Sony must act on the PSP's performance

[jkam]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21229

Sony must act on 'worrying' PSP performance – Climax
Matt Martin 11:34 21/11/2006
Developer fears publishers may begin to abandon format

Karl Jeffery, CEO of developer Climax, has told GamesIndustry.biz that Sony must act to reverse poor performance of the PSP before publishers begin to abandon the format.

The outspoken development boss, whose company has recently released a new ATV Offroad Fury title for the system, is concerned that the Nintendo DS is trouncing the PlayStation Portable - while Sony is doing little to support its own handheld.

"To be honest and frank about it we worry about the future of the PSP," said Jeffery.

"In terms of sales of the actual units, it's not doing so great. The DS is going gangbusters, the sales volumes are going up exponentially. But the PSP worrys us, because we're sitting here thinking about what Sony is going to do to get the platform back on track and we're not hearing much from them."

Jeffery believes there are two ways to reinvigorate the format – redesign the handheld to create a more ergonomically appealing unit, and develop a serious digital download content strategy.

"Personally, I love it as a platform to develop for, it's very powerful and it's a great machine. But it's a big bit of kit to lug around and the battery life's not great. Perhaps they could bring out a 'PSP Lite' or something along those lines," said Jeffery.

"Another thing that would be smart is to get into a downloadable games model, which Sony hasn't really done yet. There's wi-fi possibilities and memory stick features that could be used - we can see where Sony could take the platform to re-energise it. But it's very disappointing at the moment when you look at the installed base and the sales of the games that are out there; it's not a compelling prospect for many publishers."

When asked whether he thought publishers may begin to abandon the format, Jeffery replied: "That's my instinct, yes. Maybe Sony has got something planned, but at the moment it's very worrying. It's probably the platform we're most worried about."



First EA now this.

[Roufuss]

I'm honestly not surprised... I barely see commercials for the PSP (unless it's Killzone or Vice City Stories) and most people on most message boards I go to are barely talking about the thing.

PSP has ALOT of potential but I really think it's too late for Sony to turn it around.

It would help if they dropped games down to $30 universally... I'd buy alot more games this way, and probably many others would too.

Not so many ports... that would help also. New games in old franchises? That's the way to go.

I have a PSP, it's alot of fun, but I have no clue what's out now because nothing gets advertised or talked about.

Actually, you know what did it? People could never get over the "long load times" even though most games recently have pretty decent load times. They never got over the 2 or 3 shitty games that had bad load times... every time a PSP thread is made people always say "wah wah long load times" when most games have load times comparable to PS2. I think Sony could never shake that shitty image.

[captainfrizo]

I got a PSP at its launch and sold it shortly after GTA: Liberty City Stories came out. I've never been so disappointed in a console/hand-held before. The game library was simply too small at that time and what was out didn't interest me. When my favorite games on the PSP were the NES games of Mike Tyson's Punch-out and Legend of Zelda I knew something was wrong with the selection of true PSP games.

Sure, there were other issues such as long and very frequent load times, but the lack of games was what made me get rid of it.

It's a shame that the system is failing. It had such great potential too.

[Dead of Knight]

Actually, you know what did it? People could never get over the "long load times" even though most games recently have pretty decent load times. They never got over the 2 or 3 shitty games that had bad load times... every time a PSP thread is made people always say "wah wah long load times" when most games have load times comparable to PS2. I think Sony could never shake that shitty image.

Not really. It's just that pretty much all the interesting games are ports or have been/will be ported to other systems. There are no real exclusives to speak of that are killer apps, unlike with the DS. The load times may be a factor, and I think that a handheld system should have less load times. But I really don't think that's the issue with PSP's poor performance. There's just not much of interest for gamers and nongamers alike.

[RegalSin2020]

To be honest the system is too expensive and I do not have a job for investing money.

People can already emulate most games and going online is no problem.

Then when you think about it they are using a disc system and that is the main killer. If they can the disc system and go with Flash or Ram cards then people who owned games for it would be ticked off.

[Dead of Knight]

To be honest the system is too expensive and I do not have a job for investing money.

People can already emulate most games and going online is no problem.

Then when you think about it they are using a disc system and that is the main killer. If they can the disc system and go with Flash or Ram cards then people who owned games for it would be ticked off.

Wow, that almost made sense. Almost.

[mykevermin]

An extension of the OP's quoted article: I think that, if Sony would stop trying to release pithy software updates with things I do not use (internet browser), if Sony did not force people to update the software to play new titles, and if Sony took a less aggressive stance towards homebrew, then they might have a viable system. As it is, they're spending too much of their resources fighting the people who own the damn thing, and too little in trying to sculpt the PSP as something of its own (rather than a portable PS2 you have to pay 2-3X as much to be able to use).

They also need to get Squeenix on board, as I think only they can save the PSP now.

[Chacrana]

I like my PSP, but honestly... it's still a system designed to play ports. There's a couple exceptions, but wow. There's pretty much no good original content.

[Roufuss]

I like my PSP, but honestly... it's still a system designed to play ports. There's a couple exceptions, but wow. There's pretty much no good original content.

