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[Drinky Crow]

I had a meeting at 4 o'clock yesterday with a group of 40-something lawyers who probably make more than all of us combined. You know what the only thing they could talk about was?

The PSP.

This is, of course, an anecdotal story and doesn't illustrate anything about potential sales, but there's definitely high-powered adults that are seriously attracted to it, even if the game they liked the most was fucking Twisted Metal.

 

[Razoric]

I had a meeting at 4 o'clock yesterday with a group of 40-something lawyers who probably make more than all of us combined. You know what the only thing they could talk about was?

The PSP.

This is, of course, an anecdotal story and doesn't illustrate anything about potential sales, but there's definitely high-powered adults that are seriously attracted to it, even if the game they liked the most was fucking Twisted Metal.

hey now, us Twisted Metal fans aren't all that bad.

 

[gamergirly]

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

DS provides wireless gaming. It also has N64 quality graphics on the go. However, PSP dwarfs DS's technical and graphical capablities on the base level of what they both provide. Yet, DS is still selling quite a bit of systems even in the face of competition. Maybe that's why PS2 is selling better than Xbox? Do graphics really matter in the grand scheme of things? Doesnt look like it

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.

I've held a PSP in my hands and got to experience it for myself. It's cute, adorable, and "purdy". But at the end of the day, would I buy it? Even with me being a PS2 owner with tons of PS2 games? NO.

 

[Drinky Crow]

Does the DS provide wireless gaming now? Does it have an infrastructure model capable of dealing with wireless privacy?

No, and no. Sony's Wi-Fi implementation is better supported and designed. It's funny how few people even KNOW the PSP has robust Wi-Fi support -- Sony didn't advertise it for shit.

 

[Razoric]

DS provides wireless gaming. It also has N64 quality graphics on the go.

Um...

1) DS does NOT have online gameplay and will not till fall or later.

2) PS2 graphics > N64 graphics

 

[Catchpenny]

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

Heh, I get the point but that's a poor example. I'll bet Yoshi ends up selling more than Rivals or THUG2 PSP.

I had a meeting at 4 o'clock yesterday with a group of 40-something lawyers who probably make more than all of us combined. You know what the only thing they could talk about was?

The PSP.

Well, that should certainly quiet detractors who think PSP is a pricy gadget that won't connect with mainstream Americans.

 

[Drinky Crow]

So what does the DS offer again, and what games actually justify these "innovative" features?

(Funny, I'm waiting for the DS games that don't rely on touch screen support as a fundamental mechanic -- Advance Wars and Castlevania -- before I consider purchasing one. Both of those games would play just fine without any stylus antics, and might even be preferable without it.)

I'm thinkin' you just drank the "OMG INNOVATION" Kool-Aid just because you have a hate-on for Sony's market dominance.

 

[gamergirly]

Um...

1) DS does NOT have online gameplay and will not till fall or later.

2) PS2 graphics > N64 graphics

The point being made is that PSP isnt the only handheld that provides online gaming. And to beat your point, wireless gaming is already built into the DS. Doesnt matter if a handheld came out LATER and did it, PSP isnt the only handheld that provides it.

Also, graphics sure isnt making PS2 sell over Xbox as I pointed out. It also isnt making even lower graphical capable handhelds like GBA-SP sell like crazy.

If you were trying to show me something I should be aware of, then you might want to try again.

So what does the DS offer again, and what games actually justify these "innovative" features?

(Funny, I'm waiting for the DS games that don't rely on touch screen support as a fundamental mechanic -- Advance Wars and Castlevania -- before I consider purchasing one. Both of those games would play just fine without any stylus antics, and might even be preferable without it.)

I'm thinkin' you just drank the "OMG INNOVATION" Kool-Aid just because you have a hate-on for Sony's market dominance.

You can think whatever you like, it's obvious which one of us is having emotional difficulties talking about both system's value points. And it aint me....

Or maybe it's just the fact that we're both PS2 owners, and yet one cant accept that the other couldnt care less for it?

