When will the PSP have a price drop???

[FAMOUS]

You thought i had the date, nope sorry... I was wondering when or if ever it will happen? For a 50-60 bucks more you can get a 360!! geeeeeze. So i was wondering if someone knows if the psp will be lowering there price anytime soon?

[Leo_A]

No one except Sony knows.

[Muscelli]

nobody knows and it isnt happening soon

[FAMOUS]

damn sony, makes you think if they made the psp so damn expensive whatcha think the ps3 is gonna cost, but thats been discussed tons so i dont wanna start another thread, but think about it??

[luffy744]

Pure speculation on my part, but from all that I've read and observed, the systems are still selling relatively well in both the US and Japan (no idea about Europe), and game support seems to be ramping up. Combine that with how much it must cost to manufacture the things, I doubt we'll see a price drop this year.

[D-Lite]

Sony has to drop the price this year because once the DS Lite comes out it will absolutely crush the PSP in quality and sales. The thing is gorgeous and eliminates most issues people had with the original.

[Leo_A]

It does nothing of the sort, it's a incremental upgrade that just makes some minor improvements.

[Poofta!]

luffy: the psp isnt selling well in the US by any standards.

d-lite: DS lite was released in japan, and was sold out just about everywhere within the first couple hours.


judging strictly for a business strategy point of view, the drop will come either around june/july (usually the lowest grossing point in the fiscal year) or closer to the holidays. something tells me it might happen this summer, or maybe its wishful thinking, nobody knows for sure.

[Lozza]

It does nothing of the sort, it's a incremental upgrade that just makes some minor improvements.

Nothing of the sort? Other than graphics and ability to play various media, the DS Lite is better in every possible way. Mostly games and price... The main selling points.

[Mayhem]

I think Leo Ames hasn't seen an original DS and a lite next to each other. Trust me, the difference is staggering.

Though the sellout in Japan was partly due to lack of overall stock in general, hence the rush to buy (in a similar way to any console launch).

[FullCircle]

I think the Lite will be a big improvement except for mic placement. I liked it where it was because you could watch both screens while directing speech toward the mic. Now you have to "blow" on the center of the system and get your spit flying onto both screens and maybe even fogging it up for a time.

[FAMOUS]

Im gonna hope for the best a wish the psp price drop will happen this summer say, late may early june.. That would be a good way to kick the summer off, plus have the ps3 launch date official! heaven

[heybtbm]

Price drop? How about a price drop on the games? $40 to $50 per mediocre game is ridiculous. How companies get the balls to charge $39.99 for SFA3 or a collection of early 80's arcade games in 2006 is beyond me.

$19.99 for Capcom Classics Collection (PS2/Xbox)
$39.99 for Capcom Classics Collection (PSP)

...what the hell?

[Trebuken]

I believe Sony is expected to release a new model PSP. This could drive down the price of the original. The PSP is supposed to have connectivity with the PS3, so there could be an incentive for people to buy both. I would be surprised with a price drop though because they are going to lose so much money pn PS3 hardware that they would not want to add any additional losses.

Later,
Trebuken

[dbiersdorf]

luffy: the psp isnt selling well in the US by any standards.

What are you talking about? NDP reports show that the PSP outsells the DS consitantly every month since it's release over the DS (yet gets crushed by the GBA). Not only that but even with the DS' four month head start in the US (DS launched November, 2004, PSP launched March, 2005) DS only holds a meer 100,000 lead in overall sales.

Currently:

NDS in US - 3,972,665
PSP in US - 3,814,434

NDS in Europe - 3,700,000
PSP in Europe - 2,440,000

The PSP is actually doing the best in the US compared to any other region in contrast to the DS. Nintendogs skyrocketed DS sales in Europe, which explains the lead there. While Japan has a massive 3,000,000+ lead on the PSP simply because they cannot get enough of the DS and it's software (Animal Crossing, Brain Train 1, 2, Mario Kart, Pokemon).

Don't make comments like that when you obviously have no idea about what's going on.

[chrisbid]

Price drop? How about a price drop on the games? $40 to $50 per mediocre game is ridiculous. How companies get the balls to charge $39.99 for SFA3 or a collection of early 80's arcade games in 2006 is beyond me.

