Rumor: PSP Go Relaunch "Imminent?"
Although Sony insists the PSP Go is performing up to expectations, the flashy new portable unit still hasn't generated a huge amount of popularity.
There have been plenty of rumors circulating concerning the possible launch of a new PSP, but that handheld iteration will be like a sequel to the UMD-based PSP-3000 and we haven't heard of a PSP Go revamp. Well, it may not get any such revamp but Sony still might attempt a relaunch of sorts. According to Gamervision, "someone close to Sony" has confirmed that a fresh relaunch is inevitable, and that it will come complete with a revitalized marketing blitz in order to spark newfound interest in the all-digital portable machine. Perhaps most important among many gamers is the price: this re-issuing of the PSP Go had better come along with a price drop; saying this fresh look at portable gaming costs no more than the first PSP that launched isn't cutting it. That might sound attractive on the surface but $250 is still too high, as most consumers have complained. However, that being said, there are certainly plenty of pieces of digital software available for the PSP Go and those who did spring for it seem happy with the purchase.
Perhaps a spring relaunch is possible and if that happens, we'll let you know how Sony plans on going about it. Maybe this time around, the requisite attention will be paid.
2/1/2010 9:08:05 PM John Shepard
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Comments
JohnnyGold
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:36:50 PM
Reply
Jawknee
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:41:10 PM
chedison
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:00:40 PM
Jawknee
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:20:13 PM
chedison
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 1:15:35 AM
Both options kind of appeal to me at the same time: the psp has a larger screen and the UMDs I like. But the psp go has easy accessibility to download from the psn and is a little more portable.
But price and this news about a possible relaunch, I think I'll just wait.
fluffer nutter
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:45:07 PM
Jawknee
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 12:34:28 AM
SnipeySnake
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:42:42 PM
Reply
therabbitkinge
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:45:32 PM
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-i trade games... a lot, this device will give me a solid collection.
-I don't have to worry about understocked games.
-I like the idea of ditching UMD's because of how easily they fall apart whit my busy lifestyle,
-Ive never owned a PSP before so I have no worries about it not using old accessories.
-i like a slim piece of tech that has an all in one feel to it.
If you fit somewhere in this very general mold of mine then this device is cool... after a $75 price drop and a few price cuts on digital games.
(^_^)
(That and laser powers.)
Jawknee
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:50:03 PM
BikerSaint
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 10:27:59 PM
Gregory Freeman
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 10:53:49 PM
Kowhoho
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:56:18 PM
Reply
Qwarktast1c
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 10:18:14 PM
Reply
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 10:18:32 PM
Reply
St_Jimmy
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:18:36 PM
Alienange
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 10:45:45 PM
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I for one think there should be a "kiddie" PSP and an "Adult" PSP. The kiddie one can compete with the DS and the adult one can include a phone.
What gaming adult doesn't want to finish their conversation and then jump right back into FFVIII ?
No. Instead we have the iPhone with it's games for retards and the PSP Go with it's PS3 price tag.
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 10:58:14 PM
Fane1024
Saturday, February 06, 2010 @ 5:55:49 PM
Qubex
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:03:57 PM
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As some have said above, it could be a wonderful device with phone capabilities and a second nub. Only issue with the phone tech is battery life, especially if you want to be using 3G HSPA+ for internet browsing and online play. It wouldn't last very long, not even a day. I work in this industry so I know, and we run a gadget phone testing lab too; so we do all these measurements to analyse overall performance of hand phone devices.
I also think Sony do not want to "confuse" the consumer.
They probably reckon (without actually admitting it publically) that quite a few gadget freaks would already own iPhones (or their own preferable phone device) and therefore don't need or want to compete in this area.
They may feel that sticking to the marketing line that superior portable gaming can only be found on the PsP is their best attact vector for now... eventhough I strongly feel Apple is really becoming a force to be reckoned with... and they will continue to grow in this area of business.
I am wondering if Sony are even taking the Apple threat seriously enough. All Apple needs is to create a "distinct gaming device" and market it as such and the game shifts.
Sony really need to "pre-empt" what a company like Apple could do with their design mastery and make an all encompassing device that would make people whom may be thinking of purchasing an iPhone to not actually do so, because the new PsP is more compelling...
I hope they do something. I think it is only a matter of time for Apple to make a concerted effort in the gaming space... there is just too much money...
