PSP Fading Already?

[fishsandwich]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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.

[GrandAmChandler]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Poofta!]

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.

um... thanks for paraphrasing my post... youve said the EXACT same thing i have... good input!



Aussie: who are you referring to? who steals games? (sorry i missed it)

[mailman187666]

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!]

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.

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.

[Xexyz]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!]

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]

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]

@ 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]

@ 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.

What?

You said you hate people "blindly supporing shit", and you wanted to know "why they care".

I thought my response (in regards to that sentiment) was pretty clear and rather articulate...

so...um...what exactly don't you understand about my response?

[geneshifter]

uh, calm the beef min?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

uh, calm the beef min?

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

[Leo_A]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!]

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]

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]

[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]

[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]

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]

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]

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

[Rob2600]

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]

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]

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. :)