$19.99 for Capcom Classics Collection (PS2/Xbox)
$39.99 for Capcom Classics Collection (PSP)

...what the hell?

thats proprietary media for you, all the shitty loading times of DVDs and CDs without the cheap price :)





back on topic, i expect sony to keep the price point, but add features.

the rumored flash version of the PSP with 8GB of flash memory would be a great improvement, if sony has the sense to allow you to load UMDs directly to flash. This will save on load times and power consumption, and allow sony to remove the processor cap that was placed to conserve battery life.

but i doubt they will do that, with their overstated piracy fears and what not

[Leo_A]

"Sony has to drop the price this year because once the DS Lite comes out it will absolutely crush the PSP in quality and sales. The thing is gorgeous and eliminates most issues people had with the original."

Slightly smaller dimensions, and a better screen, while no one complained about the original screen. Relocated power switch that only current DS users would care about if they've occasionally hit the wrong button. And different styling, and a few other tweaks like mic placement and button types.

The biggest change is the screen, but when the original was launched, everyone loved that screen, so it was hardly a complaint. In fact, for the few that were even aware of the backlit SP and Micro screens outside of online gaming boards, it seems they all just assumed it used the DS screens. Yeah, that's going to be making the DS2 fly off the shelfs...

"Nothing of the sort? Other than graphics and ability to play various media, the DS Lite is better in every possible way. Mostly games and price... The main selling points."

Not even sure what you're trying to say here. Price is going to be more than the original by all accounts (Which is still going to be made, shows you how huge of a improvement the DS2 really is). And your post makes it sound like the DS2 won't have the same graphical and media capabilities as the original, care to explain? And games and price being the selling point? You do realize this plays the same games as the DS1, for a higher price, don't you?

Edit - I reread what you said, and see what you were trying to say now. My fault, but my points I made about the playing the same games at a higher price still stands.

"I think Leo Ames hasn't seen an original DS and a lite next to each other. Trust me, the difference is staggering. "

Nope, I have. Definitely a very nice upgrade to the screens. But the average American consumer would have to be aware of this to have it matter. Most don't even know there is a better GBA out there now...

Sorry guys, but you're not in Japan. Don't expect the redesigned DS to accomplish much more than the original is doing in the US (Which isn't too bad if you think about the success it's having). Happy to see it thanks to the improved brightness of the screens, but it's very much just an incremental upgrade over the original. And expecting this to sway DS/PSP market share is wishful thinking in my opinion.

Plus rumors point to a redesigned PSP as well (I've even heard it may have the capabilities to hook up to a television out of the box without 3rd party modifications, which probably would sway me to buy it if it has a controller port for PS2 pads). So I see the handheld market staying pretty much the way it is for the near future, with any increases the DS and PSP see coming out of a dying GBA market.

[Joker T]

Leo_Ames is right.

DS Lite is the same basic thing. For example my friend doesn't like DS because he isn't a fan of using the touch screen. DS Lite isn't going to make him change his mind.

[petewhitley]

luffy: the psp isnt selling well in the US by any standards.

As dbiersdorf already pointed out, you:

A) don't know what you're talking about

and/or

B) are just plain ignoring the sales data

This is the kind of ignorance that is rampant on these boards in regard to the PSP. Nintendo raised me as well but I moved out of the house for chrissakes.

[dbiersdorf]

Plus rumors point to a redesigned PSP as well (I've even heard it may have the capabilities to hook up to a television out of the box without 3rd party modifications, which probably would sway me to buy it if it has a controller port for PS2 pads). So I see the handheld market staying pretty much the way it is for the near future, with any increases the DS and PSP see coming out of a dying GBA market.

They won't do that. You'll see a camera before you see a hook up to TV feature.

[neuropolitique]

luffy: the psp isnt selling well in the US by any standards.

As dbiersdorf already pointed out, you:

A) don't know what you're talking about

and/or

B) are just plain ignoring the sales data

This is the kind of ignorance that is rampant on these boards in regard to the PSP. Nintendo raised me as well but I moved out of the house for chrissakes.

And into Sony's apparently.


On topic, I would love to see a price drop this summer. I've been itching to get my hands on one, but it is far too expensive for me. I have to agree with the previous comment, though, that a new unit with flash memory will likely be released, and the current price point will remain. Oh well.

