PSP pricing and battery life (in Japan)

[UnBRELLA]

Check it out at The Magic Box (http://www.the-magicbox.com/gaming.htm) .

Synopsis:
-Sony has officially announced PlayStation Portable launch information. The PSP will launch in Japan on December 12, for 19,800 yen (US$185). The PSP package includes the PSP system, AC Adapter and Battery Pack. The battery life has also been confirmed, the PSP uses rechargeable Li-Ion battery which can be used for 4-6 hours for playing games (ouch), and 4-5 hours for watching videos. 21 titles will be released throughout December 2004. The PSP will launch in US and Europe sometimes before March 2005.

[Matarick]

CAG goes import baby!

Universal Regioning and you can easily preorder it from Lik-Sang and Play-Asia for affordable prices.

Who needs a PDA to play games or a mini DVD player to play movies once the PC untilities arrive to place DVD movies onto Memory Stck Duo

[guessed]

And suddenly the PSP becomes (slightly) more attractive/competitive.

[Cornfedwb]

The 4 to 6 hour battery life is a bit of a killer.... I'd much rather see something around the 8 hour mark. But the price point is a pleasant surprise.

[pimp tyranny]

i think it'll be awesome. besides, i won't be playing for more than five hours at a time away from my dorm. it sounds great to me.

[Duo_Maxwell]

That's about the crappiest handheld battery life ever since the nomad, maybe worse because I could change those on the fly this I have to charge. And is the no region coding thing true? I haven't heard any news of that kind.

[WildWop]

That's about the crappiest handheld battery life ever since the nomad, maybe worse because I could change those on the fly this I have to charge. And is the no region coding thing true? I haven't heard any news of that kind.

Yeah, the battery life is definitely sad. If it was better, I could be convinced to pay $185 to give the system a shot (though I think it will be more likely to launch at $200 in the U.S.

4-5 hours for movie playback is decent though. Two movies or one LOTR... though it still remains to be seen how they plan to push movies in UMD format. I'll be damned if I'm going to buy movies in yet another format (save Predator and Tombstone, which I will continue to buy in all playable forms).

[Duo_Maxwell]

No movie company except for the ones Sony owns would consider making movies in UMD, save for a couple mega-blockbusters. At least not until the market becomes much more saturated with product that play movies in UMD format, which will possibly be never. And seeing as how I'll be getting a laptop soon anyhow, the whole movie playback thing to me is quite useless.

[CapAmerica]

And I still don't want one.

I mean really what does it have that I want?
There are No announced Games I want and not a single AAA title if you ask me and I don't want to re-buy my movies.

They also don't have any new features that the DS doesn't have.
DS has Online Multiplayer stuff, 16 player games DS has them. Infact DS hasn't even set a max number.
DS has better battery life.
DS all ready has a 10x better library.
DS is $50 cheaper.
DS plays GBA games.
DS has Mario, Metroid, Zelda and Final Fantasy!!!
DS is going to play movies, Nintendo has allready announced there will be a DS Video library. (Hopefully it will be better then the GBA Videos)

And I'll be willing to bet that there will be a DS MP3 player with in 2 months of the DS release.

[WildWop]

No movie company except for the ones Sony owns would consider making movies in UMD, save for a couple mega-blockbusters. At least not until the market becomes much more saturated with product that play movies in UMD format, which will possibly be never. And seeing as how I'll be getting a laptop soon anyhow, the whole movie playback thing to me is quite useless.

Didn't Sony recently buy all of MGM's movie rights? That's an extensive library indeed.

[KingDox]

now we have to find out how much the games cost, I'll be damned if I'm paying 50 bucks for some port.

[doubledown]

Yeah, the PSP sounds attractive, but I'm not liking the UMD media either. It would be great to have this WONDER machine that plays games and movies, but I already have an EXTENSIVE DVD collection, and I'm not ever going to buy movies over in UMD. Now, if they made a UMD burner or something like that where I could back my DVD up onto that, it would be tempting...but alas, I will pass also.

[Rig]

And I still don't want one.

DS has Mario, Metroid, Zelda and Final Fantasy!!!