Remember, you read it first here... I predict that Apple will launch their own gaming console in the future... this is my gut feel.
No doubts though, a price cut for the GO would make a difference in sales; this is simply obvious...
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/1/2010 11:07:54 PM
Reccaman18
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:13:13 PM
St_Jimmy
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:22:27 PM
Jawknee
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:27:23 PM
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:48:58 AM
My gut rumbles...
Q!
"i am home"
Reccaman18
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:07:56 PM
Reply
mobile
Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 11:42:44 PM
Reply
Actually, Sony wants sales from their store. They want to maximize their margins. if those folks buy mostly used or even new UMD based games, Sony loses. Given the reviews of the Go I've read, I wouldn't take it if they gave it to me.
Fane1024
Saturday, February 06, 2010 @ 5:58:42 PM
BTNwarrior
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 12:12:48 AM
Reply
chedison
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 1:16:48 AM
BTNwarrior
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:30:17 PM
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 12:29:00 AM
Reply
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:50:58 AM
For it is only a matter of time :(
Q!
"i am home"
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:10:14 AM
This is all quite apart from the fact that the PSP serves a different audience from the DS and the iPhone. Sure there is overlap, but it's different consumers who want different things.
To call the PSP a failure of any kind is insane considering how many PSPs have been sold now. As I mentioned at the beginning, other than Nintendo, no other hand held game unit has come within 25% of what Sony has done. Before you call the PSP a failure, you should consider how many have been sold so far.
Jawknee
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:39:20 AM
If Apple really wants to get into the market, they need to develope a console. Which I can't see them doing either.
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:21:29 AM
Firstly, I agree with you that Sony is using the Go as a "probable" test-bed to trial the validity of a distributable content model. That is what we are assuming; however, the Go delivered without UMD does make it pretty obvious...
Second, and I quote from your post, "To call the PSP a failure of any kind is insane...". Nowhere in my post did I actually say the PsP is a failure. You are absolutely right in-fact, it would be insane, but tell someone that who actually readily admits that... I know I didn't :)
*I have been merely pointing out and implying generally that Sony needs to be cautious and pre-emptive, and know, that if Apple wanted to, they could really shake things up.
Thirdly, in my opinion, and it's a strong one, it would be folly to think Apple, if they really wanted to, could not strike hard at Sony and give them a run for their money.
I ask you this, why should Jobs stop where he has? Why should Apple not challenge Sony and Nintendo? What stops them from thinking about designing the best hand held console of tomorrow?
I Personally think its insane not to think that Apple would not challenge this gold mine one day, maybe not now, this year or next, but in the future... what is stopping them?
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/2/2010 6:24:27 AM
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:51:18 AM
Allow me to correct myself, you are correct, I was far too general, and blurted. You are correct, y9ou did not ay the PSP was a failure, but in the statement below, you did characterize the PSP as losing to the DS, which to many readers is another way of defining failure.
"Sony have already lost against the DS, but with Apple, they may very well end up in 3rd place."
I think that statement is wrong. When Sony entered the hand held market they were fighting such an uphill battle that no one expected that they would survive a year. No other handheld maker had been able to prevail against Nintendo. I also do not believe that Sony ever looked at the DS and Nintendo as a direct battle of competitors because I think Sony's business plan and goals with the PSP were to address a new market and in regard to that, the PSP has been successful for Sony. Not everything comes down to a simple us vs them. I think Sony realized this when they entered the handheld arena and instead of tackling Nintendo Head on, they went after market segments that were/are not addressed by the DS.
My apologies, I should have been clearer in my previous post, I meant no disrespect to anyone.
Regarding the PSP Go specifically, I see it as a technological and philosophical stepping stone for Sony in the hand held market. Technologically it bridges the distance from physical media to Digital by giving the PSP range an all digital device and driving more content into digital distribution.. In terms of philosophy, I think it allows Sony to experiment with the concepts of all digital delivery.
You're right to talk of the PSP2. I think that the PSP Go is a test bed for a number of things, including digital delivery of content, that will come to fruition with the PSP2.
