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PSPgo Minis lose wireless MP, DLC support & software updates

September 18, 2009 in News comments 10

SCEA senior account manager Justin Cooney revealed on Wednesday at GDC Austin that the PSPgo Mini games would be losing some functions most expect from any gaming platform: wireless multiplayer, DLC, and software updates.

It's part of Sony's plan to make the PSPgo more streamlined, and to separate it from the original PSP. Sure, Cooney cites faster QA and all that, but I'm thinking Sony just wants to prolong the current PSP's lifespan while marketing the PSPgo as a casual alternative.

Just a thought.

Sony Computer Entertainment America made an interesting announcement on Wednesday during GDC Austin. Looks like the PSPgo Minis will be losing some key functions most of us take for granted: wireless multiplayer, DLC support, and software updates.

...

He went on to say that the QA (quality assurance) process for PSPgo Mini games is currently three to five days, which is significantly shorter than the average two weeks for original PSP titles.

Removing downloadable content and software updates are just steps in Sony's "streamlining" process for the PSPgo. These downloadable Minis can still include "hotseat" multiplayer, which has players pass the handheld around each turn.
RabidChinaGirl via neoseeker.com »
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  • 0
    TheFogIsRising Sep 18, 09
    Nice, too bad that the features being removed are the only reason to get one. Thanks, but I'll stick with one I can put UMD's into and mod the software.
  • 1
    HisServant77 Sep 18, 09
    Wow . . . here I thought Sony WANTED me to buy a PSPGo. All the while they're removing features, keeping the insane price, and making it seem the PSPGo is not just a mini-PSP but also far inferior with few features!

    Now I will have to wait until the price of this thing goes to below $100 before I consider buying it.
    • 0
      kik36 Sep 18, 09
      It's only for certain games HisServant. It's these mini-aps that they are referring to. With that said however, I still agree with you that the price is too high for me to go out and replace my "Fat" PSP with this one.
      • 0
        HisServant77 Sep 20, 09
        Wow I read it yet didn't catch it

        Well . . . it's a little better, but still . . . I've been waiting to see what features the PSPGo will have to warrant a buy from me (after a price drop). Sadly it's going in reverse pretty much in the features realm . . . which means the price will have to be lower and lower if I ever buy it
  • 1
    drpunk Sep 18, 09
    I feel that the title is misleading.

    I do not believe that this refers to every game on the PSPGo. It's just talking about the PSP mini games.

    To try and clarify, PSP mini games will not offer wireless multiplayer, PSP mini games will have no DLC and PSP mini games will not have updates to fixes (i.e. they shouldn't be broken when released).

    I hope that clears up any confusion. It's how I understand the situation anyway.
    • 0
      RabidChinaGirl Sep 18, 09
      Clarified. Thank you. Can't believe I left that part out, glad you caught it. It really sounds like Sony wants to take the PSPgo more in the iPhone direction though, while the original PSP can keep its "hardcore" image a while longer. Bit more at the source, but Cooney basically talks about the simpler QA process thanks to dropping these features.

      Did not mean to scare anyone!
      • 1
        Daweii Sep 18, 09
        Though even the iPhone is starting to use Wi-Fi for online multiplayer there are so many apps now that use it. This just seems a step backwards from where apps are now going, games like Scrabble on the iPhone are hard to play multiplayer through passing the phone so it's Wi-Fi enabled to play online with someone else. Getting rid of this is silly.
        • 1
          RabidChinaGirl Sep 18, 09
          It was just a thought, but I understand what you mean. iPhone games seem to have more features than the PSPgo Minis will, right now. But it's just an example of a simpler handheld. Still, not entirely certain what Sony is getting at with these. As more companies like EA Mobile hop the mobile phone bandwagon, these games get more advanced. Meanwhile, it sounds like Minis are taking a step backwards.
  • 1
    Slumpy monkey Sep 18, 09
    "and to separate it from the original PSP"

    Yeah, separating it by making it shit.
  • 1
    Dramon Knight Sep 20, 09
    I'm disappointed. Talk about a waste of time.

    I thought it was Sony's job to come up with money-making ideas to keep the company going. This'll backfire pretty hard on them.

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