Value in the PSP Value Pack? - A CAG Editorial

CheapyD

CheapyD

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I've decided to try and write one editorial a week that will appear on the front page. The first one will be published shortly.

The articles will not be your usual game reviews/previews, but more CAG focused, with topics that relate to game shopping and value.

If the feedback is positive, I will continue, if negative, I will jump out the window.

Edit: Posted: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000958.php


Value in the PSP Value Pack? - A CAG Editorial

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/archives/000958.phpIn North America, customers interested in purchasing a Sony PSP have two choices- buy the Value Pack bundle for $250 or don’t buy a PSP. The Value Pack (or Ensemble de Valeur as it’s known in France) includes a 32MB Sony Memory Stick, headphones, remote, case, cloth, wrist strap and Spiderman 2 UMD.

Many gamers have no interest in these additional items and, since there is no a la carte PSP option, are holding off buying a PSP. Here in the US, there has been no official word from Sony about any other purchase options besides the Value Pack. However, if the Japanese market is any indication, Americans will eventually be able to buy a PSP, sans accessories, at a reduced price.

Is there any value in the PSP Value Pack? Let’s break it down, CAG style.

According to http://www.Yodobashi.co.jp, a popular Japan-based electronics retailer, a solo PSP retails for 20,700 yen or $192 US. I’m no economist, but I bet a straight currency conversion isn’t fair, so let’s give Sony the benefit of the doubt and price a Value Pack-less PSP at $200 US. Just what does our (lack of willpower and) $50 get us?

The Value Pack:
pspvaluepack.gif

Camera shy: Cloth

32MB Sony Memory Stick Duo
Isn’t it great when electronics companies force you to pay for an accessory that’s barely adequate to get the job done, all but requiring you to buy a superior replacement? You’ll notice this theme running through most of these items. In fact, the Value Pack may be the crowning achievement in useless accessory pack marketing. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s get back to the grossly undersized Memory Stick. It’s perfectly adequate for saving game information, but if you want to take advantage of the PSP’s audio/video functionality (and you will), you must purchase a larger card. A minutes worth of MP3 takes up 1MB of memory, so I recommend a 512MB card. If you do your homework (and aren’t afraid of eBay), you can get one for $60 or so. At $120-$150, the 1GB cards are too pricey right now in my opinion.
Value: $15 (according to eBay)
Cheapy says: Buy a bigger Memory Stick, ASAP.

Headphones
Like most headphones that are included with audio products, the PSP's earbud headphones are terrible and should be replaced immediately. They are uncomfortable after 5 minutes of use and have no bass response whatsoever. Gamers who actually use these things with their PSP will be doing themselves a great disservice. And what’s up with the “iPod Biting White” color scheme? Not only does it not match the PSP, it also flashes the “iPod Alert” to all muggers in the immediate area.
Value: $0 (-$250 and possible lacerations and/or gunshot wounds if you get mugged)
Cheapy says: Replace immediately. I recommend some cheap ass $20 Koss headphones.

Remote
The remote allows you to access music controls while your PSP’s controls are out of reach (read: in your pocket). The cord is about 3 feet long and, to the delight of muggers, is also “iPod Biting White.” There are 5 buttons and a Hold switch which locks the remote. The buttons allow you to increase/decrease volume, play/pause, and forward/backward track select (and fast forward/rewind when held). The remote is functional, but in an absolutely minimal way. It does not even have an LCD screen like my 5 year-old MD player.
Value: $10 (a good MD remote with LCD screen sells for $40)
Cheapy says: If you want a remote, this is the only option currently available.

Wrist Strap
I predict that most of you will never take the strap out of its packaging. It’s pretty dorky looking. Sure, it might keep your PSP from hitting the floor, but at what cost? The strap is also white and is made of 100% Pleather. The only excuse for using this would be if you are incredibly clumsy or if you have recently suffered some kind of wrist trauma.
Value: $1
Cheapy says: Real men don’t use straps.

Spiderman 2 UMD
Sony has said that the first million Value Packs shipped to the US will include a UMD of the Spiderman 2 movie. The movie looks and sounds great, but comes with no bonus features (or even DVD- style scene selection). I imagine that most gamers have seen the movie already, but even so, it’s still the best included “extra” in the Value Pack.
Value: $10
Cheapy says: You may actually watch this.