I agree DS is looking better, and I am a Nintendo fanboy at heart, but don't you think the PSP will also have some Final Fantasy games on it? I mean, they release (the majority of) Final Fantasy games on Sony's system.

[alongx]

Keeping in mind that I prefer the DS over the PSP as of now...

They also don't have any new features that the DS doesn't have.

If you consider a larger, better looking screen and an analog stick features, then yes it does.

DS all ready has a 10x better library.

That's arguable. So far, we really don't know what the DS games will be like. Games like Yoshi's Touch and Go, for example, seem great on paper, but may not end up being a very fun game.

DS is $50 cheaper.

To some people, $50 is worth it for graphical capabilities. For example, the PS2 is $150 right now. Would you look at an N64 purchase for $100 as a good deal? Keep in mind, when I say this, I mean to factor out all games that have been released for each and just to consider the hardware itself. The two screens and touch screens make up for the lack of graphical capability, or at least it should depending on the kind of games that come out.

[hiccupleftovers]

The 4 to 6 hour battery life is a bit of a killer.... I'd much rather see something around the 8 hour mark. But the price point is a pleasant surprise.

I feel the exact same way Cornfedwb. If it had batteries than maybe I could work around it with my own rechargeable batteries but it's running on a straight built in rechargeable battery. I mainly use the portable systems (i.e. gameboy and all its incarnations) on flights/trips/etc. so if I'm on a long flight this will be killer. The PSP now is a little more appealing but when it comes over it will probably be $200. Also, the whole UMD disk for movies will not make me buy movies all over again! that I have and even ones that I don't have since I'm enjoying my dvds and that I can at least use those in another machine, my laptop.

[Duo_Maxwell]

And I still don't want one.

DS has Mario, Metroid, Zelda and Final Fantasy!!!


I agree DS is looking better, and I am a Nintendo fanboy at heart, but don't you think the PSP will also have some Final Fantasy games on it? I mean, they release (the majority of) Final Fantasy games on Sony's system.

They've already said Crisis Core would be coming to the system in the future. and that other FF VII spinoff, Dirge of Cerebus or whatever will probably make in appearence as well.

[flizmo007]

Sony Computer Entertainment today announced that the PSP version of its popular golf game, Minna no Golf Portable, will be released simultaneously with the handheld's launch on December 12. The game will be priced at 4,800 yen ($45).

Minna no Golf is known as Hot Shots Golf in English. The PSP edition of the game will allow for head-to-head play via the handheld's wireless LAN capability.

Kinda high price for a portable game.... Another plus in the Nintendo corner.

[alongx]

And I still don't want one.

DS has Mario, Metroid, Zelda and Final Fantasy!!!


I agree DS is looking better, and I am a Nintendo fanboy at heart, but don't you think the PSP will also have some Final Fantasy games on it? I mean, they release (the majority of) Final Fantasy games on Sony's system.

A FF7 spinoff was already announced for PSP. And I'm not talking about Advent Children, there was another one, an action RPG.

EDIT: Duo beat me to it.

[alongx]

If it had batteries than maybe I could work around it with my own rechargeable batteries but it's running on a straight built in rechargeable battery.

It's not built in. If you'll read carefully, you'll notice that it's a rechargable battery pack. Spares can be purchased.

[Trakan]

And I still don't want one.

DS has Mario, Metroid, Zelda and Final Fantasy!!!


I agree DS is looking better, and I am a Nintendo fanboy at heart, but don't you think the PSP will also have some Final Fantasy games on it? I mean, they release (the majority of) Final Fantasy games on Sony's system.

A FF7 spinoff was already announced for PSP. And I'm not talking about Advent Children, there was another one, an action RPG.

EDIT: Duo beat me to it.

Pretty sure it's call Dirge of Cerberus.

[Tromack]

No movie company except for the ones Sony owns would consider making movies in UMD, save for a couple mega-blockbusters. At least not until the market becomes much more saturated with product that play movies in UMD format, which will possibly be never. And seeing as how I'll be getting a laptop soon anyhow, the whole movie playback thing to me is quite useless.

Didn't Sony recently buy all of MGM's movie rights? That's an extensive library indeed.

