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[gofreak]

I truly believe, that if Nintendo would have just given the DS as much power as the PSP, Sonys handheld wouldn't have stood a chance at competing with it. But they didn't for some reason and i think it will come back to bite them on the ass.

I don't think so. DS could be as powerful as PSP, and people would still be saying "oh, the movie playing, the music playing, the DESIGN!" etc., be talking about how PSP was going to change the market like playstation changed the home console market. People would still be writing DS's obituary, no doubt.

Also, about this "slow burn" talk..that could be a dangerous game for Sony, if that is indeed how things are working out. It might not take very much more for Nintendo to cement DS's longer term momentum - the right combo of games in the next 12 months could see to that (i'm thinking of Pokemon at the core here ). PSP has some potential "fire-starters" of its own, but for the general public they're less of a known quantity in the handheld space than Nintendo's "reliables" Slow burn is all well and good, but when you're competitor already has a 100% lead over you..? You want to be careful you don't turn into a high-end niche product (if a successful one). Anyway, I think it's too early to tell. The launch could have gone a lot better than some seem to be guessing..it's way too early.

 

[quetz67]

I would buy a DS if it had the great design and conveinient size of the GBA SP.

To get older gamers Nintendo should release a stylus only version the size of GBA SP and release a bunch of RTS games and stuff like Age of Empires ASAP.

 

[Borys]

I fear for PS3 marketing campaign. Xenon's will stomp all over it. I can see MS spending 10 times more on promotion than Sony.

Dear Sony,
get your shit straight for PS3 launch, ok?

 

[DarienA]

If Sony had released 200,000 units instead of a MILLION, there would be 20 threads with "holy fuck PSP a hit i cant find anywhere" or "i had to fight off a retard for the last PSP, sony has a hit on their hands"... maybe Sony should have faked a supply shortage, since a lot of you seem to fall for it oh so well. :lol

Winnah!

 

[JackFrost2012]

I heard that Sony is withdrawing from the U.S. handheld market tomorrow. They kept a stiff upper lip all through this morning and early afternoon, but eventually had to admit defeat. Why go on!

Industry people are fond of saying "it's a marathon, not a sprint," but GAFfers want to run much faster than that. The speed with which this board jumps on anecdotal sales data would suggest hardware sales must be measured like Higgs bosons.

 

[6.8]

I went to a couple of stores, and I saw plenty of Gretzky bundles on the shelves. But that's good. It shows that canadian gamers have good tastes.

JACKFROST DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE DREAMCAST 2! SEGA IS MAKING THE MOST XTREEM COME BACK EVAR!

 

[Culex]

I fail to see the point of this thread. It's clearly based solely on anecdotal evidence, meaning we should just wait for next month's NPD or at least a press release.

Blarg.

 

[Kseutron]

- edit -

 

[gofreak]

Regardless of what's actually happening, I think SCEA are expecting a launch sellout judging by the Jack Tretton interview on Gamespot. He seems to think a million units is in the bag, so to speak.

I think the lesson that we've learned is that this is Day one of a 10-year marathon--if this platform is as successful as we think it should be. In comparison we did a half million units of PS2 out the door, and we're sitting here just over 4 years later with 31 million units sold in North America. So a million units is very exciting, but what's much more exciting to me is to think about where we're going to be a couple of years from now.

I think the demand is clearly out there, and I think 1 million units on day one is a real testament to how quickly we can ramp it up. Just compare that to the Japanese launch, which was 200,000 units on day one--they're at 1.1 million now.

You might think he was just talking about supply, but the second comment makes it clear that he's talking about demand - he says they've generated enough demand to sell 1m units on day one. I get the feeling he thinks a launch sellout is a given.

GS: What constrains that kind of growth?

JT: I think it will be strictly limited to production [capacity].

Again, he seems to think they'll sell as quickly as they can make them..

I guess it's just something to take into consideration when discussing Sony's own expectations and strategy for PSP. It doesn't sound like they were planning for or expecting a "slow burn" soft launch at all.

It'll be interesting to see how things actually turn out. Maybe we should do our "GAF anecdotal analysis" again after the weekend?

