PSPgo Review

By Court Rye | in Gear | Tags: Games, Movies, Music

PSPgo System in open position

The PSPgo is a remake of the original PlayStation Portable which came in three versions, the launch PSP 1000, slightly slimmer PSP 2000, and the most recent PSP 3000 which came with a brighter screen and built in microphone. The newest “go” comes with all that and more… and less in some ways. While the PSPgo has a slightly smaller screen than any of the previous three iterations, it benefits from a more compact size, sliding face, and internal 16GB memory. All of this adds up to an extremely portable console that is lightweight, convenient and perfect for travel.

This is a great “big kid” gaming system that both men and women are sure to enjoy. Timed with the release of the PSPgo, Sony has updated their online PlayStation Store which is very similar to iTunes in the way it syndicates movies, music, tv shows and games. If you think back, you may remember Sony buying out MGM and adding hundreds of movies to their already extensive catalog. All of that is at your fingertips with the PSPgo in the most environmentally friendly format possible, digital download! Purchasing digital media is straightforward and can be done from your PC or the PSP itself which comes stock with wireless and blue tooth so you can tether it to your phone and other devices. What’s more, it comes pre-installed with Skype so you can actually use the PSPgo to make cheap calls right from the get go.

Sure, the PSPgo is extremely portable, easy to use and fun to play… but we do have our gripes. First off, it costs $250 and doesn’t include any full games (although that is sure to change in the coming months and years). And second, it takes a long time to download new games and system updates and many of them are overpriced considering they are all digital. Third, if you do pick one up be sure to plug it in right away because there are software updates and the system won’t let you install them (and ultimately begin downloading and playing games) until the battery is charged… Nobody likes waiting two hours to play with their brand new toys! Other than that the system is a hikers dream (as long as that hiker enjoys games, movies and music).

When compared with iPods, iPhones, Zunes and other portable devices I find the game titles on the PSPgo to be way more deep and engaging which is a no-brainer since this is first and foremost a gaming device. When compared to a Nintendo DS however, the system has fewer titles but more graphics and processing power, not to mention movies, games and TV shows. Games like Rock Band really shine on this system, it’s easy to pick up, fun to play, and not too geeky. Other games like LocoRoco 2 are similar to Mario or other platformers, in this title you tilt the world and control a roley-poley type creature who bounces along and can split up into tinier parts to filter through tight spaces.

If you’re looking for a new MP3 player that can also do movies and games then check out the PSPgo and watch our short video review below. Other favorite games include MotorStorm, Patapon 2 and God of War.