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Sony's Koller says Nintendo 3DS is a 'bit of a stretch,' no plans for 3D PSP
Sony has never been one to mince words when it comes to Nintendo, and it looks like the company's newly announced Nintendo 3DS is no exception. Speaking with IGN, SCEA Director of Hardware and Marketing John Koller confirmed that Sony's "focus on 3D right now is on the console," and added that "the amount of interest in 3D from the retail side and game publishers is off the charts." No surprise there, but things get a bit more interesting when Koller is asked about the 3DS, with him saying that while he thinks "it's an interesting move", he'd "like to see where they go from a demographic standpoint," adding that "8 and 9 year-olds playing 3D is a little bit of a stretch given where some of our research is right now." Of course, Nintendo usually gives as good as it gets, and it should have plenty to say when the 3DS makes it debut at E3 later this year.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unites with PSP Go in Japan
After almost six months, we're going to see sales for the PSP Go pick up in Japan starting tomorrow. How can we be so sure? Today, Sony announced that not only is the PSP hit Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (called Monster Hunter Freedom Unite here) being released as a download on March 18 -- a voucher for the title will also be given away with new PSP Gos. The downloadable game by itself will cost ¥1,600 ($17.69) from the PlayStation Store. Even though over three million people already have this on UMD -- and even though Monster Hunter Portable 3 was just announced for PSP -- we still anticipate a lot of sales for this. People in Japan are just that thrilled about Monster Hunter. [Via Andriasang]
Rumor: Sony developing PSP phone to challenge iPhone
In terms of sales, Sony's PSP has been getting trounced by the various incarnations of Nintendo's DS since day one. Despite the PSP's better graphics and flexibility as a mobile media platform, the DS has grabbed hold of the handheld gaming market and shows no sign of letting go. Since the introduction of the App Store in 2008, a new mobile gaming juggernaut has emerged, seemingly out of nowhere -- the iPhone/iPod touch. With the forthcoming launch of the iPad, whose larger screen and more powerful CPU could make it a gaming powerhouse, it means there are now three very big players in the mobile gaming market... and Sony is in an untenable position already. Sony is hoping to change that. According to a leak to the Wall Street Journal, Sony is hard at work developing a range of handheld products designed to compete directly with Apple's mobile platform. One, a smartphone built in tandem with Sony Ericsson, would be a PSP phone designed to compete with the iPhone and iPod touch; the other, a hybridization of a PSP, e-reader, and netbook, would be Sony's answer to the iPad. Both devices would have a dedicated online store available to them, but the store itself isn't scheduled for deployment until later this year at the earliest. I'm going to give Sony some free advice: if you want to have any hope of even competing with Apple's mobile platforms, to say nothing of surpassing them in sales, then gather up the marketing and engineering teams that developed the PSP Go, march them into an auditorium, and fire them all. The PSP Go has been savaged in reviews for its high price point, limited functionality compared to the older full-sized PSP, and download-only gaming catalogue. All these factors have combined to make the PSP Go a failure in the marketplace, and deservedly so. Granted, the games catalogue for Apple's mobiles is also download-only, making traditional gaming conventions like buying and selling used games just as impossible as it is on the PSP Go. But there are three ways Apple's App Store buries Sony's online store under a pile of cat litter: the number of games available is staggeringly higher, the average price of games is far lower, and the App Store is much easier to navigate. To its credit, Sony not only knows the PSP Go is a failure, but more importantly, the company also appears to know why. If Sony can learn from that failure and apply those lessons to the forthcoming handheld challengers, it might be in a position to regain some of the ground that's been lost in the mobile gaming marketplace. [Via electronista]
Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed
The "choice" between a free digital copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines that new PSP Go owners will receive as part of an ongoing promotion is based on their ages. That's the key detail Joystiq confirmed after following up with Sony, which said, "The game sent to consumers is determined by age, once the user creates/logs into their PlayStation Network account." (Check out Sony's full statement after the break.) This means that if your PSN account indicates you as age 17 or older, you'll receive Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- whether you like it or not. Similarly, minors will be automatically booked for a trip to LittleBigPlanet. We'd say that consumers should cry foul for being robbed of a true choice, but new owners of the UMD-less PSP should probably get used to that feeling anyway. [Thanks to Talton W and everyone else!]
Sony exec says PSP Go 'confused' consumers, might have been too expensive
Well, we've already heard some rumors that Sony was considering a relaunch of sorts for the PSP Go, and it looks like at least some execs from the company are now starting to speak publicly about why such a move might be necessary. In an interview with IndustryGamers, SCEA Senior Vice President of Publisher Relations Rob Dyer admitted that the PSP Go did "confuse" customers, and that the "higher price point didn't help matters any either" -- not exactly the sort of thing you hear Sony say every day. Does that mean we'll be seeing updated hardware or a lower price anytime soon? Dyer unsurprisingly wouldn't say when pressed, adding only that Sony is "going back and re-communicating" with consumers.