Case
You are probably going to want a case for your PSP since it’s likely not going to remain in one piece without some kind of protection. Since it doesn’t actually open or close, the included case is really more of a padded sleeve, but let’s call it a case for the purposes of this article. The case is a bit bulky, but at least it’s not white. As soon as Logitech’s $20 PlayGear Pocket Case is released (4/14/05), I think the Value Pack cases are going to find new homes in closets all across America. Logitech’s effort is actually a case that opens and closes (imagine that!) and best of all, allows you to use your PSP while it’s still inside. Depending on how you use it, the top of the case can swivel to form a viewing stand, useful for watching movies, or a visor to help cut down on screen glare.
Value: $3
Cheapy says: Logitech’s case looks like it will be worth the $20. We’ll have to wait a week or so to find out.

Cloth
There’s not much to say about the cloth whose function is to keep the PSP’s screen clean. The cloth is about 4x4, gray(ish), and has no Sony or PSP markings on it whatsoever.
Value: $1
Cheapy says: It’s a cloth.

The Bottom Line
If you add up all the assigned amounts, we learn that our $50 Value Pack only contains a grand total of $40 worth of stuff. Even worse, a PSP owner would likely want to replace most, if not all, of the Value Pack items except the cloth, of course (I know I will never part with mine).

There is no question that the only true value in the PSP Value Pack is the PSP itself. Those who want a PSP now and can spring for the extra $50 will do so and probably won’t be disappointed. Those who aren’t willing to break the $200 barrier will be content to wait for Sony to sell the PSP a la carte. Frankly, regardless of one’s views on Sony, its sales and marketing strategies, and the PSP/Value Pack, it’s hard not to be amazed that such a small, technologically advanced multimedia device is available at a price under $300.

Besides, who can put a price on instant gratification? Oh yeah, its $50.
 
edit: no need to jump out the window...

I think the value pack would also have a greater value if the supply was unable to meet demand. I have not heard many people unable to purchase the psp, if there was a shortage, then gamers, even cagers would be willing to pay the $50 premium. As a thousand posts can show, rarity and value are entangled.
This does not fit exactly into your breakdown of why the psps value tacks on fairly worthless riders to an otherwise attractive package, but rarity does demand a seat at any table discussing value.

Along similar lines, the dead pixel issue is kind of a pink elephant in terms of value. Purchasing a value pack on ebay would be a silly move because you cannot easily return it and ask for one without dead pixels as you can in a store. A similar analogy would be buying used games at ebgames (when yo know you will get a case/instructions) and gamestop (where its a gamble). The condition of the product, especially when the condition can vary so widely as the psp does, does affect the value. This is not something unique to a value pack, but if the $50 is really just earning you early adopter status. Even that $50 can become a worse deal if it buys you a product you end up frustrated with, returning or replacing (like some of the value accessories themselves).

Anyway, editorials on cheapity are great and very much undertapped, looking forward to the next one.
 
[quote name='CheapyD']I've decided to try and write one editorial a week that will appear on the front page.
The first one will be published today.

The articles will not be your usual game reviews/previews, but more CAG focused, with topics that relate to game shopping and value.

If the feedback is positive, I will continue, if negative, I will jump out the window.[/QUOTE]

wait....what kind of window are we talking about here....eighth floor, 60 mph car or first floor?
 
[quote name='CheapyD']If the feedback is . . . negative, I will jump out the window.[/QUOTE]

Hurray! No really, it's just nice to see someone (anyone in today's society) willing to take some level of responsibility for the work they do. Props to the OP! :D
 
[quote name='The Successful Dropout']wait....what kind of window are we talking about here....eighth floor, 60 mph car or first floor?[/QUOTE]
Basement.
 
Article wasn't bad, the cheapshots at the cloth were quite uncalled for though. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the cloth-enthusiasts at this site aren't writing you a nasty PM as we speak.
 
well written article cheapy but i'd like to add something to it.
in japan they're selling the psp for $192 US dollars according to the article but then japanese electronics are always more expensive than electronics here in the states. PS2 was more expensive, PSX was more expensive so i wouldn't rule out the PSP as more expensive as well. so the $192 US dollars per PSP in japan could very well be around $175 US dollars here in the states. so i'd say the "(under)value pack" is a rip-off even more so than the article stated.
 
Yeah, its hard to tell, sometimes electronics are cheaper in Japan, sometimes its more expensive. I figured I'd give Sony the benefit of the doubt. Thanks for reading!
 