 

[kaching]

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.

Plenty have done both, which is fitting since both the hardware and the software is brand new for most. You're getting way too wrapped up in the rhetoric you've been building for at least the last week regarding how you see the PSP positioned in the market as opposed to what it actually is.

 

[jarrod]

-- Proper, fuly-implemented (and available) Wi-Fi internet gaming support.

Actually, while it's been implemented from hardware standpoint, Sony still doesn't have fully integrated network support for online developers in either PS2 or PSP afaik. They're essentially relying on 3rd parties to "do it themselves" unlike Microsoft or (just recently) Nintendo.... which is probably why nobody but Sony has online games announced for PSP.

 

[Rainbow L33T]

The Big problem I see with this handheld is that it demands a lot more care than previous Nintendo handheld and that could slow sales from a parent POV.I woudn't even dare to try to drop it on the ground.It's beautiful,but fragile.It's a portable,but at the same time it's not something you can put in your pocket,the face of the unit cannot be protected like the GBSP and DS (A big + for portable),games for now are pricy and the unit itself is a bit out of reach when it comes to 15 years old and below.

Add to this that if you want to take advantage of all of the unit capabilities,you'll drop more than when a new console comes,no wonder why some people will wait and see first and not run to the store.

 

[sonycowboy]

Just checked a few stores.

1) EB & Gamstop - sold out (a couple still lagging on preorders)

2) TRU - sold maybe 1/4 of their stock at most

3) Circuit City - had the bundle w/ Twisted metal for $289.98. I asked if it was selling well and the person looked very sheepish and said "Not really".

4) Best Buy - Got in over 150 units, sold maybe ~50-60 of them.

Overall, not great. And I don't expect it to get that much better this weekend as it's not your traditional holiday shopping weekend.

 

[gamergirly]

Plenty have done both, which is fitting since both the hardware and the software is brand new for most. You're getting way too wrapped up in the rhetoric you've been building for at least the last week regarding how you see the PSP positioned in the market as opposed to what it actually is.

The only thing I've seen building here is the hype

 

[Catchpenny]

So what does the DS offer again

It's $100 cheaper, has announced support at least as robust as the PSP, and offers gameplay mechanics different from what you find in a home console. Obviously that doesn't appeal to you. You should note, however, that low price, lots of support and gameplay differing from what you find on consoles were lynchpins to the Gameboy's success.

I don't know which system will ultimately end up more popular. What I am pretty sure of is that neither will do as well as the GBA.

 

[Deku]

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.

It doesn't matter what you tell them.

The bottom line is, in a few months, when people figure out that the DVD playback is on a proprietary format with a thin selection of mostly Sony/Columbia titles, and require them to reinvest in movies they may already own, and that MP3 playback is again a capability that require additional investment, the 'value' of the PSP could potentially change in the mind of consumers and that may most likely have a negative impact on certain consumer segments.

there's also the issue of expectations vs. reality. An idea most marketing students learn on their intro. courses is that a good way to create happy customers is to match or exceed their expectations. I see a little bit of both with the PSP. People expecting a GameBoy will likely be happy to know it has added capabilities, but given how the media is hyping it as a multimedia convergence machine, with the CBC here in Canada making the same mistake of announcing it in their coverage as 'capable of DVD playback' , I'd expect a considerable amount of unmet expectations and dissatisfied customers.

So what does the DS offer again, and what games actually justify these "innovative" features?

Touch screen, low cost, cheaper games and basically you get it all right out of the box. No need for $100 add-on for the touch screen to work.

 

[Razoric]

The only thing I've seen building here is the hype

The only thing I've seen you post is anti-hype. The PSP is a good system that does many things current handhelds do not (online gaming RIGHT NOW, this gen quality graphics, etc). Get over it, get your panties out of a wad and move the hell on... christ.

 

[Drinky Crow]

You should note, however, that low price, great battery life, and a veritable submarket monopoly were linchpins to the Gameboy's success.

Fixed.

