950°

PSP2 Will Ditch the UMD, May Rival Xbox 360 In Horsepower

Kotaku: The Playstation Portable 2, rumored to have dual analog sticks, a bigger screen and touch controls, will also rival the Xbox 360 in processing power and ditch the UMD format, sources tell Kotaku.

Earlier this week multiple sources detailed meetings with Sony during the Tokyo Game Show about the long-rumored PSP2.

In those meetings about the portable, we were told, the device was shown to have a touch panel on the back of the system what looked like a mouse trackpad. The PSP2 also had dual analog sticks and a larger display which Sony touted as being "HD."

Shanks4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

Dual analog sticks.
No UMD.
A bigger screen.
More powerful tech.
Touch controls.

Day 1.

Game-ur4918d ago

Consol level COD with 2 analogs on the go

theonlylolking4918d ago

It would be nice if they include l2 and r2 buttons.

AndrewRyan4918d ago

Since the Xbox 360 came out. If the PSP doesn't match the 360 in tech I will be dissapointed.

Red_Orange_Juice4918d ago

No UMD doesnt mean download only, UMD was kind of comromised I guess, they'll implement something more secure.

HolyOrangeCows4918d ago

More rumors from Kotaku....I'll believe it when a reliable source comes along with its own info.

darthv724918d ago

I would expect a new piece of technology to at least be equal to an older piece of technology aside from surpass it.

GameGear rivals the master system. Gameboy rivals the nes. GBA rivals the SNES. DS rivals the gamecube. PSP rivals the ps1-2. It seems only logcal that a next gen psp would try to equate itself to the ps3/360 level of performace. That is only obvious.

Ditching the UMD...good move. Now just fix the DRM and people will get on board with digital downloads.

ProjectVulcan4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

Wont rival 360 in performance, power constraints and process technology make that unrealistic. But if it uses Tegra 2 it has the potential to perform somewhere in the region of a midrange Geforce 6 series. Nvidia have been struggling with power and heat of Tegra 2 on 40nm, but 28nm could be well established by the time the machine needs to go into production for a late 2011 launch which would instantly solve any such problems.

Although it cannot possibly match the current console performance, it doesnt have to in order to face down their visual capability. This is because on a small screen you dont need a big resolution, something like 960 x 540 would be a great resolution for a 4.5 inch screen or so.

If the machine has 50 percent the performance of a home console and only has to render to 50 percent resolution, the games could just look like pocket versions of current full blown console titles. Mighty impressive for a handheld in other words.

Ju4918d ago

Yea, 960x540. Something in the range of Alan Wake, wasn't it?

Hideo_Kojima4918d ago

Imagine Fallout 3 Portable...

I would be able to play the most addictive game everywhere I was.

thereapersson4918d ago

Give me hardware buttons, or don't even bother. I don't want my fingers blocking 1/4th of the screen space just to control my characters.

Hideo_Kojima4918d ago

Quote "It's been about 4 yeas since the Xbox 360 came out. If the PSP doesn't match the 360 in tech I will be dissapointed"

Are you fucking stupid?

Have you seen how big even the new 360 is?
Why would you think it would be easy to squeeze the power of the new 360 down to a portable console and include the battery and a power brick in it?

If Sony pulls this off I will be amazed.
If they don't I will definitely not be disappointed.
I always expect a lot from Sony but your underestimating how much of a leap this would be.

hikayu4918d ago

actually , they have dedicated touch strip . it wont use the screen's touch screen as analog sticks , we all know how much @ss they suck . from rumors , it works pretty well even on FPS . but i'll only believe it when i have my hands on it .

in term of power , i dont really need it 2 be much . i know sony like to improve their next gen stuff by ten fold , but i only need 5 =D . im fine with current resolution psp actually . put in LED or OLED screen , a better battery and more efficient chipset, a revamped PSN integration and im sold . it's not too much to ask , is it ?

Fan Tastic4918d ago

So its barely stronger than a PSP. Why bother. At least make it as strong as Wii.

sikbeta4918d ago

WOOW! That's freaking Epic... I want it...

PSP2 FTW!!!

Djinn4917d ago

I can't believe this idiot is getting agrees for asking for a COD game. And lol at the guy asking for L2 and R2 buttons. Why don't you attach a screen to your dualshock and be done with it.

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 4917d ago
despair4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

as long as there are 2 analog sticks and not digital only I'll breathe easier, we'll know more when they announce it officially, but trusting Kotaku? no thanks.

Close_Second4918d ago

Why would you want a physical disc format for the PSP2?

NarooN4918d ago

Physical > digital. Go to the store and buy a game, all you get is the fucking case with a download voucher. You go home and try to download the game, and the download either corrupts or the servers go down, etc. When I buy a game, I wanna play it immediately, not wait to friggin' download it. Not to mention space is never an issue for your memory stick or whatever.

Close_Second4918d ago

...but what if you game gets stolen, damaged or lost? If you want the game again you have to buy it again.

Also, why is downloading seen as such a problem. Most people order on-line and have to wait for items to be delivered anyway. PSN is (nearly) always open and you can buy when you like. Most PSP downloads take 10 minutes or so. Less time than going to a store and buying it.

f7897904918d ago

There's also the issue of used games sales with a digital only console. There won't be any!!! That means game prices are going to stay up there.

Oh and you want to play the game again far into the future but you don't own it? You won't get to because the company that made it doesn't exist anymore hence it's absence from the store. Look how long FF7 took to come out.

DigitalAnalog4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

DD is a poor choice for 3 Reasons:

1. Digital Downloads is NOT universal. I know of people that still do not have fast or proper access to the internet. Seeing how PSP failed due to the lack of 3G support (limiting the consumer to access downloaded games), which brings us to....