Most PSP owners want to watch Annie Hall and the Pink Panther on the go? I mean, I do, but I think I'm just about the only one. Doesn't fit with the whole GTA crowd.

[hiccupleftovers]

If it had batteries than maybe I could work around it with my own rechargeable batteries but it's running on a straight built in rechargeable battery.

It's not built in. If you'll read carefully, you'll notice that it's a rechargable battery pack. Spares can be purchased.

thanks for correcting me. I must have misread it or something. BUt still how am I going to recharge on a long trip?

[hiccupleftovers]

No movie company except for the ones Sony owns would consider making movies in UMD, save for a couple mega-blockbusters. At least not until the market becomes much more saturated with product that play movies in UMD format, which will possibly be never. And seeing as how I'll be getting a laptop soon anyhow, the whole movie playback thing to me is quite useless.

Didn't Sony recently buy all of MGM's movie rights? That's an extensive library indeed.

Most PSP owners want to watch Annie Hall and the Pink Panther on the go? I mean, I do, but I think I'm just about the only one. Doesn't fit with the whole GTA crowd.

You're forgetting that MGM also owned the rights to al of the James Bond movies which I think at last count is at 21 movies. Not bad but still I don't want to buy them all over again when I just did this year.

[Duo_Maxwell]

If it had batteries than maybe I could work around it with my own rechargeable batteries but it's running on a straight built in rechargeable battery.

It's not built in. If you'll read carefully, you'll notice that it's a rechargable battery pack. Spares can be purchased.

thanks for correcting me. I must have misread it or something. BUt still how am I going to recharge on a long trip?

You won't, but Sony will gladly take an extra $40 or so from you to buy a back-up battery pack.

And yes the MGM library helps, but not nearly enough IMO and also consider there's no way they will produce all movies in the Sony library for UMD. For example, I think you mentioned Predator and Tombstone (though Sony may own Buena Vista I honestly don't recall), well chances are you won't be viewing either one on your PSP, at least not one that's not a bootleg or something.

[hiccupleftovers]

Sony Computer Entertainment today announced that the PSP version of its popular golf game, Minna no Golf Portable, will be released simultaneously with the handheld's launch on December 12. The game will be priced at 4,800 yen ($45).

Minna no Golf is known as Hot Shots Golf in English. The PSP edition of the game will allow for head-to-head play via the handheld's wireless LAN capability.

Kinda high price for a portable game.... Another plus in the Nintendo corner.

Very pricey. But alas, We have the CAG to help us. But still if I do decide to get one of these either on opening day or later down the road, I'm going to want to have a game to play that day and if it's another $45 I don't think I'll be able to afford that much in one day.

[epobirs]

Buena Vista is Disney.

[epobirs]

The high game prices are likely indicative of the hit Sony is taking on the hardware SRP. To make the sale of thePSP hardware pay off they either need a high margin on the games or a very high attach rate. They've apparently voted for the former.

[CapAmerica]

No Final Fantasy games have been anounced for the PSP, infact No Square games at all have been anounced. While the DS all ready has 5 games announced including FFIII and FF:CC. and rumor that Before Crisis will also be ported to the DS.

Some people thought Dirge of Cerberus was going to be for the PSP, but that was before it was before the game was even announced.

As it stands right now Square is showing NO suport to the PSP. Which if you ask me is weird because Square did so much for the PS and PS2. You would think they would have at least ported FFVII to the PSP because of the FFVII movie. it makes you wonder if something is happening between the two companies.

[Tromack]

If it had batteries than maybe I could work around it with my own rechargeable batteries but it's running on a straight built in rechargeable battery.

It's not built in. If you'll read carefully, you'll notice that it's a rechargable battery pack. Spares can be purchased.

thanks for correcting me. I must have misread it or something. BUt still how am I going to recharge on a long trip?

You won't, but Sony will gladly take an extra $40 or so from you to buy a back-up battery pack.

And yes the MGM library helps, but not nearly enough IMO and also consider there's no way they will produce all movies in the Sony library for UMD. For example, I think you mentioned Predator and Tombstone (though Sony may own Buena Vista I honestly don't recall), well chances are you won't be viewing either one on your PSP, at least not one that's not a bootleg or something.