[Leo_A]

No, he's being objective and using facts (Sales data). :)

[Lozza]

"Nothing of the sort? Other than graphics and ability to play various media, the DS Lite is better in every possible way. Mostly games and price... The main selling points."

Not even sure what you're trying to say here. Price is going to be more than the original by all accounts (Which is still going to be made, shows you how huge of a improvement the DS2 really is). And your post makes it sound like the DS2 won't have the same graphical and media capabilities as the original, care to explain? And games and price being the selling point? You do realize this plays the same games as the DS1, for a higher price, don't you?

Edit - I reread what you said, and see what you were trying to say now. My fault, but my points I made about the playing the same games at a higher price still stands.

It plays the same games of course, but now that it is MORE ATTRACTIVE and smaller, more people will want it. The old DS is very much an embarrassing thing to carry around. It looks extremely childish, no one can disagree with that fact seriously. The new DS looks very modern and something that would be acceptable to carry around like an i-pod. The upgrades rightly warrent a higher price, but will still be cheaper than the PSP.

The PSP games are poor. The controls are poor. The DS games are miles better, and the controls are unbelievably original and good.



"I think Leo Ames hasn't seen an original DS and a lite next to each other. Trust me, the difference is staggering. "

Nope, I have. Definitely a very nice upgrade to the screens. But the average American consumer would have to be aware of this to have it matter. Most don't even know there is a better GBA out there now...

Sorry guys, but you're not in Japan. Don't expect the redesigned DS to accomplish much more than the original is doing in the US (Which isn't too bad if you think about the success it's having). Happy to see it thanks to the improved brightness of the screens, but it's very much just an incremental upgrade over the original. And expecting this to sway DS/PSP market share is wishful thinking in my opinion.

Plus rumors point to a redesigned PSP as well (I've even heard it may have the capabilities to hook up to a television out of the box without 3rd party modifications, which probably would sway me to buy it if it has a controller port for PS2 pads). So I see the handheld market staying pretty much the way it is for the near future, with any increases the DS and PSP see coming out of a dying GBA market.

I really don't care what American consumers think. They don't know anything, and it wont matter what they think of the upgrades, they will buy what their bratty kids want regardless. The DS Lite will be popular regardless of what you think, too. When people compare the games and prices they will absolutely rather buy the DS.

If the PSP hooked up to a tv that would be cool, but not that big of a deal, certainly not a selling point for anyone, since the point of it is to be HANDHELD. Although, if it had the ability to use a PS2 pad, that would be a major improvement since the PSP controls are so shit. The PSP has just too many flaws for people to honestly favour it over the DS, especially when PSP owners see the DS library, which has many more games that scream to be played.

The rest of the world prefers the DS and the sales prove it, The American market is a different story when it comes to portable technology, because portable things are more suited to Europe and Japan, where people are more mobile, commute more and use more public transport.

[Lozza]

"Nothing of the sort? Other than graphics and ability to play various media, the DS Lite is better in every possible way. Mostly games and price... The main selling points."

Not even sure what you're trying to say here. Price is going to be more than the original by all accounts (Which is still going to be made, shows you how huge of a improvement the DS2 really is). And your post makes it sound like the DS2 won't have the same graphical and media capabilities as the original, care to explain? And games and price being the selling point? You do realize this plays the same games as the DS1, for a higher price, don't you?

Edit - I reread what you said, and see what you were trying to say now. My fault, but my points I made about the playing the same games at a higher price still stands.

It plays the same games of course, but now that it is MORE ATTRACTIVE and smaller, more people will want it. The old DS is very much an embarrassing thing to carry around. It looks extremely childish, no one can disagree with that fact seriously. The new DS looks very modern and something that would be acceptable to carry around like an i-pod. The upgrades rightly warrent a higher price, but will still be cheaper than the PSP.

The PSP games are poor. The controls are poor. The DS games are miles better, and the controls are unbelievably original and good.



"I think Leo Ames hasn't seen an original DS and a lite next to each other. Trust me, the difference is staggering. "

Nope, I have. Definitely a very nice upgrade to the screens. But the average American consumer would have to be aware of this to have it matter. Most don't even know there is a better GBA out there now...

Sorry guys, but you're not in Japan. Don't expect the redesigned DS to accomplish much more than the original is doing in the US (Which isn't too bad if you think about the success it's having). Happy to see it thanks to the improved brightness of the screens, but it's very much just an incremental upgrade over the original. And expecting this to sway DS/PSP market share is wishful thinking in my opinion.

