Sony ditches UMD conversion plans for PSP Go

[Oobgarm]

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans

It was nice knowing you, PSP Go. We hardly knew ye.

I'd personally not trade my physical games in for virtual copies, but this has to be one of their most boneheaded moves ever. Expect the average gaming public to REBUY all of their still-functioning-on-basically-the-same-system games? Why even bother upgrading at this point?

[coreys429]

Fail!

[otoko]

I think that the success of the last two systems put too much air in their heads. It might seem by the time the heads have deflated their customer will be gone.

My mind is kinda pricking the name Sega here.

[badinsults]

Fail!

Epic Fail.

Seriously: smaller screen, no compatibility with old software, higher price

Who would want to purchase this over a regular PSP?

[Wolfrider31]

To be fair, the process is a lot more complicated than people are letting on. Not only is there a technical issue (how do we prevent people from just sharing their UMDs with each other and saying that they bought it) but I think the biggest issue is the legal one.

Sony doesn't have the right to put digital copies of PSP games on their store any time they want. They have to re-negotiate the licenses with publishers and developers. Even if that's achieved, they still have to negotiate the fact that these will be downloaded for free if users prove they purchased it in the first place.

That's why I was still on board for the PSPgo when they announced the 3 free game deal. I thought, "Okay, that's an alright compromise." But now they've announced that isn't coming to America. WTF?

I'm out Sony. Enjoy the fruits of your failure.

[kupomogli]

"We were evaluating a UMD conversion program, but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time."

Seems the way they're stating it that they just can't right now. I wouldn't pick up a PSP Go anyways, but yeah.

Anyways. There are still reasons to pick up the PSP Go. If you pick the system up and download the GT PSP background before October 10, 2009, they'll send you a voucher to get GT PSP for free. Input the voucher and it becomes an already purchased title on your PSP Go. Obviously for people who buy the system as soon as it comes out you get a bonus of GT.

There are also three vouchers that come with the system to get three first party games from a select list for free. So technically, you could have four games with the system for free. This may be there for people who already have the system but because Sony can't currently do conversions on PSP games. It's also good for people who don't have the system.


"Okay, that's an alright compromise." But now they've announced that isn't coming to America. WTF?

The three game thing isn't coming to the US but is coming to other places? That's pretty stupid if you ask me. I thought it was everywhere.

[Wolfrider31]

Yeah check out this article: http://www.destructoid.com/guess-what-pspgo-rewards-scheme-is-not-for-americans-149880.phtml

[duffmanth]

I think for people that haven't ever owned a PSP, the GO is possibly a good purchase, even though it's still a little pricey in my books. For current PSP owners there was never any reason to upgrade any way, and now that the UMD conversion program isn't coming here, it's even more reason not to upgrade. I think the program will make it here eventually, but for now I think the only people that'll be picking up the GO are people who don't have a PSP at all, or people that want to buy it just to say they have it. I think the PSPGO is going to be either a complete fuck up for Sony, or it'll see modest success at best, unless they rethink their strategy for it. The two things that are essential for Sony to do to make the GO a success is get the UMD conversion here ASAP, and shave $50 off the GO's sticker price.

[kaedesdisciple]

I think I'm looking forward to seeing what the hackers will do with it more than what Sony will mess up on it next.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

They've made it clear that the investigated the possibility of a transfer program and encountered legal issues (likely to do with the replication and re-distribution of software with licensing rights and no individual identifying key or purchase number) ... so I don't quite see the reason to jump down their throats about it.

It's a formal announcement prior to the release of the system.

Yes, it's close to the finish line for system launch. and I suppose it is slightly disappointing for those that wanted to "upgrade" to the Go and transfer all their software over ... but Sony didn't keep us in the dark up to or post launch.

For 1st time PSP buyers, I don't see the Go as terrible investment, they'll be able to buy all new releases (and a decent back-catalog of UMD legacy titles) whenever they want and download directly to the device, and personally, if I ever want to get a Go (I might in the future) I have a good amount of PS1 and PSP Games that I've purchased on the Playstation Network that I can fill my system with.

And, for those who prefer the 1000/2000/3000 series, they'll keep making those and keep making UMDs.

The Go probably won't be some kind of crazy run-away success, but even if it fails, it's not like it's going to drag the entire PSP market down with it.

[duffmanth]

They've made it clear that the investigated the possibility of a transfer program and encountered legal issues (likely to do with the replication and re-distribution of software with licensing rights and no individual identifying key or purchase number) ... so I don't quite see the reason to jump down their throats about it.

It's a formal announcement prior to the release of the system.

Yes, it's close to the finish line for system launch. and I suppose it is slightly disappointing for those that wanted to "upgrade" to the Go and transfer all their software over ... but Sony didn't keep us in the dark up to or post launch.

For 1st time PSP buyers, I don't see the Go as terrible investment, they'll be able to buy all new releases (and a decent back-catalog of UMD legacy titles) whenever they want and download directly to the device, and personally, if I ever want to get a Go (I might in the future) I have a good amount of PS1 and PSP Games that I've purchased on the Playstation Network that I can fill my system with.