I'm pretty sure that blank UMD media won't be available to anyone except Sony, let alone the production capabilities, so I think bootlegs are rather impossible.

[mario23air]

The short battery life may be a deal breaker for me. I own a Game Gear, Nomad, and Turbo Express, and they all have crappy battery life. In my opinion any portable gaming system should have a battery life of at least 8 hours. Sony is saying 4-5 hours; history tells me that the “true” battery life may be more like 3-4 hours. If I buy one of these things I’ll probably spend more time charging it than playing it. I’ll wait for the inevitable redesign that will most likely have longer battery life.

[UnBRELLA]

As it stands right now Square is showing NO suport to the PSP.

If you checked the link you would also find find this little news bit:
- Square Enix announced its first PSP title, called Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, an action RPG based on the settings of Final Fantasy VII, as the fourth entry in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII project. The game is headed by Yoshinori Kitase, and directed by Hajime Tahata. No release date has been set for the game.

[Duo_Maxwell]

No Final Fantasy games have been anounced for the PSP, infact No Square games at all have been anounced. While the DS all ready has 5 games announced including FFIII and FF:CC. and rumor that Before Crisis will also be ported to the DS.

Some people thought Dirge of Cerberus was going to be for the PSP, but that was before it was before the game was even announced.

As it stands right now Square is showing NO suport to the PSP. Which if you ask me is weird because Square did so much for the PS and PS2. You would think they would have at least ported FFVII to the PSP because of the FFVII movie. it makes you wonder if something is happening between the two companies.

http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/crisiscorefinalfantasyvii/news_6111574.html

And Advent Children, which we've known about forever, would still count as Square-Enix supports anyhow.

[epobirs]

No Final Fantasy games have been anounced for the PSP, infact No Square games at all have been anounced. While the DS all ready has 5 games announced including FFIII and FF:CC. and rumor that Before Crisis will also be ported to the DS.

Some people thought Dirge of Cerberus was going to be for the PSP, but that was before it was before the game was even announced.

As it stands right now Square is showing NO suport to the PSP. Which if you ask me is weird because Square did so much for the PS and PS2. You would think they would have at least ported FFVII to the PSP because of the FFVII movie. it makes you wonder if something is happening between the two companies.

Simply not true. Square has announced support for the PSP in general and a specific FF related title has been announced:
"Square Enix announced its first PSP title, called Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, an action RPG based on the settings of Final Fantasy VII, as the fourth entry in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII project. The game is headed by Yoshinori Kitase, and directed by Hajime Tahata. No release date has been set for the game."

This game isn't due out until 2006 but then look how long it took FFVII to appear on the PS. It should be noted that we don't have any firm dates on the DS products from Square either.

[nixts]

Sneak peek at the finished packaging of the standard and value bundle PSP:

Regular:
http://ascii24.com/news/i/hard/article/2004/10/27/images/images755871.jpg

Value Bundle (Includes 32MB Memory Stick, Carrying Case, HeadPhone, etc.):
http://ascii24.com/news/i/hard/article/2004/10/27/images/images755872.jpg

The value bundle will cost about $250 USD (26040 Y), and will be available on December 12 in Japan.

[PHaLaNX GTR]

Yeah, the battery life is definitely sad. If it was better, I could be convinced to pay $185 to give the system a shot (though I think it will be more likely to launch at $200 in the U.S.

4-5 hours for movie playback is decent though. Two movies or one LOTR... though it still remains to be seen how they plan to push movies in UMD format. I'll be damned if I'm going to buy movies in yet another format (save Predator and Tombstone, which I will continue to buy in all playable forms).

Due to the fact that the PS2 launched at $370 USD in Japan, then later released in the US for $300, I think it's pretty safe to say that it'll be under $185 when released here, in the States. $150 sounds like a more logical price point.

4-6 hours of gaming sounds decent to me, since it's a rechargable lithium ion battery pack (just what I was hoping for), and I'm not likely to play more than an hour or two at a time. I would just plug it into my car or house's wall outlet whenever I wouldn't be using it, assuming if I ever do pick up a handheld system. Never had one and never really needed one. Although, some of the other functions do interesting me, especially with the possible price point of $150.

