PSP Fading Already? [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

fishsandwich

02-02-2008, 11:22 PM

I just got a PSP for Christmas and I went out shopping for some games.

Not a whole lot out there.

i finally asked a Gamestop employee what was the deal... he admitted that Christmas had wiped out the PSP stock but that PSP releases were becomeing fewer and farther between. This same store used to have a pretty large section devoted to PSP... how it's been moved to the back corner of the store and it's 1/4 the size of the old one.

The guy at Walmart said that Walmart was going to stop carrying the actual PSP console but still carry the games. Im a bit skeptical about this... this Walmart isn't known for cracker-jack employees.

Anyone know? The DS outsold the PSP by a wide margin over Christmas and the DS section was at least three times are big as the PSP section in several of the stores I visited. Didn't the PSP sell close to the PS2 this past holiday? That can't be good.

Anyone know?

GarrettCRW

02-02-2008, 11:33 PM

Given that I broke down and bought the thing after Christmas, I'd say yes.

Seriously, however, the PSP has been moving very well at the Target I work at-and our game selection is pure ass. The problem is, the Dreamcast also had problems with games not showing up in Target (my previous store got like one shipment of Skies Of Arcadia, totaling four), and we all know how well that system went.

FlufflePuff

02-02-2008, 11:34 PM

In the places I've been I've seen less than half the space that is devoted to the DS being given to the PSP. To top that off, half of the PSP space is movies that noone wants. Let's be honest here and say that very few good games have come out for the PSP in the last year. Whether Sony is too busy fighting other battles I don't know, but when the only game I'm excited about is the Castlevania rerelease, it doesn't bode well.

I do seriously doubt Walmart will stop carrying PSP though. Nor do I see the system going under, I simply see retailers not having anything to stay excited about so they shove the system to the back.

josekortez

02-02-2008, 11:39 PM

Personally, I don't think Sony is pushing the PSP enough. They're spending more resources trying to get PS3 up to speed with the Wii and 360, so PSP is getting the shaft. However, in Japan, it seems like the PSP is getting more interest. They seem to like a lot of games that aren't that popular here like Monster Hunter Freedom. Maybe when Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core comes out here, things will change but I doubt it. I do love my silver slim unit though...

Aussie2B

02-03-2008, 12:25 AM

I dunno, of the stores that I've gone to near me, the PSP selection isn't too bad, but it's not great either. It's definitely smaller than the DS section, but I almost always see PSP near the front of a store, while DS is often near the back. My main problem is that games tend to sit at their MSRP for a long time and then just completely disappear. It's hard to find anything that's been marked down, and the used sections usually are pretty small too.

Poofta!

02-03-2008, 12:29 AM

im had a psp for 2.5 years now, actually i own 2 (i also bought the new white one). and i have to say that i dont think the psp sections have decreased at all, at least not here in nyc. the game section was always tiny with about 1/4-1/2 of the ds one. ALWAYS. and i have to say that in my opinion this past year was the best for psp releases, we got disgaea, final fantasy tactics, metal gear port ops plus, castlevania, metal slug (i think it was 07) and many others i cant think of right now.

is it dying? maybe but i dont think sony is discountinuing it anytime soon, they are really serious about the psp-ps3 connectivity so i think we'll see it prosper for a while still. its also much too expensive right now to be near its deathbed, consoles usually die at the price of 50$

i have however noticed that local gamestops get few shipments of it in and are usually sold out of it. i attribute this all to the post holiday lull. give it a month or three for things to get back on track.

esquire

02-03-2008, 01:21 AM

The DS will alays have more space dedicated partially because (1) it's Nintendo which has dominated the handheld market for the past 2 decades and (2) like the Wii, there is a ton of budget games and shovelware for it, especially when the games consistently run at least $10 cheaper than PSP games. Thus, there are more games being developed for the DS due to market share and cost/profitability.

otaku

02-03-2008, 01:41 AM

the library could be better but its not to bad. Far better than ds which is just a bunch of shovelware if not for the nintendo franchises, and the psp is the superior machine by far.

I have three psp games coming to me by the end of this month: wipeout pure, patapon and pursuit force 2 can't wait should be a blast

roushimsx

02-03-2008, 01:48 AM

I'm looking at picking up one of them Daxter packs in the near future. It's nice that some of the games I'm interested in are getting ported over to PS2 (GTA LCS / VCS, Size Matters, Logan's Shadow, Twisted Metal, etc), but others (Metal Gear Acid 1 / 2 / Portable Ops / PO+, PQ 1 /2, Killzone Liberation, etc) seem destined to be PSP-only for the foreseeable future.

My biggest gripe about the games in the past was the price, but god DAMN are they getting affordable now a days. Most of the stuff I want is $20/new at most.

G-Boobie

02-03-2008, 01:53 AM

PSP software has never moved very well for whatever reason; I can't remember a time when the PSP section of any store was particularly robust.

I'd say, though, that the PSP has had some fantastic releases last year; Castlevania, Silent Hill 0rigins, Disgaea AoD(which may be the best port ever), Final Fantasy Tactics, Syphon Filter, Beasts, and Metal Slug Anthology. This year looks almost as good, with God of War, Crisis Core, SNK Arcade Classics, and the game I'm probably most excited about, Patapon.

Also, if you consider how heavily Sony is pushing PSP and PS3 integration, I doubt we'll see the PSP fade anytime soon.

scooby105

02-03-2008, 01:59 AM

Exactly. I don't download the one or two games I want, I buy them. But, nonetheless the point is right. I own a PSP to play Nintendo games, along with some CPS1 and CPS2 games, and to play some movies when I travel occasionally, but other than that, it's about it. I buy around one PSP game a year. There's not much good besides Virtua Tennis and Tiger Woods Golf in my opinion.

KanYozakura

02-03-2008, 02:07 AM

I work at Target, and PSPs don't sell for shit.

The only people who have me pull one out of the case have their card/check declined shortly afterward.

The DS, on the other hand, moves at least 2-3 an hour on a slow day...when they're in stock, of course.

At least the better PSP games are coming to PS2...*crosses fingers for Dracula X*

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-03-2008, 02:28 AM

The responses in this type of thread (on any gaming forum) never cease to amaze me.

Coming from a PSP owner who purchased one at launch, has a game library of close to 50 PSP titles (actual UMD's), uses it on nearly a daily basis, and keeps track of what's going on with the system and software pretty regularly ... in response to your question, no, I would not say that the system is "fading away", nor is it's software lineup for 2008 and beyond in any type of similar shape.

There are plenty of great titles for the system that are still easily accessible at retail either new or used, there's some AAA titles on the horizon, and the PSP's free firmware extras are growing and it's PS3 connectivity is getting better by the month.

What I have noticed is a lot of major retail outlets like Target and Wal Mart decreasing the amount of space that they dedicate to the system and software ... is that a direct correlation to how well the system is selling?

Well, if my memory serves, 2007 was a banner year for the handheld in terms of global sales ... so I don't know. Go figure. I guess they need to make more room for all the awful shovelware on the DS.

If I were you, I'd recommend shopping in GAME stores for PSP software, especially ones that carry used games. Stay out of the Targets, Wal Marts, and other department stores ... those are going to provide a really skewed view of what's REALLY available.

And check the Playstation online PSN Store for exclusive game downloads and the Playstaiton official blog for the real skinny on what's REALLY going on with PSP.

Don't believe the hype, and don't let the shelf-space dedicated to the DS software fool you ... because as awesome as the DS is, the ratio of crap shovelware to AAA title is at least 20 to 1 on any given shelf.

Icarus Moonsight

02-03-2008, 02:50 AM

The PSP is improving not fading. It used to be good for only emu's, but there has been some great games out recently. Granted, I'll take the PS2 release over PSP (for those ports) and I'm hoping to see more in the last remaining year(s) of the PS2, but I know some games I want will remain stranded on PSP Isle so I'll have to pony-up and nab one someday. The smaller sections and selections at retail may actually improve this year as the games and systems seem to be selling better.

neuropolitique

02-03-2008, 09:25 AM

GrandAmChandler

02-03-2008, 10:28 AM

I agree with Nero, and I think it is fading, not a stellar line up thus far for 2008, with the exception of the big one that everyone is waiting for..... God of War, which really should have come out at LEAST a year ago. They just aren't making enough exclusive titles that have made me "OMG I MUST HAVE THIS" as opposed to DS. Hence why you are seeing the total space allocated dwindle in most retail stores. Sony doesn't care, because PS3 is their main focus right now.

Bojay1997

02-03-2008, 10:31 AM

I wouldn't say it's done just yet, but the fact that UMD is pretty much dead as a video format (with the exception of MTV movies) and that the upcoming release list for the next six months or so is somewhat thin (with the exception of Patapon and God of War) indicates to me that it's not as vibrant as it could be. Having said that, it has sold enough units worldwide that it's going to be around for some time to come and I would bet based on Sony's traditional refusal to give up (remember Minidisc?) that they will probably launch some type of sequel to it down the road. It's a great system for more mature gamers and a good alternative to the world of shovelware that makes up most of the third party DS library.

fishsandwich

02-03-2008, 11:56 AM

If I were you, I'd recommend shopping in GAME stores for PSP software, especially ones that carry used games. Stay out of the Targets, Wal Marts, and other department stores ... those are going to provide a really skewed view of what's REALLY available.

That's the weird thing... I hit SEVEN (I kid you not... I counted) Gamestop/EB Games this past week looking for Disgaea (new or used) and I *never* found it. Only two stores were carrying Jean D'Arc, the other game I wanted. What to guess where I found both? BEST BUY.

Best Buy didn't have the top selection of games for the PSP but it came close. Oddly enough, another Best Buy I tried was the WORST of the bunch in terms of selection. I am all about Gamestops and EB's (we have nothing else here in Atlanta) and I always go for used over new. I was also looking for Killzone... I found it in two places but it was too expensive, even used. I found it at WAL-MART for $20, new.

I buy the Christmas arguement... it's just been a month (not counting all the gift cards and Christmas cash after Christmas) and the PSP has got to take lower priority over the Wii, PS3, 360, and especially the DS.

I still think the PSP is fading, though. Atlanta is a huge market and the PSP game sections in every store are generally smaller than everything but the original XBox and Cube.

