PSP now $130

[kupomogli]

Starting today this is the regular price, making it the same price as the DS Lite, and in my opinion. In my opinion the PSP has a much better software line up than any system on the market today, the DS not being that much behind.

I just picked it up a 3000 on the Amazon sale recently, but now everyone can pick one up for that price. If you haven't picked one up yet then at this price you should just go out and get one.

[Leo_A]

While I prefer the DS (I'd say I roughly own two DS games for every PSP game), it's certainly a very nice system with a lot of nice exclusives.

There's no reason to not experience it if someone hasn't at this point. Games are very cheap and the price of a PSP si very reasonable at $130.

Did the Go see it's price reduced?

[portnoyd]

Still too much when I have a 1000 that I rarely use.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Did the Go see it's price reduced?

I don't think Sony did an official/marketed one, but I've seen it lower than original MSRP pretty much everywhere that has them in stock.

As much as I like the Go, I'd say at that price a 3000 with a big Memory Stick is the better buy for a 1st time PSP owner.

There are a shit ton of great PSP games on the PSN that are around the < $10 - $15 range and where you won't be able to use UMDs on the NGP Sony has confirmed that downloaded PSP software will carry over.

[xfrumx]

I still love my 1000 I got for $30 a couple years ago but if I needed a PSP I would purchase this right now!

[fahlim003]

Still too much when I have a 1000 that I rarely use.
When you have a 1000 that sees it's primary use as a GBA emulator... yeah, $130 is good but not must buy good - not even close. I like the PSP but I paid $40 for my 1000 and to be honest I'm glad I didn't spend much beyond that. Having said that I'd never purchase a DS, and I do think the PSP has good software but it's the homebrew that really interested me and 3000s aren't quite there yet as far as CFW is concerned.

[RCM]

I'm waiting for retailers to move PSP Go for $80 or less. It'll be fun to install emulators and the PSP games I already dropped money on.

[megasdkirby]

Starting today this is the regular price, making it the same price as the DS Lite, and in my opinion. In my opinion the PSP has a much better software line up than any system on the market today, the DS not being that much behind.

I just picked it up a 3000 on the Amazon sale recently, but now everyone can pick one up for that price. If you haven't picked one up yet then at this price you should just go out and get one.

While I love my PSP (excellent games for it), I have to admit that the DS Library is far superior in almost every aspect. There is more variety than on the PSP, but at the same time, lots more trash. But besides that, both consoles are excellent and should deserve a purchase.

I won't pick one up because I already did back in December with the Amazon bundle/credit offer (Little Big Planet and Karate Kid for the same price, plus $15 credit on my next order), but for the new price, it's definitely a pick up.

[Swamperon]

I'll wait till the NGP comes out and then prices should drop even further as well as the games.

[PapaStu]

Still too much when I have a 1000 that I rarely use.
+1000

I've got a good chunk of PSP games, that I never play. I don't even know what my firmaware is, but I'm pretty sure its not seen any updates since Rock Band Portable, and before that it'd been a year+ without any updates.

Just did some fast math, I've got 5.2 DS games to every PSP game I own... and I own over 80 PSP games... that are never played.

[retroman]

i have one since day one, but why would anyone want to buy a system on its way out..With it better younger bro around the corner.

[Emperor Megas]

i have one since day one, but why would anyone want to buy a system on its way out..With it better younger bro around the corner.Assuming there isn't a heavy focus on online gaming, isn't that the absolute BEST possible time to purchase a game system?

The system is at it's cheapest, it has the largest library of games to choose from in the dawn of it's commercial run, most of the games are extremely inexpensive, and you can get the best possible version of the hardware.

[RadiantSvgun]

I'm really waiting for it to hit under $100. Now that the YS games are on the US shores, I have a reason to own it.

[Tupin]

I'm really waiting for it to hit under $100. Now that the YS games are on the US shores, I have a reason to own it.
Same. Once the NGP comes out later this year, that's when I'll consider buying a PSP.

[kupomogli]

Just did some fast math, I've got 5.2 DS games to every PSP game I own... and I own over 80 PSP games... that are never played.

Yeah, so you don't own many PSP games and the PSP has hardly any games in comparison to the amount the DS has, but at 400 DS games, how many of those aren't complete garbage? I'd say 25% at the most are good or even decent games.

