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PSP Go? 249.99!!!!

VGChampion said:
Uhh...lets see. It's going to seem like a whole new device to them? GAF is the MINORITY here. Most people aren't going to care. I can tell you one thing. My Aunt doesn't like changing disc's in and out. She play's what ever is on a system. For the Wii, she only plays Wii Fit because it's in the Wii and whatever VC/WiiWare is on the system. Think about other people besides yourself.

I'm out again I guess. Evander is just to into himself to understand other viewpoints. :lol
Click to expand...
...and once again. People are going to see 2 of the same product for greatly different prices. a VAST majority will go for the one that costs less.

I have a distinct feeling this could be a monumental failure for Sony. If I'm wrong, well... I'm wrong.

But, people think with their wallets. $80 can be a big deal breaker to a lot of people.

Gamecocks625 said:
People will never buy the DSi. I can't believe they remove the GBA slot and add a few gimicky features and increase the price $40. Are the execs at Nintendo idiots? Why are they pricing it the same as a PSP? Who are the targeting with this dumb DSi? This thing won't sell. It's the new GB Color. People who buy the DSi over the DS Lite are idiots. I can't wait for NPD to show how big of idiots these people are who say the DSi will sell. Please, $40 increase for gimicks are removing GBA?


...oh wait
Click to expand...
Did they remove the DS cartridge slot and make the system digital ONLY? No... then stop comparing it. It's apples and oranges at this point.
 
Gamecocks625 said:
People will never buy the DSi. I can't believe they remove the GBA slot and add a few gimicky features and increase the price $40. Are the execs at Nintendo idiots? Why are they pricing it the same as a PSP? Who are the targeting with this dumb DSi? This thing won't sell. It's the new GB Color. People who buy the DSi over the DS Lite are idiots. I can't wait for NPD to show how big of idiots these people are who say the DSi will sell. Please, $40 increase for gimicks are removing GBA?


...oh wait
Click to expand...

Pretty much. Also got to laugh at people on this board bringing up "5 year old tech" about the PSP of all things.

Person goes into a store, clamours for a PSP Go and either has the money for one or doesnt, instead settling for a PSP 3000. Sony wins either way. Costs come down, Go price drops, more people adopt. This is how it works and has worked for decades in the tech market.

I dont know why people suddenly have a perverse fascination with the UMD format when there were people jerking off at how shit it was and how annoying having optical media on a portable was post-iPod. All games are going to be released digitally from this point. Fewer games are going to be released on UMD.
 
Gamecocks625 said:
People will never buy the DSi. I can't believe they remove the GBA slot and add a few gimicky features and increase the price $40. Are the execs at Nintendo idiots? Why are they pricing it the same as a PSP? Who are the targeting with this dumb DSi? This thing won't sell. It's the new GB Color. People who buy the DSi over the DS Lite are idiots. I can't wait for NPD to show how big of idiots these people are who say the DSi will sell. Please, $40 increase for gimicks are removing GBA?


...oh wait
Click to expand...

The DSi added the ability to purchase downloadable games.

This is somethign that CANNOT be done with any other model of DS.



Personally, I don't care too much. I'm perfectly happy with my DS Lite, and can't see getting a DSi any time soon. But seeing as it has a SIGNIFICANT new feature, it's understandable for a slight increase in DSi price (bringing it up to the same price point as the PSP.)
 
Yes Boss! said:
Now you are just getting silly.
Click to expand...
He has a point...because that's what Sony is doing exactly.

Oh wait... thee Wii would have to have a new coat of paint and no DVD slot to make it the same.
 
Yes Boss! said:
You have to realize too that Japan is a massive market for this unit and a group of gamers that traditionally upgrade regularly. Size, too, is a consideration for that region.
Click to expand...

Then bring it out just in Japan, if it is actually significant enough of a cultural difference that it will sell there.

The US market is what I know, and that's what I'm commenting on.
 