 

[Enigma]

Lee County, Florida has shitloads of the things left today. Last census was population 500,000 (And it's probably 600,000 by now with perpetually insane growth). It's the start of Spring vacation and the stores are jammed, but a ton of stock everywhere. Only sales I actually witnessed were 2 thirty-something guys exiting Best Buy with bulging bags (Looks like they had about 4 of the things). Me: I've resisted. I'm paranoid about the response time and until I can play RR with my own hands, I'm staying away (What an ass policy. Now all the smartasses who said Sony didn't need kiosks because it was gonna sell out on day one can suck it!)

Edit: Also saw a soccer Mom buying one at Target. Must have been an Easter gift, because she was asking the salesperson for game suggestions.

 

[Argyle]

Actually, while it's been implemented from hardware standpoint, Sony still doesn't have fully integrated network support for online developers in either PS2 or PSP afaik. They're essentially relying on 3rd parties to "do it themselves" unlike Microsoft or (just recently) Nintendo.... which is probably why nobody but Sony has online games announced for PSP.

Define "fully-integrated."

If you mean "Sony will hold your hand and run your game servers" then you are correct.

If you mean "Sony will provide libraries that allow you to send and receive data over wi-fi, as well as a standardized way for the user to configure their network" then yes, Sony has fully-integrated network support. It's built into the OS for chrissakes! Have you used a PSP yet?

 

[kaching]

The only thing I've seen building here is the hype

Directly in proportion with your increasing myopia. What a surprise.

 

[gamergirly]

Directly in proportion with your increasing myopia. What a surprise.

Not really since I expected PSP to sell out immediately. The "surprise" is that it didnt

 

[jarrod]

Define "fully-integrated."

If you mean "Sony will hold your hand and run your game servers" then you are correct.

If you mean "Sony will provide libraries that allow you to send and receive data over wi-fi, as well as a standardized way for the user to configure their network" then yes, Sony has fully-integrated network support. It's built into the OS for chrissakes! Have you used a PSP yet?

I'm talking full SDK support, from the developer end. This is what was gleaned by people talking to devs at GDC. They said this is why only Sony has online PSP so far. This isn't about the PSP itself, just Sony's level of support. And it'll likely get better somewhat with time (like PS2).

I'd expect companies like EA, Sega, Capcom or Activision to have online PSP games eventually though and 3rd party solutions like SNAP or Gamespy to pop up, again just like PS2. But in terms of online, right now PSP is looking more like PS2 (best case) or GC (worst case) while DS looks to be the portable Xbox.

 

[kaching]

Not really since I expected PSP to sell out immediately. The "surprise" is that it didnt

I'm not talking about your predictions for early adopter sales. Stay focused, read from the beginning and try again.

 

[Catchpenny]

You should note, however, that low price, great battery life, and a veritable submarket monopoly were linchpins to the Gameboy's success.

I agree with the battery life. Hey, there's another area where the DS has an advantage! The monopoly was a result of the success, not a cause.

Lee County, Florida has shitloads of the things left today.

Hey, I can actually vouch for this as I live here! Best Buy sure did have a ton left. At the Target in Cape Coral, a clerk said they had units left, but I couldn't see where they were stocked...didn't seem to be by the games, or perhaps I'm just going blind.

However, I don't think the PSP launch is a flop. Again, having plenty of units is GOOD. Mass shortages and a lack of units to go around is BAD. Sony supporters seem shocked that it didn't sell out right away, and the haters are frothing at the mouth, but as sonycowboy said, this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. We'll start seeing more sellouts after the weekend, I'm sure.

 

[Argyle]

I'm talking full SDK support, from the developer end. This is what was gleaned by people talking to devs at GDC. They said this is why only Sony has online PSP so far. This isn't about the PSP itself, just Sony's level of support. And it'll likely get better somewhat with time (like PS2).

