Sony Explains Lack Of Second Analog Nub On PSP Go

We know many of you have looked at the snazzy new PSP Go and asked, "hey...where's the second analog nub? Did they forget it?" Well, no, they didn't "forget;" in fact, Sony says it was definitely a consideration.

If you recall, Kaz Hirai stood on stage during Sony's E3 press conference and explained that this new PSP iteration was a result of feedback from both developers and gamers. But a great many of the latter are a little miffed that there's only one analog nub, so Game Informer asked for a simple explanation. Well, according to President of Sony Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, the "mid-life cycle" of the portable is what prompted the decision. Said Yoshida:

"We also felt - like many users - that we wish we had a second analog on the PSP. But we are talking about the mid-life cycle of this platform, and the PSPgo is designed to be perfectly compatible with the PSP-3000 and all the games that released before that. So we had a very serious discussion about this particular subject, but we decided not to add a second analog, and some of the developers are doing quite a nice job translating the second analog functionality to different buttons. We didn’t want to divert their efforts either."

Well, whether you agree with this or not, Sony can't really go back and change their decision now. Granted, it may be somewhat difficult to get accustomed to, but we'd like to think that the inherent control of the PSP Go will be as sleek as its design. You'll never satisfy everyone when it comes to producing a new handheld device, but you had best hope you'll satisfy a great number of people...and we assume the PSP Go appeals to many.

7/22/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (52 posts)

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packersfan66
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:04:26 AM
Reply

too damn expensive.

4 up, 6 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 6:45:47 PM

Whoaaa, midlife cycle huh?
Well crap..... at 56, I'd sure be feeling a wee bit inadequate if I didn't have both nubs, LOL

Anyways, I'm not tech-savy, but if Sony had put a 2nd nub in, then why couldn't all the developers just do a patch for their older games for useage on a 2 nub system?????

1 up, 0 down

Ricochet
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 7:12:14 PM

@BikerSaint:

That would be a lot of "patch" downloads (unless they're automatically updated with internet detection). Point is, I wouldn't want to play my old games again just because of a secondary analog stick. In my opinion, the PSPGo should've been cheaper but with that price at least it should have a 32GB, 480p or HD native support, built-in camera (back & front)and pressurized trigger buttons for racing games.

1 up, 0 down

N a S a H
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 1:39:06 PM

lol@Ricochet

How in the world do you expect them to sell something like THAT for $250? It would cost at least $300 to make. They are trying to make a profit.

0 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:10:56 AM
Reply

I figured that this was the answer. As much as people wanted the additional stick, it makes perfect sense why they wouldn't add it as they are merely making an alternate version of the same platform. People will gripe no matter what so it was a smart decision to not make anyone lose functionality of previously existing games. I'm sure that someone will thumbs me down for saying this.

And one more thing, I do not believe that the PSP Go! is too expensive. When you factor in the history of consoles, what you have in it, what it can do, it really isn't that expensive. Sure, people are going to compare it to the Wii and Xbox 360 but that doesn't make any sense at all. Don't even try to compare this to the PS3 either. Look at laptops vs. desktop computers. And don't even try to compare those bottom-of-the-line computers either. We know that the PSP/PSP Go! line are not bottom-of-the-line.

Last edited by fluffer nutter on 7/22/2009 11:13:14 AM

6 up, 4 down

Qubex
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:34:30 AM

Yhea, it is a "mature" platform of sorts... whilst the PsP Go is a new design, I think they make good profit off of it... it should have been cheaper...

Don't know if anyone has seen the reports today but Apple sold 5.2 million... read that again... 5.2 million iPhones have sold in the last quarter alone... in the last quarter!!! Were we not supposed to be heading into some sort of low level depression???

Anyway, the iPhone (and future iPhone models) will keep Sony "honest" if nothing else... Sony can't just sit back... Better for the consumer in the long run, more competition... lower prices... and finally, second analogue stick :)

Q!

"i am home"

5 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 3:59:46 PM

The sad thing about that is many of Apple's line of products are overpriced for the value. I'm referring to the iPhone and iPod lines. They tend to have mediocre quality audio playback but the masses can't tell as they think that 192Kbps MP3s are "CD quality". ROFL

2 up, 0 down

King James
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 11:53:51 AM

Keep in mind Q, that you can get an Iphone for a c-note now WITH A 2 YR CONTRACT.

0 up, 0 down

King James
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:15:38 AM
Reply

I'll end the speculation right here. The 2nd analog stick and touchscreen will be on the PSP2.