Make Philadelphia in LittleBigPlanet, win a PSP Go
Geekadelphia, arguably the best Philadelphia-centric tech and entertainment blog around, is hosting a pretty clever contest. The site is giving away a PSP Go and a $50 PSN card to the amateur engineer who can create the best representation of the City of Brotherly Love in LittleBigPlanet. Geekadelphia is accepting entries (limit one per person) until March 10 -- three days later, the site will reveal the winner at a chiptunes dance party at Philly's Studio 34. Check out Geek's announcement for more information about the contest. Get a move on, though -- we've already started crafting our auto-play music level of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air intro.
Sony teases 'very robust' 2010 for PSP, which still struggles with piracy
After completing 2009 with redesigned hardware and several high-profile games (including Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge and LittleBigPlanet), the PSP platform is looking for another strong lineup to carry it until the end of another year. Sony's senior vice president of publisher relations, Rob Dyer, told Industry Gamers that third parties will provide a "very robust lineup" in 2010 -- albeit one that has to face a very old problem. "I think we had a great lineup last year. The biggest problem that plagued PSP was piracy; we have not been able to slow that down," Dyer said. "We think we have some answers going forward, but we're not ready to talk about that publicly at this point. So we're working on fixing that, because that's been a big problem. Publishers, when they put out good games, are not getting the same sales results that they got a few years back. So piracy's been a big issue and we're working on that very diligently to bring about some solutions." Some solutions include the PSP Go, which focuses on digitally acquired games (through the PlayStation Store, of course!) and -- as recently demonstrated by third-person shooter SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 -- a form of potentially consumer-unfriendly online activation. And while Sony appears pleased with the platform's longevity, six years is a long time to still be tinkering with anti-piracy experiments. "We're into the sixth year now on the platform, and that's a long time for a handheld," Dyer noted. "I think given where we're at right now, we're doing very, very well. But yes, the business has had problems and I think it all stems, candidly, from the piracy."
New PSP Go owners to receive a free copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed
This should make the PSP Go's price tag a bit easier to swallow. From now until March 21, new North American PSP Go owners that add a PlayStation Network to their systems will be eligible to receive a free game from the PlayStation Store: either Assassin's Creed Bloodlines or LittleBigPlanet PSP. After the registration process, SCEA will e-mail a special code that enables the free download. The promotion is similar to one launched by Sony Europe a few months ago. Unsurprisingly, early adopters are feeling left in the cold. DevilDawg90 commented on the PlayStation.Blog: "This is unfair to people like me who picked up the PSPGo day one. I had to pay 40 for LBP PSP! I have been supporting Sony and this is just a slap in face." Unfortunately DevilDawg, that's generally how technology works; it gets cheaper over time. In fact, the PSP Go is approaching affordable when considering the $50 discount Amazon.com is offering on it. At $200 with a free game, it's almost -- dare we say it? -- a good deal.
Sony tries out new anti-piracy measure with PSP game, hits used game market hard in the process
Sony's already taken a pretty big shot at the used game market with the download-only PSP Go, and it looks like it might now be going some way towards taking physical media out of the equation as well. In what's described as a "trial run," Sony has added a new authentication measure to SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 for the PSP that will require gamers to first register their game on PSN before they play online. Once that's done, you won't be able to use the UMD on another PSN account, and anyone buying a used copy of the game will have to shell out $20 for an additional voucher to play online. According to Sony, that's being done primarily to combat piracy, but there's no getting around the fact that it also makes used copies of the game a whole lot less attractive to potential buyers. No word on any future games that will employ similar measures, though we wouldn't count on Sony giving up on this one too quickly.
Create a LittleBigPlanet contraption, win a PSP Go
Want to flex your LittleBigPlanet creative muscle? Want to a win a prize doing so? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is giving away a PSP Go system to one ingenious inventor that is able to create a specific "contraption": a vehicle that can operate on both land and water. To enter, log onto LittleBigPlanet (PS3 only) and find the level "CC10 - Template." Copy the level to your Moon, and create a contraption within it. Once you're done, publish your creation with the prefix CC10 in the level title. One winner be selected to win a PSP Go. You'll have to hurry, though: The competition ends on February 28th. Good luck!
Go save $40 on the PSP Go at Amazon.com
PSP Go has entered the "almost worth it" zone. While we're enamored with the system's smaller design, it's hard to ignore that it plays far less games than the PSP-3000 and costs much more. Thankfully, online retailer amazon.com has discounted the white handheld to $209.99 -- $40 off the standard MSRP. At this price, the PSP Go costs approximately the same as a PSP-3000 and a 16GB Memory Stick. Considering Amazon's hefty cut, we wonder: will Sony announce an official price drop of the PSP Go some time soon? [Thanks Goldenchild!]
PSP Go 'relaunch' in the works?
There's not much to go on here, but according to alleged sources of Gamervision, Sony's planning a relaunch of sorts for the PSP Go. The oft-maligned portable hasn't exactly taken the world by storm -- and with its lack of an UMD drive, despite the company's continued support of the format, that arguably wasn't the point of its existence, anyway. An apparent marketing blitz is in the cards (unsurprising), and additionally there's speculation that a price drop might be coming, too. That seems a bit early given it only launched back in October, but if the company's really wanting to get aggressive and pushing units of its admittedly pretty hardware, that's a pretty good way to do so. Then again, its hands might be full adding some vigor to its other gaming machine.
