Sony has finally unveiled the PSP Go, the company's new
smaller PSP with a sliding screen, no UMD drive and download capabilities on the device's 16GB built-in flash memory.
The device is designed to make the PSP more of a media device, with new services and an application called "Sense Me" that will analyze users' music library and produce playlists "based on the moods you select."
PSPgo will go on sale Oct. 1 in the U.S. for $249. The device has half the size of the original PSP and comes with 16 gigabytes of flash memory, WiFi, Bluetooth and a slot for a memory card. PSPgo has also a key pad that slides out from below the screen, it is significantly lighter than the current model and comes with a 3.8-inch display. Other features of the new PSPgo include a sliding display 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. PSPgo also supports a game sleep function which enables users to operate XMB (XrossMediaBar) while pausing gameplay temporarily.
Owners of the new PSPgo device will have the ability to download content through PlayStationNetwork. In addition to accessing PlayStation Store directly from PSP using the built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) feature or through the PLAYSTATION3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, users will also be able to access and download a variety of entertainment content via their PCs using Media Go , a new software application. Media Go will enable users to access and download entertainment content on PlayStation Store via their PCs as well to easily manage PSP content on PCs, including games, videos, photos, and music. This software application will be available on a CD-ROM bundled with PSPgo.
Sony said that PSPgo will not replace the currently available PSP 3000 model.
New games for the device include a version of the Gran Turismo racing franchise coming Oct. 1 and a Metal Gear Solid sequel in 2010.
Sony also announced exclusive PlayStation 3 titles and an early prototype motion controller that works with PlayStation Eye camera accessory. The controller detects the natural movements of the hands and uses the PlayStation Eye to detect the position of the controller in 3D, allowing the camera to project users onto the TV screen to play and interact with onscreen objects.
The controller going on sale in spring 2010 has a globe on one end that's tracked by the Eye, which also captures images of the player and renders them inside a game on the screen. In a subtle dig at Microsoft's Project Natal motion sensor, the Sony developers highlighted its potential with action games and said their experience with the Eye found that buttons are nice to have for games such as shooting games that need a trigger.
In addition, DUALSHOCK 3, one of Sony's most popular peripherals, will be offered in three new colors this year. "Satin Silver" will be available exclusively at GameStop from July through September, while "Deep Red" and "Metallic Blue" will be available at all retail partners starting in October.
Sony also announced a few new exclusives for the PS3, including espionage game "Agent" coming later this year from Rockstar North and Final Fantasy 14 coming in 2010.
Sony will also release a 'Lilac Purple' version of the currently available PSP-3000 that will come packed with top game Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show for A-list pop star entertainment straight out of the box. Arriving this October in PAL territories, the Lilac Purple model brings a girly touch to the current wardrobe of PSP-3000 colours that also includes Vibrant Blue, Mystic Silver, Pearl White and Radiant Red as well as the classic Piano Black.
Finally Sony announced that it is reducing the price of the Development Tool models DTP-T2000A and DTP-T2000, the hardware necessary for developing PSP (PlayStationPortable) software titles, to JPY150,000 in Japan, US $ 1,500 in North America and ?1,200 in Europe/PAL territories effective immediately.