It’s hard to think along the same lines of a casual gamer when we’re surrounded by news, reviews, previews, features and blogs not too different from this one on the internet. After all, their reactions to certain things can be very different to ours and it’s often easy to dismiss their views and instead head to a trusted source – a hardcore gamer, if you will. Sometimes, however, we should listen to what they think very clearly; after all, it’s mostly them that make up the all-important sales.
[drop2]Just look at the Wii, it’s not the most powerful console, it has lots of games that lean towards a casual market (and a good core line-up too, but that’s beside the point) and it threw traditional control schemes out of the window for a more active experience with the Wiimote. We all know what happened next of course; it sold exceptionally well, partly due to the games and controls, though mostly due to the approach for the main market with a comfortable price, rather than a focus on core games with a high price tag.The DS, too, managed this. It’s a fun console with a large variety of games, again opting for a different control scheme in the form of the touch screen, rather than a top-end system that alienates the casual market.
Now, this is where the PSP comes in. Sony’s approach for the PSP is neither here nor there, it never really picked up the momentum it needed with big gaming fans due to the lack of key titles – something Sony have corrected with the Vita by the looks of things – and it didn’t appeal as much as Nintendo’s handheld to everyone else.
At first, it was hard to see why Sony announced a new PSP at the eleventh hour; met with both laughter and confusion from everyone watching Gamescom. Even our news story’s title has a hint of sarcasm in there, “all new” indeed.
Now though? I’ve been thinking about it, and realised it’s actually one of Sony’s best ideas in a while. In fact, I’ve been speaking about it with my younger sister and she managed to boil it all down to something so simple, saying it is at “such a good price”. And that’s when it hit me: I’ve been blinded by all this talk of new games, operating systems and RAM specifications for the new Vita, not opening my eyes to see that the old PSP at 99€ is a superb strategy.
It just takes one passing comment from someone who isn’t looking at screenshots and watching videos of games months before release and suddenly I’m looking at things differently. Children, teenagers even, that haven’t had a PSP before could get one of these at Christmas and be very happy with their new system, for a budget price. In fact, it’s not just the casual market that will be buying this “new” PSP – many people that haven’t had a chance to pick up some of the great PSP games that they are aware of will take the plunge, I’m sure.
[drop]Having a low-spec console alongside your new high-end system looks to be the way forward for gaming: it’s happening right now, in fact, as it has in the past – the lines between this generation and the next are blurring, with a system on the market at the same time as its predecessor becoming the norm. Sony still pushed the PS2 well into the PS3’s reign, Nintendo are still selling the DS alongside the 3DS and it looks like this is how it’s going to stay; Sony will still be selling their first portable console whilst their second – PlayStation Vita – is out. It’s just a matter of how they do it, they need to balance the advertising well with clearly defined differences, making sure not to undersell either product, and everyone will be happy.If they don’t do that? Well, we’ve seen that happen with Nintendo’s latest release; too many people didn’t realise the 3DS is much more than a DS with a 3D slider. The new advertising combats this, showing the improved graphics and stating bluntly “this is not a DS”, setting a great example for Sony to follow. Microsoft look to be adopting this two console strategy too, with news that there might be an overlap with the new Xbox and the current generation – Peter even speculated that this could happen, with the new console perhaps catering for the hardcore audience and Kinect being “perfectly poised to pitch the Xbox 360 at a younger, more casual audience” .
Yes, the PSP E-1000 might be going back to basics with the lack of WiFi and on-board storage, but that means low production costs for Sony, which leads to the low price and, in theory, massive sales as the console’s final hurrah. Whilst we won’t appreciate it once we get our hands on the shiny new Vita, those that will most certainly never read this article will… and I’m sure Sony will too.
Image Source: Kotaku
fattyuk
I am so glad someone has wrote this article!
