PSPgo launched, initial reaction?

PSPgo was launched yesterday worldwide except Japan. So what's the reaction? With it's already high price and no UMD, it is really hard for PSPgo to be successful. But let's take a look.
Several metacritics website already blasted PSPgo as an overpriced device with less feature. The resolution is the same, some people complained on how the controller positioned, and question been asked why is the wifi still in 802.11b.
At EB retail game shop, there was no queue at the launch, there is no sign that the device will sold out, and retailers didn't put banners to. increase the hype. It is pretty much quiet.
Further examination by users, revealed some potential problems.
Since PSPgo can't use UMD, users will depend on download games. Games like Gran Turismo PSP will take around 1 GB. Since there is no 'background download' feature ala PS3. You cannot leave your screen to play another game while downloading. To make it worse, if somehow your download is interrupted, you will have to start over. It will increase frustration for people will less reliable internet connection. Sony needs to address this very quickly.

But like yin and yang, if there are bad things, there got to be good things, right?
PSPgo is a lot more 'portable' device. With smaller and slicker size, and no UMD required means that your PSPgo is easier to carry around.
Pause feature that lets you pause the game any time, go out to XMB, listen to music, watch movies and then resume your game is very handy.
Bluetooth connection that can serve as a controller to PS3 and tether to bluetooth phone.

In conclusion, PSPgo might not be selling like hot cakes, but Sony definitely can do things to make it work. Price cut? (Hint..).
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SONY indonesia Party Launching

Finally, Sony launched PS3 and PSPgo for Indonesia on 1st October 2009 at Mal Kelapa Gading 3, Jakarta. The event is crowned by Playstations fans and Media all over Indonesia. Me and HDJ are on the site to witness the historic moment SONY FINALLY Launch PS3 Slim, PSP go, PSP 3006 and the Most Important the Launching of PSN Indonesia.




SONY really take the event very seriously. We can see it from the way they design their stage in MKG3 main atrium. There are 3 gaming zone for public to play and try Playstation 3 Slim with (Grand Turismo 5 Prologue, Little Big Planet and King of Fighter)
The Center stage there are one big globe Sphere where Indonesia was highlighted on it.

The event start as early as 09:30 in the morning. Where People can start to buy PS3 Slim, PSP go and PSP 3006. But the Opening Ceremony doesn't start until 16:30 in the afternoon.

The President of Sony Indonesia and Mr Yashuda from SCEA gave a opening welcoming speech and getting ready for the Launching PS3 Slim, PSP go and PSP 3006.
Not only they happy launching the product, Mr Yashuda also give his condolences for Indonesian people in Padang who just hit by big earth quake. My Yashuda give one hundred Million Rupiah for the earthquake victim in behalf of SONY Indonesia through Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI)

Just before 17:00, the Globe Spear was open and inside were PLAYSTATION girls comes out carrying PS3 slim, PSPgo, and PSP 3006. Mr Yashuda personally give all first three queuers their purchases and followed by press conference and lucky draw.

As ceremony finished, people began to start to claim their purchases as well as vouchers. The rest of the event was GT5 prologue time attack competition.




by : HDJ & AT

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PSPgo worldwide launch is today!!

Today is definitely a big day for Sony PSP. PSPgo is launching worldwide today, Oct 1st and Sony has prepared lots of surprises for potential buyer.
Sony announcement of firmware 6.10 for PSP lets you tether your PSPgo via bluetooth to any mobile phone. Other feature is SensMe channels. SensMe channels is a music application for PSP that allows musics tracks that have been imported from Media Go application to be categorized into 12 channels such as "Relax" or "Evening". Sounds gimmicky enough?