Agreed. I mean, when it comes down to choosing a game for either PSP / PS2, like the Metal Slug Compliation, I'm going to choose PS2 every time simply because I use it more and I can use it for more than 5 hours at a time.

And it dosen't help that usually most of the PSP "ports" are a good $10 - $20 more expensive.

[Vinny]

And it dosen't help that usually most of the PSP "ports" are a good $10 - $20 more expensive.

Not only that but most companies half ass the effort too.

Sony needs to get a better marketing strategy together. I see PSP commercials all the time but they involve something stupid... rather than try to make it look cool (which isn't working anymore it seems), concentrate on the features more and less on the people who are using the device.

I also don't like the digital content thing is going to work anymore because newer multimedia devices do these things way better than the PSP could ever hope to. Not only that, but the PSP's strongest feature (PS1 downloads) now requires a PS3 to use.

[Dead of Knight]

I like my PSP, but honestly... it's still a system designed to play ports. There's a couple exceptions, but wow. There's pretty much no good original content.

It's not "designed" to play ports... the developers and Sony made it that almost all the games are ports. I doubt that was Sony's original intention, because that wouldn't make very much business sense IMO, but that's what happened. However, it seems to me that Sony has shown that they have little business sense with the PS3 thus far, so maybe that was indeed their intention.

[Brak]

I'd see myself playing a PSP, at work, more than I do the DS...

Wouldn't mind getting one, actually.

[Strell]

Wow, that almost made sense. Almost.

On a Regalsin scale, this is Pulitzer Prize worthy.

[DesertEagleXIX]

Execept for the price, I don't see what the major stumbling block is for the PSP. Hell, it's core package is about 25 bucks more than the DS, and it can play videos and music.

While I enjoy my DS, I always carry my PSP around. If I just want to chill, I can listen to MP3s, or watch a documentary. Converting video could be easier for the noobs, though...

With better 3D than the DS the variety of games is better too. Try playing a game like Ace Combat X on Nintendo's handheld. I really enjoy the old school collections (Capcom Classics, EA Replay, etc), the DS doesn't really have an equivalant.

[B1gC72]

i love my PSP. though honestly, i rarely play games on it. the only reason i still use it is for the media stuff (i use it as my MP3 player with a 4GB memory stick). but it really shouldnt be like this. there really arent that many games on it that i havent played already. i origionality is very very slim. now every now and then you get a gem like Loco Roco, Lumines, or even Exit but these shouldnt be the only good games on it. is there such a thing as a handheld being too powerful? because i think we're seeing that now. it really doesnt have that much to separate it from current-gen game consoles as its a very powerful little machine and this makes all the developers treat it just like another console and port to it. its a real shame too because PSP had unlimited potential but i really do think its on the way out.

[Graystone]

Its not long before the PSP dies. Walmart and other major retailers quit carrying UMD movies before it was even abandoned.

The problem with the PSP is the cost, need for memory sticks, battery life, and size. Thats just for the PSP itself. The games are another story. Mainly ports, poor rehashes, or release for the PSP after its been on the major consoles for 7-12 months.

[trq]

Execept for the price, I don't see what the major stumbling block is for the PSP. Hell, it's core package is about 25 bucks more than the DS, and it can play videos and music.

While I enjoy my DS, I always carry my PSP around. If I just want to chill, I can listen to MP3s, or watch a documentary. Converting video could be easier for the noobs, though...

With better 3D than the DS the variety of games is better too. Try playing a game like Ace Combat X on Nintendo's handheld. I really enjoy the old school collections (Capcom Classics, EA Replay, etc), the DS doesn't really have an equivalant.

Uh... it's a $70 difference, isn't it? $130 DS, $200 PSP? What do you mean by "core package?"

[A Happy Panda]

I saw this coming. I ditched my PSP a year after I got it at launch, never looked back. Lack of good titles at the time really killed it.

[suffah]

I think if Sony wanted to save the PSP and keep developer support, a price drop for the games is crucial. The console could use a price drop as well, but I doubt Sony will do that. Look at the DS software sales vs the PSP software sales. More staggering than the hardware, which is already crazy.

[Professor Oreo]

If the games were $20-$30 this thing would sell like hotcakes. But I find it really hard to justify spending $40-$50 on handheld games when I could buy a new console game for roughly the same price.

[Xellos2099]

To be frank, the only USA psp game i am even semi interested in is Valkyie Profile Leene and the meagman x remade. ................... Wait... a .... minute, they are port themself lol.

To be honest, psp is basically a poor man ps2........ I mean, a rich man ps2, since it is more expensive. One thing Sony should have realize is that moving parts and a portable system don't really mix. And i got a feeling that sony is spending more time and money with all their require fireware upgrade to play the latest game than to made fun game itself.

Another point worth mentioning is that a lot of people are really angry with Sony atm since it is supposedly the psp that kill Lik-Sang. Even if one argue Psp didn't kill Lik-Sang, Sony did, peoepl connect the dot.

If Sony will actualy allow games like Suikoden collection and that Tales of E game and a price drop of psp to a ds level, peopel will jump onto a psp like a big fan juicy steak in a shark infecte water.