SecretBonusPoint said:
Pretty much. Also got to laugh at people on this board bringing up "5 year old tech" about the PSP of all things.

Person goes into a store, clamours for a PSP Go and either has the money for one or doesnt, instead settling for a PSP 3000. Sony wins either way. Costs come down, Go price drops, more people adopt. This is how it works and has worked for decades in the tech market.

I dont know why people suddenly have a perverse fascination with the UMD format when there were people jerking off at how shit it was and how annoying having optical media on a portable was post-iPod. All games are going to be released digitally from this point. Fewer games are going to be released on UMD.
Click to expand...

In theory, the PSP GO should be CHEAPER than the OG PSP... not 50% more expensive!
That's my problem with it.
 
Evander said:
No, Sony is.

Because that is what they are doing.
Click to expand...

Actually, that was pretty silly. The Wii doesn't offer the storage or the ability to download retail Wii games on their system. So, yes. If Nintendo did this with the Wii, they would add much more internal storage (like the Go), ditch the DVD drive and charge you more for it. It would sell too.
 
Wow, a feisty bunch.

The silver lining of the higher Go price is that it also makes the cheaper model more attractive just from being grouped...even if the price is exactly the same as before. There are also a significant portion of buyers that jump up to the higher-priced model.
 
Kintaro said:
Actually, that was pretty silly. The Wii doesn't offer the storage or the ability to download retail Wii games on their system. So, yes. If Nintendo did this with the Wii, they would add much more internal storage (like the Go), ditch the DVD drive and charge you more for it. It would sell too.
Click to expand...

Ok then...how about a Xbox360. You'll be able to DL full 360 games.

Would you be ok if they took the 360, removed the DVD slot (alienating you from all of the retail games on the shelves and preventing you from buying cheaper used titles), gave you a slight hard drive boost and while they were at it charged you $80 more?
 
Kintaro said:
Actually, that was pretty silly. The Wii doesn't offer the storage or the ability to download retail Wii games on their system. So, yes. If Nintendo did this with the Wii, they would add much more internal storage (like the Go), ditch the DVD drive and charge you more for it. It would sell too.
Click to expand...

Except that the current models of PSP ALREADY offer that download functionality, and have for years.

There's nothing new about the download functionality, so you really can't try to count it in the "pro" column for the Go!
 
Yes Boss! said:
You know, I'm not a huge Sony fan and PSP is my least played system by a wide margin and I have owned many PSPs but this is all IMHO. It is just the way I see the market going. I'm very excited for what the PSP Go is going to do. And I expect most of these negative arguments for the PSP Go to evaporate sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...

I want to clarify that i agree that the Go is a great idea, it's uncharacteristically forward thinking of Sony and looks like a solid product, but if you don't think the price is a serious gouge, then you're kidding yourself. I was -provided a UMD to Download solution happened- a huge proponent of the Go when i first heard about it. I'm going to be in Tokyo in October and thought i would wait until then to replace my psp (my 1000 and 2000 were stolen out of my apartment) since Ellis's initial theory had it launching there in early October and then later in the US, but this price point feels like a slap in the face -since it makes no fucking sense- and has really made me rethink this whole thing.
 
Yes Boss! said:
Wow, a feisty bunch.
Click to expand...

Back out now. This is an Evander topic now. Its what he does.

Evander said:
Except that the current models of PSP ALREADY offer that download functionality, and have for years.

There's nothing new about the download functionality, so you really can't try to count it in the "pro" column for the Go!
Click to expand...

Welcome to the iPod market (pre-Touch). You might recognise it.
 
SecretBonusPoint said:
Person goes into a store, clamours for a PSP Go and either has the money for one or doesnt, instead settling for a PSP 3000. Sony wins either way. Costs come down, Go price drops, more people adopt. This is how it works and has worked for decades in the tech market.
Click to expand...

Why would they be clamoring for the Go, though?

