News of the PSP Go’s demise… is not exaggerated at all, but Sony has decided to let it shamble across the Earth for a while longer. In the US at least, as that’s the only territory where they will still be making the thing. It’s hard not to feel at least a bit happy for the little feller, because although it basically rendered our UMD collections useless and couldn’t even play some of the new releases, it did at least try to address some of the issues with the original PSP.
After stating that they “are going to continue to make shipments of PSP Go,” following an update to the PSP Go’s Amazon page listing as “discontinued by manufacturer,” Sony reassured Joystiq today that they “are continuing production of PSP Go for North America.” They sound pretty sure of that, so we’ll take their word for it.
The PSP Go: A Brief History
The PSP Go was launched in October 2009 as a more portable and sleeker version of the original PlayStation Portable (PSP). Unlike its predecessors, the PSP Go did away with the UMD drive, opting instead for 16GB of internal flash memory. This design choice was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it made the device more compact and eliminated the need for physical media. On the other hand, it rendered existing UMD collections useless, which was a significant drawback for long-time PSP users.
Despite these challenges, the PSP Go introduced several innovative features. It had a slide-out control panel, which made the device more pocket-friendly. Additionally, it supported Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair it with wireless headsets and even PlayStation 3 controllers. These features were ahead of their time and showcased Sony’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of portable gaming.
Challenges and Criticisms
The PSP Go faced several challenges that hindered its success. One of the most significant issues was its price point. At launch, the PSP Go was priced higher than the PSP-3000, which still had the UMD drive and was compatible with existing game collections. This made it a less attractive option for consumers who were already invested in the PSP ecosystem.
Another major criticism was the lack of support for some new releases. While the PSP Go was designed to be a digital-only device, not all games were available for download from the PlayStation Store. This limited the library of games that users could access, further diminishing its appeal.
Moreover, the transition to a digital-only platform was not as smooth as Sony had hoped. Internet speeds and data caps were significant barriers for many users, making it difficult to download large game files. This was particularly problematic in regions with less developed internet infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the PSP Go did have its share of loyal fans. Its compact design and innovative features made it a favorite among tech enthusiasts and gamers who valued portability. The device also paved the way for future digital-only consoles, such as the PlayStation Vita and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
The Future of Portable Gaming
While the PSP Go may not have been the commercial success that Sony had hoped for, it played a crucial role in the evolution of portable gaming. The lessons learned from the PSP Go’s shortcomings helped shape the development of future devices. For instance, the PlayStation Vita addressed many of the issues that plagued the PSP Go, such as the lack of physical media support and limited game library.
Today, the gaming industry is increasingly moving towards digital distribution. Services like PlayStation Now and Xbox Game Pass offer vast libraries of games that can be streamed or downloaded, eliminating the need for physical media. The success of these services can be traced back to the groundwork laid by devices like the PSP Go.
In conclusion, while the PSP Go may not have been a resounding success, it was an important stepping stone in the evolution of portable gaming. Its innovative features and design choices pushed the industry forward, even if it faced significant challenges along the way. As Sony continues to produce the PSP Go for North America, it serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of gaming technology and the importance of taking risks to drive innovation.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