Plus rumors point to a redesigned PSP as well (I've even heard it may have the capabilities to hook up to a television out of the box without 3rd party modifications, which probably would sway me to buy it if it has a controller port for PS2 pads). So I see the handheld market staying pretty much the way it is for the near future, with any increases the DS and PSP see coming out of a dying GBA market.

I really don't care what American consumers think. They don't know anything, and it wont matter what they think of the upgrades, they will buy what their bratty kids want regardless. The DS Lite will be popular regardless of what you think, too. When people compare the games and prices they will absolutely rather buy the DS.

If the PSP hooked up to a tv that would be cool, but not that big of a deal, certainly not a selling point for anyone, since the point of it is to be HANDHELD. Although, if it had the ability to use a PS2 pad, that would be a major improvement since the PSP controls are so shit. The PSP has just too many flaws for people to honestly favour it over the DS, especially when PSP owners see the DS library, which has many more games that scream to be played.

The rest of the world prefers the DS and the sales prove it, The American market is a different story when it comes to portable technology, because portable things are more suited to Europe and Japan, where people are more mobile, commute more and use more public transport.

[Lozza]

"Nothing of the sort? Other than graphics and ability to play various media, the DS Lite is better in every possible way. Mostly games and price... The main selling points."

Not even sure what you're trying to say here. Price is going to be more than the original by all accounts (Which is still going to be made, shows you how huge of a improvement the DS2 really is). And your post makes it sound like the DS2 won't have the same graphical and media capabilities as the original, care to explain? And games and price being the selling point? You do realize this plays the same games as the DS1, for a higher price, don't you?

Edit - I reread what you said, and see what you were trying to say now. My fault, but my points I made about the playing the same games at a higher price still stands.

It plays the same games of course, but now that it is MORE ATTRACTIVE and smaller, more people will want it. The old DS is very much an embarrassing thing to carry around. It looks extremely childish, no one can disagree with that fact seriously. The new DS looks very modern and something that would be acceptable to carry around like an i-pod. The upgrades rightly warrent a higher price, but will still be cheaper than the PSP.

The PSP games are poor. The controls are poor. The DS games are miles better, and the controls are unbelievably original and good.



"I think Leo Ames hasn't seen an original DS and a lite next to each other. Trust me, the difference is staggering. "

Nope, I have. Definitely a very nice upgrade to the screens. But the average American consumer would have to be aware of this to have it matter. Most don't even know there is a better GBA out there now...

Sorry guys, but you're not in Japan. Don't expect the redesigned DS to accomplish much more than the original is doing in the US (Which isn't too bad if you think about the success it's having). Happy to see it thanks to the improved brightness of the screens, but it's very much just an incremental upgrade over the original. And expecting this to sway DS/PSP market share is wishful thinking in my opinion.

Plus rumors point to a redesigned PSP as well (I've even heard it may have the capabilities to hook up to a television out of the box without 3rd party modifications, which probably would sway me to buy it if it has a controller port for PS2 pads). So I see the handheld market staying pretty much the way it is for the near future, with any increases the DS and PSP see coming out of a dying GBA market.

I really don't care what American consumers think. They don't know anything, and it wont matter what they think of the upgrades, they will buy what their bratty kids want regardless. The DS Lite will be popular regardless of what you think, too. When people compare the games and prices they will absolutely rather buy the DS.

If the PSP hooked up to a tv that would be cool, but not that big of a deal, certainly not a selling point for anyone, since the point of it is to be HANDHELD. Although, if it had the ability to use a PS2 pad, that would be a major improvement since the PSP controls are so shit. The PSP has just too many flaws for people to honestly favour it over the DS, especially when PSP owners see the DS library, which has many more games that scream to be played.

The rest of the world prefers the DS and the sales prove it, The American market is a different story when it comes to portable technology, because portable things are more suited to Europe and Japan, where people are more mobile, commute more and use more public transport.

[Lozza]

Sorry, I didn't mean to post that more than once.

[Joker T]

I thought the American market liked Grand Theft Auto and Madden.

[Leo_A]

His post isn't even worth replying to anymore.