I bought a PSP for myself and then my partner surprised me with another one. Now I have two. I'm going to use one for commercial releases and the other for emulators.

neuropolitique

02-03-2008, 12:07 PM

Depending on where in Atlanta you are this may or may not be of much help. But, there is a new Play N Trade across the street from the Mall of GA. A few others opening in the area, iirc. Not huge selections yet, but they ain't GameStop.

Aussie2B

02-03-2008, 12:25 PM

And check the Playstation online PSN Store for exclusive game downloads and the Playstaiton official blog for the real skinny on what's REALLY going on with PSP.

Don't believe the hype

Oh the irony of those two sentences being back-to-back. :P

Dreamc@sting

02-03-2008, 01:00 PM

It's been hit or miss over in Buffalo, most stores have a small selection but like 10 of each game, when they sell low though it takes a while to get games back in stock and I will say EB/GameStop have cut down on there stock over the past few months

esquire

02-03-2008, 01:01 PM

Here's just a sample of upcoming 1st Quarter Releases:

PSP
2/12/08 Wipeout Pulse
2/12/08 Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts (also on DS)
2/28/08 Patapon
3/04/08 Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed (also on Wii)
3/04/08 God of War: Chains of Olympus
3/11/08 Wild ARMs XF
3/25/08 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

DS
2/05/08 Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles
2/10/08 Professor Layton and the Curious Village
2/12/08 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
2/12/08 Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts
2/26/08 Nanostray 2
3/04/08 Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer
3/11/08 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
3/25/08 Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

I think the PSP really has some good releases coming up. God of War and Crisis Core will be huge. I'm also looking forward to the PSP version of Dungeon Explorer.

Policenaut

02-03-2008, 02:25 PM

the better PSP games are coming to PS2...*crosses fingers for Dracula X*

Crossing fingers too.

In the local stores, and there are lots of stores nearby because Puerto Rico is not a big island, there are lots of new and used UMD movies, but not so many PSP games. The thing is, the PSP has good sales here because the emulators and other multimedia capabilities, not for the PSP games themselves.

chrisbid

02-03-2008, 03:06 PM

now that new PS2 releases are slowing down, quick and dirty PSP ports of these games, which was a good chunk of the PSP library, are slowing down with them. now if a publisher wants to make a PSP game, they will have to take more time and downsample a 360 or PS3 game, a lot more effort and cost. Since there are virtually no top 20 PSP titles, i cant see a lot of publishers pumping out the ports.

original titles will continue to come out as the PSP is hardly a dead platform, but the heyday of the PSP looks to have already passed.

norkusa

02-03-2008, 03:40 PM

original titles will continue to come out as the PSP is hardly a dead platform, but the heyday of the PSP looks to have already passed.

I dunno, I think Sony may give it one more shot. I read on on PSP Hacks a few months ago that a homebrew coder (Dark Alex maybe?) saw a few lines of code in the new firmware that indicates there may be a *third* hardware revision on the way.

It's a bit of a stretch but it is definitely possible. The slim psp wasn't that much of a change on the original, so I think a lot of the original PSP owners didn't see a reason to upgrade. If Sony totally re-designed the PSP from scratch and made it ultra sexy and more ergonomic (and put out more good games of course), I'd definitely consider buying another one.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-03-2008, 06:56 PM

seriously, do you work for Sony? Every post in this forum seems to be defending Sony in some regard.

I, for one, hope it is fading so the freakin price comes down. I've wanted one since launch but am unwilling to fork over so much for one. Just when the prices started coming own they redesign it and pump the price right back up. Wtf? This is one of two handhelds I don't have yet because of that.

Um ... why would somebody have to work for Sony to defend them?

I'm a universal company/console/portable/platform enthusiast, and I defend anything game-related that I think is unjustly getting the short end of any argument.

(In most cases it may SEEM like I'm favoring Sony, but I think that they just take the most shit on gaming message boards. I'm always tempted to at least TRY to defend what I feel is unjustly taking shit in a "That system sucks because I think it sucks and I say it sucks" kind of argument ... because I'm of the opinion that even in the case of the biggest clunkers of systems, there's always SOME fun to be had. I think if you check my recent post history that you'll find me defending the LYNX pretty vehemently ... and that's hardly a Sony product. And no, I don't work for Atari either. :) )

In the case of PSP, I simply don't think there's significant evidence to support Sony or 3rd party developers pulling support on the PSP (or it "fading away") and most of the responses supported that sentiment based on what they're "seeing on store shelves" in comparison to the DS (or other systems).

And, as far as limited selections on PSP software at retail locations - due to the generally low installation base of systems - production runs are smaller and shorter on PSP software. Once something sells, if it doesn't make it to the "Greatest Hits" line, it's not often that it's "easy to find" new.

Again, that doesn't meant that the system is "going away". Not with titles like God of War, Final Fantasy Crisis Core, and others coming in 08'.

Leo_A

02-03-2008, 07:10 PM

How did Sony's redesign pump prices up? I've seen no changes in game prices, and I'm sure theres a lot of traded in original PSP models that now need to be cleared out.

If anything, the redesign helped lower prices if you wanted to buy the hardware.

RCM

02-03-2008, 09:25 PM

No offense to Gamestop or Wal-Mart employees, but they're hardly insiders. PSP is doing ok, they're sort of in the same position Microsoft was with the original Xbox, a solid second with little chance of catching the white-hot market leader. It was recently reported that PSP and DS sales were neck and neck in Japan.

PSP fading? No. PSP library as good or varied as DS? No. As awesome as DS is, I play PSP more often, the Genesis collection and Crush are sweet.

Xexyz

02-03-2008, 10:36 PM

If the slim's increase in monthly sales rate since October is any indication, I think we'll be seeing a resurgence in 3rd party PSP support sometime soon (come back Capcom! :D).

In the meantime, look forward to Dungeon Explorer (completely different from the DS one), Wild Arms XF, Patapon, God of War, and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core in the next couple of months.

mnbren05

02-03-2008, 10:40 PM

I think the PSP is just getting started really. The system is what 3-4 years old tops and the line-up can only grow. Within the next 2 years the PS2 will meet its end and I think Sony will throw more money into the PSP and then garner interest from other companies. I was really excited when I heard the PSP may be getting GPS capabilities/software. Anyone hear anymore on this?

DJ Daishi

02-03-2008, 11:00 PM

I love my psp! why else would I have over 100+ games on the system! I recently picked up Harvey Birdman on the psp and its a great game!...that said, I seem to play my DS a little bit more though.

Jimid2

02-03-2008, 11:15 PM

I think Frankie_Says_Relax has summed it up well, but I'd like to add my 2¢. There are more than 20 Million PSPs out there in the hands of game players, and the system continues to sell consistently well... That makes it the best non-Nintendo handheld system EVER, by far, and I think it's really just hit its stride. There have been some stellar games for the PSP this year, and next year promisses a number of banner releases as well, including both God of War and FFVII Crisis Core, both of which will be huge. Is the PSP as popular as the DS? Nope... Is it "fading"? No way... It's a great gamer's handheld, and with a current installed base larger than the PS3 and XBox 360 COMBINED (or the Wii, for that matter) I'm sure it will be around for a number of years to come.

Slate

02-04-2008, 10:01 AM

I have to ask: Does this look similar to what sega was doing with the game gear?

Poofta!

02-04-2008, 10:07 AM

mailman187666

02-04-2008, 10:18 AM

I've been reading about how the PSP has been selling better lately than it has in a while.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/849/849114p1.html

Poofta!

02-04-2008, 10:39 AM

Xexyz

02-04-2008, 10:42 AM

There are more than 20 Million PSPs out there in the hands of game players...

35 million worldwide to be exact. Yeah, it's not dying off anytime soon.

I just hope that the software sales will become stronger to help stimulate more 3rd party releases.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-04-2008, 01:12 PM

I have to ask: Does this look similar to what sega was doing with the game gear?

Only if you're truly of the belief that the PSP has nothing more in it's guts than a PS2, and that Sony and 3rd party developers are doing nothing more than porting PS2 code for games.

While that argument can be made in a few instances with PSP (thanks mainly to it's software library), I think that the PSP can do a heck of a lot more than the PS2's hardware can, unlike the Game Gear, which was pretty much always bound to the limitations of it's console brethren (the Sega Master System).

esquire

02-04-2008, 02:30 PM

i hate when people wait till a system dies to get it and the software, ultimately contributing to its demise by not supporting it when it's manufacturer needed it most.

Exactly. These are the same people who bitch about Sony dropping backwards compatibility on the PS3 to make the console more affordable, while a year ago they were griping that the PS3 cost too much due to all the added extras.

Rob2600

02-05-2008, 12:57 AM

In most cases it may SEEM like I'm favoring Sony, but I think that they just take the most shit on gaming message boards.

To be fair, Sony was on top for about ten years and Nintendo was the company that took a beating on message boards and in the gaming press. The roles have reversed. :)

Icarus Moonsight

02-05-2008, 01:40 AM

Exactly. These are the same people who bitch about Sony dropping backwards compatibility on the PS3 to make the console more affordable, while a year ago they were griping that the PS3 cost too much due to all the added extras.

Yeah, the expense was all in the backwards compatibility components. Blu-ray drives and cell processors we're bargain basement by comparison. :oops:

Remember consumers, It's YOUR fault if a product fails at market. No amount of fault can be attributed to the producing company... unless you're Sega... or Nintendo... or Microsoft... or NEC among countless others. The only fair thing to do is buy everything, whether you want it, need it, or not. ;)

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 02:28 AM

To be fair, Sony was on top for about ten years and Nintendo was the company that took a beating on message boards and in the gaming press. The roles have reversed. :)

Critical praise by the gaming press is one thing, but, I've been posting on game-related BBS'es since I first had a 1400 Baud modem on my Commodore 64, and to my knowledge and from the experiences I've had - Sony has ALWAYS taken a HUGE amount of shit on message boards, from the moment they entered the console market, when they entered the handheld market, and MOST ESPECIALLY when they were on top of the former.

The only difference is now people have legitimate business mistakes and low sales figures to point out when they're attacking them.

Nature Boy

02-05-2008, 09:07 AM

I noticed what one of the original posters mentioned: my local EB (near where I work) had next to nothing for PSP software for awhile after Xmas. It seems like it's building again, but it did have me puzzled as to why it was so low.

