Sony: PSP Go confused buyers, costs too much
updated 12:35 pm EST, Thu February 25, 2010
PSP Go strategy gives up sales to DS, iPod
SCEA Publisher Relations Senior VP Rob Dyer in a recent interview admitted that Sony has struggled since the launch of the PSP Go. He noted that the company's approach to making download-only games has served to "confuse" gamers and that Sony will have to communicate more with buyers to get significant adoption. A large amount of this information is expected this year.
Dyer also acknowledged to IndustryGamers that the PSP Go's $250 price tag has been a problem. While not specifically explaining why, he implied the combination of a lower $200 price on the regular PSP and its simpler-to-understand UMD discs were likely factors.
"Yeah, I think the higher price point didn't help matters any," he said.
The company has faced threats from both its long time opponent Nintendo as well as the iPod touch, the very platform the PSP Go was designed to combat. Both of the challengers' devices cost significantly less, while the iPod touch in particular has undermined much of Sony's established business model. Most App Store games cost just a fraction of their PSP equivalents; threats from physical retailers protecting their businesses have also forced it to charge the same for an online version of a major game as in store and to stifle PSP mini game features to prevent these from overtaking regular PSP games in popularity.
Zifilfingers!
02/25, 12:45pm reply
Zoink, zoink!
thebiggfrogg
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2007
We're not stupid Sony
02/25, 12:46pm reply
By making the games downloadable ONLY, it means we can't lend out, or even re-sell our games. You're dealing with the most tech savvy audience out there and you think you can pull a fast one.
bleee
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2002
Stupid sony
02/25, 04:49pm reply
And thats why I don't own any Sony products. Overprice for the features you get compared to other products, just like Apple.
ilovestevejobs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2007
the problem is
02/25, 06:29pm reply
for those who already invested lots of UMD games can't play on the new system. Sony is supposed to offer those UMD owners downloadable versions of the games but it's not happening or happening very slowly.
coffeetime
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2006
PSP Done Been Killed
02/25, 09:37pm reply
Sony, oh, Sony - when do you face the fact that the iPod Touch (plus to a lesser degree the iPhone and the coming iPad) has killed the PSP and its next gen PSP Go, just like the original iPod killed the Walkman? UMD's will inevitably go the way of the cassette tape - people used to buy/own a lot of those too, remember?
because of course the Touch games are (1) new and a little different, (2) much, much less costly, with (3) many established titles now being adapted for it, all (4) tied in to the iTunes store, which every kid is at least familiar with if not also having an account, and (5) many with in-app links to outside services and add-ons. not to mention all the other things the Touch can do too. and its $199 starting price.
buyers are not confused. it is Sony that is confused.
Alfiejr
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2008