I collect, but if I don't like the game I sell it. There are still some PSP games that I want that I'm missing, but right now I have 60 PSP. There's atleast 50 there that are worth owning in my opinion. The DS I have about the same amount I own and I think are worth owning. The systems are fairly equal with the amount of good titles, but I like most of the PSP titles a bit more than many of those on the DS.

Now that the PSP is this price, I just don't see the reason that everyone here doesn't own both a DS and a PSP. I'd understand if you have some sort of major backlog, but alot of you are just waiting for the system to be much lower than the price of the DS and for what reason? Because your opinion of it as a poor system? I think it's more of a dislike of the system just because you don't own it and don't want to support it until it's completely dead.

[Leo_A]

I agree

It's hard to imagine someone owning 400 worthwhile DS games. I could see reaching at least 100 with a relative amount of ease. But 400?

[Swamperon]

Now that the PSP is this price, I just don't see the reason that everyone here doesn't own both a DS and a PSP. I'd understand if you have some sort of major backlog, but alot of you are just waiting for the system to be much lower than the price of the DS and for what reason? Because your opinion of it as a poor system? I think it's more of a dislike of the system just because you don't own it and don't want to support it until it's completely dead.

Fanboy/troll logic much?

Perhaps we just don't have the spare funds to buy a PSP + games in addition to a DS and home consoles? Some of us have things other than video games which we spend our money on.

I already have enough of backlog of games to wade through. There are a ton of DS/Wii/PS3 games I want to buy. PSP is near the bottom of my wants. Waiting until the price will inevitably drop later this once the NGP comes out is just common sense.

[Emperor Megas]

Yeah, so you don't own many PSP games and the PSP has hardly any games in comparison to the amount the DS has, but at 400 DS games, how many of those aren't complete garbage? I'd say 25% at the most are good or even decent games.

I collect, but if I don't like the game I sell it. There are still some PSP games that I want that I'm missing, but right now I have 60 PSP. There's atleast 50 there that are worth owning in my opinion. The DS I have about the same amount I own and I think are worth owning. The systems are fairly equal with the amount of good titles, but I like most of the PSP titles a bit more than many of those on the DS.

Now that the PSP is this price, I just don't see the reason that everyone here doesn't own both a DS and a PSP. I'd understand if you have some sort of major backlog, but alot of you are just waiting for the system to be much lower than the price of the DS and for what reason? Because your opinion of it as a poor system? I think it's more of a dislike of the system just because you don't own it and don't want to support it until it's completely dead.That post seemed a little fannish, IMO. The PSP is a decent enough system, but it's not unreasonable that a gamer wouldn't want to own one, especially when they already own a DS.

I was really looking forward to the PSP before it launched, and I would (jokingly) mock the DS a lot on another board when the pro DS sentiment was high. I was mainly just kidding around, but I really wasn't that amped about the DS. I got both of them as gifts about the same time, and I honestly surprised at how much more I enjoyed the DS (lite). It really wasn't even close. I think there are a number of reasons why the PSP probably wouldn't seem like a priority purchase to a gamer.


It's really not that portable to me. It's relatively huge by comparison to the DSlite, and doesn't really fit comfortably in my pocket.


The controls aren't very good, IMO. I really hate the PSP D-pad, and I hate the analog nub even more. There are some games that I have to place a coin over the D-pad to add better control.


The library of games isn't quite as good as the DS. It's doesn't really bare mentioning that this, like the other points, are entirely subjective, but I find myself spending a lot more time with my DS games, playing them to the point of completion, than I do my PSP ones. I really enjoy the pick up and play style of games on the DS vs. the more involved console style games on the PSP.


UMDs are cumbersome. This sort of piggy backs off of my point about the PSP being less portable than the DS. UMDs are pretty bulky. Even if you have one of those clever cases that stores 4-8 of them, that's even bulkier. It's not a big deal if you have a brief case, or a messenger, or a book bag or something, but if you just want to keep a game system and a few games in your pocket, the DSlite is a much better choice, IMO.


You already have a DS, and you don't have the means or inclination to purchase more than one hand held system, or more than one per generation.


