Sony's PlayStation Portable celebrates its one-year anniversary today (September 1st) as the PSP was launched in Europe, but the key question after 12 months from that important fanfare is where can we go from here?
To be honest, Sony are suffering against the might of Nintendo, especially the popular DS (and redesigned DS Lite). With the news that major movie studios withdrawing films on that rubbish UMD format (based on Mini-Disc technology) and poor-ports of existing PS2 games, should we consider that the PSP is dead?
I have to admit that the PSP is an expensive and delicate piece of hardware with limited amount of interesting games. There have been NO 'triple A' titles only Grand Theft Auto and whatever happen to Gran Turismo Mobile?
The UMD format is pathetic. Sure 1.8 gigabyte of data can be stored, but I HATE the loading times. You spent more time watching 'Now Loading' than playing…
As for the UMD movies, the films are too expensive (priced from £19.99) with limited bonus features compared to the cheaper DVDs of the same movie. Plus the picture quality is restricted.
The Memory Stick Duo format is overpriced, especially if you consider to use one gigabyte or more. Sure the prices are coming down, but looking at other Flashcards, the Sony MS costs the most.
The only positives will be how Sony will use the opportunity to allow users to replay existing PlayStation 1 (PSone) games on the system through a download similar to Apple's iTunes Music Store. Playing classic games like Final Fantasy VII or Gran Turismo 2 will be ideal to help out the PSP sales/popularity. But is it too late?
Well, it seems Sony are still backing the portable console by revealing Japanese prices and release dates for the PSP's camera and GPS peripherals. The camera (PSPJ-15003) will retail for ¥5,000 (approx. $43 US or £22 UK) and will be available on November 2nd. The GPS receiver (PSP-290) will cost a little more, ¥6,000 (approx. $51 US or £27 UK) and be available to purchase on December 7th.
Will these new items boost Sony's hopes for the PSP and what about the rumours of a redesign?
Anyway, for more information about the new peripherals please visit the Official PSP Japanese site
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Sep 01, 2006, 3:59 pm