The System

The PSPgo is scheduled to launch on October 1st in North America and Europe and then on November 1st in Japan. While bundles that pack in extra games and media are planned for the future, the system will only include a proprietary USB cable and an AC power adaptor. It's worth noting that the PSPgo is not intended to outright replace the current PSP-3000, but will instead be marketed as the "premium" version of the PSP.

In terms of what you can do with it, the PSPgo isn't all that much different from the previous iterations of the system. It still features a single analog stick, four face buttons, left and right shoulder buttons and a D-Pad for input, and the internal processing and graphics horsepower is the same (in other words, your games will look exactly like they did before). The biggest change though is that there isn't a UMD slot anymore, so your old disc-based content won't work directly with it. Instead, you'll make use of the system's built-in 16GB of flash memory to store your games, music, images, video and more. Having all of your media right there in the system means you won't have to lug around plastic discs anymore, and because the system is smaller on the whole, it'll fit into your pocket much more easily.

The most immediate thing you'll notice about the PSPgo is that the screen slides up to reveal the controls, and down again to make the system more compact. The screen snaps open and closed so it'll stay in place however you're using it, and it stays on when closed so that you can continue to watch videos and listen to music when the controls are hidden.

In terms of connectivity and storage, the system features 16GB of internal memory for storing content such as games, videos, music, pictures, saved games and anything else you can throw on there. If you run out of memory, you can use a Memory Stick Micro to add more space (these are currently available in sizes up to 32GB). Bluetooth is once again included for pairing with appropriate headsets, plus there's a 1/8 inch headphone adapter and built-in WiFi.

One notable change to the hardware is that there are no longer separate ports or connectors for USB, power and video out. Instead, the PSPgo has a single, proprietary connector that handles all of this for you. Simply insert the appropriate cable and you're off and running. Note that the USB cable is used for both copying content from your computer or PlayStation 3 as well as charging the system when coupled with its AC adaptor, and both items are included in the box.

Would you like to know more? Our PSPgo Buyer�s Guide will get you up and running in no time, but if you�d like to get every last detail on the system, like whether your Bluetooth headset will work (spoiler: it will) or how fast the processor in the system is, be sure to check out our PSPgo FAQ.