More details on PSPgo revealed, system features the current PSP models won't have and PSPgo video
Written by Alexis M. (Rivithed)
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Sony's PlayStation.Blog.Europe recently answered questions from the community on the new PSPgo (PSP-N1000). There were several more details noted on the PSPgo that weren't on the spec sheet or announcement at E3 2009. Here are a few of the noteworthy features as mentioned by Adam Grant, European Product Manager for PSPgo:
Game sleep function: "You will be able to operate the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) while suspending the gameplay temporarily." This won't be available for the current PlayStation Portables (PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 models).
Clock and Calendar Application: You may have seen the Clock application on the PSPgo in Kaz Hirai's hand at the E3 2009 press conference. That is the Clock and Calendar application, which isn't planned for the earlier PSP models either.
On the PSPgo's battery life:
"We have adopted an embedded battery to realise a smaller and lighter PSP system. The battery life is equivalent with the current models meaning approximately 3 to 6 hours for gameplays and approximately 3 to 5 hours for playing back videos."
On the PSPgo's accessories:
Video-out cables (AV cable and component AV cable) and a PSPgo Cradle will be available at the PSPgo's launch. Although no questions on a PSPgo camera were answered, it's likely that the PSP Go-Cam is what Adam is referring to, among other things, in the following: "We have reduced the size of the USB connector and introduced multi-function features which has allowed us to obtain a smaller and lighter PSP. As such the peripherals for the current PSP models do not currently work on PSPgo however we are considering introducing a special attachment that can connect current peripherals to PSPgo."
On downloadable games and memory stick: When asked if games can be downloaded a memory stick (besides PSPgo's 16GB internal memory), Adam said "there are a couple of options." He continued: "You will be able to back up to a PC via Media Go or to the M2 Memory Stick to store more content for PSPgo."
On playing current PSP UMD games on the UMD-less PSPgo:
If you own a UMD (Universal Media Disc) game, Sony is "planning a goodwill programme and will unveil more details soon." As for gamers who are interested in purchasing a previously released UMD game for their PSPgo, Sony is working on providing downloadable versions of them. How many and which games will be available has yet to be revealed. Whether the downloadable games will be cheaper than their UMD counterpart remains to be revealed as well.
See a video below from Sony Europe on the PSPgo, PlayStation Store and Media Go PC software.
See high-resolution images of the PSPgo here. The PSPgo will be available in North America for $249.99 in Piano Black (pre-order here) and Pearl White (pre-order here) on October 1, 2009.