Also, I wonder if there is a possibility of Sony releasing a higher density battery in the not so distant future.

[Duo_Maxwell]

Is that big black oval a carrying case? I take it that's the memory stick too. So basically I'll have to about $250 to get everything I really need to play a PSP (well probably closer to $280-90 after a game).

[CaseyRyback]

For that price I will bite if they make the analog stick truely analog (probably get it for my birthday next year)

to me it is more appealing than the DS as I am still not sold on how well the system will play for lefties.


I have wanted a PSP since it came out, but I started to waver when they threw out the 300 dollar price point on a lot of sites, glad to see that I was right when I said SONY knew better than to price themselves out of the market.

[Trakan]

What's with the short battery life?

[FriskyTanuki]

For that price I will bite if they make the analog stick truely analog (probably get it for my birthday next year)

to me it is more appealing than the DS as I am still not sold on how well the system will play for lefties.


I have wanted a PSP since it came out, but I started to waver when they threw out the 300 dollar price point on a lot of sites, glad to see that I was right when I said SONY knew better than to price themselves out of the market.

This is a quote from a hands-on article for MGA by Gamespot:

"while the analog controller--which is really a sliding disc, since it doesn't tilt"

I'm really liking the system and might preorder it when more info on the US launch is released. I'm really liking MGA and Ridge Racer, since both are looking great and are stars of the lineup.

[CaseyRyback]

For that price I will bite if they make the analog stick truely analog (probably get it for my birthday next year)

to me it is more appealing than the DS as I am still not sold on how well the system will play for lefties.


I have wanted a PSP since it came out, but I started to waver when they threw out the 300 dollar price point on a lot of sites, glad to see that I was right when I said SONY knew better than to price themselves out of the market.

This is a quote from a hands-on article for MGA by Gamespot:

"while the analog controller--which is really a sliding disc, since it doesn't tilt"

that is why I mentioned it,as I hoped they changed it after the showing at TGS. Go and read about GT4 on the PSP and they go pretty in depth about how hard it is to control.

[UnBRELLA]

Due to the fact that the PS2 launched at $370 USD in Japan, then later released in the US for $300, I think it's pretty safe to say that it'll be under $185 when released here, in the States. $150 sounds like a more logical price point.

Also, I wonder if there is a possibility of Sony releasing a higher density battery in the not so distant future.

Two very good points. I was thinking the same thing about the battery situation, where they would release a better battery down the road. If they were smart they would announce such a thing to relieve people's fears before they go out and buy a DS.

[FriskyTanuki]

For that price I will bite if they make the analog stick truely analog (probably get it for my birthday next year)

to me it is more appealing than the DS as I am still not sold on how well the system will play for lefties.


I have wanted a PSP since it came out, but I started to waver when they threw out the 300 dollar price point on a lot of sites, glad to see that I was right when I said SONY knew better than to price themselves out of the market.

This is a quote from a hands-on article for MGA by Gamespot:

"while the analog controller--which is really a sliding disc, since it doesn't tilt"

that is why I mentioned it,as I hoped they changed it after the showing at TGS. Go and read about GT4 on the PSP and they go pretty in depth about how hard it is to control.

I think I've read that before, if it isn't used like the PS2 controllers, than that'll be good since it isn't like the analog stick. Though I hope it's refined enough so it can be used like one since that'll add to the 3D visuals. I think when it gets closer to release in Japan, there'll be lot of coverage about the system and it's features. So, by then we'll be able to see how it's being used and how it's changed.

[CaseyRyback]

For that price I will bite if they make the analog stick truely analog (probably get it for my birthday next year)

to me it is more appealing than the DS as I am still not sold on how well the system will play for lefties.


I have wanted a PSP since it came out, but I started to waver when they threw out the 300 dollar price point on a lot of sites, glad to see that I was right when I said SONY knew better than to price themselves out of the market.

