PSP discussion thread...& "buy at launch" poll

[DeputyMoniker]

A search pulled up no official PSP discussion thread so here is mine:

First...will you buy it at launch? I will. Sonys claim to bring the home experience to the road sounds good to me.

Second...were less than a month away from the launch. Why havent we seen any commercials for it? I like to think advertising helps to sell a product. LOL

[chrisbid]

**** NO

no handheld should be more than 100 bucks, and all the discussions and arguments never mention that there are no must play games for this thing. that doesnt mean that there wont be any in the future, but high price + no games = no purchase

[CartCollector]

I'm not going to buy a PSP at launch. Not with those prices. I'm waiting for the DS to drop to $100 and for the titles to increase in quality. (With the release of WarioWare: Touched!, Metroid Prime: Hunters, and Castlevania DS, it should happen soon.)

[soniko_karuto]

we did had a forum de jour, wich i believe had the same questioin. Anyways, no, i won't, 100 is for handhelds. 149 for consoles. 250 for a weekend with something that can give Bj's.

[Jibbajaba]

Nah. I have a hard time getting excited about new systems. As far as haldhelds go, I think that the SP is the most perfect thing I've ever played. I simply see no need to buy a PSP. Now if it were like $100, then I might break down and pick it up just for fun. $400 is a serious chunk of change, and more than I am willing to pay for any system.

Chris

[NintendoMan]

250 for a weekend with something that can give Bj's.

LOL

I will say that I will get one when the prices drop DRAMATICALLY, I am almost talking bargin bin. Don't have the funds to buy it any other way.

[DeputyMoniker]

$400 is a serious chunk of change, and more than I am willing to pay for any system.

Chris

I assume youre including 4 games in that price because it should cost about $185 for the system.

I, for one, am very excited about the system. We all know the basics by now but let me highlite a few things Im looking forward to. Awesome visuals, 16:9 screen, high quality movies, franchises that Ive long wished I could take on the road (Wipeout, MGS) and a processor only slightly slower than the PS2. Ive been pleased with both Sony systems so I dont expect the PSP to dissapoint me. I really hope it does more for me than the DS did because Ive had a DS sitting in my closet for over a month.

[tholly]

yup...i have it preordered

[CartCollector]

Hmm... seems many agree.

Anyways, no, i won't, 100 is for handhelds. 149 for consoles. 250 for a weekend with something that can give Bj's.
Always one to make a smart remark.

[itatton]

I have a preorder on one, but just because I have to have one from the first shipment sealed. :)

<<JK>>

I am planning on buying one for a couple of reasons:

1) My iPod died and I'm planning on using it for storing some MP3s
2) It's region free and I'm committed to the fact that Sony will rip that away the first chance they get
3) I'm looking forward to the GPS unit

Quite honestly, I want it as a PDA that can play games if I want. I also hope that it's launch will force Nintendo into taking the DS online. I'll be very upset if Animal Crossing ships with no online capabilities.

[Promophile]

I, for one, am very excited about the system. We all know the basics by now but let me highlite a few things Im looking forward to. Awesome visuals, 16:9 screen, high quality movies, franchises that Ive long wished I could take on the road (Wipeout, MGS) and a processor only slightly slower than the PS2. Ive been pleased with both Sony systems so I dont expect the PSP to dissapoint me.

What about the VERY sucky battery life?

[Algol]

Nah. None of the launch titles or other stuff have me really excited. Besides, $250 is a good bit more than I would be willing to spend for a handheld.

[Drexel923]

Nope. The price is too high, especially since I'm only using it as a gaming machine (strange isn't it). There are a few launch games I'm interested in, but I can wait. On top of that I was very dissapointed with the PS2 launch after spending 400+, so I'm in no rush to make that mistake again.

Maybe I'll ask for it for my birthday in June...if not, then I might wait even longer.

[DeputyMoniker]

What about the VERY sucky battery life?

Carry a second (or third) battery in your pocket. Its a small price to pay for high quality gaming.
See the following IGN article on ACTUAL PSP battery life:
http://psp.ign.com/articles/574/574557p1.html

[esquire]

$400 is a serious chunk of change, and more than I am willing to pay for any system.

Chris

I assume youre including 4 games in that price because it should cost about $185 for the system.