Rumor: PSP Go relaunch in the works
We weren't absolutely smitten with the PSP Go when it launched last October, but according to Gamervision, Sony may be hoping for a second chance at a first impression. Citing unnamed sources, Gamervision suggests that a relaunch of the handheld is "imminent" and speculates that it will include a price drop. A price drop is definitely the place to start over (if the rumor is accurate), and some Kevin Butler spots would certainly help too. As for a new campaign slogan? We say stick with what's worked for the PS3: "It Only Does Everything*." *Y'know, the PSP-3000.
PSP Go stop-motion disassembly is entrancing
The stop motion PSP Go disassembly video after the break from TechRestore is that rare item that works on three different levels. If you're a fan, it's interesting to see how the system's all put together. If you're us, you get a grim satisfaction seeing one torn apart. If you're among the people who smoke, or people who drink, it looks like the system's taking itself apart, which should keep you busy for a few hours. Also, all stop-motion disassemblies should be set to this music in the future. That is all.
PSP Go disassembled in awesome stop motion video
Oh sure, we've seen Sony's UMD-hatin' PSP Go splayed before, but never like this. Call us crazy, but we're calling stop motion video the future of unboxings and tear downs. Seriously -- this is one wild two minute ride that you simply have to take. Peek the video after the break, won't you?
Korean Air subsidiary renting out PSP Go consoles for in-flight gaming
Korean Air subsidiary Jin Air has a new trick up its sleeve for entertaining passengers going to and fro South Korea. The airline is now offering a 16GB PSP Go to rent for in-flight gaming. No clue what games are on the device, but it's probably the best 4,000 won (about $3.50) you can spend -- assuming, that is, there's more than a sudoku app.
Rent a PSP Go on your next South Korean flight
If you're planning on taking a flight into (or out of) South Korea and are hard-pressed for something to do during the flight, Jin Air, a subsidiary of Korean Air, is offering patrons the option to rent a 16GB PSP Go for a reasonable 4,000 won ($3.50), Siliconera reports. It apparently comes pre-loaded with games, none of which are specifically mentioned in the press release. That's a good way to get somebody to pay for something! Anyway, we're just glad somebody's supporting the PSP Go, because it's not like Sony is. [Thanks, John]
Pachter: More console price cuts coming by summer
In his latest advisory note to investors, Wedbush Morgan prognosticator and analyst Michael Pachter goes on record with his belief that we'll see "another price cut for both systems some time this year (around summer)," noting in the email that "because its manufacturing costs are lower, Microsoft has the ability to lower price as early as March or April." In lieu of a price cut on Microsoft's part so soon, Pachter feels that the company may instead introduce "a more feature-packed Xbox 360 in early 2010 (likely with a 250GB hard drive) at the same $299 price point." The great seer believes that Microsoft will only drop the price on its console before summer "if it begins to lose significant market share to Sony," adding that he anticipates last fall's price cut on PS3 will continue to help Sony gain ground on Microsoft. On the portable front, Pachter doesn't expect PSP Go (remember that?) to make much headway this year unless Sony prices it "more reasonably," and says that the biggest challenge facing Nintendo DS is "its own high installed base," stating that he anticipates sales of the handheld to steadily decline in 2010. Good thing Nintendo's started talking about a "DS2," huh?
Sony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays
On the heels of its CES 2010 keynote speech, Sony released a chest-pounding press release declaring worldwide sales "exceeding 3.8 million" of the PlayStation 3 during the 2009 holiday season. According to the company, "during the five weeks following the last week of November 2009" (ending on January 3, 2010), the console sold more than during any previous holiday season -- a 76 percent increase over last year's numbers. Alas, the PSP and the PSP Go were neglected a mention in the presser, though Sony did reiterate the 38 million PSN user number we'd heard a bit earlier. We'll have a clearer picture of what exactly the sales shook out to for North America when the latest NPD numbers arrive next week.
Datel claims new Action Replay works on PSP Go, we hope cautiously
Now this is interesting. Datel, which is well known for enabling all sorts of hacks on varying consoles, seems to have just introduced a refreshed version of its Action Replay PSP. What's new, you ask? Why, PSP Go support, of course! In the item description, we're told that those using this on Sony's UMD-less portable console will have to install it directly on the inbuilt memory, but one of two things has to happen (in theory, anyway) for that claim to be true. The first is that Datel is now an official Sony partner, which is about as likely as you getting a Foleo for Christmas. The other is that Datel found a way to run unencrypted code on the PSP Go, and if that's the case, we've got an idea that the homebrew junkies in the crowd will be all over this in search of further exploits. Hop on past the break for a promo video, and if you're down with shelling out funds for something that may or may not work as advertised, it's all yours for $24.99. [Thanks, Bill]
