'PSP Go' to be unveiled during E3 Expo
by Stevie Smith - Apr 30 2009, 15:15
The new PSP... kiss goodbye to that annoying UMD slot. Image: Leo Chuoi/Flickr.
Seems today is one of those news days when persistent rumours are intent on crawling from the woodwork and re-announcing themselves so various tech heavyweights can once again issue their standard ‘no comment’ responses.
So, without further ado… first up on the roster of rumours that keep on giving is the completely revamped third-generation offering of Sony’s sexy PlayStation Portable (PSP) videogame and multimedia platform.
According to the eagle-eyed game lovers over at 1UP, consumer electronics titan Sony is preparing to officially debut its new PSP console during June’s popular E3 Expo in Los Angeles, with retail releases for the Japanese and North American markets expected between September and November.
Still well within the realms of unsubstantiated gossip at this juncture, the new PSP will apparently carry the name ‘PSP Go’ and will be the first of Sony’s portable PlayStation devices to abandon the ailing Universal Media Disc (UMD) format in favour of full digital distribution.
Sony is reportedly testing the online waters ahead of the PSP Go with a download-only deal on music-rhythm sequel Patapon 2.
“Since the UMD is going away, Sony will have over 100 classic and new PSP titles available for download at launch (Gran Turismo is said to be one of the premier launch titles),” offers 1UP in fleshing out its prediction for the format transition.
In order to carry a digital library of games and other media, the PSP Go will reportedly be available in storage flavours of either 8GBs or 16GBs of internal memory and will also carry a memory expansion slot for those users with expansive content appetites.
While the proffered features and functions all sound convincing and are bound to tantalise existing and prospective PSP owners, current chatter suggests the PSP Go will not include a dual analogue stick control system, which is one of the most frequently requested features emanating from the PSP community.
The Tech Herald: Slide-screen PSP confirmed for Christmas 2009
The Tech Herald: Sony unveils new PSP and PlayStation 3 keyboard
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.
Comment on this Story