PSP Go handheld release date is October 1, 2009, worldwide
Sony announced the PSP Go handheld system at E3 2009 at the Sony Press Conference. The system will release on October 1, 2009 worldwide (at a price of $249) and will debut alongside Grand Turismo PSP; A full-fledged Gran Turismo game in a portable package. Sadly this didn’t come as a surprise as the PSP Go was leaked before the press conference, thus Sony called its reveal the “worst-kept secret of E3 2009″.
But in case you didn’t hear before, here is the official dirt on the new system. The PSP Go features a number of enhancements and changes over the previous PSP-3000 handheld (which will remain on the market, allowing consumers to choose which one they want).
First off the PSP Go does not include a UMD drive! Instead gamers will simply download their games onto the system via the built-in WiFi. The UMD Drive has been replaced with 16GB of internal Flash Memory as well as a Memory Stick Micro slot if you run out of space.
The biggest feature of the PSP Go, outside of the lack of a UMD Drive, is the fact that the system now has a sliding design similar to many cell phones. The game’s button controls now appear on the sliding portion, making it more compact and portable than ever. In fact it is 15% lighter and 43% smaller than the PSP-3000. The system will launch in two colors, Piano Black and Pearl White (the two most popular colors of the PSP since it’s launch in 2004).
Naturally, this means that all future PSP titles will be available for download via the PlayStation Network from this point forward (as well as being available on UMD disc). Additionally, older titles will also continuously be added to the PlayStation Network. You’ll also be able to download free demos, PS1 classics, additional downloadable content for game titles and trailers onto your PSP from the PlayStation Store.
You will be able to access the PS Store directly from your PSP of course, but they are also adding other ways to get content onto your PSP. You can now do so via the PlayStation 3 or now via your computer, using the new “Media Go” service. This not only allows you to download content from your PC directly into your PSP via the new software application, but you will also be able to manage your PSP content from your PC using the service. This includes managing games, videos, pictures and music. The program is easy to use and will be freely bundled with the PSP Go.
Also coming this fall for the PSP is a new music application called “SensMe Channels” that will allow users to “enjoy their favorite music stored on their PSP through a rich user interface, designed exclusively for PSP.” SensMe Channels is a mood-based application and music recommendation system that categorizes your music content into channels for your every mood, such as “Relax”, “Dance” or “Upbeat” and then recommends playlists for other users.
Here is a video of Sony E3 2009 Press Conference unveil of the PSP Go.
Here is the full list of features on the new PSP Go.
* Easy Sliding Display Panel and Original Applications
* PSP Go offers a variety of exciting entertainment options by taking advantage of the sliding panel. When the panel is open, users will be able to enjoy various entertainment content with the familiar button control as PSP-3000, when closed, original applications for PSPgo, such as a clock and calendar is displayed on the screen. Users can also enjoy video and music when the panel is closed.
* PSP Go has unique features such as game sleep function which enables users to operate XMB (XrossMediaBar) while pausing gameplay temporarily.
* Bluetooth function will also allow users to connect Bluetooth standard peripherals such as head-phones and head-sets, as well as PS3 wireless controller (DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS) that can be used when watching video content on TVs via PSP at home.
* One of the products within PSP Go’s peripheral line-up is a new Cradle (PSP-N340) that will become available in stores worldwide concurrently with the release of PSP Go. This new Cradle enables users to charge the PSP Go battery and also enjoy watching video and listening to music.
* Also included in the peripheral line-up are video-out port cables that enable users to enjoy games and videos on their TVs at home.
* With the introduction of PSP Go, SCEI will continue to vigorously expand PlayStation Network’s digital content and services and build a stronger software line-up along with various marketing measures that match each region, while creating the world of computer entertainment only available on the PlayStation platforms.
* Content on UMD cannot be played back on PSPgo.
* Color variations may differ by countries and regions.
* Media Go also supports PSP-1000/2000/3000. For those PSP users, the software is available for download from PlayStation Store official site. “Media Manager for PSP” will not support access to PlayStation Store, and it is required to use “Media Go” for accessing PlayStation Store.
* SensMe channels also supports PSP-1000/2000/3000. Details will be announced at a later timing.
* Head-phone and head-set supporting A2DP, HSP, AVRCP profile can be used. Some head-phones and head-sets may not be supported.
* PS3 wireless controller can be used. To register PS3 wireless controller on PSPgo, PS3 is needed. Some buttons and rumble feature will not be supported.
* Video-out cables and Cradle are sold separately in stores. Details will be announced at a later timing. Video-out cable and cradle for PSP-2000/3000 cannot be used on PSPgo.
13 June 2009 05:16StngsLvR
so, no more ISo’s to the pspGO?
@StngsLvR: While this is unconfirmed, I’ve heard some say Sony’s thinking about letting you dump your UMD games (I’m assuming that’s what you mean by ISO’s) onto memory stick, so you can still play them on the PSP Go. Although the more likely scenario will be that they’ll give you vouchers to download the games you already own via the PlayStation Network.
