The PSP Go! Rumor Thread - 5/30: Huge Leak of PSP Go Info, Pics, and a Video

[FriskyTanuki]

From Hellbringer's post:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/sonys-psp-go-leaks-out-before-e3-is-obviously-a-go/

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/05/sony-psp-go-small.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/29cl98n.jpg
More unattractive pics here:


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo1.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo2.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo3.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo4.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo5.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo6.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q246/nightfall3n/pspgo7.jpg

Thanks freakyzeeky for the pics; It's not looking any better though.

Limited Spec info:
A few more official specifications are flowing from the full Qore video (http://www.viddler.com/explore/engadget/videos/417/) (pardon the sync issues). Here's the dirt:


3.8-inch display (resolution is undisclosed)
43 percent lighter than the PSP-3000
16GB of Flash storage
Bluetooth built-in; supports handset tethering and BT headsets
No UMD drive
Memory Stick Micro slot
New Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and new Metal Gear Solid (!) on the way
Full PlayStation Network support (movie and TV rentals / purchases)
Integration with PlayStation 3 (works the same as the PSP-3000 does)
Sony views each of its products as "10-year lifecycle products," so the PSP "needs to live on."



From engadget:
Is that still a single analog set up, I see? :wall:

http://www.gamefocus.ca/UserFiles/Image/Sony/PSP/sony-psp-go-hi-res.jpg
Also, looks like LBP for PSP is coming soon. (see screen)
Edit: Confirmed in the video-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykJFpWzj7eY

[xycury]

WTF are they talking about Apple running away with the Gaming market... with NO mention of the DOMINATING DS.

Apples games are all gimicks... like Warioware games... except that's it...

And only because it's Apple are companies flaunting it, because people will buy anything.

Make games that are $40 and you'll see a HUGE decline in games on that device. Now buying the Peggle alternative for <5 and yeah, everyone will buy it just to play it for less than 2 minutes.

And so if they make a UMDless PSP, direct download only???? How are they going to market the games? Are they going to be inferior to what they are releasing???

this is so messed up.

[Javery]

I'd be disappointed in a UMD-less successor to the PSP since it wouldn't be BC with all of the games I have now.

You could rip your UMDs to your computer and load them onto a memory stick... it will probably require some sort of CFW though otherwise there would be no way to stop people from sharing their ripped UMDs (like people are doing now anyway).

I'm only interested in a PSP2 if they make some fun games for it. The same holds true for any system.

[Redeema]

David Perry is the Michael Pachter of the shit talking video game universe. This guy seems to just spit out wild speculation just to see his name in the press. If he wasn't labeled a genius early on maybe he'd be a normal game dev right now just making good games.

Who let him speak for Sony? Oh, and please tell me what is Apple doing with the portable game market because everywhere I go I see kids and adults playing on their DS and I see more people playing PSP's than I do iPhone's/Touch, which is saying much because I see PSP's in the wild maybe once a week.

Lastly, this poorly written, grammatically incorrect article is journalism? Wow. We have fallen down a well of spellcheck-free, throw it out there and see if it sticks nonsense.

[Strell]

In general, Dave Perry hasn't ever known shit about anything ever, so I'd take what he says with a huge grain of salt.

Re: Apple

I've said this a few times in DS threads now - Apple at this very moment isn't a competitor, but the fact that there's an article about this every week means that more and more people are starting to see them as a viable platform for games. There's even commercials now that solely promote the iPhone as a gaming device. As that message is hammered more and more into public consciousness, it'll slowly sink in and start to sound gradually more convincing. Combined with the excellent distribution model of the iTunes store and the immense name brand drive, it's a very real threat in the portable gaming sector.

Six months ago when all of this hoopla first started, I immediately threw out the 'ole "yeah they don't offer anything good anyway" response. But as time as gone on, and as I've seen more and more people writing about how the iPhone could be the new future of the medium, and seeing people like Sega and Konami dropping some genuine support on it, I have to re-evaluate that mentality.

I don't think it'll overtake in terms of "real" games, but that doesn't mean developers won't start shifting more and more resources toward a simpler model if it ends up getting them more cash in the long run. At that point it's a bit of a slippery slope, but at least a fairly plausible future.

This all said, it might be time for portable gaming to consider full digital distribution, but that's another discussion entirely.

[The Crotch]

Holy shit.

Dave Perry's still alive.

[Lawyers Guns N Money]

I will hate the day download-only becomes the standard for video games. You won't see any sales, well maybe a few (like Steam weekend sales), but for the most part, games will stay MSRP forever.

[briandadude]

I can't see download-only becoming a reality until Internet access is truly pervasive. It's simply not at this point and they would be foregoing nearly all brick and mortar sales. That means grandma and grandpa won't be nearly as likely to buy little Johnny that new Ratchet game he has on his christmas list.

[FriskyTanuki]

You could rip your UMDs to your computer and load them onto a memory stick... it will probably require some sort of CFW though otherwise there would be no way to stop people from sharing their ripped UMDs (like people are doing now anyway).

I'm only interested in a PSP2 if they make some fun games for it. The same holds true for any system.
I'm too lazy to do that on my own. Maybe Sony would offer their own tool if that's the route they're going.

[chakan]

I will hate the day download-only becomes the standard for video games. You won't see any sales, well maybe a few (like Steam weekend sales), but for the most part, games will stay MSRP forever.

That's actually not the case on the Apple marketplace; games often go 50 % off or even free.

[pete5883]

That would be really stupid, considering all the games they just announced for the original.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://kotaku.com/5160373/is-it-time-for-a-new-psp

Brian Crecente's putting his money in Perry's pot by saying he's heard the same rumors and doesn't believe he's wrong about it either. He does say it will be mostly cosmetic changes instead of the next generation PSP.

[SynGamer]

http://kotaku.com/5160373/is-it-time-for-a-new-psp

Brian Crecente's putting his money in Perry's pot by saying he's heard the same rumors and doesn't believe he's wrong about it either. He does say it will be mostly cosmetic changes instead of the next generation PSP.
Then that would be a PSP-4000 rather than a PSP2...

For Sony's sake, i hope they wait until next year to launch the PSP2. Build up a better library, first and foremost, but the PS3 should be profitable by then requiring less advertising so Sony would have the money (hopefully) to launch the PSP2.

[Lawyers Guns N Money]

That's actually not the case on the Apple marketplace; games often go 50 % off or even free.
I think Apple's using discounted pricing to get a foothold in the market. Once they've got a big enough market share, I could see them keeping MSRP on everything. Apple LOVES money.

[fuss]

Seems stupid to do if they are putting these new big games on UMD.....

[gunm]

And only because it's Apple are companies flaunting it, because people will buy anything.

Apple customers are loyal ass customers. They will drink Steve Jobs' urine Kool Aid and LOVE it.

I dunno what Dave Perry has done worthwhile beyond Earthworm Jim, and maybe he understands this...hence his willingness to talk PSP2 rumors.

[Ryuukishi]

Not going to happen. At least not anytime soon.

If even the early adopters and intense enthusiasts on this forum are divided on the merits of digital distribution, Regular Joe Public who's never connected a console to the internet and only found out the new Madden was out when he saw it on the shelf at Target is not going to just get on board with this. Sony must know this.

I'd be interested to know how many current PSP owners have even used it once to buy something on the PSN store. I bet it's far less than half.

[pfp]

Then that would be a PSP-4000 rather than a PSP2...

For Sony's sake, i hope they wait until next year to launch the PSP2. Build up a better library, first and foremost, but the PS3 should be profitable by then requiring less advertising so Sony would have the money (hopefully) to launch the PSP2.

Isn't the PS3 becoming less profitable and not more.

[Serpentor]

Apple loves money, correct... Look at the way they charge $10 for 2.1 updates, seriously, if you bought the iPod touch early, you have to pay that $10. However, Apple is gaining ground on portable gaming. There are gaming commercials, lots free and 99 cent games (most of them are really crap or clones). Will it replace PSP gaming experience? Hell no, not even close. But it does take time away from people, so yeah, it's a driving force for Sony to come up with a new PSP.

PSP 4000 or PSP2? I don't really care... Just tell me what's so hot about it and i'll think about getting one. I agree with going UMD-less. The new PSP can have BC through digital DLs, so it's not a real biggie. Remember, if you want the new PSP to carry the UMD, it will not be slick...

[SynGamer]

Isn't the PS3 becoming less profitable and not more.
The PS3 is becoming MORE profitable. Sony is still losing money, but they will break even this year thanks to cutting costs of components used in the PS3. The Cell is smaller, the RSX is smaller, that then requires less cooling a smaller power supply, etc.

[CrimsonPaw]

Personally, I'm all for digital distribution. Cut out the middle-man and hopefully keep the prices low. I know many don't see the iPod Touch / iPhone as a viable market to compete against the PSP and DS, but it stopped me from getting Puzzle Quest for the PSP (got it for my iPod) so there's one sale it took away.

I do like that if I want a game for my iPod that I don't have to go anywhere to get it. This could be said about certain offerings from the PSP's PSN right now; if I want to buy Ultimate Ghosts & Gobblins, I don't have to go to a store to buy it. Granted Sony has a lot to learn from those that dev for the iPhone on pricing, but from a functionality standpoint I'm sold.

As others have said, if the PSP2 can have dual analogs and the same buttons as a Dual Shock (maybe minus R3 and L3), I'm sold on design and digital distribution.

[BreakingPoint]

There are a few routes Sony could go with this, if pure digital distribution is the way to go. I don't think retailers will go for this since they don't want to be cut out, so unless Sony comes up with a good solution they aren't going to bite. So here are a few of the ideas I see them going forward with:

1) Keep the physical medium of games in a different format than UMD but also allow for the entire library to be downloaded with a PSN account. Satisfies the no UMD rumor and the digital distribution rumor. I think we'll also see a peripheral for the PS3, and maybe the PSP2, that will allow you to rip the UMD into the digital medium.

2) Drop the UMD and go all digital with kiosks. The most extreme of rumors but it's plausible. If this happens I foresee new kiosks showing up in retailers allowing people to show up and download from the kiosk. This allows all those without internet to still get there games ;) Another thought I had would be those kiosks could also read in the physical game you have and credit your account with it, allowing you to redownload it.