There hasn't been any big time games that have come out that I've been wowed with since the last Syphon Filter. I'm definitely looking forward to the new WipEout and God of War games though. That should put more of a spring in my PSP step.

neuropolitique

02-05-2008, 02:41 PM

dude... the fact that you cant afford a psp is your problem. im glad the price stands (sign of good health of a console) and support the platform by buying and reserving new games. there are more games in my psp library than the 360 (do you not own that too cause 400$ is too much? boo-hoo) the price of technology is $$$. if youre unwilling to pay that, then no problem, go on your merry way and leave the system to prosper.

i hate when people wait till a system dies to get it and the software, ultimately contributing to its demise by not supporting it when it's manufacturer needed it most.

I can afford, I just refuse to buy it at it's current price. I think it's too much to spend for what you get. If it were cheaper I would have one, and would be buying games for it. I've spent more money on other systems, even single items. Yes, I do own a 360. And a Wii. And I had every system last generation. I am simply not buying a product I feel is too expensive. Feel free to fuck off.

I hate it when people blindly buy shit to support a company. They couldn't care less about you. Why do you care so much for them?

Poofta!

02-05-2008, 03:18 PM

I can afford, I just refuse to buy it at it's current price. I think it's too much to spend for what you get. If it were cheaper I would have one, and would be buying games for it. I've spent more money on other systems, even single items. Yes, I do own a 360. And a Wii. And I had every system last generation. I am simply not buying a product I feel is too expensive. Feel free to fuck off.

I hate it when people blindly buy shit to support a company. They couldn't care less about you. Why do you care so much for them?

who said anything about blindly buying it? I, for one think i got my 200$ worth (twice) for a system that can play divx, mp3, all 16bit games and prior, ps1 games and has a fun selection of its own games (i own around 15), not to mention how many are great anthologies. oh thats right, it also has gps add on, full wifi web surfing though hot spots and routers, skype connectivity and i can play this on my tv as well??? not to mention the unrelenting slew of applications constantly being developed for it.

care about me sony may not, but i care that more great games come to this little beast.

you want one? no? then stfu. yes? then pony up the cash. feel free to fuck off if you have any problems with the price, the color or the weather. if you dont feel like paying it, stfu and let those of us who have, happily enjoy the system.

if you paid 250 to wave your hands around in the air like a moron (actually so did i... damnit!) then you can pay 50$ less for a much better gaming platform.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 03:24 PM

I can afford, I just refuse to buy it at it's current price. I think it's too much to spend for what you get. If it were cheaper I would have one, and would be buying games for it. I've spent more money on other systems, even single items. Yes, I do own a 360. And a Wii. And I had every system last generation. I am simply not buying a product I feel is too expensive. Feel free to fuck off.

I hate it when people blindly buy shit to support a company. They couldn't care less about you. Why do you care so much for them?

I think that "support" and the "genuine desire to enjoy" are pretty closely married concepts when people buy "under-performing" systems, or systems that are obviously lacking in quality design/killer apps ...

... and in some cases, relentless support can in a small sense, help keep interest in a system alive JUST long enough to spur on a re-birth.

If you read the awesome book "Game Over" ... you'll find that in the early 90's Nintendo wanted to move their development concepts squarely away from the GameBoy line of products, and ultimately EXIT the handheld market altogether. There simply was no economical, affordable way for them to produce a technically advanced (color screen, etc.) handheld unit that could provide the type of battery life that Nintendo wanted. It was nearly completely through the outcry of the gaming public (transmitted through voices -and the wallets of retailers) that Nintendo was ENCOURAGED to keep the GameBoy line alive, and in turn encourage 3rd party developers to continue to support an aging, technically limited system.

So ... yes, while in some cases, "support" may be "blind" or misguided ... but in other cases, it could genuinely help keep something alive longer than it would. (Or the so-called "blind" buyer believes that they're participating in THAT type of "support" ... "life support"!)

Just out of curiosity, what do you think the price point of the PSP should be?

$150?

$100?

neuropolitique

02-05-2008, 04:06 PM

@ Poofta
You mention all this these great thing you can do on it. You mention that you want more great games to come out for it. Then you mention you have only 15 games. 15 games is not worth a $170 buy in. I could care less about all the things you listed except one. PSP games. That is all I would do with it. Are PSP games alone worth $170. Not to me.

As for STFU-ing. This is not a love PSP thread. The OP was asking wether it was falling to the wayside. I expressed my thoughts and why I thought so. I did not insult your mother.

@frankie
What?

also - $130-140 would be mighty tempting. New, that is. I don't do used handhelds

@whomever else has a hair up their ass. I want the PSP. I like it and think it is mighty impressive. It's just too expensive. Disagree if you like, but that won't bring the price down.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 04:23 PM

geneshifter

02-05-2008, 04:31 PM

uh, calm the beef min?

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 05:34 PM

uh, calm the beef min?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/FrankieViturello/ICTBM.jpg

Leo_A

02-05-2008, 06:40 PM

15 games isn't enough to warrant a system purchase for you? lol

As for the person saying the PSP is more powerful than the PS2, I don't believe that's the case. Without looking at specs, I'd have to say its weaker judging by the games and comparing ports like Outrun 2006 to its PS2 counterpart.

Still a fine handheld though, I only have 7 games and I feel like I've gotten my moneys worth just between those and playing mp3's and videos of it. I never got into emulation with it sadly since I didn't want to brick it and I apparantly suck with instructions if my Dreamcast experience tells me anything (Only ever gotten a couple emulators working for the DC for example). So I've mostly just been buying the classic gaming collections for it, the only current generation game I own for it is Outrun 2006.

My biggest complaint actually is just the sucky d-pad of the original model and the useless analog nub thing (Which has largely kept me away from modern titles on it, it sucked terribly for Outrun and I've had to settle with using the d pad for it which while workable, isn't as much fun as it should be, and its been just as bad in other games I've tried it with).

Looking forward to upgrading to a better d-pad and tv out with the slim in the future.

esquire

02-05-2008, 09:02 PM

Yes, I do own a 360. And a Wii.

15 games is not worth a $170 buy in.

One might find these two comments contradictory. How can you justify owning a Wii, as there are certainly not many "must haves" - at least not more than 15 games; and even if there are, the investment is far more than the PSP (at least $50-$80 more for the console, if you can find one; $50 for an extra controller; and at least $10-$20 more per game @ 15 games is another $150-$300).

Rob2600

02-05-2008, 09:08 PM

How can you justify owning a Wii ... the investment is far more than the PSP (...at least $10-$20 more per game...).

Actually, quite a few good Wii games retail new for $20 and $30, which is cheaper than PSP games.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 09:13 PM

Actually, quite a few good Wii games retail new for $20 and $30, which is cheaper than PSP games.

Oh come on party peoples!

There are plenty of quality PSP tiles with price points at or below $20/$30 NEW.

At this point there are rarely PSP titles that launch with MSRPs higher than $30, and even those only take a few months to drop an entier tier price-wise.

The new $40 MSRP retail model really only lasted the first year or so of the PSP.

Rob2600

02-05-2008, 09:28 PM

There are plenty of quality PSP tiles with price points at or below $20/$30 NEW. ... The new $40 MSRP retail model really only lasted the first year or so of the PSP.

Thanks for pointing that out; I didn't know about that. I just remember the first few months after the PSP launched, the games were $45 to $55, which was crazy and stupid.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 09:29 PM

Thanks for pointing that out; I didn't know about that. I just remember the first few months after the PSP launched, the games were $45 to $55, which was crazy and stupid.

Yes. Yes it was.

Aussie2B

02-05-2008, 10:44 PM

At this point there are rarely PSP titles that launch with MSRPs higher than $30, and even those only take a few months to drop an entier tier price-wise.

Wha? In what world is this happening? Seriously, I want these good deals. :P

Almost every single PSP game I find remotely interesting launches at $40 (and this includes upcoming titles). Maybe there are cheaper games out there, but most of those games aren't even worth the 20 dollars they're charging.

And like I said in my last post, the PSP is not a good system in terms of price drops, at least not in the multitude of stores I've checked. After a few months have passed, I either see them still sitting at their original MSRP or they've disappeared altogether. The PS2 this is not.

Hep038

02-05-2008, 10:54 PM

I bought 2 games at fry's for 9.99. Yes they were budget titles , but Hell Nintendo was selling super Mario brothers on gameboy SP for 30.00

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-05-2008, 11:05 PM

Wha? In what world is this happening? Seriously, I want these good deals. :P

Almost every single PSP game I find remotely interesting launches at $40 (and this includes upcoming titles). Maybe there are cheaper games out there, but most of those games aren't even worth the 20 dollars they're charging.

And like I said in my last post, the PSP is not a good system in terms of price drops, at least not in the multitude of stores I've checked. After a few months have passed, I either see them still sitting at their original MSRP or they've disappeared altogether. The PS2 this is not.

...I love how every single time I provide quantifiable information people :

A.) Make some type of snarky, witty remark.

B.) Don't look the information up themselves.

Yes, there are some new games that launch at MSRP $40, *and, yes, I agree that some of the "interesting" stuff - if you've been looking around lately (this/next quarter) may be in the $40 range new ... (Final Fantasy Crisis Core, God of War, etc)....this could be further evidence that the system has grown enough in it's installation base that they've kicked the price standard up again ... but more often than not I see new titles squarely in the $30 range in the GameStop family of stores and Best Buy*

If you want games in the $10-$30 range, all you need to do is go to GameStop.com, go to the PSP section, and look at items categorized between $19.99 and $29.99.

There are 33 listings under that category, and it looks like about 25 of them are games.

In the $10 to $19.99 range there are 104 listings and more than HALF of that look to be NEW games.

I've said this before - I pay pretty close attention to everything going on with the PSP ... and I browse all my local retail outlets at least once a week.

I'd like to think I'm up to speed on prices and pricing trends for the PSP ... and you all can be too!! :) You're obviously connected to the internet, aren't you?

digitalpress

02-06-2008, 12:09 AM

I'm with Frankie here.

You're gonna pay $40 for major releases on PSP but there's plenty of stuff now and in the pipeline for 20 or 30. PLENTY.

