has become a household brand name now. Even with RRoD, they still dominated. Sony could have forged ahead and taken control with the RRoD mess, but they stumbled and failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity that was handed to them on a silver platter.
I hope Sony learns a humility lesson this generation and does not make the same mistake next generation. PS2 and PSP sales have been helping to stem the massive losses in the PS3 side of the business. But those sales are dwindling quickly. They must do something soon as the PS3 still loses lots of money even today.
If Microsoft comes out with a handheld, and it has dual analog sticks/nubs …. game over for the PSP. Because they will tie it into XBOX Live for sure.
did u really just say it doesnt have enough uniquely distinguishable features? wow u must have a huge nintendo dick stuck in ur mouth. the psp go is a super hardware upgrade compared to teh dsi which removes feaures
Here is why this article is wrong. This psp go is the size of a ipod with a slide control stick. 16gb that’s eqivalent to a ipod touch. The ps3 will get vid zone, free videos!!!!! remote play or downloads, pick one. This alone kicks the ipod in the balls. no touch, i thought this should be added, but that leaves room for the psp2. then if you have too much stuff you can add memory. remote play !!! did i say that!!! if you got a 60 gb with all the slots you can also exchange memory with the sd mem card. and the last reason why the psp go will kick total a$$……… it now fits in your pocket….
Fundamentally the DSi is the DS. The only difference are 2 horrible cameras and weak(ly) downloadable games. What about that makes me want to rush out and upgrade? It doesn’t.
I’m not saying the PSP Go is any better because it’s a cosmetic change. But to say the DSi offers something tangible over the DS that makes it a worthy upgrade versus the PSP Go is just outright ridiculous.
Having the ability (or choice) to buy a purely digital copy of ALL future PSP titles is pretty much a COMPLETE REVOLUTION in portable gaming, started by a telephone made by Apple. With real buttons and such, and 16 GB of onboard memory, I think the PSP Go has a pretty good chance of shaking things up a bit. Has the DSi even had an impact? What the hell are you talking about? Back that shit up, please.
I don’t mean to correct you but, two things.
a) The PSN Video Store isn’t accessible on the PSP alone (requires a PC with Windows or a PS3).
b) This is a bit indirect but targeted at “You can play online with all of your friends.”
There’s no friends list, I play with strangers all of the time, it’s like Super Smash Bros Brawls online mode when playing alone except with most if not all of the games.
The PSP isn’t in danger of failing just because of what you said, but because Sony doesn’t provide features that matter.
The only thing I want to hear at E3 is that the PSP is getting the Friends List and I’ll consider dusting off my PSP-2000.
so theres no upgrades from the psp 3000 besides “lighter” so what?
seriously this would have to be the stupidest thing sony has EVER done.
why buy this over a 3000?
the 3000 looks WAY better, it has disc based games if for some reason your memory goes falty wich has hapend to me ALOT iphone im looking at you thats it you have to download it again.
wich brings me to the next problem download usage and speeds not everyone has fast internet, im on ADSL2+ with 15GB limit but 4 of my mates are still on dial up because all there $$$ is going to uni so there going to miss out.
and more so psn has been dead slow lately it took me 2 friggin hours to download a bionic commando update 2 hours for 18MB, the red faction SP demo took 4 hours and 24 minutes.
so sony you seriously think im going to waste download usage and wait a hour or so to download when i can go for a 5 minute drive to my local store and buy the game.
keep dreaming if this is the same price or within 100 bucks of the 3000 its going to sink like a stone
This was pathetic to say the least.
dsi is for kids, PSP Go is for real man.
DSi had an impact?
Really this new psp go sucks…
I wonder what sony was thinking about.
Everyone was asking for 2 joy pads touch screen and a new way to get games… but come on… internet? we don’t have internet where we use psp… thats the point of buying a psp… if i had internet where i use psp i would bring my notebook instead.
Well, I guess noone can say their opinions on the internet without people with no grammer lessons call you out.
Sony doesn’t care about the DS. This PSP GO is aimed at the iPod market for leveraging movies, music and games. Plus there’s too much unknown… the Qore episode didn’t reveal much about anything leading us to believe that it was intentionally leaked as a viral effort! It would be a pretty piss poor E3 Qore episode if it did indeed release after E3, it hardly talks about anything… Sony is expected to reveal many updates to the PSN store and its expansion, and I’d expect some other exclusive onboard OS features on the PSP GO that the older PSPs won’t have… Also at this point I really don’t think consumers will be too confused by different SKUs. They’ll simply ask what teh difference is and it’ll clearly be explained. Multiple SKUs have so far not hurt the 360, or the PS3 or the DS, or the PSP either for that matter…
I don’t agree with the article. Just the fact that the two PSP will coexist (3000 and Go) indicates that Sony is aiming for people that yet don’t own the PSP. Go gives little incentive for existing PSP users to buy it, but on the other side, it’s making ME buy it (i don’t have a PSP yet – just a PS3).
You should have made your point without DSi. The advances in the newer model are a joke, just a marketing stunt to squeeze more money. If you can’t see it, that’s your problem. I’m not saying Go is a breakthrough, but it’s a step in a right direction.