3) Drop the UMD and go all digital with code cards. Retailers will get there hard copy with cards that have the DLC code on them(kind of like how the GTA 4 DLC worked). I think we'll also see a peripheral for the PS3, and maybe the PSP2, that will allow you to rip the UMD into the digital medium.

4) Drop the UMD and go all digital while selling special memory sticks in stores. These memory sticks will have the game loaded on them and be locked down in an effort to prevent pirating(but we all know it will be unlocked eventually). I think we'll also see a peripheral for the PS3, and maybe the PSP2, that will allow you to rip the UMD into the digital medium.

My personal hope will look something like this:
All digital distribution. Personally I feel it's the next step(now we just need better and less expensive internet connections =P) Anything purchased off of the PSN can be redownloaded. Once it's on your account, it's there for good. However, you have to register the PSP(and your allowed a finite amount just like the PS3) and can only download the games and what not to the PSPs registered.

The next step would be a releasing a UMD peripheral that allows users to play their games on the PS3 as well as pulling them off the UMD and allowing them to be loaded on a memory stick to play on the PSP. When this is released I think it should just allow for play on the PS3(exactly like the Gamecube attachment that allowed playing of the GBA games), which could open up a new revenue stream. After the PSP2 is released it could then be updated to allow the ripping of UMDs to be played, or use it to associate the games put into it to the PSN account.

Finally have kiosks installed in stores along with cards available for downloads. That way people can buy the cards and go home. Or put in your memory stick and have the kiosk load up a purchased game. At the same time this will require all the PSP games to go onto the PSN as well as all new games being released.

That's what I would like to see for the future of the PSP(and maybe even the PS3 ;) I'm sold on the idea so all I'd like to see is proof =) It'll be interesting to see what Sony does with this.

And to anyone who says this is someone making random shots in the dark: isn't it plausible that Sony is purposely releasing this info to get people hyped about the concept and see what people say?

[Ryuukishi]

The next step would be a releasing a UMD peripheral that allows users to play their games on the PS3 as well as pulling them off the UMD and allowing them to be loaded on a memory stick to play on the PSP. When this is released I think it should just allow for play on the PS3(exactly like the Gamecube attachment that allowed playing of the GBA games), which could open up a new revenue stream. After the PSP2 is released it could then be updated to allow the ripping of UMDs to be played, or use it to associate the games put into it to the PSN account.
Is there any way, even hypothetically, to manage the ripping of UMDs so that legitimate owners have unfettered access to their collections, without essentially issuing a free pass to pirates?

The best scheme I can come up with is that all new packaged games come with a one-use download/registration code included, but that doesn't help users with existing UMD game collections nor does it address the issue of what to do when you have to replace/upgrade your PSP, and you've already used up your one-use registration on the old one.

[CrimsonPaw]

Ryu, in theory you could do something similar to what movie companies are doing with their "digital copy" of a movie; you get a one-time use code that allows you to download the game.

BreakingPoint, that is a good post and I would tend to think retailers would go for option 3, this way they can still get a cut of the proceeds (think GTA:Lost and Damned) yet not have to carry new technologies or a persistent Internet connection to get "new releases" on release day.

I suppose some of the big chains could offer guest wireless so that people can register their new purchases at the store, but I can say that for me, I would be more apt to buy PSN cards and purchase online through my account (which if Sony was smart to implement this plan, they would give a PSN rewards program for those buying through PSN).

[MillerTime2523]

I will hate the day download-only becomes the standard for video games. You won't see any sales, well maybe a few (like Steam weekend sales), but for the most part, games will stay MSRP forever.

That would be really stupid, considering all the games they just announced for the original.
These were my first 2 thoughts when reading this thread.

Hopefully it's just a cosmetic change. I'd love to get my hands on a slim on the cheap.

[gunm]

OT, but wouldn't games be cheaper if they were digital only? Cutting out the middle man and doing direct download would also cut costs. My only concern, although it is a major one, is DRM. I like owning a physical copy I can do whatever I want with (trade, sell, hold in my hand and look at). This is obviously not really possible in the digital-only realm.

If the PSP2 is not only UMD only, but a redesign complete with overall improvements and new added features, then I'd consider getting one. But for now I'm happy with what I got and see no incentive to upgrade at this time, rumor or not.

[b3b0p]

I don't care how much downloadable games cost.

Htf do you trade them or sell them when you tire of them?

[onapartyrock]

I don't care how much downloadable games cost.

Htf do you trade them or sell them when you tire of them?

Who would sell the unit anyways? All the money is made off of the games and accessories, I can't see retail embracing a system where people never enter the store to buy games. I guess if they gave the store a kickback for games purchased for systems they sold it would make it worth the retail shelf space to sell the unit.

Digital distro would never work unless everyone had unlimited internet access; and with ISPs going toward bandwidth limits (Comcamst and TWC is testing it) I can't see it happening except for small games and add-ons.

[SynGamer]

I think Sony should just use their M2 format but improve the security. They really need to combat piracy with the PSP2 if they want it to be successful with developers. My only concern is that the M2 memory sticks are a bit small, but they can hold quite a bit and Sony would get/save more money using M2 than microSD...thought it's a toss-up as to which is cheaper to use in the long run.

A 4GB M2 from Sandisk costs $12.50 on Amazon.com but i'm sure the actual cost is MUCH, much lower than that. I's venture to guess a 4GB M2 memory stick costs the same or less than a UMD (that only holds 1.8GB).

[Malik112099]

The PS3 is becoming MORE profitable. Sony is still losing money, but they will break even this year thanks to cutting costs of components used in the PS3. The Cell is smaller, the RSX is smaller, that then requires less cooling a smaller power supply, etc.

Nice twist. The PS3 is becoming cheaper to make, not more profitable. There is no profit. You have to have profit to get to more profit. Sony is just losing less money now per PS3 than before.

If Sony breaks even this year due to the cheaper production costs of the PS3 I will eat a brick of shit.



back on topic.....

It makes no sense to have a PSP2 this close to consumer release when the PSP-3000 just came out AND Sony announced all these huge games for it (Motorstorm, LBP, Assassin's Creed and Rock Band). A digital download only PSP would most end up a homebrew/custom firmware/etc system as oppossed to a true mobile hardcore gaming device Sony wants it to be.

[CrimsonPaw]

OT, but wouldn't games be cheaper if they were digital only? Cutting out the middle man and doing direct download would also cut costs.
In a competitive market, yes. Assuming that Sony would allow the publishers to set the price, you would see cheaper games through a digital distribution channel. The problem comes when Sony decides that THEY should set the price, hence removing out the "internal" competition for the PSP gamespace and moving the competition to the gamer's time. Also, current digital distribution channels that share a product with a retail outfit (ala Steam) are bound to sell, at launch, games at the same price (something else to take into consideration).

Who would sell the unit anyways? All the money is made off of the games and accessories, I can't see retail embracing a system where people never enter the store to buy games. I guess if they gave the store a kickback for games purchased for systems they sold it would make it worth the retail shelf space to sell the unit.

Digital distro would never work unless everyone had unlimited internet access; and with ISPs going toward bandwidth limits (Comcamst and TWC is testing it) I can't see it happening except for small games and add-ons.
The entire iPod line, ESPECIALLY the iPod Touch, deflates this argument ...

[Lawyers Guns N Money]

OT, but wouldn't games be cheaper if they were digital only? Cutting out the middle man and doing direct download would also cut costs.
That's not the case now. There are games in the PlayStation Store that sell at MSRP for download, when you can pick up the UMD version for cheaper at retail.

[Ichigo1993]

PSP games can run as high as 2GB. I would imagine the PSP2 would include games much higher, possibly stretching as far as 3-4GB. Regarding the digital-only download, it's just not time yet. Many many people still do not have access to a fast internet connection, which would ultimately lower sales.

There are just way too much conflictions with fully digital downloads.

PSP2? Not this year, heck no.

With the competition with Apple, it's totally not. I believe the iTouch caters to a different audience compared to the gaming handhelds/consoles. People would buy the iTouch primarily for other features outside of gaming.

[Nephilim]

Hmphf, Perry is an idiot that made Earthworm Jim in the Jurassic era and has some kind of halo on his head.

I don't know about no physical media. I must say that the UMD media is the most fragile piece of shit media I have ever seen. I had a brand new one's housing split in half just removing it from the case. I love the PSP and the screen, still on a phat too. I am also heavily invested with lots of umds because I like the games. I must say that I only use each UMD once or maybe twice so I am not worried about wrecking them. Figure that out for yourself.

Load times are also crap and that UMD noise and just having a physical drive in a portable is a bad idea.

I think eventually everything will be a digital download. You will be able to buy the box with a dl code at the store. Not this generation though, the next.

games on memory stick= yuck, then you gotta swap the stick out every time, nah.

I wish you could get 3 or 4 gb games on a tiny game stick like ds games. To me, that is the way to go and then let people drop the games on the system so they dont have to use the stick each time.

This all sounds too open but that I think is the future. The system will have built in and expandable memory to store your whole damn collection.

Oh, and most of those iphone games are fun for about 10 minutes. Good for taking a crap or killing time at work, but not serious games, no sir.

[GaveUpTomorrow]

PSP games can run as high as 2GB. I would imagine the PSP2 would include games much higher, possibly stretching as far as 3-4GB. Regarding the digital-only download, it's just not time yet. Many many people still do not have access to a fast internet connection, which would ultimately lower sales.

There are just way too much conflictions with fully digital downloads.

PSP2? Not this year, heck no.

With the competition with Apple, it's totally not. I believe the iTouch caters to a different audience compared to the gaming handhelds/consoles. People would buy the iTouch primarily for other features outside of gaming.

Download speeds aren't the only problem for digital distribution, but download caps are also becoming a big problem. After enjoying unlimited cable internet for years, my service provider decided to put a 20GB cap per month on downloading, any 1GB over that costs a 1$. What's the point of buying large steam games if the game is 8GB...that's almost 1/2 of my monthly limit! I've already passed on buying several games because of this. Other service providers are moving to this as well, including AT&T with their DSL. If these limits stick, you can crank speed up all you want and digital distribution isn't going to go anywhere.

[SynGamer]

Hmphf, Perry is an idiot that made Earthworm Jim in the Jurassic era and has some kind of halo on his head.