I'd expect companies like EA, Sega, Capcom or Activision to have online PSP games eventually though and 3rd party solutions like SNAP or Gamespy to pop up, again just like PS2. But in terms of online, right now PSP is looking more like PS2 (best case) or GC (worst case) while DS looks to be the portable Xbox.

It's very possible (I do not have access to the PSP SDK) that the libraries are not available to all 3rd parties yet. It's also possible that 3rd parties had to rush as it is to finish their games for launch and did not have time to add network support (this is a non-trivial task - a lot of the work is in the frontend, not just dealing with in-game latency and things like that...)

Your analogy works, with some clarification.

PSP online is similar to PS2 online. You don't have to buy anything extra, you just buy a compatible game and off you go.

DS online is similar to Xbox online. It seems to be capable "out of the box" but it really isn't, either you will have to set up the network manually over and over for each and every game (something Iwata claims you will not have to do), or you will have to buy some kind of additional hardware to set the network up for compatible games, given that the DS uses wi-fi frequencies but does not currently use a full wi-fi implementation in current software.

Honestly I haven't heard anything about Nintendo running servers for people, but I'm not really in the DS developer loop either.

 

[Gattsu25]

The only thing I've seen building here is the hype

and how it BURNS YOU

 

[gamergirly]

I'm not talking about your predictions for early adopter sales. Stay focused, read from the beginning and try again.

You're not talking much at all, outside of the personal attacks. My opinion is just THAT: a hypothetical opinion based upon "real" observations as well as "online" ones, that includes my expectations for before launch and after launch, which have never changed.

Despite whatever reasons I would have for not personally being interested in the system, I'm well aware of PSP's mainstream potentials which directly relate to me thinking that PSP would sell out on Day 1. Except that it didnt. It's continuing that trend today.

Instead of offering up real conceptual evidence that my opinion is wrong, all you can do is result to witty 1 line comments.

You dont even seem to realize that many of the events or observations that I've had are nearly identical to many others on this board. Perhaps, YOU should read everything from the beginning, instead of jumping into Koolaid that you think is defined with insults.

and how it BURNS YOU

I'm sure you would gain some insight from reading the above as well.

 

[GaimeGuy]

You're not talking much at all, outside of the personal attacks. My opinion is just THAT: a hypothetical opinion based upon "real" observations as well as "online" ones, that includes my expectations for before launch and after launch, which have never changed.

Despite whatever reasons I would have for not personally being interested in the system, I'm well aware of PSP's mainstream potentials which directly relate to me thinking that PSP would sell out on Day 1. Except that it didnt. It's continuing that trend today.

Instead of offering up real conceptual evidence that my opinion is wrong, all you can do is result to witty 1 line comments.

You dont even seem to realize that many of the events or observations that I've had are nearly identical to many others on this board. Perhaps, YOU should read everything from the beginning, instead of jumping into Koolaid that you think is defined with insults.



I'm sure you would gain some insight from reading the above as well.

wow... ownage. :lol

 

[jarrod]

It's very possible (I do not have access to the PSP SDK) that the libraries are not available to all 3rd parties yet. It's also possible that 3rd parties had to rush as it is to finish their games for launch and did not have time to add network support (this is a non-trivial task - a lot of the work is in the frontend, not just dealing with in-game latency and things like that...)

This info came directly from SCEA developers at GDC, who also implied that things wouldn't be changing anytime soon. Suppossedly no 3rd parties have network libraries, there's just basic SDK access to PSP's wifi components and developers are expected to license someone else's solution or develop their own.

Truthfully, it sounds more like GameCube than PS2 even.

Your analogy works, with some clarification.

PSP online is similar to PS2 online. You don't have to buy anything extra, you just buy a compatible game and off you go.

DS online is similar to Xbox online. It seems to be capable "out of the box" but it really isn't, either you will have to set up the network manually over and over for each and every game (something Iwata claims you will not have to do), or you will have to buy some kind of additional hardware to set the network up for compatible games, given that the DS uses wi-fi frequencies but does not currently use a full wi-fi implementation in current software.

No, at the moment all that's known about DS online is that it will require no extra investment and it will require little in terms of setup. Period.

