The Nintendo Switch is often hailed as the king of handheld consoles due to its innovative features and strong exclusives. However, the YouTube algorithm begs to differ about the Switch’s innovative features part since it is now resurfacing the PSP Go, which was Sony’s “Nintendo Switch” long before Nintendo even had it. Sadly, the PSP Go no longer exists, meaning nobody wanted it at the time, even though it introduced the same features as the Switch.
The observation came from eagled-eyed ResetEra user Shizuka who brought the buried PSP Go to light. Apparently, the YouTube algorithm has been recommending some odd hidden gems from decades ago, perhaps in reaction to the growing Nintendo Switch 2 trend. One of the videos that resurfaced from the void is none other than its advertisement for the PSP Go Accessories and Peripherals.
As it is, the PSP Go was already offering features that the gaming industry praised the Nintendo Switch for, such as the TV-out port, the dock, and even controller connectivity. Such features for 3D handheld gaming were available for the PSP Go as early as 2009-2010. The Switch was released in 2017, for the record. Sadly, it was a shame that Sony didn’t “follow through” according to ResetEra user Shizuka.
On Sony’s YouTube ad itself, one of the top-rated comments pretty much shares the same sentiment:
“It’s amazing to see how time and approach make the whole difference. For the last couple of years most people had acclaimed Nintendo on how ‘innovative’ the Switch is… and here it is, basically the same concept 6 [8 actually] years earlier… and nobody cared,” according to @X_Leonhart.
Some of the older users on the thread have commented that connecting handheld consoles to TVs predates even the PSP Go and goes as far back as the Super Gameboy, which, again, goes back to Nintendo.
Why Did the PSP Go Fail Where the Switch Succeeded?
Playing PSP Go games on your TV was not all it’s cracked up to be back then, however. The resolution was frustratingly small (480p). Back then in 2009, it was a time when HD (720p) and FullHD (1080p) were the video standards.
Additionally, the PSP Go had the same pitfalls and limitations as its previous iterations, mainly the lack of additional shoulder buttons and the nearly flat analog “stick.” More than anything, the PSP Go was under heavy competition from the venerable Nintendo DS, which was not only more affordable but also had a dual-screen design.
Sony then followed the PSP Go with PS Vita, but this didn’t take off as well. Still, Sony doesn’t seem discouraged from its previous failed handheld console attempts. Insider leaks point to a new, unannounced portable PlayStation (that isn’t PlayStation Portal) which will then be in direct competition with Nintendo’s handheld consoles once again. You have to admire that kind of persistence, as Sony seems determined to make its own “Nintendo Switch” once more.