I don't know about no physical media. I must say that the UMD media is the most fragile piece of shit media I have ever seen. I had a brand new one's housing split in half just removing it from the case. I love the PSP and the screen, still on a phat too. I am also heavily invested with lots of umds because I like the games. I must say that I only use each UMD once or maybe twice so I am not worried about wrecking them. Figure that out for yourself.

Load times are also crap and that UMD noise and just having a physical drive in a portable is a bad idea.

I think eventually everything will be a digital download. You will be able to buy the box with a dl code at the store. Not this generation though, the next.

games on memory stick= yuck, then you gotta swap the stick out every time, nah.

I wish you could get 3 or 4 gb games on a tiny game stick like ds games. To me, that is the way to go and then let people drop the games on the system so they dont have to use the stick each time.

This all sounds too open but that I think is the future. The system will have built in and expandable memory to store your whole damn collection.

Oh, and most of those iphone games are fun for about 10 minutes. Good for taking a crap or killing time at work, but not serious games, no sir.
Um, a memory stick is smaller than a DS game cartridge, you know that right?

[silent h3ro]

I refuse to buy a PSP until they remove the UMD drive. I don't want that pos draining the battery. I think games on memory stick would be a good idea imo if Sony did decide to drop the UMD drive. Memory sticks provide longer battery life, no noise, and a longer life compared to UMD.

[mykevermin]

David Perry is the Michael Pachter of the shit talking video game universe

This is empirical truth, and effectively ends the need to have further discussion about the PSP2.

The PSP2 bundle will be out in the fall, and include the pack-in title MGS4:360 Edition.

[Strell]

Phbbhbht. Do you know how many memory sticks that would take?

Like....a billion. Sony would be bringing back coding punch-cards.

[mykevermin]

Okay, then. Scratch MGS4 360, and we'll see if we can't get Halo DS included in there.

[Blackout]

Sony should just get that new PSP out as soon as possible. None of this making it look prettier crap. The PSP has been on its' deathbed for a while now. Instead of PS2 ports we're now going to be getting inferior versions of PS3 titles. They should just focus on getting PSP2 out. Get rid of UMD, have internal storage, and fix the God awful online system.

[SynGamer]

Sony should just get that new PSP out as soon as possible. None of this making it look prettier crap. The PSP has been on its' deathbed for a while now. Instead of PS2 ports we're now going to be getting inferior versions of PS3 titles. They should just focus on getting PSP2 out. Get rid of UMD, have internal storage, and fix the God awful online system.
Online is descent considering there are no friends codes ;) And even if Sony brought out the PSP2, we'd still be getting ports of PS3 games. I don't want to see the PSP2 until 2010/11. It's only 4 years old at this point, 5 next year. I see no reason to even mention the PSP2 for another year+.

[silent h3ro]

Online is descent considering there are no friends codes ;) And even if Sony brought out the PSP2, we'd still be getting ports of PS3 games. I don't want to see the PSP2 until 2010/11. It's only 4 years old at this point, 5 next year. I see no reason to even mention the PSP2 for another year+.We will probably see another PSP revision this year or the next.

[SynGamer]

PSP-4000 is fine.

[pete5883]

Sony should just get that new PSP out as soon as possible. None of this making it look prettier crap. The PSP has been on its' deathbed for a while now.
It's been selling very well in Japan this last year. Hell, this week (http://kotaku.com/5161009/xbox-360-outsells-wii-ps3-in-japan) it was the #2 selling hardware. It just hit 50 million (http://kotaku.com/5152847/psp-reaches-50-million-in-worldwide-sales) worldwide. Maybe you don't know what "on its deathbed" means?

David Perry is the Michael Pachter of the shit talking video game universe.
So you're saying David Perry is to video games what Michael Pachter is to video games? Brilliant analogy.

[kurokubushi]

It's been selling very well in Japan this last year. Hell, this week (http://kotaku.com/5161009/xbox-360-outsells-wii-ps3-in-japan) it was the #2 selling hardware. It just hit 50 million (http://kotaku.com/5152847/psp-reaches-50-million-in-worldwide-sales) worldwide. Maybe you don't know what "on its deathbed" means?


So you're saying David Perry is to video games what Michael Pachter is to video games? Brilliant analogy.

Thats because Japanese developers are actualy making good games for the psp. Unlike American ones who don't like the system that much.




On the topic of the whole "Digital Distrabution" thing. I think this is very unlikely to happen. It would alienate to large of a customer base at this time, and it would cost sales. A large precentage of people would think you need a cedit card for the system because they have never heard of PSN cards(I actaully know quite a few 360 owners that never bought anything from market place untill I told them about pre-paid points cards. ) Theres also the fact that as alot of people have said that they prefer having a physical copy of the game, and the fact of not being able to trade, or sell the game once your bored with it.

[pete5883]

Thats because Japanese developers are actualy making good games for the psp. Unlike American ones who don't like the system that much.
First, we do get Japanese games here, you know. Second, 7 of the top 10 selling PSP games are western-developed. So wtf are you talking about?

[Sharp Katana]

The PSP 3000 just came out less than a year ago. Not a good idea to start selling PSP2s this fall, if it's true i'd be pissed if i were a psp 3000 owner. Also PSP 2000s are still in store shelves, imagine having 3 PSP models available.

I agree they need to worry about the DS rather than Apple.

[silent h3ro]

First, we do get Japanese games here, you know. Yeah, so what's your point? He is referring to American developed games.

Second, 7 of the top 10 selling PSP games are western-developed. So wtf are you talking about?
So 7 out of the 10 top selling PSP games are Western developed. Is that a surprise? I don't think Japanese made games are very popular here with the exception of the Final Fantasy series. But the real question is how many of those top 10 selling games were sold?

[Blackout]

It's been selling very well in Japan this last year. Hell, this week (http://kotaku.com/5161009/xbox-360-outsells-wii-ps3-in-japan) it was the #2 selling hardware. It just hit 50 million (http://kotaku.com/5152847/psp-reaches-50-million-in-worldwide-sales) worldwide. Maybe you don't know what "on its deathbed" means?




Are games selling? No. That's what I meant. There wasn't anything coming out on the thing for months, now that they announced PS3 ports everyone gets excited. After Crisis Core came out, there was literally nothing coming out, except RPGs. I had the PSP since it came out and I sold it over the summer. It just felt like they weren't even trying to do anything with it.


The online is better than the DS but that's not saying much. It could be so much more.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173042

Some more rumored details from another developer on the new PSP:
Another developer has stepped up to give credence to recent PSP 2 rumors (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172983), reports (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/developer-backs-up-psp-4000-chatter) Eurogamer. An anonymous development source close to Sony claims that the system will contain a sliding screen that covers most of the controls. The system width will be slightly wider than the screen, but "significantly smaller" than the current PSP iterations due to the slide-screen. However, the source claims that the shoulder buttons will still be accessible in its closed state, so games that rely on them (like Loco Roco (http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3143805)) will be playable. The report claims that Sony is working with developers to create more shoulder button-based games for the new device to take advantage of the functionality. The system in its closed state is also said to support media playback such as movies and music. The sliding screen over the buttons and rumored removal of UMD would result in a much smaller system. If these rumors are true, though, it doesn't seem likely that the revamp would solve the most common complaint about the PSP, the single analog nub. If the system is real and as far in development as we've heard, we're likely to hear official word from Sony at E3 this year.

[Redeema]

So you're saying David Perry is to video games what Michael Pachter is to video games? Brilliant analogy.

No, what I'm saying is that Pachter talks out his ass about once every three months saying that there will be a PS3 price drop and guess what? He's never been right, oh, except the time when everyone else caught wind of it first, then he looked like an effing genius. All he does is put out word that he feels like the "xxx" console could be seeing a price drop in the next 3-4 months. It's bullshit, he's the equivalent of the effing naysayers who claim every fucking year that the "big one" is going to hit California any day now. If I had a dollar for every erroneous news report about a PS3 price drop or big earthquake I could afford one of those foreclosed houses across the street from me.

So, David Perry is the equivalent of that. He talks out of his ass. If he is so high up there in rank why wouldn't he KNOW for a fact that the PSP 2 is out in one form or another? Does this make sense to only me? He works for a fairly large publisher, he should know these things, unless of course he's just not privvy to it in which case *gasp* he's talking out of his ass. How about he go and polish up that stupid RC Chopper game that was supposed to revolutionize gaming and leave real news to real people in the know.

By the way, if he was privvy to this sort of thing and attached his name to the PSP2 report I'm going to imagine that Sony has either taken any access away from him, or denied it to him leading him to spill any semblance of beans that he had.

[KingBroly]

I just wonder why Sony would unveil a UMD-less PSP at a retailer's convention where they announced UMD-based software for the PSP. It doesn't quite make sense, you know? How many retailers would be on board for that? Not many I would think.

[FriskyTanuki]

They could still sell the games in stores, just as codes that you redeem on PSN.

[gunm]

Sony has to be careful how to "sell" this to devs, I agree. As long as the cost savings of not having to burn onto UMDs can be passed over to both the third parties and consumers, this might work pretty well.

Although the DRM-hater in me is still pretty hesitant of this idea.

[SynGamer]

The games will still be $39.99 most likely. Though i don't see how it will cost more to make a PSP2 when it will still be half the specs of the 360/PS3.

[CrimsonPaw]

No second analog input = no sale. That is one of the main complaints people have about the current PSP.

[MasterSprtn117]

They definitely need a second analog. It feels so odd with just one.

[FriskyTanuki]

And now David Perry's challenging Sony to confirm whether the PSP2 will have a UMD drive or not:
Though we're still months away from E3 where any official announcement would be likely to take place, rumors of the next iteration of PSP are heating up. GamesIndustry.biz reports (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/perry-calls-out-sony-as-psp-2-rumours-fly) that Acclaim chief creative officer Dave Perry has responded to Sony's John Koller the way everyone does these days: on Twitter (http://twitter.com/dperry). After Perry claimed the PSP 2 was in development last week, Koller denied it, but refused to comment on the UMD format's future. "John Koller is publicly questioning my post about PSP 2. So I confirmed with top PSP 2 developers," Perry wrote on his Twitter feed.