C'mon... it's no different than PS2 in its early years: a few GREAT games, lots of mediocre games, too many games pretending to be good. But as a PS2 owner I am totally satisfied. I truly believe the PSP is heading in that direction. For now, I'll say that if you love RPG's you shouldn't have any issues - there are already too many good ones to play thru in a normal lifetime. Other genres aren't really that far behind. Hang in there.

Aussie2B

02-06-2008, 01:57 AM

Don't look the information up themselves.

So, uh, somehow some information you provide is going to negate my own tastes and personal experiences?

I quite often check PSP games prices on GameStop.com, and that's how I already know that the vast majority of games that I would consider buying launch at $40. I mean, maybe some people out there have different tastes, but I think most can agree that top tier games get top tier prices most of the time. I mean, the DS has tons of games for $20 or less, but most games that are truly worth getting for it are $29.99 at launch.

I'll humor you and sort everything GameStop.com has listed for PSP by price, though, and look only for the new sealed games since that's the only thing I was referring to before. Of everything below $39.99, the only games that are appealing to me are Patapon, Dracula X, Final Fantasy I and II (which, even though at $29.99, are still a rip-off if you ask me since they barely offer anything the previous ports didn't offer for less money and with both games packaged together), and Dungeon Explorer. Sorry, that's it.

I won't go to the length to list every game I have or want that launched or will launch at 39.99, but it's a heck of a lot more. Many of them are long gone from the site, though, even one's that came out only a few months ago, which backs up my statement that many games disappear before they ever get a price drop, at least in my area. Maybe other parts of the country fair better and maybe other people have tastes that make them more inclined to pick up the titles with low MSRPs, but, sorry, there's no way you can convince me or anyone else to change their tastes in games nor to pretend as if their own personal experiences in shopping never happened or are somehow less factual than your own.

Icarus Moonsight

02-06-2008, 02:46 AM

I bought 2 games at fry's for 9.99. Yes they were budget titles , but Hell Nintendo was selling super Mario brothers on gameboy SP for 30.00

I thought the MSRP on all the NES Classic line on GBA was $19.99. Gamestop does charge $29.99 for a loose SMB on GBA. Maybe you're thinking about that?

Fry's can have some great deals. I picked up Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles for $20 on release day there. They have recently beefed up their import sections at the Houston area location. They now have import DS (have had for awhile) and PSP (no shooters though :bullshit:) games and accessories. I love being able to browse import stuff at retail. It's so novel. LOL

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-06-2008, 02:52 AM

So, uh, somehow some information you provide is going to negate my own tastes and personal experiences?

I quite often check PSP games prices on GameStop.com, and that's how I already know that the vast majority of games that I would consider buying launch at $40. I mean, maybe some people out there have different tastes, but I think most can agree that top tier games get top tier prices most of the time. I mean, the DS has tons of games for $20 or less, but most games that are truly worth getting for it are $29.99 at launch.

I'll humor you and sort everything GameStop.com has listed for PSP by price, though, and look only for the new sealed games since that's the only thing I was referring to before. Of everything below $39.99, the only games that are appealing to me are Patapon, Dracula X, Final Fantasy I and II (which, even though at $29.99, are still a rip-off if you ask me since they barely offer anything the previous ports didn't offer for less money and with both games packaged together), and Dungeon Explorer. Sorry, that's it.

I won't go to the length to list every game I have or want that launched or will launch at 39.99, but it's a heck of a lot more. Many of them are long gone from the site, though, even one's that came out only a few months ago, which backs up my statement that many games disappear before they ever get a price drop, at least in my area. Maybe other parts of the country fair better and maybe other people have tastes that make them more inclined to pick up the titles with low MSRPs, but, sorry, there's no way you can convince me or anyone else to change their tastes in games nor to pretend as if their own personal experiences in shopping never happened or are somehow less factual than your own.

Uh, well, any game-related debate can be immediately shut down by bringing "personal taste" into the discussion.

After all, there's probably at least ONE person out there who thinks Superman 64 is the best game ever made ... and thinks that the rest of the gaming world is CRAZY for not enjoying the awesome job that Titus did crafting that Superman experience.

All I'm saying (since your personal taste can not be swayed) is that whether you like them or not, in a sheer numbers game, (and that's what I was responding to in your "where are these great deals?" response) - there are more brand new, sealed games at retail for PSP that are in the $10-$30 price range than the $40 price range.

A quick, rough check of PSP titles available for sale online/in stores finds the following results :

Approximately 74 new titles are available at retail currently between the price of $9.99 and $29.99

Approximately 32 new titles are available at retail currently at the max MSRP for PSP titles $39.99

Yes. Most of the AAA stuff is in the $40 range, but, again, you dragged "personal taste" into this ... and while you may not enjoy a single title in the low price range, I'd say some of MY favorite PSP titles are now either available on the "greatest hits" line (which we all know is $20 or less) or launched at that price range (Outrun, Me & My Katamari, Loco Roco, etc.)

Really though, I'm not trying to be a dick about any of this. I know PSP isn't for everybody, and you've got your reasons and your positions on it all. You're absolutely entitled to your personal opinion about the PSP, and the quality of it's software library. If you don't like most of it, nobody says you have to like it. If you don't think it's worth it, nodbody says you should buy it.

But at the end of the day, there's no grand conspiracy as to "Where are all these cheap games you speak of??!!" anybody who can't find them on the cheap end of things is simply not taking into account what you made so clear to me ... "value" is relative, and there. is. no. accounting. for. taste.

esquire

02-06-2008, 11:18 AM

I quite often check PSP games prices on GameStop.com, and that's how I already know that the vast majority of games that I would consider buying launch at $40. I mean, maybe some people out there have different tastes, but I think most can agree that top tier games get top tier prices most of the time. I mean, the DS has tons of games for $20 or less, but most games that are truly worth getting for it are $29.99 at launch.

...and like the PSP, the DS charges more for the more premiere or high profile games. Here are some examples from my local Gamestop:

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker - $39.99
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings - $39.99
Front Mission - $34.99
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin - $34.99
any Mario/Pokemon/Zelda or other Nintendo first party game - $34.99

Aussie2B

02-06-2008, 12:24 PM

Uh, well, any game-related debate can be immediately shut down by bringing "personal taste" into the discussion.

Yeah, and that's exactly the problem I have because you tried to make a debate out of my own personal tastes and experiences in the first place when I was looking for no such thing. I never "brought" it into a debate. You brought your debate into my opinions. :P You need to just relax and let people say what's on their minds instead of constantly trying to prove everyone wrong. It's not like God will kill a kitten if somebody says something negative about the PSP, and I never personally said anything particularly negative in the first place, just that the games I'm interested in rarely get price drops.

Poofta!

02-06-2008, 01:21 PM

i dropped out of this debate, 15 games for me justifies a system purchase over and over. i buy systems over ONE amazing game. thats how i am.

snes - mario world
ps - ff7
n64 - mario64
dreamcast - sonic adventures
ps2- ff12
xbox - forza
360 - gears of war
psp - xmen legends (i know it isnt exclusive, but i really wanted it portable and now i have so many games i love)
ds - mario64

as you can see some games made me buy even 2 consoles =] but really, and sometimes i buy a system WAAAY late into its life when a game i love finally appears (ps2)
so as soon as 1 amazing game his the ps3, ill have it. its about love here people.

btw, you can get used games and games on ebay for a lot less than the new retail price... the psp is an rpg-gamers heaven right now and its also getting a LOT of love for retrogaming (ea replay, capcom collections, metal slug, genesis collection -- all excellent!)

but look, im not here to convince anyone to run out and buy it, i love mine, esquire loves his and so does frankie, so does joe and so do sooooo many other people. some of us even have 2 consoles (fatty and the slim).

good luck, have fun w/ whatever youre playing and game on.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-06-2008, 02:12 PM

Yeah, and that's exactly the problem I have because you tried to make a debate out of my own personal tastes and experiences in the first place when I was looking for no such thing. I never "brought" it into a debate. You brought your debate into my opinions. :P You need to just relax and let people say what's on their minds instead of constantly trying to prove everyone wrong. It's not like God will kill a kitten if somebody says something negative about the PSP, and I never personally said anything particularly negative in the first place, just that the games I'm interested in rarely get price drops.

I really wasn't trying to "prove you (or anybody) wrong" I was just trying to "clear up" any misinformation about the system as best as I could ... like I said, you can feel however you want about PSP, that's totally cool with me.

The thing is, this whole thread was based on some misconceptions - stemming from opinions (not mine to start with) ... and, as I'm usually compelled to do in those situations - I just happened to be the one to start providing any type of material evidence to support claims that the PSP was not "fading away" ... BUT, as most modern video game message board posting regulars know - that sort of thing always snowballs into an opinion fest and degenerates into madness.

And for anybody who thinks I'm "freaking out" or "getting defensive" whenever I get long-winded...I'm totally not. Those who have met me in person at NAVAs can surely attest that I'm not a dick about these things. I'm just ... a nice albeit "chatty" kind of guy.

josekortez

02-06-2008, 09:12 PM

[QUOTE=esquire;1316197]...and like the PSP, the DS charges more for the more premiere or high profile games. Here are some examples from my local Gamestop:
Front Mission - $34.99

Actually, Front Mission is $19.99 new. Have them price check it for you next time.

esquire

02-06-2008, 10:32 PM

[quote=esquire;1316197]...and like the PSP, the DS charges more for the more premiere or high profile games. Here are some examples from my local Gamestop:
Front Mission - $34.99

Actually, Front Mission is $19.99 new. Have them price check it for you next time.

Still $34.99 according to Gamestop.com

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=180439

swlovinist

02-07-2008, 01:33 AM

The PSP is going to stay around a long time, although it will never sell more than the DS. If anything, Sony will keep it around so that they can port PSP games to the PS2...which is not a bad thing at all. I like the system, have about 20 games for it, and am currently loving Atari Classics Evolved on it. For a portable, it is a pretty system, but dam those load times.

Icarus Moonsight

02-07-2008, 03:01 AM

Front Mission is $20 at the register at Gamestop brick and mortars around here although most still have the higher sticker on the display box. I don't buy the $40 DS games while they're that price (thankfully there are very few) because that is just too much for a handheld title IMO. One of the aspects that has kept a PSP out of my hands so far is the usual $40 tag. There are exceptions, otherwise I wouldn't have bought any of the PSP games I have now. Gamestop isn't a very good measure either. They charge over MSRP frequently. It may only be $5, but still.

