Post by: vudu on June 08, 2007, 03:25:41 AM
According to Kotaku, there's unofficial confirmation that Sony is redesigning the PSP.
PSP Slim Details Revealed
It's a redesign of the current version, not the PSP2, so it will have the same internal hardware.
Features:
-Slimmer design
-New LED screen
-Improved battery life (lasts up to 4x longer)
-Faster UMD drive that will shorten load times
-8 GB internal flash memory
-Improved buttons and D-pad
-Possible internal camera
-Target price point of $170
-Officially unveiled at E3
-On sale in August or September 2007
This seems like a fanboy's wish list of improvements rather than an actual spec list. I'm not so certain it will happen, especially at $170.
Update #1: June 12, 2007
New Information/Rumors
-"[T]he updated PSP won't have big speed increases and will be outfitted with a slot UMD loader"
-"[The screen is] the same size [as the current one] and is "Sidekick-esque." That would give the portable a "flip-factor" and decrease the system's overall size"
-New controls for UMD movie chapter and music skipping
-Screen is still LCD, not LED as previous information indicated
-Sony is considering adding Bluetooth capabilities
-4 GB of on-board memory, not 8 GB
-"[T]his new PSP would eventually replace all existing models. Pricing is "currently the same," and the release date is Fall 07"
Looks like BnM might have been on the right track when he guessed a clam-shell design. I also find it interesting that the PSP Slim will replace the existing model and not work in conjunction with it. My guess would have been that Sony drops the price of the existing model and positions the PSP Slim as a high-end version.
Updated #2: June 13, 2007
PlayStation Blog "Denies" PSP Update
Quote
The rumor mill is flowing about new PSP hardware and a PSP phone, and I just wanted to take the time to clear the air. We haven't announced anything about a new PSP, much less one that would have any phone capabilities. As SCEA's resident PSP guru, I'm thrilled to hear that there's so much interest in the platform, but sorry folks, these reports floating around fall into the rumors/speculation category.
Post by: Spak-Spang on June 08, 2007, 03:49:38 AM
Things I doubt will be in the system: $170.00 price point, and Camera.
But hey, I could see this package for $249.99, perhaps $200.00 Maybe.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 08, 2007, 04:48:59 AM
Faster UMD, slimmer design and new less power hungry screen that improves battery life, I can see all that happening, but still not at $170.
If it does happen, I'm calling a $199 price point. Whats the current price of the PSP?
Post by: Spak-Spang on June 08, 2007, 05:08:59 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1
If it does happen, I'm calling a $199 price point. Whats the current price of the PSP?
Too Much.
$169.99 for a brand new core system.
They could drop the core system price to $149.99 and then offer a new premium package PSP Slim for $199.99. I wonder what Nintendo would do with the DS then? I would imagine dropping the price to $99.99 would be crazy, but a smart move.
Post by: Kairon on June 08, 2007, 05:16:33 AM
Post by: Artimus on June 08, 2007, 05:32:25 AM
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 08, 2007, 05:42:04 AM
As far as PSP goes, if it currently sells at $170 while breaking even (or is Sony still taking a small loss?), how is adding a new LED screen tech, an updated UMD drive, a shrunken case and chipset(?), and a more efficient battery gonna keep the price the same?
Now add in a camera and 8GB of flash and you easily push the suggested retail price close to $250 which just pushes the PSP out of mainstream pricing all over again, and they aren't gonna be making huge profits on selling memory stick to the public anymore with a built in flash memory
So I want to clarify, PSP Slim, new UMD, screen and battery = $199 USD.
If it comes with a camera and/or flash memory $249/279 USD
Post by: Athrun Zala on June 08, 2007, 05:48:43 AM
Post by: Adrock on June 08, 2007, 08:09:15 AM
That just sounds odd.
Everything on that list seems plausible except the camera and the faster UMD drive. They could cut costs by making the chipsets smaller (a while back, I read about Sony possibly cutting PS3 losses by doing the same, something about the manufacturing process and 65nm). Also, I could see them making the screen (gasp) smaller. The PSP is pretty compact as it is, I don't know how they could reduce its size without sacrificing screen size. A smaller, more efficient screen would certainly help lower the price and with a new and improved battery, increase battery life even more. With all the cost cutting measures, I think they can pull off internal flash memory too. Then again, if they did without it, they could come really close to DS's MSRP, which might actually be a better idea. People see a lower price point, even if they have to buy something extra. How many consoles did we have to buy memory cards for? However, no one really factors that into the price of the console.
One thing I wonder though. Sony just cut the price of PSP no too long ago so cutting the price again, even after introducing a new model, so soon might look bad to consumers. Not me though... I kind of want PSP, but I'm waiting for the price to drop to a more affordable level though I wouldn't mind getting a new version since these changes would be significant improvements.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 08, 2007, 08:18:34 AM
I they design it exactly like the GBASP only using the PSP screen dimensions(like a one screened widescreen DS), they might have a pretty slick handheld that might appeal to a larger crowd. If they do that and keep the price at about $199, I think they might see a boost in sales. Everybody loves a good redesign, and the PSP could use one to spur interest right now.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 08, 2007, 08:27:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Artimus
The DS doesn't need to worry about the PSP, it's already beaten it. But Nintendo will likely drop the DS $10.