THIS is what I see as the issue here. I think the consumer is a lot more likely to go in to a store interested in a PSP, see that the Go is more expensive and does less, and just buy the 3000, regardless of how much money they had.



Which means that the whole Go endeavor is a loss for Sony, because they could have made that 3000 sale WITHOUT wasting time and reasources on the Go model.
 
Another thing is a download only system will never be a huge success until every game buying household has broadband available.

Right now (in the US at least) the ISP are shooting themselves in the foot implementing DL caps (or at least attempting to) thus stifling an infant all digital system even further.

SecretBonusPoint said:
Back out now. This is an Evander topic now. Its what he does.



Welcome to the iPod market (pre-Touch). You might recognise it.
Click to expand...
So now the PSP is on par with an Ipod? Way different markets.

Yes you can play games on an ipod...but it's casual fare. Not what PSP offers...which is a a full console experience in the palm of your hand.
 
Outcast2004 said:
Another thing is a download only system will never be a huge success until every game buying household has broadband available.

Right now (in the US at least) the ISP are shooting themselves in the foot implementing DL caps (or at least attempting to) thus stifling an infant all digital system even further.
Click to expand...

You too. The iPod. iTunes. You might have heard of them. Digital distribution is where its going chaps. Get used to it.
 
Yes Boss! said:
Wow, a feisty bunch.

The silver lining of the higher Go price is that it also makes the cheaper model more attractive just from being grouped...even if the price is exactly the same as before. There are also a significant portion of buyers that jump up to the higher-priced model.
Click to expand...

Boss, this is serious business! You're right, though. It makes the PSP 3000 look like a great option for many. With the software lineup for this year, the PSP is back in business.
 
SecretBonusPoint said:
Welcome to the iPod market (pre-Touch). You might recognise it.
Click to expand...

The Go is missing at least two major things it would need to compete with the iPod.

One is a proper media interface. The XMB is great for a gaming device, but it isn't as easy to sort throught as the interfaces that dedicated PMPs have.

The other is controls. when closed, the Go! has dedicated volume buttons, and then only two other buttons. Two buttons is clearly not enough, meaning that you'll have to slide out the other controls to navigate, or possibly even pause. You're adding too many steps to get a task done, at that point.
 
to the people complain about price, they are targeting the ipod/zune market with this. So the price dose seem appropriate. Doesn't the touch cost 300$? Plus they don't want to replace the 3000 at all, this is a premium item
 
Jack Random said:
I want to clarify that i agree that the Go is a great idea, it's uncharacteristically forward thinking of Sony and looks like a solid product, but if you don't think the price is a serious gouge, then you're kidding yourself. I was -provided a UMD to Download solution happened- a huge proponent of the Go when i first heard about it. I'm going to be in Tokyo in October and thought i would wait until then to replace my psp (my 1000 and 2000 were stolen out of my apartment) since Ellis's initial theory had it launching there in early October and then later in the US, but this price point feels like a slap in the face -since it makes no fucking sense- and has really made me rethink this whole thing.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree. And if search wasn't disabled you could look at my posting history you'd see that I've used terms like "appealing to early adopter," "soaking," "gouging."

But this is good strategy as they have two different models as they chang over to a Go-only model. I happen to buy the systems at rollout so I've got no problem with the price. The Go is going to come down. It will probably be $200 for Christmas 2010. I don't see it dropping much beyond that...Sony characteristically adds value with pack-in...and now they will be able to up the internal memory.
 
Evander said:
Why would they be clamoring for the Go, though?
Click to expand...

Because it's a way slicker piece of kit than the 3000. Also trying to compare it to the Wii or 360 with regards to removing the drive is ridiculous, they are not portable machines and therefore do not gain anything from losing the drive. Psp GO is smaller and lighter, this a a big deal for a handheld
 
I like the PSP Go because it's nice and compact and can fit into my pocket without being awkward. Probably the only way they could do that was to remove UMD. Too bad about the price though.
 
