PSP Go info leaked!
Sony many not have formally announced it yet, but video and images of its new PSP, the PSP Go, are already all over the web (notably YouTube), thanks to a leak of an interview with the Qore video magazine. As anticipated, the device gets rid of the UMD slot, adds 16gigs of integrated memory (and a mini memory stick expansion slot), and places a bet on downloadable content.
My initial reaction is that of light disappointment, notably on the visual design. The industry commentators aren’t quite saying it yet, but gauging by early internet reactions (and my own eyes), it is abundantly clear that Go isn’t going to knock anyone off their feet with its visual style. In fact, its a downright design dud. The wide rings around the digital pad and the button area look downright strange, and the whole thing kind of has that “barren piece of plastic” look.
Moving on to functional characteristics, there is still only 1 analog stick, and the screen is actually a bit smaller than on the PSP 3000, probably in the attempt to reduce the overall weight of the device, which is 20% lighter than the PSP 3000. No one has mentioned neither the presence nor the absence of a touch screen, and a slight chance remains that the device indeed sports one (which would be a big plus). The device does have Bluetooth.
The biggest bet here, though, is on the downloadable digital content, and that’s what is ultimately going to make or break the PSP Go. Apple has shown us the way, and Sony is quick to jump on the bandwagon here (and rightly so), by releasing a mobile platform squarely targeted at the DLC market. The new PSP will integrate with Sony’s version of the AppStore, and there is already talk of games such as Jack and Dexter and MGS being available in downloadable. How well Sony executes that downloadable application platform strategy will ultimately matter a hell of a lot more than the device itself.
I will end my comments here for now, since Sony still has the last word with their official announcement which will be coming soon. There is still room for some positive surprises about the device, so lets keep our fingers crossed for now. Meanwhile, you can check out the YoutTube video below.
