Video hands-on: PSP Go

by Randy Nelson { Sep 28th 2009 at 10:15PM }

We've had our very own PSP Go for a little over a week now in preparation for the review of the system we posted earlier today. When we first got it in, we were limited to showing you a video of the unboxing -- accompanied by some upbeat jazz -- but today it's all fair game.

We wanted to make a video to compliment our review by showing the system in action, sizing it up against other handhelds, taking a look at loading times and demoing some of its exclusive features. We believe the above video is that video. In fact, we know it is, because we've watched it about a dozen times. We hope you'll want to watch it just as many, but we'll understand if you want to keep it to, say, two or four viewings. (If only to appreciate the Garrison Keillor-esque cadence and model-caliber hands of its narrator.)

Tags: hardware, psp-go, sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

bluesky_v2.01 @ Sep 28th 2009 10:22PM

I really like the device, I'd like it even more for $200.

ColorblindMonk @ Sep 28th 2009 10:37PM

Agreed. They're offering a good deal more than with the current model, but the price is just unbearable.

Kicks - PSN: x-Kicks-x XBL: K1cks @ Sep 29th 2009 8:12AM

Just ordered mine yesterday from Dell for $206 shipped :)

David @ Sep 29th 2009 11:09AM

I don't exactly what they're offering with the Go that isn't in the regular PSP. Same battery life, same screen, can't play UMDs, still wireless B, incompatible with previous PSP cables, memory sticks and accessories. The only thing the Go brings to the table is a smaller form and DS3 support, which is going to be way dumber than most people realize. Propping up your PSP somewhere and leaning right up to it or having to buy a cable for your TV doesn't sound like much of a killer feature to justify $250.

Special Agent Steve @ Sep 28th 2009 10:22PM

I don't want to lose my soul.

Special Agent Steve @ Sep 28th 2009 10:25PM

Only reason I'd ever buy it- Dual Shock 3 support. I can finally pwn at Resistance Retribution (if they support it).

Look At This Suit @ Sep 28th 2009 10:30PM

Whoa, wait, what? The Go supports the DS3?

A purchase of this plus MGS: Peace Walker is looking better and better...

Solace @ Sep 28th 2009 10:37PM

Not true if you read the press release by Sony the PSPgo only supports the DualShock 3 controller to navigate in the XMB. However Resistance can support DS3 if you own a copy of Resistance 2 and hook it up to your PS3.

Chris @ Sep 28th 2009 10:39PM

@ Look At This Suit

Either you have horrible short term memory loss (in which case I am very sorry) or you didn't watch the video, where this feature is demonstrated. If you didn't watch the video, why are you commenting??

Randy Nelson @ Sep 28th 2009 10:51PM

DualShock 3 support was something implemented as a special option in Resistance Retribution and required the whole PS3 link-up process. The Go is a Bluetooth device and has native support for the DS3 (also Bluetooth). There's a process for syncing the controller with the Go that involves connecting both to a PS3 (you need the special Go USB cable and one you'd use for charging your DS3) but once paired they've worked with every game I've tried. Actually, I haven't tried the MGS:PW demo with the DS3 but will since it's been brought up.

f35acepilot @ Sep 29th 2009 10:27AM

I assume that you can play with the dualshock on the Go with the system closed, right? Looks pretty cool, and makes me want to finally get an upgrade from my old psp 1000.

zenaxe @ Sep 29th 2009 11:49AM

@DS3 Support: Sweet! As I'm walking out the door, I'll just put my PSPGo in my left front pocket, here. And now, where's that DualShock 3? Oh there it is! Okay now I'll just put this DS3 in my.... oh... wait.... WTF.

It's cool enough that they have the BT support but this is hardly a major selling point with all the downsides. Does the BT support stereo headphones unlike the iPOD/iPhone? Or did they blow that opportunity, too?

alixandermcfly @ Sep 29th 2009 2:33PM

Can you use the second analogue stick if you change the control scheme?
That would be something that would make it very worthwhile.

mahouneko @ Sep 29th 2009 5:26PM

@zenaxe:
Yes, it'll work with Blue-Tooth headsets.

