Sony PSP Go! Drops Mini USB, Requires New Accessories

Sony’s PSP Go! might be the latest miniature masterpiece you'll get, but it can also shrink your wallet, too. Set to conquer the handheld gaming world in the US on October 1st, the all-digital UMD less PSP will not only cost twice as much as its bigger sibling, but require all new accessories thanks to a crafty change of port type.



Rather than using a mini USB port, as with previous PSP does, the PSP Go! has a new, multifunction socket on the bottom of the handheld. That keeps down space, of course, but it also means that accessories existing PSP owners already have will not be compatible anymore with the new console.

Sony, unsurprisingly, are lining up a new range of PSP Go! accessories - including USB cables, AV cables, AC adapters, wrist-straps and screen protectors - that will play happily with their new gadget, but that’s no use to the people who have already spent significant amounts of money on older PSP models like the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000 add-ons. The company’s own GPS module and chat keyboards won’t work, and neither will hundreds of third-party accessories.

PSP Go! The New UMD less PSP Coming This June

Rumours about the upcoming PSP may have come out earlier than Sony expected. According to 1UP, Sony will announce the new PSP called the PSP Go! (not PSP2 or PSP4000 as previously rumored) and will do away with UMD system. In place of UMDs, the PSP Go! will come in 8GB and 16GB models meaning downloadable games galore for everyone. The hardware redesign will include a d-pad, analog nub, and face buttons as part of a sliding unit sticking out below the screen (as seen in the mockup below). As for games, Sony is reportedly planning to have around 100 old and new games ready for launch time. Sadly those of you who were looking for a bit of dual-joystick action will be disappointed to note that no second analog stick will be added to the right-hand side. And no mention of touchscreen DSi like display either (I'm still hoping though, who knows). Word is Sony will make the PSP Go! official at E3 next month and will hit the Japanese market in September with a US launch in either late October or early November in time for a merry PSP Go! holiday.