We don't know how Nintendo's going to do it (there's been speculation on partnering with chain WiFi providers like Starbucks) but that's what's been said. Free and easy. That's what Nintendo's promising. Anything else you push is pure speculation right now.

Your PS2/PSP evaluation is painfully simplified too. It's hardly "just buy a compatible game and off you go" and really 80% of PS2 consoles required some extra level of investment. The consumer demands in getting PS2 or PSP online is exactly what Nintendo's looking to avoid for DS.

Honestly I haven't heard anything about Nintendo running servers for people, but I'm not really in the DS developer loop either.

Nintendo's partnering with Gamespy for their online network. It's been implied that it'll be open for 3rd parties to add their own networks (EA Online, PlayOnline, SNAP, etc) or just use Nintendo's solution/servers. We really don't know specifics right now though.

 

[ManaByte]

Despite whatever reasons I would have for not personally being interested in the system, I'm well aware of PSP's mainstream potentials which directly relate to me thinking that PSP would sell out on Day 1. Except that it didnt. It's continuing that trend today.

You do realize that SCEA shipped 1 million PSPs on the first day, which is twice what any other system has ever shipped in the US for launch, right?

 

[DarienA]

I had a meeting at 4 o'clock yesterday with a group of 40-something lawyers who probably make more than all of us combined. You know what the only thing they could talk about was?

Hehe I brought my PSP in to work today to show the architects... you want to talk about some people(usual tech heads) blown away? I showed them Spiderman than a little bit of Wipeout... jaws were hitting the floor.

When I told them the thing cost $250 they couldn't believe it... that's it?!?!?! for that?!?!?!?

The point being made is that PSP isnt the only handheld that provides online gaming.

What DS games are online playable right now?

 

[chespace]

Despite whatever reasons I would have for not personally being interested in the system, I'm well aware of PSP's mainstream potentials which directly relate to me thinking that PSP would sell out on Day 1. Except that it didnt. It's continuing that trend today.

C'mon now, did you really think the PSP would sell ONE MILLION UNITS (pinky in mouth) on day one? Has any piece of consumer electronics EVER sold 1 mil on the first day of release? What kind of a forum-fueled fantasy world do you live in, anyway?

 

[kaching]

You're not talking much at all, outside of the personal attacks. My opinion is just THAT: a hypothetical opinion based upon "real" observations as well as "online" ones, that includes my expectations for before launch and after launch, which have never changed.
...
Instead of offering up real conceptual evidence that my opinion is wrong, all you can do is result to witty 1 line comments.

My first comment most certainly did try to engage you in a point about the observations you were insinuating you had made. Considering that your "hypothetical" opinion is based on those observations in part, it certainly seemed an appropriate counter-observation to offer.

The problem comes in with your response that was either deliberately evasive or indicative of a major blindspot in your observations.

You dont even seem to realize that many of the events or observations that I've had are nearly identical to many others on this board. Perhaps, YOU should read everything from the beginning, instead of jumping into Koolaid that you think is defined with insults.

Check my post history if you think I haven't been paying attention from the beginning.

 

[DrGAKMAN]

I'm thinkin' I just drank the "OMG TEH GRAPHIX POWAH" PSP Kool-Aid just because I have a hate-on for Nintendo.

Fixed.

Face it, some people want more power...some people want something different...waaa...oh no, my opinion's are hurt. Pfft. And what's up with this popularity/who's "#1" contest BS? Back when the original GameBoy was *still* B&W and there was Game Gear, Lynx & TurboExpress who were all color they *still* couldn't last against the GameBoy. What matters for portables is not the best graphics/power...what matters is battery life, durability & price. Games matter too, but that's where opinion's come in. Do you basically want to pay for and play the exact same kind of games that are currently available on consoles? Or do you wanna pay LESS for DIFFERENT kind of games that ARE NOT carbon copies of their console counterparts? Opinion's opinion's opinion's. Doesn't make the Sony fan or the Nintendo fan right or wrong. Get over it!