SecretBonusPoint said:
You too. The iPod. iTunes. You might have heard of them. Digital distribution is where its going chaps. Get used to it.
Click to expand...

in 2008 33% of music sales were digital.

meaning that two third of consumers STILL prefer physical media for their music, even though digital music is both cheaper, and has more flexibility (buy individuqal trakcs instead of full albums)



The digital distribution trend is growing, but there is really no grounds to claim that it is big enough yet to support everything.
 
Evander said:
in 2008 33% of music sales were digital.

meaning that two third of consumers STILL prefer physical media for their music, even though digital music is both cheaper, and has more flexibility (buy individuqal trakcs instead of full albums)



The digital distribution trend is growing, but there is really no grounds to claim that it is big enough yet to support everything.
Click to expand...
I'm 99% sure that number is wrong, could you provided a link?
 
Outcast2004 said:
Ok then...how about a Xbox360. You'll be able to DL full 360 games.

Would you be ok if they took the 360, removed the DVD slot (alienating you from all of the retail games on the shelves and preventing you from buying cheaper used titles), gave you a slight hard drive boost and while they were at it charged you $80 more?
Click to expand...

If they changed the form factor too so it's a sleeker machine? Sure. Why not? I wouldn't have a problem with it. 1) Because the older systems will be out there and you get a choice and 2) I know why they would charge more.

You don't think that would sell either do you? I bet you a bunch of people would pay $80 extra for a remodeled 360 that was DD only. People pay a pretty good premium for redesigned, "slick" products. Apple fans for example.

Outcast2004 said:
Ipod offers CASUAL games. Way different from PSP's supposed "console in your hand" experience.

So are you saying that Sony is going to go that "casual" route of glorified flash games?
Click to expand...

I expect many, many more of these types of games, yes.
 
SecretBonusPoint said:
u mad?

Far as I can see the iPod range now offers videos and games on their music portables. Seems that these markets are related somehow!
Click to expand...

Ipod offers CASUAL games. Way different from PSP's supposed "console in your hand" experience.

So are you saying that Sony is going to go that "casual" route of glorified flash games?
 
Guled said:
to the people complain about price, they are targeting the ipod/zune market with this. So the price dose seem appropriate. Doesn't the touch cost 300$? Plus they don't want to replace the 3000 at all, this is a premium item
Click to expand...

I believe you, and I think it's the problem here.

Sony corporate seems to love this sort of forced synergy, where they take one product and try to force it to compete with two or three different products, in different markets.

It generally doesn't end too well for them. Consider the fact that the ORIGINAL PSP was supposed to be an ipod-killer as well. The device didn't sell horribly, but if the focus that had been put in to it's media functionality had instead been put elsewhere, it might have done a lot better againt the GBA.
 
Kintaro said:
If they changed the form factor too so it's a sleeker machine? Sure. Why not? I wouldn't have a problem with it. 1) Because the older systems will be out there and you get a choice and 2) I know why they would charge more.

You don't think that would sell either do you? I bet you a bunch of people would pay $80 extra for a remodeled 360 that was DD only. People pay a pretty good premium for redesigned, "slick" products. Apple fans for example.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't pay more for something that DOES less. That's a little stupid.
 
Outcast2004 said:
Another thing is a download only system will never be a huge success until every game buying household has broadband available.

So now the PSP is on par with an Ipod? Way different markets.

Yes you can play games on an ipod...but it's casual fare. Not what PSP offers...which is a a full console experience in the palm of your hand.
Click to expand...

DD-only is why this is so uncharacteristic and risky for Sony, but admirable. There is a good chance it will pay off, but it could backfire. If you notice, they are using a similar strategy that Nintendo used surrounding the DS launch and "the third pillar." That is why the old 3000 will not shut off as quick-like but will be a slow fizzle as Go ramps up.