2. How big are the games? It's unrealistic to download 4 - 8GB of games all the time (which is the standard this gen). This is where the iPhone games defer, they only take a SMALL amount of memory to download and play.

3. You can quote/unquote STEAM and the like. But let's face it, everyone who has STEAM has (one way or another) a gaming PC with sufficient HDD memory. Consoles games/Handheld game have targets that (believe it or not) ARE CASUAL GAMERS. Where do you think they would store ALL these games in their library? Certainly not in the handheld. Unless this handheld has 1TB worth of free memory since you know this isn't an MP3 player.

-End statement

Close_Second4918d ago

...into a trap of debating capacity. That is download speeds, file sizes, etc. Look at how far we have come in the last 10 years in terms of storage and download speeds. To think that they will remain where they are is just plain rediculous. 10 years ago downloading an entire music album would have been perceived as madness and a reason why on-line music stores would never prevail...now look at where music store retailers are.

Unfortunatly if the PSP2 is a download only device then its being aimed at a different target audience however, what's stopping game stores from provding an in-store download service. That is, walk into a store and pay for the item and have them copy it onto your device right there and then.

As for second hand game sales show me one developer that wants them to stick around. As soon as game DD becomes a practical reality for the majority (which is not far away) you'll see less games being released on disc. Especially at the numbers they are now. I dare say that if fewer physical caopies are floating around that it wont be so cheap to buy second hand anyway. Not when you consider that you may have more games that require you to buy an unlock code anyway if the game has already been registered (e.g. MoH).

Anyway, debating/discussing the issue is irrelevant as DD is the way its all heading whether we like it or not.

RacingLightning014918d ago

For one reason limited downloads, the PSN will only let you download your game five times off the network, even with a 16GB of Memory (like with the PSPgo)your going to be limited to the amount of games you play.

I personally hope there will be a physical media drive, of some sort.

DigitalAnalog4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

"Look at how far we have come in the last 10 years in terms of storage and download speeds. To think that they will remain where they are is just plain rediculous. 10 years ago downloading an entire music album would have been perceived as madness and a reason why on-line music stores would never prevail...now look at where music store retailers are."

You can't base your entire argument on that alone. Back when Napster was still the trend, I could easily download as many music as I want without hassle, the only problem is that the MP3 players at that time did not have the "memory" capacity to store the multitudes of songs that came forward. It was not until the introduction of GB storage on a portable device did the DD changed everything.

You only look at one aspect of the situation while you ignore the other. If we're looking at "next-gen" titles, obviously we're talking HUGE amount of GB.

Yes, I agree with you that DD could be the future or in general "soft-copies" are going to be the standard for IPHONE or last-gen type of games. We're now talking about "next-gen" titles. Unless you could fit TB's of information into a portable device, ON TOP OF THAT, a fast internet connection to download SAID games ONLY then would I see DD as a viable option. If you want an example, take the original PSX classics on PSN. 15 years ago, the idea would be crazy. But think HOW FAR it had to go just so that it could be downloaded right onto our PSP's. Heck, we're not even talking about making portable PS2 games yet.

-End statement

Nicaragua4917d ago

Wrong, you can re-download things from the PSN store as many times as you want to the same PS3/PSP but you can only download it to a maximum of 5 different machines.

So i can buy a PS1 game from the store and have it on my PS3, my PSP, my kids PS3, my kids PSP, and my mates PS3. On those 5 machines i can download it, delete it, re-download it as many times as a i want to.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4917d ago
360RRODFIX4918d ago

i can only imagine price on this thing

Incipio4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

¥647892687421369487231698

John-1174918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

$599.999.999 YOUES DALLARZ

http://cache.gawker.com/ass...

SSKILLZ4918d ago

$500 is chump change I'm down with the cash.

SuperStrokey11234918d ago

lol 500 being chump change... sure thing buddy. And i own the moon which is actually made of cheese.

n4f4918d ago

OVER NINE THOUZAAAANNNDDD(9000)!!!!!!11

n4f4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

oh sorry double post

n4f4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

danm triple post please dont kill me

DatNJDom814918d ago

That's great. That means multiplats on my psp2.

Scary694918d ago

$299.99 to compete with the DS 3D :-/

nycredude4918d ago

*holds pinky at the corner of mouth*

One BILLION dollars!

saint_seya4918d ago

maybe it will cost just what an amazing new technology is worth :)=

AntoineDodson4918d ago

Maybe it can cost your wife and children...

I can actually see people trading that in for the PSP2 lol

Obama4918d ago

Oprah: It's over 9000!!!!!

fight4love4918d ago

heh this is why i like this site.a lot of funny crap happens.

NarooN4918d ago

It's like N4G wreaks of newfags or something. That $599.99 USD joke got old right after it was created, just like 99.999% of all the memes out there.

FanboyPunisher4918d ago

A handheld match a console? 360, good luck! hahah!
Impossible, anyone saying "i'll be disappointed if it doesnt" you clearly have no idea how electronics/handhelds work, power limitations, and performance limitations compared to their outlet counterpart.

Stupudidest article i've read this week, crowned by the PS3 Fanboys that dont know jack shit about tech.

Hideo_Kojima4917d ago

Maximum and I really mean MAXIMUM... 399.99

Most likely 299.99-349.99

It wouldn't make sense to the consumers why a PSP2 cost more than the PS3 although when you think about it a PSP2 also need to include the screen speakers and probably is harder to develop than a home console as you need to compress a lot of power into a very small space.