As of now, Psp is nothing more than a Zohar Emulator for games

[ananag112]

I don't know what all of you are talking about. The PSP had a great lineup of games this year. Syphon Filter, Daxter, Megaman Games, Loco Roco, Race Driver 2006, Tekken DR, etc.

I think the problem is that people are comparing the PSP to a console and then other people compare the PSP to the DS. The PSP is its own unique system. Sure it has long load times, an average battery life, and no second analog stick, but the PSP provides the deepest games for when you are on the go.

Honestly, the DS has very few games that have kept me entertained for over a week.

[sqyxzylyx]

Bye PSP.

[GizmoGC]

I don't know what all of you are talking about. The PSP had a great lineup of games this year. Syphon Filter, Daxter, Megaman Games, Loco Roco, Race Driver 2006, Tekken DR, etc.

I think the problem is that people are comparing the PSP to a console and then other people compare the PSP to the DS. The PSP is its own unique system. Sure it has long load times, an average battery life, and no second analog stick, but the PSP provides the deepest games for when you are on the go.

Honestly, the DS has very few games that have kept me entertained for over a week.

Problem is most of games are just not THAT good. Syphon and Daxter were good, but Loco Roco, Tekken, Race Driver bombed in sales. The only games that have really interested me on the PSP have been compilations of old games. I just recently sold my 2.8 FW PSP and am keeping my 1.5 one just for the homebrew.

Sony is rumored to be coming out with a redesigned PSP...I'll see how that works and decide if I may buy another one. Hopefully they figure out the PS1 emulation as well.

[Xellos2099]

All the updating firmware are scaring the hack out of people sicne basically kill potential customer who want to run homebrew on it. And Sony was marketing psp as a portable system, psp is anything but portable.

[YoshiFan1]

I like the PSP but I agree about the high prices. $40 - $50 for a portable game is too much. If I see a game I want, I'll try to get it at a clearance price but there seems to also be few new releases that I want. Most of my portable gaming time is playing the DS because it's just more fun to play and good for a quick game unlike a lot of PSP games that are more time consuming.

[ananag112]

Problem is most of games are just not THAT good. Syphon and Daxter were good, but Loco Roco, Tekken, Race Driver bombed in sales. The only games that have really interested me on the PSP have been compilations of old games. I just recently sold my 2.8 FW PSP and am keeping my 1.5 one just for the homebrew.

Sony is rumored to be coming out with a redesigned PSP...I'll see how that works and decide if I may buy another one. Hopefully they figure out the PS1 emulation as well.

I think these games failed sales wise due to poor advertising and piracy. Sony has done bad job trying to correct their mistakes in these two areas. The games though are really very good and I have played my PSP at least 5 times more than the DS this year. What I like about the PSP is that it has a very diverse lineup of games. Solid shooters, racing games, puzzle games, action games, sports games, etc. The DS had a strong 2005, but this year it has had a horrible game lineup. Castlevania looks good though and can almost make up for the bad year.

The DS has sold very well though which leaves me scratching my head. What has Nintendo done that Sony has not?

[Roufuss]

I think these games failed sales wise due to poor advertising and piracy. Sony has done bad job trying to correct their mistakes in these two areas. The games though are really very good and I have played my PSP at least 5 times more than the DS this year. What I like about the PSP is that it has a very diverse lineup of games. Solid shooters, racing games, puzzle games, action games, sports games, etc. The DS had a strong 2005, but this year it has had a horrible game lineup. Castlevania looks good though and can almost make up for the bad year.

The DS has sold very well though which leaves me scratching my head. What has Nintendo done that Sony has not?

Nintendo has done advertising, better prices on its hardware, reached out to more demographics than just one, cheaper games, lots of positive press.

PSP may have had alot of great games but they didn't sell, nobody knows about them, and nobody cares.

[mykevermin]

New titles. This year has been quite good for DS: Nintendogs, Brain Age/Big Brain Academy, Final Fantasy III, Metroid Prime Hunters, New Super Mario Bros., etc. Those are just the big titles I own.

Many PSP titles have the "same shit, different disc" feel to them. Even (and don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic game) Vice City Stories. DS gets new Mega Man titles, while PSP got remakes of MM1 and MMX. I don't think that people demand innovation, but that the PSP is too similar to stuff they already have. I won't buy Smackdown vs. Raw for PSP because I have the same damn thing on my 360. ***maybe*** for $30, but $50? Eat me.

There have been some good compilations for PSP, but hampered because they are (1) also on PS2, and (2) cheaper on PS2. Who the fuck would pay $40-50 for Capcom Classics Collection (different games, I know, I know) for PSP when the same thing can be had (more or less) for $20 on PS2/Xbox?

In short, the PSP's problem is this: if there's a great PSP game you just must play, you can get it elsewhere (on a format you probably already own) for cheaper, or for the same price but with more options/better graphics/shorter load times.

I'm a little miffed about the pricing structure for PS1 downloads ($5.99 - $10.99), since the Japanese PS1 titles are 525 yen (less than $4.50) as well. I'm looking forward to them, but a little bitter about the extra moolah. Why can't they be $4.99? It's not as if they didn't make their money on them 10 years ago.

