Small game: Technology companies have an easy way of dealing with mistakes — don't admit them, just quietly stop using the failed innovation. Sony sticks to this dogma with the latest version of its PlayStation Portable gaming devices. Previously, Sony has used universal media discs, a kind of miniature DVD, as the preferred storage method for games and movies on the devices. But its new PSPgo, known formally as the PSP-N1000, relies on internal memory and memory cards for storage and can also download content via wireless. The key benefit of axing the UMD drive is that the PSPgo can be made smaller than its predecessors. It weighs just 158 grams compared to 260 grams for the previous model, the PSP 3000, itself deemed slimmer than the older PSPs. The new model also reduces its dimensions with a clever design change. Instead of having the control pad and other buttons arranged to the left and right of the screen, the PSPgo puts the controls on one panel with the screen on a separate panel above that slides up into position. The change makes the device much more pocketable.
Apart from the UMD switch and redesign of the controls, the PSPgo is similar to the rest of the PSP family, and can display photos and play music, as well as be used for playing games and watching movies. One reduction in ability is that the PSPgo has a 3.8-inch screen, rather than the 4.3-inch version of its PSP brethren. The PSPgo also has less internal memory than the 3000, opting for 16 gigabytes instead of 32, although the PSPgo has the advantage of using the more robust flash memory. The new model has support for Bluetooth, enabling such add-ons as Bluetooth headphones, and Memory Stick Micro memory cards. The PSPgo package will also include the Media Go software for downloading content such as games, videos and music.
PSP fans will have to wait until Nov. 1 to buy the new console and will pay a recommended price of ¥26,800. The PSPgo will come in a color choice of black or white.