+ Show (19) more repliesLast reply 4917d ago
joydestroy4918d ago

i can tell you now that it won't be all digital. Sony already confirmed that it won't be digital download only like the PSPgo so not sure who gave out this false information.

so, if they are getting rid of UMD, then there will be another type of disc used.

moparful994918d ago

There are "cart" like storage devices that are near commercial release that supposedly can hold more then a blu-ray disc and are lightning fast since they dont require and optical laser to read and interpret data... Sounds good to me....

despair4918d ago

Isn't there something that stores in a virtual 3D space on a small strip that holds gigs? That would be cool.

kneon4918d ago

I'm pretty sure UMD is dead whatever they do, it's just too big and power hungry.

They could just go with a secure variant of memory stick or SD card to prevent piracy. Stick a JavaCard chip in there to handle the security side and you're good to go. then they can produce various sizes to meet the needs of the games. At the time of launch it would likely be uneconomical to use anything over about 4gb, though if the past decade is any indication that should about double every year.

f7897904918d ago

Kneon, it doesn't matter what type of security Sony implements. There will be SO many hackers jumping on it, it's going to be ridiculous. I'm buying my PSP2 day 1 for all the wonderful security holes in it. Yeah, I'll still buy all my games but I want to play my entire PS2 collection and Mario Kart 64 on it.

kneon4918d ago

Well the PS3 has been quite secure so far, I expect the PSP2 to be at least as secure, if not more given what they've learned and how security has advanced since the PS3 launch.

Hideo_Kojima4917d ago (Edited 4917d ago )

Are we talking about a new form of flash memory like
memory sticks but with even more storage?
That would be cool if they dont cost $100 like those 32GB memory sticks.
+No more of that slightly annoying spinning sound you get when you play on the PSP.

Edit:
@moparful99
Wait if these cartages hold more than 50GBs and they are cheap enough to be used as game cartages they would most likely replace every single memory stick there is out there on every camera and phone and Sony would once again have the best form of storage in their new console.

Unless they are not rewritable.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4917d ago
TreMillz4918d ago

PLEASE tell me Sony is finally going to use mini Blu-ray, 16gb of pure joy!

chazjamie4918d ago

wat would be the point?

Close_Second4918d ago

Forget disc format. They're slow, use more battery life and not all that portable. Give me a PSP2 with ample on board memory for storing games.

The thing I love about downloaded PSP games from PSN:
1. You always own them. Having kids you'll appreciate being able to download a game again over having to buy it again if the disc gets lost or damaged.
2. You can use them on up to 5 PSPs!

BannedForNineYears4918d ago

"May rival 360 in terms of horse power".
That's not saying much, the Magnavox Odyssey could rival the 360 in terms of online play/graphics/controller/fun factor. >_>

nilamo4918d ago

The scary thing is some of these trolls actually believe the horse crap they shovel into the comments section

kaveti66164918d ago

that's too stupid to be funny.

milohighclub4918d ago

i like the idea of the touch pad, i didn't at first. but then i thought it would be cool walk with left analog, camera with right analog, aim with touchpad. dualshock 4 anyone??

bumnut4918d ago

it would be nice, but i don't think a device so small will be as powerful as a 360. it may not be too far away though because the games will be running at a lower res on the small screen.

8thnightvolley4918d ago

Funny how they says the 360 is 512ram but forget the ps3 is even smaller at 256 and an added 70 was managed to be sqeezed out so what does tht say mmmm

nycredude4918d ago

Get your facts straight. PS3 has 512 ram also. Can't believe there are still people who are so misinformed.

8thnightvolley4918d ago

So psp2 is more powerful than ps3?.. U see bigger ram means squrat if a computer's composition of its parts is not in sync it does get to be better, I won't believe the psp2 is doing anything close to the processing power of any current Gen console 360 has 3 cores at 3.2ghz and ps3 cell and 7sub processors so how does psp2 want to do that without asking for some mad price of 400 pounds at least

BaneWilliams4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

PS3 has 256ram as opposed to 360's 512.

PS3 ALSO has 256 of dedicated Graphics Ram, which the 360 has as well in addition to its 512 base.

Kotaku wrote that article specifically so it would be a fanboy flamer - Because 'may rival PS3 in horsepower' wouldn't get near as much debate and traffic.

Nevermind the fact that 1GB of RAM is still not much considering the fact that most gaming PC's have 6-8 nowadays.

OpenGL4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

There are smart phones with more than 512MB of RAM but that doesn't meant they are more powerful than the PS3/360.

@ BaneWilliams

The PS3 has 256MB of XDR dedicated to the CPU and 256MB of GDDR3 dedicated to the GPU, where as the 360 has 512MB of RAM that can be divided however the developer wishes amongst the CPU and GPU.

SiLeNt KNighT4918d ago

i have 4 shiny quarters, want to trade me for your single $100 bill? thats 4 things for you and 1 for me!

my friends ps3 has 320 gb and my ps3 has 60 gb tho? der de der, ram is good, and so is microsoft cuz they smart and have cool technology and stuff

get your facts straight fellas! especially if your going to try and correct someone. haha 256 + 70 ??? huh? are you referring to the OS footprint as the "added 70"? so were at 326mb of ram in the ps3 then? i tried to think of so many ways not to call you guys stupid but its really hard when i re-read what you typed. unfortunately ive come to the conclusion that you guys are indeed, just stupid.

ps3's hardware is better than the 360's in every possible way. it takes the dev. to utilize the power but raw numbers the 360 cant compete. even with the same amount of ram in both [512mb], as others have stated, 256mb of the ps3's ram is around 6x faster than the 360's. im confident you have no idea what i said or will be saying so just go play sub hd games and dont forget the lunch your mums packed you for school tomorrow!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4918d ago
BattleAxe4918d ago

They'll probably have UBMD Universal Bluray Mini Disk. They've learned their lesson with hardware the doesn't support physical media ie: PSP Go. Hopefully it will be backwards compatible with UMD.

