Sony has clarified that there will be multiple SKUs of its NGP portable (PSP2) - no doubt with multiple price points - and that only one will carry 3G functionality.
However, it looks as though there won't be one set model for everyone.
"The first thing to clarify, which I'm not sure the presentation did a perfect job of doing today, is that all of the devices will have Wi-Fi capability; a separate SKU will have 3G," PlayStation Europe boss Andrew House told EuroGamer.
"So the user gets a choice. Wi-Fi is available wherever, which clearly is the most important aspect of connectivity and that connected experience; 3G will be a subset of that"
House also confirmed there will be a cost for the user for 3G services.
"You'll hear more from us around that aspect of the strategy as we get closer to launch," he added.
Sony has confirmed a dazzling line-up of new games for NGP - including new additions to the Killzone, Call Of Duty and Resistance series.
Comments
15 comments so far...
djreplay on 27 Jan '11 said:
What's the bet that backwards compatibility comes at a price, I knew it was too good to be true.
runadumb on 27 Jan '11 said:
Clever boys. I would go non 3G and just tether to my phone. that is until they finally combine the two
benstevens on 27 Jan '11 said:
I want the top model. The whole SHABANG!!
Moorpheus on 27 Jan '11 said:
The cameras might be extras on some models too. They haven't even announced the resolution of those either yet as far as I can tell.
It seems that companies sit there thinking 'what else can we add?' and then Mr Original just says 'slap some cameras in there and it'll sell more.'
Soon there'll be a camera in the oven - judging me on what I eat.
Malmo on 27 Jan '11 said:
not bothered about the 3G myself so i'm pleased that if i do get one, i can save a bit of cash. can i save money on getting ones without the camera? don't think i've ever cared about having cameras on my handheld console and theres 5 of the suckers on the psp2 an 3ds combined lmao
RustySpoon80 on 27 Jan '11 said:
No-one has mentioned backwards compatibility. Clearly it'll cost more as you cant put UMD's in this.
monkeyd_93 on 27 Jan '11 said:
i wonder how psn+ will be linked up to this. Unfortunately here in Australia, our 3G communications arent cheap or constant, but it would be really nice to play online on the go, i just hope the pricing structure goes well with it
gobbybobby on 27 Jan '11 said:
I would buy the 3G version. I hope its not too much more than £200. Im hopefull! I do not get 3G coverage at home, or locally where I live (can't get signal on any network) Can only get it in big Towns and citys.
richard99 on 27 Jan '11 said:
If I pick one up near launch I think it would be the wi-fi only version.
If 3g is quick (or affordable) enough to play online with I might change my mind but if it's just for downloads, apps and browsing I'll get by without it, especially since you don't always get 3g coverage around where I live.
The only other question is whether or not the GPS and cameras are standard either.
GunstarHeroX on 27 Jan '11 said:
Wifi only for me. Can't be bothered with that repetitive pointless multiplayer scene. Give me a storyline with changing goals and locations and sense of progression over a spawn/kill/repeat game any day.
djreplay on 27 Jan '11 said:
I read that it play's all PSP games and mini's, I reckon that might only be in the top model's though.
ricflair on 27 Jan '11 said:
I think that's a good plan.
I've never gamed on a 3G connection, but I've read in the past it has pretty serious lag/latency issues due to a high ping, regardless of down/upload speeds. I think it would be almost totally redundant for people in some areas.
I think they'd have to have some kind of free (or very well priced) data plan for online gaming. Have seen that playing something like CoD on Live uses about 50MB/hr. It'd be great if they could get it to work almost as well as online gaming at home, but 3G is just so patchy, even in London.
Terranova1 on 27 Jan '11 said:
Yes it plays them provided they are the download versions as mentioned there will be no UMD drive on any of the SKU's Sony ditched that when they released the GO so they aint going to go back to it with this one.
nuggit3000 on 27 Jan '11 said:
According to the playstation web page on PS3 it will also play all games made for Playstation Suite (aka PSPhone) so theres no need to buy both.
I think the 3G should be free considering there will be no voice call feature. It could be funded by GPS advertising much like the Gizmondo did. Walk past a Macdonalds and receive a message telling you of their offers.
altitude2k on 27 Jan '11 said:
I agree with ric, I can't imagine gaming on 3G is a particularly reliable, or enjoyable experience. Which leaves the use of it for the Internet and assorted connectivity apps and...
...why, hello Mr. Smartphone!
WiFi will do fine, thanks. Especially given that I have free access to BT OpenZone with my phone contract.