And, for those who prefer the 1000/2000/3000 series, they'll keep making those and keep making UMDs.

The Go probably won't be some kind of crazy run-away success, but even if it fails, it's not like it's going to drag the entire PSP market down with it.

I agree with you on some level, but I think Sony needs to make an extra strong effort to get the UMD conversion program off the ground. All parties involved including Sony, publishers, and developers need to get the legal issues ironed out, because if don't they don't, I think there could be a huge backlash and Sony, and to a lesser extent, publishers and developers could be paying for it down the road in the form of shitty sales.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I agree with you on some level, but I think Sony needs to make an extra strong effort to get the UMD conversion program off the ground. All parties involved including Sony, publishers, and developers need to get the legal issues ironed out, because if don't they don't, I think there could be a huge backlash and Sony, and to a lesser extent, publishers and developers could be paying for it down the road in the form of shitty sales.

Well, to be honest, I think out of the gate at least they want to make some money off DLC.

If they offered up an easy conversion program a majority of Go users would couple their purchases with a bunch of cheap used UMDs and make the transfer how and where they could.

I think for the time being this is more to do with money than rights, but the rights are probably still a legit issue.

We'll see what happens, and when it does I hope it's something as simple as using your existing PSP or PS3 as transfer tools.

[Sonicwolf]

The PSPgo will most likely fade into nothingness soon enough. No UMD conversion is unacceptable.

[Leo_A]

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/sony-america-scraps-umd-to-psp-go-conversion-plans
Why even bother upgrading at this point?

Was never really meant for such a purpose anyways. Sony has been quite clear that the PSP3000 will stay on the market and games will continue to be released on UMD.

The PSP Go was meant to appeal to people that didn't want to use physical media and would rather download everything, it wasn't designed with a eye toward current PSP owners all upgrading to it. Rather, it was meant to go after a untapped portion of the marketplace.

[GrandAmChandler]

Fail. It sits next to GBA Micro in the history of handhelds.

[Ed Oscuro]

Fail. It sits next to GBA Micro in the history of handhelds.
If the GBA Micro couldn't play GBA carts (in addition to not being able to play legacy GB games), sure.

I think they need to ditch the "PSP Go" name because people are going to naturally assume it'll play their PSP games. It seems like they're making a clean break with software compatibility, from the consumer perspective (as everybody is saying, DLC of older titles doesn't count).

Free battery life and not having drive parts that make noise / wear out will be nice, but this obviously burns current PSP owners. I guess that's been the overarching theme of the DLC Revolution.

[megasdkirby]

Why do I sense customers comming to the store, asking for the PSP Go, and refusing to buy one?. When they ask for games, they find out through the associate that it can't play existing UMDs and must download the games.

This will make many not buy the console.

At least at work, I will be seeing quite a bit of this. :(

[c0ldb33r]

Sony, if you wanted to pull this shit, wait for the PSP 2.

This is just silly.

[Robocop2]

Maybe they should rename it the GizmondGO because I think that it will be just about as successful

[portnoyd]

Lolololololololol

[VACRMH]

Fuck. That.

I didn't plan on getting one anyways, but that really blows.

[swlovinist]

The PSP go is turing out to be an option for very few folks. I understand that the PSP Go is not to replace the 3000, but between the price and lack of transferrring games, this is going to be a tough sell to even the most loyal of fans.

[The 1 2 P]

Well, to be honest, I think out of the gate at least they want to make some money off DLC.

Let's see:

Selling download only copies of games for the full price of umd versions that you are stuck with forever? Check.

Cutting out the middle man for these versions and still charging you full price? Check.

It's blatantly obvious that they will be making money off the Psp Go for those foolish enough to purchase one and it's download only games. As someone on another website pointed out, you can never trade in or sell the download versions of these games, which means no money towards future games or other more important stuff like bills. If this were like the Apple app store and games were $1-4 each this wouldn't be a big deal. But we are talking about $29-$39 games that you can never get rid of.

So if this succeeds the only real winner would be Sony, at the expense(literally) of their loyal customer base. Add that to a smaller screen, no umd conversion and no free games(or any other incentive for US early adopters) and we come back to what we all knew when Sony announced the PspGo at E3: EPIC FAIL.

[Therealqtip]

When I first saw this I really wanted it but when I found out theres no UMD thing on it screw it. It's not even worth it it should be like 130 bucks new it's nothing better at all. (seeing the psp3000 is 160 or something)

[Sonicwolf]

When I first saw this I really wanted it but when I found out theres no UMD thing on it screw it. It's not even worth it it should be like 130 bucks new it's nothing better at all. (seeing the psp3000 is 160 or something)

I agree. The Damned PSPgo is too expensive. It is now 50 dollars more than the Wii. LOL

[Icarus Moonsight]

You can almost hear the sound of Taps being played, softly. Kind of hard to hear it over no one giving a flying fart though.

Stay crazy Sony. It's more entertaining that way.

