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So, yes, it had been leaked before the press conference, but Sony did announce at E3 2009 that they would be releasing a new, portable version of the PlayStation Portab... hmm, well, a more portable version of the PSP, called the PSP Go.
This new PSP would be smaller and lighter and would be geared towards downloadable content, exclusively, dropping support of the UMD drive. In its place, however, you get built-in bluetooth compatibility.
As you've likely seen already, the PSP Go features a sliding mechanism that slides the screen up to allow access to the controls, beneath. This also means that if you're simply enjoying a video, you can use the PSP Go in its more compact, closed form. I wasn't able to get any personal experience of the sliding action, as the display units had cords to tether them to the display and this same tether connection locked the PSP Go in its "open" position.
I played the upcoming Gran Turismo game on a PSP Go, and found it to look very good and control nicely, with no real surprises. It felt very much like playing a normal PSP, barring, of course, difference in weight and size... and a cord tethering it to the table.
I am including some photos I took of the PSP Go display case they had set up in the "behind closed doors" section on the second floor of the Sony booth for your perusal. The PSP Go will be available in your choice of "Piano Black" or "Pearl White" for $249.99 USD and is scheduled to be on store shelves this Fall. |