Then comes the challenge: "John, state that PSP 2 will have UMD." Of course, even if the rumors are true, we're sure Koller didn't mean to impugn Perry's integrity. He is, after all, a company spokesperson, whose job it is to deny rumors even as evidence mounts (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173042). But Perry was the first one to break the story (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172983), and he's sticking to it. Gentlemen, there's only one way to settle this: pistols at dawn.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173053

[xycury]

maybe going to more digital downloading for games makes sense for the future. how badly are psp games selling now? what if Sony could elimate the retail space altogether...

By offering on downloads and retail codes, they could eliminate the waste that is retail, and allow more third parties to jump on and make games.

as for me, which doesn't have a PSP yet, I'm going to pass if they don't, I still want to play UMD games and buying two systems won't work.

[silent h3ro]

As already stated, Sony would have to figure out a system to allow current UMD owners the ability to download their respective titles on the PSN. If they could do that, I would gladly accept the death of UMD.

[HuppSav]

I got the 2000 when it came out am am going to be dissapointed if I can't play the new turismo, lbp, motorstorm, future mlb the show games, future gta games. on my psp. If they only release digital downloads for those games I am going to be very upset because I am simply not going to upgrade.
Pure gay if I can't play turismo on my 2000.

[FriskyTanuki]

Why wouldn't you be able to download them from the PS Store?

[neverletthem]

No second analog input = no sale. That is one of the main complaints people have about the current PSP.

They definitely need a second analog. It feels so odd with just one.


The only problem with Sony adding another analog stick is when the newer games would start using them, it would leave us PSP 1,2,and 3000 owners in the dust.

[SynGamer]

The only problem with Sony adding another analog stick is when the newer games would start using them, it would leave us PSP 1,2,and 3000 owners in the dust.
It'll be added to the PSP2, not the PSP-4000.

[neverletthem]

It'll be added to the PSP2, not the PSP-4000.



I know. I'm just curious as to what developers are going to do about it.

[silent h3ro]

I know. I'm just curious as to what developers are going to do about it.
They are going to make support for a second analog stick. What do you think?

[SynGamer]

I know. I'm just curious as to what developers are going to do about it.
They'll quickly forget about the PSP and start making (better) games for the PSP2 with dual analog stick support.

[CrimsonPaw]

The only problem with Sony adding another analog stick is when the newer games would start using them, it would leave us PSP 1,2,and 3000 owners in the dust.
Think of it as a comparison of the DSi and DSLite. There will be games for the DSi that can't be used on the DSLite ... it's just an evolution of new hardware.

[BreakingPoint]

I got the 2000 when it came out am am going to be dissapointed if I can't play the new turismo, lbp, motorstorm, future mlb the show games, future gta games. on my psp. If they only release digital downloads for those games I am going to be very upset because I am simply not going to upgrade.
Pure gay if I can't play turismo on my 2000.

Just because they flip to digital only doesn't mean you aren't going to be able to get new games on the old PSP through the already integrated PSN. If I were you, I'd be more concerned about the games not working because they use superior hardware or a second analog stick which would make them incomparable with the current gen PSPs.

CrimsonPaw put it best:
Think of it as a comparison of the DSi and DSLite. There will be games for the DSi that can't be used on the DSLite ... it's just an evolution of new hardware.

Not getting things on the older system is the sacrifice you have to make when you chose not to upgrade.

[Thomas96]

They'll quickly forget about the PSP and start making (better) games for the PSP2 with dual analog stick support.

Well the PSP market isn't doing that well right now anyway... but devs can add a PSP1 control set... and have a PSP2 control set. Think about how well Sony handled the situation when they released the Dual Shock controller for the PS1. That was a very smooth transition, from games that didn't used the DS controller to games that only used the DS controller.

[gaxur]

The best solution is a PSP-4000 with a second nub, and treating it as a BONUS FEATURE.

Just like analog support on the PS1, rumble support on pretty much everything, Motion+ on the Wii, VMU on the Dreamcast, etc. etc.; something which is there if you WANT it, but which developers are not required to support. Preferably something developers are required to provide an alternative (control scheme, in this case) for. It's a win for everyone; people with PSPs still get games (and quite possibly get games that wouldn't have been made for PSP otherwise), people that want the improved controls get them, developers have an easier time porting games, and nobody misses out or has to sink money back into things.

The DS/DSi is a poor comparison; the original DS simply has NO storage (built in or through slots) and NO online component; it would be impossible for DSiWare to be implemented on it without a very clumsy system that would probably screw over most people anyway. The PSP, however, CAN upgrade without shooting itself in the foot, and given its position in the market right now would do well to do so.

[SynGamer]

The best solution is a PSP-4000 with a second nub, and treating it as a BONUS FEATURE.

Just like analog support on the PS1, rumble support on pretty much everything, Motion+ on the Wii, VMU on the Dreamcast, etc. etc.; something which is there if you WANT it, but which developers are not required to support. Preferably something developers are required to provide an alternative (control scheme, in this case) for. It's a win for everyone; people with PSPs still get games (and quite possibly get games that wouldn't have been made for PSP otherwise), people that want the improved controls get them, developers have an easier time porting games, and nobody misses out or has to sink money back into things.

The DS/DSi is a poor comparison; the original DS simply has NO storage (built in or through slots) and NO online component; it would be impossible for DSiWare to be implemented on it without a very clumsy system that would probably screw over most people anyway. The PSP, however, CAN upgrade without shooting itself in the foot, and given its position in the market right now would do well to do so.
The problem with adding a major feature like that to the PSP-4000 is that 1. you NEED developers to use that new feature and 2. you are alienating 50 million current customers. Basically it is a bit "FUCK YOU" but thanks for buying our system up until now.

[silent h3ro]

The problem with adding a major feature like that to the PSP-4000 is that 1. you NEED developers to use that new feature and 2. you are alienating 50 million current customers. Basically it is a bit "FUCK YOU" but thanks for buying our system up until now.The DSi is is going to alienate current DS Lite/ DS owners with exclusive DSi games and there are many more owners of the various DS handhelds compared to PSP owners. I don't see why Sony couldn't make exclusive games for the newly revised PSP to cater to 2 analog sticks. It's not like they would be forcing you to buy the new PSP.

[FriskyTanuki]

Except you still get to enjoy all of the same DS games that normal DS owners get to play. DSi Ware stuff is additional, like what you have access to with any PSP if you upgraded your firmware since last summer. Unless the PSP2 is a more powerful system, any changes to the control scheme could probably just be things that can be switched off when playing on an original PSP.

[silent h3ro]

I think that DSi Ware apps/ games or whatever else provide the "full experience" in the same way that PSP games supporting two analog sticks would. I don't even think they would have to do anything special for older games if they decided to make the change. For example, there are PSN games for the PS3 that don't utilize every button of the controller, but they work fine on the PS3. Even if the case may be different in that you are adding buttons for the PSP, instead of taking them away in the case of PS3 PSN games, I still think it would be just as easy as simply disabling or ignoring the second stick.

[FriskyTanuki]

That's what I said, so why would DSi download games be something that completely alienates the existing audience since they still get 95% of the same games? PSP2 games could likely be able to just offer different settings for the specific PSP type that you're using but still offer the same game.

[gaxur]

The problem with adding a major feature like that to the PSP-4000 is that 1. you NEED developers to use that new feature and 2. you are alienating 50 million current customers. Basically it is a bit "FUCK YOU" but thanks for buying our system up until now.

like I said, features like this are generally well received WHEN YOU DON'T FORCE PEOPLE TO REPLACE THEIR EXISTING STUFF. Dualshock (and Dualshock 3, for that matter) didn't make people pissed, they were excited for the new technology. A few people were pissed when Motion+ was announced, but now people are overwhelmingly looking forward to it. The only concern is whether some games (see: Star Wars) will support it or not.

The only way to alienate their current customers (By the way, 50 million is far from the number that would be alienated. You forget all of the people who've bought multiple consoles for whatever reason, all of the people who bought it and don't use it anymore, etc.) would be to make their games unplayable. Sort of like the difference between having voice support in a game (Great!) and requiring voice support (Bad!). Also, last I checked, plenty of accessories for DS Lite don't work on the original DS; that's about like missing a second joystick. I've heard very, very little complaining on the subject. Now those are usually packed in with the games, and have no alternative. A PSP offering multiple control schemes would be even better off.

[SynGamer]

Why should i upgrade to a PSP2 when it comes out in a year or two if they bring the PSP-4000 out with 2 analog sticks? Aside from the alienating part, it just doesn't make much sense from a business standpoint to implement something that big.

[FriskyTanuki]

Why would a dual-analog PSP be the PSP-4000 and not a PSP2?

[SynGamer]

Why would a dual-analog PSP be the PSP-4000 and not a PSP2?
Because that's what the current rumor is. I want dual-analog sticks on the PSP2, that's fine, but i believe we have been discussing a second analog stick on the PSP-4000...which as i stated, wouldn't be the best thing to do from a marketing standpoint for the future PSP2.

[DQT]

David Perry does know that just because developers are working on PSP2 games doesn't mean PSP2 is coming out this year, right? Development for The World Ends With You began before SE even knew what the DS would look like. (remember it came out in 2007 in Japan)

http://member.square-enix.com/na/features/wewy/01/ep2_01.php

[FriskyTanuki]

There are two current rumors, aren't there? One about a completely new PSP design and another that's just the current PSP design minus the UMD drive?

Still, adding a second nub would be a huge addition that very few consoles or handhelds have done before (Genesis and PlayStation as the only ones I can think of), so I'd have to guess that it would be PSP2 with a second analog nub and not another PSP iteration since that completely changes what the system can do.

[mykevermin]

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/sony-vp-umd-wasnt-brilliant-for-third-parties/

So when Maguire says, "The UMD model wasn't brilliant for third parties," what he's really saying is, "When we do announce that we're dropping UMD, remember that no one, not you, not anybody liked that thing, except maybe pirates." And when he goes on to add, "The downloads side of it will increasingly become a bigger part of its future," he's actually saying, "No, seriously, this is totally happening."

Looks like it's going to happen. No second analog? Fool's errand. With second analog? Hmm. My interest will be piqued, but not that much.

[Hostile]

Having a second analog makes no sense unless we're actually getting the PSP2 and not an updated PSP.

[Denji]

Hopefully it isn't real. But purely digital will NEVER fly. Not in this society where there's a cap on everything and the consumer market is just hitting the terabyte hard drive era. Besides, wouldn't it cost more buying memory sticks + the game?

Well atleast the old PSP games will become cheap now, which is good for me.