[kedawa]

I don't see why anyone is getting worked up about this. Anyone who has a PSP and a collection of UMDs would be stupid to 'upgrade' to a PSPgo anyway.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I think it has to do with the seemingly 'destined for the discount bin' approach more than anything about the unit itself this time. Also, they just stuck a big "Hack me, crack me ASAP PLS!!!" sandwich board on it. There is demand for the transfer feature, as you can tell by the majority of responses, and it will be supplied. Sony pretty much ensured that it's the black market that will do it.

[lagartija_nick]

Obviously the GO only exists to combat piracy. If it ever takes off in a major way, you can be assured the PSP 3000 will be pulled off the market.

In my local Best Buy and Gamestop's the PSP UMD sections are pathetic. Both companies have dedicated about 2 feet of space for umd games.

To me that indicates the system is in bad shape.

The Go has to be $250 dollars to ensure the retailer makes a good profit on it, because once the system is sold the customer never has to purchase any software from a retailer ever again for it. Retailers in Europe from what I understand are doing everything in their power to downplay the system. They don't even want to sell the thing.

I think that if the Go fails we will see Sony exit the handheld market entirely. A PSP 2 seems ridiculous considering the PSP is much more powerful than the DS, but cannot even put a dent in its sales. Graphics alone did nothing to help the PSP. What more could a PSP 2 do to steal thunder from Nintendo?

[ScourDX]

I wonder why Sony never thought of using existing PSP to rip the UMD and use Memory Stick to transfer to PSPGo. Piracy is still a big issue for them. I can understand why they don't want to do it. If there is a huge demand for UMD transfer, Sony will be force to make one.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Let's see:

Selling download only copies of games for the full price of umd versions that you are stuck with forever? Check.

Cutting out the middle man for these versions and still charging you full price? Check.

It's blatantly obvious that they will be making money off the Psp Go for those foolish enough to purchase one and it's download only games. As someone on another website pointed out, you can never trade in or sell the download versions of these games, which means no money towards future games or other more important stuff like bills. If this were like the Apple app store and games were $1-4 each this wouldn't be a big deal. But we are talking about $29-$39 games that you can never get rid of.

So if this succeeds the only real winner would be Sony, at the expense(literally) of their loyal customer base. Add that to a smaller screen, no umd conversion and no free games(or any other incentive for US early adopters) and we come back to what we all knew when Sony announced the PspGo at E3: EPIC FAIL.

A.) "stuck with forever"? That position only applies if you regularly trade games in for credit toward new games. That's a practice I haven't participated in on any type of regular basis for close to 15-20 years, and I know that I'm not alone. I WANT my games FOREVER, physical, DLC or otherwise.

2.) It should be an acceptable fact right now that game companies do not like the used game market, while a portion of used game trading goes toward new game purchases, the larger portion of that system re-cycles back to used game sales. Systems like Steam, Wii Shop Channel, PSN, and XBLA have proven to be successful models for both game companies and gamers I see no reason to fault Sony for giving a DLC only model system (which exists alongside a less-expensive physical media compatible system) a shot.

B.) There ARE games currently available on the PSN for as low as $5. And there are an entire segment of games in development for the platform called "PSP Minis" which will have very low price tiers.

Yes. The system is an expensive device with limited to no appeal to current core PSP/portable gamers.

Sony has made it very very clear repeatedly and on numerous occasions that they're not abandoning the UMD format or the 3000 model of the PSP.

This is obviously a grand experiment that Sony can afford to take a the moment and there is plenty in the market that supports their reason for doing so: The popularity and profitability of DLC apps/software on ALL platforms, the popularity of mobile smart phones/devices, the rampant piracy on current PSP systems, and despite all of the instant recoil from the "core" gaming market for all we know this system STILL could be some type of modest success.

Do I think it will be? No. But I REALLY DO think that Sony only wants to test the waters with this before gathering their final thoughts on exactly WHAT the PSP 2 should be.

The web fervor over the PSP Go is so over-the-top and outrageous at the present time that I don't even see the point in continuing to look at it's market existence/position with any level of logic or reason, the above are my final thoughts on the subject until the thing launches and spends a year or so in the market. Then maybe I'll look back and see how it all plays out. Until then I'm not really comfortable making strong predictions as to its end-game educated or otherwise.

[duffmanth]

The more I read about the PSPgo, it seems part of Sony's strategy with it is to go after the ipod touch, which is stupid. People buy the ipod touch for music and videos first, while the games are probably just an after thought for most people. With the PSPgo it's the complete opposite. Games first, then everything else after. Like someone mentioned, Apple app store games are only $1-4 for the most part, while Sony games will be $20-40. I think it's a mistake for Sony to be going after ipod touch users, if that's part of their strategy?

I personally think the go is going to be a complete failure if Sony goes ahead with the approach they intend to take. First off the system is at least $50 too much. Now that they've scrapped the UMD conversion for North America, I think Sony just sealed the PSPgo's fate. Anybody who has a PSP now has absolutely no reason to "upgrade" to the go, and people that are thinking of getting a PSP are much better off getting the PSP-3000.

[dendawg]

If Sony is serious about this, they might as well call it the PSP Go ByeBye, cause that's exactly what's gonna happen if they go through with his train wreck of a plan. *_*

[megasdkirby]

But I REALLY DO think that Sony only wants to test the waters with this before gathering their final thoughts on exactly WHAT the PSP 2 should be.