They lack killer apps, and they do not seem to be able to convey to the customer that they give a shit about supporting the format, IMO. They've been arrogant as well as slow; how long have we known about PS1 downloads, and how slow have they been in implementing them? Instead we get a dozen or so forced updates that do nothing but add shit I don't need and the latest hack fix.

[Xellos2099]

Interesting point abut piracy but same thing is on DS side and DS is still winning in term of sales.

[daphatty]

You know, I am starting to sense a theme here. Sony releases the PSP under the guise of being a handheld gaming console. Two years later and its gaming prowess leaves much to be desired. HOWEVER, throw a PS3 into the mix and you have yourself a fully functional and portable media player. Coincidence? I think not.

I've been using my PSP as an MP3 player and a video "iPod" (through the use of a custom built "TiVo PC) for almost as long as I've owned the system. I should have clued in to Sony's intentions long ago but I was blinded by my "gamerdom." Oh well.

[DesertEagleXIX]

Uh... it's a $70 difference, isn't it? $130 DS, $200 PSP? What do you mean by "core package?"

My mistake. It was $199...

[trq]

I'm a little miffed about the pricing structure for PS1 downloads ($5.99 - $10.99), since the Japanese PS1 titles are 525 yen (less than $4.50) as well. I'm looking forward to them, but a little bitter about the extra moolah. Why can't they be $4.99? It's not as if they didn't make their money on them 10 years ago.

They lack killer apps, and they do not seem to be able to convey to the customer that they give a shit about supporting the format, IMO. They've been arrogant as well as slow; how long have we known about PS1 downloads, and how slow have they been in implementing them? Instead we get a dozen or so forced updates that do nothing but add shit I don't need and the latest hack fix.

The "must own a PS3 to download PS1 games for your PSP" element is kind of a kick in the nuts, too.

[trq]

My mistake. It was $199...

No prob. I was just worried that there was some REALLY good deal out there I was missing ...

[mykevermin]

The "must own a PS3 to download PS1 games for your PSP" element is kind of a kick in the nuts, too.

That will help out whatever percentage of 200,000 or so PS3 owners who have a PSP. The remainder of PSP owners are shit outta luck.

[asianxcore]

if Metal Gear Portable Ops wasn't coming out soon, I would've already sold my PSP.

[Chris in Cali]

- Lack of good games.
- Doesn't feel good in my hands.
- Horrible D-Pad, and useless analog nub.
- Load times.
- System is a little too big.
- Unessecary Firmware updates.
- Terrible, and overly expensive Memory Stick format.
- Terrible conversion process for videos, with no support from Sony to make the process easier.


That's why I feel the PSP is going down the shitter.

[trip1eX]

The PSP seems alright, but if I want to play those games I'd just as soon buy a PS2 for $130 and the games for $10 used at Gamestop. NOt like I would game on the go much.

OH not sure nicer 3d graphics are all that on a handheld either. Think PS2 game on 5" TV. Just too tiny.

[MadFlava]

This doesn't surprise me, anyone that has tried to challenge Nintendo in the handheld market always gets crushed. Sony never really promoted or pushed for the creation of original titles for the PSP. What was the use of buying any of the PSP games when they were the same as the PS2 versions of the game. Nintendo DS, didn't have the graphical power of the PSP but as always, a superior library will always allow you to outsell your rivals. I'm not even considering a PSP unless I can get it for dirt cheap now.

[Roufuss]

- Horrible D-Pad, and useless analog nub.


While I like the D-Pad, you are right, that analog nub is HORRIBLE. My hand cramps up like you wouldn't believe trying to control that POS analog nub in games that only let you use it for control.

I have no clue who approved that shit.

[Blackout]

For me, the problems for the PSP are the price of games, features you have to pay extra for, and the memory cards. I payed over 250 for the PSP, then I have to shell out over 100 bucks more for a decent memory card just so I can put music and stuff on? That sucks! Also converting video files to the PSP is hard to do and can be very confusing to people. The PSP also has stupid updates, that really don't do anything.

The PSP has a lot of cool features(one like being able to watch tv programs) cost like 200 bucks extra to buy all the things needed. Why put things in updates the average joe will never get?

The price of the games kind of sucks too. I know they look amazing and all that, but paying 50 bucks for a handheld game kind of sucks. I wish the prices were a bit lower. A lot of games I want to currently play but I am wary about paying over $40 for.

[Mechanix]

I would have gotten a psp, but I heard the battery life was garbage and I had that same experience on sega nomad, it sucked. I want to be able to play without worrying about the battery life, that's partly why I'm having so much fun with ds. Also I don't want to fuck around downloading all this software to convert file type and shit so I can put music and videos on my psp. It's such a hassle on my ipod to put videos on it.

[Quackzilla]

eh, I don't see why so many people hate the PSP. It is my favorite system currently...

I mean, there are a whole bunch of good and original games, I don't own a single port and I have a bunch of games that I enjoy playing.

I mean, seriously, people treat consoles like a religious conflict, they actually HATE an object or company. WTF?

