First of all let me explain my title. I'm getting so sick and tired of hearing about people complaining about how there are not two analog sticks on the system, or how they think Sony is stupid because they can't play any of their UMD games they already own. Really people!? Use some common sense for once and stop complaining!
First of all Sony clearly stated that the PSP GO was not a successor to the PSP 3000 but an alternative model they will sell along with the 3000. That means they can't add a second analog thumb to the system because that would force developers to either program games for one or the other platform essentially making the system a PSP 2. How would a owner of the 1000-3000 model line feel if the new game they where looking forward to buying was only playable on the GO because it required two analog sticks? Look if Sony releases the PSP 2 and they don't add a second analog stick then by all means be upset because that would not be the smartest move on their end, but in this regard it's the only thing that makes sense. I'm sure some people out there think that developers could just program games to use both types of controls but think about how much extra work that would be.
Ok so on to the whole no UMD subject. I think it was stupid for Sony to announce plans for a conversion program only to announce their would none weeks before the units release. The fact is I can't think of a single financial good way they would be able to convert games into digital without people taking advantage of it. What would stop someone from converting their UMD to digital format and then selling the game? In my opinion they should have never mentioned a program in the first place. This is a product that is taking the PSP line into the digital age and is intended for early adopters. I couldn't stand the cheap feeling of the UMD on the previous models, and the removal of the unit has allowed them the shrink the portable even more. I hear people complaining that the screen is smaller and how stupid that is. What do people expect? You can't keep making something smaller without some sacrifice. If you get a chance to hold a PSP in your hands you will see how much smaller it is. It now truly feels portable. If I could compare it to any recent device I would say it compares (when closed) most to the size of the Iphone 3G. I have owned every model of the PSP and have bad hands, and I can truly say this is the most comfortable PSP I have used in my opinion.
To me the PSP Go is the ultimate portable handheld. I can carry around so many games without ever having to worry about where my UMD is or if they eye on the player will go out, or better yet have to listen to the loading noise while I look at the screen. Isn't this the true meaning of a portable? Oh and for those upset about not getting to use their UMDs then at least know you can still buy the 3000 and Sony is not getting rid of it. I could understand if Sony announced they would discontinue physical games but they didn't so why so upset? Music, movies, pictures, books, and now games are going digital. I think this will be a slow transition but you can already see it happening. PC games are largely bought online through various means such as direct 2 drive and steam, and even consoles have embraced it (Wii Ware, virtual console, PSN, Xbox live arcade and now Xbox games on demand). I'm pretty sure it's a safe bet that the next PSP will be all digital as well, and I for one welcome it.
I'm not a fanboy as I have an Xbox 360, but I just don't understand why everyone has to complain about the system. Yes there are faults with it but nothing in my opinion that can't be changed with some firmware updates. If they are trying get a little bit of the Ipod touch market then I suggest they start getting some apps out there that are non gaming, and please please Sony get a new browser out there as the PSP browser is pretty bad. So the question is should I buy a PSP Go? Well if you want a true portable handheld and don't have a giant library of UMD games then by all means get one. If on the other hand you refuse to get rid of your collection or you don't like the idea of getting digital only products or aren't ready to go in that direction then you always have the 3000 or the choice of not getting one at all.
I have read a number of negative reviews here, but it seems pretty obvious that most reviewers did not actually purchase the product, which is sad. They all seem to harp on the fact that the Go doesn't not have a UMD drive. I wonder if these people complained about Ipods not being able to play CDs?
At any rate, I have never owned a PSP. The Go seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I am computer savvy and own a PS3, so I really like the idea of a download only portable. I'm not one of those people who need to put a box on a shelf, in order to be happy.
Once I opened the package, I was immediately impressed with the consoles sleek, sexy design. It fits in the hands comfortably, and the buttons are all in easy to reach places.
Once I booted her up for a test drive, I was impressed with how bright and sharp the screen appeared. As stated above, I already own a PS3, so I felt right at home with the operating system (XMB). It's simple to navagate, but works extremely well.
After I had the system booted up, I couldn't wait to try out a game. I hopped and downloaded a few games. I should also note that there is an impressive collection of games/movies on the PlayStation store. The store can easily be accessed through your PSP, PS3, or PC.
After putting a few hours into my game, I can happily say that I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. The game was looked and controlled amazingly for a portable game. I have since downloaded a movie also. Movies look even more incredible on the device.
In all honesty there are many more features that I still have not had a chance to use. The system has a browser, blu-tooth, web radio, skyped, etc, etc.
It's sad to see such an innovative device get such a negative and even angry reaction. It is a bit pricey, but 16 gigs of internal memory have been added. All in all, the purchase has exceeded my expectations. If you happen to be on the fence about it, and the angry negative reviewers haven't scarred you away yet.. I would strongly suggested it to you. You will not regret having a gaming, movie, internet package in such a sexy device.
Needs a better battery, UMD conversion support, a bigger hard drive, louder max audio, better file structure, Apple support of some kind, a built in camera, 2 built in cameras like the DSi. Built in software like the DSi, and cheaper movies. Dudes at SONY and everyone else in charge reading this...I will never pay $10 for films I already own to have them on my portable devices. $2 maybe, not $10. Why pay for something I already own? When will you guys figure out that films need to become like CDs so we can rip what we own and buy new what we want. Until that point is reached you will be grasping at the peanut crumbs of the potential of this massive movie ripping playlist industry. And games for the PSP Go need to be cheaper too. As well as something we can back up.
"Amazing purchase, everything perfect. Cant really say more just perfect. Matt"
"It's alot lighter & smaller than the older psp's, but no umd's, but i didn't use them much anyway..."