Why does the 32X come to mind? O_o

[Sonicwolf]

Why does the 32X come to mind? O_o

Thats exactly what I thought. This smells like Sega and their attempts at tiding people over.

[lagartija_nick]

Sony is foolish to go after the Ipod Touch market.

The PSP and this GO can play MP3's but the interface and manipulation is terrible. The current Psp is not comfortable to carry around and because its a gaming system you need to worry about the screen more then you do with an IPOD.

The Go does not look easy to carry around and Sony should have put some flip down cover on the device. The screen is exposed and who wants to carry this thing in a case to protect that screen?

Ipods are intuitive and easy because they are built for music first and games are an afterthought.

Second Sony cannot compete with I-Tunes. Ipod is successful not only because of the hardware but because they have they built an entire infrastructure to support their hardware.

Apple is successful because 1.00 impulse buys are hard to resist.

There is no impulse buying at the 30-40 dollar range.

[tom]

It's a Cybiko :-)

[megasdkirby]

Apple is successful because 1.00 impulse buys are hard to resist.

I admit, I go nuts when I see a game liquidated for $1! So you may have a point there.

Tom, buy me a Cybiko! :)

[smork]

Fail. It sits next to GBA Micro in the history of handhelds.

What's wrong with the Micro? It's how I normally play GBA. Conveniently shoves in any pocket, bright and clear screen, good battery life.

[c0ldb33r]

Yeah at least the Micro plays GBA games.

[lagartija_nick]

It seems that most people who actually got some playtime with the Gameboy Micro, really liked it. Any negative comments I hear about it are from those who never tried one. I have never tried one but am thinking about picking one up for myself.

The problem was Nintendo was a little too late with it. I mean wasn't the DS out for a year already when it came out? The system was destined to fail with that kind of logic.

[duffmanth]

Sony is foolish to go after the Ipod Touch market.

The PSP and this GO can play MP3's but the interface and manipulation is terrible. The current Psp is not comfortable to carry around and because its a gaming system you need to worry about the screen more then you do with an IPOD.

The Go does not look easy to carry around and Sony should have put some flip down cover on the device. The screen is exposed and who wants to carry this thing in a case to protect that screen?

Ipods are intuitive and easy because they are built for music first and games are an afterthought.

Second Sony cannot compete with I-Tunes. Ipod is successful not only because of the hardware but because they have they built an entire infrastructure to support their hardware.

Apple is successful because 1.00 impulse buys are hard to resist.

There is no impulse buying at the 30-40 dollar range.

I completely agree with Sony being foolish if they're going after the ipod market with the GO. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, people buy ipods for music, movies, and to a lesser extent online browsing and games. Aside from the games, the PSP/PSPgo can't compete with the ipod in terms of music, movies, and Internet. Sony and others can't compete with iTunes, and Safari is by far the best mobile browser out there. The current PSP browser is horrible, and I can't imagine the GO's being much better.

[Leo_A]

Obviously the GO only exists to combat piracy. If it ever takes off in a major way, you can be assured the PSP 3000 will be pulled off the market.

I think that if the Go fails we will see Sony exit the handheld market entirely. A PSP 2 seems ridiculous considering the PSP is much more powerful than the DS, but cannot even put a dent in its sales.

They're at 56 million in sales, which places the PSP within sight of overtaking the NES. Only the GameBoy and it's color revision, the GBA, the PSOne, the PS2, and Nintendo DS have more sales. Furthermore, those 56 million PSP's out there are a guarantee that the UMD format and a PSP that is capable of playing them has a future until the line is completely discontinued. Sony isn't about to call it quits in favor of the PSP Go and ignore 56 million PSP owners.

Furthermore, it seems ridiculous to call something with that kind of install base as a failure, or to suggest that it can't compete with the competition (It's sales are more than half of the DS, which is a amazing amount especially for Sony's first attempt), and that Sony should exit the market as a result.

The PSP has been a great success, has been profitable and popular, has blown away every past effort to compete with Nintendo, and has allowed Sony to establish a major foothold in the portable marketplace.

[WCP]

I don't see what would be so freaking complicated. You simply mail in your physical UMD disks for a voucher code that they email you, once they have received your physical disk, verified it, and then destroyed it.

What is so hard about that?

[otoko]

Licensing rights.

And the garbage as a result of destroying disks.

[duffmanth]

They're at 56 million in sales, which places the PSP within sight of overtaking the NES. Only the GameBoy and it's color revision, the GBA, the PSOne, the PS2, and Nintendo DS have more sales. Furthermore, those 56 million PSP's out there are a guarantee that the UMD format and a PSP that is capable of playing them has a future until the line is completely discontinued. Sony isn't about to call it quits in favor of the PSP Go and ignore 56 million PSP owners.

Furthermore, it seems ridiculous to call something with that kind of install base as a failure, or to suggest that it can't compete with the competition (It's sales are more than half of the DS, which is a amazing amount especially for Sony's first attempt), and that Sony should exit the market as a result.