I, for one, am very excited about the system. We all know the basics by now but let me highlite a few things Im looking forward to. Awesome visuals, 16:9 screen, high quality movies, franchises that Ive long wished I could take on the road (Wipeout, MGS) and a processor only slightly slower than the PS2. Ive been pleased with both Sony systems so I dont expect the PSP to dissapoint me. I really hope it does more for me than the DS did because Ive had a DS sitting in my closet for over a month.

$185? Where are you getting yours from? Here in the US the PSP is retailing for $250. Plus if you want to get one at release, which is what this thread is about, you'll have to purchase a package deal with 1 or 2 games and that extra crap Sony and their retailers are trying to throw on the consumers. I think that would bring it to $400, plus tax. With 6% sales tax here, that's $424 total!

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/520683.asp

[DeputyMoniker]

Where did you hear $250? An official Sony document? I'd speculate that EBgames & Gamestop are over guestimating. I got $185 from the Japanese launch price.

I wont buy a package deal. I'll be heading over to the Kmart in the ghetto where nobody has enough money to buy a PSP. (Thats how I got my DS when EVERYBODY else was sold out 3 days after release. LOL )
Hopefully there will be a non-deluxe PSP there.[/b]

[Jibbajaba]

Sorry. Double post. :embarrassed:

Chris

[Jibbajaba]

$400 is a serious chunk of change, and more than I am willing to pay for any system.

Chris

I assume youre including 4 games in that price because it should cost about $185 for the system.

I, for one, am very excited about the system. We all know the basics by now but let me highlite a few things Im looking forward to. Awesome visuals, 16:9 screen, high quality movies, franchises that Ive long wished I could take on the road (Wipeout, MGS) and a processor only slightly slower than the PS2. Ive been pleased with both Sony systems so I dont expect the PSP to dissapoint me. I really hope it does more for me than the DS did because Ive had a DS sitting in my closet for over a month.


$185? Where are you getting yours from? Here in the US the PSP is retailing for $250. Plus if you want to get one at release, which is what this thread is about, you'll have to purchase a package deal with 1 or 2 games and that extra crap Sony and their retailers are trying to throw on the consumers. I think that would bring it to $400, plus tax. With 6% sales tax here, that's $424 total!

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/520683.asp

Exactly. I've never been one to load up on launch titles, and that's exactly what retailers want you to do with these bundle packs. But the fact that the PSP has nothing to be backward compatible with (which is no one's fault, obviously. Just the nature of the situation) means that you're gonna have to either buy a bunch of launch games, or have not a lot to play. Now, if I were going to buy one at all, I would buy it by itself (e.g. no bundle pack) and then buy one game that either took a while to finish or had a lot of replay value hoping that it would last until the next wave of games hit.

Bottom line is that if I paid over $400 for a handheld, it wouldnt leave the house, and that's just silly. I take my SP wherever I want, and if something happens then no big deal, I jut buy another one. Thank god I havent had to do that yet.

Chris

[DeputyMoniker]

Sorry. Double post. :embarrassed:

Chris

banned!
BANNED!
...hmmm...I guess the big red button doesnt do anything.
Carry on.

[PDorr3]

too expensive, its not 250 its 300 becuase you need atleast one GAME to play...plus tax....I cant afford it right now.

[Nez]

No I'm not interested in expensive paper weights. I have enough as it is(damn Xbox). Wake me up when a couple of good games are released. -_-

[esquire]

Where did you hear $250?

Umm, just about everywhere. Every retailer has indicated that they will be selling it for $249.99 after the launch date. In order to purchase it at launch, most retailers are requiring the $400 package be purchased. Moreover, Sony has issued a couple press releases that it will be $249.99.

http://www.us.playstation.com/pressreleases.aspx?id=257&print

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050203/sfth050_1.html

http://psp.ign.com/articles/584/584983p1.html

[arrrggghhh]

2) It's region free and I'm committed to the fact that Sony will rip that away the first chance they get


Where did you read it was region free.

I have one pre-ordered for launch day, but am unhappy about the price. I can't say no though... :(

[Big Shady]

Yes, I will, to resell to some sucker on ebay, who thinks they are teh R@R3

[NE146]

*sigh*.. I'm officially recorded here as "voting" for the DS in the DS vs. PSP wars. But let's just face the fact that I'm a game junky.. will I buy the PSP at launch or relatively close to? Yerp..

[DeputyMoniker]

Sony has issued a couple press releases that it will be $249.99.

Not cool. Not cool at all. If I hadn't just sold my house and got a bunch of money...well you know.