[dbiersdorf]

@ Lozza - While I agree that DS is an overall better system, gamers like you and I differ from the mainstream. While we look at a systems library, others look at the amount of things it can do, and whether it's the "in" thing. PSP is much more "cool" then the DS, and while I don't think it's really reached a necessary accessory, like the iPod for example, it's certainly struck some form of chord amongst the mainstream, especially when you look at the top selling PSP games vs. the top selling DS games. Animal Crossing and Mario Kart hold on high spots while GTA, Madden, SOCOM and Need for Speed take the top on PSP. I see a very different demographic across those games.

For the record, my cousin bought a PSP for the fact that it can browse the internet. Yes it's pathetic, I even let him try it out on mine, and while I thought it would sway him to realize it sucks, he only wanted it more.

[Lothars]

It plays the same games of course, but now that it is MORE ATTRACTIVE and smaller, more people will want it. The old DS is very much an embarrassing thing to carry around. It looks extremely childish, no one can disagree with that fact seriously. The new DS looks very modern and something that would be acceptable to carry around like an i-pod. The upgrades rightly warrent a higher price, but will still be cheaper than the PSP.

The PSP games are poor. The controls are poor. The DS games are miles better, and the controls are unbelievably original and good.




Well I disagree that more people will want the DS because honestly the regular DS is just fine, yeah it's a little big but still great, the lite will improve that but it really doesn't warrent a higher price, in fact one thing that hurts it imo is the gba port has the game sticking out, otherwise it looks like a great redesign.

Which is saying basically that I am excited for the DS lite.

but to say the PSP is poor, the games are poor and the controls are poor

really leads me to believe that your clueless about the psp and like to think that it sucks.

please get a clue before bashing it.

[Lozza]

Well I disagree that more people will want the DS because honestly the regular DS is just fine, yeah it's a little big but still great, the lite will improve that but it really doesn't warrent a higher price, in fact one thing that hurts it imo is the gba port has the game sticking out, otherwise it looks like a great redesign.

Which is saying basically that I am excited for the DS lite.

but to say the PSP is poor, the games are poor and the controls are poor

really leads me to believe that your clueless about the psp and like to think that it sucks.

please get a clue before bashing it.

What I am saying is that I hate the attitude of the average consumer of electronics in America, because they know nothing. That is why the mobile phones are so out of date in the US it's laughable, and how almost all DVD players are region 1 only, with it being almost impossible to find multi-region anything. Electronics tchnology in the states is quite behind with MANY things, which is why I wont take the word of an average American consumer. America is just behind in the times.

I've played the PSP exstensively, and know that the controls are flawed, as do you, especially in certian games. About the games, the only one I liked out of the 6 or 7 I played was Metal Gear Acid. I just don't get how Sony can sensationalize their product, yet now it's been out a while there are no new games that we have never seen. Where's all the RPG's, fighting games etc.? The only games coming out for the PSP that I would buy were the new MK and a couple Japanese games. But still, nothing we haven't seen before, most are just slightly different versions of other fairly new releases from PS2.

[Leo_A]

"What I am saying is that I hate the attitude of the average consumer of electronics in America, because they know nothing. "

I hate your attitude. :)

[Damion]

"What I am saying is that I hate the attitude of the average consumer of electronics in America, because they know nothing. "

I hate your attitude. :)

I feel the same way. I guess some people need to be insulting. like somehow it makes there point more vaild. Like saying "Oh yeah, well you wear stupid shoes. so your opinion is stupid nyah nyah" very childish :roll:

[NintendoMan]

Now you have to "blow" on the center of the system and get your spit flying onto both screens and maybe even fogging it up for a time.

True, something you have to watch out for.

I am one of the ones waiting for the PSP to get a price drop too, before I buy, no way will I spend $250 on a system when the only game I like hasn't even come out yet, which is Super Ghouls N Ghosts. The system is slick though, but won't be buying one until price drop, which probably won't be this year.

[heybtbm]

What I am saying is that I hate the attitude of the average consumer of electronics in America, because they know nothing.


Thankfully YOU are here to set us all straight. Now please go away.

[dbiersdorf]

For all of you on the fence why not buy used? If you shop around or have connections you could end up getting a much better deal.

Hell, look at me, I stumbled upon a PSP with three games for $110 back in September, now that's a great deal.

[Iron Draggon]

luffy: the psp isnt selling well in the US by any standards.