 

[DarienA]

No way in hell one million yesterday... IMO. And man if I can't find Ridge Racer somewhere today I'm going to SCREAM!

 

[jarrod]

...And then she finds out that the "$250 gameboy" is an iPod, DVD player, and full-fledged Playstation.

Then she freaks out over having spent $250 on a PSP that doesn't have a HD for MP3s or actually play DVDs or full-fledged PlayStation games. It has a 32MB MemoryStick Duo for MP3s and plays "new" $20-30 mini-DVDs and "new" $40-50 mini-PlayStation games.

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Look at Futureshop.ca:



85? That's a lot considering the DS had completely sold out on day 1 in the morning.

DS launched on a Sunday and a few minutes after the stores opened, I went to Futureshop and they were sold out. They had about 12-20 at the Futureshop downtown at 8:30PM on Thursday opening day.

Btw, the forced Wayne Gretzky bundle in Canada is bull, I saw lots of places that were selling the PSP as a regular value pack for $299 Canadian.

They had 80 two weeks ago and they all sold out. They got more units.

 

[Particle Physicist]

...And then she finds out that the "$250 gameboy" is an iPod, DVD player, and full-fledged Playstation.

:lol i hope you arent using that line on casuals. you are going to have a lot of disappointed costumers.

 

[EBwiz]

Just FYI:

Vineland, NJ, Cumberland Mall. Not sure about the stock when it started.

Went in around 1 PM, Software Etc. employee (And somewhat of an acquaintence) pulls out the one box they didn't have reserved and tells me he saved it just for me. I laughed and told him although I actually did have the money, I wanted to wait.

Come back around 8:00 PM same night, it was of course, gone. I didn't check Wal Mart, KB, Boscov's or GameStop, but I think it's a safe bet that you can count this area as one of the smaller regions of the USA as sold out for PSP.

 

[mashoutposse]

Then she freaks out over having spent $250 on a PSP that doesn't have a HD for MP3s or actually play DVDs or full-fledged PlayStation games. It has a 32MB MemoryStick Duo for MP3s and plays "new" $20-30 mini-DVDs and "new" $40-50 mini-PlayStation games.

The parents who dismiss the system as a "$250 gameboy" don't know what makes an iPod an iPod past mp3 playback and sleek design, automatically classifies any movie-playing device as a 'DVD player,' and... well, the full-fledged Playstation part is pretty much true.

 

[xexex]

Sony should have had a package for $180, or at most $200.


with only the $250 and $50 games, PSP BOMB BOMB :lol


j/k

 

[TheQueen'sOwn]

If I had of been able to acquire one for 300$ CDN I would have... stupid packaged in games =(.

 

[Odnetnin]

I love GAF PSP sony fanboys eating crow. Right about that price point all alone. GAF is teh hardcore and not reflective of the real world. $250+50 game+bling (accessories/mem card) and that's minimum price of entry... a handheld?

 

[Sysgen]

I love GAF PSP sony fanboys eating crow. Right about that price point all alone. GAF is teh hardcore and not reflective of the real world. $250+50 game+bling (accessories/mem card) and that's minimum price of entry... a handheld?

My price of entry: (as a mp3, movie and video game player)

PSP - $250
Exim Screen Protector - $14
Logitech Case - $19.99
1 GB Sandisk Pro Duo - $120
Extended Warranty $30? (I never do this but GAF has made me paranoidabout the PSP)
1 Game - $40.

$474 Major bling.

Edit: + Tax puts it over $500

 

[gamergirly]

My price of entry: (as a mp3, movie and video game player)

PSP - $250
Exim Screen Protector - $14
Logitech Case - $19.99
1 GB Sandisk Pro Duo - $120
Extended Warranty $30? (I never do this but GAF has made me paranoidabout the PSP)
1 Game - $40.

$474 Major bling.

Edit: + Tax puts it over $500

a GBA-SP, a Ipod, and 1 game would be less than $500. If that is your price of entry, youre paying too much and the PSP boxes not moving is telling others the same thing :lol

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Well, if it makes everybody feel better, they're almost sold out everywhere where I live.