That's exactly the wrong kind of thinking Nintendo needs. There's way too much brand loyalty to the Playstation name, and if a new PSP comes out, armed with whatever that FFVII prequel is, don't you think things could slide a little closer to Sony's favor? Just because the PSP may lose this generation doesn't mean it won't build up it's brand, and barring the same mistakes Sony made on the PS3, that could be fierce competition for Nintendo's next handheld. To me, outselling the PSP in a 2:1 ratio doesn't scream domination as much as what Nintendo did to the N-Gage or the Neo Geo Pocket Color. If that ratio shifts more and more to Sony's side, that's a bad thing, even if Nintendo is ahead at the end.
Anyway, it needs to be called the PSP ReduX and abbreviated PSP Rx. That's just me, though.
Post by: Artimus on June 08, 2007, 08:35:56 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguyQuote
Originally posted by: Artimus
The DS doesn't need to worry about the PSP, it's already beaten it. But Nintendo will likely drop the DS $10.
That's exactly the wrong kind of thinking Nintendo needs. There's way too much brand loyalty to the Playstation name, and if a new PSP comes out, armed with whatever that FFVII prequel is, don't you think things could slide a little closer to Sony's favor? Just because the PSP may lose this generation doesn't mean it won't build up it's brand, and barring the same mistakes Sony made on the PS3, that could be fierce competition for Nintendo's next handheld. To me, outselling the PSP in a 2:1 ratio doesn't scream domination as much as what Nintendo did to the N-Gage or the Neo Geo Pocket Color. If that ratio shifts more and more to Sony's side, that's a bad thing, even if Nintendo is ahead at the end.
Anyway, it needs to be called the PSP ReduX and abbreviated PSP Rx. That's just me, though.
But a large portion of the PSP's audience is not the audience that bought the GBA. The DS has already surpassed the GBA in Japan, for example.
Post by: Adrock on June 08, 2007, 08:45:29 AM
Quote
BlackNMild2k1 wrote:
The only way to make the PSP seem smalled w/o sacrificing screen size would be a clamshell design.
But then they'd be accused of copying Nintendo and Sony would never do that.
I think Sony could get away with a slightly smaller screen, especially if it makes the system better as a whole.
Quote
thatguy wrote:
Just because the PSP may lose this generation doesn't mean it won't build up it's brand, and barring the same mistakes Sony made on the PS3, that could be fierce competition for Nintendo's next handheld.
I completely agree with you there. Nintendo should never underestimate anyone ever again. That invited Sony to kick their ass with PS1 in the first place. People only love you as long as there isn't a better alternative. Nintendo has to continue to hit and hit hard.
Also, PSP Rx reminds me of prescriptions. Since this is Sony, they'll probably call it PSP Lite or PSP Nano.
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 08, 2007, 08:52:21 AM
Post by: Adrock on June 08, 2007, 09:07:32 AM
Post by: that Baby guy on June 08, 2007, 09:10:09 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 08, 2007, 09:54:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Adrock
Adding a touchscreen would almost make it a Gameboy Color kind of update. There would be games incompatible with the original PSP. I don't think that's something Sony can afford to do as it would split PSP's corner of the market.
That didn't stop them from adding a better processor to the PS1 mid-way through its life.
It sounds like the kind of thing any sensible customer would cringe at, but seriously, Sony pulls this sh*t all the time and yet people still buy their crap.
Adding a touch screen to one-up the DS while royally screwing their current userbase would be nothing out of the ordinary for them.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 08, 2007, 10:15:33 AM
I just remember Sony's Cronies complaining about how Nintendo always screws them over, releasing new hardware all the time right after everyone has bought their system. I never took any stock in the argument, because each system would always have the same functionality, and the change was always in form. If Sony did that, how would people react?
I think they'd get upset, given how different the mindset is about Sony right now. It's hard to tell, though. Some would say that Sony is just trying to be innovative, and give people what they want. I wonder if they'll include Sixaxis control into this one, too.
Hopefully they won't have picked up the 'remove a battery to change the game' design flaw though. With Sony, it's hard to tell what qualities they'll steal and still mess up.
The Rx name is supposed to remind you of a prescription. It's like the drug everyone needs. I think it's the best name they could go with, personally. It fits the abbreviated name style, while not stealing SP, and everyone 'knows' prescriptions are the good kind of drugs. There was a rumor going around that Sony had focused grouped the PSP Fix awhile back, and people didn't like it, but this is a little different and seems to fit better, IMO.
Post by: Adrock on June 08, 2007, 10:22:10 AM
Quote
Smash_Brother wrote:
That didn't stop them from adding a better processor to the PS1 mid-way through its life.
I hadn't heard of that. Could you perhaps provide a link? I've only read about revisions reducing manufacturing costs or using smaller or higher quality parts (like a CD drive) which is no different than any other hardware manufacturer.
I guess "better" depends on how you define it. Making it faster or more powerful is one thing as owners of older models couldn't play newer games. Making chipsets smaller and less prone to overheating is another. That'd be better though the chipset does exactly the same thing as the original. If that's the case, that's nothing like adding a touchscreen. Even the introduction of the Dual Shock isn't that comparable. It sucks, but a controller is replaceable for $25.
Post by: Kairon on June 08, 2007, 11:14:25 AM
An LED display? LEDs are cheap, so that could explain part of the cost reduction...