3 up, 0 down

JackKnifeZero
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:27:03 AM

double true

0 up, 0 down

Ricochet
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 7:16:17 PM

No no no no, you're not thinking "next-gen". How about Analog buttons (analog support + buttons e.g. L3/R3) and pressurized triggers. horizontally on the back of the psp

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:25:03 AM
Reply

Lame. They should have added it. Even if devs wouldn't be used to it that doesn't mean this couldnt be used in future titles. I don't see how this would get in the way of older titles. Since older PSP games don't support it, the 2nd nub could just remain off.

Last edited by Jawknee on 7/22/2009 11:26:44 AM

11 up, 3 down

ohmikkie
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:11:23 PM

yep!

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:46:04 AM
Reply

Using the excuse that the old PSPs/ PSP games didnt have it is lousy, so what, for them games the stick will just be inactive, its not that difficult is it?

5 up, 3 down

Andysw
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:51:37 AM
Reply

Why didn't they include the second analogue nub in the first place?

3 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:13:28 PM

61 thousand dollar question.

1 up, 0 down

Cpt_Geez
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:16:26 PM

That's a good question.

0 up, 0 down

Zaben
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:22:25 PM
Reply

Makes perfect sense.
They don't add it so future PSP games will run on previous models just the same as it would run on the Go model.
Now to wait for the PSP2.

1 up, 1 down

DGo8
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:34:29 PM
Reply

I rekon PSP2 will have dual Analog...tha price is tha turn off for me atm..

2 up, 2 down

DGo8
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 4:33:47 PM

dont get me wrong im still gettin it tho lol

0 up, 0 down

Blink182Fan99
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:35:42 PM
Reply

I'm glad they didn't add a second. And they shouldn't. Or a touch screen. Those two things should be left for other platforms. What the PSP scene has works, so why change it?

And for the record. I own PSP - 1000, 2000, 3000, and I plan on getting the Go! aswell. Mainly 'cos I love the consoles that Sony make, and I believe the Go! will be an enhancement, but they shouldn't change the control functions.

2 up, 6 down

monkeypunch2
Sunday, July 26, 2009 @ 6:43:21 PM

EPIC FAIL

The best products in the world are the ones that give the customer what they want. It doesn't matter if you personally don't want it. Don't stop someone else from getting it just because you won't use that feature. Geez

I have a PSP and it has huge flaws IMO. Nintendo added a stylus to the NDS success, Apple adds multitouch to the iphones success and f$@$ing Sony can't even add a second control stick? WTF? What year do you think it is Sony?

You don't design new products down to old shitty products. Listen, you start with what you would like it to be in a perfect world and then make it happen.

1 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:44:02 PM
Reply

Like I said in an earlier post, they could of added the second stick and have developers have 2 control sets.

3 up, 0 down

Kiengo
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 1:23:46 PM

That's a great idea. I'd go for that.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 3:52:35 AM

ditto re: earlier posting

0 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:45:44 PM
Reply

Kind of like how they change multi plats for the wii but a lot simpler

0 up, 0 down

Kempy21
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:57:33 PM
Reply

i don't mind if it doesn't have to nubs i'am still gonna get it.

1 up, 1 down

CygnusTC
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 1:16:14 PM
Reply

Even with ONE analog stick that is still ONE MORE than the DS has so why does everyone complain so much?!?!?!?!?!?

2 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 1:58:07 PM

The DS is it's own beast. Doesn't need an analog nub.

1 up, 3 down

Fane1024
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 4:02:18 AM

...because the DS isn't supposed to run PS1 (and PS2-style) games.

FWIW I thought the same way until I tried to play SOCOM. Makeshift control schemes (like Yoshidasan mentioned) may be playable, but they're not good.

1 up, 0 down

tlpn99
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 1:16:36 PM
Reply

I thought the PSPGO was the new PSP coming out whats the PSP2 then ?

0 up, 2 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 4:02:59 PM

There is no PSP2 (released/announced). The PSP Go! is a smaller, more compact, more versatile itiration of the PSP 1000, 2000, and 3000 series players. Only thing I wished that it had was a sliding screen cover since you can put this in your pocket. Would have made things so much better. At least, for me as I like to take care of my stuff.

Last edited by fluffer nutter on 7/22/2009 4:03:13 PM

0 up, 0 down

ThePearlJamer
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 1:21:04 PM
Reply

when I see the words midlife, it makes me think that there will be another iteration of the PSP after the go model fades out of popularity

2 up, 1 down

JMO_INDY
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 2:26:51 PM
Reply

It appeals to me. I dont know about you guys, but i would rather have a built in 3 to 5 megapixel camera, not like the DSi's cameras. Id also rather have a freaking flash update. Screw the second analog nub. im pretty content with one. I dont have to move my thumbs that much.