[petewhitley]

I'm just personally not of the opinion that a handheld HAS to be cheaper than a console. I mean you're getting the system and the screen, miraculously shrunk down to a size that fits in your coat pocket. That's alot of value in my opinion. And I don't know where that guy got his info that most retailers are requiring you to pre-order the $400 set-up. Totally bogus.

[DeputyMoniker]

I'm just personally not of the opinion that a handheld HAS to be cheaper than a console...That's alot of value in my opinion.

Thats a good point...I don't think I've heard someone say that before. 8-)
Of course, in my opinion, with the craptastical junk weve been lead to believe is the BEST they can do over the years...this is the first time weve gotten a real gaming system as a handheld. Actually the Turbo Express was a balls-on system too...but you get the point.

[-hellvin-]

Nah....haven't touched my DS since almsot the day I opened it, why would I spend 250 minimum on something when I could buy a ton of other games for my collection and enjoy em more?

[Pedro Lambrini]

Nope. We've had one in the shop for a couple of months now and we very rarely play the thing. It's all 'fur coat and no knickers'! - Looks nice but not a lot underneath...

To me it just seem like a fancy GBA with nothing new except an analogue stick in an awkward position. I'll prob pick one up 2nd hand a few months down the line when something original comes out for it!

[esquire]

And I don't know where that guy got his info that most retailers are requiring you to pre-order the $400 set-up. Totally bogus.

Well have you tried to pre-order just the PSP from EB Games, Gamestop, FYE, Toys R Us? I know I have and they won't let you do it. I also visited the websites for Best Buy and Circuit City and they won't let you order just the console. Target doesn't even have the hardware available on their website, only the games! Thats 7 retailers that won't let you pre-order just the PSP.

But hey, you know more than anyone else as usual. x_x Here's a clue, instead of always attacking anyone who has something that you perceive as negative to say about the Sony PSP (and I don't consider my statement a negative one, unless you don't want to spend $400 for a PSP at launch) why don't you actually provide some evidence to counter the argument. For instance, you could have said, "Welll Store X is taking pre-orders for $249.99." Of course you didn't.

[petewhitley]

And I don't know where that guy got his info that most retailers are requiring you to pre-order the $400 set-up. Totally bogus.

Well have you tried to pre-order just the PSP from EB Games, Gamestop, FYE, Toys R Us? I know I have and they won't let you do it. I also visited the websites for Best Buy and Circuit City and they won't let you order just the console. Target doesn't even have the hardware available on their website, only the games! Thats 7 retailers that won't let you pre-order just the PSP.

But hey, you know more than anyone else as usual. x_x Here's a clue, instead of always attacking anyone who has something that you perceive as negative to say about the Sony PSP (and I don't consider my statement a negative one, unless you don't want to spend $400 for a PSP at launch) why don't you actually provide some evidence to counter the argument. For instance, you could have said, "Welll Store X is taking pre-orders for $249.99." Of course you didn't.

The PSP is not selling standalone, and I never claimed it is. The standard package is the $249.99 set. Your "most retailers are requiring the $400 package be purchased" line is bullshit. Here's Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-PlayStation-Portable-PSP-/sem/rpsm/oid/118544/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do), Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7000835&type=product&id=1099391923487) for starters.

[Tank]

Im actually really excited about the PSP. I think Sony is going to do some big things for this thing!

[chrisbid]

its not a bullshit notion that retailers may force people to buy more than one game if they want a system at launch. sony has a habit of forcing retailers to purchase x number of games with every system they get. since the system will no doubt be in short supply, retailers don't want to screw themselves by having a bunch of discs and no systems to sell, so its not far fetched for some of them to require purchasing more games with a system if you want one on launch day.

[chrisbid]

oh, and that battery article is f'n hilarious. 3 hours 32 minutes of simple gameplay... no memory stick, no wi-fi

the second test is a joke, nobody lets the attract mode sitting on for hours

the real test would be movie playback, which has the disc spinning continuously.

[zmweasel]

its not a bullshit notion that retailers may force people to buy more than one game if they want a system at launch. sony has a habit of forcing retailers to purchase x number of games with every system they get. since the system will no doubt be in short supply, retailers don't want to screw themselves by having a bunch of discs and no systems to sell, so its not far fetched for some of them to require purchasing more games with a system if you want one on launch day.