Post by: that Baby guy on June 08, 2007, 11:21:23 AM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 08, 2007, 11:55:13 AM
But soon, Sony will be rolling out their line of LED HDTVs, which are said to be superior than what modern LCD sets offer. Better color/light reproduction, lighter, thinner, and much less power consumption.
Post by: Ceric on June 08, 2007, 02:24:46 PM
This could possibly be a good move. Especially if the UMD drive is much faster.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 08, 2007, 02:26:51 PM
Post by: KDR_11k on June 08, 2007, 08:08:26 PM
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 08, 2007, 11:17:00 PM
Post by: Ghisy on June 09, 2007, 03:27:15 AM
Post by: Ceric on June 09, 2007, 03:57:27 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on June 09, 2007, 06:39:06 AM
The DS is pretty long in its lifespan. As long as it does not have a drastic drop in sales it will be fine.
What Nintendo needs to be doing is preping the next DS or next gameboy unit to be released in a year or two. 2008 or 2009 would be a great release for a new handheld for Nintendo. Wii will be in full stride, and the next handheld could be compatiable with the current DS, and offer something to kick the butt of any PSP revision.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 09, 2007, 07:23:23 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 09, 2007, 07:31:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Adrock
I hadn't heard of that. Could you perhaps provide a link? I've only read about revisions reducing manufacturing costs or using smaller or higher quality parts (like a CD drive) which is no different than any other hardware manufacturer.
I'd have to look for one, but the reason why I know that is because a friend actually demonstrated this for me.
He showed me an older PS1 running Gran Turismo and it was choppy and terrible. Then he took a newer PS1 and GT ran smooth as silk on it.
Post by: WuTangTurtle on June 09, 2007, 07:51:58 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ghisy
Meh. Releasing a "better" model of the PSP won't solve the lack of games.
It took how many posts before someone posted up the only thing relevant?
I'm sorry, Sony could redesign the PSP to give my hands orgasms but I still wouldn't buy one. The only decent game I've played on it is Lumines, and i still prefer Meteos and Tetris over it.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on June 09, 2007, 11:57:52 AM
Post by: stevey on June 09, 2007, 04:43:37 PM
Quote
Which is exactly why Nintendo needs to take this very seriously. I just hope they know that.
Nintendo souldn't worry about a psps, a psp2 that rip of the ds/wii maybe but not a psps. A new version wont help the psp at all since making it slim wont fix the fact that...
UMD movies are dead.
There are a total of 3 good games for the psp.
There aren't any new good games on the way.
psp has worst hype than the dreamcast had.
Even the more stubborn gaphic whores know the psp is a failure and own DS.
DS own japan, US, and world in sells and market shares.
3rd partys know that has and are making more/only games for the DS.
Stores already cant get ridd of their psp stock and wont be so anxious to stock more Phailure System after almost drop the last one off selves.
Only people currently buying psp are modder who dont care what it used to look like or how fast the UMD drive is.
ect...
Also a biult in 8 gig of flash is fake, sony makes up all if its loses on hardware is with overprice flash cards.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 09, 2007, 05:23:01 PM
And there isn't anything good coming out for the PSP either. It's not like there's a Final Fantasy Tactics remake on the way, nor a Final Fantasy 7 prequel. A remake of a rare CastleVania game won't be released for it either. R-Type Tactics is obviously going to be a no-name flop.
It obviously does not have online play, and the price cut certainly did not help boost sales numbers. It isn't currently the best selling platform under Nintendo at the current time, and the PSP definitely hasn't sold as well as the Gamecube did last generation in much less time. The firmware certainly can not be the most flexible firmware ever to widely be accepted in platforms, and it doesn't matter anyways, because the PSP obviously has sold less units than the Dreamcast did.
Of course, this is just me thinking off the top of my head about all the things the PSP should have that would make it a valid contender to the DS. If it actually had these things only half-way through a platform-war, you never know, it could stand a chance to become the heavier platform, but probably only with a nice, fancy looking redesign to strengthen it's public appearance, like what was part of why the DS has been successful. Aren't we all glad the PSP doesn't have these things so we're 100% sure Nintendo will stay far on top?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 09, 2007, 10:50:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Spak-Spang
I don't think the answer for Nintendo is another DS revision. I think the answer is simply great DS games and a price drop in the DS.
The DS is pretty long in its lifespan. As long as it does not have a drastic drop in sales it will be fine.
What Nintendo needs to be doing is preping the next DS or next gameboy unit to be released in a year or two. 2008 or 2009 would be a great release for a new handheld for Nintendo. Wii will be in full stride, and the next handheld could be compatiable with the current DS, and offer something to kick the butt of any PSP revision.
Yes, Nintendo should be prepping their next handheld for a few years from now, and I'm sure they are, but they should also be preparing an interim DS revision to release in the meantime. The DS is selling like hotcakes, so there is no reason to release a DS2 anytime soon.
I think a 99$ DS revision that included built in MP3 and video capabilities would mop the floor with any PSP revision. There is no reason they can't release such a DS revision now, while still preparing a DS2 for the future.
