Today marks the release of the Sony PSP Go, the smaller, UMD-less version of the classic PlayStation Portable. The controversial handheld is supposed to usher in the media-less era of handheld gaming, forgoing the expensive and inelegantly mechanical UMD drive and physical discs for the magic of digital content delivery.
While this is a good system for PC games, and even certain console titles, does it really make sense for handhelds? More specifically, does it make sense for a PSP?
The reviews are out, and it’s not looking good. It’s rare that we can report a device as being “universally panned”, but this one looks like it’s heading that way.
Engadget says, “The debut of the Go has been marred by some pretty downtrodden decisions on Sony’s part, most notably the $250 price tag, an utter lack of compatibility with any previous PSP accessories, and no UMD conversion program.”
ArsTechnica’s Ben Kuchera was brutally honest. He states, “The entire point of the PSP Go hinges on the wireless, digital aspect of the hardware, so why is that hardware so outdated? Why is downloading a game made to be as annoying as possible?” regarding a variety of issues with downloading games, including their awkward decision to stick with 802.11b wireless hardware (in a $250 device? really?). He goes on to say, “Ultimately, this is the rare case where an old product gives you more freedom, more features, and at a better price. Of course, an older PSP won’t have Bluetooth, and the screen won’t slide to hide the controls, but existing customers can cry themselves to sleep on piles of cheaper games if they become upset.“
Even Cnet, who traditionally has a hard time panning products from big companies, wasn’t kind about the controls. Apparently the device was designed for people with tiny hands. They cite “awkward placement of analog stick, volume, and display controls.” and other reviewers seem to concur: The analog stick is off center, tiny, and seems to be less comfortable than a traditional PSP for any sort of extended gaming session.
If the pricing is bad in North America, it’s even worse in Europe. The Guardian says, “The biggest issue is cost. The Go will sell around the £220-£230. For around £20 more you can pick up a PS3 plus you are still forced to use Sony’s pricey Memory Sticks if you want to up your storage. Yes, early adopters get a free copy of the solid but slightly disappointing Gran Turismo, but the price is still too high.”
Most reviewers do have one nice thing to say about the Go: The aesthetics are great, and the display is brilliant, despite being smaller than its older brother. Is it enough to justify the high cost and multitude of inconveniences? Is Sony trying to pull an Apple here, and rely on some kind of high-minded, near-religious idealism about industrial design and aesthetics? Is the PSP Go a statement? Or is it destined to be seen as a flop? Time will tell. For now, we are left wondering:
What is Sony thinking?
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