As it sums it up in 1 as who the product is aimed for. Some people I think had it there mind that the new PSP was ment to be an upgrade for previous PSP owners, but it’s not. It’s aiming at w new Market!
moshi
You may have just convinced me to purchase one now Blair, been looking for a excuse to play all those ever mounting Minis you get free with PS+
rSp8
I think the new PSP is a great idea, and not just for casual gamers. I have loads of minis and PSOne classics on my PS3 HDD and, if I can pick one up for the right price (I’m sure it’ll be available for cheaper than the RRP), am considering getting one just for those. Pick up the odd UMD game that has some sort of cross platform feature with PS3 (Gran Turismo) and you’re onto a winner.
colmshan1990
A big thing is the price of games too- FIFA 12, Eyepet Adventures and Invizimals: The Lost Tribe are going to be €10, according to the blog post, ( http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/08/16/new-psp-announced-at-gamescom-2011/ ) which may be the biggest boost for the PSP ever.
FIFA 12 for €10? If I didn’t already have a PSP, I’d buy it with top new games for that price. That’s near iOS price, but with a playstation controlled feel.
“Value for money is the goal with this new model that will retail at just €99.99 (RRP), accompanied by an exciting range of PSP Essentials titles that will retail at only €9.99 (RRP) and will include Invizimals: The Lost Tribe, EyePet Adventures, FIFA 12 and many more.”
fattyuk
Can’t go wrong for these sort of prices!
cc_star
The PSP & its services & games have often been sold on the back of connectivity, removing that connectivity seems odd, also the lack of touch screen meansit will never be home to the type of games that made the DS a success & iOS’ meteoric rise. And the lack of 2nd analogue nubbin means core games are difficult. In short the PSP is for nobody other than some Sony fans. The only thing it has got goung for it is price, whether thats enough remains to be seen, but i doubt it.
tom_lord
“2nd analogue nubbin means core games are difficult”….it’s not aimed at the core, it’s market is very different, that’s the point of this article and the device itself.
“been sold on the back of connectivity” – exactly, they have been, but now this is a shift in strategy, where the consumer (who will get the new eyepet & invizimals games) won’t care about WiFi (…well, that’s the plan anyway)
Although, you’re point about the touch-screen (or lack of) may stand to be correct.
cc_star
Fully aware of the point of the device & the point of the article, its just at odds of the past 6-7 years of brand positioning & marketing and you just don’t overcome that at the flick of a switch, it will take a massively expensive marketing campaign, probably more so than has been spent on the PSP throughout it’s whole life to date, because casual users don’t always keep up to date with developments like this and there is absolutely nothing in it for Sony to market in this way, and lets face it they’re piss poor at marketing outside of the US anyway.
Once this October’s releases are out the way there won’t be games of the type you’ve mentioned released for PSP
Casual games like Angry Birds or Nintendogs, Brain Training & Wii Fit become popular because they create an enormous word of mouth buzz, games released a couple years ago & form part of a back catalogue are never going to create buzz, so its almost impossible to see how they can create enough of a traction to shift a system, even a cheap one.
We know the value of the PSP & therefore we know the cheaper price is good value for a portable console, however it could be viewed as expensive for a doorstop if the games & marketing dry up, as they inevitably will & even if they don’t legacy systems don’t create the buzz needed for mainstream breakthroughs
Kevling
It’s ok marketing Invizimals and Eye Pet, but they both need the camera add-on, which (unless I’ve missed something) the E1000 doesn’t have either…
tom_lord
@Kevling….the games come bundled with that camera
tom_lord
@cc_star It’s hard to say what their marketing campaign will include or how long it will last for until it starts……doubtless, when it does (if they do it correctly) we will not see any messages at all, because you and I are not the target market. I personally do not watch children’s TV, nor do I read child’s magazines/comics. In principle I think the idea is solid, lets us not forget games are only £9.99 whereas DS games are more and the % of children under 10 who own smartphones (while growing) is tiny. This is also cheaper than an iPod Touch and younger people who do not have a debit/credit card (and therefore an iTunes account) can buy games from retail stores.