Regarding iPad, I've read more than one review that suggested that it doesn't have sufficient battery life for a transatlantic flight, so 10 hours playing video seems a stretch unless the thing has a miser mode with an extremely low backlight level. Because of the size of the iPad, I don't think it's really a competitor in the handheld device market. Now, If someone - say Sony - were to bring out a device based on a flexible OLED screen allowing a small hand held to incorporate a larger screen, then we'd be cooking.
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 11:19:06 AM
The DS statement was a little skewed; i was thinking more about how phenomenal the overall sales have been of the DS and how difficult it will be for Sony to catch Nintendo specifically.
But as you stated, actual PsP hardware, from the 1000 to 3000, has been successful in it's own right.
The Go is struggling primarily because of price... and there are no doubts in my mind that some gadget geeks are also holding off buying the PsP generally whilst waiting for the release of the PsP 2... which surely must be on its way...
Q!
"i am home"
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 12:16:08 PM
___________
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 1:26:08 AM
Reply
but what the hell 5 things sony needs to do to improve the gos sales.
1 price DAH!
2 make sure every single psp game is available to download.
i dont have a go for obvious reasons but have herd that most of the time downloadable games are released a week some times more after their UMB brother.
3 make some bloody decent psp games!
out of the hundreds of PSP games i have played only 4 are worth having the system for.
i dont know about you but i find it hard to justify 400 buck system for only 4 decent games.
4 more features give me a reason to spend 400 bucks on the system, than keep regularly give me reasons to use the dam thing.
5 lower the price of PSP games.
i really want assassins creed bloodlines and little big planet psp allong with GTA CTW.
but neither of those games are worth 50 bucks let alone the 70 their asking for.
70 FU**ING bucks for a FU**ING psp game.
you got to be kidding me!
not even GOW CoO or resistance retribution are worth 70 bucks.
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:54:54 AM
Ben has said it many times... its the software as much as the hardware. If Apple enlists some kick ass studios to produce really good games there will then be interesting dynamics at play and a great deal of new competition for Sony...
Sony must not be arrogant... they need to be careful of Apple... something is gonna happen I am sure of it... Jobs is simply onto everything.
Maybe some kick ass titles for the iPad is a possibility too... I am looking at getting the 2nd generation, with a few more additions to it. That would make quite an interesting entertainment device too...
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/2/2010 2:55:15 AM
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:15:18 AM
The PSP Go is a test bed for the digital distribution model, it's also far harder to hack compared to earlier PSPs. PSP Go is about the future, not the now. Priced as it is, it'll never sell as well as a PSP-3000 - clearly. However just like the PS3 slim, finding the right price could ignite the market. Either way, the PSP Go is Sony's way of transitioning consumers to the digital distribution model.
The initial introduction at a high price was testing the waters. If a 'relaunch' happens, it will more than likely bring the price down to PSP-3000 levels, and I would expect more colors and such like, perhaps even interchangeable face-plates. You know how people like to customize their electronics...
Look to the longer term.
___________
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:54:37 AM
but did they really need a test?
i could of told you it would of not sold well, even if it was cheap, same price as the 3000.
me, my cuz and 2 friends were thinking of getting one even at that price but were put off because of the download only.
as for apple can they buy enough studios to make their games?
as shown this gen you need first party games third only wont cut the mustard.
they have the cash but will companies be willing to sign a exclusive deal with them?
besides that im weary because everything apple is a rip off so it wont be cheap, should give sony and M$ a big wake up call though.
so either way apple entering the game industry can only result in good things for us gamers so i say bring them on and lets see what they have to offer.
Ipad?
dont know much about it but it looks like a oversize iphone to me.
ill stick to my 3GS thanks.
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:37:46 AM
If you read my posts carefully... all of them, I am implying a "what if" scenario... Generally my message has been that whilst any company (in most cases the bigger corporations that have large and deep pockets) has the right and the sense to want to "experiment" on its user base (or potential new user base) by releasing various models of a particular product, or look at a variety of business/content models... it does not mean, for one moment, that they cannot or should not heed what the competition could potential do to their direct market.
Again I repeat my concerns. Apple wants to continue to grow; as the iTunes/AppStore combination continues to grow and more developer develop games for Apples various platforms Apple may well be compelled to start taking the gaming route more and more seriously; why shouldn't it, they have a lot of the infrastructure in place?
I believe strongly Sony needs to heed this and monitor Apple closely... and who knows Highlander, one day a news article will remind you of our conversation here, and you will then have to admit the impossible happened...
