In addition to sporting some really impressive hardware, the Sony NGP boasts some interesting software, social, and motion-control features. Some are improvements on the original PlayStation Portable, others are extensions of Sony’s work on the PlayStation 3, while others are brand-spanking new. Let’s cut apart Sony’s press release and examine several of these features.
Interface
NGP incorporates a beautiful multi-touch 5-inch organic light emitting display (OLED) as the front display. A high-performance CPU / GPU combined with OLED enables rich, visually striking graphics never seen before on a portable entertainment system, for both games and other digital entertainment content. The new system also incorporates a unique multi-touch pad on the rear, and together with the front touch display, NGP offers new game play allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimension-like motion, through “touch, grab, trace, push and pull” moves of the fingers.
The multitouch display was an automatic. That’s just the way the world works now, thanks to the popularity of iOS devices. What’s super interesting here is the touchpad on the back. Developers have diverse and unique input methods to work with thanks to the combination of traditional game controls and a touchpad. I see someone like Hideo Kojima or Tetsuya Mizuguchi doing something very cool and very creative with the touch controls. I believe that touch on the NGP has more potential than the Nintendo 3DS’ 3D display, but I also see the potential being tougher to harness.
LiveArea
Every game title for NGP will be provided with a space called “LiveArea” where users can share the fun and excitement with other players. Users will have access to the latest information of games provided from SCE and 3rd party developers and publishers through PlayStation Network. Additionally, NGP users will be able to view an “Activity” log that is constantly updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game, which in turn can trigger active real-time communication among users.
I hate to sound like a San Francisco tech snob, but the “social discovery” aspect of LiveArea is the most interesting feature here. As far as the social aspect of console gaming goes, Sony has lagged behind Microsoft and its excellent Xbox Live service on home consoles. On handhelds, Sony has a chance to nail one of Nintendo’s few weaknesses on the portable front.
Near
SCE will also provide location-based services on NGP as part of the basic features utilizing PlayStation Network. The new application called “Near,” developed specifically for this service and the network, will be pre-installed in the system to let users find out what their friends in the vicinity are playing now or what they were playing recently. Users can meet their friends and new players virtually, regardless of what games they are playing, simply by sharing their game information across different dimensions of time and distance.
This is a really smart, really sharp feature that’s borrowed from the world of smartphones. Location-based services are the hotness in the mobile world. If millions of smartphone owners are using location-based services then millions of gamers will use them too. I really love how modern and forward-thinking Sony is being here, especially in comparison with Nintendo’s relatively conservative approach with the 3DS. Hmmm, I want to do a fourquare check-in with an NGP.
New Game Medium
NGP adopts a new game medium, a small flash memory based card, dedicated for NGP software titles. Taking advantage of the flash memory feature, this innovative card can store the full software titles plus add-on game content or the game save data directly on to the card. By adopting flash memory based card, SCE will be able to provide game cards with higher capacity in the future, allowing developers to store more game data to deliver rich and immersive games.
Wait, people didn’t love UMDs?!? Just kidding. I knew that Sony wasn’t going fully digital with its next portable system. Too many countries aren’t ready in terms of Internet infrastructure…and even some of the ones that are have ISPs that make a digital future difficult. I’m thrilled that Sony went with solid-state storage instead of optical. I’m doubly thrilled that the company appears to0 be prepping for a future where gamers download DLC directly to a cartridge.
Camera, Motion
NGP will also come equipped with two cameras on its front and rear, as well as three motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer and electronic compass, all of which are designed to enable users to enjoy the world of entertainment that is linked with real life experiences.
The cameras were a given. Video chat and facial recognition are simply modern features. I’m more interested in the motion controls. Sony has done some fine work with the PlayStation Move and it will continue to promote motion with the NGP. What’s really interesting is that it gives developers yet another tool to play with. Imagine a Mizuguchi or Kojima game that uses traditional controls, touch controls, and motion controls?!? There are some really exciting creative possibilities here!
Bottom Line: Yeah, I realize that these features aren’t for everyone, but I love that they broaden the NGP’s appeal. I really love that game creators have all sorts of cool tools to work with. The NGP has the potential for some of the most unique and innovative games ever made. Between the various input methods and its extensive social features, the NGP can blend the best aspects of traditional console gaming, social gaming, and mobile gaming…if the right developer puts it all together. That’s a pretty big “if”, but I’m super jazzed to see if someone can pull it off.
I want to hear more about the UI and PSN support. How much of PSN will it uses and which PSN games will run on it.
UI looks straightforward so far — icon based touch interface. Hopefully it will run most PSN games. On paper, all the new online capabilities of the NGP seem confusing. I wonder why it wasn't all streamlined and brought under the PSN umbrella.