The PSP has been a great success, has been profitable and popular, has blown away every past effort to compete with Nintendo, and has allowed Sony to establish a major foothold in the portable marketplace.

I would agree that the PSP is a success even if it hasn't sold as well as the DS. It is really the only handheld in history that has even been somewhat successful against Nintendo, and people also have to remember that the PSP was always and still is more expensive than the DS. The two biggest mistakes that Sony made with the PSP early on was its high price and lack of original AAA games. Most people won't spend $250+ for a portable system (nice to see Sony has learned from that with the GO, morons), and it took about a year or so for the AAA games to start trickling out, and even since then, AAA releases only seem to come in short spurts on the PSP.

[kupomogli]

AAA releases only seem to come in short spurts on the PSP.

Except for late last year and most of this year which the PSP has been getting great game after great game just about.

Also. AAA titles might be different for some people. When you think of AAA titles, you think of system sellers, and obviously system sellers are games that are hyped up quite a bit. Gurumin is an amazing game, but I wouldn't have picked up the system because it wasn't hyped. However, after getting it it easy became one of my favorites instantly. To me it would be AAA because of that reason, because if people knew how good it was, I guarantee it would sell.

It's a good thing Gurumin is already downloadable on the PSN. I think this game is fairly cheap there too. 14.99 is cheap enough for one of the best games on the system. Wipes the floor with most 3d platformers in my opinion.

The good thing about the PSP is you can name most every game and nearly all of them will be playable. That's one good thing about the system not being as popular as the DS. All of us PSP owners don't have to worry about as much shovelware.

*edit*

Here are some very good games already for download on the PSN.

Gurumin 14.99.
Brave Story 14.99
Driver 76 19.99
Echocrome 9.99
Field Commander 14.99(very good Advanced Wars Clone)
Jeanne D'Arc 22.99
Powerstone Collection 19.99
Syphon Filter Dark Mirror 15.99
Syphon Filter Logan's Shadow 24.99
Tomb Raider Anniversary 12.99
Tomb Raider Legend 12.99
Twisted Metal Head On 15.99
Ultimate Ghosts and Goblins 19.99
Wild ARMs XF 14.99(best tactical RPG on the system. Hell. Best RPG on the system. Amazing price.)
Wipeout Pulse 22.99
Wipeout Pure 15.99

Here are others I haven't played but heard were good.

Killzone Liberation 15.99
Loco Roco 22.99
Patapon 15.99
Patapon 2 19.99
Pursuit Force 22.99
Pursuit Force Extreme Justice 22.99

There are quite a few digital games on the system that are good and supposedly every game afterwards is both UMD and digital.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Most of those games you listed, of the ones I have bought, I payed less for sealed UMD copies. There are good games out there. But I think the pricing scale is way off. Digital should be cheaper, but it isn't. So fuck Sony's PSPGo. At least until I can get a new one for $100 or less and the hackers have completely broken it open. The price might not happen and I'd be fine with that. It's just like the PS3 all over again. Nice little toy, but it costs way too much.

[JohnnyBlaze]

What's wrong with the Micro? It's how I normally play GBA. Conveniently shoves in any pocket, bright and clear screen, good battery life...

...and if someone's fat ass sits on it, it'll get crushed like a garbage compactor.....

Seriously, that's how my friend broke his. Never seen that happen with another portable.....

[kupomogli]

I'd say about half of the games you may be able to get cheaper or the same price on UMD. However, these are some very good games that have been on the system awhile and that the PSP Go consumers have a good list of games to choose from, atleast considering they're not PSP gamers who already have these games.

[alexkidd2000]

I don't understand really why anyone that already owns a PSP would want one of these anyways. They are not discontinuing the regular PSP.

[Sonicwolf]

I don't understand really why anyone that already owns a PSP would want one of these anyways. They are not discontinuing the regular PSP.

You never know what Sony is capable of.

People would have called me crazy back in 2006 if I had said that most PlayStation 3's couldnt play PS2 after the first SKU batches.

For all we know, BANG, bye-bye UMD.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I would think that was the plan from the get go. They only said that they are keeping the 3000 around so they didn't loose the sales of 3000 units from the PSPGo announcement to it's launch.

[mobiusclimber]

Except for late last year and most of this year which the PSP has been getting great game after great game just about.

Also. AAA titles might be different for some people. When you think of AAA titles, you think of system sellers, and obviously system sellers are games that are hyped up quite a bit. Gurumin is an amazing game, but I wouldn't have picked up the system because it wasn't hyped. However, after getting it it easy became one of my favorites instantly. To me it would be AAA because of that reason, because if people knew how good it was, I guarantee it would sell.

It's a good thing Gurumin is already downloadable on the PSN. I think this game is fairly cheap there too. 14.99 is cheap enough for one of the best games on the system. Wipes the floor with most 3d platformers in my opinion.

The good thing about the PSP is you can name most every game and nearly all of them will be playable. That's one good thing about the system not being as popular as the DS. All of us PSP owners don't have to worry about as much shovelware.