Good post. I think I'll wait for the non-value pack to hit the shelves and for Sony to work the kinks out, hopefully by this fall if the XBox2 hits that will be the rage and the price of PSP will drop a bit, as well as a standard pack being released so the most I'll to pay is $200. I rather put the extra $50 towards a more durable case and memory stick.
 
great article cheapy....the "value pack" really does suck ass..and i think most conumers seem to feel the same way.....when best buy has a sign out fron of their store that says "WE HAVE PSP'S" sony must have messed something up.

gg
 
Good read. It sucks how game companies have gotten away from worthwhile pack-ins (like games and a second controller) and instead giving us accessories of varying degrees of use.
 
The bundle mentality is the antithesis of any self-respecting CAG. This editorial pretty much sums up why I won't be buying a psp any time soon. $50 for instant gratification? No thanks! That's at least 3 cheap ass games!
 
What disappoints me, is that sony leaves out a usb cable and any software for importing/converting audio and video, which seem like things that are essential for the systerm
 
well i may be in the minority but im happy with my purchase. Yes the 32mb card is small but it wasnt included to be the Ipod killer memory card, it was included i think to save your games. which is what im using mine for, the 256 card i went out and bought is for my Music. and whatever other crap i want to put on it.

the case is a joke ill agree, my brother got a PSP also,(our wives werent too happy with each of us shelling out 250 + games :) )anyway, the little case scratched his screen up, i went and bought a starter kit with a new case, the USB cable, game cases, a car adaptor and a couple other things.

the wipe, although may seem stupid its cool they included one, its better than using your TShirt to wipe off the screen which IMO is a friggin dust magnet.

i dont care too much for the headphone, just because of the sound but they rnt that bad, i know they arent top of the line,. and i really like the button remote thingie. yeah i wouldnt have made it white, but its only a color.

wrist strap, who cares

and Spiderman2 i didnt see it in the theaters, most because of the wife didnt want too, so i was happy to get it on UMD so i could finally see it. i think sony did an OK job tryin to make a decent pack, its alot better than wheni bought my DS last yr and only got a metroid demo. the memory card is a necessity since they r on discs, and theres no internal battery to save your progress, and i feel a 32 MB card does the job with a line up of what was it 12 launch games? 15? so over all im a happy customer. :)
 
FWIW, this is not really anything new, nor is it endemic to gaming. If you buy a car with a dvd player built in, you're going to pay 2x-10x what it's 'worth' for the privilege of having it 'bundled'. Heck, if i go to certain restaurants, my dinner is 'bundled' with a salad, which I don't want, but have to pay for.
While I would definitely appreciate 'useful' packins, who defines 'useful'? For the random Joe Consumer, not Joe Gamer, willing to drop 250 on this, he probably wouldn't mind all the 'extras'. Might not even try to quantify the costs.
Most of the retailers sold 'bundle packs' which in some cases saved a little money, at the expense of adding stuff you might not want or need. And on some console releases, the only way to buy the console was in a bundle. Like someone else said, it would have more power if the PSP were incredibly in demand [selling-out, lines-out-the-door in-demand.]
Anyway, I don't think it will be too long before the PSP is available without all the extras; and the early adopter of tech always pays more.
I agree, The 'value pack' is definitely not a 'value', [then again, why would they offer a *discount* for a piece of hardware that just came out?] and is not very CAG-friendly, but like was said earlier, if you want to buy it, you'll buy it the way they sell it.

I enjoyed the article, and you needn't jump out a window. Unless you really want to, but no matter how much you drink, you won't be able to fly.
 
I love Editorials, good, bad or ugly. This one is good but you forgot to mention the $50 games for a handheld.
 
I enjoyed the article and look forward to more. On the PSP I think Sony knew they would be taking a bath on selling the hardware alone for $180 like the Japanese get, so they decided to make up some of their losses by only selling us the "value" pack. To me having junk accessories that I will be replacing is worth $0. I will be holding off too until there is at least one original game that is worth a crap and the system is a more affordable $180 and put the money I save toward a decent memory stick and case.
 
[quote name='spoo']I love Editorials, good, bad or ugly. This one is good but you forgot to mention the $50 games for a handheld.[/QUOTE]
On that note, do you guys think they will come out with a Greatest Hits line for the PSP eventually? I sure hope so, $15 after GGC sounds a lot better than $40- 50.
 
Very well written Cheapy.