PSP::NDS
console-level games on a portable::different types of games
better graphics::more gameplay features
more multi-media::better battery life
beautiful screen::more durability
more expensive system/games::cheaper system/games

 

[Littleberu]

No shortage = bad sales?

Well I know I'm at GAF. People complaining when they can't get the system, people complaining when they can. Wow.

 

[ManaByte]

Back when the original GameBoy was *still* B&W and there was Game Gear, Lynx & TurboExpress who were all color they *still* couldn't last against the GameBoy.

None of those systems had the PlayStation brand name to help sell them.

 

[ManaByte]

No shortage = bad sales?

Well I know I'm at GAF. People complaining when they can't get the system, people complaining when they can. Wow.

OMG I CAN WALK INTO A STORE AND BUY THE SYSTEM! THIS IS TEX SUXXORZ! HOW CAN I MAKE MONEY ON EBAY NOW!?!?!??!?!?!

 

[Razoric]

No shortage = bad sales?

Well I know I'm at GAF. People complaining when they can't get the system, people complaining when they can. Wow.

That about sums up this entire debacle. Sony just release some damn numbers so all this anecdotal "my walmart in kentucky has 20 PSPs and the one in target has 17!! OMG I CANT BELIEVE IT BOMB BOMB! GAME GEAR 2!" shit would stop.

 

[jarrod]

None of those systems had the PlayStation brand name to help sell them.

No but one had the Sega brand to help sell it when "Sonic" was more recognized than "Mario" and "Sega" was more popular than "Nintendo".

 

[ManaByte]

That about sums up this entire debacle. Sony just release some damn numbers so all this anecdotal "my walmart in kentucky has 20 PSPs and the one in target has 17!! OMG I CANT BELIEVE IT BOMB BOMB! GAME GEAR 2!" shit would stop.

They did release numbers. They said they shipped 1 million units for launch, which is why you have no trouble buying one.

1 million units shipped on the first day is twice as many systems as any other system launch, ever (in the US).

 

[Razoric]

No but one had the Sega brand to help sell it when "Sonic" was more recognized than "Mario" and "Sega" was more popular than "Nintendo".

jarrod i respect you and all but please dont put Sega in the same league as Sony when discussing competition.

 

[Razoric]

They did release numbers. They said they shipped 1 million units for launch, which is why you have no trouble buying one.

1 million units shipped on the first day is twice as many systems as any other system launch, ever (in the US).

sales numbers i mean.. :O

 

[gamergirly]

You do realize that SCEA shipped 1 million PSPs on the first day, which is twice what any other system has ever shipped in the US for launch, right?

C'mon now, did you really think the PSP would sell ONE MILLION UNITS (pinky in mouth) on day one? Has any piece of consumer electronics EVER sold 1 mil on the first day of release? What kind of a forum-fueled fantasy world do you live in, anyway?

I'm as much aware of that as I am with the huge amounts of hype that Sony has been gathering together for the system or that people here believed it enough to spend $300 or more on a PSP.

What DS games are online playable right now?

I should clarify, I'm talking about the DS being able to have wireless gaming since the day it was released. Also, if I'm not mistaken, dont other electronics offer online gaming? Nokia cellphones for instance? Either way, PSP isnt the first handheld system with gaming capablities to do online gaming.

My first comment most certainly did try to engage you in a point about the observations you were insinuating you had made. Considering that your "hypothetical" opinion is based on those observations in part, it certainly seemed an appropriate counter-observation to offer.

The problem comes in with your response that was either deliberately evasive or indicative of a major blindspot in your observations.

Check my post history if you think I haven't been paying attention from the beginning.

Your comments are witty and full of attack. I responded directly in relation to that fact. You're not going to get intelligent responses when you come and show that your intial responses has NOTHING to do with maturity, just mockery and sarcasm. You get what you played with.

I dont need to check your posting history, youve given me enough in 3 replies to determine what you're all about. And that, sir, is NOT an attack......