PSP will move to more casual and quick pick-up-and-play games. The new distribution and development model all but guarantees that. What is unique about PSP is that it will also offer the GT Mobile's and Peacewalkers. That said, new marketing will probably get away from the idea of "the console in your pocket." And, rightfully so.
 
SecretBonusPoint said:
u mad?

Far as I can see the iPod range now offers videos and games on their music portables. Seems that these markets are related somehow!
Click to expand...

the vast majority of consumers don't buy an ipod for the games; they buy the games because they already own an ipod
 
Outcast2004 said:
I wouldn't pay more for something that DOES less. That's a little stupid.
Click to expand...

You know what's awesome? You don't have to. :D

I would also say that arguing about things we can't predict, have absolutely no data on, not to mention cost data and other such numbers is also a little stupid. Yet, here we are.
 
Outcast2004 said:
...and once again. People are going to see 2 of the same product for greatly different prices. a VAST majority will go for the one that costs less.

I have a distinct feeling this could be a monumental failure for Sony. If I'm wrong, well... I'm wrong.

But, people think with their wallets. $80 can be a big deal breaker to a lot of people.


Did they remove the DS cartridge slot and make the system digital ONLY? No... then stop comparing it. It's apples and oranges at this point.
Click to expand...

so you think Ipod Touch at 8 GB is best selling model? As 32 GB costs whoppin $170 more.
Yikes! You could buy PSP with the difference! :lol

p.s. Sony wants you to buy PSP-3000 if you dont have money for PSP Go!
 
Kintaro said:
You know what's awesome? You don't have to. :D

I would also say that arguing about things we can't predict, have absolutely no data on, not to mention cost data and other such numbers is also a little stupid. Yet, here we are.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the internet.

If you don't want people to talk speculatively, then what exactly do you want? Folks to just file through voting "for" or "against"?
 
Yes Boss! said:
DD-only is why this is so uncharacteristic and risky for Sony, but admirable. There is a good chance it will pay off, but it could backfire. If you notice, they are using a similar strategy that Nintendo used surrounding the DS launch and "the third pillar." That is why the old 3000 will not shut off as quick-like but will be a slow fizzle as Go ramps up.

PSP will move to more casual and quick pick-up-and-play games. The new distribution and development model all but guarantees that. What is unique about PSP is that it will also offer the GT Mobile's and Peacewalkers. That said, new marketing will probably get away from the idea of "the console in your pocket." And, rightfully so.
Click to expand...

PSP-3000 will not shut off quickly for sure, until they have other way of distributing media (memory sticks?), as many parts of the world that PSP is popular in, are not comfortable with DD.
 
spwolf said:
so you think Ipod Touch at 8 GB is best selling model? As 32 GB costs whoppin $170 more.
Yikes! You could buy PSP with the difference! :lol

p.s. Sony wants you to buy PSP-3000 if you dont have money for PSP Go!
Click to expand...

You're talking a different market.....
Ipod sales do not equal game system sales.
 
Evander said:
As for how it will "probably" appeal to people who never considered a PSP before, how? If some one had zero interest in a device that plays UMDs and digital games, why would they be interested in paying MORE for a device that only does half of that?
Click to expand...
I gave you a lengthy response and you just ignored it. I'm very interested in buying this device with only "half" of the originals features. So interested that while I may not like it, I'm willing to pay a premium to have it.
 
Yes Boss! said:
DD-only is why this is so uncharacteristic and risky for Sony, but admirable. There is a good chance it will pay off, but it could backfire. If you notice, they are using a similar strategy that Nintendo used surrounding the DS launch and "the third pillar." That is why the old 3000 will not shut off as quick-like but will be a slow fizzle as Go ramps up.

PSP will move to more casual and quick pick-up-and-play games. The new distribution and development model all but guarantees that. What is unique about PSP is that it will also offer the GT Mobile's and Peacewalkers. That said, new marketing will probably get away from the idea of "the console in your pocket." And, rightfully so.
Click to expand...