I was able to tell which side you were on, but you didn't make us feel stupid for paying the extra $50. You're right, I am happy with the "extras". My next purchase/ pre-order is the Logitech Pocketgear. I just don't feel safe leaving the PSP in soft case...too many things can happen.
 
I pretty much agree. The 32 MB stick might be a good option only if you're saving games. Maybe their thought is that leaving it out might have people stuck having to pay the 30$ or so for a 128 MB stick (new, retail, that is). It'll be nice to have game saves on it while I use my larger one for other purposes. It would be nice to have that option if you didn't want any of these:).

BTW, the cloth is worth more than 1$ :). I used to sell them for 5$ when I worked retail in college (high end store, so a premium). I think WM and Target will have 'em just under 3$, but you're definitely right in that is the highest 'value' item in the bunch.

I definitely need the wrist strap. I was on a cruise with my DS in Feb and nearly had it tumble from the boat jerking suddently and would've been very angry with a broken DS screen :(. It would be nice if it were easily attachable/detachable (it's hard pleather that won't bend easily, either!).
 
Nice write up Cheapy! That 32mb memory stick useless and there needs to be USB cable of somesort included with the system.
 
Well written. I look forward to more editorials.

I do however dissagree slightly on a few points such as: Am I the only person here who already has headphones? I'm not shelling out extra cash anyway for new 'phones. I'm just going to use the ones I'm using on my MP3 player (or walkman or CD player in someone elses case). It was nice of them to offer it, but no nicer than any other company that includes headphones that you'll never use. Out of the 5 audio products I've bought in the last 5 years or more I've NEVER used the pack in, they've ALL sucked, why would Sony's break that trend? Because it's part of a value pack? Feh.

32mb card. "Replace" is a strong word, I wouldn't use "replace" because it's not like I'm not going to use it. I probably wouldn't touch eBay for something like the memstick. I come to CAG for deals not eBay because I don't trust eBay, 10 bucks? for a 32 mb? maybe, maybe not. If I didn't have it at all then that would mean I'd still have to shell out for it when I get my system and eBay would be more likely to gouge you for 15 or 20 more bucks if this was the case. Yes, I'll probably get another card at some point in the future but I'll probably also get several other cards at some point, that dosent make the pack-in any less usefull of valueable.

The Wrist strap and sleeve. I'll use them. The PSP is too big for my pants pocket unless I'm wearing super baggies so I will likly put in in my book bag or jacket pocket and anything that blocks direct contact with a hard surface or being ripped from my hand by a mugger is helpful for protection. Skimmpy protection but not completly unappriciated. (There's a tread where someone tryied to steal the poster's PSP while he had the strap on which aided in hang on to the system, it was a minor help but help none the less.) The cloth? Maybe I'll wrap it around the PSP when I put it in the case. :razz:

Spiderman UMD. Agreed probably the best thing you wil get if you can get it at all, the first million only? I wouldn't call this part of the value pack if only so many people can get it. This is a freebie to me if I get it because they very well could have said "You want one? Go buy it skippy!" which they WILL be saying to Mr. Million+1.

Yeah the value pack is kinda cheesy but not hideously unexpected, some might even say cool if they get the Spiderman movie. The lack of a cable is odd but not a deal breaker as many people people already have digital cameras that use the same cable of have actual memory stick slots on some computers or maybe Sony wants to use the WiFi in the future to transfer things to it(heck some people might buy it for other people that don't even have a use for the cable because they dont know how to use a computer, whatever) Who knows, I know I have 3 such cables at my own disposal and anyone who has bought a USB device in the past 2 years probably has one too.

In the end everyone buying it on launch day or in the first 6 months could be considered an Early Adopter and all early adpoters, whether it's buying a GBA for 30 bucks more from Japan or an extra 100 bucks on a new console for jacked up eBay reseller auction price or the 50 tacted on by the actual company on the store shelf, pay a little extra for the privlage of having the device in our hands a little longer than the people who wait... they need someone to be jealous of after all!

I hope that didnt sound like a rant because I totally had no intention of that when I started.
 
Just wanted to chime in and say I think the wrist strap and case are worth a bit more than $4 combined. Lik Sang is selling them packaged for $30, which is a bit ridiculous, but I'd put them closer to $10-$15. I try to use the wrist strap whenever I can just because it's hard to keep a firm grip on something so awesome (especially when playing Ridge Racers). And that cloth is a godsend - dont use tissues or tp to wipe the screen people!

