This could be successful or backfire on Sony. I don't believe that nobody would want to pay to copy their game to the PSP go. That is if they actually follow through with this copy thing. If not it could create a divide between regular PSP users and Go users. Also are the specs the same or better? How much could umd's hold and will Sony allow download-able games be that big?
The system looks uncomfortable to hold, especially when using the nub stick that looks built into the case. That makes it look less functional.
Nintendo did it right by making GBA games backwards compatible with the DS. They also did it right by allowing DS games to play on the DSi while having down loadable games and improving the specs for future games with the DS cartridge.

This is my longest post on here. Please excuse my sp., grammar, etc. :-)
I loved my PSPs, but I will not be buying the new model. Over the years, Nintendo had little to no competition in the hand-held market. In the face of that dominance, Sony has done pretty well, but I don't think this unit will push them any closer to Nintendo.
Regarding your post, the "UMD copy plan" will be a hassle for all parties. Like BC on the PS3, Sony will try to dump that plan ASAP.
About the unit:
-The screen is 1/2 inch smaller.
-The battery life is the exact same. The unit got smaller, but so did the battery.
-The analog stick is in an awkward place and smaller. Some people testing the PSP Go wrote about the stick being worse than the old one.
-BlueTooth (an incredibly overrated feature) is included, but nobody knows how much functionality Sony will allow with the OFW. Supposedly, users can tether it to the cellphone and a headset. I guess people can use their cellphone's internet access to make this unit go online. Transferring files over BT is incredibly slow, so that would be a problem. Also, already, the 3000 model has a microphone.
-New memory slot, which means the Pro Duo cards are useless.
-16 GB of internal flash memory.
-Less load times because all games will load up from the flash. For CFW users, this is not even important.
-UMDs can hold 1.8 GB. With downloadable games and Sony's desire to phase out the UMD format, eventually, the size 'cap' will disappear.
-No touch capability. I wouldn't even bring it up, but Sony decided to market this unit towards IPOD users. With that in mind, the omission of the touchscreen is severely disappointing to prospective buyers.
-Since the beginning of the PSP's system cycle, Sony was less interested in functionality than aesthetics. You can Google for old interviews with some of the designers and Sony reps to see for yourself. Warranted or not, I wasn't surprised to see complaints about the system.
-As is, it's overpriced by at least $50. The internals are four years old. Over that time, BT functionality has matured a lot and is much cheaper to implement. In many formats, 16 GB of flash memory is very cheap. The economy is in poor condition. The public's perception of Sony is different and more negative.
Honestly, I don't like the unit's construction. It looks like many other 'teen-marketed' cellphones. A flip-top could protect the easily scratched screen and give more room to move the analog into a better position. I'm tired of the PS style D-pad. I know the design is Sony's signature, but it's annoying to use. I wasn't bothered by it in 1996, but there are better alternative arrangements.
Nintendo phased out the GBA with the DSi, but at least, it was done in stages.
In the face of all the negativity surrounding the product, I'm with you. I wouldn't be surprised if the Go is a bust or success. Although, I would be a lot less surprised by the latter.

its supposedly going to be up over 200quid in the uk. bugger if im buying it at that price.
its got a smaller screen for a start.
to compete i feel they needed to add touch and dual analog. then it would have owned and i would have owned it.
meh to it, as it stands though.

I KNEW IT! Sony would NEVER let you convert your UMDs into games for the PSP Go. Which renders the damn thing useless (unless you can hack it... and you probably can't yet) and has turned off all the prospective buyers who already own UMDs.

PSPGo, is the most worthless consumer electronic to come out since they put razor blades in a goddamn cellphone.

I thought you said you wanted one.

I did, until I saw the price point.
As a device, it under performs the PSP and should be priced accordingly.

Where? What phone?

http://geniusbeauty.com/gift-ideas/cool758-cell-phone-built-in-electric-shaver/

Damnit, I was hoping for something more lethal.

Personally, I think that the PSP Go is trying to position itself as a "hidden" portable game device, in that it's designed to look like a palm pilot or cell phone with the "video game stuff" hidden by the slider.
If someone is so embarassed to be known as a gamer that they would prefer FORM over functionality on their device, there is a larger problem at hand.

Yeah, sure, if you accidentally cut yourself with the knife while talking to someone on the phone. Hand or face doesn't really matter, nor does it matter if it only happens to people borrowing your phone, as long as it happens.

No, this group sounds like they'd eat the PSP Mini's just as much as they'd eat their M&M minis..

Those PSP Minis only a few megabites.
Oh man, that was PATHETIC.