PSPgo | Review
There are two basic differences between the PSP and the PSPgo – slidiness and media. go is smaller and completely devoid of a UMD drive, kinda like an iPod, but for games. Many claim this is a brave step into the future of gaming, but the reality is that it’s just another nail in the coffin of physical media – and one I welcome. It’s a bit rubbish having to go to shops to buy games which you then have to cart about with you when you go anywhere.
The new ‘exciting’ slide out controls are mostly consistent with the old PSP controls – aside from the frankly stupidly placed analog thumbstick. The only other discernible addition to the unit (other than it’s design obviously) is Bluetooth support, enabling Skype calls via headset.
Obviously it’s smaller, sleeker, and is way more ‘future’ than it’s predecessors – almost entirely reliant on a WiFi connection to download anything to the system. Granted, you can use the Media Go software with a computer, your Playstation 3, or a Memory Stick Micro to put content on your PSPgo. But really, this device is meant for Wifi purchases and play, which makes it a bit rubbish if you need a game and you are in a forest.
Content, of course, comes from the Playstation Store, available via the PSPgo’s cross media bar (unsurprisingly not unlike a PS3). Once registered for the service you simply use your credit card/store-purchased redeemable cards, to get new content/run up huge debt. As with PS3, the experience is mostly pretty good aside from the odd (existing) issues like the unintuative input method and the in/out shake-it-all-about catalogue hierarchy.
Luckily the download process is straightforward, if a little slow, taking around 30 minutes for a full title. But it works and it’s quicker than going to the shops/ordering online. Once downloaded accessing content is as easy as it is on the PS3, with the same XMB folder system for storage/navigation.
Playing the PSPgo has yet to end in hand cramping even though the button configuration was clearly not designed for sausage fingered men like myself. As mentioned the analogue stick is practically unusable which dosen’t really make any difference to me as I never used the one on the previous machines either. Shoulder buttons are a bit weird and the power button is again stupidly placed on the side right near the bit you grip, leading to potential accidental switch-off action. On top of that, the volume buttons, tucked away behind the screen on the top edge of the system, are difficult to find/use mid game. On the up side, there’s a new Game Pause feature which enables you to pause the title, turn off the system, watch movies and even play another game, without losing relatively small grips given the look and general experience associated with the system.
The biggest barrier to purchase/most controversial element of the PSPgo is the lack of support for getting your UMD games ported accross. I guess if you’re new to PSP or even new to portable gaming, the go is a good option. If you’re thinking of upgrading and you have a lot of games, I’d hold off.
Sweet though.
Any one want a PSP 3000?
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3 Responses to “PSPgo | Review”
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It’s still got crappy DRM on it though… http://is.gd/4gO5W
Didn’t Stringer say no more DRM… http://is.gd/4gNYQ
Good article Cooper, I will indeed hold off, now where the cocking hell are you i have a PSP game question and your not online.
Dazx
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