[b3b0p]

Having a second analog makes no sense unless we're actually getting the PSP2 and not an updated PSP.

I would think this, but look at the DSi. Is that really considered a completely new DS or just a refresh with an added / removed feature or two.

[Serpentor]

Hopefully it isn't real. But purely digital will NEVER fly. Not in this society where there's a cap on everything and the consumer market is just hitting the terabyte hard drive era. Besides, wouldn't it cost more buying memory sticks + the game?

Well atleast the old PSP games will become cheap now, which is good for me.

I don't think so... buying mem sticks and the game is cheaper than the actual physical game (like cd/dvd/umd). Okay, maybe not the memory stick, but definitely the digital game itself. I would think the new PSP2 will have an internal hdd, otherwise, it's a big step back...

Come on, iPod games are all digital, they're doing very good right now and Sony want a piece of that!

[Serpentor]

I would think this, but look at the DSi. Is that really considered a completely new DS or just a refresh with an added / removed feature or two.

good point... The DSi is a new DS, not a DS2. Point being, it can play all DS games, plus new DSi stuff. Calling it a DS2 is not wrong, but that means the DSi needs a lot more than just the camera to justify the jump.

The PSP2 vs. PSP4000 debate can go on forever really... However, to some extend, PSP4000 kinda implies UMD support is still gonna be there. Which is not a "big" jump in terms of upgrade. To continue to have UMD on the new PSP, weight or design-wise, there's not much improvement to be called a PSP2.

[silent h3ro]

Hopefully it isn't real. But purely digital will NEVER fly. Not in this society where there's a cap on everything and the consumer market is just hitting the terabyte hard drive era. Besides, wouldn't it cost more buying memory sticks + the game?

Well atleast the old PSP games will become cheap now, which is good for me.Memory sticks are affordable and bandwith caps are irrelevant. My ISP, Comcast, probably one of the most widely used ISP in the U.S., caps to 250 gigs/ month. I don't even think there is 250gigs of data in the PSN store to download. And what does your "terabyte hard drive era" statement have anything to do with the PSP? We are talking about memory sticks and PSPs, not hard drives and computers.

I'm not saying digital downloads are the way to go, but it would work imo. PSP games are smaller than you might think. Most demos on XBL and PSN are larger than most PSP games.

[Hostile]

I would think this, but look at the DSi. Is that really considered a completely new DS or just a refresh with an added / removed feature or two.

I think there's a big difference between what the DSi-exclusive games would be (camera-based games? DSi-ware downloadable?) and what the PSP4k-PSP2 would be, if there was a second analog.

[gunm]

I'm not sure what would stop a PSP2 from having another analog nub from an engineering or cost perspective--come on, Sony make it happen!

What I really don't like about digital only is the DRM and the fact that no physical media means I can't sell or trade off the game if I want to.

[Strell]

I think there's a big difference between what the DSi-exclusive games would be (camera-based games? DSi-ware downloadable?) and what the PSP4k-PSP2 would be, if there was a second analog.

There's been research into the structure of the DSi that suggests it is much more powerful than the DS, meaning that DSi specific retail games on shelves could potentially look better, be bigger, etc etc etc.

This would take it out of the realm of purely DSiware/camera-based games like you imply.

'Course this has to be proven from a real developer and not just from the homebrew community fooling around with Japanese portables, but I guess we'll see within the next year.

Even then I wouldn't expect a huge graphical leap. I'm just saying there might be more to it than you're saying.

[Snake2715]

Memory sticks are affordable and bandwith caps are irrelevant. My ISP, Comcast, probably one of the most widely used ISP in the U.S., caps to 250 gigs/ month. I don't even think there is 250gigs of data in the PSN store to download. And what does your "terabyte hard drive era" statement have anything to do with the PSP? We are talking about memory sticks and PSPs, not hard drives and computers.

I'm not saying digital downloads are the way to go, but it would work imo. PSP games are smaller than you might think. Most demos on XBL and PSN are larger than most PSP games.

wow I think a lot of them are capping at 5gb.

[Skv012a]

If they remove the UMD and improve battery life/add internal user memory, I'll defenetly buy a JP one + some limited. If they add qwerty, I'll give them kudos. If they do touch screen instead of a qwerty, I'll breaks the designer's fingers.

You guys realize that using a 2gb stick costs less than the dumb UMD these days, right? There is little lag, very fast load times, etc. Only real issue I see is piracy, but its not like Sony completely avoided it right now.

[briandadude]

You guys realize that using a 2gb stick costs less than the dumb UMD these days, right?

You need to compare the price of a blank 2gb memory stick with a blank UMD, not the current cost of a game on UMD and a blank memory stick.

[Skv012a]

Without retail markup, its less. Keep in mind that they could ditch their crazy UMD-burning apparatus and just use a 2$ card reader to put games on.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://kotaku.com/5201591/new-psp-due-before-christmas

According to Pocket Gamer (http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/Playstation+Portable+2/news.asp?c=12612), who cite a developer working on the hardware, an all-new PlayStation Portable (http://kotaku.com/tag/playstation-portable/) will be out and on store shelves before Christmas.

This source repeats earlier rumours surrounding the design of the system - such as the fact it features a sliding screen (http://kotaku.com/5158504/next-psp-to-feature-sliding-screen) (which reveals game controls) and also boasts touchscreen capabilities (http://kotaku.com/5139818/touchscreen-psp2-coming-soon-rumors-ign) - while also mentioning some other stuff, such as the release window and the fact that, once you slide the controls out from under the screen there will be a D-pad, face buttons and two thumbsticks.
There's a new rumor that sides with the new design/look rumor that 1up reported on earlier.

[NamelessMC]

It falls in line with people trying to say people don't buy "used games". They're just trying to cut the piracy out. The only problem is, they won't. Someone will engineer a software that allows you to rip a PSN game and make it into an ISO, and someone will find a way to make custom firmware for the PSP to allow it to play those games. So their DRM/Digital Download Only system will only do one thing, such as all these "anti-piracy" ideas do, and that's take a shot at the legitimate owners.

People won't be able to sell their used games, people won't be able to get games unless they have internet access. The sad thing is, a lot of people will blindly defend this, stating that "well who doesn't have a computer anyway?" Maybe you guys have forgotten what it's like to be young, but I remember when I was 11 or 12, there was only one computer in the house and I had to have permission to use it.

Imagine all the kids that want to play their PSP's. They can't just pop a game in when they're at a friend's house. "Jimmy, can you ask your mom if I can install my PSP download software to your guys' computer, plug my PSP to the computer to download some games from my PlaystationTunes account?"

Utterly ridiculous. Even though the DS was demolishing Sony's PSP, they had a good foot in the market, people are still buying the system. If they do this, Nintendo's back to dominating the market with absolutely no competition. Because I tell you one thing, I don't care how good the system is or how good the games are. If I can't sell my games back to Gamestop or on Craigslist if they suck or when I'm done with them, I'm not getting it. And if I don't have the ability to save $5-15 or more on used games, same decision. The DS has no problem outselling all the consoles and even some combinations of two consoles every year, and it doesn't need "digital download software".

[DrNo888]

If real, that is one sick looking handheld. I'll definitely upgrade my phat for that!

[Serpentor]

slick man slick! Start saving money ladies and gents, that thing don't look cheap.

[CrimsonPaw]

That is just a moc-up that has been used for about the last 6 months. I'm not sure where it originated, but I know that Engadget has been using it any time the PSP2 rumors start flying.

I agree, if the next PSP could look like that, I'd be on it like white on rice.

[FriskyTanuki]

It was made for a fan mock-up contest and that one's kind of awful. The shoulder buttons being on the sides would make it a horrible design because of the ergonomics.

[SynGamer]

slick man slick! Start saving money ladies and gents, that thing don't look cheap.
If you want slick and realistic...

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/498/iwish01.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iwish01.jpg)

[DQT]

I don't know. I don't like the idea of making the PSP even more of a high end product than it already is. Sony's previous hardware revisions (excluding the PSX) improved the form factor and cut costs to them. but allowed them to maintain the price to the consumer (despite the improved form factor). Heck, I thought the DSi was overpriced.

[GuilewasNK]

If you want slick and realistic...

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/498/iwish01.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iwish01.jpg)


:drool:

[Serpentor]

If you want slick and realistic...

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/498/iwish01.th.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iwish01.jpg)

yeah, that's more realistic, but what's up with the sliding screen? The keypad? Great for texting... Not that i need it though.

[CrimsonPaw]

New rumors say dual analog and touch screen. Dual analog is possible (and probably recommended) and they have the touch screen tech already in place (seen here (http://www.cio.com/article/483697/Sony_Provides_More_Details_of_OLED_Touchscreen_Wal kman)). It's possible they could go OLED, but DAMN that would hike up the price and they'd be replaying the issues of the PS3 all over again.

[xycury]

with the removal of UMD... where are all the games going to go? Download only? well what's the worth of the original then?

I hate to say it, but if Sony is going to pull a Nintendo and try to do a threesome like they are with the DSi....

more fail please, with an extra side of crying by Sony.

I'm surprised they haven't god jam'd a camera in there yet.

[Chris in Cali]

I'm all for a new PSP. Adding a second analog stick will make a world of difference. Plus some internal storage will be nice.

[kurokubushi]

It falls in line with people trying to say people don't buy "used games". They're just trying to cut the piracy out. The only problem is, they won't. Someone will engineer a software that allows you to rip a PSN game and make it into an ISO, and someone will find a way to make custom firmware for the PSP to allow it to play those games. So their DRM/Digital Download Only system will only do one thing, such as all these "anti-piracy" ideas do, and that's take a shot at the legitimate owners.

People won't be able to sell their used games, people won't be able to get games unless they have internet access. The sad thing is, a lot of people will blindly defend this, stating that "well who doesn't have a computer anyway?" Maybe you guys have forgotten what it's like to be young, but I remember when I was 11 or 12, there was only one computer in the house and I had to have permission to use it.

Imagine all the kids that want to play their PSP's. They can't just pop a game in when they're at a friend's house. "Jimmy, can you ask your mom if I can install my PSP download software to your guys' computer, plug my PSP to the computer to download some games from my PlaystationTunes account?"