I live right in the Washington DC metropolitan area. So, it's an area where people have a lot of money. I agree with whoever it was that said that the PSP will do very well in populated/city areas, and not so well everywhere else.

 

[norinrad21]

I wonder how Celicar is going to pay his rent without the eBay income :lol

:lol :lol :lol

 

[jarrod]

The parents who dismiss the system as a "$250 gameboy" don't know what makes an iPod an iPod past mp3 playback and sleek design, automatically classifies any movie-playing device as a 'DVD player,' and... well, the full-fledged Playstation part is pretty much true.

Your argument is shit and you know it. A PSP is essentially...

-an "iPod" with no harddrive (can't hold your music collection)
-a "DVD player" that can't play DVDs
-a "PlayStation" that can't play PS1/PS2 games

... going by what you propose. The fact of the matter is that price is important as is compatability. When illinformed consumers discover PSP won't play DVDs or PS2 games and it can't store their music collection like iPod, it most definitely will have an effect. It's a new "Game Boy" in the sense it's a handheld game machine that only plays propietary formats (which now cost the same as home formats) and requires "adds ons" to really use any multimedia features. Only it's $249 rather than $99.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

It will be interesting to see what kinds of numbers are actually selling. As others have said, this is the most systems available at lauch for any system, so it's hard to say how many have sold through already. When an items sells out, you know its hot. If it's sold 700K by the end of the day, is it a failure, just becuase 300K (more than many systems had at launch, total) are still on shelves?

 

[Sysgen]

a GBA-SP, a Ipod, and 1 game would be less than $500. If that is your price of entry, youre paying too much and the PSP boxes not moving is telling others the same thing :lol

Well, to be fair to SONY, am I really paying too much? What other convergence potable on the market plays PS2 caliber games, plays music and movies and has a screen to die for? None that I know of. Heh, if you know of one I'll cancel my order right now. In essence my cost is reasonable in that this is the only game in town and becuase it is the only game in town consumers should expect to pay a premium to expose all of the PSPs functionality. Looking at the device from a cost perspective as a game machine is not the same as looking at it as a convergence device.

 

[Kseutron]

It will be interesting to see what kinds of numbers are actually selling. As others have said, this is the most systems available at lauch for any system, so it's hard to say how many have sold through already. When an items sells out, you know its hot. If it's sold 700K by the end of the day, is it a failure, just becuase 300K (more than many systems had at launch, total) are still on shelves?

700k would be very good

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

700k would be very good

Yeah. And then again, they might sell through only 300K. Man, I would be anxious if I were a Sony exec right now. I suppose we'll know better in a week how its selling.

 

[Razoric]

Yeah. And then again, they might sell through only 300K. Man, I would be anxious if I were a Sony exec right now. I suppose we'll know better in a week how its selling.

We'll know by Monday night for sure. If there has been no press release from Sony you know it's not as good as they hoped. If there is, well then we'll know! :O

 

[Revolver]

I saw a commercial for the PSP last night for the first time. The one with Franz Ferdinand. Anyway, I don't usually buy systems at launch, especially anything made by Sony. But after playing Wipeout Pure for a bit on a friend's, I'm wanting one myself. The thing really is impressive.

 

[mashoutposse]

Your argument is shit and you know it. A PSP is essentially...

-an "iPod" with no harddrive (can't hold your music collection)
-a "DVD player" that can't play DVDs
-a "PlayStation" that can't play PS1/PS2 games

... going by what you propose. The fact of the matter is that price is important as is compatability. When illinformed consumers discover PSP won't play DVDs or PS2 games and it can't store their music collection like iPod, it most definitely will have an effect. It's a new "Game Boy" in the sense it's a handheld game machine that only plays propietary formats (which now cost the same as home formats) and requires "adds ons" to really use any multimedia features. Only it's $249 rather than $99.