Admittedly, the future of PSP games looks bleak, but that’s one heck of a cheap back-catalogue and if systems are being sold it will encourage development. The last 6-7 years of promotion will never have been seen by 8/9/10 years olds….
nemesisND1derboy
In all honesty, you’re totally missing the point. This is aimed at the people who won’t use wi-fi connectivity. If a hardcore gamer wants a PSP, they go for the 3000 which is still available. If a parent wants to buy their kids a cheep handheld with quality new games at an even cheaper price, this is perfect. No 6 year old is going to be using wi-fi on his/her PSP.
fattyuk
Nemesis trust me it won’t filter through to some people even after this article that summed everything up in 1!
Does anyone know any kids say under the age of 8/9 that even know what wi fi means lol
moshi
I would say yes , they are pretty clued up these days.
nemesisND1derboy
But would responsible parents really allow it? I wouldn’t allow my 6,7,8 year old kid use the internet unsupervised.
DeathByNumbers
If I remember correctly the wifi chip was used for ad-hoc gaming so 2 kids from the same house won’t be able to play little big planet/Wipeout together but if they buy a DS they can play Mario kart etc.
DeathByNumbers
The only problem I have with it is the lack of wifi, everything has wifi these days. How much would it have increased productions costs by? $4? and that would have allowed anyone buying one to access the PSN store and make purchases without the need for a PS3 or mediago. I’m certain it would have been more worthwhile to include it. As for on-board storage, I don’t think that will make one bit of difference.
Crocadillian
Good article, I think this is a good idea for other markets, and will make the console and it’s awesome game library accessible.
teflon
Shame that I find the touch bar to be utterly repellant in design terms, but yes, I agree with what it’s trying to do, and think it makes sense.
freezebug2
Totally agree, the times I used the volume buttons on my old Phat PSP and started waiving it around near my lughole checking for any sound increase….thinking that the buttons must be knackered or not sure if my pink sausage digits had indeed made proper contact! :P
freezebug2
As far as this new PSP goes though, I think that it’s outstandingly great value, and I reckon it’ll be a huge success. I would definately have bought one if I didn’t already have a Phatty or thought that previous version were out of my price range ;)
Voganlight
I think it’s a good idea from Sony as long as they make clear to the same audience that the Vita is something entirely different and something they want. That’s a big issue with the 3DS – Between the cartoons my little sister watches you have commercials for DS games, not 3DS.
Sony did a rather poor job with this with the PS3 in my opinion. I wasn’t a “gamer” back when the PS3 launched and didn’t know about it till early 2008 when the PS2 games suddenly started disappearing from the shelves.
deadwelsh
A pointless exercise IMO, instead of wasting money on this concentrate of ensuring the PS3 and Vita get as much exposure as possible.
Portable gaming without WiFi – LMAO
fattyuk
You’ve completely missed the point of and hence what this article is about mate :o|
deadwelsh
Why? I see what they are trying to do with this and all i said is that its ‘a pointless exercise IMO’ – I cant think of a single person i know who would buy into this.
The only way i can see this going is damaging Sony’s rep even further by chucking out junk that will be obsolete in 6 months or less.
The article states at the end “that means low production costs for Sony, which leads to the low price and, in theory, massive sales as the console’s final hurrah” so no guarantees, and besides this is a dinosaur compared to other portable gaming devices, and now it will be a handicapped dinosaur.
Sony should have binned the PSP after the disaster that was PSP-GO
fattyuk
Again you’ve still missed the point,
There is a Market for this product. Sony aren’t going hyper and spending mega money on this product or taking any funds from any of there other consoles.