Post by: SixthAngel on June 09, 2007, 11:02:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Yeah, you're completely right, there aren't any good games on the PSP. There isn't Monster Hunter Freedom, Lumines, The Godfather, LocoRoco, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, GTA Liberty City Stories, GTA Vice City Stories, Tekken: Resurrection, or Maverick Hunter X.
And there isn't anything good coming out for the PSP either. It's not like there's a Final Fantasy Tactics remake on the way, nor a Final Fantasy 7 prequel. A remake of a rare CastleVania game won't be released for it either. R-Type Tactics is obviously going to be a no-name flop.
It obviously does not have online play, and the price cut certainly did not help boost sales numbers. It isn't currently the best selling platform under Nintendo at the current time, and the PSP definitely hasn't sold as well as the Gamecube did last generation in much less time. The firmware certainly can not be the most flexible firmware ever to widely be accepted in platforms, and it doesn't matter anyways, because the PSP obviously has sold less units than the Dreamcast did.
Of course, this is just me thinking off the top of my head about all the things the PSP should have that would make it a valid contender to the DS. If it actually had these things only half-way through a platform-war, you never know, it could stand a chance to become the heavier platform, but probably only with a nice, fancy looking redesign to strengthen it's public appearance, like what was part of why the DS has been successful. Aren't we all glad the PSP doesn't have these things so we're 100% sure Nintendo will stay far on top?
Yet the DS has continued to surpass every predecessor and has been moving on like this system doesn't exist. A redesign is not going to regain interest in the psp for more than a week. There should be no response to this since it will almost assuredly have no impact on the DS and doesn't really offer much the psp doesn't currently. Lets cram more useless features into it because nobody cared about the other features we included! If the DS changed because of this it would only give this redesign some actual attention instead of everyone passing over it.
When I first read your psp games list I thought it was a ps2 list and that makes it very poor.
Post by: oohhboy on June 09, 2007, 11:55:52 PM
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 10, 2007, 12:06:09 AM
Maybe if Sony released writable UMD drives that allowed people to burn content onto discs from their PC, or if there were other devices which supported that format, then I think it would be more successful. For as expensive as the PS3 is, why doesn't it support UMD? For that matter, why doesn't the PSP at least have a TV-out option? All these reasons (and of course the price) are why UMD has failed.
The hardware has been selling so well only because of the writable memory sticks and the homebrew. UMD movies are a total failure, and the UMD games don't top the charts, no matter how good their few fans consider them to be.
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 10, 2007, 12:26:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Yeah, you're completely right, there aren't any good games on the PSP. There isn't Monster Hunter Freedom, Lumines, The Godfather, LocoRoco, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, GTA Liberty City Stories, GTA Vice City Stories, Tekken: Resurrection, or Maverick Hunter X.
Those games may be great, but do they top the sales charts? Do they offer anything that is radically different from games that have been rehashed on the PS2 and other consoles since the last generation? They have their supporters no doubt, but I don't see them elevating the PSP beyond its current "hardcore" audience.
The audience the PSP has will not expand beyond the hardcore. Why? Well, Sony could start pushing out pet simulators and brain games, but they will never be as popular on that as on the DS because of the lack of a touchscreen. The PSP is ill-suited for non-combat games, and this is the impression people have of it... people who love combat games may prefer the PSP over the DS, but they are the only group to have this preference.
No hardware revision for the PSP will ever shake this "hardcore gamers only" perception people have of it. Sony may change that perception with a PSP2 that offers a touchscreen and a strong library of non-games at launch, but I think they've lost the majority of the gaming market to Nintendo for this generation.
Post by: KDR_11k on June 10, 2007, 01:47:50 AM
Yeah except this new PSP will probably come with a new firmware and new anti-homebrew technology.
Post by: Ghisy on June 10, 2007, 02:49:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
That said, it may very well outsell the DS in the first month or two it is launched
Thank you for the good laugh! It was a great joke!!
Post by: Ceric on June 10, 2007, 05:33:08 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Chozo GhostQuote
Originally posted by: Spak-Spang
I don't think the answer for Nintendo is another DS revision. I think the answer is simply great DS games and a price drop in the DS.
The DS is pretty long in its lifespan. As long as it does not have a drastic drop in sales it will be fine.
What Nintendo needs to be doing is preping the next DS or next gameboy unit to be released in a year or two. 2008 or 2009 would be a great release for a new handheld for Nintendo. Wii will be in full stride, and the next handheld could be compatiable with the current DS, and offer something to kick the butt of any PSP revision.
Yes, Nintendo should be prepping their next handheld for a few years from now, and I'm sure they are, but they should also be preparing an interim DS revision to release in the meantime. The DS is selling like hotcakes, so there is no reason to release a DS2 anytime soon.
I think a 99$ DS revision that included built in MP3 and video capabilities would mop the floor with any PSP revision. There is no reason they can't release such a DS revision now, while still preparing a DS2 for the future.
I agree that a revision needs to come but I disagree on giving it multimedia capabilities. I'm all for Nintendo releasing a Multimedia card with memory pack. I just don't think the DS itself should have it built in. That is part of the reason the PSP is were its at today.
Now I will also argue that saying the PSP is selling no software is lie as well.
