It’s not that we were totally surprised when Sony’s new gaming console abruptly showed up in a June 09 Qore edition – after all, rumors are floating around for quite some time – Yet, having a first look on a future portable gaming device can definitely rock our geeky heart, which barely stands the endless expectation for the official announcement to take place. And with so many neat features crammed inside, It shouldn’t take long until we snack ourselves a copy or two. But until we’ll manage to fulfill this dream, you all should probably like to know that Sony’s new PSP GO – as for on the go – seems to be offered with a 3.8-inch screen display, along with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, rounded sleeky slider design and 16GB of internal Flash, expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. Other essential traits to be noted include a smooth integration with PlayStation 3 gaming console (full network support), thin-and-light body design (43% lighter than PSP-3000), “10-year life-cycle products” guarantee (meaning long term viability) and various new action-game titles like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid – in plan. With no pretensions to be crowned as a PSP-3000 successor and without determined price-tag given, all that’s left is a vague “This Fall” release announcement, which Sony executives were willing to share. And while waiting for this dates to arrive, hit the jump and watch the video itself.
Update1: Sony just announced the PSP Go at the E3 convention, to be available on October 1 in North America and Europe for $249, with a month later release in Japan. Turns out it’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than Sony’s first PSP-1000 console, as most other specs remain the same, with few surprises at the corner – like a built-in WiFi connection, a new auto-playlist feature which randomly plays your favorite music and called Sense Me, a new video delivery service, and a lack of the UMD drive, implying you’ll be loading your games either through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation’s network. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, you can read the full PR announcement after the break.
Update2: In case you were all wondering what will happen to your old UMD games, once getting the PSP GO, maybe you should know that Sony will be offering for purchasing digital copies of those gamese, but maybe – just maybe – the company will be generous enough to make it even free of charge. Stay tuned.
Update3: If inner parts will make you excited, the folks at levelup.cn have managed to get their hands on one of the few available PSP Go devices out there and as expected, dissected it into pieces. Hit the jump to see the picture or click the link for even more.
Update4: Firmware update 6.10 is out, and those of you who’ve managed to get their hands on a PSP GO console (even though it’s not officially out yet) will now enjoy Bluetooth internet tethering for remote internet access. Additionally, you’ll find a new SensMe feature that literally creates audio playlists based on moods.
Update5: It’s here. Sony’s new PSP GO console finally goes live and can be found at your local retailers for $249.99. Gamind Party !
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCdN0Vh2duk[/youtube]
Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces an Unparalleled Software Line Up, Launch of the PSP(R) Go System, and New Services for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) and PlayStation(R)Network at E3 2009
SCEA Delivers Something for Everyone with ‘Only on PlayStation(R)’ Experiences and Unbeatable Entertainment Value
LOS ANGELES, June 2 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) held its annual press conference today at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Los Angeles, Calif., announcing several new products and services that reiterate PlayStation’s industry leadership position, by delivering consumers comprehensive entertainment options and fun experiences for all members of the family. Closing out a record year of sales for PlayStation in 2008, the company unveiled a new hardware offering the PSP(R) go system and laid out its most aggressive software line up to date with unprecedented support from its publishing partners, including Activision(R), Capcom(R), Electronic Arts (EA), and Ubisoft(R). The company also showcased an unparalleled exclusive line up of more than 25 first-party games that are both defying and defining gaming genres with titles ranging from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves(TM) and MAG, the industry’s first 256-player online gaming experience, to ModNation(TM) Racers, which reinforces PlayStation’s leadership and innovation towards user-generated gameplay. Proven franchises will also hit PlayStation platforms including Gran Turismo(R) 5, Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: A Crack in Time, and God of War(R) III. In addition, SCEA announced several exclusive titles for the PS3 including RockStar North’s Agent and Final Fantasy XIV, as well as exclusive titles for the PSP such as Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
“We’ll have another great year in 2009 because we have an amazing line-up of exclusive games on tap, including Gran Turismo 5, UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves, ModNation Racers, MAG, and God of War III, not to mention an onslaught of content hitting PSP with fan favorites such as LittleBigPlanet, RockBand, and Metal Gear Solid,” said Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. “PlayStation has been redefining consumer entertainment since its inception and we have no plans to stop. We’re continuing to raise the ante when it comes to delivering compelling and fun entertainment experiences to consumers and will do so for many, many years.”
Also announced on stage, the PlayStation Portable family introduced its newest evolution, the PSP go system and a remarkable content line up including exclusives Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet(TM), and Resident Evil. Coming to North America in October 2009, the PSP go system is specifically designed for the digital lifestyle with an even more portable, pocket-sized and sleek design. Exclusively for downloading digital content, the PSP go system comes built in with 16GB of internal flash memory for games, videos, music, and photos, and will be priced at $249.99 (MSRP). SCEA also announced a suite of new digital content services that will be available for both PSP go and PSP-3000 systems, including a new music application called “SensMe(TM)channels,” a mood based music recommendation system and Media Go!, a free application that makes it easier for consumers to manage their PSP games, photos, videos and music on their PC.
Also, demoed on stage, SCEA previewed current developments for an engineering prototype of a new controller which can be combined with PlayStation(R)Eye to offer unmatched precision for added depth and enhanced gaming experiences for casual to the hard-core gamers. The controller detects the natural movements of the hands and uses the PlayStation(R)Eye to detect the position of the controller in 3D, allowing the camera to project users onto the TV screen to play and interact with onscreen objects. In addition, DUALSHOCK(R) 3, one of SCEA’s most popular peripherals, will be offered in three new colors this year. “Satin Silver” will be available exclusively at GameStop from July through September, while “Deep Red” and “Metallic Blue” will be available at all retail partners starting in October.
PlayStation Network continues to evolve with new content and services being added from all major network studio partners, in addition to 16 new premiere partners from Hollywood, anime and sports. With the addition of the new content providers, PlayStation Network’s video delivery service offers nearly 1900 movies and 9400 TV episodes to consumers. The new Hollywood partners include Showtime Networks Inc., Starz Media, – for Film, TV and Manga Anime, G4 & E!, Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, HDnet & Magnolia Pictures. Anime partners include, Anime Network, Media Blasters, Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment, Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment, Toei Animation, Viz Media, WEP and FUNimation Entertainment. Sports partners include HDNet Fights, UFC, Wrestling from TNA and Video Action Sports. Additionally, the PSP system users now have increased freedom to directly access the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service, enabling them to download movies and TV shows without connecting to a PC or the PS3 system first.
PlayStation brand continues to redefine consumer entertainment with groundbreaking new products and services, and the broadest and deepest line up of non-gaming and gaming content which consumers have come to expect and count on from PlayStation. With three healthy platforms that offer something for everyone in the family, the company remains on track for continued success and in delivering fun entertainment experiences for many years to come.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game consoles, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its digital services PlayStation(R)Network and PlayStation(R)Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
PlayStation, PLAYSTATION, and PSP are registered trademarks and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. XMB is a trademark of Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
