PSP Go
The PSP Go is a handheld gaming console released by Sony in 2009. It was the third and final iteration of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) family, and was notable for its sleek, compact design and lack of a UMD drive. Instead, all games and media were downloaded and stored on the PSP Go's internal memory or a Memory Stick Micro card.
The PSP Go was a commercial failure, but it remains a popular topic of discussion among retro gaming enthusiasts. In this retrospective, we'll take a closer look at the PSP Go, its history, and its impact on the gaming industry.
Development and Launch
The PSP Go was first announced at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Sony marketed the console as a more portable and convenient alternative to the original PSP. The PSP Go was also positioned as a more premium product, with a sleek, black design and a higher price tag.
The PSP Go was released in North America on October 1, 2009, and in Japan and Europe on October 15, 2009. The console launched with a limited selection of games, but Sony promised to release more titles in the coming months.
Hardware
The PSP Go was significantly smaller and lighter than the original PSP. It measured 4.3 inches by 2.8 inches by 0.8 inches and weighed 5.6 ounces. The PSP Go also had a smaller screen, measuring 3.8 inches diagonally.
The PSP Go's hardware was otherwise similar to the original PSP. It had a 333 MHz ARM9 CPU, a 166 MHz PowerVR MBX-Lite GPU, and 64MB of RAM. The PSP Go also had 16GB of internal flash memory and a slot for Memory Stick Micro cards.
Features
The PSP Go had all of the same features as the original PSP, including:
- A built-in microphone
- A speaker
- A Wi-Fi adapter
- A USB port
- Support for PlayStation Network
The PSP Go also had a few new features, including:
- Bluetooth support
- A built-in GPS receiver
- A slide-out screen design
The slide-out screen design was one of the PSP Go's most distinctive features. The screen could be slid down to protect it from damage, or slid up to reveal the controls.
Games
The PSP Go had a library of over 1,000 games, including many popular titles such as:
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
- LittleBigPlanet
- Gran Turismo
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
The PSP Go also supported PSP Mini games, which were smaller, more affordable versions of classic PSP titles.
Reception
The PSP Go was a commercial failure. It sold only 3.3 million units worldwide, compared to over 80 million units for the original PSP.
The PSP Go was criticized for its high price tag, its lack of a UMD drive, and its limited selection of games at launch. The PSP Go's slide-out screen design was also criticized for being fragile and difficult to use.
Impact
Despite its commercial failure, the PSP Go had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It was one of the first handheld consoles to focus on digital distribution. The PSP Go also helped to popularize the use of Memory Stick Micro cards.
The PSP Go's slide-out screen design was also influential. It inspired the design of the PlayStation Vita, Sony's next handheld console.
Conclusion
The PSP Go was a unique and innovative handheld console. It was ahead of its time in many ways, but it was also hampered by a high price tag and a limited selection of games at launch. As a result, the PSP Go was a commercial failure.
However, the PSP Go had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It was one of the first handheld consoles to focus on digital distribution, and it helped to popularize the use of Memory Stick Micro cards. The PSP Go's slide-out screen design was also influential, inspiring the design of the PlayStation Vita.
The PSP Go in 2023
In 2023, the PSP Go is a popular collector's item. It is also still enjoyed by many gamers who appreciate its unique design and its library of classic PSP games.
The PSP Go can be modded to allow users to download and play games from the internet. This makes it a great option for gamers who want to access the PSP's extensive library of games without having to buy physical UMD discs.
To mod a PSP Go, users will need to install a custom firmware (CFW). CFW is a modified version of the PSP's operating system that allows users to run homebrew software and games.
There are a number of different CFWs available for the PSP Go. The most popular CFW is called PRO. PRO is a stable and reliable CFW that offers a wide range of features.
Once a CFW is installed, users can download and install games from the internet. Games can be downloaded in a variety of formats, including CSO, ISO, and PBP.
CSO and ISO formats are compressed versions of UMD discs. PBP format is a custom format that is specifically designed for PSP games.
To install a game on a PSP Go, users will need to copy the game file to the PSP Go's memory card. Once the game file is copied, users can launch the game from the PSP Go's game menu.
Benefits of modding a PSP Go
There are a number of benefits to modding a PSP Go. Some of the benefits include:
- Access to a wider library of games: Modding a PSP Go gives users access to the PSP's entire library of games, including games that were never released on UMD discs.
- Lower costs: Modded PSP Go users do not need to buy physical UMD discs. This can save users a lot of money, especially if they are interested in playing a lot of games.
- More features: Modded PSP Go users can run homebrew software, which can add new features to the PSP Go, such as emulators for other consoles and media players.
Drawbacks of modding a PSP Go
There are a few drawbacks to modding a PSP Go. Some of the drawbacks include:
- Warranty voiding: Modding a PSP Go voids the warranty. This means that if the PSP Go breaks after it has been modded, Sony will not repair it for free.
- Potential for problems: Modding a PSP Go can be risky. If the modding process is not done correctly, it can brick the PSP Go, making it unusable.
- Lack of support: Sony does not support modded PSP Go consoles. This means that if users have problems with their modded PSP Go, they will need to rely on the modding community for help.
Overall, modding a PSP Go can be a great way to extend the life of the console and access a wider library of games. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before modding a PSP Go.
Additional information
Here are some additional tips for modding a PSP Go:
- Make sure you have a good understanding of the modding process before you start. There are many resources available online that can help you.
- Back up your PSP Go's data before you start modding. This way, you can restore your data if something goes wrong.
- Use a reputable CFW. There are a number of different CFWs available, but not all of them are reliable.
- Be careful when downloading games from the internet. Some games may contain malware.
If you are interested in modding your PSP Go, there are many resources available online that can help you. You can find tutorials, forums, and other resources that can help you with the modding process.