Slimline PSP limitations

[Zeus]

1) You can only play games using the component video cables. RCAs will only allow playback of video or pictures

2) Games are boxed off rather than full-screen, kinda like the GBA games were on the GB Player for the 'Cube. They're restricted to 480x272, which is the PSPs native resolution

The second is understandable but the first one is stupid. I can do it, no prob, but I know a friend of mine was there first day likely won't get one now 'cause he doesn't have a hi-def TV. That's a ridiculous restriction IMO and the only reasons is poor planning on their part.

http://psp.ign.com/articles/816/816852p1.html

[bovine]

the redesign seems kind of stupid to me. Enhanced battery life is something I can get behind, but it's hardly smaller, playing the games on a tv seems pretty weak (they already ported to two GTAs and the syphon filter to the ps2), the psp is pretty much just a port machine (generally, there are some good games on there, though they are definitely in the extreme majority), and they didn't change the look of the thing at all. I kind of like the look of the system, but if you're going to take the time to redesign it, at least make it look a little different. I can't really see sales exploding like the DS - DS lite redesign or the GBA - GBA SP redesign..... I don't even have to think about replacing my current psp... not even worth the time to think about it.

[Flip]

That was my thought. I'm sure it feels a lot different, like the reviewer said, but i dont mind the feel of my current one. I suppose slimmer would make it easier to carry more often... which would be nice for mp3 or portable DVD player uses, but i dont use it a whole lot for that kind of stuff.

If they have a black version and some store offers a good trade in special, then maybe i would get one. I do use it a lot, even though it IS a port system, because i dont find myself playing a lot of games at home much anymore.

The TV hookup thing doesnt bother me. Sony is looking to the future and telling people to get with it. Widescreen HDTV's are where it is at and where everyone is heading, they dont care about SDTV anymore and either do it. Tell your friend to man it up.

[Zeus]

The sole reasons for upgrading to me are longer battery life (although I don't find it too bad since I have all the settings on max energy savings) and plugging into TV. It's always nicer to play the games at home than on the portable if possible. Ever since I got the original Super Gameboy I've been completely on board the play-portable-games-on-your-TV thing. Much more comfy. And with the PSP, you're essentially talking about low-res PS2 games, so they should look even better than the GB Player sprite-based games.

Most people I've talked to around here love the fact you can plug it into your TV. It's a big selling point IMO, why should they limits its use? There's really no reasons for it....other than some weird technical ones I can't think of right now. Maybe even at 480x272 they need it in progressive to make it look decent?

Actually, come to think of it, since they're allowing video playback using the RCAs, that's most likely the reason. Games were developed with the PSPs screen in mind. That small and in progressive mode may require the same for displaying on a larger screen otherwise you may lose too much quality.

[bovine]

I still think the tv output is still silly because you have to use the psp as the controller. Instead of looking down at the handheld, you are looking straight at the tv.... silliness!

[Julius Seeker]

I would personally think the biggest selling point would be turning it more into a device you can store in your pocket (that was the biggest attraction for me and the DS Lite, the DS fat was just a little too big to be confortable). I could actually give a crap about whether it plays on TV or not, that is one of the features I don't find to be a selling point for a portable system. If the battery life can last more than 10 hours, then it is all good =)