To be honest, I also don't care much for the current PsP3000 nor the Go, what I would like to see now is real innovation put into a PsP II, a device Sony knows would make it hard for the competition to mimick or better in the next few years and help it stay ahead of any "potential" competition that may suddenly raise its ugly head...
When the iPad is released, I am expecting a slew of innovative apps and games to be made for it... RTS games could work well on the iPad. Also if you watch the Keynote address, there is a good example of what a full screen iPad specific FPS looks like... very nice and running at 1GHz speeds.
Jawknee... according to reports, the iPad can play video continuously for about 10hours before a re-charge. It can also sit in standby mode for about 1 month and still be operable for a short amount of time when you return... that is not bad...
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/2/2010 6:40:20 AM
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 10:13:17 AM
Their post - which is what I was replying to - sounded unduly pessimistic regarding the Go, and brought the old complaints of price and not enough games along for the ride. Complaining about the game library on the PSP might have had some merit two or three years ago, but not now.
As for the price complaints by Mr/Ms Cowherd, the DSi (in USD) costs the same as the PSP-3000. Considering just how much more the PSP-3000 can do and how much more hardware you get for your money, I am just sick and tired of hearing the same gripe about price thrown up again. The same is true when folks compare against the iPhone. The least I could find any iPhone for is $300, for a used device. iTouch with 16GB weighs in at about $200 (minimum) for a used device. When people gripe about price they seem to do so in a vacuum where Sony is slammed for being overpriced, but when you compare it against the devices routinely called competition for PSP, the PSP is either more capable and/or less expensive.
@Cowherd/Underline
You're absolutely correct, Apple needs first party games, and they have a long way to go to catch either Nintendo or Sony on that score. Apple seemed to put a lot of faith in the ability of their App Store to deliver what they want, but that not only relies on third parties, it also puts 'homebrew' software on the same playing field as third party published games. I'm not sure that really elevates the third party games to where their publishers would want them.
I agree completely with you about the PSP-Go not selling at the current price. If I remember correctly when they announced the price you were among those that basically said "Say what? That's nuts!". I'm pretty sure you also agreed that it would be about 6 months before the device got a price cut...
The iPad is an overgrown iPhone - without the phone! And considering the BOM for the iPhone the price they sell it at is outrageously high. They've made profit on the hardware since day one, and despite using pretty much off the shelf hardware they've used software and smoke and mirrors to make the thing seem miraculous and revolutionary. When I first saw the iPhone I thought it was just a PDA with cell phone functionality. Now, I think it's still a PDA with cell phone functionality. It pretends to be something more than it is.
It's like the iPad. It's an overgrown PDA. It's not pocket sized, and it's not a full tablet, so what is it? As I said in another reply, I am waiting for flexible OLED screens so that a truly portable device with a roll-up or folding screen can deliver a large screen display in a pocket fitting form.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 2/2/2010 10:22:10 AM
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 11:21:01 AM
I have to admit, the first generation iPad is still lacking, but I am sure second and third generation versions are going to sizzle when all the problems are ironed... not to mention the iPad specific apps available a year or two from now. It could be a very compelling buy for people who have money to waste... not to mention the dedicated Apple crowd that will buy anything with an Apple sticker on it... (incidentally, they also buy a lot of apples at the store... you know, it's just a trend... red and green)
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/2/2010 11:25:41 AM
___________
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 5:53:28 AM
heck as i said i would not mind and would of bought one if it allowed me to buy games on memory sticks.
still cant understand why sony does not do that, they make the freaking things so it would be dirt cheap.
a perfect way to kill off the UMD drive because all PSPs can run games off the stick.
a 32GB stick cost me 120 bucks today, a 1GB stick is pittins!
everything sony is overpriced.
ok, yes their products are normally slightly better than the competish but not by a margin to justify the price hike.
they wanted freaking 10K for a 56 inch XBR, i can get a 56 inch pioneer KURO which is the worlds best tv for 6K!
for example sony Xploid speakers exact same specs as mine which are pioneer are 40 bucks more.
not to mention the pioneers are actually better.
i dont mind paying extra for things as long as its worth it.
but when im paying 500 bucks more compare to another product when its only worth 200 bucks more thats when i start to complain.