[shipwreck]

I really think it just comes down to pricing. The system is too expensive and the games are too expensive. I love my PSP, but everytime a game I want comes out at $40 or $50, I just think, well, I'll get that in a couple of months when it is $20. Development and UMD costs are just too high to put games out cheaply for the PSP and that is killing it.

I honestly don't think the DS has that many more good games than the PSP, but it has a hell of a lot more that are $30 or less.

[Quackzilla]

yeah, because of the graphics I guess it cost about as much to develop for as a home console. But I don't think a UMD costs more than a cartrige to make, I could be wrong though.

[FlipSide]

I had high hopes for the PSP, but I sold my White PSP a few months ago when it still had value. For me it was just a portable Movie Player. It such a great system but Sony just fucked up big time. The usual suspects : (already been mentioned) the frequent FW updates, the game price.. using UMD to FORCE their own format again on the consumer (kinda what their doing with BluRay and PS3). The PSP do have great titles, on par with the DS, but there was something lacking on the PSP..maybe it needed analog sticks? maybe it was too big to be portable? Bye PSP..We will be together again when you are on the bargain bin.

[Monsta Mack]

As everyone else stated: It comes down to price.

You can get a DS lite for $70 cheaper, and the games are $10-20 cheaper, maybe even more cheaper down the road. The DS has better quality and original games (imho) but doesn't do the music, mp3s and movies the PSP can do... yippie.

Well I sold my PSP awhile back, but I do plan on getting one once I can snag a used one for $70ish and most games run for $20 tops used, aka when the system dies.

[Kayden]

I got a PSP only because I got a good trade in deal through that TRU 90% off sale. I never use the damn thing though. I've got like 8 games that should be really good, but I don't know because I can't play them without losing my 1.5 firmware. I have the Devhook running on it, but its only like 2.5 and some of my games are newer than that. So, its a combination of not wanting to rip the latest firmware and the fact that I know I probably wont play it anyways.

Btw, I only paid like $10 for the PSP games....

[lordxixor101]

I think the PSP looks like a failure only because it has so much potential in people's eyes, but Sony keeps failing it. On it's own, it really isn't that bad.

Things that Sony could do here (but won't).

1) Make it easier to put movies on it. If you own a DVD, you can put it on your PSP, but it's a big headache. But, at the same time, I'm not going to drop $20 on a movie that I own on DVD, just to take it on the road. The UMD format is ill-conceived. I was out in Vegas last week, and they were advertising a $50 portable DVD player at a store for BF. The thing is, very soon, everyone will have a portable player if they want it. So, why spend a bunch on UMD's that cost more and offer less? But, if you make it easier to convert your exisiting DVD's that would be nice.

2) Stop the damn filmware updates, until you fix other stuff. Early on, I could see it. But, how much is Sony spending to update these filmwares? Plus, some of these updates seem to only be to stunt homebrew. The funny thing is, not only do the hackers continuously thwart Sony, but some of their stuff is useful (why not have a calculator or dayplanner program Sony)? Plus, is Sony really losing much by letting the homebrew fly? They haven't figured out the Sony systems yet. I would think they could turn a blind eye to this legally and basically allow you to play all of the GBA games for free. It could only help sell it, and I think they would help sell more games, from gamers who want Vice City Stories, but aren't willing to give up the homebrew (under the fear that Sony will stop releasing games).

3) Heck, let Sony encourage homebrew. It's already there, but allow homebrew people who create useable software (ex the dayplanner) to sell it for a nominal fee from Sony. Honestly, if you allowed this, where the best stuff could sell, wouldn't this tempt talented programmers away from breaking the newest filmware, for the thought of making a few grand? That would be win/win for Sony.

The PSP is my favorite handheld I've ever owned. It looks sleek enough to wow people with at a party in ways that the Nintendo DS won't. But, Sony won't let the darn thing breathe.

[Dead of Knight]

I agree. The PSP had potential, but Sony keeps fucking with it beyond repair.

[MadFlava]

I think Sony is getting too far away from gaming with their recent systems. The core use of the PSP is to be a portable gaming device and they keep failing to produce any exclusive games that can't be found any where else.
DS has a huge list of first and third party games that are exclusive

[rodeojones903]

I want a white PSP so fucking bad. I'll never understand why they won't release it in the states.

[javeryh]

I love my PSP but only because of DevHook.

[botticus]

I think Sony is getting too far away from gaming with their recent systems. You mean how the most recent PSP commercial features games for about 20% of the time?

[slidecage]

Its not long before the PSP dies. Walmart and other major retailers quit carrying UMD movies before it was even abandoned.

