What with some retailers boycotting it and a not-inconsiderable price tag, I have been waiting for some sort of sales report along the lines of "PSPgo not meeting expectations". But here I am clutching a release stating the exact opposite! Australian results aren't in yet, but in the UK, the UMD-free console is apparently enjoying rapid adoption, perhaps helped along by a couple of special offers we Aussies are also eligible for.

Actually, according to Sony sales of PSP consoles are up across the board, with the current 3000 model also doing quite well for itself alongside its sexy, slide-equipped sibling. In the five days since the PSPgo's release, PSP hardware sales have increased by 120%, with about the same number of units of each model leaping off store shelves.

If you're drooling over the quiet, battery-friendly PSPgo with the aforementioned sexy sliding action, but are put off by the units wince-worthy RRP, you're not alone. Luckily Australian gamers are in the running for a couple of special offers that can make switching models a little easier on the pocket.

If you pick up a brand new PSPgo before the 10th, you'll be eligible for the touted Gran Turismo offer which provides a free downloadable copy of the game. Hurrah!

The second offer has a much more reasonable shelf life, and lasts until the end of March next year; for this one you'll need to already own a standard, UMD equipped PSP and one game. Engage in a bit of Playstation Network foolery with both consoles and you'll net yourself three games from a selection of PSOne classics and PSP best sellers (including the original Patapon, so no more excuses). I wonder if this was designed to make trading your console a logistics nightmare?


Patapon, Resistance: Retribution and Echochrome are amongst the free titles on offer.
While an upgrade from the original Playstation 3 to the Slim model might make sense for early adopters whose consoles have already taken a hammering, the role of the PSPgo is not as clear. It's not precisely an upgrade or a downgrade, but more of a sideways leap into reliance on the Playstation Network to supply your gaming needs. It'll be interesting to see how sales play out closer to home. Have you got one?