QuoteIf you keep up with the Official Wii Sales Thread you may have noticed that the PSP has been consistently keeping ~4 games in the top 50. It has even taken the #1 spot on different occasions. Which would also mean that a larger percentage of the user base would have to buy a game for that to happen. Some of the games even have legs, Monster Hunter <insert version here>. Unfortunately for Sony is that it is really easy to just download games for the PSP and play them. Which really hurts them. In all actuallity, thinking about it, with the new revision Sony may want to consider just releasing games for a little cheaper price all digital and be done with it. We know it can be done as proven by the hacking community. It probably be a lucrative compromise for them. They even sort of have a system in place to do such with the PS3 adding more "value" to the PS3. Better load times, less power consumption, and increase card sales. I could see that working out for Sony quiet well.
Lots of Numbers and things ...
DS
...- Has already caught and surpassed the PSP by 11,933,970 units
...
Post by: that Baby guy on June 10, 2007, 08:09:55 AM
Is there any actual reason why it wouldn't After all, it is the next best selling platform behind Nintendo's duo at the moment, meaning that interest is still being maintained. So if what Ceric's number showed isn't enough proof for you, what would be?
Post by: denjet78 on June 10, 2007, 10:46:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
I don't care what you think of the PSP as a gaming machine. I don't care if you don't like the games or think they are all basically ports. The fact is, several have sold well. The fact is, the PSP continues to sell pretty well. The fact is, the DS didn't vastly oversell the PSP in most markets until it received a revision. The fact is, Sony is the strongest handheld gaming platform maker to go against Nintendo ever in this segment of the industry. If you want to write that off like it's nothing, go ahead. The numbers disagree, though. They disagree completely. They say the PSP is a viable platform, and if there's some sort of spark, it could still take off as a gaming machine.
Is there any actual reason why it wouldn't After all, it is the next best selling platform behind Nintendo's duo at the moment, meaning that interest is still being maintained. So if what Ceric's number showed isn't enough proof for you, what would be?
Considering how badly every non Nintendo made system is doing right now saying the PSP is doing well because it's the top of the non Nintendo market doesn't really mean that much. If the DS sells 150,000 units a week while the PSP sells 30,000 units a week but it's still the highest selling non Nintendo system, I don't think you can really consider that a success by any stretch of the imagination.
As for Sony being the only major competitor to be able to actually carve some of the handheld market away from Nintendo? Well, that is true. However, I wouldn't doubt that the only reason the PSP even has the market share that it does is because everyone assumed that from day one Sony was going to completely clobber Nintendo. There wasn't even a hint of doubt that the PSP wasn't going to be the next Gameboy.
Of course it's taken a while for people to realize that the PSP is just more techno-crap but as can be seen from weekly sales, the system is dying. DS is outselling it by INCREDIBLE numbers. What's more, after Sony's failure with the PSP it's going to take a lot more to sell people on the PSP2. Before all they needed was the Sony name and the promise of great graphics. Well, that all tanked. With the PSP2 most likely they'll come up with a touch screen or a built in camera or both even. On the other hand though, Nintendo will probably come up with some new innovation that will make the PSP2 look just a antiquated as the PSP.
All of Sony's strengths that carried the PSP to huge sales numbers when it first came out have evaporated. GTA couldn't even save it and that was the franchise that ensured that no one was going to be able to catch up to the PS2. Something "could" happen sure, but if you ask me the big breakout hit of this generation has already been released: Wii Sports. I just don't see anything coming down the pipe that could have anything on the same level of impact for any other system. And without a massive impact title like that, the PSP isn't going anywhere.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 10, 2007, 12:30:57 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on June 10, 2007, 12:36:40 PM
Post by: Adrock on June 10, 2007, 01:53:27 PM
When GBA hit, there weren't many old school 2D games on consoles. It was still a different experience than what I had on home consoles. DS came at just the right time so while the technology was catching up, Nintendo introduced some much needed innovation to portable gaming to differentiate itself from consoles.
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 10, 2007, 02:29:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1
You guys are all spoiled by DS sales. From what I've seen on past sales, DS sales average waaaaaay higher than anything before it, so to say that "the PSP only doing 30k a week sucks" is laughable. 30k a week is actually not that bad if you take the phenomenal DS sales out of the picture and just compare it to all the other past system sales. Where PSP fails is in software sales (games and movies), that cannot be argued.
I personally suspect Sony of fudging the numbers somehow. I know how hard that may be, but I still suspect it.
There just aren't enough games/movies/emulators to justify the sales of the PSP.
WHAT are people supposedly buying it for?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 10, 2007, 02:52:47 PM
The major problem is that most everyone I know that has one, doesn't actually pay for any of those things. And they are not tech savvy people that hack systems or anything like that. They download/rip music from each other or the internets, rip their own movies to a HDD and then convert them to play on PSP using a memstick and probably download games from the internet(emulators), ocassionally buying a game* if they can't find it elsewhere.
*I've only seen two people that own a PSP actually playing a PSP game on it, and only one of them paid for the game and owned it on a UMD. He was also the only person I knew that was feverishly going out and buying UMD movies to watch "cause the quality was great" or some such nonsense like that.
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 10, 2007, 04:06:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
I don't care what you think of the PSP as a gaming machine. I don't care if you don't like the games or think they are all basically ports. The fact is, several have sold well. The fact is, the PSP continues to sell pretty well. The fact is, the DS didn't vastly oversell the PSP in most markets until it received a revision. The fact is, Sony is the strongest handheld gaming platform maker to go against Nintendo ever in this segment of the industry. If you want to write that off like it's nothing, go ahead. The numbers disagree, though. They disagree completely. They say the PSP is a viable platform, and if there's some sort of spark, it could still take off as a gaming machine.
