PSP World

Fake PSP Go Better Than Real Thing?

Here at PSP World, we have often marveled at knockoff PSP designs from China that try to mimic Sony's slick handheld device. However, these cheap clones have usually been identifiable for the weak alternatives that they are. None of them could do more than play a few illegal NES Roms or play back some choppy frames of MP4 video from standard SD memory card.

But now, a factory in China has done the seemingly impossible and created a PSP Go knockoff that is actually better than the original in many ways. How embarrassing! Read on as we keep score in a feature-by-feature comparison.

The first thing you will notice about the PXP-2000 Slide Panel Retro Gamer is that the build quality is almost identical to that of Sony's $249 handheld. Without holding the thing in our hands, we would be tempted to wager that the external case came out of the exact same factory that manufactures the real PSP Go. The only thing changed is that the case lacks the official Sony PSP logo. Everything else, from the face buttons to the analog nub to the start and select buttons appear to be in exactly the same place. Another subtle difference is that the back of the PXP Go houses a built-in camera capable of taking still photos and recording video. Score one to the Chinese knockoff.

The screen is a slightly disappointing 320x240 resolution affair, but it displays in full color and is a respectable 3.5" wide. The company boasts that users can watch a plethora of formats on the device, including AVI, WMV, MPG, MP4 and MOV. Score another to the Chinese knockoff for supporting every kind of file type under the sun. Not only can video content be enjoyed on the device, but it can also be projected to a larger screen thanks to a TV-out port that is compatible with both PAL and NTSC sets. The PSP Go wins here because of its higher-resolution screen, but with the caveat that this is the best clone we have seen in terms of video support.

The system can connect to just about every operating system as well, including Mac OS 10, Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP and Linux version 2.4.2. The device comes equipped with its own firmware that closely mimics the XMB found in the real PSP Go. It allows users to play video content while the device is open or closed, and comes equipped with a clock and organizer. There is also a built-in FM radio that can be accessed through the media bar. Score another point for the Chinese clone.

On the gaming side, things are decidedly more retro than the real PSP. The PXP Go comes with a built-in emulator capable of playing Roms from most popular 16-bit machines, including the SNES, GENESIS and Gameboy Color. Those games can be stored on the 2GB of internal storage contained in the bowels of the device, or swapped in using a standard SD memory card. Yes, it's illegal, but until the PSP Go is fully hacked or Sony comes out with a proper UMD replacement program, this is the only way to enjoy your old games without paying for them again.

Like the PSP Go, this fake clone has an internal battery than can not be easily replaced, which is a negative in our view. The manufacturer has not said anything about battery life, and that makes us suspicious. On the other hand, battery life is not one of the PSP Go's strong points, either.