Utterly ridiculous. Even though the DS was demolishing Sony's PSP, they had a good foot in the market, people are still buying the system. If they do this, Nintendo's back to dominating the market with absolutely no competition. Because I tell you one thing, I don't care how good the system is or how good the games are. If I can't sell my games back to Gamestop or on Craigslist if they suck or when I'm done with them, I'm not getting it. And if I don't have the ability to save $5-15 or more on used games, same decision. The DS has no problem outselling all the consoles and even some combinations of two consoles every year, and it doesn't need "digital download software".



Thank god there is some one else who gets it.

I'm tired of people assuming that if sony gets rid of the umd format(witch i can see happening), it automaticly means they are witch to a digital only format with consumers just arent ready for.

People there are pleanty of other hardware choices other than UMD to choose from, so they wont be going digital only anytime soon, I can see an internal storage device and digital as an option since they do have psp titles in the playstation store, but that will be a very limited thing.

When sony makes a digital only tranition, it will happen someday, but not any time soon, expect it in a console first, and then in a hand held.

[Serpentor]

with the removal of UMD... where are all the games going to go? Download only? well what's the worth of the original then?

I hate to say it, but if Sony is going to pull a Nintendo and try to do a threesome like they are with the DSi....

more fail please, with an extra side of crying by Sony.

I'm surprised they haven't god jam'd a camera in there yet.

Who cares... I don't give a damn if the new PSP don't play UMDs at all. Why? I still got my PSP phat and PSP slim. I don't really need another PSP to play UMDs. As for your DSi comment, give me a break. If you don't like it, don't buy it. For the rest of us just want the new toys, what's not to like? I don't get it... Maybe we can't afford the new toys all the time, but that's hardly worth the whines and moans.

[Serpentor]

New rumors say dual analog and touch screen. Dual analog is possible (and probably recommended) and they have the touch screen tech already in place (seen here (http://www.cio.com/article/483697/Sony_Provides_More_Details_of_OLED_Touchscreen_Wal kman)). It's possible they could go OLED, but DAMN that would hike up the price and they'd be replaying the issues of the PS3 all over again.

Now this kind of discussion worthy to continue :applause:

Thanks for the OLED info. Man, it's like $300-$400 for a 3" screen, so for the PSP screen, we're looking at $400-$500. Ouch... But hello, OLED, how cool is that!

[xycury]

Who cares... I don't give a damn if the new PSP don't play UMDs at all. Why? I still got my PSP phat and PSP slim. I don't really need another PSP to play UMDs. As for your DSi comment, give me a break. If you don't like it, don't buy it. For the rest of us just want the new toys, what's not to like? I don't get it... Maybe we can't afford the new toys all the time, but that's hardly worth the whines and moans.

panties in a bind?

I have got to quit posting, I'm in 3 psp threads and it's annoying.

I am looking to buy one, but if they are moving to umdless then where will the games go? If the psp 1000/3000 won't support the new psp2 download only, then where will it leave you?

The reason to get a psp2 would hopefully be what Nintendo had so much success and why the ps3 failed, BC. If i can mail my umd disk to Sony and they give me a code to download the diskless version to play on Psp2, great. I'm happy but this "wanting to be a psp owner" is getting anxious as to where Sony is going.

I would think that they could support both somehow, without having to make you buy two systems that are so close.

Again, it would be like the DS removing the GBA, but like that's the DSi, but then remove slot 1 too... this is where Psp2 is hinted at going... what are UMDs going to do? How will they support both devices?

Raises too many unanswered questions.

[hiamiyumi]

with the removal of UMD... where are all the games going to go? Download only? well what's the worth of the original then?

I hate to say it, but if Sony is going to pull a Nintendo and try to do a threesome like they are with the DSi....

more fail please, with an extra side of crying by Sony.

I'm surprised they haven't god jam'd a camera in there yet.

We will never see Gamestop/Ebgames sell used PSP2 games. No more selling/buying/trading....What is Sony thinking? Support pirates?

[FriskyTanuki]

I don't think moving to a download-only or download-focused system for the PSP2 would have any impact on the games. More PSP games are being offered on the PS Store, which Sony would be smart to mirror for its new system so that anybody with a PSP or PSP2 would have access to the new releases on PSN. Sony could make some kind of UMD adapter that would allow you to rip/play your games on the new PSP.

[kurokubushi]

I don't think moving to a download-only or download-focused system for the PSP2 would have any impact on the games. More PSP games are being offered on the PS Store, which Sony would be smart to mirror for its new system so that anybody with a PSP or PSP2 would have access to the new releases on PSN. Sony could make some kind of UMD adapter that would allow you to rip/play your games on the new PSP.


Thats because a Majority of ps3 owners also own a psp, the same isent true the other way around. I just dont see sony releasing a Digital based game system anytime soon, especially a handheld one. You can expect the ps3 to convert to full digital before the psp dose.

I've compiled a short list of REASONABLE expectation, and things you probally wont see when this system is finally released, or mabey even is newer versions of the psp.

What you CAN expect

* Duel analog sticks( I pretty sure Sony will finally cave into popular demand with this)

*Internal Storage

*A slide or Slip screen

*Motion sensitivity(I think it will be a nolvity thing that only a few games imlement, but I still xpect to see this)

Thing you can expect NOT to see

*A Digital only format

*a touch screen( THe DS has pretty much cornered this market, plus not really all that great for what the psp is good at witch are it's platformers, and its FPSs)

[FriskyTanuki]

What does the PS3 have to do with PSP's access to PSN? You don't need a PS3 or a PC to have access to the PS Store with the PSP, which is what Sony should carry over to the PSP2 to that there's no disconnect between the two systems and what's released on PSN. Better integration of PSN into the system would be another thing they'd need to work on so it doesn't matter whether you're on the PSP or PS3 to have access to messages, friends list, or the account itself.

[snowsquirrel]

There are a few ways Sony could get away with digital only.
* Sell games on memory sticks. Producing a memory stick would likely be cheaper than UMD's anyway.
* Provide vending machines/kiosks to download games
* iTunes like stores, though this requires noobs to setup wifi, which may be asking too much, so the aforementioned two would be for them.
* I suspect they would provide a utility for ripping UMD games (with DRM), via your fat PSP and USB.

I suspect there will be a touch screen just to keep pace in Ninty. Also a touch screen is great for casual games, and kiddy games, which Nintendo is making a killing off of, and Sony will want in on.

Forget OLED, no way sony will want to price themselves out of the market again. I really bet they will try and match the DSi price of $200, possibly $250.

I wouldn't be surprised if the PSP2 has the same GPU and CPU as the original PSP, to make all games BC. Plus the PSP1 had pretty darn good hardware, and was a simple architecture to code on (unified memory like 360, single core, etc), and on a screen that size, not a lot more is needed. Maybe a few more features on GPU, but thats it.

I really hope for dual analogs, but I won't believe it until I see it, for no reason other than the fact they refused to put it on the 2000 or 3000. Which would have been possible, and then new games could have (optionally) made use of it. And no it wouldn't have split the market, as Sony's TRC could have enforced game have atleast one single-analog control scheme.

Internal storage was rumoured for the 3000, but never made, so likey is true. Though IMHO, they would be just as smart to ship all systems with a decent size mem stick, to keep things simple, and expandable. Having both internal and memstick just adds to price.

I also wouldn't be surprised if bluetooth made it in there with wifi. This would allow it to be used as ps3 controller, ps3 remote, allow bt headsets to work with their skyp app, etc.

As for motion control, I suspect this will make it. Despite the fact it gimmicky, it helps sell casual games like the touch screen. Plus sony already has a relationship with the people who did the motion controls for ps3. It would also allow psp to be used as a PS3 controller (think dual analogs, and bluetooth).

Slide screen? I don't know. Very few sony phones are sliders. Sliders tend to be fragile. It would add to the cost. This largely seems to come out of fan mock ups. The only reason I see for doing it would be reducing size of psp while keeping screen big.

~S

[CrimsonPaw]

Snow, that's a great post and I mostly agree with it. I think Sony took notice of the iPhone and the gaming possibilities on it and want a bite out of that market.

I also agree with OLED, I just did a search on Sony Touch Screen and that was what came up; I mostly wanted to verify they had a working knowledge of the tech (to increase probability). IMO if they could bring out a system like the iPhone (for casual games) with a good input system (dual analogs) I think they could have the hardware to support some kick ass games. We'll see what the E3 keynote brings, if there's no metion of it there then it doesn't exist and we'r all wasting our time speculating .... but I highly doubt that's the case.

Also, for those saying it won't be download only, keep in mind that the iPod (the worlds leading personal media device) is download only. IMO Sony would be smart to at least bring back the portion of the PSN Store where people could connect their PSP and download stuff right to it (for those without wireless but with an Internet connection). We will see a download only service, I'm sure the current PS Store on the PSP is more of a proof of concept (ala the original XBox Live) and is there to work out the kinks.

[xycury]

Snow, that's a great post and I mostly agree with it. I think Sony took notice of the iPhone and the gaming possibilities on it and want a bite out of that market.

I also agree with OLED, I just did a search on Sony Touch Screen and that was what came up; I mostly wanted to verify they had a working knowledge of the tech (to increase probability). IMO if they could bring out a system like the iPhone (for casual games) with a good input system (dual analogs) I think they could have the hardware to support some kick ass games. We'll see what the E3 keynote brings, if there's no metion of it there then it doesn't exist and we'r all wasting our time speculating .... but I highly doubt that's the case.

Also, for those saying it won't be download only, keep in mind that the iPod (the worlds leading personal media device) is download only. IMO Sony would be smart to at least bring back the portion of the PSN Store where people could connect their PSP and download stuff right to it (for those without wireless but with an Internet connection). We will see a download only service, I'm sure the current PS Store on the PSP is more of a proof of concept (ala the original XBox Live) and is there to work out the kinks.

Only want to point out that Ipods success with digital download only is because poeple have already had the technology for years, Napster and MP3's....

I can see the same with video games now... alot of homebrew/emulation, with the xba and psn network and wii's vc... why not.

Just saying it wasn't Apple that made it happen, people were already doing it... Apple just finally built a device that worked so well and software to match it up.


I think getting download only games is fine, but don't just rule out the UMDs.... makes existing users have to be forced to move to a new device if Sony won't provide something for the PSP now.

[guyver2077]

Please just find a way to beef up the cpu/gpu and allow for longer battery life at the same time.

