Hands On: Everything you need to know about the PSPgo

Aesthetic
As with the PS3 Slim our first reaction to the PSPgo was that while it’s certainly smaller, it also looks and feels slightly cheaper. There is some wiggle in the D-pad and the face buttons are a little soft. At the rear of the PSPgo are two rubber strips that help keep it still if placed on a flat surface.

Battery Life
Despite the reduction in size the battery charge lasts as long as the original PSP model.

Controls
Underneath the sliding fascia lies the classic PlayStation face button arrangement, a four-point D-pad, a small analogue nub and the Start and Select buttons. The layout is much the same as the original PSP but with the nub located more centrally and the power switch in a similar place on the side of the console, which, as with the original, can cause problems with you accidentally turning the game off during play.

Downloads
After launching (and then abandoning) numerous formats over the years, including UMD, Sony now sees digital distribution as the future of its handheld console. With the PSPgo you can download music, movies and TV shows directly from the PlayStation Store to your PS3 and then transfer them onto your PSP. However, when the video store launches at the end of the year there’ll be no way to download directly to the go.

Ergonomic
The new, more palm-friendly design makes for a much more comfortable playing experience.

Fascia
Sliding up and down to reveal the controls, the fascia cradles a new smaller screen (3.8 inches). Although the screen is smaller, it doesn’t really compromise play.

Gran Turismo
The highly anticipated new game launches alongside the PSPgo on 1 October.

Home Button
The Home button is located on the left-hand side of the fascia close to the wireless switch and the memory card slot, which are on the main body of the console. The volume buttons can be found on top of the unit in-between the shoulder buttons.

iPod/iPhone
Given the digital distribution of content, cheaper games and reduced development costs, the PSPgo is inevitably going to be compared with the likes of the iPod touch. If we compare the two devices in terms of specs then the PSPgo could very well rival Apple’s device as it’s capable of storing music, photos and video files, has Bluetooth capability and the possibility of free phone calls via the Skype network. And games of course, don’t forget the games! However, it doesn’t have a touch screen and only time will tell if it can really offer the same level of functionality as the iPod touch and iPhone – we doubt it though.

JPEG
A media file supported by the PSPgo for photos.

Keep Your Old PSP?
The big question here has got to be, ‘Is it enough to convince current PSP owners to convert to the new model?’ As with the PS3 Slim it depends on how much you need to own the latest gadgetry. Despite downloadable direction, much of the PSPgo’s appeal comes down to the appearance. Smaller and slicker, it’s a much more attractive piece of kit but those with bigger paws might find the more compact layout awkward.

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