RBdrift4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

If Sony could reach an agreement with Activision to make them a psp2 COD shooter to bundle with then it would sell literally millions day one.

zeddy4918d ago

my dream would be able to play games like elder scrolls 720p with xbox power graphics in the palm of my hand.

rareairtone4918d ago

I don't fully trust this announcement but a nice amount of this is probably true.

We have to remember also that if these are the current specs, no wonder sony is having problems with keeping it cool.

Since the leading mass-consumed smartphones currently run with 512 MB of ram, there is no reason the psp can't support 1gb of ram..

PHOSADRA4918d ago

Apple's iPod series has no problems getting
people to download and play games.

As long as Sony provides enough storage space...and the ability to re-download if you ever delete....
I don't think they'll have much of a problem....

Especially if the games are good ^.^
Just like Tap Tap Revenge.... If the game is good, people will buy it..and not care about the physical disk

Sano644918d ago

Until I hear someone say that you go into a store to buy games I have no faith in this product

vhero4918d ago

Meh all we hear and read is it might have this and it might have that.. The reality is nobody knows what its gonna have yet except a few devs who are not allowed to share.

PS360fanboy4917d ago

FOur times more ram than a PS3? I highly doubt that!

+ Show (15) more repliesLast reply 4917d ago
-Mezzo-4918d ago

Tht would be awesome, i would buy that DAY 1.

TheLastGuardian4918d ago

I expect the PSP2 to be powerful enough to have more multiplatform games that hit the PS3 and 360 will also be on the PSP2 as well as more Sony exclusive games hitting both the PS3 and PSP2. I think it would be so cool if the PSP2 and PS3's online functions were linked so You could have your same friends list and everything just as it is on PS3 and take it on the go.

Imagine if you were playing Killzone 3 on your PS3 and you had to go to somewhere and you could play Killzone 3 on your PSP2 with people on PS3 and you have your same rank and everything just as they were on the PS3. If the PSP2 supports 3G you could play online games wherever you went.

dosgrtr4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

so what will be the physical format for the psp2 then? I'm definitely hoping for a much more battery efficient physical format though

Kamikaze1354918d ago

Good question....It'll probably be an evolved form of UMDs (they'll look similar). Sort of how DVDs are what CDs evolved into overtime.

Fishy Fingers4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

"Games will be stored on a Memory Stick, according to one source"

So digital. It's in the article.

Edit: Disagrees for reading. Good job guys, go about making something up. Mini Blu-Rays right?

dosgrtr4918d ago

that might mean flash cards as the standard physical format

joydestroy4918d ago

i disagreed because Sony themselves said it won't be digital download only like the PSPgo. i wouldn't put too much faith on rumors in an article...

Baka-akaB4918d ago

What prevents them from using flash cards as physical format ? Or do you wanna believe the 3ds would be using a disc ?

Fishy Fingers4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

Thats what I said below. But reading the article is better than just making something up.

AntsPai4918d ago

"Sony is still puzzling out what the final non-UMD storage solution will be for the PSP2"

So something other than UMD. It's in the article.

TreMillz4918d ago

i.engadget.com/2006/10/05/tdk- unveils-16-5gb-mini-blu-ray-dis cs-at-ceatec/

to bad i can back it up, make up your excuse now...

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4918d ago
zeddy4918d ago

i hope all games come in the form of digital downloads, away with the psychical media.

Fishy Fingers4918d ago

Better get to work on the PS4 sharpish then if your handheld is only slightly weaker than your premium system. Stick a video out and dual shock support, theres your one stop PS device.

Personally, I think people are just getting a bit carried away with the rumours.

"Said to be hand signed by Jesus Christ"

Incipio4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

Yeah totally...imagine a mini-HDMI out port. Plug that baby into your HDTV and blammo! Instant Sony home console.

In fact, that's not a bad idea. And if other people wanted to play with you...they could connect to your PSP2 via bluetooth (with either their DS3 controller or their PSP2) and you'd have splitscreen action! Hmm...we honestly aren't that far now from the point where handhelds will nearly equal consoles in power. Adding HDMI-out and bluetooth connectivity to a powerful handheld isn't too bad an idea.

Especially if Sony bundled a 6' Mini-HDMI to HDMI cable with every PSP2. HDMI cables are cheap to make now so I don't see the problem with that.

And even cooler...you could even ditch the PSP2 altogether (instead of holding it while connected to TV) and just dock it with some kind of charging HDMI-out dock and use PS3 controllers to play it!

So in a nutshell you'd have a powerful gaming system that's quality enough for TV use, and portable enough for walkin' around places, plus bluetooth pairing for multiplayer controller connectivity (using other PSP2's or DS3 controllers).

EPIC POSSIBILITIES FOR THE WIN

saint_john_paul_ii4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

well its looking like sony has learned their lesson the hard when when it comes to ram. Ram is the reason why the PSP kinda sucked when it comes to non-game apps (web browser ram issue, etc.)

Edit: Why the disagree? Ram has always been an issue for PlayStation products. its one of the reasons why the PS3 currently doesnt have things like Xross game chat/ Custom XMB music in-game for all games. this will be an amazing thing right now for the PSP2 if its real and will allow future PS consoles to thrive.