The problem with the PSP is the cost, need for memory sticks, battery life, and size. Thats just for the PSP itself. The games are another story. Mainly ports, poor rehashes, or release for the PSP after its been on the major consoles for 7-12 months.


i would love for the DS to have memory sticks. i would rather be able to rent games off say Gamefly or another place , play them for a few weeks and send them back when im bored. Maybe a month or two later pick it up again and be able to pick up where i left off. Right now there is no way you can do that with ds games(unless you get the same cart and that never happens)

i too say the cost of the psp is hurting it the most (drop it to 129)

memory sticks isnt really a problem since you can get a 2GB for around 70 and you will never need another memory stick for gaming (1GB can be found as low as 20 what is the price of a ps2 memory card) so i dont think memory cards are hurting it

lack of good games is what is killing it. I got it on MAY 1 2006 and thought man im going to love this system. of the 10 or so games that i had at the time I hated everyone of them

I would rather play FF 3 on the DS then play any RPG game out there on the PSP.

im lucky though and since i got my PSP at best buy with the 2 year warrenty plan i can take it back anytime i want and get a gift card in the amount i paid for it since the system is messed up (sometimes the sound dont work)



Just in the OCT 14 to NOV 14 alone take a look at what you could get fror the psp and compair it to DS


DS
children of mana
FF 3
FF 5
magical starsign
ect ect

PSP
ummmm nothing (maybe yu gi oh tag force)

so your looking at 5 games to 1. Even take dec and you will see better games coming to the DS then the PSP


I say SONY Drops the PSP to 149 or even 99.99 at E3 this year

and what the hell became of downloading FF 7 to play on the psp

[shipwreck]

Just in the OCT 14 to NOV 14 alone take a look at what you could get fror the psp and compair it to DS


DS
children of mana
FF 3
FF 5
magical starsign
ect ect

PSP
ummmm nothing (maybe yu gi oh tag force)

so your looking at 5 games to 1. Even take dec and you will see better games coming to the DS then the PSP


I say SONY Drops the PSP to 149 or even 99.99 at E3 this year

and what the hell became of downloading FF 7 to play on the psp

If you are just looking for RPG's I guess you would be disappointed in the PSP in that time frame, but it's not like there weren't a lot of good games that came out for the PSP from October 14th to November 14th. Here's a few:

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony
Powerstone Collection
Killzone: Liberation
Lumines II
SOCOM: US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 2
Every Extend Extra

I know I'm in the minority, but I honestly don't think that the DS has such an overwhelming lead in quality titles. It's the price of the games that is killing the PSP. I'm much more likely to pick up the $30 DS games right away and wait for the PSP games to drop in price (although Dungeon Siege is very tempting).

But from a strictly numbers game, the number of good PSP games isn't that different than the number of good DS games.

[Kain Vincent]

I love my PSP but only because of DevHook.

QFT

[slidecage]

If you are just looking for RPG's I guess you would be disappointed in the PSP in that time frame, but it's not like there weren't a lot of good games that came out for the PSP from October 14th to November 14th. Here's a few:

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony
Powerstone Collection
Killzone: Liberation
Lumines II
SOCOM: US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 2
Every Extend Extra

I know I'm in the minority, but I honestly don't think that the DS has such an overwhelming lead in quality titles. It's the price of the games that is killing the PSP. I'm much more likely to pick up the $30 DS games right away and wait for the PSP games to drop in price (although Dungeon Siege is very tempting).

But from a strictly numbers game, the number of good PSP games isn't that different than the number of good DS games.

i tried that dungon game didnt care for it . it was too easy to get lost and have no clue where to go next

[Kayden]

And while we're at it, lets legalize pot.

The reason Sony doesn't just allow homebrew is that it leads to people playing copy written materials illegally. Sure, a calculatior wouldn't be bad, but the same mechanics that allow it to work also allow people to play ISOs of UMD games and emulate other consoles. All of that is 'illegal'. Its not like Sony is going to say, "Ok, you can have the day planner, but not anything else!" I doubt they'll rely on the honor system.

Additionally, I think they can actually be legally/fiscally responsible to Nintendo for allowing the emulation. Since they have the capability to fix it, I think they have to try, legally.

And there are a lot of programs where you just pop in a DVD and say rip to PSP format. They just aren't made by Sony.

I think the PSP looks like a failure only because it has so much potential in people's eyes, but Sony keeps failing it. On it's own, it really isn't that bad.

Things that Sony could do here (but won't).

1) Make it easier to put movies on it. If you own a DVD, you can put it on your PSP, but it's a big headache. But, at the same time, I'm not going to drop $20 on a movie that I own on DVD, just to take it on the road. The UMD format is ill-conceived. I was out in Vegas last week, and they were advertising a $50 portable DVD player at a store for BF. The thing is, very soon, everyone will have a portable player if they want it. So, why spend a bunch on UMD's that cost more and offer less? But, if you make it easier to convert your exisiting DVD's that would be nice.

2) Stop the damn filmware updates, until you fix other stuff. Early on, I could see it. But, how much is Sony spending to update these filmwares? Plus, some of these updates seem to only be to stunt homebrew. The funny thing is, not only do the hackers continuously thwart Sony, but some of their stuff is useful (why not have a calculator or dayplanner program Sony)? Plus, is Sony really losing much by letting the homebrew fly? They haven't figured out the Sony systems yet. I would think they could turn a blind eye to this legally and basically allow you to play all of the GBA games for free. It could only help sell it, and I think they would help sell more games, from gamers who want Vice City Stories, but aren't willing to give up the homebrew (under the fear that Sony will stop releasing games).