The point is that the PSP isn't a "$250 gameboy" and anyone that can't tell the difference probably couldn't tell you much about the feature sets and compatibilities of an iPod, Playstation, or DVD player. If you tell them the following:

-you can download music to it from your computer
-it plays DVD-quality full length movies, and comes with Spiderman 2
-the games are very similar in quality to PS2 games

...he/she will think iPod, DVD player, and Playstation. Actual time with the PSP after purchase should seal the deal from that point.

 

[Razoric]

...he/she will think iPod, DVD player, and Playstation. Actual time with the PSP after purchase should seal the deal from that point.

Indeed. I know where many of my friend's tax returns are going right now! :O

 

[God's Hand]

So last night I went to the Future Shop on my corner in downtown Edmonton (the #1 store in Edmonton), and they had 25+ PSPs left on a table (I didn't really count, but it looked like 25). I called them this morning and they said they still have over 20 PSPs left.

There was definite ad presence of the PSPs launch in Canada. I've seen the ad on TV a few times. And the big paper in Alberta ran a story on the PSP, but man... this launch isn't looking too impressive compared to what I've seen with console launches, GBA, and DS.

 

[DarienA]

So last night I went to the Future Shop on my corner in downtown Edmonton (the #1 store in Edmonton), and they had 25+ PSPs left on a table (I didn't really count, but it looked like 25). I called them this morning and they said they still have over 20 PSPs left.

There was definite ad presence of the PSPs launch in Canada. I've seen the ad on TV a few times. And the big paper in Alberta ran a story on the PSP, but man... this launch isn't looking too impressive compared to what I've seen with console launches, GBA, and DS.

That's a damn good point... I'm sure that as usual GAF is a barometer for sales of software and hardware for the entire north american continent.

 

[jarrod]

The point is that the PSP isn't a "$250 gameboy" and anyone that can't tell the difference probably couldn't tell you much about the feature sets and compatibilities of an iPod, Playstation, or DVD player. If you tell them the following:

-you can download music to it from your computer
-it plays DVD-quality full length movies, and comes with Spiderman 2
-the games are very similar in quality to PS2 games

...he/she will think iPod, DVD player, and Playstation. Actual time with the PSP after purchase should seal the deal from that point.

The point is, there's no real point in making sorts those comparisons when...

-PSP can't hold your music collection (which is iPod's selling point, make no mistake)
-PSP can't play your DVD collection
-PSP can't play your PS/PS2 collection

... now clearly PSP isn't a "Game Boy" either (it can't play your GB/GBC/GBA collection), but these sort of compatibility issues do matter to consumers. And telling them otherwise (DVD "quality", PS2 "quality") will end in nothing but confusion and likely some outrage in the end. Your mantra that PSP "sells itself" ends with the mass market. Which is fine, that's clearly not who Sony's targeting right now.

Currently, PSP is a high end, high price portable game/movie player. GBA is a low end, low price portable game/movie player. Both are capable of decent MP3/MPEG playback with an additional investment (MS Duo or SD/Play-yan). The main difference right now is in terms of system capability, price and intended market. This is where the Game Boy comparisons come in. Right now PSP is essentially a $250 "Game Boy" for adults. That's not really much of stretch to see, it's certainly far more accurate than saying PSP is an iPod/PS2/DVD player in one.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

The PSP is the Neo-Geo of handhelds.

 

[gigapower]

That's a damn good point... I'm sure that as usual GAF is a barometer for sales of software and hardware for the entire north american continent.

Watchout NPD, GAF is coming for you!

 

[Chittagong]

Color me totally surprised with PSP being sluggish! It's a huge bargain! I'm actually drunk in the middle of the forest in

 

[Catchpenny]

If you tell them the following:

-you can download music to it from your computer
-it plays DVD-quality full length movies, and comes with Spiderman 2
-the games are very similar in quality to PS2 games

...he/she will think iPod, DVD player, and Playstation. Actual time with the PSP after purchase should seal the deal from that point.

What does the quality of the graphics have to do with it? That just makes it a high-end game player, as Jarrod says.