You just aren't that into portable game systems. There are a lot of gamers who really aren't into the hand held scene. They may have enough interest to talk about the games, and exposure to the systems from friends who do own hand helds, perhaps enough to have a more favorable opinion of the DS to the PSP. But for many, it's just not enough to put out $100 bucks to own either.

[Gooch3008]

The Sony PSP is amazing and $130 is a bargain for one.

[duffmanth]

They should've dropped it to an even $100, just to clear out stock before the PSP2 comes out. Sony should really drop the PSPgo down even further to clear out stock, then cease production on it all together considering it's been a royal fuck up.

I haven't touched my PSP in months since I was playing Metal Gear Peacewalker. I stopped playing that and many other PSP games because I find the controls too frustrating after a while cuz of the PSP's shitty control scheme. At least Sony has addressed those concerns with the PSP2.

[Julio III]

I hope Europe follows with a similar price drop.
I've been meaning to buy one for a while, and in a month am going on a trip so it would be very nice to have one.

[LaughingMAN.S9]

I'm waiting for retailers to move PSP Go for $80 or less. It'll be fun to install emulators and the PSP games I already dropped money on.


what he said.

[Aussie2B]

They should've dropped it to an even $100

I wholly agree with this. $130 is still too much when the system is practically dead and the releases have only been trickling out for so long (granted, basically the whole PSP lifespan has been a trickle of releases). I remember getting my PS1 back in 1999 for $100 and it was still going strong, so Nintendo and Sony have no excuse in my book for the cost of their handhelds at this point.

Although, this is coming from someone that happily paid $300 to import a limited edition PSP in 2007. Kinda hard to tell people not to pay $130 given that.

[Press_Start]

Seeing how PSP 2 (NGP for some reason doesn't click) lacks backwards compatibility for the UMD medium. Sony's just milking every dollar out of this "dying cow" for what it's worth. But if they REALLY want to get more bang for their buck, might I suggest Sony serving up the whole JRPG smorgasbord for the fans stateside. (Hey a guy can dream right? ;) )

Aussie, I wouldn't call the releases on PSP trickling just yet. The RPG stream is still running strong believe it or not. Just for March, it's getting 6 titles alone. So, don't count it out yet.

[maxlords]

I have about 95 DS games....and almost 50 PSP games. Which is a pretty fair number of PSP games actually, and they're almost ALL great games IMO. Tons of great RPGs, a few amazing action games, and a LOT of exclusive content. I have 2 PSP2000s, one new, one modded. Not just for BS piracy, but so I can run my games UMD-free (saves battery life). I have emulators...but I find I barely play em...the regular library is so good!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Did the Go see it's price reduced?

UPDATE: Yes. The Go did see an official price reduction.

http://hothardware.com/News/Sony-Drops-PSPGo-Price-To-150/

[josekortez]

Imports are also especially cheap for PSP since demand isn't anywhere near as big for it as DS. I would suggest seeking out Piposaru Racing, Spectral Vs. Generation and the Konami shooter collections among others.

[WanganRunner]

If people can't find something worth playing on PSP, they aren't looking hard enough.

Library sucked like four years ago. Now it's AMAZING.


It's really good hardware, I don't even think it needs replacing. Seems like the system is just gathering steam, and it still outputs better visuals than the 3DS does IMO, 3D aside.

[Aussie2B]

I wouldn't say the library is amazing (in all caps, no less), but it's a solid library.

As for myself, my lack of playing isn't because of the games but rather the system itself. Whenever I get the inkling to play some PSP, I pretty much never do so because the dang thing loses its charge completely in a freakin' week. I have too many games and too many different systems (not to mention other things to do) to play any system THAT regularly. If the mood strikes me to just casually play something (which would probably only amount to half an hour of playing or so), then I'm probably not going to bother to wait a couple hours to charge it. I just find something else to do. So given all that, the PSP is only worthwhile in my eyes when you seriously want to play through a game. Although when doing that, then you have to deal with the fact that you're charging every few hours of playing, making it feel like you're charging it constantly. Gets to be a chore.

On the other hand, I can let my SP or DS sit for months and they'll still have enough of a charge for at least a little bit of casual playing.

[PapaStu]

Yeah, so you don't own many PSP games and the PSP has hardly any games in comparison to the amount the DS has, but at 400 DS games, how many of those aren't complete garbage? I'd say 25% at the most are good or even decent games.

