GPS on PSP: More than just a gaming add-on

Posted Oct 3, 2006 at 4:30AM by QJ Staff Listed in: Titles, Add-ons Tags: GPS, Sony
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Sony stops at nothing when it comes to marketing gimmicks. We are already aware of the GPS and camera capability that will come soon on PSP -- something we think that Sony does only to make the PSP more appealing even to non-gamers. Consider, for example, the golf players. They won't normally buy a PSP just so they can play Hot Shots Golf, but the PSP's ability to actually provide all the golf data that they need in a real Japanese golf course may be indispensable to them. The PSP then turns into a personal golf assistant.

golf - Image 1 golf2 golf - Image 3 

 
In Homestar: 21st Century Navigator, the GPS lets you get night sky data. Again, this function may appeal to stargazers and astronomy hobbyists and not just to players. But about the most gaming use we can find from the GPS system can be found in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. The GPS function allows you to take advantage of Wi-Fi hotspots to earn powered-up bonus characters that you can use in the Comrade system. Then again, Konami has mentioned that the GPS can be useful in other fields as well, such as education and services.

map - Image 1 map - Image 2 map - Image 3 

 

These "other" uses will more likely help those who are out on the road since the automatic route guidance will tell you how to get to a location which you can use both in the car, and when walking on foot. Moreover, anyone can take advantage of the console's wide screen that allows you to view maps in multiple ways.

The GPS is one thing. The PSP is another. Put these two together and you got something original, and it's a laudable effort from Sony. But the question is: will it sell?

 
 
 

Comments [refresh]

by FIRST I AM GOD - 2006-10-03 01:09
» FIRSTFIRSTFIRST

ONCE AGAIN I AM FIRST

by Skinnyboy - 2006-10-03 01:16
» Ignore the ***** above me

Wow, I am almost excited about this.. Does seem pretty cool though and I would prefer to get this over the camera attachment

by p3t0r - 2006-10-03 01:18
» on my want list!

I'm waiting for this addon! hope they get Australian maps for gps soon!

by MagicZipper - 2006-10-03 01:23
» PSP GPS FTW

I have been looking forward to this for a LONG time. I just hope the price is resonable, and that there is not monthly fee.

by landon - 2006-10-03 01:52
» wat?

is it just me or did the revolution thing dissapear?

by Whyser - 2006-10-03 02:23
» Price

I heard the price is going to be around $60 USD?



That's quite reasonable considering that GPS systems are selling for $300-$500

by cheebybeebychubb - 2006-10-03 03:06
» I wuv chocolate!

my mummy said I can't have a chocolate and I cried and cried. I had to steal one from the counter when she wasn't looking. Who likes plasticine? I made an egg once. Not a real egg dummy! One out of plasticine.



It never hatched though boo hoo!

by woot - 2006-10-03 04:42
» failed my ass

We must be the most spoiled group of gamers ever. What other device can do all this??? Games, Movies, Music, Homebrew, camera, GPS, you Name it!



This little gadget is amazing!



All I want sony to do now is allow full res video and more memory for the web browser since that out of memory thing is a pain in the rectum.

by Jester - 2006-10-03 05:43
» Love the GPS

I have been waiting for the GPS for a while. I just hope maps are available for Canada and ar detailed enough.

And to everyone who keeps asking about a monthly fee, there will be no monthly fee. The GPS system of satelites are owned by the United States and they allow free use to anybody. Now if you need monthly updates to your map software or something that may be another story.

by Your American Idel - 2006-10-03 05:59
» Two Groups of PSP Owners

1. Those who appreciate Sony's products and innovations.



2. Those buy their products, then cry about Sony trying to screw developers, ream customers, and play other "corporate" games. (Hint: Don't buy a PS3. It's made by Sony.)



Regarding the question of "Will it sell?" I think the answer is a resounding "Yes". It will not sell as well as some games do. It will not be owned by 10% of owners, but it will sell and will make money for Sony. They are a business, that's what they do. Good for them for being innovative and expanding their market base.



Look at it this way: If I have the choice of buying a Garmin for $400-$500 or buying a PSP, mem card, 2 games, GPS, and mapping software for the same price (and get a lot more functionality with the PSP), which makes more sense?



Remember, the PSP doesn't do anything perfectly (except HSG), but does do a LOT of things adequately. And for that, I have little to complain about it.

by Mistake free since 2006 - 2006-10-03 06:01
» Major correction

That should be 'Idol'. Sue me.

by sinjinn - 2006-10-03 06:24
» will it sell ?

ofcourse it will. i am buying one as soon as they release it in england .

I agree with number 8 and 10... a lot of people seem to be down on the psp except those that actually have one and have homebrew . this is hands down the most usefull and most 'bang for your buck' device I have ever owned. long live the psp and hope they continue to bring out new stuff for it .

by fdasf - 2006-10-03 11:04
» fdsa

Will buy 100%

Just need software that works for me in Canada

by Tical - 2006-10-03 12:51
» update needed?

has anyone asked or answered the question "Will the GPS add-on require a firmware update to work properly?" This would put a delay in use if a new firmware is released with GPS. Not that that firmware wouldn't eventually get cr@ck3d but just wondering.



Peace.

by JustEaton - 2006-10-03 13:35
» Uhh, My.QJ.Net?

I kinda posted this same article in my blog, and it got a good 30 jumps (which is big for my.qj.net). Why didn't my article go up, instead of you re-writing it? Aren't you guys supposed to be letting users (with good grammar, and articles) get their chance to share news? Jeez...

by iBook G4 - 2006-10-03 14:45
» bluetooth

Does it have bluetooth in the G4 model?

by neo - 2006-10-03 23:44
» neo

wow like i didnt already know that months agoo geez. gpsss!

by J - 2006-10-04 03:01
» gps

Have to say I am really looking forward to this, although i doubt it'll be released in the UK till next year, its going to be worth the wait. I doubt this will retail for anything over £50 to £60 pounds in the UK. A couple of months back i was in my local PC world and found a similar device for laptops by microsoft which also came with software for £50. This and the PSONE emulator are my only reasons why I will eventualy leave 2.6 fw, until then my snes emulator isnt leaving my PSP. Still have to complewte final fantasy 5 let a lone 4 and 6.

by Sanjay - 2006-10-04 21:29
» i want one

i have a PSP car stand for my car, and now i just need this GPS addon, the GPS program and maps for adelaide (south australia) and i'll be a very very happy (and not lost) person!



much better value IMO than getting a navman or tomtom because the PSP is so much more than a GPS reciever...

by Stud - 2006-10-30 12:30
» america release

When is gonna be released in America

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