Sony made several big announcements yesterday at E3 – headlined by the announcement of their new portable game system the Sony PSP go system. Let’s jump right into the details.
Sony PSP go System:
If we could summarize the PSP go, it would be as follows. The new portable game console is smaller and more expensive than the current PSP-3000. Yes, Sony goes against the norm in consumer electronics by announcing a new version of a gadget that is more expensive than the previous iteration of that gadget. Go figure. In any event, here are the details to the PSP go:
- 16GB flash memory
- Built-in Bluetooth to connect wireless headset and utilize Skype
- 3.8 inch LCD display (no it does not have a touch-screen display)
- Slide screen which reveals the controls
- No more UMD drive (replaced by the 16GB memory)
- Memory Stick Micro slot with support for up to 16GB storage
- 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than original PSP launched in 2005
The PSP go will come with a USB cable and an AC adapter. There will also be a number of “premium” peripherals for the PSP go (which means more opportunities for you to spend and for Sony to make money) including A/V cables, a protective filter, several cases/pouches, wired headphones, and Memory Stick Micro cards.
Here are the pricing and availability details: The PSP go will be available in North America and in Europe starting on October 1st for $249 U.S. dollars or 249 Euros. The PSP go will be available in Japan starting on November 1st for 26,800 yen (including tax). Just for comparison, the current PSP-3000 goes for a mere $169.99.
PlayStation Network and your PSP:
Starting yesterday, Sony PSP users will be able to access the video delivery service of the PlayStation Store directly from their PSP. This basically means you won’t need the PC or the PS3 to act as a middle man anymore – just connect the PSP to your favorite Wi-Fi hotspot and you’ll be able to access thousands of movies and TV shows for rent or purchase.
Sony gets into motion controllers:
Sony also demonstrated their own version of a Wii-like motion controller shaped very much like a remote control also. Sony’s version of the controller had a glowing knob at the end of it which apparently is also tracked by the a camera attached to the PS3. The new controller is due out next Spring.
Games games games:
And finally, Sony made several big announcements in the area of gaming (because after-all, this is E3 we’re talking about here).
- Starting this fall, the PlayStation Store will offer digital versions of many UMD games from the PSP library including Gran Turismo PSP, Konami’s Metal Gear: Peacewalker, and Capcom’s Resident Evil
- Massive Action Game (MAG) will be coming exclusively to the PS3 – a game which allows up to 256 players to battle simultaneously on a modern battefield
- God of War III coming to PS3 in 2010
- Final Fantasy VII and Medal of Honor are coming to the PS3 and PSP