[SynGamer]

The difference between full games and music files is like day and night. Most MP3s coming in around 5MB, but games are going to be well over 10GB in the future. PSP games take up roughly 1.8GB, and i can only assume the PSP2 will boast better graphics...

The problem is, most places don't have the infrastructure yet to handle that kind of bandwidth so until we can, we're going to need a physical medium. I would much rather have Sony offer a program to rip our own UMDs, or we send them in for a code to download them, or something. If the PSP 2 has enough built in storage (16GB+), you can easily have a few PSP games on your PSP2 with room to spare.

I'm still hoping Sony keeps PRO DUO for game saves and extra content (just support the faster/newer types now) but uses M2 or some form of flash card for PSP2 games to come on. That will immediately lower power consumption while increasing game performance.

[ecmazza]

the images of the rock band unplugged bundle make me think the psp2 is a little further off..but maybe that is the current psp's last bundle...

[FriskyTanuki]

There are more after that, one for Assassin's Creed and one for Hannah Montana.

[fuss]

What I do not get is why come out with all these blockbuster games on UMD (LBP, AC, MS, etc) just to cut off the UMD support a few months down the line.

[kurokubushi]

What I do not get is why come out with all these blockbuster games on UMD (LBP, AC, MS, etc) just to cut off the UMD support a few months down the line.


It wont happen that way, When sony anounces an actual NEW psp system and not just not just a psp-4000, 5000, or whatever, they will make a huge deal outof it, and will anounce it well before it's release(at the very least a year). If this is even in the works right now, it will not be released this year.

[b3b0p]

iPod may be download only, but most everyone I know won't download it unless it's $0.99 or free.

[SynGamer]

Another one of my favorite PSP2 mock-ups...

http://torokun.deviantart.com/art/PSP-2-0-79367298

[CrimsonPaw]

Only want to point out that Ipods success with digital download only is because poeple have already had the technology for years, Napster and MP3's....
Ummmm, gaming digital distribution has been out for years as well <cough>Steam<cough> and is a preferred method for many PC gamers. I think a digital distribution model is the best way to go.

Update: Seems Sony is starting to take to a digital only distribution method and it most likely will use vouchers that will be sold at retail as seen here .... (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/rumor-patapon-2-wont-be-sold-on-umd-retail-to-sell-psn-vouche/)

[kurokubushi]

Ummmm, gaming digital distribution has been out for years as well <cough>Steam<cough> and is a preferred method for many PC gamers. I think a digital distribution model is the best way to go.

Update: Seems Sony is starting to take to a digital only distribution method and it most likely will use vouchers that will be sold at retail as seen here .... (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/rumor-patapon-2-wont-be-sold-on-umd-retail-to-sell-psn-vouche/)







key words in your argument are for "PC GAMERS", Also acording to the update in that article you quoted, Sony is considering doing this as "one time test run", I bet you this game isent going to see very well at all if they go with a digital only release.

[xycury]

Ummmm, gaming digital distribution has been out for years as well <cough>Steam<cough> and is a preferred method for many PC gamers. I think a digital distribution model is the best way to go.

Update: Seems Sony is starting to take to a digital only distribution method and it most likely will use vouchers that will be sold at retail as seen here .... (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/rumor-patapon-2-wont-be-sold-on-umd-retail-to-sell-psn-vouche/)

My point was that there were already means to an end.

Don't think you have a point on mine because Steam is completely different... there isn't a STEAM BOX somewhere is there? Not like the Phantom came around and signed up with Valve to bring your Half Lifes to you on your TV?

The only reason that Ipods are that successful is that MP3 and digital distributions came WAY before the device, way before Itunes...

The biggest gripe I have is cutting off the existing fan base... basically having Sony start all over on a new device, having to work to get new users.

If I could send in my UMD and get a downloadable copy... I'd be fine. But the games I buy now, may not be able to play on the PSP2... kinda sucks to hop on this so late because I am cheap.

[CrimsonPaw]

My point was that there were already means to an end.

Don't think you have a point on mine because Steam is completely different... there isn't a STEAM BOX somewhere is there? Not like the Phantom came around and signed up with Valve to bring your Half Lifes to you on your TV?

The only reason that Ipods are that successful is that MP3 and digital distributions came WAY before the device, way before Itunes...

The biggest gripe I have is cutting off the existing fan base... basically having Sony start all over on a new device, having to work to get new users.

If I could send in my UMD and get a downloadable copy... I'd be fine. But the games I buy now, may not be able to play on the PSP2... kinda sucks to hop on this so late because I am cheap.
I see your point, and I'm not arguing to be a dick, I just believe that digital distribution is where the companies are going to start going. Granted they may be cutting off part of their customers, but if that money can be offset by reducing the overhead price (physical media, distribution channels, publishing costs) then it makes good business sense.

As for UMDs I could see them offering up an external drive to interface into the unit much like they did with the PS3 and the PS2 memory card reader.

[snowsquirrel]

Number one reason publishers want digital distribution, is that it is a big step towards eliminating used game sales.

[xycury]

I see your point, and I'm not arguing to be a dick, I just believe that digital distribution is where the companies are going to start going. Granted they may be cutting off part of their customers, but if that money can be offset by reducing the overhead price (physical media, distribution channels, publishing costs) then it makes good business sense.

As for UMDs I could see them offering up an external drive to interface into the unit much like they did with the PS3 and the PS2 memory card reader.

Yeah, same here, I think DD is coming. We already have Wii VC, XBLA, and the PSN.

I don't know if one could use the reduction, because if they do a retail and DD, the "Digital Store" will never have sales, because they must keep it above MSRP that's in stores. They will still price a product at 29.99 and not even remotely lower it.

Guild wars is big because of this, their prices at the store have stayed at $50, why, because all their titles are at retail, they can't screw that market up by offering less than what it is selling in stores.

As for the adapter, I hope and pray, but with CFW and existing crowd and the expected releases all year, it's hard to transfer customers over. I hope for an adapter.


Number one reason for digital distribution, is that it is a big step towards used game sales.

Indeed, there are many people that thrive on it, that want to sell back their used games, can't do that with DD.

For myself, I NEVER buy Steam games unless it's on sale, and if everyone is selling games on DD only... it'll be the end of CAG.

We thrive on clearence/discount/sales of games, and DD will ruin all of that. It'll be quick snipit posts about this or that on sale and that's it. may run for a day or two but then what.


It'll be a sad expensive future once DD because mainstream and media at retail goes away.

[snowsquirrel]

http://www.onelastcontinue.com/5488/inside-source-psp2-ps3-100-price-drop-confirmed/

Not sure how reliable this site is, but come E3 we will know.

~S

[Serpentor]

Well, as long as there's game sharing, i don't think CAG will go away :) (or maybe at least part of it remains)

Don't you guys/gals see the latest deals on CAG? It's mostly GS's B2G1 used games deals... I don't have problems with that at all, so don't take that the wrong way. I'm just saying, the deals are drying up now a day, that kills CAG more quickly than DD.

I'm all for DD, no more lines, no more discs, no more hunting for used bargains :)

Of course, i don't see $60 games gonna go DD yet, but definitely PSP2 games. I'll look forward to the new PSP2, hell, i'm saving for it right now.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173959

David Ellis at 1up has posted a fairly detailed update on the PSP 2 rumor, which calls this new system the "PSP Go!":
http://media.1up.com/media/03/7/0/7/lg/114.jpg
Not an Actual PSP Go! Photo

Rumors of a major PSP hardware redesign have repeatedly (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172929) bubbled (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173208) to the surface over the last several (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172983) months (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173042) -- some claiming the removal of the system's UMD disc drive, and others pointing to a second analog stick and sliding screen. According to sources directly involved with the new system, we have learned that Sony will quell those rumors by unveiling their revamped PSP at this year's E3 conference in June.

Many have speculated that the update would be called either the PSP 2 or PSP-4000, but our sources claim Sony will forgo a numerical moniker in favor of a subtitle. We've heard various rumored code names for the project (including PSP Slide, PSP Flip, and PSP Go!), but given that Sony has introduced the Go! brand of add-ons (the Go!View (http://uk.playstation.com/psp/hardware/accessories/detail/item114900/Go%21View-on-PSP/) video on-demand service and 1.3 megapixel Go!Cam (http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item63421/Go%21Cam-go/)) for the European PSP, it seems likely that the new system will in fact be called the PSP Go! Our sources further confirm that this redesign will be available in two SKUs, with either eight or 16 GB of built-in flash memory. The system is set for release in Japan this September with a U.S. debut coming in either late October or early November.

In addition, since the UMD is going away, Sony will have over 100 classic and new PSP titles available for download at launch (Gran Turismo Mobile (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173790) is said to be one of the premier launch titles). As for the hardware itself, the redesign will include a d-pad, analog nub, and face buttons as part of a sliding unit sticking out below the screen (as seen in our mockup above). Unfortunately for those looking for twin-stick shooter controls, the new system will not have a second analog stick, but instead will remain consistent with the current control configuration.

When asked about any of these details, Sony, of course, stated that it "does not comment on rumors or speculation."

As a bit of actual speculation, we wouldn't be surprised to see Sony borrow many design features from their Mylo 2 handheld Internet device, which is seemingly dead in the water (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/sonys-mylo-2-only-available-in-refurbished-form-is-the-end-n/). This could provide an 800x480 pixel touch screen for the system, as well as a camera on the system's backside.

Between the redesign and a strong lineup of recently announced PSP titles (see: Tekken 6 and Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173979)), Sony is clearly attempting to assert their relevance in the wake of the DSi's release and success of the iPhone as a gaming platform. It'll be interesting to see what sort of a splash Sony makes and the reaction the new hardware receives when it debuts at E3, which is only a month away. Preloading every PSP Go! with a copy of LittleBigPlanet (http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3170444) would certainly make some waves.The addition of Go! to the name makes it sound like a toy version of the PSP that you'd buy for kids that can't handle the normal PSP.

Cliff Notes:
-Will be announced at E3
-Out in Japan in September, US in late October/early November
-Two SKUs: 8 GB or 16 GB of internal flash memory
-Will have over 100 classic and new PSP games available for download at launch
-Gran Turismo Mobile will be one of the launch titles
-Includes the same button layout as the PSP that slide out from under the screen, so there's no second nub
-No comment on the rumor from Sony
-Could borrow features from Sony's Mylo 2 handheld device, like touch screen and a camera.