EDIT 2: Genecalypse, now thats another story. how are they going to price this and will there be a new format for games on this device. its looking like UMD will officially be dead.

Genecalypse4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

Too bad its going to cost more than 300$, something they still havent learned

MisterAV4918d ago

i don't think the ram is a big issue. Web browser ok but because of netfront, if they used opera...but on ps3 problems are compatibility with all games I think. Having less ram means it only needs an hd for caching

Incipio4918d ago (Edited 4918d ago )

A traditional HDD is lightyears slower that RAM, although SSD would fare better.

SuperM4918d ago

Ram is probably the biggest bottleneck of this generation systems. A handheld device would definately benefit from alot of ram. Just look at the Epic Citadel demo running on the iphone. It looks amazing and the reason why they can run it on an iphone is because it has alot of ram. The iphone 4 has 512mb ram, in comparison to 64mb on the PSP. Thats why psp has shitty textures and iphone, if programmed right, can display some truly amazing textures.

Ram is also definately a problem on the PS3. The OS can not use more then a fixed amount of ram because the rest is reserved for games. So basically the ram limits the amount of stuff they can add to the OS. And if the games had more ram then they would have better textures.

345435347984918d ago

the ONLY reason the psp sucks is the lack of support, and that's because of piracy

FantasyStar4918d ago

I'm a PSP Owner and I highly disagree. The lack of a 2nd Analog nub is more the reason the PSP games didn't take off. DS went through far worse piracy and they're #1.

LeShin4918d ago

But that doesn't make any sense! You said yourself that the DS took off.....and it didn't even have ONE analog stick let alone two.

SuperM4918d ago

If DS had skipped the touchscreen and added a single analog stick it would have failed aswell. DS went for a completely different system and it worked. The PSP took a known well working system and gimped it. Not the best idea.

Show all comments (191)
100°

Should Sony Be Worried?

OXCGN:

"Does 3DS trouble point to trouble for PS Vita?

What if the huge rise in popularity of smartphones, iPods and iPads is stealing away potential customers for both their portables?

Should the 3DS situation actually make Sony worried for their PS Vita?

Actually, no. And here’s why."

gaminoz4641d ago

I totally agree. Sony is focusing on core gamers, not on casuals and Mario fans.

Just_The_Truth4641d ago

you should play minis they're pretty awesome.

showtimefolks4641d ago

a price point for vita at 249 is great deal for what you are getting

games,games and more games

3ds is just like DS with 3d nothing new while vita is a lot more advanced from psp

i know i am not much into handheld and i will most likely get vita at launch or around that time

gamingdroid4641d ago

Except the 3DS now retails for a mere $170!

That means the PS Vita is now the most expensive handheld....

dredgewalker4641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

@gamingdroid

I agree with showtimefolks that it's always been about the games. If Sony has a strong game library at the launch of Vita you can be sure it's gonna do well. Cost wise the 3DS is cheaper to manufacture than the Vita so I'm not surprised the Vita is more expensive. Gaming wise both are targeted at different types of gamers so I think the 3DS and Vita will be able co-exist.

Just_The_Truth4641d ago

@gamingdriod ever heard you get what you pay for? The 3ds should have never been 250 they ripped 4m people off already and would have continued if not for the vita. Don't act like they just had a change of heart. No, they're scared and losing money. It's not a good sign when the CEO's salary is cut in half. If i were you i wouldn't be bragging about a price drop that was caused by fear. Instead i'd be thanking Sony for actually giving consumers something that is actually worth 250+.

gamingdroid4640d ago

***ever heard you get what you pay for?***

Do you say the same thing about Xbox Live Gold? People pay for houses on during the bubble, did they get what they paid for?

***The 3ds should have never been 250 they ripped 4m people off already and would have continued if not for the vita. Don't act like they just had a change of heart. No, they're scared and losing money.***

Ever heard of the PSP Go? It debut at $250, and people still aren't getting the games promised day-and-date with the UMD versions. Heck some just never came! Those people got screwed royally with a half @ss supported product!

I don't care what the reason for price cut, because it is all based on capitalism i.e. the value of the goods are based on what people are willing to pay.

***It's not a good sign when the CEO's salary is cut in half.***

It is actually a very good idea, it doesn't rewards failure and forces the CEO/employees to have a stake in the success.

***If i were you i wouldn't be bragging about a price drop that was caused by fear.***

I didn't brag about the price drop? Nor do I defend Nintendo. It just is what it is...

***Instead i'd be thanking Sony for actually giving consumers something that is actually worth 250+.***

Thanking them? Maybe if you are a fanboy....

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4640d ago
ChickeyCantor4641d ago

"Sony is focusing on core gamers, "

Is that why they are trying to bring it to the "living room"?
Don't kid yourself.

Games like God of War and Uncharted are ALSO aimed at casual players. Why do you think they go for a hollywood kind of vibe?

BadCircuit4641d ago

They aren't Angry Birds though...those are more casual.

consolez_FTW4641d ago

God of War and Uncharted are aimed at casual gamers!? no. what games were u playing if you think those titles were for casuals.

You also say they have a "hollywood vibe". I guess they had a big budget like a hollywood film, but other than that, what are you talking about? I personally got more of a awesome hardcore vibe from GOW and UC sooo, definitely not casual like u say.

HannibalBarca4641d ago

GOW and Uncharted aimed at the casual?, riiiiight, "you" don't don't kid yourself.