As was said in another thread, it's being sold in the same section as the DS/GBA/PS2 and so forth. Not sold alongside iPods and DVD players. That alone will have a major impact on how this thing is viewed. You can spin it however you want, but the vast majority of people will see the PSP as a high-end Gameboy that has some additional features. Just as the PS2 was viewed as a high-end Playstation that can play DVDs, and not an entertainment hub.

To be viewed in a different light, playing mp3s and movies off memory sticks will have to become very popular. It's easy for the more hardcore gamers and internet users to do, but are casual users going to catch on? I rather doubt it. The PSP will be a music player for gamers too cheap to buy an iPod. Very few people who lack interest in games will buy a PSP for its other features.

 

[Catchpenny]

That's a damn good point... I'm sure that as usual GAF is a barometer for sales of software and hardware for the entire north american continent.

Yep. Also, all conservatives in North America have been banned or cowed into submission.

 

[gamergirly]

Well, to be fair to SONY, am I really paying too much? What other convergence potable on the market plays PS2 caliber games, plays music and movies and has a screen to die for? None that I know of. Heh, if you know of one I'll cancel my order right now. In essence my cost is reasonable in that this is the only game in town and becuase it is the only game in town consumers should expect to pay a premium to expose all of the PSPs functionality. Looking at the device from a cost perspective as a game machine is not the same as looking at it as a convergence device.

So, in other words, everyone should buy a handheld that plays Gamecube level graphics or even Xbox level graphics at high prices? As if.

As for sale rates, I've seen the stack of PSP boxes, yesterday at Walmart and earlier today at Target. The boxes wouldnt be there if everyone thought that $500 was worth spending their money on a portable that plays the same level of content that their 30 million PS2s already do. It's like Nintendo releasing GB Next with Gamecube level content/graphics and pricing it at $225 JUST because 6 or 7 million people already own a Gamecube.

From the general perception, Nintendo knows what the handheld market is about and what is going to make them finish selling 6 million DSs worldwide by the end of this month.

Sony's PSP doesnt pertain to the millions of handheld players who are used to cheaper prices but rich values when it comes to selection of games and content. It pertains to the PS2 hardcore who have $500 to blow on expensive tech toys. Unfortunately, that makes up the majority of people that post here on GAF saying they spent all of these hundreds of dollars on a gaming non-console.

That makes it a different market(and no, I'm talking about more than just ages here), and why many generally think and KNOW that PSP is going to sell to different individuals than DS. For example, HOW MANY people have posted on GAF that own a PSP that simply talk about the graphics or PS2 franchise upgrades like Wipeout Pure and Ridge Racer or happens to be a major PS2 sports fan? Reversely, HOW MANY talk about the actual "content" and quality of the game? Go take some time and look around your own audience dude.

I want a portable that exceeds what has been done before, not an expensive hybrid that touches the bases and provides current console level graphics but doesnt complete the cycle. With that, I couldnt care less whose name was on the cover, they deserve to sell if they manage that, and to bomb if they dont.

 

[Drinky Crow]

PSP vastly exceeds even the dubious "innovations" of the DS.

-- Full-quality video playback.
-- Proper, fuly-implemented (and available) Wi-Fi internet gaming support.
-- Analog support
-- MP3 and custom media content playback support
-- USB device support

My wife -- never a gadget freak -- spent all evening utterly enthralled with Spiderman 2 and the MP3 support (which left the bedroom TV free for PHANTOM DUST MADNESS 2005). She wants one of her own, and she's NEVER said that about ANY gaming hardware before, ever.


Throw in vastly superior graphics and sound and you've come up a winner.

For the record, if the PSP isn't selling -- I know the Fred Meyer near my house had a few units left -- it's simply due to poor media exposure. Sony needs to get kiosks in store, stat. The only valid complaint I've heard from parents is what they see as the fragility of the machine -- when kids are involved, Americans like rugged and industrialized, not pretty.

 

[shantyman]

I want a portable that exceeds what has been done before, not an expensive hybrid that touches the bases and provides current console level graphics but doesnt complete the cycle. With that, I couldnt care less whose name was on the cover, they deserve to sell if they manage that, and to bomb if they dont.

How the hell is is not exceeding what has been done before? Console level graphics, music, photos, movies you can put on yourself, wi-fi, huge screen.. Seriously, WTF????