Sony has done something I thought wouldn't happen. They broke the "generation back" console to handheld rule. While the PSP isn't PS2 level in terms of power it's pretty damn close. Also, It's the only non-Nintendo handheld that is going to be in my permanent collection (so far) besides the NGPC (something else I wasn't expecting when the PSP launched). I'm not counting the Turbo Express or Nomad 'cause their library is totally dependent and shared with a console.

DJ Daishi

02-07-2008, 03:07 AM

another good find! Guilty Gear XX for $9.99 at CC and most other retailers..kicks the shit outta the DS version.

Rob2600

02-07-2008, 10:16 AM

Sony has done something I thought wouldn't happen. They broke the "generation back" console to handheld rule. While the PSP isn't PS2 level in terms of power it's pretty damn close.

Yes, but at the expense of battery life: 4 hours vs. 30 hours.

fishsandwich

02-07-2008, 02:14 PM

I'm the original poster and I'd like to provide an update.

I went back to the very same Gamestop I went to over a week ago to see how their selection was looking. The PSP section has grown by a pretty noticable amount. There were more used games available (loose games, how I hate thee) and the selection of new games must have doubled. Nothing I wanted, but it was still good to see the stock growing.

I'm going to visit a really <weak> Gamestop this weekend. This particular store used to devote about the same amount of space to both the PSP and the DS. Now the PSP section has moved to the back of the store in a corner and it's one quarter the size of the DS section, if that. The last time I looked I was shocked at how few games they had. I've seen firsthand that just one week can make a differance so it will be interesting to see if this particular store gets a better PSP selection.

BTW... the PSP to too much damn trouble on the train... I have to be so careful with it and the loading times eat up a surprising amount of time. I've also noticed that some sketchy people have been checking it out in an way that makes me nervous. I may have to go back to the GBA or NGage for train duty.

I do love to play the PSP at home, though.

Icarus Moonsight

02-07-2008, 04:21 PM

I'll most likely be playing mine at home plugged into the wall and even connected to the TV. I'm not gonna lug 5 batteries around. :p For travel duty, I already have a DS so I'll be set. :)

otaku

02-07-2008, 04:30 PM

See the battery thing isn't all bad for me. I rarely play it more than 4 or so hours in a day (or single session anyway) and can charge it using my laptop or an outlet at home or wherever I may be (hotel for instance) also have a car charger I use while on the road.

Sure its not as convenient as the DS battery wise (or the NGPC beat 40 hours without new batteries!!) but its not crippliing to me

Xexyz

02-08-2008, 12:05 AM

Looks like the PSP outsold the DS in Japan this week, further proof that the system isn't fading.

http://www.n4g.com/News-108893.aspx

Of course, the DS has reached a saturation point in that country, but still...

koster

02-08-2008, 03:49 PM

Dreamcast

02-08-2008, 05:33 PM

Rob2600

02-08-2008, 07:16 PM

It takes time for developers to make games for PSP. besides, every console starts off slow.

The PSP has been on the market for three years. What's your point?

fishsandwich

02-09-2008, 10:00 AM

Please stop talking. It takes time for developers to make games for PSP. besides, every console starts off slow. Don't be dissin' the PSP.

Did you read my 2nd post, turdbrain? Reading in fundamental. Try again. According to comments in this thread, it would seem the console is no longer "starting off slow". Did you bother to read any other comments or did you just read the first one and immediately jump to reply?

Its not about how much the system sells, it's if you enjoy the games and the console itself.

REALLY? What an awesome new concept! Don't worry if your expensive system tanks, just enjoy the games!!! (You do know that a system that's not doing well will have less games produced for it, right? Hello?)

My original post was one where I asked this community if they thought the PSP was fading in popularity. The discussion was going well (Frankie needs to relax) until you popped up with your nitwit comments. Please stop talking.

I like the PSP a great deal. I JUST put mine down a few minutes ago (Jeanne D'Arc). I'm hoping it continues to sell and that more good games are released. I'll be checking more stores today.

fishsandwich

02-09-2008, 12:42 PM

Another update...

I revisted the Gamestop that had far and away the weakest selection of PS games of any store that I visted last week. Their selection has nearly doubled and the PSP section almost looks healthy again.

Excellent

Hwj_Chim

02-09-2008, 01:37 PM

I don't think the PSP have even peaked yet and still has lots of life left in it. It is one of 2 hand held devices that will not give me a headache after playing (The NEO pocket is the other one). The PSP also has lots of good games that have been released for it and have many more coming. So I think that the system has lots of life left in it.

Xizer

02-09-2008, 02:29 PM

The PSP is a fantastic piece of hardware, but it is still lacking in the games department. I can think of about ten games developed specifically for the system that are good. That is when I don't include games that have been ported back to the PS2 like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and that Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters game that is getting ported back. Really, if it's going to be available on the PS2 as well, it shouldn't be counted for the PSP. Why put up with the PSP's annoying analog stick placement, and screen ghosting issues when you can just play it on your PS2?

I think this is the PSP's biggest problem. It tries too hard to rely on generic, "mature" games with a complex setup that ultimately aren't as much fun as the Nintendo DS's simpler, more entertaining games like Mario.

I love my PSP, but not because of Sony's doing - it's Dark_AleX's custom firmware. I find that when I actually use my PSP for playing games it's usually for emulation. The PSP is also my MP3 player, and you really can't beat it when it comes to portable video on the go.

The general populace, however, are not able to hack their PSPs, despite the fact that it's pretty simple. They therefore just see the PSP as a game machine, and because of the PSP's still rather lacking native library, it's not doing so hot among the general populace.

mlambert890

02-09-2008, 02:33 PM

PSP support at retail has always been lukewarm. Three things worked against Sony from day 1:

1) Nintendo, like Apple and Google, has a unique and almost unsassailable market position. Gameboy is just synonymous with "portable game". Every mom feels safe buying one and subconsciously assumes she's going to buy one, every kid wants one. Just like "Googling" which is now a verb, and the ipod. Rarely is this type of defacto market dominance overcome and rarely is it based on merit. Inertia is a powerful force and people like things to be easy (ie - not having to think). Most consumers do NOT want to educate themselves at ALL. They want to buy what everyone else buys and use what everyone else uses.

2)UMD Movies. Bad idea. Made no sense. Caused confusion, splintered the market and resulted in INTERNAL competition for valuable game store shelf space when the PSP was ALREADY at a disadvantage for real estate against Nintendo. Made the devs unhappy (wait, you mean my game is competing for shelf space against a flood of Sony Pictures MOVIE releases?!) and annoyed retailers (no, thats not a GAME, its a MOVIE, there is no "Driving Miss Daisy" GAME)

3) Homebrew. Ive argued this type of argument since the Amiga. Just look at PSP attach rates for your answer. RECORD lows. Attach rate of around 2 compared to 4 for DS and NINE for XB360. There are WAY more than TWO good games for PSP and it seems a WHOLE lot of people play and talk about them. Hence, most people at this point are pirating. So good job to the "freedom fighters" out there in the community for helping to destroy yet another cool platform. Peoples basic selfishness rationalized with sanctimonious BS about "freedom" and the "evils of capitalism" can infest a platform like a cancer. The reality is that while we all want the coolest possible gadget at lower than cost and then the ability to make use of it forever in any way we want without ever paying another dime, that isnt reality. You may be THRILLED wardriving with your PSP while you watch illegal DiVX downloads, make calls on Skype, play illegal SNES ROMs and then load up a ripped UMD, but the reality is, all of that kills the platform. I know many will argue that the DiVX they watch is a ripped DVD they bought, and they OWN all of the SNES carts they have ROMs of and they OWN the UMDs they have images of, but if you're not lying, then you're rare. The facts simply do NOT back that up. Attach rate of TWO. I wonder what percentage are GTA, wipeout and lumines?

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/psp-firmware-hack-drives-lumines-sales/

The code word of those "fighting the sytem" like Morpheus and Neo is "homebrew". Ive been a technologist my whole life and have gone from a hacking/phreaking/pirating kid in the early 80s with an accoustic coupler modem and access to 8 bit Atari boards, to an adult with 15 years of technology industry experience now, so I see through the bullshit of the average 12-17 year old. 1/100% of "homebrew" activity is someone writing an original game or utility. The other 99.99% is people using it to pirate shit. And that is NOT good for a platform.

Edit: Xizer, our posts crossed. I think your perspective is wrong. The "mainstream" buyer was NEVER going to jump right on the PSP. It HAD to overcome Gameboy momentum FIRST in order to overcome the inertia. For that to happen, the "hardcore gamer" or the niche gamer had to create buzz by driving the system big time. A LARGE percentage of those folks DO hack their PSP. I dont know ONE person besides me that doesnt have a hacked PSP (I refuse to do it). So the trend started early.

Look at my link. SALES OF LUMINES ROSE NOTICEABLY b/c of the hack. What does that tell you? As a dev, WHY would I bother writing games for this platform so people can steal them when I have a TITAN like the gameboy sitting RIGHT there with MORE shelf space?

Xizer

02-09-2008, 02:46 PM

Umm... have you ever considered that the PSP has a low attach rate because the game library is still lacking for the system? It's not just because of piracy. I can grab any PSP game I want off the Internet and load it on to my PSP within minutes. However, I have little desire to do so, because there simply aren't many that interest me.

It is also silly to purchase a game when it is easier to store it on the memory stick. This provides the benefit of not having to haul around the PSP's large discs (for a supposed portable system) and faster load times.

Also, Sony built in the capability to play videos and make calls with Skype. That's not homebrew.

I bought the PSP to do whatever I wanted with it, not be confined to what some corporation thinks I should do with my own property. I find it sad that people think they are "saving" a video game platform by not getting their optimal enjoyment out of it.

mlambert890

02-09-2008, 03:00 PM

Yeah, I considered that, and discarded it. And I am fully aware of the fact that the movie capability and Skype calls are not homebrew. Also, you are fully entitled to do whatever you want with your property.

Just dont be shocked when you find it getting beaten in the marketplace and the self-fulfilling prophecy of "no games" coming true. A platform that exists to play DivX, use Skype, play DRM free MP3s and has a double digit piracy rate is too risky commercially for a dev.