What are you talking about? NDP reports show that the PSP outsells the DS consitantly every month since it's release over the DS (yet gets crushed by the GBA). Not only that but even with the DS' four month head start in the US (DS launched November, 2004, PSP launched March, 2005) DS only holds a meer 100,000 lead in overall sales.

Currently:

NDS in US - 3,972,665
PSP in US - 3,814,434

NDS in Europe - 3,700,000
PSP in Europe - 2,440,000

The PSP is actually doing the best in the US compared to any other region in contrast to the DS. Nintendogs skyrocketed DS sales in Europe, which explains the lead there. While Japan has a massive 3,000,000+ lead on the PSP simply because they cannot get enough of the DS and it's software (Animal Crossing, Brain Train 1, 2, Mario Kart, Pokemon).

Don't make comments like that when you obviously have no idea about what's going on.

This post makes absolutely no sense at all. If the PSP really is consistently outselling the DS every month since it was released, then why is it that the overall sales show the DS is still in the lead? If the DS only had a four month lead of sales all to itself before the PSP was released, and the PSP really has been consistently outselling the DS every month since it was released, then those first four months of DS sales must've been alot more than a mere 100,000 units for it to still be in the lead after the release of the PSP. So that in itself shows that the DS has still sold more systems overall, and the PSP is still trying to catch up. It may be poised to overtake the DS in sales sometime soon, if the DS can't continue to hold the lead, but until that happens, quit trying to act like the numbers prove that the PSP is a better selling system. It is not. It is still trying to catch up.

[petewhitley]

quit trying to act like the numbers prove that the PSP is a better selling system. It is not. It is still trying to catch up.

I don't want to put words in dbiersdorf's mouth, but I don't think anyone is trying to say that the PSP has sold more systems overall (it clearly hasn't, and was launched significantly later than the DS). These numbers are directly more specifically towards the seemingly majority of DP posters who mistakenly believe that the PSP has been a failure for Sony. Clearly, the PSP has been a tremendous success overshadowed only by the equally impressive success of the DS.

[dbiersdorf]

This post makes absolutely no sense at all. If the PSP really is consistently outselling the DS every month since it was released, then why is it that the overall sales show the DS is still in the lead? If the DS only had a four month lead of sales all to itself before the PSP was released, and the PSP really has been consistently outselling the DS every month since it was released, then those first four months of DS sales must've been alot more than a mere 100,000 units for it to still be in the lead after the release of the PSP. So that in itself shows that the DS has still sold more systems overall, and the PSP is still trying to catch up. It may be poised to overtake the DS in sales sometime soon, if the DS can't continue to hold the lead, but until that happens, quit trying to act like the numbers prove that the PSP is a better selling system. It is not. It is still trying to catch up.

What are you talking about? You make it sound like I said the DS isn't selling at all. The PSP outsells the DS every month, this is true, but only by about 10,000 to 100,000 units each month. It's not as if the DS was selling zero units and the PSP is shattering any sales the DS has - that's not true at all. February NDP numbers were leaked just a week ago, and the PSP beat the DS (like I said it has every month since it was released) but only by a meer 10,000 units. The DS sold roughly one an a half to two million units by the time the PSP was released in America. But since that time both system have been increasingly similar in units sold, with the GBA killing each (such as in December, GBA sold 800,000 units while both DS and PSP were under 300,000).

The DS has retained a lead solely for the fact that it was released four months ahead of the PSP in the US, and slowly but surely the PSP has caught up to it. While the DS still manages about a 100,000 overall lead over the PSP, that gap will more then likely close and the PSP will surpass it if similar trends continue. However the DS does have Tetris DS, Metroid Prime Hunters and New Super Mario Bros. all coming out within the next couple months, so who knows what could happen.

But seriously, read what I post and don't act like I don't know what I'm talking about, numbers prove everything I've stated.


If the DS only had a four month lead of sales all to itself before the PSP was released, and the PSP really has been consistently outselling the DS every month since it was released, then those first four months of DS sales must've been alot more than a mere 100,000 units for it to still be in the lead after the release of the PSP.

I also want to emphasize on this part of your post. Were you even there when the DS launched in the US? It was the absolute must have gadget of holiday 2004. Nintendo had tons of trouble trying to meet demand on the system. You say "only four months", only four months!? Come on that's a shit load of time for the DS to gather sales especially considering two of those months were during the holiday season. Go back and catch up on some statistics before you throw that crap at me.

