PSP Go: E3 2009 impressions
- June 06, 2009 15:29 PM PST
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CONS
-No second analog stick. Sony representatives have rejected this notion, countering that the PSP Go "isn't a PSP 2." They also argue that developers would have a harder time making games for the system because most PSP owners still have just one analog stick. I don't follow the logic: why not add a lock-on option for those players? By not adding a second analog stick, Sony again limited the types of games that can be easily ported to the system. It's an unfortunate missed opportunity -- a second analog stick would have meet with a deafening response from gamers.
-No touchscreen. In my mind, the PSP Go should have added either a second analog stick or a touchscreen (and ideally both). Again, Sony representatives reject this notion, saying that the PSP Go isn't intended to be a PSP2. Again, I see this as a missed opportunity because touchscreens are the casual gamer's friend. Touchscreens open up new styles of gameplay (see: iPhone gaming) and encourage smaller, lower-priced downloadable games, a booming market.
-Ho-hum digital games lineup (so far). Aside from Fat Princess PSP (an odd choice), Echochrono (a weird Braid-like version of Echochrome), and the aforementioned PS1 classics lineup, I didn't see many signs that Sony was interested in producing smaller, bite-sized, diversionary games that sell for under $5. I think this is a mistake, but Sony will be selling its UMD-based games as downloadable titles as well, so that's a legitimate strategy. Still, Sony would be smart to develop a suite of Pixel Junk-like games that are perfect for five-minute play sessions on the bus - the iPhone is dominating this space.
PSP Go Final Thoughts
Overall, the PSP Go will re-energize the PSP ecosystem and get more developers and publishers interested in the device. The new games are rivaling the PS2 in the visual department, and the addition of a spacious flash drive and a sleek new form factor instantly legitimizes the device.
It's not a perfect showing, though. By eschewing a second analog stick or touchscreen, Sony is stubbornly sticking to the PSP's original vision - an oversight that may cost them in the years to come. Still, there's no doubt that the PSP Go is the version of the PSP to pick up, and a wonderful piece of consumer electronics. It's just a shame that Sony didn't upgrade its control scheme and interface. With a touchscreen and an analog stick, the PSP Go could have cruised along steadily for years to come and rendered a PSP2 unnecessary altogether.
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Comments [17]
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- Jun 06 2009 at 12:21:50:AM PST
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This is a dissapointment & a joke! none control,smaller screen,totally ugly! the most customers in europe around 88% gives it negativ response so that`s a fact sony cant argue I It`s gonna
be reality when the is show with low sales for this new modell.
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ok first, ignore the xbox tard above. there is no xbox portable, so go stick your zune up your ass and scream in envy. second, why would sony want to make $5 games? developers would have to create new departments to scale down for micro-game development, and they would be competeing with the app store. plus, some of tghese developers already make $5 games for the iphone/ipod touch (it is NOT called the itouch, you lazy morons). 3: the games that are made for download can be played on all PSPs, so why make downloadable games only for a new system (PSP2)? youd have to sell millions of new units, incur losses or minute profits, and risk damaging the already ravaged playstation brand fanbase. this unit is a perfect addition for people like me who feel like the psp so far would be a waste because I will not pay $20 to watch a movie on the go or $40 to play a watered down sequel to a classic game. I want to play the games from PS1 and PS2 that i love when i leave tghe house. If they had all the PS1 and PS2 games for download on this thing, fuck the DS, man!
so yeah, its expensive, and only 1 stick, but the concept has huge promise. SONY: PUT YOUR ENTIRE CATAOLG ON THE PS STORE AND YOULL BANK ENOUGH TO BUY NINTENDO. holla.
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hm you see with the original psp3000, all you need to do is buy yourself a 16GB memory pro duo card and problem resolved. you can still download all the psp titles coming on the psn store, and have a UMD drive. but this might not be for all. Psp3000 sure does have a bigger screen and can download games online like the go, but it's umd drive kills the battery life and takes up space. It's also bulkier and sometimes is not pocket friendly. I have to admit the psp Go! looks reaaaaal sexy. I might be persuaded to buy this on day 1, just because it's new tech. hahaha SONY RULES!
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Really Does The PSP really need a touchscreen? NO. Why? Because if the PSP gets a touchscreen that means that all the crap That The DS Has (Imagine: Babies Anyone?) Will Go To The PSP. By not having a touchscreen Developers can't exploit the PSP by making really lame excuses for casual games(Tamagotchi Anyone). Still no 2nd analog stick is a disappointment
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Now THIS is an article I can respect. It gives the pro's and con's, and doesn't insult the tech overall. Hell, the 360 and PS3 deserved articles like this when they first launched.
Anyway,
Second analog stick, second analog stick. That's all I keep hearing. Get over it. Sony said they weren't bringing it to the PSP Go!, and more than likely they had good reason to not include a second analog stick. Does the DSi have analog sticks? NO!!!!!! In fact, the PSP/PSP Go! is uping them on that department with just ONE! All 2nd analog sticks are good for are turning the visual for 1st person shooters and some other minor effects that you really don't need when you're on the go. So I say to HELL with that second analog stick. The PSP is fine without it.
Now, touch screen is another story. I honestly was looking forward to touch screen for a minute, but then it gets too close to being a spin-off of the DS/DSi and iPod Touch. If they weren't doing it before them, then why do it now?
Just like with that wand-like controller they're trying to invest in. I hate the fact they stooped that low. If they would've just invested in more games for the Playstation Eye, the things MS are developing for their new camera would've already been done. Sony is making some interesting moves, but a few of those moves are overall stupid....
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oh cr**, theres some cards that can go up to 100gb or more. soo, very nice! lol my name is' borat
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Is this Zune by microsoft for real or is it a fu..ing joke?Does anyone know about this?
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I like the way it looks when closed, but open it looks somewhat horrible. To me that is. I was hoping for something better looking.
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