Is there any actual reason why it wouldn't After all, it is the next best selling platform behind Nintendo's duo at the moment, meaning that interest is still being maintained. So if what Ceric's number showed isn't enough proof for you, what would be?
It wasn't the revision alone which propeled the DS into the lead. You may recall that New Super Mario Bros. came out that same month, and it is selling extremely well even today (a year later). I do agree with you the revision did a lot for Nintendo's success, but it wasn't the only thing. Great games were part of it.
Post by: SixthAngel on June 10, 2007, 04:33:46 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on June 10, 2007, 04:52:53 PM
Price,
Load Times,
Cost of Games,
Battery Life,
Memory Card Costs
Now, this revision (If it is True) will eliminate most of these complaints. Battery life improved, Load Times will be improved with better drives, and if it comes with 8GB solid state memory then Memory cards will not be necessary.
So it finally means that the PSP's only problems are Price and Cost of games. That is something that can be forgiven by many people depending on what kind of games you like...and possibly even forgiven by me.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 10, 2007, 04:54:24 PM
It looks like the PSP will be getting at least 2 of 3 of those things at about the same time with Crisis Core.
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 10, 2007, 05:35:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1 Why else do you think people buy these things?
I have no idea.
I've heard so many stories of disappointed PSP owners that I can't fathom people buying them still.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 10, 2007, 08:53:16 PM
Its not really practical as an mp3 player cause you can get much smaller and more dedicated hardware for that. Its not all that perfect for watching movies cause you can get much bigger and more dedicated hardware that uses existing media that you probably already own. It is good for games, but not if you have to run them off of the UMD cause the load time are atrocious (from what I hear). But they'll rip a movie and some other videos and put some music on a mem stick, then try to flaunt the system in front of me like I would be impressed. Its not my fault that they have to somehow try and justify their purchase to everyone else now, no one seems to really care.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 10, 2007, 09:06:18 PM
Post by: Ceric on June 11, 2007, 03:43:53 AM
Post by: Athrun Zala on June 11, 2007, 06:12:24 AM
Quotethat will be cracked a few days later, as usual....
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
The main group of buyers of the PSP revision will likely be "homebrew" people who are sick of their current PSP's short battery life.
Yeah except this new PSP will probably come with a new firmware and new anti-homebrew technology.
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 11, 2007, 06:23:00 AM
Sony executives are probably reading this thread and gathering ideas.
Post by: Nick DiMola on June 11, 2007, 07:15:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
For being a Nintendo fansite, we sure spend a lot of time thinking of ways to improve the products of their competition.
Sony executives are probably reading this thread and gathering ideas.
I hope so, that might let Nintendo improve their product further with more innovation and an even cooler concept than the DS. Plus I wouldn't mind picking up a PSP. The more quality gaming machines out there the better, as long as the software selection matches the product's quality.
Post by: Smash_Brother on June 11, 2007, 07:30:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
Sony executives are probably reading this thread and stealing ideas.
Fixed.
Post by: Ceric on June 11, 2007, 09:33:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
For being a Nintendo fansite, we sure spend a lot of time thinking of ways to improve the products of their competition.
Sony executives are probably reading this thread and gathering ideas.
Were all just to nice. I'm an INTJ so its just one of those things.
Post by: Patchkid15 on June 11, 2007, 09:59:16 AM
Post by: Ghisy on June 11, 2007, 10:34:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1
He was also the only person I knew that was feverishly going out and buying UMD movies to watch "cause the quality was great" or some such nonsense like that.
Dude, you need new friends!! Or friends who don't need glasses at least.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 11, 2007, 08:50:41 PM
Post by: vudu on June 12, 2007, 08:22:17 AM
-"[T]he updated PSP won't have big speed increases and will be outfitted with a slot UMD loader"
-"[The screen is] the same size [as the current one] and is "Sidekick-esque." That would give the portable a "flip-factor" and decrease the system's overall size"
-New controls for UMD movie chapter and music skipping
-Screen is still LCD, not LED as previous information indicated
-Sony is considering adding Bluetooth capabilities
-4 GB of on-board memory, not 8 GB
-"[T]his new PSP would eventually replace all existing models. Pricing is "currently the same," and the release date is Fall 07"
Looks like BnM might have been on the right track when he guessed a clam-shell design. I also find it interesting that the PSP Slim will replace the existing model and not work in conjunction with it. My guess would have been that Sony drops the price of the existing model and positions the PSP Slim as a high-end version.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 12, 2007, 08:45:27 AM
I can't see what good Bluetooth could do for the PSP, though someone else may be able to tell me, but as far as I've always thought, Bluetooth is like a weaker, cheaper substitute to Wifi, mostly used so smaller devices can work wireless and still be pretty inexpensive, please correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this feature be useless unless they were planning some sort of headset hardware, too? And if that were to happen, I suppose that means they plan to turn it into a phone, I would think.