3) Heck, let Sony encourage homebrew. It's already there, but allow homebrew people who create useable software (ex the dayplanner) to sell it for a nominal fee from Sony. Honestly, if you allowed this, where the best stuff could sell, wouldn't this tempt talented programmers away from breaking the newest filmware, for the thought of making a few grand? That would be win/win for Sony.

The PSP is my favorite handheld I've ever owned. It looks sleek enough to wow people with at a party in ways that the Nintendo DS won't. But, Sony won't let the darn thing breathe.

[simplygriff]

My PSP , 1GB MSPD and Playgear Pocket have become a $425 dollar paper weight. If it didn't have some sentimental value I'd hock it all in a second. I actually charged it for the first time in probably 6-7 months to play some Zelda on it the other day. Beyond that I haven't bought a new game since maybe a month or so after launch. There just weren't any games out there worth upgrading beyond the 1.5 firmware. Still aren't. Meanwhile my DS sees some play everyday and will see even more during and after the holiday season. The PSP sure is pretty but lack of innovation, far too expensive games and constant firmware updates killed the whole thing for me. It actually saddens me a little.
-G

[MadFlava]

My PSP , 1GB MSPD and Playgear Pocket have become a $425 dollar paper weight. If it didn't have some sentimental value I'd hock it all in a second. I actually charged it for the first time in probably 6-7 months to play some Zelda on it the other day. Beyond that I haven't bought a new game since maybe a month or so after launch. There just weren't any games out there worth upgrading beyond the 1.5 firmware. Still aren't. Meanwhile my DS sees some play everyday and will see even more during and after the holiday season. The PSP sure is pretty but lack of innovation, far too expensive games and constant firmware updates killed the whole thing for me. It actually saddens me a little.
-G

I'm glad that I waited before decide what to replace my trusty GBA SP with. At first I was really tempted to buy the PSP because of the graphical power of the system. I have to admit that the DS did not impress me at all when it came out. Now all the awesome DS games that have come out since launch I now really want one. I'm glad I waited because now I can get the DS Lite.

[simplygriff]

See that's another reason I can't bring myself to get rid of it. I'm a completest. I still have my SP with a broken shoulder button, a NES edition SP, my first DS as well as DSL.

Get a DSL. You will be very happy you did.

I will say I loved the wip3out and Ridge Racer for PSP. I still need to go finish those games.
-G

[The Mana Knight]

Sony makes a profit off of every PSP; therefore, they are happy. Also, according to next-gen.biz, PSP game and handheld sales have surged as of late.

People need to understand that the success of the DS barely has anything to do with the PSP performance. The PSP is meant to target a completely demographic, where the only similarity they have is play games. Even if the DS wasn't around, the PSP would probably struggle a little, due to stupid piracy (those idiots who run 1.5 to run shitty homebrew crap and can't buy the new wonderful PSP games), little marketing, and not utilizing the strengths of the PSP (such as its excellent graphics, sounds, online capabilities without retarded friend codes). However, Sony is taking some action (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116203) to improve its performance by putting download stations in retailers.

Most PSP games these days are only $30, some $40, so I don't see pricing as too big of a problem. Many DS games published by Nintendo are $35, but I think most Nintendo first party are overrated anyway, so they're not worth it.
My PSP , 1GB MSPD and Playgear Pocket have become a $425 dollar paper weight. If it didn't have some sentimental value I'd hock it all in a second. I actually charged it for the first time in probably 6-7 months to play some Zelda on it the other day. Beyond that I haven't bought a new game since maybe a month or so after launch. There just weren't any games out there worth upgrading beyond the 1.5 firmware. Still aren't. Meanwhile my DS sees some play everyday and will see even more during and after the holiday season. The PSP sure is pretty but lack of innovation, far too expensive games and constant firmware updates killed the whole thing for me. It actually saddens me a little.
-GI could list so many great games for you to buy. But stuff like Daxter, Mega Man Powered Up (blows all the original Mega Man games away), Maverick Hunter X, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, Tekken DR (Best Tekken ever), Killzone Liberation, Loco Roco, Guilty Gear Judgement (Judgement is new and it's fantastic), etc. If you weren't so blind with your PSP support, you can find there are good games for it. There are too many Sony haters which are Nintendo/MS fanboys here anyway.
I think Sony is getting too far away from gaming with their recent systems. The core use of the PSP is to be a portable gaming device and they keep failing to produce any exclusive games that can't be found any where else.
DS has a huge list of first and third party games that are exclusiveSony has first party exclusive games that cannot be found anywhere else. Also, Sony's first party >>>> Nintendo's first party IMO.

Just my view, I do see the PSP being around for a while. I feel once Sony fixes some of the issues of the PlayStation Network and PlayStation store, they'll be used on the PSP and that should help sales surge.

Also, if devs were to stop supporting PSP, why did just XSeed announce they're brining over Valhalla Knights stateside, Mastiff announcing Gurumin for stateside release, and Atlus announcing Monster Kingdom Jewel Summoner for stateside release? DS games that aren't published by Nintendo (except for a few exceptions like Trauma Center, Casltevania, etc.) sell very bad too. Multiplatform games (such as Madden) sell better on PSP than DS.