Last edited by JMO_INDY on 7/22/2009 2:27:56 PM

1 up, 3 down

DGo8
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 4:34:43 PM
Reply

^^ i wud love a cam on it....i wanted a touch screen aswell but (N) looks like we have to wait 4 tha PSP2

1 up, 1 down

smileys_007
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 4:42:49 PM
Reply

Damn! PSP Go looks cool! I wish that I lose my psp so that I'll be forced to buy a PSP Go.. hehe just kidding!

1 up, 0 down

The Stig
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 4:56:52 PM
Reply

I think alot of people are looking at the PSP Go all wrong. Its not a PSP2, its just a redesigned version of the 1000/2000/3000 models. They need to think of it more like what the change from the fat to slim PS2 was, just a redesigned version.

1 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 5:50:26 PM

That's easy for you to say and easy for the minority to understand. Unforunately, the majority are not that "special".

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 7:08:00 PM
Reply

If there was a second analog nub on this smaller form factor your thumbs would literally be side by side. Sorry but that would be friggin' uncomfortable. They need to have two nubs, but they also have to do it right.

0 up, 0 down

Dingodial
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 9:18:06 PM
Reply

This makes no sense. Sony made the original PS3 compatible with PS2 games, But did that stop them from including sixaxis technology? NO! Just because the original PSP didn't have a 2nd analog doesn't mean that the PSP Go shouldn't either. When I play a PS2 game on my PS3, my sixasis sensors don't function. If Sony included a 2nd analog on the PSP Go, all they have to do is make it disfunctional when you play an original PSP game. Plain and simple!

2 up, 1 down

The Stig
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 6:53:25 AM

Thats a bit different. The jump from PS2 to PS3 is not the same as PSP 1000/2000/3000 to PSPGo.

See my earlier comment.

0 up, 0 down

dlte
Friday, July 24, 2009 @ 2:11:31 PM

Well they both go from one format (dvd/umd) to another (blu-ray/digital).
Developers have to make the old umb games digital anyway, how hard is it to add a nub to the control scheme?

0 up, 0 down

Oyashiro
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 10:33:21 PM
Reply

How does that make sense? When they first released the Duel Shock, it suddenly didn't make all PS1 games released before it unplayable. They simply didn't use the analogs. Same applies to this.

They are not removing a button that older games need, they are adding one that older games don't have to use.

It would have made more sense if they simply said that they did not want to have games that can only be played on the PSPGO.

2 up, 0 down

The_Struggler
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 10:34:21 PM
Reply

I'm really torn on whether I should get this or not. The second analog nub doesn't bother me, but I'm just not sure how reliable the download service will be. I've experienced some problems downloading items from PSN before, so I'm just really uncertain about this.

0 up, 0 down

Oyashiro
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 10:44:57 PM

A regular PSP has the same functionality as the Go. (At least ones that most people will ever use)And the added benefit of being able to use physical media. The 3000 is also cheaper and you can buy it now.

1 up, 0 down

Kangasfwa
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:02:30 PM
Reply

How could we use two analogue nubs without four shoulder buttons and L3/R3?

Do you want the dualshock 3 with a screen in the middle or what?

0 up, 1 down

Fane1024
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 4:07:37 AM

yes...including sixaxis, rumble, and bluetooth.

I want to be able to use it as a DS3 (occasionally).

Last edited by Fane1024 on 7/23/2009 4:09:58 AM

1 up, 0 down

The_Struggler
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 11:03:24 PM
Reply

Thanks! I've been stuck on the fence about which one to get for awhile. I've had several of the older models but the Go does appeal to me despite some of it's obvious shortcomings.

0 up, 0 down

Lord carlos
Thursday, July 23, 2009 @ 10:31:31 AM
Reply

They should have just put the analogue nub on the other side of the psp(beside the x button)in the original design.
No need for two nubs then!

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Saturday, July 25, 2009 @ 7:05:01 AM
Reply

I agree 100% with Sonys decision here. True, they *should* have included two analogs when they first designed the psp. They even admit so themselves.
But what's done is done, and out of respect of owners of the earlier PSP versions I think it is no less than honorable of Sony to stick to the concept for backward compatability.

If this was Microsoft they'd add/change new buttons for every release to force consumers to (re)buy their product over and over.

So, all kudos to Sony - they deserve applause, not flames for this.

0 up, 0 down

Coneman1
Sunday, July 26, 2009 @ 4:25:43 PM
Reply

I really like to have hard copies of the games I own, I just can't help it! Having to rely on DLC only, with Sony's problems with downloads, just doesn't seem kosher to me.

0 up, 0 down

Coneman1
Sunday, July 26, 2009 @ 4:34:14 PM
Reply

And back to the discussion at hand, Sony should have more people that are actually PSP gamers to make the decisions on what type of additions should be added to the newer versions of PSP, then possibly we wouldn't be having any discussions about the lack of a second analog nub! And the world would be a happier place!!!

0 up, 0 down

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