Markez @ Sep 28th 2009 10:30PM

The ability to play with a PS3 controller seems interesting to me, but still pretty odd... Can you transmit the PSP video output to a TV?

Like the toolbox above me, I'll also make a prediction in that people, upon seeing his comment, will hit a mixture of the following:

- !!! - - -!! -! -! -!- - - - - - + - - - !!!!!! - - !!!! x1000

(please note this prediction has a sampling error of plus or minus one +)

Chris @ Sep 28th 2009 10:48PM

Yes. There are $30 cables for the Go which you can use to connect to either a component or composite tv. It remains to be seen however whether or not you can actually charge the unit while using one of these cables, as they take up the sole proprietary USB slot which is also used for charging the unit.

If you're really passionate about playing long sessions, you might want to save up for a $30 dock as well, which would allow for both charging and video out at the same time.

Not exactly as cost effective, as a psp 3000 which uses seperate cables for charging and video out, but if you simply must have a go and must have dual shock 3 support and video out and charging, the Go it's the only way to do that.

And quite frankly, if you're considering a Go, I doubt the additional $30 should bother you that much.

johnnynumber5 @ Sep 28th 2009 11:08PM

All psp models sans the 1000 have optional video out cables. I play on the tube all the time. Doesn't look the best enlarged/zoomed in all the time.

[ArchiGamer] [Live from Omicron Persei 8] @ Sep 28th 2009 10:30PM

I -really- love the design and I moving some my PSN purchases to it, especially FFVII and FFVIII(if it ever comes out here), but the fact I can't transfer the 3 or so games I actually own and the price, I will have to wait until it becomes more of what I want.

Bobby Kotick @ Sep 28th 2009 10:34PM

You seem to be a good role model. If you don't like the crybabies, then just ignore them. What someone else thinks shouldn't really bother you if you personally enjoy it. What everyone else say shouldn't affect you or the decisions you make on these games.

And while we're on the subject, go pre-order Band Hero.

Ridgecity @ Sep 28th 2009 10:34PM

Since Sony won't give us an official method, I hope Dark Alex can find a way to transfer our UMDs to the PSP Go.

Alton Brown [ XBL: LordToastington, Soon-To-Be-PSN: OrIsItAltonBrown] @ Sep 28th 2009 10:35PM

You'd have a point if every other post you've made hadn't cemented your status as a goddamned idiot.

PSN ID: J-Berg @ Sep 28th 2009 10:36PM

Can't wait to get my hands on my PSP go this Thursday, these videos are really getting me excited.

Also, kudos on the white dualshock 3, classy choice sir.

Reuben @ Sep 28th 2009 10:36PM

I can't stand it when people like you jump the gun and set a nasty tone for the whole topic.

Alton Brown [ XBL: LordToastington, Soon-To-Be-PSN: OrIsItAltonBrown] @ Sep 28th 2009 10:36PM

That goes for both of you.

Chris @ Sep 28th 2009 10:36PM

I wouldn't call it worthless, just overpriced and not a good value over time.

I have literally no issues with the hardware. I think it's priced perfectly for the hardware you get and the features that brings (pause game, bluetooth, internal memory, sexier package, smaller form factor)

My only issue is the overall implicit cost of games. The additional 70 for the console is totally worth it and understandable, but the hundreds more you'll spend on games priced more than their retail (or used) counterparts doesn't make it worth it.

If I buy 20 games for the system (and there are over 50 worth buying by my count) at $5 more than I could get them used, that's $100 right there. And many games are more than $5 cheaper used...

Cody @ Sep 28th 2009 10:40PM

it looks ok just not for me. if they ever stop making umd's i will buy it.