If it’s not for you, then obviously you’re not the Market it is aimed at. Same as I me I already own a PSP and have no need for this, my young nephews will be interested in this product as it’s a cheap portable gaming device and with cheap games available these days it will do well!
deadwelsh
Also just did a quick google, plenty of better specced PSP’s out there for near enough £100 or less already, so how much will they be when this does launch?
fattyuk
Haven’t got a clue mate I don’t run or work for a games console retailer.
colmshan1990
You googled, and found that people are selling more expensively RRP PSPs for under €99?
So what do you think will happen when they get hold of this?
It’ll be sold even cheaper, surely?
fattyuk
BTW deadwelsh just had a ganders myself and the PSPgo and PSP slim and lite are roughly around on average £130 everywhere new.
So these will probalay stay at these prices, while the budget version stays at a budget price,
deadwelsh
My point is, even though Sony are clearly aiming for some kind of market, i dont think this will make any kind of waves in terms of sales numbers, and just brings in another version of the ill fated, and already confusing (especially to new comers) line up of PSP’s.
I am not going to argue the toss on here all day, we will wait and see, but i cannot imagine for 1 moment that nintendo & apple are remotely phased by this news, in fact i would put money on them pissing themselves with laughter at another ludicrous scheme from Sony.
fattyuk
Yes nintendo and apple will be laughing at Sony? When nintendo are rehashing 1 last model of the wii, the 3DS has been a flop and apple don’t make purpose portable gaming devices.
Oh yeah and Sony releasing the VITA.
fattyuk
Won’t keep going on but you said bout ludicrous schemes….. I’m sure apple don’t know much about that with new models of Every single one of there products every 3-6 months!
deadwelsh
just checked vgchartz, they have the following info for last week worldwide sales
3DS – 314,309
DS – 113,937
PSP – 98,040
Hardware totals for worldwide
DS Family 147.9m
PSP Family 69.2m
Seems to me that Sony failed, Nintendo won, and i cant see 70m+ new people all wanting a single player only hand held console when there are better alternatives out there.
fattyuk
This ain’t going no where mate, Sony “lost” what do you mean? When the DS is the second best selling video game console overall, behind the PlayStation 2.
Who what’s a single only player console….Kids
I think you’ve taken this new budget console way out of context. This isn’t the next big release handheld…… That’s the vita, you might wanna read up on that 1, oh and that does have wi fi ;o)
colmshan1990
I never understood the debates over which console ‘won.’
If a business makes a profit, it has won, regardless of whether the other business made a bigger profit or not.
70 million consoles, plus games and accessories? Oh yes, Sony won.
Nintendo had an even bigger win with the DS.
And fattyuk, please take off the fanboy hat. The 3DS isn’t a flop, no more than the PS3 is.
It hasn’t been out a year yet. If you call it a flop, than the PS3 is a flop, no matter what happened after the first few months, because, well, it flopped by your logic.
fattyuk
You are correct I didn’t mean the 3DS was a flop, not in a nasty way, I think I kinda got abit confused about what the conversation was about as it started going down 1 road and then kept veering of into side roads lol if that make any sense!
nemesisND1derboy
Seriously, in what universe is 69.2 million unit sales a failure? That’s a ludicrous statement.
moshi
I love a good mass debate .
bunimomike
Ignoring Fatty’s slip-up with the “3DS being a flop” I’m with him. You’ve really missed the point, DW. It’s all about Sony leveraging this cheaper console into the mainstream. Into the homes of people who simply don’t check sites like TSA (fools, that they are). Impulse purchases under £100 are incredibly easy to do and it’s still a recognisable brand. Also, keep in mind that this much like Ford having a Focus with a variety of options and engine types. The new budget model is stripped back but allows people who wouldn’t have normally though about buying it to suddenly rethink their mobile gaming investment. Keeping them in the brand is hugely important as we all show.
Enjoyed that budget PSP? How about a Vita in a couple of years time? Lovely. What about a PS3 instead of a 360? Awesome! The brand loyalty and trust starts with your first acquisition.
colmshan1990
Exactly Mike, that’s the nail on head well hit.