[edited out list of games & prices]


For starters, the PSP has a ton of shovelware, and while the DS probably has a lot more, it's also got a LOT more triple A titles. In fact, I've played emulation on the PSP far more than I've played actual UMD games, and with good reason. Name me the top ten TRIPLE A RPGs on the system. Yeah.

Secondly, from that list of games, I can tell you right now that most of them are cheaper as UMD purchases. I paid $15 for Gurumin brand new, but that was half a year ago or longer.


...and if someone's fat ass sits on it, it'll get crushed like a garbage compactor.....

Seriously, that's how my friend broke his. Never seen that happen with another portable.....

Ever seen the screen on a PSP? If so, you almost broke it. Don't look at it wrong, it'll crack. And Sony won't fix it. (Like they won't fix dead PS3s and like consumers had to SUE THEM to fix the DRE PS2s.)

Not a Nintendo fanboy, so don't accuse. I think the Wii is an expensive failed experiment and I haven't been impressed with a Nintendo console since the SNES. Just pointing a few things out here.

While Sony might claim they're not going to try to end production of UMD-based games, if the PSPGo is even midly successful, they most certainly will. Nintendo did that same song and dance when they put the DS into production JUST AS THEY ANNOUNCED THE MICRO. "Oh no, we'll still continue making Game Boy Advance games! The two will run concurrently." Um hm. Thankfully, PSP users don't have anything to worry about since the Go will be a monumental failure. Every entertainment medium has tried download only content INCLUDING VIDEO GAMES and have pretty much failed miserably. Gamers are pack rats. Why do you think Pokemon is so wildly successful STILL? Cuz you GOTTA CATCH EM ALL! Sure people will spend a couple bucks to d/l a game or some extra content, but even $20 is likely going to be too much for a game w/ no physical copy. Not to mention most stores will be steering people away from buying the Go. All I can say is, good luck Sony.

[kupomogli]

Then why would they say they'd ditch the UMD conversion before release? If Sony wanted to really screw over the consumer they'd have released the PSP Go then say they're ditching the UMD conversion.

That's what Nintendo would do. Infact, Nintendo has done stuff like that before.


While Sony might claim they're not going to try to end production of UMD-based games, if the PSPGo is even midly successful, they most certainly will.

PSP says it has 50 million sales, it's probably around 40 million people who actually have one though(many people own more than one, etc.) Since the Go is the same system, Sony won't risk alienating everyone who has an older system.

[Jimid2]

Here are some very good games already for download on the PSN.

Gurumin 14.99.
Brave Story 14.99
Driver 76 19.99
Echocrome 9.99
Field Commander 14.99(very good Advanced Wars Clone)
Jeanne D'Arc 22.99
Powerstone Collection 19.99
Syphon Filter Dark Mirror 15.99
Syphon Filter Logan's Shadow 24.99
Tomb Raider Anniversary 12.99
Tomb Raider Legend 12.99
Twisted Metal Head On 15.99
Ultimate Ghosts and Goblins 19.99
Wild ARMs XF 14.99(best tactical RPG on the system. Hell. Best RPG on the system. Amazing price.)
Wipeout Pulse 22.99
Wipeout Pure 15.99

Here are others I haven't played but heard were good.

Killzone Liberation 15.99
Loco Roco 22.99
Patapon 15.99
Patapon 2 19.99
Pursuit Force 22.99
Pursuit Force Extreme Justice 22.99

There are quite a few digital games on the system that are good and supposedly every game afterwards is both UMD and digital.

Ya, and with the exception of Patapon 2, I already own every one of those games on UMD... In fact, I'm over 200 UMD games and counting - I am the PSP hardcore! :rocker: - I preorder games! I buy every one that interests me or my kids! We have six PSP 1001s and 2001s in our household... And now Sony releases a cool upgrade to the hardware - greater portability, nice screen, cool slidey feature! - and how do they reward my fanboy dedication and day-one devotion? Do they say, "What the heck, we'll make a little UMD reader add-on thingy and incorporate some DRM and 10-day disk licensing and let the hardcore play."? Nah, they say "Screw you devoted PSP junky - buy all the games again!"...

Fuck you Sony. :beaten:

[lagartija_nick]

[QUOTE=kupomogli;1620504]Then why would they say they'd ditch the UMD conversion before release? If Sony wanted to really screw over the consumer they'd have released the PSP Go then say they're ditching the UMD conversion.


I think Sony telling us that UMD conversion is out, less than a week before launch does not make them nice guys who care about consumers.

They knew from the beginning it was never going to happen, (you don't plan a system like this, produce it, and then figure out umd transfers are not possible)
Umd transfers were not possible when this system was being designed.

Sony did not want to kill the buzz from the get-go, they strung people along with the possiblity of umd conversion for as long as possilbe so those remotely interested would not cancel their pre-orders or possibly miss that information in the short time it was announced it was not happening.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Name me the top ten TRIPLE A RPGs on the system. Yeah.

Um. I don't even play RPGs and I'm very aware of the fact that PSP has a VERY large amount of high quality RPG games. Yeah.

I'm sure Kupomogli could complile a list of more than 10 for you.