[DonMarco]

The DS has retained a lead solely for the fact that it was released four months ahead of the PSP in the US, and slowly but surely the PSP has caught up to it. While the DS still manages about a 100,000 overall lead over the PSP, that gap will more then likely close and the PSP will surpass it if similar trends continue.
Man, I can't wait to hear this excuse for the PS3-Everything else wars. The PSP and DS launch dates aren't important. If they were, you would have chosen the gap between the European DS and PSP launches. March 2005 and April 2005. OH WAIT. The Europe PSP launch was delayed to September 2005. (http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/6449.cfm) How totally shocking it is, that delay. Wow. Oh em gee.

The PSP isn't selling less because it was launched later. You could've said that a few months after the systems launched, sure. But, hell, both the DS and PSP have been out for a good long while. No matter where you go or what store you walk in to there are both systems on the shelf. There's no shortages. It's a totally open market. Right now, there are more DS's sold because it's either more appealing, cheaper or has a better game selection. On top of that, it's made by Nintendo.

[petewhitley]

The PSP and DS launch dates aren't important ...

That's absurd. With both systems selling as fast as they are, a difference in launch dates of several months is the difference between 1st and 2nd in sales. All you have to do is look at the actual sales data to see that this is the case. It continues to amaze me that this community refuses to look at the facts when it comes to these two handhelds.

[Trebuken]

March 22nd the PSP goes to $199. Seems like it will not include a memory card, though it is unclear.

Used ones for $150?

When's the new model going to be announced E3?

Time to get a second. One for emus...

Later,
Trebuken

[DonMarco]

The PSP and DS launch dates aren't important ...
That's absurd. With both systems selling as fast as they are, a difference in launch dates of several months is the difference between 1st and 2nd in sales. All you have to do is look at the actual sales data to see that this is the case. It continues to amaze me that this community refuses to look at the facts when it comes to these two handhelds.
In Japan, the DS (Dececmber 2nd) is launched ten days before the PSP (December 12, 2004).
In the US, the DS (November 21, 2004) is launched four months before the DS (March 24, 2005) .
In Europe the DS (March 11, 2005) is launched five months and three weeks before the PSP (Sepember 1, 2005).
In Australian, the DS (Feb 24, 2005) is launched before six months and a week before the PSP (September 1, 2005).

Aside from the freaky fact that the DS was sold in the US before Japan, it's clear that the DS has been launched everywhere before the PSP. Also, in each of the territories the DS is out-selling the PSP. If you want to still stick by your guns and say that the reason the DS is out-selling the PSP is because it was more available 10 days to 190 days before the PSP, so be it.

Did you ever think that now people are buying less DS systems because they are holding out for the redesign launch which could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months away?

[MegaDrive20XX]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6145973.html

TOKYO--Less than 24 hours after Sony informed the public of its existence, the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing kicked off in a hall in Tokyo. With little fanfare, Sony Computer President Ken Kutaragi took the stage to lay out his vision for the future of the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PSP.

After reminding the crowd that the PlayStation 2 has sold over 100 million units, Kutaragi quickly turned the subject to the PSP. He said that, beginning in October the portable would support video voice over IP via the new PSP-300 silver digital camera add-on, which will attach to the top of the PSP unit. Kutaragi showed a slide that the camera would be branded as an EyeToy, and would support a video chat via a format he called "motion jpeg." No price was mentioned.

[UPDATE2] The SCE president also announced another new peripheral, the PSP-290 GPS receiver. According to a slide shown at the event, the PSP-290 will also attach to the top of the device and be silver in color. It will also be available in October, though no price was mentioned.

In addition, Kutaragi announced that Sony is developing an emulator that will allow PSPs to play original PlayStation games. He said the PSone games would be digitally distributed to PSPs, adding ammo to rumors that Sony is planning to distribute classic games much like Microsoft already does with the Xbox 360 and Nintendo will with the Revolution.

Since the PSP's built-in memory is limited, the digital-distribution announcement also seems to lend credence that a second PSP with built-in flash memory is in the works, though Kutaragi did not confirm so explicitly.

Kutaragi concretely confirmed another rumor--that the PSP would play games made with version 6 of Macromedia Flash. He also said the handheld would support RSS feeds later this year.

