PSPgo launch mystery shop

Mike Bantick
Thursday, 01 October 2009 10:09

Your IT - Entertainment

Taking a walk through the city electronics retailers today, searching for signs of the new PlayStation Portable Go model.  It seems there is an easy formula to work out who will be pushing to sell the new digital distribution only gaming platform.

Today the PlayStation Portable Go (PSPgo) was launched here in Australia, with the device marking a significant mile-stone in gadget history.  Arguably this is the first major foray into a complete download only gaming model for a dedicated device.

Sure there are other hand-held download services for devices such as the Apple iPhone, and specific offerings like the Nokia N-Gage service, but the PSPgo is a dedicated gaming device that has now eschewed any form of disc or cartridge input.

From today the PSPgo is available in stores for a recommended retail price of AU$449, and as part of the launch Sony are offering existing owners of PSP’s the chance to instantly have three games on their PSPgo.

Sony say: If you enjoy your PSP, you’re going to love the all-new PSPgo. Say hello to entertainment in your pocket as the sleek, slimline look of PSPgo comes packed with 16GB of built-in storage space – meaning that you can take all your favourite games, photos and more with you wherever you go. And to help you get your PSPgo collection started, we’re giving away three full games for free.

With PSPgo Rewards you can download three much-loved, or totally new PSP titles for free, and put your new PSPgo to the test. Pick your favourites from a number of popular PSP titles. Get in on the action with Killzone™: Liberation or SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3. Give your reflexes a pounding with WipEout® Pure. Put your skills to the test with Everybody’s Golf™ or echochrome™. Give your brain a workout with Buzz!™: Brain Bender or Master Quiz. Or get quirky, with LocoRoco™ or Patapon™. There are seventeen titles to choose from in all, and the process is simple..
.
1. Unwrap your shiny new PSPgo and start it up
2. Connect to PlayStation®Network and activate your new or existing PlayStation Network account for PSPgo Rewards
3. Start up your current PSP and connect to PlayStation Network
4. Login using the same PlayStation Network account, and launch PlayStation®Store
5. Pop one of your UMDs into the drive of your current PSP and register on PSPgo Rewards when prompted
6. Download a PSPgo theme
7. Wait for your email voucher for your three free games
8. Choose, download and enjoy!
This offer is available until the end of March next year, and to existing owners of a PSP 1000, 2000 or the still for sale 3000 with one UMD game.  The seventeen games on offer are

1. Killzone™ Liberation
2. MediEvil™
3. WipEout® Pure
4. Buzz!™: Brain Bender
5. Buzz!™: Master Quiz
6. SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo™
7. Ratchet & Clank™: Size Matters (PSP)
8. Everybody’s Golf
9. Resistance: Retribution™
10. Syphon Filter™ Dark Mirror (PSP)
11. Lemmings™ PSP
12. LocoRoco™
13. Patapon™
14. Syphon Filter™: Logan’s Shadow (PSP)
15. Echochrome™
16. Pursuit Force™: Extreme Justice
17. Daxter™

But, the question remains, how will this device perform in the market?  Well a good starting place is just to wander through the electronic retail outlets and see how much love the PSPgo has.

CONTINUED on PAGE 2