And all of you making 2nd nub complaints. Do you really see yourself aiming (shooters) with that thing? And let’s not even start with compatibility issues.
I don’t really like the design of the psp go. I wish sony would just release a completely redesigned handheld (ie. a psp2 or something similar) with new features like a second analog stick and some other redesigns, but I do agree with ammar91994 that sony isn’t making any major changes on the psp go because it will be on the market at the same time as the 3000 and the games would need to be compatible with both devices. I bet you that sony will soon release a completely redesigned psp after the psp go is released. It is typical of sony to release a device, then re-release it with a somewhat different design (mainly slimmer) but basically the same features (ie. every sony gaming device except the ps3… for now) to get more money out of the product without having to spend money on the develop of a completely new system. I do have to admit though that this trend of releasing a device, then releasing basically the same device again with a few minor changes has done its job of filling gaps between new system releases and increasing sony’s profit well.
all of you stupid people sayin stuff about psp go should not care if the japanese people put on sale i will buy 100% true b****s.
i think your right but when are they putting it on sale whats the price i want to buy too
i like i want to buy it if you dont like it dont buy it thats very easy
i want to buy it if you dont like dont get its very easy stupid!!!!!!!
Sounds very stupid, It wont be a hit but itle sure be a piece of shit. on websites i searchet, it said they will price it at $250 wich is a stupid price. And i dont see much change from the Psp 3000. Sure you download it all and it has a 16GB. Well you psp owners like me can us the playstation store, And you can get pro memory duo. And you can also as well use a webcam for psp, along with bluetooth. For a good change it should atleast have 2 thumbsticks. And dont say, “well how do you know it doesnt have 2 thumbsticks?”. because I visited the sony web, i saw the ad for it…COMPLETELY STUPID!!!!
it looks pretty good
but they should put umd back on cause if memory is faulty everyting has to be re-downloaded
i personally think itll have same impact as dsi
maybe even more like xbot said dsi is for kids, PSP Go is for real man
The PSP Go is marketed to those who do not already own a PSP not upgrade. Both Nintendo’s dsi and Sony’s PSP Go are designed to compete with Apples Iphone & Ipod Touch. I personally did not see sony adding better features because the features that the nintendo dsi got the PSP already had (a home menu, downloadable content, etc.) so there was no reason for sony to add more features to something that they thought was already doing well. And for those asking for a second thumbstick there is not a resonable way to add one, besides if you did not already know it is not as easy to move as the Playstation 3’s. So stop hating on the system because it is not a portable Ps3, something that will probaly never happen
yeah, yeah, defend you dear sony, fanboys…
DSi is for kids?
the only thing new with it is 2 “crappy” cameras?
how about you go face solid facts, people…
the DSi is kicking sony’s collective @$$ in unit sales…
the DSi, is aimed at the “casual” gamer, who wants their game consoles to “do stuff”…
as you can see, it worked with the Wii, and it will continue to do so for the DSi…
despite this, however, the gaming side of the unit is still there…
wider screens, long battery life, wireless play, intuitive (not to mention workable) controls…
and your scapegoat is the “sony is going after the apple market” idea?
why?
because a handheld gaming console “for kids” killed not just their psp, but, in a sense, the ps3 as well, that’s why…
learn from it guys…
unless you dearest sony changes, they’ll follow GM into bankruptcy…
oh, one last thing before i go…
some of you speculate that sony will release a new, remodeled handheld after they release the psp go?
why, so they can pile up the money you guys spent on the stupid handheld plus the money you will spend on the newer (and probably stupider) one?
sure, go on ahead…
ok. Ds and psp 2 different things. ds aimed at the casual ‘gamer’ or pussy as i like to call them. go is not psp 2 so they arnt bringing out a 2 stick due to compatibility issues. ok people are saying all it is is smaller. look at 2000 what does it have over 1000 its smaller thats all. and go isnt JUST smaller its bringing heaps of new features a 100% lcd screen. and it all comes down to if you dont want it dont get it. (i wrote all that on my psp btw. im getting a go its about time to upgrade from 1000)
well i dont think psp go is going to sell as much because the nintendo dsi sold about 6.68 million copies and nintendo is the leading video game selling company so i dont think sony will outrank nintendo with a bunch o crap people smash with a sledgehammer on youtube any time soon.
the psp go is a bunch of cr@p. 16 gigs? every game is like 1 or 2 gigs. and what if u dont have a ps3 4 remote play. and what if u have a s*it load of umds and then u have to download them again. and who isnt a psp owner who wants one
hey the psp go is kinda exactly like the psp so if u guys buy that u r nutz
i mean their kinda same so why would waste ur $
peace out&
i agree with Xbot do u pepole want to play games like puppy dress up and icarly for dsi or god of war and svr2010 for psp and pspgo
I saw a commercial for a ds and dsi it is soooo stupid its a game u buy to make virtuel jewerly and buy it 4 real but it is clever a mountain of money per person
DEATH TO THE DSI!!!