Sony Computer Entertainment today unveiled PSPgo (PSP-N1000), a new evolution of PSP handheld entertainment system, specifically designed to suit the digital lifestyle of consumers who enjoy downloadable content on the go.
PSPgo will become available in stores on October 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a recommended retail price (RRP) of US$249 and €249, and on November 1, 2009, in Japan at a RRP of 26,800 yen (including tax).
PSPgo is ideal for today's on-the move consumers who prefer not to carry around disc-based content and are looking for on-demand entertainment. With the steady expansion of broadband network infrastructure, the number of users who download and enjoy digital entertainment content has been increasing remarkably. To address this growing trend, PSPgo replaces the UMD drive with 16GB of flash memory*.
PSPgo, smaller and lighter than ever with a sophisticated design featuring an easy sliding display panel, is truly pocket-sized and can be taken everywhere. PSPgo will be available in Piano Black and Pearl White, two of the most popular colors since the launch of the PSP system in 2004.
In order to meet the needs of the growing number of PlayStationNetwork users looking for digital entertainment content, SCE along with third party developers and publishers will continue to enhance the content line-up within PlayStationStore for the launch of PSPgo, scheduled this fall. More and more new and attractive titles will become available for download from PlayStationStore as well as on UMD. This broad content offering across all genres includes new games, free-demos, PS one classics for PSP, add-on items for game titles, and trailers.
In addition to accessing PlayStation Store directly from PSP using the built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) feature or through the PLAYSTATION3 (PS3), users will also be able to access and download a variety of entertainment content via their PCs using Media Go, a new software application. Media Go will enable users to access and download entertainment content on PlayStation Store via their PCs as well to easily manage PSP content on PCs, including games, videos, photos, and music. This easy to use software application will be available on a CD-ROM bundled with PSPgo.
Also this fall, a new music application specific to PSP that uses the "SensMe channels" music recommendation feature, developed by Sony, also becomes available for download on PSP. With this music application, users will be able to enjoy their favorite music stored on their PSP through a rich user interface, designed exclusively for PSP. "SensMe channels" is a mood based music recommendation system that categorizes music content into channels such as "Relax," "Dance" and "Upbeat," and recommends music playlists for users.
Other features are:
• Easy Sliding Display Panel and Original Applications
PSPgo offers a variety of exciting entertainment options by taking advantage of the sliding panel. When the panel is open, users will be able to enjoy various entertainment content with the familiar button control as PSP-3000, when closed, original applications for PSPgo, such as a clock and calendar is displayed on the screen. Users can also enjoy video and music when the panel is closed.
• Game sleep function
PSPgo has unique features such as game sleep function which enables users to operate XMB (XrossMediaBar) while pausing gameplay temporarily.
• Bluetooth function
Bluetooth function will also allow users to connect Bluetooth standard peripherals such as head-phones and head-set as well as PS3 wireless controller (DUALSHOCK3 and SIXAXIS) to be used when watching video content on TVs via PSP at home.
• Peripheral line-up
One of the products within PSPgo's peripheral line-up is a new Cradle (PSP-N340) that will become available in stores worldwide concurrently with the release of PSPgo. This new Cradle enables users to charge the PSPgo battery and also enjoy watching video and listening to music. Also included in the peripheral line-up are video-out port cables that enable users to enjoy games and videos on their TVs at home.
* Content on UMD cannot be played back on PSPgo.