If your retailer is "forcing" you to buy games along with the hardware, pick up Ridge Racer (which looks very much like a PS2 title), Metal Gear Acid (with a new U.S.-exclusive multiplayer Wi-Fi mode), and Lumines (Tetris-esque puzzler from the designer of Rez). Those three combined are more entertaining than the entire current DS library.

-- Z.

[Tank]

If your retailer is "forcing" you to buy games along with the hardware, pick up Ridge Racer (which looks very much like a PS2 title), Metal Gear Acid (with a new U.S.-exclusive multiplayer Wi-Fi mode), and Lumines (Tetris-esque puzzler from the designer of Rez). Those three combined are more entertaining than the entire current DS library.

-- Z.


Exactly what I think. Nintendo really needs to take charge and get some more quality games out for the DS. Ive started to lose intrest in it :/

[chrisbid]

If your retailer is "forcing" you to buy games along with the hardware, pick up Ridge Racer (which looks very much like a PS2 title), Metal Gear Acid (with a new U.S.-exclusive multiplayer Wi-Fi mode), and Lumines (Tetris-esque puzzler from the designer of Rez). Those three combined are more entertaining than the entire current DS library.

-- Z.


those titles might be good, but is it worth 400 bucks? Ridge Racer and Metal Gear will be choking up used bins within six months. granted, any game with Tetsuya Mizuguchi's fingerprints on it is worth owning (and i bet this will undersell and end up being a rare gem... or become the new fantavision).

as far as the DS goes, im still waiting for the must plays on that unit too. Feel the Magic and Wario Ware are fun, but alone do not warrant a full price purchase. evev 150 dollars is too expensive for a handheld

400 bucks is an awful lot of money... cash that could buy my weight in classic Atari, Sega, and Nintendo carts

[hezeuschrist]

its not a bullshit notion that retailers may force people to buy more than one game if they want a system at launch. sony has a habit of forcing retailers to purchase x number of games with every system they get. since the system will no doubt be in short supply, retailers don't want to screw themselves by having a bunch of discs and no systems to sell, so its not far fetched for some of them to require purchasing more games with a system if you want one on launch day.

If your retailer is "forcing" you to buy games along with the hardware, pick up Ridge Racer (which looks very much like a PS2 title), Metal Gear Acid (with a new U.S.-exclusive multiplayer Wi-Fi mode), and Lumines (Tetris-esque puzzler from the designer of Rez). Those three combined are more entertaining than the entire current DS library.

-- Z.

Are you really serious about MGA? ugh.

[mitmoe]

I'm still on the fence with MGA. I did however pre order the following:

Lumines
Ridge Racers
THUG2
Darkstalker Chronicles

Might get MGA....just am not sure about the card thing. x_x

[zmweasel]

Are you really serious about MGA? ugh.

If MGA's card-battling doesn't rub your Buddha, replace it with Ape Escape or Darkstalkers Chronicles, both of which are also sweet. Dynasty Warriors is fun, but a sloppy port. Twisted Metal and Untold Legends are supposed to rock, but I've yet to play either. And then there's Hot Shots Golf shortly after launch...

-- Z.

[Lasermouse]

I've preordered mine with the following titles:

Ridge Racer
Wipeout Pure
Metal Gear Acid
Lumines
NFS Rivals
Darkstalkers Chronicle
THUG 2 Remix
FIFA Soccer
Ape Escape
Twisted Metal

I might pick up a few others, depending on what's out on launch day.

A medium sized launch for me, not as much as the PS2 or DC launches,
but more than the DS or Xbox.

- MP

[esquire]

And I don't know where that guy got his info that most retailers are requiring you to pre-order the $400 set-up. Totally bogus.

Well have you tried to pre-order just the PSP from EB Games, Gamestop, FYE, Toys R Us? I know I have and they won't let you do it. I also visited the websites for Best Buy and Circuit City and they won't let you order just the console. Target doesn't even have the hardware available on their website, only the games! Thats 7 retailers that won't let you pre-order just the PSP.

But hey, you know more than anyone else as usual. x_x Here's a clue, instead of always attacking anyone who has something that you perceive as negative to say about the Sony PSP (and I don't consider my statement a negative one, unless you don't want to spend $400 for a PSP at launch) why don't you actually provide some evidence to counter the argument. For instance, you could have said, "Welll Store X is taking pre-orders for $249.99." Of course you didn't.

The PSP is not selling standalone, and I never claimed it is. The standard package is the $249.99 set. Your "most retailers are requiring the $400 package be purchased" line is bullshit. Here's Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-PlayStation-Portable-PSP-/sem/rpsm/oid/118544/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do), Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7000835&type=product&id=1099391923487) for starters.