You say the library is lacking eh? So you're saying there are no more than 2-3 games that are good for the PSP in all this time? I call bullshit on that. It may be YOUR opinion, which you are entitled to, but statistically, there are plenty of games that a MAJORITY would think ARE good.

Lumines, Lumines 2, Katamari, GTA, Silent Hill Origins, Burnout, so many RPGs... There are MORE than enough good games for a better than TWO attach rate.

And these games, oddly enough, all seem to get played based on the volume of internet discussion. Hmmm.. Thats odd. Its the same as the PC man. Somehow a game that had sales of 40,000 has 2+M people playing it and talking about it. Interesting dichotomy! Lets see how FF and GoW do. I suspect sales numbers will be oddly low yet it will seem every PSP owner has played them.

Meanwhile, the vast majority of Nintendos installed base (being mainly casual) dont even know what piracy is outside of being a ride at Disney and a Johnny Depp movie.

Every fanboy pissing contest thread on Kotaku, or Joystiq, or wherever, comes down to PSP fans proudly proclaiming how AWESOME the PSP is because "with hacks" it can do X and Y and Z, not even realizing how irrelevant and self destructive this is. Meanwhile, DS sales continue to climb and climb and PSP stays flat. Decreases really.

Sure the PSP has, at times, caught the DS during ONE period on SYSTEM sales, but game sales? WOW... What a blood bath. The whole world can buy PSPs, but if they're all buying them to do DivX, Skype and pirate games, Sony is screwed. Hopefully they at LEAST eek out a small profit on the console now so it isnt charity! The trend has been that system sales have steadily increased a bit while software sales have actually stayed flat, or at some point decreased. So this pretty much proves my point. If there are "no good games" WHY are MORE people now buying the system? Software sales are flat, so they're not buying games. Yet if the argument is, after all these years, that "there are no good ones", they STILL are laying down $200 for a system... A system with "no good games". VERY odd. Is it for a HUGE MP3/DivX player that gets fairly lousy battery life and can do Skype if you're in a hotspot? In Japan, I suspect most of these guys have MORE than capable phones that do all of that better. Anywhere else, there's this little device call the ipod and now the iphone that some may have noticed.

I would challenge PSP owners reading this in this way. WHATEVER PSP game you have played and enjoyed. PLEASE at least buy the UMD. Most of you KNOW you havent. You KNOW you grabbed it from IRC, or a torrent or UseNet, so either go and buy the UMD on clearance or whatever, make a resolution to buy the next AAA title when its roughly new, OR... Stop slinging shit about the system viability because you're spinning and spinning and spinning and the rationalizations are a load of crap.

And Xizer, that doesnt necessarily apply to you. You many have no UMD images and simply do not like any of the PSP library. This last comment is for those playing SHO, GTA, MGS, or any other big PSP title that have never bought it and dont feel they should HAVE to buy it.

Rob2600

02-09-2008, 03:43 PM

People seem to be into hacking now. Look at the iPhone. People keep hacking it and Apple keeps releasing new firmware to override the hacks.

Xizer

02-09-2008, 04:10 PM

I'm going to provide my rationale for not liking a lot of the games on the PSP when compared with the Nintendo DS, which I think a lot of people also have. The biggest problem here is that the PSP tries to be a portable PS2 - the games take too long to start up, you can't save as easily, they're not as simple as DS games... all a bad thing for a portable system and what drags down many PSP games. An inherent lack of originality doesn't bring a lot of PS2 owners flocking to the PSP's game library because they've played it all before. Unfortunately, the PS2 demographic seems to be the PSP's main demographic.

Lumines: It's a good puzzle game, I'll give you that. I can see why people would buy it.

Lumines 2: Is this really necessary? It's a sequel to a good puzzle game. I don't really see the point. If you've played Lumines, you've played Lumines II.

Katamari: It's pretty cool, but it controls like shit on the PSP. It's also not that mainstream. With two console versions on the PS2, the PSP version doesn't bring much new to the table and is really kind of pointless.

GTA: All PSP versions available on the PS2. That means superior graphics, controls, bigger screen, and a more comfortable environment to play it in.

Silent Hill Origins: Doesn't really translate well to a portable environment. Also, there's already been at least four Silent Hill games. Just what does Origins bring to the table that it's worth drudging through the Silent Hill formula a fifth time, this time in an even more cumbersome environment because it's been packed down onto a portable?

Burnout: It's okay... but when you've played one racing game, you've played them all. I can see how people won't be blowing their load over Burnout.

so many RPGs: Which are basically rehashed PS2 games with worse controls. I can see how after playing dozens of PS2 RPGs, PSP gamers would be burnt out on RPGs in the same style.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: piracy on the Nintendo DS is a cakewalk, just like it is on the PSP. All one has to do is pick up an R4 cart, which is incredibly for easy, for around $30.

There's a reason why everyone boasts about the PSP's multimedia capabilities and homebrew instead of its game library when there's an argument between the DS and PSP: Because the Nintendo DS's game library is superior. Homebrew/multimedia is really all the PSP's got going for it. You can't throw out that the PSP wins because it has better games than the DS, because everyone knows that's a lie.

If Sony didn't want people to do DivX and Skype... they wouldn't have built those features into the PSP.

People are shelling out money for the PSP because of its good multimedia capabilities. A $170 device that plays back mp3s, video, and lets you look at pictures AND it plays games, has Skype, a web browser? Oh and it does a lot of that better than a much more expensive iPod? I'd call that a bargain.

I have around ten PSP games. Every time I throw them on the PSP and find a moment to play them, I find it takes forever to get into the games. Suddenly, a 30-minute break where I can play my PSP ends and I have progressed pretty much nowhere. This is why I often find myself just ignoring any PSP games on my memory stick and heading straight for the tried and true stuff like SNES emulation, which I can use save states.

backguard

02-09-2008, 09:08 PM

sony put some major life back into the psp when they added video out. now it is like having a portable and a console all wrapped up in one.

as far as the library - sony did a great thing when they added the playstation 1 remote play support. playing suikoden ii (almost) wherever you want is awesome. :)

Jimid2

02-09-2008, 11:32 PM

.... Just look at PSP attach rates for your answer. RECORD lows. Attach rate of around 2 compared to 4 for DS and NINE for XB360...
So, like, if the PSP has an attach rate of 2, and I have 156 UMD games (which I do), does that mean there are 77 people out there who own 0 games for their PSP? Or a 154 people who only own one game each? Of course, we actually own four PSPs in our household, so I guess that those 156 games actually come out to an attach rate of 39... which is still a damned site higher than the average...

Honestly, I just don't get it... Two of our four PSPs run CFW; one so I can play PSX games on it, because I just never find the time to play in front of a TV any more, and the other because my daughter threw hers at her brother and broke the UMD drive, so now she has to play games from the ISOs I rip and put on her 4GB Pro Duo... Since modding our systems, I've played Final Fantasy VII through IX, Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill on my PSP - along with many PSP games - and, of course, my daughter's system would be a paper weight if it wasn't for Custom Firmware, so I've expressed my appreciation to Dark Alex by sending him a Paypal donation or two over the last couple years. imho, CFW is great!

Pirates, otoh, do contribute to the death of good systems, and are asshats in general. But the self-defeating actions of a crowd of morally-vacuous imbeciles who believe they are entitled to everything for nothing is not the fault of hacked firmware - it's more the failing of their parents and a society that instilled them with the belief that if they can take something, they must be entitled to it, and they should...

Icarus Moonsight

02-10-2008, 12:04 AM

I have 6 PSP games with plans to get a dozen or so more and I don't even have a PSP unit yet. LOL I've never taken attach rates too seriously. Mostly because I'm a gamer and not a developer/publisher.

There are means to circumvent the DS and play pirated copies of games. Besides the flash devices there is a healthy bootleg market also. I wouldn't attribute those aspects as the major reason for lagged software sales on the PSP because in these times it's going to happen on most if not all platforms. Someone will find a way for whatever reason/motive they have, be it profit, spite, a challenge or even a simple feather in their cap.

I don't know the person who cracked the PSP firmware or what motivated them to do so, but I'd guess that they looked at the hardware, thought it was impressive and then took a glance at the software and was left less than impressed. IMO, that could spur someone with sufficient knowledge to figure out how to get more games onto the PSP. So basically, what I'm trying to say is maybe this time the cart came before the horse. I think it's possible.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-10-2008, 02:44 AM

I've owned both the DS and the PSP since launch. (I picked up a DS Lite when that launched and sold my original fugly silver DS)

I own about 50+ PSP games.
I own approximately 4 DS games

Now, here's a disclaimer - I really DO like my DS, I think it's a neat bit of hardware. I don't however care for the touch screen functionality I neither enjoy rubbing a stylus or jamming my finger on a portable game screen ... call me crazy, but after 20 something years of AVOIDING touching/scratching portable game screens, it's just something I'll never be able to fully wrap my brain around.

I primarily use my DS for GBA games ... I have a buttload of them that I still enjoy on a pretty regular basis.

I frequently see the anti-PSP sentiment that there are "no good games" and/or "no games that appeal to me" from people who either own the system and don't enjoy it, or don't have any desire to own one due to that sentiment.

Taking into account that I only own 4 games on the DS, you'd think I must feel the same way ... well, it's really a bit more than that. The reason that I only own 4 DS games is that within a year of the DS being on the market, the DS's shelf space at every game retail location was over-run with garbage shovel-ware.

I figured it would just be a trend that would work itself out ... and unfortunately for me ... it has since 5 years later become SO COMPLETELY OVERWHELMING to sort through what is literally a 30-to-1 (probably even worse than that) UTTER GARBAGE-to-DECENT GAME ratio that I have practically given up on trying to quest for good DS software.

I HAVE TO ASK the hardcore DS owners HOW DO YOU DO IT?

How the hell do you not get a freaking MIGRAINE when you stare at the DS section of software at your local game store?

Every time I TRY to look for a DS game to buy, all I can see is:

Catz
Dogz
Petz
Imagine Cooking
Alvin and the Chipmunks
generic knock-off Brain Age type games
Word Coaches
generic Board Game compilations
Hamsterz
Bratz: The Movie: The Game
and a million other bits of shovel ... scratch that ... not shovel ware ... DUMP TRUCK WARE that make the Burger King 360 games look like they were designed by Miyamoto and Kojima.