It's pretty obvious Sony released the Value pack to set up the obvious price drop to $199. They can easily take out some of the accesoriess to justify the drop. Granted these "trinkets" they included arent worth $50, but they have to offset thier first run losses somehow right?

PS - Ridge Racers and Acid kick massive amounts of ass
 
The value pack is exactly why I didn't get a PSP yet. I'm not paying $50 for a bunch of accessories I don't wantand I don't mind waiting until the fall for a hopeful standalone system deal.
 
:applause:
nice editorial...funny too. i'm gonna use your write up in a school project unless you have a problem with it. i'll include you in my sources.

D., Cheapy. A CAG Editorial: Value in the PSP Value Pack?. 2005.
 
Great editorial. Well organized and informative. I'll definitely be on the look out for more of these going forward. Just curious Cheapy - what else did you have in mind for future articles? Or do you not want to spoil the surprise...
 
Thanks CheapyD, thus another reason for me not to buy a PSP until the price drops to a hundred bucks because you know that Sony will flood the market but if people don't buy what they are selling they are eventually going to have to drop the price.
 
That soft case, in my opinion, is pretty solid. Granted, plenty of things can happen to the PSP in it, atleast the case protects against scratches on the screen, and helps the PSP not get dirty.

And to the guy who said his PSP got scratches from the soft case, how the? I don't think that's possible, unless something was left inside, or on top of the screen. But hey, I'm probably wrong, ah well. If this is the case, I'll have to figure something out for mine, I don't want scatches. Or anyone else want to chime in on this subject? I'd hate to have my PSP damage by Sony itself, granted, that wouldn't surprise me.

Oh, kickass editorial as well, well written indeed :)
 
Thanks for the feedback guys!
I don't have a clue what will be written about next. If you have any ideas feel free to shoot me PM.
 
Good article cheapy! keep it up!

that's all very true for the most part-- the value pack isn't materially worth it and you're basically paying to own it early, like you said. Then again, that's what always happens when a system launches-- wasn't the PS2 and Xbox about $300 when they first came out for just the core system and a controller? Companies always milk the hype for a bit, then drop it.

but so many people are focusing on the negative aspects of the PSP. But for almost every criticism, there's a counter point. my friends who don't own one have been arguing with me since i got it and i've broken it down to these core complaints--

Short battery life - replacable batteries and power brick solutions. No worrying about lithium ion dying on you.

Expensive, bad, rehashed games - the games look almost as good as a ps2 and there's something for almost everyone. Despite people's opinions, none of them are really bad games. if your expectations are too high, then sucks to be you. some of these games really break the mold and could hold their own on a console(metal gear acid and lumines, namely.) the ports are excellent. this is the first time we have ever seen portable games like this, they're only going to get better. and every motivated cag can get them for about $20 or less.

Expensive system - one look at the clarity of the screen and anyone can see why....and it also plays music, movies, views pictures, wi-fi enabled (and unofficially browses the web) it has the specs of a ps2. all things considered, it looks pretty cheap to me.

Proprietary media - sony wanted a digital media format for their system so they made it and it works well. it's a little more pricey but it provides the best in portable gaming.

Difficult to transfer stuff - drag and drop music onto the card, learn to convert movies, and voila, the difficulty just disappears.

The biggest problems--

Dead pixels. it sucks horribly for those who have had to return them multiple times. if the problem is as bad as it seems, you have to wonder what the hell happened at the factory.

Memory stick duo-- why not compact flash? that little difference could've changed the way everyone looks at this system.

just my two cents. I really believe in this system and think it will continue to build a lot of steam. sorry for the novel :)
 
[quote name='CrashSpyro123']These are even cheaper and they're great headphones.[/QUOTE]

As great as the KSC-75s? Somehow I doubt it, as they are a spectacular value.
 
Nice read. Maybe, just a thought, you could allow people to submit their editorials as well. And how about a final thought a la egm where all the mods could get together and discuss a specific topic . Just a thought and look forward to the next read.
 
[quote name='WhipSmartBanky']Great read. You write really well and it was a thoughtful, well-organized article.[/QUOTE]Hey WSB, I can't tell if you're being serious or subtly poking fun at the everyone who's been saying the same thing. ;)
 
I think the system looks hella cool, but i'm not gonna buy one. I'll save my money for Xbox 2 and just do my gaming on my cellphone, i dont really need theportable music/movies. I got a $10 small pocket radio and ear buds that do the job fine.

Good review though.
 
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