Funny how at neither of those of those sites you can actually actually order the PSP "value package" for $249.99. Jeez, I wonder why? As stated in my post above, Best Buy and Circuit City are not letting you pre-order just the PSP without any games and at its $249.99 price. I mean you didn't even bother to read my post, or the websites you linked. There isn't even an option to put the item in your cart!

I am sure the PSP will be available in the "value package" for $249.99 after launch and after pre-orders are fulfilled, but as it stands most retailers are not letting you purchase it for only $249.99; rather they are forcing consumers to buy the package deal if they want a PSP at release.

[tholly]

By the way, where did you pre-order your PSP for $249.99?


i preordered my PSP for $249.99 from Electronic Boutique

of course i preordered some games as well, but i had the system preordered before i even considered any games

[mitmoe]

pre ordered mine at EB for 249.99 also. Pre ordered games 3 weeks later not because I had to or anything.

[buttasuperb]

Why would you need to preorder to get one on release?

If I get a couple rebate checks I've been waiting for before it's released, I will walk into Fry's or Best Buy on release day and buy one along with Twisted Metal.

[Cmosfm]

Why would you need to preorder to get one on release?

If I get a couple rebate checks I've been waiting for before it's released, I will walk into Fry's or Best Buy on release day and buy one along with Twisted Metal.


Every damn place I went to is sold out of PSP's, wtf! Dammit I should have pre-ordered one.

[link1110]

Will I buy a PSP at launch. 2 words: $250. LOL

[petewhitley]

Funny how at neither of those of those sites you can actually actually order the PSP "value package" for $249.99. Jeez, I wonder why? As stated in my post above, Best Buy and Circuit City are not letting you pre-order just the PSP without any games and at its $249.99 price. I mean you didn't even bother to read my post, or the websites you linked. There isn't even an option to put the item in your cart!

I am sure the PSP will be available in the "value package" for $249.99 after launch and after pre-orders are fulfilled, but as it stands most retailers are not letting you purchase it for only $249.99; rather they are forcing consumers to buy the package deal if they want a PSP at release.

Your original post stated this:


In order to purchase it at launch, most retailers are requiring the $400 package be purchased.

As the two posters after you stated, what you're saying simply isn't correct. Even at EB you CAN pre-order the $249.99 value pack, and MOST retailers aren't bundling anything else with the PSP (as Gamestop and EB are offering). You aren't just talking pre-orders anyways, you're telling us that if you want a PSP on launch day, you'll have to spend $400. Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. aren't pre-ordering yet, but on launch day these retailers and others will ALL be offering the PSP at the $249.99 price point. AT LAUNCH. ON LAUNCH DAY. Let's end this foolishness.

[soniko_karuto]

this is turning into a to-be lock-happy soon thread the way things are going.

We all know that as soon as the damn apparatus hits the 150 mark we'll all be like horny teenagers for porno mags/internet.

[Querjek]

Hell yes, I'm getting one at launch. Here's what I have coming:
System
Metal Gear Acid
Lumines
Mercury
SOme sort of big metal case
1 gig memory stick pro duo

Wrap overnight shipping around that and there you have it, my PSP launch bundle. I have become a bit of a hypocrit since this time last year, when I completely doubted the existence of the PSP. Funny, now I have over $600 sunk into it, which is the most money that I have ever spent on anything in my life (hey, I'm only 15, remember, and I got all of the money by selling games here at DP and at CAG).

I'm still considering getting Untold Legends as well... any one want to comment on that?

[zmweasel]

I'm still considering getting Untold Legends as well... any one want to comment on that?

Not much to comment on. It's a hack-and-slasher from Sony Online Entertainment with randomly generated dungeons and a Champions of Norrath look and feel. Four-player Wi-Fi, too. Solid stuff, but I'm kinda burned out on the H&S genre, so it's low on my list.

-- Z.

[goatdan]

Quite honestly, I want it as a PDA that can play games if I want.

Hunh?

What functionality does the PSP have as a PDA? The DS has the interface of a PDA, but nothing else and the PSP as far as I can tell has even less. Did you mean an all-in-one device or iPod? If not, can you tell me what PDA functions the PSP has?


I'm just personally not of the opinion that a handheld HAS to be cheaper than a console. I mean you're getting the system and the screen, miraculously shrunk down to a size that fits in your coat pocket. That's alot of value in my opinion.

