The PSP Go was Sony’s attempt to make its portable gaming console more compact and modern. Released in 2009, it was a redesigned version of the PlayStation Portable (PSP), with a focus on digital downloads instead of physical media. In this hands-on review, we’ll cover the design, features, and performance of the PSP Go based on first impressions, and include some photos to showcase its sleek look.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that stands out about the PSP Go is its compact, sliding design. Unlike the original PSP, which was larger and bulkier, the PSP Go is small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket. The slider mechanism allows the screen to cover the controls when not in use, giving it a modern, compact appearance.
When you slide the screen up, the D-pad, action buttons, and analog nub are revealed. The controls feel well-placed, though the smaller size of the device makes the buttons feel a bit cramped compared to the original PSP. The analog nub is tiny, but still functional for most games, even if it lacks the precision of larger analog sticks.
The overall build quality feels solid. The device is lightweight, but not so much that it feels cheap. The screen is bright and sharp, with colours that pop, although it’s slightly smaller than the original PSP’s display.
The Design
- Closed PSP Go: The device is sleek and compact, with a glossy black or white finish.
- Open PSP Go: Sliding the screen up reveals the controls, showing the device’s unique layout.
Display and Graphics
The PSP Go features a 3.8-inch screen, which is slightly smaller than the original PSP’s 4.3-inch display. Despite being smaller, the resolution remains the same, meaning the pixel density is higher, making images appear sharper. The screen quality is excellent for its time, offering bright, vivid colours and good contrast.
Playing games on the PSP Go feels smooth. Popular titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Gran Turismo look fantastic on the small screen, with little to no frame rate drops. The smaller size may take a little getting used to, especially if you’re coming from the larger PSP, but the games still look great.
The screen is not touch-sensitive, which was typical for its time. Navigation through the menus is done using the D-pad and buttons. The menu interface is intuitive, and the system is fast at launching games and applications.
Performance and Usability
The PSP Go is powered by the same processor as the original PSP, so performance-wise, it’s very similar. Games load quickly, and there’s no noticeable slowdown or lag. The main difference is that the PSP Go does not have a UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive. Instead, all games are downloaded from the PlayStation Store. This is both a positive and a negative.
Digital-Only Gaming
The shift to digital-only gaming makes the PSP Go lighter and more portable, as you don’t need to carry physical discs. You can store several games on the internal 16GB storage, and you can expand this with a Memory Stick Micro if needed. However, if you have a collection of UMD games from the original PSP, you won’t be able to play them on the PSP Go, which could be frustrating for long-time PSP owners.
Controls
The D-pad and buttons feel good overall, though the smaller form factor might make it a bit uncomfortable for players with larger hands during extended play sessions. The analog nub feels similar to the original PSP’s, which means it’s functional, but not as smooth or precise as modern analog sticks.
Battery Life
Battery life on the PSP Go is decent but not outstanding. You can get around 5-6 hours of gameplay on a full charge, depending on the game and screen brightness. While this is fine for short trips, it might require frequent charging for longer gaming sessions.
Multimedia and Connectivity
One of the PSP Go’s strengths is its multimedia capabilities. It supports music, video playback, and photo viewing, making it more than just a gaming device. The built-in Bluetooth is a welcome feature, allowing you to connect wireless headphones or even a PS3 controller.
Downloading games and media from the PlayStation Store is easy, and the Wi-Fi connection works well for downloading games, though speeds are limited by the Wi-Fi technology of the time. You can also transfer media files from your computer to the PSP Go, making it a portable media player for videos and music.
The Interface
- Home Screen: The main menu shows games, media, and settings in a clean layout.
- PlayStation Store: Browsing and downloading games from the PlayStation Store on the PSP Go is simple.
Conclusion
The PSP Go is a stylish, compact gaming system that brings back the classic PSP experience with a modern twist. Its digital-only format is convenient for gamers who prefer not to carry physical media, and the sliding design makes it extremely portable. However, it does come with some compromises, such as the lack of UMD support and a slightly cramped control layout.
If you’re a fan of portable gaming and don’t mind the switch to digital downloads, the PSP Go is a great device for gaming on the go. It’s not for everyone, especially those who already own a large collection of UMDs, but it offers a unique and sleek alternative to the original PSP.
FAQs
1. Can I Play My Old UMD games on the PSP Go?
No, the PSP Go does not have a UMD drive. You can only play digital games downloaded from the PlayStation Store.
2. How Much Storage Does the PSP Go Have?
The PSP Go comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a Memory Stick Micro.
3. Does the PSP Go Have Bluetooth?
Yes, the PSP Go has built-in Bluetooth, which allows you to connect wireless headphones or a PS3 controller.
4. How Long Does the Battery Last?
The PSP Go’s battery lasts around 5 to 6 hours of gameplay on a full charge, depending on the game and brightness settings.
5. Is the PSP Go Still Worth Buying Today?
If you’re a fan of retro gaming and prefer digital downloads, the PSP Go is still a fun device to own. However, keep in mind that newer handhelds like the Nintendo Switch may offer more modern features and a larger library of games.