To this extent, like a few people have said beforehand, making the device a download platform may be a better switch for Sony.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 12, 2007, 12:13:28 PM
Post by: IceCold on June 12, 2007, 12:19:47 PM
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 12, 2007, 12:40:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Sounds to me like they'll be releasing it at $170. The DS took a similar pricing route, with a price drop occurring first, then a hardware change at the same price as the hardware before it, without the older DS changing price either, but rather being silently discontinued, as far as I can tell.
I can't see what good Bluetooth could do for the PSP, though someone else may be able to tell me, but as far as I've always thought, Bluetooth is like a weaker, cheaper substitute to Wifi, mostly used so smaller devices can work wireless and still be pretty inexpensive, please correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this feature be useless unless they were planning some sort of headset hardware, too? And if that were to happen, I suppose that means they plan to turn it into a phone, I would think.
To this extent, like a few people have said beforehand, making the device a download platform may be a better switch for Sony.
I think Bluetooth is basically a way for devices to communicate and interact with one another but without wires/cables. Think of it is a wireless form of USB.
Does the PS3 have bluetooth capability? If it does then the advantage to the PSP having it is rather obvious as it would allow them to communicate and exchange files and such without a cable. Same with laptops and desktops that have Bluetooth capability... and don't forget the bluetooth headsets that people use with cellphones. Lots of potential use for them on the PSP for communication and such.
Nintendo had better be thinking of a bluetooth enables DS....
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 12, 2007, 12:41:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceCold
Keep telling yourself that.
I have yet to play a game that has quite the interaction with the enviroment or the mayhem as PS2.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 12, 2007, 12:52:29 PM
Post by: Ages on June 12, 2007, 03:13:47 PM
Post by: that Baby guy on June 12, 2007, 03:48:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
I have yet to play a game that has quite the interaction with the enviroment or the mayhem as PS2.
What about Katamari Damacy? Oh, wait, there's one of those on the PSP, too. Well darn! The system may just have the good games we all 'know' it doesn't have. Seriously, Nintendo can't let Sony take advantage of this hardware launch.
Post by: Athrun Zala on June 12, 2007, 07:34:10 PM
QuoteBluetooth doesn't add much except that it's easier to connect the devices... but the bandwidth available is far less than that of WiFi, and fewer devices can be connected at the same time... so I don't see much point to it... (probably it doesn't drain the batteries as much as WiFi does, but that I don't know...)
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
I think Bluetooth is basically a way for devices to communicate and interact with one another but without wires/cables. Think of it is a wireless form of USB.
Does the PS3 have bluetooth capability? If it does then the advantage to the PSP having it is rather obvious as it would allow them to communicate and exchange files and such without a cable. Same with laptops and desktops that have Bluetooth capability... and don't forget the bluetooth headsets that people use with cellphones. Lots of potential use for them on the PSP for communication and such.
Nintendo had better be thinking of a bluetooth enables DS....
Especially for DS, when it already has WiFi (and the Wii does too, so they can already communicate with each other...)
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on June 12, 2007, 08:17:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguyQuote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
I have yet to play a game that has quite the interaction with the enviroment or the mayhem as PS2.
What about Katamari Damacy? Oh, wait, there's one of those on the PSP, too. Well darn! The system may just have the good games we all 'know' it doesn't have. Seriously, Nintendo can't let Sony take advantage of this hardware launch.
I believe PS2 and Katamari are two very different games. I was talking about the interactive enviroments mixed with fighting ala Smash Brothers and PS2. Really though I don't think Nintendo has much to worry about, it isn't like PS2 has a huge following and the games are still struggling to sell. I am not saying it will be like Nokia's thing, but I doubt sales will shift that much at least over the long term. Nintendo DS has an amazing library that is more highly regarded than the PSPs so I don't see a redesigned PSP as a big problem.
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 12, 2007, 08:53:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
But Chozo_Ghost, doesn't Wifi already allow that to happen?
Yeah, so maybe it isn't that great of an idea to add it in. As I understand it, though, WiFi is more an internet thing whereas bluetooth is specifically designed for device interactions.... I'm sure WiFi can do most things Bluetooth can, but it isn't specifically designed for that... that's just my take though, and I could be wrong.
Post by: Adrock on June 12, 2007, 09:37:05 PM
The most obvious necessary revision since adding a lighted screen on GBA.
Kotaku says that Sony wants to compete with DS Lite. If that's the case, it's a little late. The only thing that can stop DS now is Nintendo, should they make some absolutely god-awful decision(s). That's unlikely. While it might be too late for PSP to be competitive, it's not to late for a sales spike encouraged by a vastly improved model.
For me, at least recently, I've needed a good reason to buy hardware. No longer do I just get excited and buy because something new is out. I waited for Lite and the timing was perfect because (despite being slightly let down) I wanted New Super Mario Bros. 2D Mario is like my heroin. There's some stuff on PSP I have my sights set on and if this Slim rumor is true (and it probably is), I might have to get a PSP. I'm spending so much on videogames this year as it is.
Post by: Ceric on June 13, 2007, 03:46:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Adrock
Slot UMD loader = FINALLY
The most obvious necessary revision since adding a lighted screen on GBA.
Kotaku says that Sony wants to compete with DS Lite. If that's the case, it's a little late. The only thing that can stop DS now is Nintendo, should they make some absolutely god-awful decision(s). That's unlikely. While it might be too late for PSP to be competitive, it's not to late for a sales spike encouraged by a vastly improved model.