Ever seen the screen on a PSP? If so, you almost broke it. Don't look at it wrong, it'll crack. And Sony won't fix it. (Like they won't fix dead PS3s and like consumers had to SUE THEM to fix the DRE PS2s.)

I've not seen any high frequency of screen cracks in PSPs from normal usage. I mean, if you drop, step on or SMASH a PSP the screen may crack ... but I don't recall Sony ever claiming that it was a crack-proof system. Things tend to break if you don't operate them within the paramaters of "normal usage". Also never heard about Sony not repairing in-warranty PS3s, except for that one Consumerist loud-mouth, and once Sony released official photos of what the exterior of the system looked like, I couldn't blame them, it looked like it had been buried in the guy's back yard for a month. (Maybe he was hoping to grow a PS3 tree)

http://consumerist.com/322858/is-this-playstation-3-too-dusty-to-be-repaired-under-warranty

[kupomogli]

For starters, the PSP has a ton of shovelware, and while the DS probably has a lot more, it's also got a LOT more triple A titles. In fact, I've played emulation on the PSP far more than I've played actual UMD games, and with good reason. Name me the top ten TRIPLE A RPGs on the system. Yeah.


I'm sure Kupomogli could complile a list of more than 10 for you.

I could. The PSP has alot of very good RPG titles. Here's 10.

Wild ARMs XF, Star Ocean, Legend of Heroes, Final Fantasy, Crisis Core, Brave Story, Jeanne D'Arc, Tales of the World Radiant Mythology, Radiant Mythology 2, and Crimson Gem Saga.

[Therealqtip]

bad thing about downloading games is what if you get too much? you'll need more memory but a bigger problem is they're probably always going to be around the same price because you can't go off and buy a used download... but maybe they'll have sales like xbox deal.

PSP go isn't a terrible idea just the fact that it's price is insane if it were around the same price as the 3000 I might consider getting one cause I don't have a psp or any games so it doesn't effect me.

[megasdkirby]

Crisis Core

Well, kinda proves how others have different tastes, as I found the game to be quite terrible and repetitive.

The others on the list are pretty good, though. But I guess it depends on the individual.

[kupomogli]

bad thing about downloading games is what if you get too much? you'll need more memory but a bigger problem is they're probably always going to be around the same price because you can't go off and buy a used download... but maybe they'll have sales like xbox deal.

PSP go isn't a terrible idea just the fact that it's price is insane if it were around the same price as the 3000 I might consider getting one cause I don't have a psp or any games so it doesn't effect me.

Wait a few months and it'll most likely have a price drop. After Christmas. I'd also wait because there are alot of good games that you can't buy unless you purchase them on UMD, see if they come out on the PSN in the later months.

Also. The memory issue isn't really a problem. Watching an unpackaging of the PSP Go looks like downloads are like the PS3. Every download that you previously have made will show in the downloads section. So you can redownload anything that you may have deleted and such. Atleast that's what it seems from watching a video before.

Sony also implemented a save state feature. It's more of a quick save, because you can only have it saved for a single game at a time.


Crisis Core

Well, kinda proves how others have different tastes, as I found the game to be quite terrible and repetitive.

The others on the list are pretty good, though. But I guess it depends on the individual.

That list wasn't my top 10, just a list of games worth purchasing for the system. The gameplay isn't really that bad. As long as you don't do the missions it doesn't get boring, because you'll get a decent amount of storyline inbetween the gameplay. The storyline is the best part of the game.

The amount of people that say this game is one of the best games on the system would also say otherwise. Mainly listed because it's one of the first that I thought of that people would consider highly rated.

[Therealqtip]

Also. The memory issue isn't really a problem. Watching an unpackaging of the PSP Go looks like downloads are like the PS3. Every download that you previously have made will show in the downloads section. So you can redownload anything that you may have deleted and such. Atleast that's what it seems from watching a video before.



Well yeah I kinda figured on that one but still kind of a pain in the ass to redownload everything but it shouldn't be a huge problem.

[deltoidsteep]

There is an upside to this. A couple years from now, when all the casual gamers have dumped their PSPgo for the newest device, us collectors will be able to buy a used unit preloaded with a virtual treasure trove of free games.

[otoko]

Well yeah I kinda figured on that one but still kind of a pain in the ass to redownload everything but it shouldn't be a huge problem.


Also what do you do years later if you want that game again but all the servers have been scrapped for the next big thing? Your technically out the money you paid for the game. You'll never see it again. Or you could save it on memory cards.. but that gets expensive and a real pain in the ass to try to find if they get lost.

[Jimid2]

There is an upside to this. A couple years from now, when all the casual gamers have dumped their PSPgo for the newest device, us collectors will be able to buy a used unit preloaded with a virtual treasure trove of free games.

Sure, as long as you keep the system configured to their PSN account... 'cause as soon as you change it to your own - like, say, if you want to buy a new game - >>POOF!<< - all the games on the system that were downloaded and activated on their account will mysteriously disappear. The games are tied to an account as well as the hardware. You have to have both.

[Phénix]

Which stores will want to sell that thing ? They would sell a console but no games ? No games to sell in the store = no profit. If I had a store, I would refuse to have this shit in stock.