I think the PSP, while it doesn't have AS MUCH software as the DS has a much much higher RATIO of QUALITY, non-shovel-ware software, and it is not ever and has never been a headache-inducing experience to sort through the new and/or used sections of PSP software to try and find something that I might like - ANYWHERE.

Now, as far as whether or not you personally LIKE what it has to offer, well, there's nothing that anybody can do about that ... no shame in not buying the system if you don't like what it has ... but to compare the quality of, say 20 PSP games that are well-ported from quality PS2 titles to 20 DS games built from the ground up yet based on kid's movie and cartoon licenses/virtual pet simulators/Pokemon clones/brain-age clones ... I have a VERY hard time buying into the "DS has a higher amount of better games" argument.

BUT, of course, admittedly, that's just my opinion ... and I'm sure that there are a million people out there that think that "Ice Age II Kart Racing" for the DS is a far superior bit of software to "Burnout Dominator" on PSP based primarily on the argument that "All games are more fun-er'er on the DS!"

Xizer

02-10-2008, 03:00 AM

If you're afraid of scratching your Nintendo DS's screen, I have a solution for you. It's called the InvisibleSHIELD. It's like a permanent screen detector. I put one on my DS Lite's touch screen and have never worried about it getting scratched since. It's made of a material originally developed by the military to prevent helicopter blades from getting scratched.

http://www.invisibleshield.com/game-system/nintendo/ds-lite.php

They don't exaggerate its durability - my DS has been through frantic touch screen sessions with many styluses, and even my bare fingers. It has yet to receive a single scratch.

As for locating Nintendo DS games, it's pretty simple. I do it the way I locate games for any other system. I wander into the store, knowing what titles are good already. Just scanning through the list alphabetically I can instantly pick out a numerous amount of good titles out of the crap. There is not a single system today that doesn't have more good games than it has shitty games. A hardcore gamer should have eyes that are adapted to filtering out the crap and focusing on the good titles.

I'm a fan of good games for all ages. I have no problems with picking up games outside of social norms. As a result, I have a diverse collection of titles from all around the spectrum, from Super Princess Peach to Manhunt. When you take on this view of not caring about what society thinks you should care about, you will find that you have many more choices of the things you can do, my friend. This extends to the number of good games you can find.

Rob2600

02-10-2008, 03:01 AM

a 30-to-1 (probably even worse than that) UTTER GARBAGE-to-DECENT GAME ratio ... How the hell do you not get a freaking MIGRAINE when you stare at the DS section of software at your local game store? ...

I think the PSP, while it doesn't have AS MUCH software as the DS has a much much higher RATIO of QUALITY, non-shovel-ware software

Your Nintendo DS vs. Sony PSP description is the same as my Sony PlayStation vs. Nintendo 64 description several years ago.

Frankie_Says_Relax

02-10-2008, 03:06 AM

If you're afraid of scratching your Nintendo DS's screen, I have a solution for you. It's called the InvisibleSHIELD. It's like a permanent screen detector. I put one on my DS Lite's touch screen and have never worried about it getting scratched since. It's made of a material originally developed by the military to prevent helicopter blades from getting scratched.

http://www.invisibleshield.com/game-system/nintendo/ds-lite.php

They don't exaggerate its durability - my DS has been through frantic touch screen sessions with many styluses, and even my bare fingers. It has yet to receive a single scratch.

Thanks for the link. I'll look into one of those.

And you don't find that it dampens the response rate of stylus action?

And, as far as the visual filtering goes ... I can do it for every other system (though the Wii is getting pretty damned hard as well) perhaps the problem is

A.) the size of the boxes/titles on the boxes, and the decision by all the game stores to front-face ALL of the boxes.

2.) every grubby-pawed kid that makes an alphabetical jumble-mess of the DS display within minutes of the store in question being opened for more than 10 minutes.

C.) my brain having to deal with the sheer title/content based embarrassment / constant mental questioning of all the ridiculousness of the titles attempting to be "filtered" that causes those wicked headaches and the desire to just plain give-up all-together.

And, yes Rob, PS1 was a very big mess of shovel-ware at the time that Sony had moved onto PS2 ...

... thankfully in it's elder years, the PS2 seems to be less of a dumping ground, and more of a haven for budget classics like what we're seeing from SNK.

Aussie2B

02-10-2008, 03:43 AM

I'd say the ratio of quality on the DS vs. the PSP are about the same, except you're dealing with much smaller numbers on PSP. Obviously you're going to find less shovelware, but you're going to find less games period, good or otherwise. I think if you chop a store's DS selection down to 1/3, you'll find it similar to the PSP selection in terms of how many games are worth your time and how many aren't. That's why most people find the DS superior - there are just plain more games PERIOD. More garbage to look through, but more quality games available at any given time as well.

Speaking of N64 vs. PlayStation, that's the same argument most people make in favor of the PlayStation, since even though it had loads and loads of crap, most people believe the PlayStation has more worthwhile games altogether. Although, to digress a little, I personally believe that even when taking the differing game totals into consideration, I think the N64 had a better quality ratio, and that the best of the best on N64 outdid most of the best PlayStation titles. Just goes to show that no matter how factual and mathematical you get, it all comes down to opinion.

bcks007

02-10-2008, 04:55 AM

3) Homebrew. Ive argued this type of argument since the Amiga. Just look at PSP attach rates for your answer. RECORD lows. Attach rate of around 2 compared to 4 for DS and NINE for XB360.

Is attach rate the number of games a person owns for there system? (I could be understanding this wrong)

I've heard the number of games that people own for there ps2 is under 5.0, is this true? Seems pretty low to me.

Icarus Moonsight

02-10-2008, 09:35 AM

You also have to consider the habit Sony has developed for using their game platforms as a trojan horse for their proprietary media formats (blu-ray and UMD). Some consumers look harshly upon this practice for no other reason besides they don't want a media format force fed to them. Others are simply repelled by the concept of proprietary media. We've grown accustomed to a world where all vhs, cassettes, cds and dvds will work in nearly all their respective players. It's not too big of a deal when just games are involved, like in the DS's case. Console/handheld carts and disks have always been locked out of other platforms due to form factor or the software itself. Consumers expect and accept this. So there is no expectation of "universal" functionality. When you slap movies onto a game machine and the format is proprietary it completely breaches what consumers are used to getting. Future trends may change... it's simply going to take time and many products to acclimate the general public and change perceptions.

That's my 2 coppers anyway. :)

Rob2600

02-10-2008, 02:31 PM

Icarus Moonsight

02-10-2008, 03:47 PM

This is just a thought, but maybe the software-to-hardware ratio for the PSP is so low because many people are buying used games, which don't count. Is that likely?

Or is it because nowadays, people own three or four game consoles, so instead of buying 20 games for one console, they buy 6 games for three consoles?

They count, used games had to be bought by somebody. Even if they were shoplifted and turned in to a Gamestop the retailer still paid for it. It just doesn't count as a second unit sold so there is a possible element of loss, but it's speculative loss only. Who's to say that they would have paid full-retail for the same game new or even another new title?

In this case I believe the used market may be helping the PSP move along. I'm sure there are some people who bought one mainly for music and movie playback. Seeing a used, or more importantly, cheap game just might entice them to try em out.

mailman187666

02-11-2008, 11:30 AM

I like the PSP a great deal. I JUST put mine down a few minutes ago (Jeanne D'Arc). I'm hoping it continues to sell and that more good games are released. I'll be checking more stores today.[/QUOTE]

I've been playing Jeanne D'Arc and its one of the better SRPGs I've played in a long long time. Not even Final Fantasy Tactics held my interest for as long. Me and a bunch of my friends own PSP and many of them also own a DS and out of everybody I know, when we want to do a multiplayer game or even bring any protables with us, its a PSP. I think its far from dead and is only getting better. FF7 Crisis Core is what has been selling the system in Japan and I'm sure the game will see similar success here in the states as well. I love both PSP and DS but the PSP gets my two thumbs up.

boatofcar

02-12-2008, 12:14 AM

I want this (http://gizmodo.com/355131/psp-concept-is-slick-slidey-goodness) one.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/02/psptop.jpg

Icarus Moonsight

02-12-2008, 03:06 AM

I want this (http://gizmodo.com/355131/psp-concept-is-slick-slidey-goodness) one.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/02/psptop.jpg

Now that is SLICK! :D Huzzah for dual analogs. My only gripe... Shouldn't the LCD be protected rather than the controls? If they produced a model like this and included a snap on cover for the screen when the unit is slid closed, I'd be all over it.

Leo_A

02-12-2008, 03:18 AM

That thing looks stupid.

Poofta!

02-12-2008, 10:16 AM

i stayed out of this discussion for a while, but read some stuff i absolutely HAD to comment on, first of all:

3) Homebrew. Ive argued this type of argument since the Amiga. Just look at PSP attach rates for your answer. RECORD lows. Attach rate of around 2 compared to 4 for DS and NINE for XB360. There are WAY more than TWO good games for PSP and it seems a WHOLE lot of people play and talk about them. Hence, most people at this point are pirating.

dude, your points 1 & 2 were excellent, this is completely off the wall. so you say that because less games are sold for a system that means they are obviously pirating it? BS! the ds is 100000000000000000% easier to pirate for (and a lot more popular, see: R4) and still the game are outselling, i own both DS and PSP, and have over 10 games for each, and i spent a LOT more time playing my ds games than psp (fft and castlevania notwithstanding, but both are ps1 ports!!!!!) most of my other psp games are actually old game compilations, and even 2 imports (breath of fire 3 and legend of eternia, both ps1!!!). the only original psp games i own are the 2 untold legends games and jeane d'arc! is that messed up or what? 10 ports/compilations vs 2 original titles. now, out of the the 10 ds games i own, ALL BUT ONE are unique, new and original titles (i had to get mario 64...). and while there is A LOT MORE crap ds titles than crap PSP titles, there are toooooo many mediocre yawn-fest psp titles and a lot more AMAZING titles on DS than the PSP.

thats it! say what you will, but piracy has nothing to do w/ this, there are arent that many great games for the psp that make you keep playing! even the really cool titles have either already been ported away or are simply sequels to console games. so what a consumer to do when he just dropped 200 on an amazing, powerful and glorious system and all he has to show for it is a few dumbed down console clones and ports of games from almost 2 generations ago as well as like 15 year old compilations? well he goes the mod route! add some cool applications into the system (modding a psp, especially the new ones, is not easy and getting games is rather difficult as well -- from scratch itll probably take ~5 hours to mod a psp slim from scratch: find firmware, download it, learn it, read it, copy it, install it all, pandora battery, find roms, download UMDs.... this all takes A LOT OF TIME. vs a ds: buy r4, download 15mb ds rom in 3 minutes, copy/paste, play.)

for me though, fft, disgaea, castlevania is worth the purchase, and i play my psp a lot more than my ds these days, but thats only till im done w/ those games, there are already lik 6 ds games i CANT WAIT to play and kill 20+ hours on!

dsullo

02-12-2008, 10:29 AM

I bought my PSP this XMAS too and I love it. I have not touched my DS in months. Jeanne D Arc was a fabulous game. The Graphics on that thing are amazing! Best hand held I have ever played.