The executive then went on to officially confirm the delay of the PS3 and announce new features for the platform.

[UPDATE] At the same time across the Pacific, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that it is dropping the US price of the PSP. Starting March 22, gamers will be able to pick up the portable for just $199, versus the $249 Value Pack currently available. But while the Value Pack contains a 32MB Memory Stick Duo, soft case, remote control, and headphones, the only peripherals mentioned as being in the $199 PSP package are an "AC adaptor and battery," which are also included in the Value Pack.

Europe and Canada will also see the PSP's price drop to 199 Euros ($239) and CDN$229 ($198), respectively.

Sony used the new price point announcement to proclaim that since the PSP's launch last March, it has shipped 15 million units worldwide. It boasted that, so far, the handheld has brought "in more than $1.6 billion as of calendar year 2005, more than both Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS combined."

The company also said that by month's end there will be "more than 107 games and more than 347 feature films, TV programs and videos from major studios" available for the PSP in North America.

[MegaDrive20XX]

March 22nd the PSP goes to $199. Seems like it will not include a memory card, though it is unclear.

Used ones for $150?

When's the new model going to be announced E3?

Time to get a second. One for emus...

Later,
Trebuken

yup, you're right. No memory card

[dbiersdorf]

In Japan, the DS (Dececmber 2nd) is launched ten days before the PSP (December 12, 2004).
In the US, the DS (November 21, 2004) is launched four months before the DS (March 24, 2005) .
In Europe the DS (March 11, 2005) is launched five months and three weeks before the PSP (Sepember 1, 2005).
In Australian, the DS (Feb 24, 2005) is launched before six months and a week before the PSP (September 1, 2005).

Aside from the freaky fact that the DS was sold in the US before Japan, it's clear that the DS has been launched everywhere before the PSP. Also, in each of the territories the DS is out-selling the PSP. If you want to still stick by your guns and say that the reason the DS is out-selling the PSP is because it was more available 10 days to 190 days before the PSP, so be it.

Did you ever think that now people are buying less DS systems because they are holding out for the redesign launch which could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months away?

Your logic actually makes my brain hurt.

Do you not understand that we are not saying the DS is not popular, it's clearly the system of choice in Japan and Europe, but what I am saying is that in the US that is not the case. Considering both systems since March of 2005, the PSP has beaten the DS in monthly sales even up until now. Going by that data had they both been launched at the same time (November 21, 2004) then obviously the PSP would be outselling the DS. However it's total sales have not broke the DS' simply because the DS had four months to gather sales without competition. Because of this close to two million unit head start, PSP had a lot of catching up to do, and it did it, by consitantly outselling the DS, now remember it wasn't a huge margain every month, just like I've said last month the PSP beat the DS by a measly 10,000 units.

Come on now.

[petewhitley]

Did you ever think that now people are buying less DS systems because they are holding out for the redesign launch which could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months away?

I doubt that has any real significance amongst the genral population of gamers, most of whom have no idea the DS Lite even exists. DP board members, with their obsessive-compulsive habits of checking Kotaku every 2hrs, do not represent the average gamer.

And dbiersdorf said it best here:


Your logic actually makes my brain hurt.

You're looking at just about everything but the sales data, which is of course the whole argument.

[Leo_A]

Don't waste your time, he clearly prefers the DS and doesn't want to examine facts.

[DonMarco]

Did you ever think that now people are buying less DS systems because they are holding out for the redesign launch which could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months away?

I doubt that has any real significance amongst the genral population of gamers, most of whom have no idea the DS Lite even exists. DP board members, with their obsessive-compulsive habits of checking Kotaku every 2hrs, do not represent the average gamer.
There are also the Mario Karts, Nintendogs, Pokemon and other color variants. They sell a bit more to the hardcore DS fans or collectors that want all the colors. I'm sure there will be more than a few white PSPs sold whenever they come out.


Don't waste your time, he clearly prefers the DS and doesn't want to examine facts.
Not in the slightest. I don't own or currently plan on buying DS or a PSP. Taking a Anti-PSP stance doesn't mean I "prefer" the DS. Seriously, what the hell? Both systems suck in my pitiful and clouded eyes, obviously blinded by the brilliantly awesome funtabulousness of the GP2X I own and love.

YES LOVE.