Parapraxis4641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

Sidar is clearly delusional you guys, pay him no regard.
He's a Nintendo fanatic to the core.
An un-bias comment from him would be like pulling teeth.
He'd rather get into semantics to try to justify his ludicrous claims rather than conceding he was wrong.
-----------------
See below, he is still pleading the case that Uncharted and God of War are "casual" because people will go to the theaters to see some films with similar themes and stories (though few as good as those games). It doesn't get much more DELUDED than this folks.

___

Since you seem to be the person with the keenest sense of differentiating between the two terms I am eager to be enlightened, please define "hardcore" and "casual" for us all, PLEASE Sidar. And this time no cross-medium references.
What makes a game hardcore or casual?

ChickeyCantor4641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

I love how you guys take my words out of context and completely miss the keyword [ALSO].

You guys have to be kidding yourself if you think Sony thinks "hardcore" gamers are their only target audiences.
They could only wish that their franchises sell tens of millions. Obviously the Core gamer isn't that for them.

" I personally got more of a awesome hardcore vibe from GOW and UC sooo, definitely not casual like u say."

Yesh cause going to the movies is so hardcore right?
Casual people can love that hardcore vibe too, for crying out loud you people are ignorant.

"idar is clearly delusional you guys, pay him no regard.
He's a Nintendo fanatic to the core.
An un-bias comment from him would be like pulling teeth."

I've been playing more PC games, and a matter of fact is if my Ps3 PHAT( launch ps3) didn't fry i would be playing that too. My Wii? I havn't turned it on for months.

So parapraxis, its you who is a PS3-fan to the core and can't comprehend whats in my comment.

edit:
@Parapraxis
"See below, he is still pleading the case that Uncharted and God of War are "casual""

I never said its casual, i said they are also being promoted to casual gamers.
See the difference?

Comprehensive reading capabilities wasn't meant for you obviously.
Not sure why I'm responding to you, so far you have been twisting my words twice.

_____________________________ ___________

"What makes a game hardcore or casual?"
Delusional Fanboys.

There are only hardcore players, not hardcore games.
A game of tetris with 700+ lines is hardcore.
Casual players are people who don't play games that often, but this can be due the fact people need to work, take care of their family or simply have other hobbies.

So are you telling me someone who doesn't have much time to play video games falls outside the scope of who Sony tries to reach?
Give me a F'n break.

Army_of_Darkness4641d ago

"Games like God of War and Uncharted are ALSO aimed at casual players. Why do you think they go for a hollywood kind of vibe"

If those games are ALSO aimed at casual players then I'm sure every game out there is too... Although, I highly doubt any casual gamer I know would buy or even play those games. Watching me play them and getting amused and entertained however is a different story ;)

ChickeyCantor4641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

" I highly doubt any casual gamer I know would buy or even play those games."

That's not my point. My point is that Sony is still trying to reach out to these people.
Sony wants these people to buy their games too, and if anyone here believes that Sony is only aiming at hardcore gamers, now THAT is delusional.

It is a given that the so called "hardcore" gamer is slapped up front. But this doesn't mean Sony wants to cuddle just with them. Thats just dumb and nothing business like at all. It's a business for crying out loud, they want to sell more and more and more.

Edit:
I love the disagree, well if you believe Sony loves you and wants to be your best friend, whatever makes you sleep at night right?

jukins4641d ago

i agree with sidar. alot of ppl may consider god of war and uncharted type games hardcore but really they're as mainstream as games can get. And also thinking that sony is only focused on "hardcore" games really? They already have psn games and psmini's and now they're supporting garage devs for more app type games.

Sidar explained it perfectly. God of war for example. tragic hero turns badass for revenge blood guts and boobs. whats more casual than that lol. Hardcore would be a game like Catherine or Demon Souls niche games are hardcore imo.

tiffac4641d ago

I think we've been gamers for too long to realize what is core and what is casual and if this generation is any indication the casual games mostly aren't the ones with Hollywood quality development.

With the adult type storyline of GOW and Uncharted I don't think they are casual enough for parents to buy those games for their kids or have their underage kids play them.

Now if you said LBP or ModNation I probably would agree with you since they have the more universal feel for the casual market.

Killman4641d ago

GOW = Casual? Uh-huh.

"Hey mom, come rip this guy's head off!"

AWBrawler4640d ago

Ok, let me step in and clarify this argument. Casual no, but mainstream, yes. GOW and UC are mainstream games. And main strem games are often picked up by Casuals, (Casual's aren't all soccer moms, there's guys too)

Look at Call of Duty. Do you honestly believe everyone playing that is Hardcore? it's mainstream so that it can attract casuals.

True Story: I knew a guy who would turn every game he play on the easiest setting, so that he could run through it and see the "movie" unfold yet he dared to call me casual because I only owned Wii at that point. So, He got a Wii and Tried to play MP:Corruption (which has no difficulty setting) and he sucked at it. bad. He had to call me every 5 minutes it seems, to figure out the puzzles, and to fight bosses, and that's the most straight forward prime game.

So yes Mainstream games can appeal to casuals. Which one do you think a casual is most likely to try out first? Uncharted, which is movie like? or Demon Soul which is more basement Dungeons and Dragons like?

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4640d ago
christheredhead4641d ago

whats wrong with mario fans? why would sony focus on mario fans to begin with?

breaking news: sony is focusing on core gamers not dreamcast fans. pretty irrelevant isn't it?

BadCircuit4641d ago

lol.

I think he means gamers who like the old school stuff?

MaxXAttaxX4641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

Old school stuff is great.

I think what he meant was something along the lines of Sony not trying to appeal to the Mario crowed(?) ....I think

Insomnia_844641d ago

The 3DS is not doing good because it's just the DS with a f@cked up 3D!! the 3D in that machine is no good!!! you HAVE to FOCUS to see the 3D in some way and that hurts your eyes leading to headache. Just try it for yourself.

