Japan gets PSP GPS, others can import
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Dec 7th 2006 at 6:25PM }
The plug-in GPS Receiver for PSP was released today in Japan and inevitably, has been made available to potential importers via Play-Asia ($68.70, includes shipping to US). Its usefulness is currently limited, as the navigation software (of Japan's roadways) has yet to be released; though Sega's constellation navigator is available.In addition, the device is compatible with Metal Gear Solid: Potable Ops, but limited GPS usage in the game doesn't exactly warrant the $70 splurge. The receiver will also be compatible with the next installment of Hot Shots Golf, which is due out early next year in Japan (as Minna no Golf-jou).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rubang @ Dec 7th 2006 6:31PM
Metal Gear Solid: Potable Ops FTW! Makes me thirsty.
Scott @ Dec 7th 2006 6:41PM
"Metal Gear Solid: Potable Ops"
Otagon: Snake, You have to make sure that the villager's water is safe!
Snake: The villagers are really russian troops waiting for me to turn around
Otagon: Oh Snake!
Rubang @ Dec 7th 2006 6:51PM
Hey, did that cardboard box just belch?
OrangeTimer @ Dec 7th 2006 9:30PM
I hope they don't close Play-Asia over these imports =P
JRM @ Dec 7th 2006 6:58PM
How Exciting! A peripheral!
Man, peripheral attachments sell like hotcakes. remember the Sega CD?, the 32x?, or more to the PSP's level, the GameGear TV tuner?
stu @ Dec 7th 2006 7:08PM
btw, thanks for the photo showing the attachment in relative size to the PSP... the first photo I saw of it made the darn GPS look larger than the PSP!
Micro Mame Man @ Dec 7th 2006 7:22PM
You'd think, with today's technology, that there'd be a way to design a GPS receiver that doesn't stick out so far. I know you need some external area, but couldn't they hide it flat along the top of the PSP, or maybe u-turn it back and down the rear of the device?
Fugly. Not that it matters, as the PSP is limping along on its last legs anyway.
ackmondual @ Dec 7th 2006 10:04PM
In Jap, these things definately fly with their market. Dunno if there will ever be a US version. If not, this thing'll be DOA w/o US maps, unless the people who providing Navteq or TeleAtlas mapping are willing to step in and add them by default or for a fee ($75 a yr perhaps, each additional yr optional?). Still neat to see it get off the ground though. Hope the receiver doesn't suck compared to even lower hundred $$ model GPS units.
Kinda a shame how GPS will only be loosely supported for games. WOuld also be ideal if you can suspend games to check up on navigation. Else passengers will be upset to have to give up their PSP for nav.
@ #6
I'm guessing when you add functionality via an add-on accessory as opposed to having it integrated, you don't have the luxury of putting its components into the relatively larger area of the main unit itself.
Bootes @ Dec 10th 2006 1:26AM
Well I'll be ordering this as soon as I can get US maps. Come on Sony!
Mike @ Dec 8th 2006 10:42AM
This would be great if we had US maps and a car cradle.
JK @ Dec 8th 2006 10:36AM
@ #6 the antenna is built so that when not in use it flips down the backside of the psp....maybe it'll still work with it flipped down but probably won't get as decent a signal.