I still feel the PSP is the best gaming handheld ever after the GBA. I love the DS too, but the PSP just has more appealing games to me (mostly because I'm not into many Nintendo first party games, leaving the DS for mostly third party support).

[jkam]

Also, according to next-gen.biz, PSP game and handheld sales have surged as of late.


They had a good week because of the PS3...I wouldn't exactly call that a surge.

[simplygriff]

Sony makes a profit off of every PSP; therefore, they are happy. Also, according to next-gen.biz, PSP game and handheld sales have surged as of late.

People need to understand that the success of the DS barely has anything to do with the PSP performance. The PSP is meant to target a completely demographic, where the only similarity they have is play games. Even if the DS wasn't around, the PSP would probably struggle a little, due to stupid piracy (those idiots who run 1.5 to run shitty homebrew crap and can't buy the new wonderful PSP games), little marketing, and not utilizing the strengths of the PSP (such as its excellent graphics, sounds, online capabilities without retarded friend codes). However, Sony is taking some action (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116203) to improve its performance by putting download stations in retailers.

Most PSP games these days are only $30, some $40, so I don't see pricing as too big of a problem. Many DS games published by Nintendo are $35, but I think most Nintendo first party are overrated anyway, so they're not worth it.
I could list so many great games for you to buy. But stuff like Daxter, Mega Man Powered Up (blows all the original Mega Man games away), Maverick Hunter X, Syphon Filter Dark Mirror, Tekken DR (Best Tekken ever), Killzone Liberation, Loco Roco, Guilty Gear Judgement (Judgement is new and it's fantastic), etc. If you weren't so blind with your PSP support, you can find there are good games for it. There are too many Sony haters which are Nintendo/MS fanboys here anyway.
Sony has first party exclusive games that cannot be found anywhere else. Also, Sony's first party >>>> Nintendo's first party IMO.

Just my view, I do see the PSP being around for a while. I feel once Sony fixes some of the issues of the PlayStation Network and PlayStation store, they'll be used on the PSP and that should help sales surge.

Also, if devs were to stop supporting PSP, why did just XSeed announce they're brining over Valhalla Knights stateside, Mastiff announcing Gurumin for stateside release, and Atlus announcing Monster Kingdom Jewel Summoner for stateside release? DS games that aren't published by Nintendo (except for a few exceptions like Trauma Center, Casltevania, etc.) sell very bad too. Multiplatform games (such as Madden) sell better on PSP than DS.

I still feel the PSP is the best gaming handheld ever after the GBA. I love the DS too, but the PSP just has more appealing games to me (mostly because I'm not into many Nintendo first party games, leaving the DS for mostly third party support).

Since a lot of this seemed directed at me, I guess I'll bite...

My guess would be that if anything has spurred on purchases of PSP's it would be the holidays coming up. I don't think there have been any AAA killer apps to come out. Maybe it was Vice City stories. But there again, that's just more of the same. My gripe with the PSP is it's all ports. With the exception of LocoRoco I can play every game you mentioned or a game just like it somewhere else. There's just a lack of original property or games that have to be played on a PSP. Simply put, there hasn't been anything to make me want to lose my hacked PSP's capabilities. Maybe there have been for you and that's great. I don't think that makes me an idiot. It makes me a conscious gamer who's weighing the options before me. Hmmm... play some classics on the go as well as some pretty nice launch titles I've yet to beat or upgrade and play the same stuff I just bought to play on my PS2. I just bought the PS2 version, I think I'll get the enjoyment out of that first thanks.

And I'm glad you like the first party Sony stuff. I like the Nintendo first party stuff. That's what makes the world go around.

And watch the way you throw around the words fanboy & hater. As soon as someone disagrees with someone around here they're labeled a fanboy. I'm as far from a fanboy as it gets.
-G

[Strell]

Also, if devs were to stop supporting PSP, why did just XSeed announce they're brining over Valhalla Knights stateside, Mastiff announcing Gurumin for stateside release, and Atlus announcing Monster Kingdom Jewel Summoner for stateside release? DS games that aren't published by Nintendo (except for a few exceptions like Trauma Center, Casltevania, etc.) sell very bad too.

If you can't see the irony in "third party games don't sell well on the DS" and then compare that to "Obscure Bullshit RPG on the PSP coming out in a few months," maybe you shouldn't bring up something so easy for me to attack.

[shipwreck]

If you can't see the irony in "third party games don't sell well on the DS" and then compare that to "Obscure Bullshit RPG on the PSP coming out in a few months," maybe you shouldn't bring up something so easy for me to attack.

True, I'm pretty sure "We All Want Another Shrek Game, Right!?" for the DS will most likely sell many more copies than Valhalla Knights.

I think third party sales on the DS are fine. They might not be the third party games that the "hardcore" gamer wants to be selling well, but I don't think we'd be seeing all these licensed third-party games for the DS if they weren't making money off of them.

[Dead of Knight]

If you can't see the irony in "third party games don't sell well on the DS" and then compare that to "Obscure Bullshit RPG on the PSP coming out in a few months," maybe you shouldn't bring up something so easy for me to attack.

Ouch, owned.