Since Bitmob’s 100-story office building is still in the design stages, we run the site from various top-secret locations around the country, and we don’t get the chance to hang out and yap about the latest trends in gaming very often. That means I have no idea if any of my co-workers are getting a PSP Go! This injustice simply had to be rectified, so I fired off an email and asked the all-important questions:
“Are you buying a PSP Go? Why, or why not?”
I know the anticipation is killing you. Hit the jump to find out who’s picking up a shiny new toy. And for more Bitmob coverage of the PSP Go check out PSP Go: A Different Kind of Press Event.
Demian: No. I only break out my original PSP Fat and DSi on special, airplane-related occasions -- my iPhone has otherwise taken over my portable gaming.
That aside, I really don't understand the thinking behind the Go. Hardware's supposed to get cheaper, right? Instead, we've got a slightly smaller screen, no UMD (so my fairly large game library is useless), and a higher price. What's that about?
And if you're going to make a huge change to your hardware platform such as dropping the UMD, why not add something that gamers have wanted since the system launched -- a second analog stick?
Brett: Nope. There's absolutely no reason for me to buy one. I own a PSP-2000, and it can do anything the Go can and more -- like play all of the UMD games I already own.
The tinier size doesn't tempt me, either. I always have my man pur...er, messenger bag around with me, so if I want to take my PSP with me I just toss it in there.
In short, epic fail on Sony's part -- although I'm happy it's spurring development of more PSP games.
Jason: No. I don't own a PSP -- I'm a big role-playing game fan, and the DS has far more interesting options available than the PSP (at least in my opinion).
I'm also not happy with Sony's approach to existing PSP owners who want to upgrade to a Go. It seems like Sony's antagonizing the very people that are most likely to purchase a Go right out of the gate.
Shoe: No. Since we’re not making any dough on Bitmob yet, the answer’s pretty easy. If money weren’t an issue, then for sure -- I like owning every gaming gadget there is to own, and this one is compact, sleek, and sexy.
But that aside, is it worth it? At this point, no. I have a perfectly functional first-generation PSP that plays UMDs, thank you, and my iPhone fulfills my “Minis” category of casual games. I’d wait for a download-only killer app.
Aaron: No. I own two fat PSPs (I had one for PSP games and bought a second one for emulators) and that’s more than enough for me at the moment. Why in the world would anyone buy a PSP Go if they already have a PSP? It actually does less than a regular PSP, yet it costs more.
Promising a solution for getting UMD games onto a PSP GO and then failing to deliver isn’t just embarrassing for Sony, it’s what will ultimately cause this latest version of the handheld to fail. I’ll pass.
Michael: Yes -- if I had money, because I lost my original PSP. But, since I’m a broke-ass bitch, no.
Sorry, Sony!
Well, these ringing endorsements probably aren’t going to make it into the next commercial for the PSP Go. Are we the exception to the rule, though? Let us know in the comments if you’re going to be splurging on the PSP Go.
Comments (27)
Also, unfortunately for me, I prefer physical media, so downloadable games couldn't entice me into buying one.
Funny thing, I went into Best Buy today to get GT Mobile. (They didn't have it.) While I was waiting, I looked around for the Go. I finally found a few hanging near the accessories. No big sign showing off the latest thing, no special display, it wasn't even with the display models you can try in store. I wonder if this is Best Buy's reaction to the download only system. Anyone else seen interesting things regarding the Go at retail?
If I didn't own a PSP-2000, I'd only consider a PSP Go if it were 199 bundled with a game, but 199 is pushing it. My price ceiling for the GO is more in the 150 range.
A media device that will have movie support from my blu-ray collection, and a game device that is currently sitting next to me playing Persona battle music.
But I'll definitely be waiting until it either dies or drops in price.
But someone should get Michael another PSP. Losing a game system just sucks!
This seems to be the general consensus, the only people I see buying Go! are the money to burn set and those who didn't already own a PSP.
I'll admit it, I bought one. Only justifiable (to myself) because I have some traveling to do and some disposable income. I have a 2000 and I just never play it due to it's size. I know I have some issues to work through but I was basically embarrassed to pull it out in any kind of public setting. Also, let's just say I have some "firmware" incompatibilities.
I'm a big proponent of digital distribution so my biggest gripe with the system is Sony's pricing of it's content. I picked up the two NIS games that went on sale at launch. Going forward I'll try my best to only purchase games that are priced below the MSRP of the UMD. I know Sony is coddling retail with this pricing structure but it is at the expense of it's consumers.
Hopefully this will change down the road but as of right now I don't think the system is too overpriced, it's the software.
What is stopping me from getting it is the god awful price. Just like the 1000 I am not buying it until a significant price drop is in place. Sony made a biiiiig mistake by trying to sell it for so much.
(pricing, no umd solution, no killer downloadable app)