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Details of Sony's new PSP Go have been leaked ahead of the company's Tuesday press conference in a big way, with photos and videos now widely circulating on the internet. And while we don't yet have a comprehensive list of the new PSP's feature list, the leaked info gives us a pretty good idea of what we can expect — including hints of several new games.
Form factor
The PSP Go has a 3.8-inch widescreen (versus 4.3-inch on all previous PSP models). It's said to be 43 per cent lighter than the PSP-3000, which means it would tip the scales at about 108 grams. The PSP Go design is very reminiscent of the Sony Mylo — the screen slides up to reveal the controls.
Storage
The Go will offer 16GB of built-in flash memory, and it's expandable via a Memory Stick Micro slot. There is no UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive on the PSP Go. While that no doubt allows for the smaller size (and, we hope, the potential for better battery life), it also means there's no way to play existing PSP software you might own on the PSP Go.
Controls
While the layout may be different, the control scheme on the PSP Go looks to be little changed from earlier PSP models: a four-way D-pad on the left, the standard quartet of geometrically coded Sony controls (circle, square, cross, triangle) on the right, select/start buttons in the centre, and the PlayStation "home" button to the left of the screen.
A second analog control is always at or near the top of wish lists for PSP redesigns, so its absence is all but certain to get a thumbs-down from gamers. The single stick's placement — closer to the centre of the control deck rather than the outside right, where it sits on earlier PSPs — could also be problematic. (That said, the Go control layout is more closely aligned to that of a traditional full-size PlayStation controller.)
None of the leaked info mentions touchscreen support, leading us to assume that the feature is not present on the PSP Go.
Wireless
In addition to certain Wi-Fi support, the PSP Go adds Bluetooth capability to the Sony handheld platform for the first time. In addition to support for standard Bluetooth headsets (and, presumably, A2DP headphones and speakers), Koller also specifies the ability to tether the PSP Go to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The advantage of that isn't highlighted, but that would potentially allow web browsing and online gaming via a tethered phone with a 3G data connection (when Wi-Fi access wasn't available).
Games
On the leaked Qore video, Koller specifically mentions PSP versions of LittleBigPlanet, Jak and Daxter, Gran Turismo, and "a new Metal Gear Solid". Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier had been previously announced and a PSP Gran Turismo was originally shown off way back at E3 2004. A PSP-optimised LittleBigPlanet has been confirmed, and a new MGS game will likely be welcomed with open arms (assuming it's more like the action-packed Portable Ops and less like the bizarre Metal Gear Acid).
Koller also emphasises casual games in the interview, implying that Sony would like to see the PSP platform become home to shorter, simpler "pick up and play" games that can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store on a whim.
As for the downloadable titles: a wide selection already exists on the PlayStation Store for existing PSP owners, and it's long been clear that Sony has been moving away from UMD. The recent high-profile Patapon 2 game, for instance, is download-only.
Digital media support
Presumably, the Go will have at least the same baseline media features as the existing PSP models, which includes ample support for music, video and photo files. Koller also mentions downloadable movies and TV shows (already available for purchase from Sony's existing iTunes-like PlayStation Store). It is as yet unclear whether the upcoming VidZone service will be compatible.
PS3 integration
Again, it appears that the existing interoperability between the PS3 and the PSP line will be carried over to the PSP Go. That includes the ability to cross-load some games and media, as well as the Remote Play option (access PS3-based content from the PSP over the internet).
source (CNET ASUTRALIA)
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