The PlayStation Vita on the other hand is another story, it's like taking your PS3/Xbox wherever you go!!! AND.... IT NOW HAS 2 JOYSTICKS!! on top of that the touch screen crap(wich I don't really care much about).

Smartphones have nothing to do with that and thinking the PSV will not sell well is NOT thinking right.

Oh and all that for just $250/$300?? SOLD!!!

AWBrawler4640d ago

man there sure are some whiny babies online. and some liars. I don't have to focus to see the awesome 3D effects of the Kid Icarus demo. in fact if you are straining and focusing, maybe YOU are doing something wrong, not them. I have flaunted my 3DS in front of maybe a people and let them play it, and none of them complained about a headache. The Worst reply was "Wow! That is Amazing! but my eyes have to get used to it" and that was from a guy who wore glasses, who wasn't wearing them when he was looking at it.

I honestly think some of you believe if you troll hard enough it will hurt Nintendo some how.

aceitman4641d ago

ps vita is a true upgrade from psp . 3ds is just a bump up on graphics with 3d wich not many people are liking or adjusting to . ps vita should not have the same problem on sales as the 3ds . ps vita is what a lot of people on the fence that wanted to buy a psp but wanted the features of ps vita . so o think ps vita will do well .

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4640d ago
BadCircuit4641d ago

I really wanted the 3DS to be something more than just a console for existing franchises and with the Resident Evil game I was thinking it might be.

But no...nothing came and nothing new was announced.

I'll also be waiting and seeing about the PS Vita. Early adopters are rarely rewarded these days!

MaxXAttaxX4641d ago

Vita already has a good amount of games announced more than half a year away from release.
More games to come on GamesCom and TGS. Can't wait for TGS!

BadCircuit4641d ago

As long as they aren't canned like those for 3DS...

Stealth2k4641d ago

Oh nothing new was announced? you mean like rocket slime 3 or fantasy life or doctor laurec?

Parapraxis4641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

what, what and what?
Nintendo relies on core franchises. It has not delivered on them with the 3DS at all, thus for Nintendo fans it fails and for people who just pick it up for the novelty it also fails due to the lack of innovative titles.
Launch line-up was poor (at best), this is just not a way to launch a platform nowadays. If they had an app-like store with a ton of indie games to rival the apple store maybe they would be in the clear, but on that front, like the 1st party games the machine has failed.

Nintendo thought the kit would sell on 3d alone, clearly they were wrong.

Proeliator4641d ago

Early adopters should NOT be rewarded; all that does is cater to this whole instant gratification and silver-platter treatment that gamers these days are so used to, and are even demanding in cases such as the 3DS.

Remember when the iPhone price dropped initially, and Apple fans shit themselves with anger because they bought it for more? Yeah, that's exactly what most gamers are acting like today.

BadCircuit4641d ago

So are you saying we should all wait to buy consoles? I don't think the big console makers would be happy.

Godem4641d ago

I sold my 3DS the day before the price drop was announced... I am happy as larry :)

gaminoz4641d ago

Yeah ironically my son did too! I bet the trade in price has dropped a lot!

XboxOZ3604641d ago (Edited 4641d ago )

The thing Sony have going for them is the westernisation of the firm as a whole. Knowing that in order to not only survive, but grow and flourish, they need to appeal to the core users, rather than those on the edge.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for Nintendo is their leadership based in Japan. Their attitude of superiority and 'never-can-do-wrong' thought process they exude.

Apple has stumbled on the key-stone of what buyers want. Simplicity, functionality, 'idiot-proofing' (yes, that is a real-world term sadly) and price-point.

It's why the Japanese have adopted the iPhone, iPad, and all iDevices over their own native production. No other American company has ever done that, and is unlikely to do it in the near future.

If both Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo followed Apples 'simple' strategy, they could well take some of the icing off Apple's cake.

Sony 'now' are willing to learn from their mistakes, whereas Nintendo seem almost cemented in their thought process that their way is right, and the buyer needs to change their ways. Wrong

Until both Sony and Nintendo as well as Microsoft realise that buyers want simplicity, yet multifunctionality at the same time, such as the use of a phone, multimedia device etc all combined into one unit, they will struggle to sell en-mass like they 'used' to.

The market has changed whether we like it or not, and those companies unwilling to adopt that change will suffer. I believe the era of handheld gaming platforms is coming to an end (as a stand-alone platform), and those platforms that offer both gaming and smartphone functions are the ones that will flourish.

gaminoz4641d ago

I wouldn't say the PS Vita is going for simplicity though...they seem to be going more for hardcore gamers. They do seem to be going for multi function, but not at the expense of a focus on games

Games that are not really simple like apps are

Insomnia_844641d ago

@gaminoz
Well said, bubble up!

jukins4641d ago

not sure why ppl keep saying sony is going towards hardcore. not only are there app type games already in psminis but they are even giving free dev kits to garage devs who've developed on ios and android. tie that in with teh social features or near the wide variety of games. If anything i'd say sony is going more for total entertainment rather than a device for the hardcore because in all honesty the so called "hardcore" will only take you so far.

gaminoz4641d ago

@ junkins

It's not that they are going toward hardcore: they have always focused on them (look at PSP). The minis weren't enough to get people off ipods.

Sony is going for total entertainment but keeping core 'real' games as their starting point, which is good sense. They aren't going to suddenly beat Android and iPod.

Canary4641d ago

The problem with the 3DS is that it failed on virtually every level.

