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Nintendo Gaming / Playstation Portable vs. GameBoy Advance: The War is On
« on: May 13, 2003, 04:10:38 PM »
The PSP truly is the Walkman of the 21st century. The system will have more power than the PS1, disks will have 1.8 GB capacity, a 4.5" widescreen backlit display, memory stick and USB enabled. Developers will no doubt flock to this system and easily rehash their PS1 games to get them on the PSP.
And games is only the beginning for this system. Utilizing the Universal Media Device (UMD) you can bet Sony will be releasing music albums and movies for the system. Since the PSP uses memory sticks for the storage medium you'll be able to pop your card out of your digital camera and view your images and movies on the PSP (assuming you have a Sony digital camera). In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony release UMDs with PDA type software. I've already heard speculation that some GPS functionality will be built in. You would then purchase regional UMDs to get detailed street and/or typography maps. The PSP could be that long fabled all-in-one system that combines your multiple portables. This may work to Nintendo's advantage if they continue to market themselves as the "games-only" console/portable.
The USB connection is very intriguing as well. I'm assuming this or some other proprietary connection is how the PSP will talk to other PSPs, and PS2s (and in the next 2-3 years the PS3). I can see it already... Mod your PSP, upload your MP3s and MPGs to your Memory Sticks, then use a pirated UMD loaded with software to play them on the road.
If Sony is smart they'll slap on some RCA plugs so you can connect it directly to an external source.
Nintendo definitely has their work cut out for them if they want to stay on top of this market. Sony's price-point will be a major obstacle for them. With all this technology I can't believe this system will make it out the door for less than 200. Which probably won't include a memory stick. I also have to speculate how much software will be for the PSP. Sony will no doubt want to compete with GBA prices, but due to the system's power games will be more robust and could cost more to make. 49.99 for games could scare off some parents doing some comparitive shopping, but the way game prices have been dropping lately this shouldn't matter in the long run. Sony could even try to spark sales by releasing some PS1 "Greatest Hits" for the PSP at 19.99.
A lot of what I mentioned was speculative, and meant to spur thought and discussion. I hope Nintendo has something planned to stay on top... Skip the Portable N64. Now how about a portable GC?
And games is only the beginning for this system. Utilizing the Universal Media Device (UMD) you can bet Sony will be releasing music albums and movies for the system. Since the PSP uses memory sticks for the storage medium you'll be able to pop your card out of your digital camera and view your images and movies on the PSP (assuming you have a Sony digital camera). In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony release UMDs with PDA type software. I've already heard speculation that some GPS functionality will be built in. You would then purchase regional UMDs to get detailed street and/or typography maps. The PSP could be that long fabled all-in-one system that combines your multiple portables. This may work to Nintendo's advantage if they continue to market themselves as the "games-only" console/portable.
The USB connection is very intriguing as well. I'm assuming this or some other proprietary connection is how the PSP will talk to other PSPs, and PS2s (and in the next 2-3 years the PS3). I can see it already... Mod your PSP, upload your MP3s and MPGs to your Memory Sticks, then use a pirated UMD loaded with software to play them on the road.
If Sony is smart they'll slap on some RCA plugs so you can connect it directly to an external source.
Nintendo definitely has their work cut out for them if they want to stay on top of this market. Sony's price-point will be a major obstacle for them. With all this technology I can't believe this system will make it out the door for less than 200. Which probably won't include a memory stick. I also have to speculate how much software will be for the PSP. Sony will no doubt want to compete with GBA prices, but due to the system's power games will be more robust and could cost more to make. 49.99 for games could scare off some parents doing some comparitive shopping, but the way game prices have been dropping lately this shouldn't matter in the long run. Sony could even try to spark sales by releasing some PS1 "Greatest Hits" for the PSP at 19.99.
A lot of what I mentioned was speculative, and meant to spur thought and discussion. I hope Nintendo has something planned to stay on top... Skip the Portable N64. Now how about a portable GC?