 

[Oogami]

PSP will be sold out during the weekend until the 2nd shipment arrives. Mark my words.

The marketing is getting insane and all over the TVs, stores, internet, everywhere. The weekend is coming and the spring break vacation as well. It'll probably at least sold 1.5 million units by April in the US.

 

[Drinky Crow]

Outside of the dual-screens, what does the DS offer that a Pocket PC doesn't? Remember, you're the one bringing cell phones into this conversation as well. The Pocket PC has a whole host of Wi-Fi and stylus-enabled games (and runs in a much higher resolution, to boot).

 

[Juice]

Update:

I only lasted a day. Purchased my PSP at Best Buy (over 100 in stock, lots of people wowwed but too pricy for an impulse buy at first glance) with a replacement plan.

And holy hell, I've never been more impressed with a piece of hardware. I love my DS, but I *word stronger than love* my PSP.

And no dead pixels or dust in either mine or my brother's.

 

[DarienA]

I should clarify, I'm talking about the DS being able to have wireless gaming since the day it was released. Also, if I'm not mistaken, dont other electronics offer online gaming? Nokia cellphones for instance? Either way, PSP isnt the first handheld system with gaming capablities to do online gaming.

I'm not sure that this is really germane to the argument... are there any DS games that I can go buy right now and play online? In this one aspect of the discussion the PSP offers online play right now... the DS will offer online play... down the road. That doesn't help me today if I want my portable to play online games today. I think that's what some folks have been trying to say.

 

[xexex]

I expect a PSP "re-launch" this holiday season with

1.) lower prices: $199 for the same type of package as value pack -
maybe a $179 "PSP core pack" like Japan's $185 PSP (right?)

2.) more games / better selection / more movies / music
3.) MUCH more advertizing / larger marketing campaign
4.) slightly refined PSP unit
5.) more online / wifi support

 

[MetaKnight]

Some guy know works at a store that had over 100 PSPs. He says they only sold 10 so far.

 

[Argyle]

This info came directly from SCEA developers at GDC, who also implied that things wouldn't be changing anytime soon. Suppossedly no 3rd parties have network libraries, there's just basic SDK access to PSP's wifi components and developers are expected to license someone else's solution or develop their own.

Truthfully, it sounds more like GameCube than PS2 even.

Oh, if you're basing your statements from what was said at GDC...

I was at GDC, I went to all the SCEA PSP presentations. They said that the situation was "similar to PS2" which simply means "Sony will not run your online server infrastructure but will provide you with libraries." Additionally, Twisted Metal uses the SCE-RT networking middleware, which is certainly available for PS2 (and probably available for licensing on PSP as well).

I mean, I hate to sound snarky, but saying "this sounds more like the GameCube situation" when the system launches with multiple online-capable games and SCEA developer support is comparing it to a system with many, many online games (vs the...1? on GC?)...please.

No, at the moment all that's known about DS online is that it will require no extra investment and it will require little in terms of setup. Period.

We don't know how Nintendo's going to do it (there's been speculation on partnering with chain WiFi providers like Starbucks) but that's what's been said. Free and easy. That's what Nintendo's promising. Anything else you push is pure speculation right now.

My speculation comes from observing the DS hardware (yes, I have one!) and noticing things like a lack of a standard way to set up the network. Or the lack of a "wifi certified" logo on the box. Or even that wifi capability is NOT mentioned at ALL in the DS manual (only wireless play - make sure all machines are within 30 feet!)...

Your PS2/PSP evaluation is painfully simplified too. It's hardly "just buy a compatible game and off you go" and really 80% of PS2 consoles required some extra level of investment. The consumer demands in getting PS2 or PSP online is exactly what Nintendo's looking to avoid for DS.

You're right, you did have to buy a network adapter for the PS2, initially. Current PSTwos are out-of-the-box network capable. Is this what you were nitpicking? Because otherwise I shouldn't be playing Twisted Metal online on my PSP unless I bought extra hardware?