[Monsta Mack]

Well one would think Tekken and Soul Calibur are for the PSP, which is what they announced it for. If it was for PSP2 Namco would have held off till E3 to showcase their news games for the next PSP. Otherwise everyone on the internet is assuming right now that Tekken and Soul Calibur will be released on UMD. LBP and all of Sony's future offerings are up in there, but the real challenge is how well Patapon 2 will sell in the US as PSN only.

[FriskyTanuki]

They can't be on both? It says a paragraph or two above it that there will be a ton of games for download, so what would stop Namco from offering UMD versions for the legacy PSP owners and PSN versions for the Go owners?

[Malik112099]

my hands hurt looking at that....how the fuck could sony even imagine the next psp without 2 analogue sticks? wtf is wrong with them?

here is my fav psp mockup:

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5563/iwish490.jpg

[mykevermin]

Gran Turismo at launch should be the proof that that information is false.

[Monsta Mack]

what would stop Namco from offering UMD versions for the legacy PSP owners and PSN versions for the Go owners?

A gun to the head from Sony? Sony charging no fees if they make it download only? Who knows.
... and do we really need ANOTHER PSP model this year? Why don't they turn it into a phone and call it the Sony Gage.

[mykevermin]

what would stop Namco from offering UMD versions for the legacy PSP owners and PSN versions for the Go owners?

UMD sales figures.

BTW, if they release a new PSP with only one analog nub, then I'm going to abandon the platform with the exception of my slim to play my (ostensibly Japanese, since they ain't comin' to the US) PSOne titles on the go. 3 straight revisions neglecting the single most begged-for revision is balls-out narcissism that no PS3 misstep could begin to touch.

[Strell]

UMD sales figures.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2985790724_30c397a42e.jpg

[FriskyTanuki]

A gun to the head from Sony? Sony charging no fees if they make it download only? Who knows.
... and do we really need ANOTHER PSP model this year? Why don't they turn it into a phone and call it the Sony Gage.
Really? You were saying that those two games had to be exclusives for the PSP because they were only announced for the PSP and not the Go!, so why are you so sure about that? Why would Sony be so stupid as to work to get all of these big games to not offer them for download for the Go! to instantly boost the quality of that initial offering of games and instead make them all exclusives on UMD?

They need to put out the Go to show publishers that they're serious about getting rid of the piracy problems and not just let it ruin the PSP for everyone.

[Richlough]

They need to put out the Go to show publishers that they're serious about getting rid of the piracy problems and not just let it ruin the PSP for everyone.

Sony did a good enough job of that themselves.

The current PSP would be a phenominal success if it were made by SEGA and marketed as a portable Dreamcast.
Nearly every DC game could be ported to be downloaded to it .
And the system's main gimp would be totally excused being that the DC controller only had a single analog stick.

As far as getting it right for now, I think Sony should include a small rumble set-up as well like the one found in the DS/GBA Rumble Cart.

[Inf^Shini]

Inturrresting

It's all an attempt to battle PSP piracy, believe it!

[SynGamer]

my hands hurt looking at that....how the fuck could sony even imagine the next psp without 2 analogue sticks? wtf is wrong with them?

here is my fav psp mockup:

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5563/iwish490.jpg
Ditto. Posted it a couple pages back.

[gunm]

Dual analog would be nice. I really don't understand the engineering challenge of including one--does it really increase costs that much from either a hardware or software standpoint?

Anyway, it kind of sounds like PSPGo! is Sony's DSi. I wonder if they'll keep both SKUs?

[FriskyTanuki]

I don't think it's a money/difficulty thing, but more of a compatability thing. They probably don't want developers making games that don't control as well on the original PSP, but to keep the games the same on either platform. It's not that good of an excuse since they could easily have the game be able to identify what system it's on and adjust the default control scheme accordingly.

I'm guessing that that would come whenever the real PSP2 actually comes out.

[Inf^Shini]

If they're just gonna stick with one analog stick, put it on the opposite side of the d-pad :D

[FriskyTanuki]

Above the d-pad or below the face buttons?

[gaxur]

a Dual Joystick PSP that let you pick which one to use for old PSP titles would win rather hard. MGS:PO would be even better. Especially if you could also map one of the joysticks to act like the d-pad. Personally, I'm with the 'add dual analog, demand that developers develop a single analog control setting for every game' angle; everyone wins. Although dual joysticks is very low on what I want from PSP, far below a method to either back up or trade in UMDs for downloads, and more downloads in general. I had tons of fun on Dreamcast and N64 with a single analog stick, and I enjoy plenty of games that only use one, or none (heck, the Wii only really has one-joystick equivalent controls for most non-FPS games), so dual sticks aren't a giant concern for me.

[smiggity]

They need to take the mylo and PSP and make them one awesome machine. If that happens like said article, it would be outstanding. I would buy it.

[Teh Nitwit]

Inturrresting

It's all an attempt to battle PSP piracy, believe it!

Didn't they already address the piracy problem with PSP3000? I thought it's unhackable...

[Serpentor]

darn, no 2nd nub :( still rumors at this point, so hold tight!

[Bluth Superfan]

I'll be sticking with my 3000. If the leaked specs are true then there is no real reason to upgrade.

[rumarudrathas]

I'll be sticking with my 3000. If the leaked specs are true then there is no real reason to upgrade.

Ditto. Waste of cash with no second nub.

*Goes and plays Logan's Shadow with blistered thumbs*

[gunm]

I'm a little wary of the rumor that PSP2 will forgo UMDs not for regular old sort-of cheap Memory Stick duos, but that new Memory Stick HG-Micro format. Last thing I'd want is a new format that could be more expensive to pick up early on. I don't know too much about the format beyond the higher storage capacity and faster speed. I just hope if true, the stick is backwards-compatible with the regular PSPs. Having a terabyte stick seems like overkill, but it'd be pretty durn cool.

[Bluth Superfan]

The more that comes out about this thing the more I'm thinking why bother.

No UMD drive and mini MS pro duos that will certainly be way overpriced compared to the originals and sd cards.

Sony can't even get PSOne games on the store and we are supposed to believe that they can do a DD only console.

I won't be surprised if they officially announce this thing at E3 but I do think it's a mistake.

[Ryukahn]

Sony can't even get PSOne games on the store and we are supposed to believe that they can do a DD only console.


I still like the idea of a DD only handheld (it's very convenient compared to carrying around UMDs, but the price of the DD content has to be reasonable (cheaper than buying a store copy of a game)), but this quote is all anybody needs to know as far as the likelihood Sony would do a good job with a DD only handheld.

[mykevermin]

They actually have to HAVE DD content first. :lol:

[mailman27]

Am I the only person who realizes that Sony has been waiting for this thing to launch to load up the PS store with DD content? Sony at E3 "So we have the PSP Go! which at launch will have over 175 pieces of content available for download. This includes PSone titles, PSN exclusives, demos etc." *Not a real quote*

Sony has probably worked to sell the publishing community on the idea "so now if you have a PSP Go! and you want a game you have to download it on the PS Store. So please work with us to get these licensing issues worked out so we can bring your PSOne library to the PS Store. Oh, and that cool XBLA game you made two years ago? How about you jazz it up and bring it to the PSP?"

[Ryukahn]

I suppose that's a possibility. Wouldn't be too thrilled to find out they've purposefully held off on DD content just to unveil it for this thing. If it ends up being the only way to get a downloadable copy of FF7 (not to mention having a lot of other PSOne RPGs), then I may have to buy it anyway... :wall:

[mailman27]

I don't think it's a money/difficulty thing, but more of a compatability thing. They probably don't want developers making games that don't control as well on the original PSP, but to keep the games the same on either platform. It's not that good of an excuse since they could easily have the game be able to identify what system it's on and adjust the default control scheme accordingly.

I'm guessing that that would come whenever the real PSP2 actually comes out.

I think you hit the nail on the head. This will be addressed with the PSP two. You should think of the PSP Go! as more like the Gameboy Micro...with the physical games thrown out and DD in.

[mailman27]

I suppose that's a possibility. Wouldn't be too thrilled to find out they've purposefully held off on DD content just to unveil it for this thing. If it ends up being the only way to get a downloadable copy of FF7 (not to mention having a lot of other PSOne RPGs), then I may have to buy it anyway... :wall:

I agree, and it is really frustrating. But the video game industry, like most of the tech industry, is still run by people who believe in "hype marketing" and so they love do the big reveal/raise the giant curtain/lift the fog of secrecy thing.

A part of it probably is the whole chicken and egg thing too, in that many publishers probably didn't think bringing their games to the PS store was worth the effort before.

[mykevermin]

Am I the only person who realizes that Sony has been waiting for this thing to launch to load up the PS store with DD content? Sony at E3 "So we have the PSP Go! which at launch will have over 175 pieces of content available for download. This includes PSone titles, PSN exclusives, demos etc." *Not a real quote*

When pigs fly. I don't see this happening at all. The US Store has inspired zero confidence in getting access to DD content, and I think it's naive, based on how they've updated the store over the past two years, to think that they have it all figured out, but are planning a more strategic release.

[gunm]

There is no way Sony is sitting on a backlog of PSOne or any DD games just so they can launch it w/PSPGo. That's not how it works.

[dablemont]

If they indeed get rid of the UMD, I know I'll definitely buy it... I truly hope this is the beginning of true download content of mainstream games on handhelds.

[RelentlessRolento]

There is no way Sony is sitting on a backlog of PSOne or any DD games just so they can launch it w/PSPGo. That's not how it works.


initially it wasn't this way but when PS1 games became a higher priority, it turned into this so be sad a little.

[PhoenixT]

I just don't see straight digital download setup working for most retailers. You can argue all day that the Iphone deflates the argument but it really doesn't. It has thousands and thousands of different attachments covers cases etc that people love to put on their Iphone that make tons of money for it. More so than the PsP. How many new cases, covers etc really sell on the PsP and how many will keep selling is it enough of a market to make the stores profit enough to keep the console on the shelves thats the real question. Frankly if your not going to make any profit off the games as a retailer you have to make a solid profit somehow on the thing and your certainly not making it on the system. Also theres something to be said about a physical format as far as resale on your own , not to mention retailers putting them on sale or clearance to move merchandise out of the store quicker to make space.