[megasdkirby]

Which stores will want to sell that thing ? They would sell a console but no games ? No games to sell in the store = no profit. If I had a store, I would refuse to have this shit in stock.

I presume that stores will be carrying a plethora of accessories, as well as possible "PSN Cards" to recoup the loss.

[Leo_A]

I would think that was the plan from the get go. They only said that they are keeping the 3000 around so they didn't loose the sales of 3000 units from the PSPGo announcement to it's launch.

They never claimed this.

Edit - Sorry, I misunderstood your message. I guess you're just giving your theory on how you think everything is going to play out.

[kupomogli]

I presume that stores will be carrying a plethora of accessories, as well as possible "PSN Cards" to recoup the loss.

Are you talking about PSN credit? Or these?

http://img.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/134838/gow-voucher.jpg?377333

According to what I just read on QJ.net. Sony is going to have retailers selling "Game Cards." Basically for people who own a PSP Go or want to purchase the games digital. I guess with a lot of retailers not wanting to carry the Go, Sony needs to give them a little incentive.

If you ask me though. Sony is doing this just so the retailers won't make a fuss about the new system. Since it's digital download only, Sony knows that if people go and sign onto the PSN one time, they might abandon going to the store. Think about a game you really want and the store is closed? Maybe Sony realizes that most people will wonder why they're even going to go to the store altogether if they can just download it from the PSN for the same price(less with no taxes, no cost to drive to the store, etc.) Obviously there are people who will use Amazon and such to get the games for cheaper, but the majority of people don't use Amazon. Most of the time you'll always hear people talk about purchasing at Gamestop, Walmart, etc.

Anyways. Good idea for Sony to come up with that. People who don't use credit cards can still pick up games, still make Sony money, and with those people the retail stores still make some profit as well. The retail stores obviously won't get used game sales as much which will make them try harder to sell a regular PSP(how they recently reduced used PSP prices,)but they'll still atleast get something to make them bitch less.

*edit*

Let me also just say one thing. "WOW."

Gamestop exclusive PSP bundle. http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=74864

http://www.gamestop.com/common/images/lbox/020314b.jpg

Looks like Gamestop is doing everything they can to stop the PSP Go from getting sales.

For 199.99, PSP(169.99,) Dissidia(39.99 retail store value,) and 2GB MSPD(dirt cheap.) Sure it's not really that much off. But it's like buying a PSP for 159.99, Dissidia for 39.99, and then getting a 2GB memory stick pro duo(which is probably 4.99-9.99) for free.

[megasdkirby]

^^^ That's it! :)

So I was right. Makes sense, to at least have the customer still purchase something in the store.

Best thing is that these cards don't have any returns, meaning once it's sold, it's sold. I just hope it gives out the same commission as selling the actual game! :)

[deltoidsteep]

Sure, as long as you keep the system configured to their PSN account... 'cause as soon as you change it to your own - like, say, if you want to buy a new game - >>POOF!<< - all the games on the system that were downloaded and activated on their account will mysteriously disappear. The games are tied to an account as well as the hardware. You have to have both.

Yeah, but i already have a psp-2000, so any additional games i could just get on umd. Find a psp go already packed with games, you could get a pretty good deal

[otoko]

^^^ That's it! :)

So I was right. Makes sense, to at least have the customer still purchase something in the store.

Best thing is that these cards don't have any returns, meaning once it's sold, it's sold. I just hope it gives out the same commission as selling the actual game! :)

The current game cards are sold at cost, and they don't even tax it far as I can remember.

[Poofta!]

i cant believe some of you were naive enough to think this actually ever had a chance of happening. there was no way in hell that pspGO wouldve let you tap into your umd library.

there will be no backlash. if this console fails, it will be on its own merit, not due to its failure to let old customers convert their old game. the target audience and demographic for this system does not include all of you people who are complaining.

sony is bleeding money on used sales on a console with already lowest industry sales. what they created is a way to have publishers and developers (as well as sony themselves) create and release games will less risk and investment. it gives customers an easy way to buy games direct (hopefully with a lower price than a new umd) and cuts out the used game market.

this will also enable the release of xbl type stuff. i would jump at the ability to have shadow complex on this thing (for 15$) or SOTN (better than the umd price). games like braid, castle crashers etc never had a chance of having a physical release, but now we have a chance to get the same gaming goodness on a portable.

having said all that, i am not getting one till the psp hacking community hacks this thing into lettign me run homebrew =] (which i suspect it wont succeed at)

[Poofta!]

Looks like Gamestop is doing everything they can to stop the PSP Go from getting sales.

For 199.99, PSP(169.99,) Dissidia(39.99 retail store value,) and 2GB MSPD(dirt cheap.) Sure it's not really that much off. But it's like buying a PSP for 159.99, Dissidia for 39.99, and then getting a 2GB memory stick pro duo(which is probably 4.99-9.99) for free.

not so fast. that is not gamestop's bundle. that is sony's bundle that it let gamestop sell. gamestop has nothing to do with this (in fact it probably paid sony $$ to make sure walmart etc dont get the same bundle).

btw a 2gb pro duo card is >$20.