The GPS games: more details revealed
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Oct 2nd 2006 at 1:00AM }
The upcoming camera and GPS peripherals have been getting a lot of attention, most notably because they have the ability to extend the PSP's already impressive capability set, and interface with games in new, original ways. One of the more creative examples we mentioned earlier was Hot Shot Golf's communication with GPS that transforms the game into a personal golf assistant when you're actually on one of Japan's golf courses. According to IT Media, this can become the "golf tool of the new age." This will certainly bring in a very unique audience to the world of gaming: golfers, who might pick up a PSP just to get all the golf data they could ever want. (But we wonder, how many people will actually use this functionality? And: will it work on US golf courses?)Of course, Hot Shots Golf isn't the only game using PSP's GPS feature. Read on to see how other software is taking advantage of the device.
The PSP's widescreen is noted as a significant advantage for GPS users: you can simply see more of the map at once. The automatic route guidance (featured in many modern cars) will tell you how to get to a location, and can be used both in the car, and when walking on foot.
Homestar allows you to use the GPS system to see the stars up in the night sky. I don't really understand this screen from the software, but I'm sure fans of constellations and star-gazing will be able to decipher some sort of meaningful data out of this. Once again, it appears the PSP is being used to attract non-gamers to get the system.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops allows you to randomly generate new characters based on the wi-fi points you access during multiplayer play. However, it appears that there may be more functionality added for GPS users. It appears that you'll be sent on a treasure hunt, which tracks your location via GPS. (Of course, someone proficient in Japanese can try to translate and find more info!) I'm glad that MGS is using the GPS feature, but so far, it appears very, very gimmicky (but Kojima does love using gimmicks).
Check out the rest of ITmedia's article to see more pictures and (Japanese) coverage of the peripheral.
[Thanks, ineo!]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Claudius @ Oct 2nd 2006 3:08AM
I really don't see how this GPS thingy is going to be a good thing for the PSP. If anything, it could make Sony lose money because of production and lack of sales.
Maybe I'm way too skeptical, but I can't help it, this is almost like the DD for the N64.
Let's hope not.
Benjamin @ Oct 3rd 2006 4:51AM
Well I certainly won't be getting GPS because I BET that Sony in all their discriminative wisdom won't allow functionaltiy outside of Japan for these - let alone in New Zealand... :(
Jason @ Oct 2nd 2006 5:48AM
After seeing the GPS and the camera and watching that video about making the PSP playable on TVs, it would be real easy for Sony to add a touchpad to the device (like the DS) and we can get some fun games as well. Assuming that the USB port on the top can send information as well as receive. :P
Rob @ Oct 2nd 2006 7:02AM
Jason:
1. the usb port is used to send and recieve gps and camera information.
2. take a look at the games being released between oct. 30th and nov. 7th and get back to me. not to even mention the games that came out in the last few months.
SP @ Oct 2nd 2006 9:33AM
i think the GPS looks cool. im getting the GPS and the camera. becuase that will be like the biggest screen fro a digital camera and the GPS is cool cause ill let my mom use it since they say it works like a car GPS she always gets lost driving.lol. but i like what MGS:PO is doin with it,
Alien @ Oct 2nd 2006 9:44AM
Im getting a GPS and a Camera , well at least if it comes out in the EU to , and if its compatible , I cant wait for a portable Eye-Toy :)
Mark @ Oct 2nd 2006 11:13AM
That screen for the stargazing program is just gathering satellite data. It has nothing to do with acutally showing you star maps or anything. All GPS's do this when they first boot up.
Max Power @ Oct 2nd 2006 10:23PM
Forgot to mention the single biggest problem with PSP and GPS... The glare on is so bad, you can't use the PSP outside (golf) or during the day in the car (dash is in the sun). Doh!
pixelator @ Oct 3rd 2006 11:32AM
I see the value of this as a regular GPS module on the cheap, but I definitely agree with the 'gimmick' comment, especially as it pertains to games. Hoepfully, Sony will push this as a non-gaming gadget first and foremost.
Anonymous @ Oct 8th 2006 9:36AM
I want it! I only got the PSP because I travel a lot and love playing John Madden Football. Madden 2007 is the only game I have.
I am not a gamer at all. I am an early 40-ish female who likes to play PSP on subways, airplanes, etc. I plan to get the home adapter so I can watch my own TV shows from hotels with wireless internet.
And I plan to use the built-in MP3 player too. The GPS is what I really need to replace the one I was using on my laptop in my personal vehicles and rental cars. I will probably get the camera too.
I like the whole concept. I just wanted to play football but have found that by using this and my Windows Mobile PDA, I don't have to carry around a laptop all the time when I travel.
dudewhoissickofsonyBS @ Nov 22nd 2006 12:26AM
wat is sony doing i have a psp and i think it is very stupid to get this and as stated before the glare is very bad so it wouldnt be that fun to have especially the camera which will really suck you know that