I'm actually agreeing - partially - with this. I do find it interesting that the consumer market wants portables to be cheaper than consoles. In the world of computers, if you get a high powered desktop and laptop, you know the laptop is going to cost a pretty penny more.

The difference that I see is the fact that most people already own the "extras" for a console -- a TV, perhaps a sound system and so on. With a portable, you are getting something less powerful that can't hook up to the devices that you own that are probably better than whatever portable thing you're getting.

So it makes sense, and it doesn't. The fact is that Nintendo and their competitors have long held the price of portables under the price of consoles, and with the PSP and to a lesser extent the DS, you are suddenly paying more for the portable.

It works with laptops, but can that marketing scheme be applied to portable gaming devices? From the random talk that I've heard from a good portion of the people in Milwaukee, not yet. But we'll see how well Sony does at pulling out all the stops marketing-wise. They have the ability to change perceptions here, and they also have the ability to change the price if that fails.

As a note -- are there any PSP commercials out right now? I've been looking for them, and I haven't seen any yet. This reminds me quite a bit of the DS launch, except that the PSP actually has a library with some truly impressive games. Am I just missing the commercials?

[petewhitley]

As a note -- are there any PSP commercials out right now? I've been looking for them, and I haven't seen any yet. This reminds me quite a bit of the DS launch, except that the PSP actually has a library with some truly impressive games. Am I just missing the commercials?

I could swear I saw an EA commercial just the other night featuring their PSP titles ...

[sisko]

No.

System is too expensive.
Games are too expensive.
Quality is too poor (flying discs, non-working buttons, horrid battery life.....)

Actually, I was about 50/50 buying the unit until the asshat statement by the developer who basically said "it's a masterpiece, del with it, screw you." Yes, I know they are now fixing the error, but I'm still pissed and unnerved by the audacity of that prick.

Instead, I may get a second slick black DS imported, and will roll my PSP deposit towards DS games.

[bibowski]

I'm really dissapointed with my DS.

Besides the upcoming Yoshi title, I really can't think of anything worth looking forward to. PSP, even at LAUNCH, has more titles that I'm interested in than the DS has slated for the rest of 2005.

Mercury, Lumines, Wipeout, Untold Legends, among others. Compared to.... what? Another horrid "analog" 3rd person adventure game? (rayman DS).

I really hope Nintendo smartens up, because I WANT to get more use out of my DS than just playing GBA games.

As for preordering a PSP? I have 3 preordered. One for me, for my brother and for my cousin. Wipeout is the only game I'm getting day one.

[Jasoco]

Probably not at launch, but if there are more games of Namco Museum quality that make me want to play them, I will buty one eventually. MAYBE at the launch price, but hopefully when it drops to at most $150. I'm talking about 3-5 really worthy games. Then I'll bite. No, GT4 doesn't count. I said games that I want to play.

[le geek]

Voted no. I am warming up to the PSP, but $250 without a game is too much. Lumines, Mercury and Wipeout Pure look tasty though...

Waiting for a price drop, I still have 5200 games to beat so I can wait :)

Cheers,
Ben

[buttasuperb]

Every damn place I went to is sold out of PSP's, wtf! Dammit I should have pre-ordered one.

Um no. If it's sold out by lunchtime on the release date, I can wait until the next shipment comes in or until whenever I get one. No big deal.

[zmweasel]

What functionality does the PSP have as a PDA? The DS has the interface of a PDA, but nothing else and the PSP as far as I can tell has even less. Did you mean an all-in-one device or iPod? If not, can you tell me what PDA functions the PSP has?

Here's some info on a PSP firmware update that "is configured to install a number of bug fixes, along with a text-to-speech utility, a calculator, web browser, email application and - most interesting of all - a word processor and spreadsheet tool": http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/18/sony_psp_update_confirmed/

-- Z.

[GobopopRevisited]

NO

"PlayStation Family" D-Pads = suckassageness... and I'll I want to do is play me some DarkStalkers. Thankfully Capcom has tended to this open wound and a consolized version will be out soon :D

[Cmosfm]

Every damn place I went to is sold out of PSP's, wtf! Dammit I should have pre-ordered one.

Um no. If it's sold out by lunchtime on the release date, I can wait until the next shipment comes in or until whenever I get one. No big deal.

I can't! I'm a whore for new game systems.