PS store is also updated with hundreds of new PSP titles as well as minis. PSPgo new owners will have an array of games to get busy with. We'll keep tab on how does PSPgo sales performance.
Please check Kotaku for a full list.
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PSPgo set to launch Oct 1st

From A Gamerz Blog

Sony will launch PSPgo on October 1st. According to its tally, PSPgo will hit stores with 16.000 pieces of digital content. But most of it are TV and Movie shows, while new and old games are accounted only 225 pieces.
For those who are unable to use credit card to buy games at PSN, Sony is also releasing voucher cards in store to be used in buying certain PSPgo games.
With its already high price and scrapped UMD transfer program, it's interesting to see how the sales will be at launch day.
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PSPgo UMD transfer program aborted.. for now

Not long ago, Sony promised at PSPgo launching event that they are working a program that let user to transfer their existing UMD game to PSPgo.
However, Sony just confirmed that due to technical and legal reasons, its on hold until further notice.
Instead Sony will offer 3 free games when customer upgrading from PSP 3000 to PSPgo.
It is definitely a set back for Sony. Already with high price and retailers boycott, it makes PSPgo even more unpopular.
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Sony offering free games when upgrading to PSPgo

Sony hasn't come up with a program that lets user to convert their UMD to digital. But in attempt to court PSPgo, Sony offering users to download 3 free games when customers upgrades their old PSP to PSPgo.
The program will run from 1st October 2009 to 31st March 2010. Users will have to log in into PSN and register their 3 new games with old PSP and a UMD in the drive.
The free games are Killzone: Liberation, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3, WipEout Pure, echochrome, LocoRoco, Patapon and more.
This program currently unavailable in US.

Source: Kotaku
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Dare to compare: PSPgo and PSP-3000

So with PSPgo is available now, which PSP should you buy? Here are the facts that I get to help you decide:

PSPgo

The good.
- It's smaller, lighter, and has cooler design.
- It has a system pause option. You can pause in the middle of your game, go to media bar to listen music and watch video. After that you can go back and resume your game.
- It has 16GB internal hard drive. Should you need more space, you can buy Memory Stick Micro (M2) and slot it into your PSPgo.
- You can transfer your old UMD games into your PSPgo. But Sony hasn't explained how and when.
- You can hook up your PSPgo to your PS3, and plug your PS3 controller to PSPgo and you will able to play PSP games on your PS3.

The bad.
- Its $249. Unless you are really loaded, the price is ridiculous. Why pay more for less feature?
- Say goodbye to your Memory stick PRO duo. It is not compatible.
- Comes in only two colours black and white.
- Since Sony hasn't confirmed how do you play your old UMD on your new PSPgo. There is a chance you might not be able to play it.

PSP-3000

The good.
- Its way cheaper. $169. A preferable device during this tough economy.
- Slightly bigger screen than PSPgo.
- You can use your Memory PRO duo to store your digital games.
- Comes in a lot of colours and bundles.

The bad.
- It's bigger and heavier.
- You won't be able to digitize your UMD games and you have to carry a stack of UMD everywhere you go.

Source: Playstation, The Official Magazine, November 09 edition.
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Why Sony in a hurry to push PSPgo?

PSPgo announcement came quite surprising and lukewarm. Firstly, with no UMD slot, it can only play downloadable games, therefore Sony has dual standard for PSP in the market (UMD and UMD-less). Though Sony said that they will provide user to convert their UMD games into digital file, until now we still don't know how they going to do it and when.  
Secondly, lack of games for PSPgo in PSN shows Sony's lack of preparation.
But why is Sony such in a hurry?
The most possible answer is Apple. The iphone has been a successful in states, not only for phone but for gaming as well. Apple realize that gaming sector is a huge market, and with the robustness of apple store, iphone quickly become a major force in console wars. 
What apple did was open up to all game developer. True, you most likely find cheap but crap games on apple store rather than a good one, but Apple did captured a huge chunk of casual gamer market portion by doing just that. And Apple start to invite big game developer to develop to its platform.
PSPgo is designed exactly to counter Apple's iphone and ipod gaming business. Recent announcement of PSP mini games that will be available in the future is another evidence that Sony is trying to compete in this market.
But will Sony be able to compete with already matured and robust Apple store? Sony is already behind in terms of online service. Compared to Xbox live, Sony has a lot of catching up to do with its PSN. The amazing high price Sony slaps on to PSPgo, and recent news of retailers boycott on PSPgo are definitely not helping.
Bottom line is, Sony needs to work hard to make PSPgo a success, and from current condition, its highly doubtful.
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