Xizer

02-12-2008, 03:52 PM

I want this (http://gizmodo.com/355131/psp-concept-is-slick-slidey-goodness) one.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/02/psptop.jpg

That is a retarded design. Thank God Sony doesn't listen to random idiots on the Internet who happen to have a copy of Photoshop.

Goblin

02-12-2008, 04:51 PM

Having owned Nintendo portables since the original GB, when it came to selecting a new portable naturally I was drawn to the DS. When I first played one a few weeks after it was released I couldn't get over the fact that it felt rather chintzy and I really didn't enjoy the stylus. At that time I held off forging ahead with my GBA instead. When the lite was released I similarly demoed it and came to the same conclusion. The DS lite felt even cheaper, and while I have far from large hands, the D-pad felt too small. To me the DS was a toy and not a piece of technology. Even despite these limitations I was still going to buy one when I heard about the R4 card. This wasn't due to an overwhelming desire to pirate every games out there, I like the ability to run homebrew and I like the flexibility to run games from a single stick and not have to juggle a handful of cartridges.

Now fast forward to Christmas, and on am impulse I decided to buy a PSP. I have never owned a single Sony system, and I was immediately impressed about everything about this system. I really like the screen size, the dpad size, the ability to play movies and mp3s, and even the wireless web browser. This is the system that I have been waiting my entire gaming life for. The battery life is fine for what I need. Sure it could be longer but I will never be doing a marathon gaming session, where I wouldn't be near an outlet, or a USB port sometime within 4-5 hours. While I hate the whole concept of the UMD, once you install alternate firmware that problem solves itself.

For the games themselves, my taste is a little different then most. I'm not waiting for God of War or the next blockbuster. I like racing games, flight sims, puzzle games, golf games, and games I can play without having to commit large blocks of time. I love being able to download demos from the Sony site to try things about before I make a decision to buy it. I had the system for 2 weeks before I went out and bought my first game (Daxter was a packin). That entire time was spent trying things out.

Now to all the self righteous posters in this thread who 'refuse' to install CFW on moral grounds, you all come off as ignorant on the subject. Just because you install it does not mean you are not supporting the game companies. I resent it when companies lock down their systems. If you use the original xbox as an example, one of the best things for it was XBMC. Now if Microsoft was smart and opened up the development tools or even licensed this functionality, many of us would have paid handsomely for the privilege. Instead, we were forced to modify our consoles to allow for this. The PSP is the same way. Right now I don't see a killer app requiring CFW, but the abilities it does give allows for greater flexibility with your system.

DJ Daishi

02-13-2008, 02:29 AM

I want this (http://gizmodo.com/355131/psp-concept-is-slick-slidey-goodness) one.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/02/psptop.jpg

I really the next psp looks like this...looks too small to take UMDs though.

Wolf

02-13-2008, 06:20 AM

I personally do not think it is fading, if anything I have high hopes for it as Crisis Core is not yet out in the USA and people really should not underestimate the selling power of FFVII and MGS, I have a very good feeling alot more psp units will be sold once it comes out, true there is alot of people who have played ( or imported it like me ) it already but they have not experienced it in an english language yet.

CC is THE best selling SE title right now and it did up the sales in japan quite a bit, keep in mind DS is still king there and here when it comes to handhelds but the fact it sold a fair bit means developers over there will at least be bringing out more titles since more own it and SE will probably do alot more now that they know they can make cash on it along with DS.

I actually was going to sit on the fence this handheld gen but there was just so many games on psp that I broke down and bought one, the interesting thing was that a week before I got the psp I played with the working DS emu and after only 24 hours of it I was bored as fk, I have been playing my psp on my new Sharp HDTV almost daily.

It has pretty much everything I want, Rockman, SF Alpha, Ultimate GNG, Crisis Core, Monster Hunter, FFT ( might as well be called the international version cause it rocks ), Disgaea, Star Ocean remakes, FF 1 and 2 Remakes ( which look loads better than the gba versions and most complete to date ), Portable Ops...the list goes on there are plenty of quality titles on the psp and when it comes to options the DS really is left in the dust, thats not to say the DS is bad ( ok I personally think it is a pile of dog shit just my opinion shit screen, no tv output...shit sound shit 3d lol sorry) it has quality games too but the psp wins in the future proof area and can at least do decent 3d and still continue to deliver classic genres/series I love.

I think it has a good few years left in it, it's not a failure by any means and out of all other handhelds over the years this is the one that has done about the best vs nintendo.

Nature Boy

02-13-2008, 09:43 AM

the ds is 100000000000000000% easier to pirate for (and a lot more popular, see: R4)

I think that's a matter for debate. Yes you can pirate it by simply buying a cart for it. But hacking a PSP doesn't require any such purchase - you just need a PSP with the correct firmware (and even then it's often just a matter of waiting for a hack).

I don't know enough about copying the games for either handheld to comment on how difficult it would be to copy a game once you've pirated the machine.

Jimid2

02-13-2008, 09:46 AM

I want this (http://gizmodo.com/355131/psp-concept-is-slick-slidey-goodness) one.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/02/psptop.jpg
I like this design... It looks functional and portable to me, and would work well with movie playback as well... I presume they'd put a touch screen on it, so - like an iPod Touch - the screen would be the main interface. I think it could work well if the did the shoulder buttons properly. Don't know how they'd deal with digital/downloadable game media and licensing, but you can bet serious coin that a PSP2 would be locked tight...

fishsandwich

02-14-2008, 09:53 AM

I think that's a matter for debate. Yes you can pirate it by simply buying a cart for it. But hacking a PSP doesn't require any such purchase - you just need a PSP with the correct firmware (and even then it's often just a matter of waiting for a hack).

I don't know enough about copying the games for either handheld to comment on how difficult it would be to copy a game once you've pirated the machine.

My feeling is that the DS is far easier to hack than a PSP... just buy the cart, play around with some ROMS, and off you go.

The PSP is more complicated and what works on one PSP might not work on another. It's pretty technical from what I understand.

That being said, it's also very easy to mod a PSP if you know what you are doing.

I didn't want to fool with mine so I just paid somebody to do it. She had no technical knowledge at all... I was asking her questions she didn't comprehend. But she had her Pandora's Battery and her memory card and a basic understanding of what to do and we were done in 10 minutes.

It's great and I love it. I was playing Shining Force 2 (Genesis) on the train today. My GBA feels abandoned.

zektor

03-14-2008, 08:47 PM

Reviving the month old thread :)

I think the PSP is an excellent device. I own both the DS and the PSP, and I really cannot compare the two. The DS is a fun little gaming handheld, and the PSP is a fun little all-around handheld.

I do believe that at this point there are more fun DS (original) titles than the PSP has, but I can see this changing. One thing I do know about Sony is that they have always been a brand that lasts (heh, I sound like the CEO now), but it is true. I do not see the PSP going anywhere for quite some time. The slim has been a hit since release (at least around my parts...sold out consistently), and developers are getting used to the hardware. Heck, the PS3 was released a year ago and it is just *now* starting to get recognition.

I modded my PSP of course. Not for piracy really (I do like OWNING my games), but to be able to use the device in other ways. I have a large OGG music collection. As many know, the PSP does not natively play the format. But, with CFW, I can use the excellent "LightMP3" app and play my OGG's just fine. I like the fact that I can use FTP apps with it, as well as chat on IRC. I use an email app on it, and of course play around with the various emulators (nothing better than C64 on the PSP!). So, yeah, CFW *does* add to the value of the device. I like having the freedom to use homebrew applications.

So, back to what I said in the beginning: The PSP is an excellent device. If you are into handhelds, gaming, and handheld multmedia features, this is the device you would want.

josekortez

03-14-2008, 10:28 PM

I probably said this before, but importing is the way to keep the PSP fresh. Don't forget that it's region-free, and it's perfect for a lot of stuff that we probably won't see in America!

fishsandwich

03-16-2008, 03:52 PM

Well, I visited the particular Gamestop store that prompted this thread.

They have a huge selection of PSP games available again.

The PSP is not fading.

josekortez

03-16-2008, 07:21 PM

I just played Patapon for the first time this afternoon, and I have to say I hope they keep releasing the weird stuff in addition to the million-seller sequels (God of War, Metal Gear, Grand Theft Auto, etc). Variety is what will keep the PSP afloat.

swlovinist

03-16-2008, 07:40 PM

I own both and have enjoyed both for two very different reasons. I think that in this day and age of multiple consoles being successful, we need this diversity. The PSP to the DS is like the 360 to the Wii. Both systems will be around for quite some time, and will cater to totally different audiences. For example, just look at the latest PSP commercial for God of War. It is obvioulsy catered towards a more mature audience and T/M rated gaming. The system itself has shown that it can really handle some great graphical games, and it does 3D pretty well. The DS in my own opionion caters to more women and children gaming, as well as having very sold Nintendo games that can be played with the entire family(mario, zelda, animal crossing etc). Personally I enjoy my DS for my portable gaming and use my PSP as the "system I play before going to bed". The PSP has it faults, like any other system. It has done pretty well for itself, and I look forward to seeing what Sony comes out next. The PSP fading? I dont think so. I just think that it is a pioneer for Sony breaking into the portable gaming industry. I give it a couple more years of solid support.