You do that and I have a feeling you'll alienate people who would pick up a PSP to begin with.

Hell, the fact the PSP didn't rely on those junk games is why I prefer the PSP over the DS.
 
spwolf said:
PSP-3000 will not shut off quickly for sure, until they have other way of distributing media (memory sticks?), as many parts of the world that PSP is popular in, are not comfortable with DD.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I said slowly. I give it 15 to 18 months.

Anyways guys. It was fun. I don't usually enter these kinds of threads.

Evander,

Good luck with the price issue.
 
Outcast2004 said:
You do that and I have a feeling you'll alienate people who would pick up a PSP to begin with.

Hell, the fact the PSP didn't rely on those junk games is why I prefer the PSP over the DS.
Click to expand...

They are going to try to appeal to both. Why do you think they are initially rolling out GT Mobile with the Go.

In any case, have fun guys!
 
Guled said:
I'm guess I'm wrong, but DD music is going up a ton YoY and CD sales are going down, everyone is heading towards DD for their music, so its not a wrong move to get ahead of the curve
Click to expand...

except that they're getting too far ahead of the curve, in my opinion

yes, DD is a growing trend, and having a download option is a good idea to capture that segment of the market.



but attempting to move your line in a DD ONLY direction, when the majority of the market still prefers physical media, is a mistake.

The ONLY good decisions I see, in regards to the Go, is the decision to keep the 3000 on the market along side of it. Had they gotten rid fo the 3000 (which I'm sure they considered) this could have spelled death for the PSP.

Which, personally, would have pissed me off, because I still have a bunch of games I'm looking forward to picking up for my 2000.
 
Evander said:
except that they're getting too far ahead of the curve, in my opinion

yes, DD is a growing trend, and having a download option is a good idea to capture that segment of the market.



but attempting to move your line in a DD ONLY direction, when the majority of the market still prefers physical media, is a mistake.

The ONLY good decisions I see, in regards to the Go, is the decision to keep the 3000 on the market along side of it. Had they gotten rid fo the 3000 (which I'm sure they considered) this could have spelled death for the PSP.

Which, personally, would have pissed me off, because I still have a bunch of games I'm looking forward to picking up for my 2000.
Click to expand...

Ok, here's a question....

If it weren't for the fact that the PSP was SOOOOOOO easily hacked (thus hurting their game sales), do you think they even would have gone the GO route?

I see the GO as more of a way to try and curb the rampant piracy. If you're doing DD only, you have an easier way to track who's got legit software.

This is just a "conspiracy theory" type of angle, so play along. Who's to say that if the GO gets hacked and people are just getting their games from torrents sites, that Sony just wont look at what you have and brick your system. After all, all your game purchase are linked to PSN... right?
 
Evander said:
The Go is missing at least two major things it would need to compete with the iPod.

One is a proper media interface. The XMB is great for a gaming device, but it isn't as easy to sort throught as the interfaces that dedicated PMPs have.

The other is controls. when closed, the Go! has dedicated volume buttons, and then only two other buttons. Two buttons is clearly not enough, meaning that you'll have to slide out the other controls to navigate, or possibly even pause. You're adding too many steps to get a task done, at that point.
Click to expand...

:D

Ever had an slider phone? Dear god, you have to slide/open it to use it!!!!!

As to the media interface, i dont see the issue, ipod does not have better interface - you sync your playlist from PC and then you select it in ipod....? If you are talking about going through songs on actual ipod, it is not really slick interface (hard to find things), it does look good, but once you show it to your friends you basically never use it in slide-show mode. You end up selecting the playlist and going up/down on it. I am not really happy with interfaces on ipods/iphones that I have.

Only where Ipod Touch is clearly better is browsing web, as it is much much easier than with buttons.. but then again, PSP Go! is $50 cheaper and has better gaming controls.
 
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