PSPGo Review

The PSP Go has had quite an interesting history for being such a new system. The initial reaction was excitement, many wanted to get their hands on the latest version of Sony’s handheld system. The prospect of digital games was also welcoming, as it would eliminate the need for things  such as carrying cases, and truly be the ultimate handheld gaming system.

However, many hopes were dashed when Sony announced the Go would release with a $249.99 price tag, and recently fans were infuriated by Sony’s decision to not offer current UMD owners any way of transferring their current games to the new version. But the question still remains, is the PSP Go worth the price? Or is it a step in the wrong direction for Sony and their handheld business model? Let’s take a look at the HOTs and NOTs of the PSP Go.

HOT

Sexy Design
The PSP Go is indeed sexy, Sony really knows how to make a device look pretty if nothing else. When you hold it, it feels a lot like a cellphone, and the slide screen works well. One of the things I’m so scared about when using the PSPGo is that I might break it if I keep on sliding it on and off.

UMD-Less
One of the main highlights of the PSPGo is the ability to carry the handheld wherever you like without having to take your UMDs with you. The built in 16GB is indeed big and it can handle  up to 15 games (saying each game you get is 1GB each) before becoming full. If you think it’s still not enough, there’s a memory card slot where you can put a Memory Stick Micro for additional space.

Games distributed digitally
Since the UMD slot is removed, the only way to play games is to buy them digitally through the Playstation Store. This won’t be a problem for most, but if you don’t have high speed internet and a wireless connection, you may want to reconsider buying a Go

Pause Game, Slide = Sleep Mode
Whenever you decide to pause your game while you’re in a middle of a long boss fight, you can go ahead and go to the XMB without losing that spot. In other words, the PSPGo has the option to have an in-game save. Another cool feature on the PSPGo is whenever you want to have your PSPGo go in a sleep mode, just slide it in or if you want to play again, just slide in out.

Bluetooth Tethering
One of the neat features on the PSPGo is the ability to connect it through bluetooth. If your cellphone have internet, you can use it as a modem to connect it to the internet. Also, if you have a DUALSHOCK3 controller, you can hook it up on your PSP and use it as your controller.

NOT

Expensive..

$249.99 for a PSPGo is  ridiculously expensive. For $50 more, you can get yourself a PS3. I don’t know if the PSPGo is worth the price right now if you already have a PSP .

Your UMD will be useless
If you are a previous PSP owner and you have a huge collection of UMDs, then consider yourself SOL. UMDs don’t work in the Go, so your only option is to repurchase them digitally. Very Lame.

VERDICT

Overall, it’s very hard to justify a PSP Go purchase right now.  It’s $249.99 price tag, coupled with it’s inability to play or even transfer UMDs makes it mainly for tech-heads and those who don’t already own a PSP. It’s expensive, it renders all the current games useless, and despite it’s sleek look, it’s just not practical. For those looking to get their first PSP, the Go might be cool, for anyone with a current slim, best hold onto it for a little while longer, at least until Sony offers some way to transfer your current games or drops the price of the Go.