This is a quote from a hands-on article for MGA by Gamespot:

"while the analog controller--which is really a sliding disc, since it doesn't tilt"

that is why I mentioned it,as I hoped they changed it after the showing at TGS. Go and read about GT4 on the PSP and they go pretty in depth about how hard it is to control.

I think I've read that before, if it isn't used like the PS2 controllers, than that'll be good since it isn't like the analog stick. Though I hope it's refined enough so it can be used like one since that'll add to the 3D visuals. I think when it gets closer to release in Japan, there'll be lot of coverage about the system and it's features. So, by then we'll be able to see how it's being used and how it's changed.

they bumped up the RAM when people were disappionted with it, so hopefully the media and developers bitched enough

[XboxMaster]

Awesome, so I can just buy the DS for Christmas, and then buy the PSP for my Birthday! Fuck yeah!!!

[FriskyTanuki]

For that price I will bite if they make the analog stick truely analog (probably get it for my birthday next year)

to me it is more appealing than the DS as I am still not sold on how well the system will play for lefties.


I have wanted a PSP since it came out, but I started to waver when they threw out the 300 dollar price point on a lot of sites, glad to see that I was right when I said SONY knew better than to price themselves out of the market.

This is a quote from a hands-on article for MGA by Gamespot:

"while the analog controller--which is really a sliding disc, since it doesn't tilt"

that is why I mentioned it,as I hoped they changed it after the showing at TGS. Go and read about GT4 on the PSP and they go pretty in depth about how hard it is to control.

I think I've read that before, if it isn't used like the PS2 controllers, than that'll be good since it isn't like the analog stick. Though I hope it's refined enough so it can be used like one since that'll add to the 3D visuals. I think when it gets closer to release in Japan, there'll be lot of coverage about the system and it's features. So, by then we'll be able to see how it's being used and how it's changed.

they bumped up the RAM when people were disappionted with it, so hopefully the media and developers bitched enough

Yeah, if enough people bitch, anything's possible.

[alongx]

Due to the fact that the PS2 launched at $370 USD in Japan, then later released in the US for $300, I think it's pretty safe to say that it'll be under $185 when released here, in the States. $150 sounds like a more logical price point.

That's not necessarily a safe assumption. Keep in mind that the DS is launching in Japan at $140 USD and in the US at $150.
Additionally, who would buy the base system anyway? The only superfluous item in the 'value pack' is the headphones - the memory stick is a necessity to save games, and, for me at least, a case would be a necessity to protect that big beautiful screen. And the value pack is $235 USD at launch, approx, which, assuming that the US release will get a lower price point, will probably equate to $200-$225. This is saying that they even release a value pack here, though - for all we know they may just release a base system and sell the accessories at $30-40 each (assuming the accessories will be priced here as they are in Japan).

Also, as much as I appreciate the inclusion of a cover, I'd almost rather a hard case than a soft cover. I have a cell phone cover like that and my phone slips out of it a lot.

[Kaijufan]

$185 is a lot less then I thought it was going to be, but I still dont plan on getting one.

[WildWop]

Due to the fact that the PS2 launched at $370 USD in Japan, then later released in the US for $300, I think it's pretty safe to say that it'll be under $185 when released here, in the States. $150 sounds like a more logical price point.

Also, I wonder if there is a possibility of Sony releasing a higher density battery in the not so distant future.

Two very good points. I was thinking the same thing about the battery situation, where they would release a better battery down the road. If they were smart they would announce such a thing to relieve people's fears before they go out and buy a DS.

So your fears would be "relieved" if they told you that you'd have to buy a new battery (those batteries aren't cheap... high density cell phone batteries are at least $50) to get good life out of your PSP? I fail to see the logic. Charge me more $$ up front and give me a battery worth a damn from the start.

[CapAmerica]

Okay I will admit that I didn't hear about FFVII CRISIS CORE until like 5min ago. At the time I was writing my post None of the sites I go to had any info on any Square games for the PSP. I don't go to GameSpot or IGN for news. The sites take way to long to load so I don't go to them. At the time GameInformer, TotalVideoGames, and Slashdot hadn't said anything about any Square PSP games.