For me, at least recently, I've needed a good reason to buy hardware. No longer do I just get excited and buy because something new is out. I waited for Lite and the timing was perfect because (despite being slightly let down) I wanted New Super Mario Bros. 2D Mario is like my heroin. There's some stuff on PSP I have my sights set on and if this Slim rumor is true (and it probably is), I might have to get a PSP. I'm spending so much on videogames this year as it is.
Agree except for the DSLite and Mario bit.
Also both the Wii and the PS3 use Bluetooth for their wireless controllers. Using Wifi would be like using a fire hose to water a small garden. I can't believe that a Bluetooth headset automatically mean phone. Come on. It could be used for in game voice chat, like the DS Mic, or even better yet wireless headphones. It could also be for accesories like a GPS unit or even a camera. Hopefully they are phasing out the older one so they can go to digital content. At $170 though it might be worth picking up. Now if I can get that and the non-gimped 60 gig PS3 for $550 that might be worth it too.
Post by: vudu on June 13, 2007, 07:25:33 AM
Quote
The rumor mill is flowing about new PSP hardware and a PSP phone, and I just wanted to take the time to clear the air. We haven't announced anything about a new PSP, much less one that would have any phone capabilities. As SCEA's resident PSP guru, I'm thrilled to hear that there's so much interest in the platform, but sorry folks, these reports floating around fall into the rumors/speculation category.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 13, 2007, 09:03:51 AM
Post by: Louieturkey on June 13, 2007, 09:05:36 AM
Post by: Chozo Ghost on June 14, 2007, 05:32:06 AM
Post by: Ghisy on June 14, 2007, 07:55:45 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
In other words, "Go on and don't buy your PSP systems as usual."
Fixed!!
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 15, 2007, 07:27:08 AM
QuoteIts a good thing you posted this before NPD came out....
Originally posted by: GhisyQuote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
In other words, "Go on and don't buy your PSP systems as usual."
Fixed!!
Post by: Spak-Spang on June 15, 2007, 11:57:59 AM
It keep Nintendo honest and not doing crazy cheapass renovation of their portables for too many years, instead of just releasing a true update.
Post by: that Baby guy on June 15, 2007, 12:17:17 PM
The PSP can do lot's of things, but it does absolutely none of them well. I agree that a competitor is important in nearly, if not all, business areas, but I have to hate the fact that the PSP is Nintendo's biggest competitor in this area, because when it comes down to it, the PSP really does suck. In my opinion, the PSP hasn't much from anything it's tried to do right, but only from it's name, which the reason there are still good games being released on the system. IMO, those games need to go to a system that can handle them for more than four hours at a time. In most cases, I don't care if it's Nintendo or not, but I do wish it was at least someone who had a viable product that itself did not rely on name alone, and Sony has failed to provide such a product, unfortunately.
I wish the GP 32 or whatever it's called now were the competitor here.
Post by: Ghisy on June 15, 2007, 07:15:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1QuoteIts a good thing you posted this before NPD came out....
Originally posted by: GhisyQuote
Originally posted by: Chozo Ghost
In other words, "Go on and don't buy your PSP systems as usual."
Fixed!!
Eh, not my fault if people are willing to waste 170 bucks in a system that has basically no games.
I'd only get a PSP if it was selling for $99.00 for the premium or whatever they call it package.
Post by: Urkel on June 15, 2007, 08:21:37 PM
Why make a big budget game exclusively for PSP when the same game could be made for the PS2?
With the DS the justification for making a game for it can be the fact that it's portable, AND the fact that you can do stuff on the DS that can't be done on any other system.
Post by: Ceric on June 16, 2007, 04:47:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
I don't. The PSP itself is a terrible handheld. While I will argue that it has some great games on it, the PSP itself is a piece of junk in every commercial way. For intelligent home brew users, it's great, but Sony does whatever is possible to stop home brew. For modders and rommers, the system is great, it allows illegal gaming on the go very easily, and Sony can't keep it in check no matter what they do. For the casual gamer, it's terrible. End users have been tricked to thinking the system is a wonderful portable media device. Now, due to stupid support of UMDs mor media other than games, the PSP is difficult to work with for the casual users who want to listen to music, watch movies, and surf the web. For hardcore gamers who support the system, they have to spend a bit of money on alternative energy sources, or switch to illegal activities to be able to game on a trip for a decent amount of time.
The PSP can do lot's of things, but it does absolutely none of them well. I agree that a competitor is important in nearly, if not all, business areas, but I have to hate the fact that the PSP is Nintendo's biggest competitor in this area, because when it comes down to it, the PSP really does suck. In my opinion, the PSP hasn't much from anything it's tried to do right, but only from it's name, which the reason there are still good games being released on the system. IMO, those games need to go to a system that can handle them for more than four hours at a time. In most cases, I don't care if it's Nintendo or not, but I do wish it was at least someone who had a viable product that itself did not rely on name alone, and Sony has failed to provide such a product, unfortunately.
I wish the GP 32 or whatever it's called now were the competitor here.
Pretty much, "A Jack of All Trades is Master of None.''
Post by: Louieturkey on June 27, 2007, 09:49:07 AM
Obviously consider this rumor since he no longer works there and info can change on a daily basis.