Jocaju @ Sep 29th 2009 7:19AM

I didn't understand your comment. The go it's already UMD less.

acefondu @ Sep 29th 2009 9:59AM

Basically he's saying if you cannot get new games on the current PSP with UMD's, i.e they all become down loadable, then he'll buy one. Personally, if that happens, I'll just wait for PSP2.

Bobby Kotick @ Sep 28th 2009 10:48PM

Wow. Do you have some sort of grudge against your money?

Special Agent Steve @ Sep 28th 2009 10:58PM

OMG.... do I agree with Bobby Kotick? No... no.....
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6icbHgz6fI&feature=fvw

gonintendo @ Sep 28th 2009 10:59PM

I think it's kind of funny how the anti-go comments get downranked here but upranked on engadget.

Sheppy (of the Fidlious Clan of Wong) @ Sep 28th 2009 11:11PM

Right now they are. Soon that will change. Fact of the matter is you can't have a serious discussion about the Go on the internet right now. I'd like to, but there are idiots on both sides.

Reuben @ Sep 28th 2009 11:17PM

My, how I agree with you, mighty Sheppy.

Maverick Saturn (Igor) @ Sep 28th 2009 11:19PM

They are usually upranked if they make sense, its not worthless at all, its just overpriced. It has worth, just not the worth of 200 odd, lol

johnnynumber5 @ Sep 28th 2009 11:04PM

If he did he would have taken your advice and pre ordered Band Hero. I've been looking for a reason to get one and to spite Kodick may be just the reason I'm looking for.

Though I've been looking into upgrading my home arsenal to include a tactical shotgun ... Decisions decisions.

Bobby Kotick @ Sep 28th 2009 11:07PM

Don't worry, Steve. I've got a little story about your life right down there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U74MGinP-WY&feature=channel_page

Special Agent Steve @ Sep 28th 2009 11:09PM

Funny, I have the same video lying around here...
here it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqi5F5MqqTQ

Oh, and you're not Mark Twain.

Maverick Saturn (Igor) @ Sep 28th 2009 11:18PM

Why not just have a UMD adapter mini extranal drive that plugs into the top sort of like the way the PSP cam did?

Dustin @ Sep 28th 2009 11:20PM

Have you tried the MGS: PW with the DS3? can you use the right analog stick to move the camera (like MGS4?)

Brett from Atlanta @ Sep 28th 2009 11:25PM

Bobby, dude. Get a life man. Your commenting is a study in sadness. Role playing video game blog commenter, really? Don't you have something more interesting to do like watch paint dry or something, or is flooding threads with useless comments your go-to form of entertainment?

Kinsey @ Sep 28th 2009 11:34PM

I'm pretty sure its a shot at Activision and I thought it was funny.

CheeziePotato (PSN: talic10 | XBL: InfiniteMovie) @ Sep 28th 2009 11:37PM

Why the fuck would you try to pretend to be Bobby Kotick? Don't you have something better to do?

No Kill Tayler @ Sep 28th 2009 11:39PM

I really, *REALLY, want the Go but i'm afraid of the control scheme.
Randy is it any better or, does it seem worse?

Randy Nelson @ Sep 29th 2009 12:42AM

Well, like I said in my review, I actually like the feel and layout of the controls. I've read reviews from others that think everything's either too small or too recessed into the face of the "control panel." Maybe they have bigger hands/fingers than me, but I think someone pointed out my "big, ugly thumb" in one of the review photos. ;)

Let me put it this way: If I could only choose one PSP to hold forever and ever, it would be the Go. With a UMD drive.

AerialAngel @ Sep 28th 2009 11:51PM

thank you joystiq !

johnnynumber5 @ Sep 28th 2009 11:53PM

I really like the Go and I want one but being that I own a 3000 and somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 UMD games I consider the Go less of a priority. I'll get one eventually as a companion to my 3000 and as my go everywhere PMP/gaming device but as much as I want one (really bad) it's not a need and $250 is a lot for something that I already own in a different form factor. I think the thing is priced about correct all things considered it's just more than I'm willing to pay right now.