D1g1tal5torm
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:18:54 AM
Reply
'Either way, the PSP Go is Sony's way of transitioning consumers to the digital distribution model.'
Even Sony aren't stupid enough to 'test the waters' in this manner.
They launched it as a legitimate product that has failed to muster the sales they expected.
Simple.
Last edited by D1g1tal5torm on 2/2/2010 4:21:59 AM
LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:45:36 AM
Reply
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:51:56 AM
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:59:59 AM
Reply
It doesn't seem to be an "official" Sega system, however again, in the future why wouldn't Sega try their hand again if they feel a business case exists. Maybe, in their case specifically, they may not actually produce their own hardware again but they may use an integrated TV device, or a cable set top box, capable of playing content they make creating their own "eco-system" of sorts.
Have a look at the report on "QJ dot net" to see the sub $100 console Proves that competition can come from anywhere, and, if it takes hold, can be very disruptive to the laggards of the industry... no company should sit on their laurels, including Sony.
Q!
"i am home"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/2/2010 7:06:11 AM
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 10:01:15 AM
I think that a more significant move or threat from Sega may come in the form of virtual consoles. I remember reading a while back that Sega was talking to Sony about emulation. The idea was to bring Sega's back catalog to PS3 via emulation, and there was some talk of PS2 emulation at the same time, although I suspect that was the usual wishful thinking. Imagine though if Sega were to drop a virtual Dreamcast onto PSN and sell games for it at $10 a pop... A virtual MegaDrive/Genesis or Saturn with games at $5-$10 a pop...Sega wouldn't have to manufacture anything, all they'd need to do is build an emulator on the PS3.
Now that's something that Sega could to that would ignite the industry...
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 11:22:28 AM
The X Factor 9
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:49:47 AM
Reply
The volume gets significantly louder, the control scheme feels a heck of a lot more comfortable to me, the save anywhere function is great, and Bluetooth is a nice touch.
That said, it does have its problems...
#1: Price. I got mine for $170 on sale so price isn't really an issue to me. Sony should put the pricing directly in line with the DSi and see how it fares. $250 is a bit ridiculous.
#2: Wi-Fi. For an all digital device to have a 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter is a bit ridiculous too...why not add a G or N adapter to make the downloads go significantly faster?
#3: Games...Or at least more sales on PSN games. Another PSP drought this year...Then again I have a PS3 and don't really care for anything on the PSP other than MGS:Peace Walker. Smart move by Sony to make the game a PSP exclusive. It needs the software.
Stop complaining about the price of expanding the memory too. I was able to find a 16 GB M2 Memory Card expansion for $35.
Last edited by The X Factor 9 on 2/2/2010 8:50:53 AM
therabbitkinge
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:37:41 AM
Reply
I would like a PSPgo because I trade my games a lot and digital games can't be traded so my collection wouldn't diminish like it usually does.
Yes I've never owned a PSP but a tight group of friends and I would share our consoles and games as well as buy them for one another or hold them for one another and my UMD's would always fall to pieces.
Having never owned a PSP I would have to worry about the go not working with older accessories.
So yeah that's what I meant. Thanks @Canuk for the crack pipe joke really appreciated that one.
SnipeySnake
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:44:06 PM
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 10:25:51 AM
Reply
Qubex
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 11:29:36 AM
I think initially it may feel ok, but try doing it for long periods of time. I think the PsP-3000 will suite us better. Best way to know though is go down to the local store and see of you can play on one for a while, GT or something similar, whereby specific buttons need to be kept depressed for long periods of time. Worth a Go :)
Q!
"i am home"
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 12:12:22 PM
Darwin1967
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:07:56 PM
Reply
TheHighlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 10:46:07 PM
LittleBigMidget
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:33:36 PM
Reply
Brklynty1
Thursday, February 04, 2010 @ 8:45:08 PM
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1. Price cut- $199 is doable
2. New specs- screen should be a little bigger and thw wifi needs to be upgraded. who still uses b? isnt N standard now?
3. Digital games the same price as umd- exactly why do they cost more again?
4. More accessories
5.PSP Needs good games overall
idk i ve never owned a psp and this was supposed to be my xmas gift but i passed, im banking on the 4000 now, possible bluetooth and the pause function would sell me

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BikerSaint
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Monday, February 01, 2010 @ 9:36:44 PM