 

[chespace]

"It's about the games, stupid."

Do North American gamers want to play Yoshi's Touch & Go, or do they want to play STFU Rivals and THUG2?

 

[gamergirly]

How the hell is is not exceeding what has been done before? Console level graphics, music, photos, movies you can put on yourself, wi-fi, huge screen.. Seriously, WTF????

PSP vastly exceeds even the dubious "innovations" of the DS.

-- Full-quality video playback.
-- Proper, fuly-implemented (and available) Wi-Fi internet gaming support.
-- Analog support
-- MP3 and custom media content playback support
-- USB device support

My wife -- never a gadget freak -- spent all evening utterly enthralled with Spiderman 2 and the MP3 support (which left the bedroom TV free for PHANTOM DUST MADNESS 2005). She wants one of her own, and she's NEVER said that about ANY gaming hardware before, ever.


Throw in vastly superior graphics and sound and you've come up a winner.

For the record, if the PSP isn't selling -- I know the Fred Meyer near my house had a few units left -- it's simply due to poor media exposure. Sony needs to get kiosks in store, stat. The only valid complaint I've heard from parents is what they see as the fragility of the machine -- when kids are involved, Americans like rugged and industrialized, not pretty.

What exactly does PSP provide that isnt already out there in some form(BTW, WiFi is available with DS as well)? Both of your posts fail to explain this

 

[Drinky Crow]

What handheld supports the features I listed, again?

Fuck, PDAs support touch screen, and have games that utilize it far better than the DS -- what's your point?

The REASON folks talk about the GRAPHICS is because HOLY FUCK HAVE YOU SEEN A PSP???? Wipeout Pure is a brilliant, deep, nuanced racer, and one of the best in the series but MAN when you see it running ITS THE GRAPHICS AND SOUND that get ya.

As for MG Acid, I could talk about that brilliant little game all fucking day.

 

[Razoric]

What exactly does PSP provide that isnt already out there in some form(BTW, WiFi is available with DS as well)? Both of your posts fail to explain this

Handheld online gaming? PS2 quality graphics on-the-go?

 

[norinrad21]

PSP vastly exceeds even the dubious "innovations" of the DS.

-- Full-quality video playback.
-- Proper, fuly-implemented (and available) Wi-Fi internet gaming support.
-- Analog support
-- MP3 and custom media content playback support
-- USB device support

My wife -- never a gadget freak -- spent all evening utterly enthralled with Spiderman 2 and the MP3 support (which left the bedroom TV free for PHANTOM DUST MADNESS 2005). She wants one of her own, and she's NEVER said that about ANY gaming hardware before, ever.


Throw in vastly superior graphics and sound and you've come up a winner.

For the record, if the PSP isn't selling -- I know the Fred Meyer near my house had a few units left -- it's simply due to poor media exposure. Sony needs to get kiosks in store, stat. The only valid complaint I've heard from parents is what they see as the fragility of the machine -- when kids are involved, Americans like rugged and industrialized, not pretty.

If the PSP is supposedly made for adults then wtf kind of an adult plays handhelds anyway?

 

[Razoric]

If the PSP is supposedly made for adults then wtf kind of an adult plays handhelds anyway?

tons of adults... ever heard of airplanes, subways, business trips, hotels, etc? I'm sure you said "wtf kind of adult plays video games" 10 years ago didnt you?
:lol

 

[Chi-Town]

The following info is anecdotel and is probably not representive of PSP sales as a whole. Just a little snapshot of what's happening around me.

Harlem-Irving Plaza(a mall on the outskirts of Chicago)

Best Buy:sold out
FYE:Sold out(they had 9 units)
Target:22 units in stock(they had 40 when they opened yesterday)

Kmart(across the street from the mall):18 units

Videogames Etc(small game store a few blocks north of the mall):11 units

Gamestop(a few more blocks North):4 units

 

[chespace]

If the PSP is supposedly made for adults then wtf kind of an adult plays handhelds anyway?

:lol let's do it! let's fall in love!