I can barely contain the wait till March 24th, waiting even longer would drive me batty!

[Sartori]

Absolutely not.

[goatdan]

Here's some info on a PSP firmware update that "is configured to install a number of bug fixes, along with a text-to-speech utility, a calculator, web browser, email application and - most interesting of all - a word processor and spreadsheet tool": http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/18/sony_psp_update_confirmed/

Interesting, yet that brings up another question for me...

Why?

Even with a Keyboard attachment, it sounds cumbersome at best... That having been said, I love my Atari Portfolio, so perhaps I shouldn't talk.

Kinda cool though. I wish this stuff was available at launch.

[Muscelli]

im getting one, I sold my DS... i was disappointed with it, and there arent too many games that appeal to me...

This psp is amazing.... I am planning on just buying the value pack w/ no game... the demo disc can keep me occupied, and I can always sell the movie to a sucker on ebay for 50 ;)

[Promophile]

I have a phobia against all-in-one do everything devices. I want my phone to be a phone, my PDA (as if I have one) to be a PDA, and my game system to be a game system. As it stands I don't know if I'll ever pick up a PSP or not.

[Bluteg]

No PSP for me, I like my DS just fine!

[Jasoco]

I can barely contain the wait till March 24th, waiting even longer would drive me batty!March 24th? They're releasing it on Mac OS X's birthday? <Wild Crazy Speculation> The PSP is powered by OS X and that's part of the whole Apple-Sony thing! Apple and Sony are gonna merge and take over the computing world. The PS3 will be powered by OS X too and will be the same size and form factor as the Mac mini. It all makes sense now!! </Wild Crazy Speculation></Joke>

LOL :evil: ;)

[DeputyMoniker]

I have a phobia against all-in-one do everything devices. I want my phone to be a phone, my PDA (as if I have one) to be a PDA, and my game system to be a game system. As it stands I don't know if I'll ever pick up a PSP or not.

How is the PSP any different from the PS2? Ps2 may not play MP3s but it does play CDs.
Would you call the PS2 a dedicated gaming system? You dont consider the PSP a dedicated gaming system?

[zmweasel]

I have a phobia against all-in-one do everything devices. I want my phone to be a phone, my PDA (as if I have one) to be a PDA, and my game system to be a game system. As it stands I don't know if I'll ever pick up a PSP or not.

How is the PSP any different from the PS2? Ps2 may not play MP3s but it does play CDs.
Would you call the PS2 a dedicated gaming system? You dont consider the PSP a dedicated gaming system?

Sony itself doesn't consider the PSP a dedicated gaming system. It's selling it as "the Walkman of the 21st century." Games are the primary focus, but there's the UMD and MP3 playback, the above-mentioned firmware update, etc. It's not an all-in-one system, but it's not strictly a game system, either.

-- Z.

[gameman007]

no, i didn't wait for the u.s. launch I bought a japanese version and it is fantastic.

[ozyr]

NO!

I will wait at least a year for the price to come down. Then maybe... ;)

[RazorElite]

Yep, I am going to buy PSP at launch. So far I have saved at least 300 dollars, and I am expecting to have 350-400 by the release.

I may buy a DS once the price goes down, I dunno...

[NESVIDIOT]

I spent about 10 minutes playing a import PSP today and the best thing I can say about it is the graphics are quite beautiful. I was playing Ridge Racer, the widescreen is really nice and it has a very smooth polished look. Other first impressions are- the games better be set up more for the D-pad because the stick is NOT intuitive. The discs are in little protective cases that have a window for the laser- wide open for grit and crap to get into. The actual game cases are half the size of a DVD case- REAL portable. Also I really need to learn to read Japanese if I'm going to play more import games- RR has a lot of menus to get through to get to the game!
The 300$ CAN price tag is quite a bit for a handheld and the trust for SONY to put out a system that I'm not going to have trouble with is enough to make me decide to wait until it is proven quality and or until it is a more reasonable price. The only other way to make it more feasable is if the games are really cheap because they are on disc( which costs less to produce than cartridges, and has a higher profit margin) to offset the high cost of the system. Not likely.
So the answer is NO, I won't buy it on launch, but I will eventually get one.

[G4MZ0v3R]

I usually prefer to wait it out for a year or so until a price drop. Personally I wont be picking up a PSP until its out a generation. I always wait for handheld games to drop a generation before pickign them up since I usually only play handheld systems at home lol. I like playing on my TV much more.