I don't know how I feel about having a FF title on the PSP, I've gotten pretty fed-up with Sony lately and I really don't want to deal with any more of their consoles. But it is a Final Fantasy game so I might wind up with a PSP after all -_-x damn my Square loyalty maybe the PSP will be down to $100 by the time the game comes out. or the PS3 will be able to play PSP games like its been rumored.

[sying]

And I still don't want one.

DS has Mario, Metroid, Zelda and Final Fantasy!!!


I agree DS is looking better, and I am a Nintendo fanboy at heart, but don't you think the PSP will also have some Final Fantasy games on it? I mean, they release (the majority of) Final Fantasy games on Sony's system.

What Rig said. But I know this, come 11/21/04 im going to have 3 things in my pocket everyday: a DS, the Mario Kart cart and the Wario Ware cart, so whoever whants to throw down, we'll throw down!

Oh the PSP, its nice, I might get it when it goes the way of the Neo Geo. I mean really, I'm already sick of loading... screens on my PS2, I sure as shaq fu don't need it on a portable system

[UnBRELLA]

So your fears would be "relieved" if they told you that you'd have to buy a new battery (those batteries aren't cheap... high density cell phone batteries are at least $50) to get good life out of your PSP? I fail to see the logic. Charge me more $$ up front and give me a battery worth a damn from the start.

Since it seems like Sony will be unable to release a better battery before launch, the least they could do is promise a battery with a longer life that would be released when they develop it. That way the people who actually care, and aren't getting enough out their current battery, could purchase it. Then again they could be like Apple who release a totally new iPod in order to get better battery life.

[pimp tyranny]

most things cost more in Japan. i expect a $150 price on NA release.

[Alpha2]

Since it seems like Sony will be unable to release a better battery before launch, the least they could do is promise a battery with a longer life that would be released when they develop it. That way the people who actually care, and aren't getting enough out their current battery, could purchase it. Then again they could be like Apple who release a totally new iPod in order to get better battery life.

All that would insure is that people wait to buy one when the new battery comes out, the last thing they want to do is discourage a purchase in any way outside of the already stated system specs.(which should be an insentive.)

[SOSTrooper]

I think the price point is very decent, even though the battery life may be a bit on the low side. However, you can buy extra battery pack for an extra ~$45 a pop if you're one of those long travellers.

I think the good thing about PSP is that the memory stick duo slot will provide alternative use for the PSP other than gaming; such as MP3 player, GPS (via USB), simple applications (like those on PDAs), and even emulators are imminent in the future. So basically PSP isnt just a gaming handheld, its a gaming handheld that can multitask. Sexy.

[Alpha2]

Woah there buddy, slow down on that whole emulation thing, they've been debating that on GP32x forums and the prevailing opinion is that there's little (read "no") chance sony will let anyone run anything off the memory stick besides music and since you cant create UMDs the emmulation front is nonexistant.

Also do we even know if the battery pack is removable yet?

[NateWhs152]

GO DS. FUCK THE PSP

[pimp tyranny]

fuck you

[alongx]

most things cost more in Japan. i expect a $150 price on NA release.

As has been stated many times before, the DS's price is actually higher here than it is in Japan, thus you might expect the PSP's price to be higher too.

[alongx]

But I know this, come 11/21/04 im going to have 3 things in my pocket everyday: a DS, the Mario Kart cart and the Wario Ware cart, so whoever whants to throw down, we'll throw down!

Do you plan on stealing Mario Kart and WarioWare from Nintendo prematurely? 'Cause those games aren't coming out until at least January '05 :)

[Alpha2]

nintendo could be under the assumption that since there are like a few million more people here who;d by the DS that 10 bucks more wont hurt the roll out and provide them with a slight boost, but at the same time remember we're talking about price conversion and they;re hardly ever perfectly accurate, unless you have perfectly up to the minute stock exchange quotes you might never know if the dollar or the yen was up at the time that was first written.

Sony on the other hand knows they;re entering a new market and as usual will take a hit to get the games in peoples hands just to make money on the games and possibly movies if they can develope a UMD library worth having (which would mean exclusives, low price points and PSP specific features since there are no other UMD players, atleast that I've heard of.