Dude. I own 80+ PSP games. What are you talking about? I was making the comparison that i've got 5.2 DS games to ever PSP game I own. Thus showing what system gets more of my time and money. That was all. I don't know many people who'd say that though I only have 80 PSP games that i've not got very many. I own 20+ more than you, so what does that say about your aparently ZOMG paltry collection?

My collection is not full of the Bratz/Petz type shit. I do have some crap titles, but by no means is it a majority percentage, it's lucky if it's 10%. I'm not even going to try to argue % with you due to your huge bias towards so many games/franchises. Things that I may enjoy could get ZOMG SUX comments from you. I should bust out my Disgaea DS and just call it a day.



I collect, but if I don't like the game I sell it. There are still some PSP games that I want that I'm missing, but right now I have 60 PSP. There's atleast 50 there that are worth owning in my opinion. The DS I have about the same amount I own and I think are worth owning. The systems are fairly equal with the amount of good titles, but I like most of the PSP titles a bit more than many of those on the DS.

To each their own. I don't sell once I buy it. I tend to buy 'X' game for a reason, so the desire to liquidate it afterwords is pretty small. I'm not a ravenous fanboy to spew hate against one system over another. They all have their merits. I enjoy my DS more than the PSP, plain and simple, just like you enjoy your PSP more. That however doesn't mean that I don't like my PSP, I still buy new games for it, I just tend to not play them, good game or not.


Now that the PSP is this price, I just don't see the reason that everyone here doesn't own both a DS and a PSP. I'd understand if you have some sort of major backlog, but alot of you are just waiting for the system to be much lower than the price of the DS and for what reason? Because your opinion of it as a poor system? I think it's more of a dislike of the system just because you don't own it and don't want to support it until it's completely dead.


I can easily see that people don't want to support a system that gets little retail space, systems that make your games completely unplayable on them (PSPgo) and a lack of a consistant level of support from the parent company as good reasons not to invest in a system.

[DuckTalesNES]

Okay, so I'm thinking about buying my first PSP.

1) What model should I get?
2) What are the games that I should get in the beginning that are CAN'T miss? This can include some RPG's.

[Bojay1997]

UPDATE: Yes. The Go did see an official price reduction.

http://hothardware.com/News/Sony-Drops-PSPGo-Price-To-150/

Actually it didn't. It's back to $200 now on Sony Style.

[WanganRunner]

Actually it didn't. It's back to $200 now on Sony Style.

I've been reliably finding BNIB ones on Craigslist for $100-120 for months.

I sort of want one, just because it's uber slick hardware, but it's useless as I will never buy digitally distributed software.

It would be nice as a hax/emulation machine though, so I can keep my other PSP's for normal UMD-only use.

[phantomfriar]

I picked up a 3000 off Amazon's Warehouse deals a couple of weeks ago. I bought it primarily to run emulators (which you can run without even installing custom firmware) and I've really been impressed. Also picked up a whole stack of retro gaming collections all under $10.

With the new PSP coming out later this year I think this is a really good time to take advantage of the older PSP and its software library...I had a DS but the emulation aspect of it wasn't nearly as good as the PSP's for older gaming rigs. And again, you don't really need to do anything to get the emulators to run if you are running Half Byte Loader. The only thing that doesn't seem to run too well is Mame.

[swlovinist]

Reflection back on the PSP, I think that it has really done well on its death bed in the US. There has been a nice swan song of games and support, espically if like hardcore RPGs. Like its console brother, the PSP suffered from some terrible market blunders and price point issues. This is the "window of time" to go out and stock up on deals if you want one. I still prefer my DS over the PSP for many reasons, here are the pros and cons right now:

Pros
Finally a price that it should have been all along
Cheaper games and sales to be found(if you can find them)
Nice selection of RPGs/strategy games
Ability to connect to a TV set
Wonderful game system if the wife wants to watch something you dont.
better multifunction for movies and music.

Cons
Not as portable as the DS
Load times
games are less "pick up and play" and more like mobile PlayStation games.
battery life
library of games is lopsided with hardcore choices, does not appeal to everyone

People are going to have their preference on which is better. Honestly does it matter? Both systems have their strengths and things that they suck at. The cool thing is that we have some wonderful choices right now for gaming on the go. I also see the future being even more competitive, which is always a win for the consumers.