"Next Generation Portable" Impressions

By Mark

The big story today was Sony finally unveiling its follow-up to the PSP. Called "Next Generation Portable" for now (it will be referred to as the NGP from here out), the little machine is actually pretty impressive. Three of the most important changes include the front screen being larger (16:9 5-inch OLED screen) and it also functioning as a touch screen. In fact, the back portion of the handheld also sports a touch-sensitive area as well. Thirdly, there is the inclusion of a second analog stick - huzzah! Note that I said "stick" too. Gone is the Anaolog Nub that graced every iteration of the PSP until the Go emerged, and they have been replaced by more standout sticks right below the button areas.

There are several other improvements and additions made to the handheld. The NGP also features dual cameras, one on the front and the other on the back, and an open microphone on the front. The cameras are interesting, because aside from being available to take lovely photos of yourself naked, it will provide gameplay functionality in the form of motion-sensing. Remember the six-axis technology? It makes a comeback in the NGP as well. There is also a three-axis electronic compass built in for use with the built-in GPS. Not enough for you? The NGP will also be sporting a 3G wireless device for all your portable online gaming needs. Coupled with Bluetooth and the AdHoc capabilities already present in the system, the NGP really stands out as a formidable mobile gaming platform. But what about the specs itself you ask? Let's take a look.



In terms of pure processing power, the NGP will run an ARM Cortex-A9 core (4 core) CPU processor and a SGX543MP4+GPU device. There was no word at the press conference on memory usage, however the rumor is development kits are going out with 1gb of RAM, although the system itself isn't going to use more than 512mb.

From people who have handled the system (people at Kotaku and Gamespot), the word is the NGP is lighter than the PSP-3000, with it being just as bulky as the PSP-1000. Obviously from the pictures, it's not as compact as the PSP Go; however, the specifications more than make up for this little shortfall in product design. After all, what did you expect with two analog sticks?

Retail pricing? Ahh, now here's where the rubber meets the road. There was no price-point detailed at the press conference. My guess? Well, with the 3DS arriving close to the holidays - and Sony stated the NGP would also arrive "in time for the holidays" - and selling at $250, I could forsee the NGP selling around the $300-$350 mark. Sony got burned last time with the pricing on the PS3 despite the fact they needed to stem some of the loss from the production of the system itself. I can't see the NGP retailing for more than that due to the stiff competition it will have from the 3DS during the holidays.

So, when all is said and done, what do I think? Well, the system itself seems to be one sexy beast. There was something mentioned about cartridges being sold for the system rather than UMDs, which is an interesting choice given the last time cartridges were sold for any system (N64). I'm wondering if I heard that right, because there isn't any information available (as of this writing) detailing where the games are actually going to go. Either way, the impression I got is that Sony is abandoning the idea of a digital-only distribution format like the PSP Go, which is a smart move. That being said, the system itself is a pure upgrade from the original PSP, which means the games that will be released will be of much higher quality. Demos for a new Hot Shots Golf, Uncharted, and Killzone (among others) were shown, that the quality of those games even now seems to be just under PS3/360 levels in terms of graphical quality.

Having a second analog stick with touch screen functionality is a very good move by Sony. The second stick gives hardcore gamers like myself new reason to try FPS and Action/Adventure titles that previously were lousy. The touch screen and motion sensor capabilities that were demoed seems gimmicky; however, they worked very well in context with the Uncharted demo that I saw. I can see that touch screen and motion sensor an avenue for Sony to market the system to a more casual, Nintendo DS-oriented audience that is used to a touch screen, but might be looking for something a little more upscale than a DS.

It's clear that Sony and Nintendo are moving in different directions with their handheld devices. With Nintendo still pushing the accessibility and casual route with their DS, Sony is going after a gaming audience that wants more adult gameplay. To compare the NGP with the 3DS, therefore, is a waste of time simply because the two handhelds are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Take a look at the amount of technology going into wireless gaming side of the NGP and you'll see one of the biggest differences right there.

More details are sure to follow within the coming months about Sony's specific plans with the NGP. I would imagine E3 will be buzzing with more details, and there I'm sure we'll find a more targeted price point. One thing is for sure, this holiday season will be one not to miss!

Source for specifications: Gamespot