It was too expensive.
It lacked strong 1st party games to entice casual gamers.
It lacked strong 3rd party games to entice core gamers.
The limitations of the 3D effect and short batter life prevented it from being used as a PORTABLE device.

The Playstation Vita, at first glance, looks to avoid those mistakes--it has a cheaper price tag, has plenty of high-profile games attached to it, and seems well-suited for portable gaming.

But is it really any better off?

Look at the list of Vita games: almost all of them are simply handheld versions of console games. If you own a PS3, would you buy a Vita to play those same games "on the go?"

Probably not. Especially when pretty much EVERYONE who has the disposable income to buy a handheld console ALREADY has a cellphone capable of mobile gaming. The simple fact of the matter is that handheld gaming has ALREADY been usurped by mobile gaming. This is the chief reason for the failure of the 3DS, and I have no doubt the Vita will meet with similar failure.

For the past several years, the older handhelds managed to exist due to having unique titles that could not be duplicated on any other platform.

More and more, people are using mobile phones to game around when they're on the go, and leaving their DSs and PSPs at home, to play with for longer stints before work, or at night, before sleeping. The age of the dedicated handheld gaming device is over, and has been for some time.

I'm not saying that this means the PSV or 3DS will be worthless, or that they won't (in the end) appeal to many gamers, myself included... I'm saying that from a financial perspective, both platforms are likely to be viewed as failures, and that it's very unlikely that Sony will ever make a handheld after the PSV, or that Nintendo will make a handheld after the 3DS.

Unless, of course, they make something like an iPad with analog sticks that can be used as a more versatile media device.

Stealth2k4641d ago

Oh how false. Let me count the ways

1 is the time the 3ds outsold the ds for 6 months
2 is the time people laughed at mobile games because they suck

3 is the time the 3ds exceeded sales expectations in there latest forecast
4) is the time the 3ds will be the top selling system in japan this year

5 is the time the 3ds got its price dropped

6 is the time the 3ds has pokemon, FF , DQ, mario, kid icarus for the holidays

jukins4641d ago

"Unless, of course, they make something like an iPad with analog sticks that can be used as a more versatile media device."

after that long rant of why dedicated handhelds will fail you make this final statement. Hmm isnt the psv LIKE (please notice the LIKE and see i didnt say exactly) an ipad with analog sticks that can play movie music and content from the playsation store and qriocity and more than likely netflix. it has a browser and gps. It has full budget games, past gen games, and bite size app type games. doesnt get much more like an ipad than that.

Canary4641d ago

I meant more versatile than an iPad. Basically, it's all about handling different types of media. Email and Internet is one, then there's music and movies... all of which the iPad has.

Basically, I think if handhelds are to have any future, it would be something like an iPad with analog sticks, running an OS similar in versatility to Windows 7.

tiffac4641d ago

I agree with Canary that is why I think the buzz is towards more on the PSV because Sony outlined what it can do as a media medium and not just gaming device.

I think this is where Ninty failed to do with the 3DS, they where to focus on doing the gimmick than follow the current trend.

So I think that kind of stumped the initial growth of the 3DS but with the price drop and the strong fanbase of the DS I don't think Ninty has anything to worry about.

Sony on the other hand... well the ball is in their court. As any successful business person will tell you. The one that worries are usually the one that has the plan to succeed. So they should worry and make sure the PSV comes out of the gate running.

clrlite4639d ago

Yeah, I agree with your reply below. Apple's marking is still riding on hype and novelty anyway. Problem is, Sony's marketing, at least where I live in the states has been somewhat lackluster lately. A lot of people around here don't even know any of the PS3's features and still think Xbox has more games. They are unaware of the Move's capabilities, etc. How are they going to make an informed decision if they aren't being marketed correctly, don't do their own research, and are bombarded by competitors marketing? I've long wondered if this was all part of their "10 year plan" and hopefully Vita will be marketed correctly.

Show all comments (63)
170°

PS Vita Has Stronger Dev Support Than 3DS. Game Over HHGS 7/17/11

1. Shane Satterfield Of Gametrailers.com appears on the show
2. Will A Onlive App debut with PS Vita
3. Fear 3 - 10/10 Best FPS Cover System Ever
4. NBA 2K12 - Star Mike Video
5. Rap Battle - X-Factor Vs Tsu Surf
Enjoy The Show And God Bless

Read Full Story >>
hiphopgamershow.com
Warprincess1164656d ago ShowReplies(3)
liveActionLeveler4656d ago

Game hasn't started yet, hopefully it does this year in the US. I want Vita right now! So hyped!

THILLREBORN4656d ago

Oh snap I'm on the show...just lost my mind!!! That's the biz!!!

THILLREBORN4656d ago (Edited 4656d ago )

I'm so losing it here!!!

Titanz4656d ago

Sony probably has the most third party support, out of the big 3(Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony).

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60°

GameInsider: PS Vita Showing It’s Muscle With Hot Shot Golf

Be sure to check out our PSVITA walkthrough with Everyone’s Golf (Hot Shot Golf in the US). There are some awesome feature to check out.

Read Full Story >>
game-insider.com
lazertroy4689d ago (Edited 4689d ago )

"Living La Vita Loca"

Lord Anubis4689d ago

but can we manipulate the wind?

Giggitty

LordStig4689d ago

I've always liked the Clap Hanz sport games the controls are not complicated so they're easy to jump in to and the DLC was dirt-cheap.

Surfaced4689d ago

Definitely getting this at launch, along with Gravity Daze and maybe Uncharted.

blusoops4689d ago

This along with uncharted will be day one!
Also, i'll get stardust and sound shapes, cause i imagine they'll be cheap downloads...i hope.

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