The new PSP Go and why we think it won't replace the PSP 3000

                    

Sony's new version of the PSP, the PSP Go, released October 1st 2009, is a radically new design. It differs from the current PSP 3000 in a number of ways, but we feel that this new PSP will not replace the current PSP 3000. Rather it will be sold alongside the older device as an alternative rather than a replacement. The price of the PSP Go is thought to be far higher than the PSP 3000 at £249.

PSP Go, smaller and lighter

There are a number of significant differences between the new PSP Go and the current PSP. On of the drawbacks of the current model is that you always know that you're carrying it. You can't just put it in your pocket and forget about it, as you would with a Nintendo DSi for instance. The PSP 3000 is certainly lighter than the Nintendo DSi (158g vs 214g), but it is a fair bit bulkier, especially when you factor in the need for a case to protect the screen, something you don't need to worry about with the DSi.

With the PSP Go, Sony has done something to address this issue. The new model is both smaller and lighter than the PSP 3000. The screen is 3.8 inches versus the PSP 3000's 4.3 inch screen and it is around 44% lighter. In fact, at just over 100 grams it is less than half the weight of a DSi. Sony has used the slide technique, popular with by mobile phone manufacturers, to hide the buttons, which further reduces the form factor.

No UMD Support for PSP Go

Another thing Sony has done to reduce the size of the PSP Go is to remove the UMD drive. UMD is Sony's own miniature disc format. Removing this disc drive may also reduce the power draw from the device and we won't be surprised if the PSP Go has a smaller, lower capacity battery. With the absence of a UMD drive, games will need to be downloaded from the Playstation Network over the Internet. It still is not known whether or not you will be able to buy games for the PSP Go at a normal retail outlet.

PSP Go drawbacks

The fact that games may need to be downloaded across a wireless Internet connection could put off a large number of potential buyers. Some people just don't have a wireless network and considering the added cost and time it would take to set this up, they may opt to buy the PSP 3000 instead. See our full PSP Go vs PSP 3000 table for full details.

To store all these downloaded games, the new device has a very large 16GB internal memory. This should store quite a few games, but there will obviously be a limit to the amount of games that can be held on the device. PSP 3000 users can pretty much carry as many UMD games as they like, but PSP Go owners are going to be limited. This may put some people off buying the PSP Go, which we think is why Sony will continue to sell the current PSP 3000 alongside the PSP Go.

Take a look at our price comparison site to find the best PSP Go prices for the UK (when available).