Mini Console Wars: Why Does Sony Lose Again?

It seems clear that even if you hate the PS3 and loathe the PSP, it is impossible to say they are actually bad products.

Even the most hardened hater of all things Sony would really be stretching the truth if they were to say that Sony has completely failed in the areas of hand held and console hardware. In fact the PSP seems to actually be a clear winner in terms of superior equipment, but even in this area Sony cannot compete in terms of sales.

So, if it is not the hardware, then what on earth is going wrong up there at Sony?

[Capt CHAOS]

PSP: Two analogue controllers is what you need (Lost count of how many times I've said this, If Sony do put dual analogues on the PSP2, I'll be getting it launch day)

PS3: Just a bit too expensive. Also all that fiasco with the boomerang controlled and a crippeled online system didn't do good at launch but glad they are sorting it out. The lack of backwards compatibility is more of an issue than some people realise and thankfully, Sony had the sense to upgrade the controlled to have feedback.

But I think they'll do fine 2009/2010 onwards..

[HaloHead]

You may be right on the two analogue controller thing.

If it is simply price that meant PS3 got off to such a slow start then I stick by my idea that the PR people need shooting.

Surely market research should have indicated that was going to happen and how hard is it to fix?

[Labwarriorbot]

The truth is that Nintendo dominated the handheld market with the gameboy after Sega's restructure.

Sony came in and send a clear message to the world: the PSP is considered the best handheld amongst hardcore gamers and is here to STAY.

Saying Sony is losing, is stretching the truth. Sony is WINNING.

Just like they are winning with the PS3 by the way.

[Mothman]

I like that you use the word better in commenting on their performance. For the fact of the matter is that both their consoles are selling quite well considering their price point, targeted audience and the economic recession.

[michellejbuss]

@ labwb

I can see all the reasons why they perhaps should be but they are just not, not in terms of sales. I am not arguing about the equipment I don't have the techie knowledge needed, just that they seem to have a bit of an image problem.

[Saigon]

this their first entry into the market and they kept up with nintendo...and isn't this the first time they were behind in a console race...so how did they lose again...especially since this generation of handhelds is not complete...

[GWAVE]

Both the PS3 and PSP are pretty dang sweet. I do think the PSP could do with a second analog stick. Whoever on the big ol' PSP design team said "Nah....one analog stick is fine" should be punished.

[shocky16]

Sony are terrible at advertising.

[gaffyh]

They're ok at advertising, they have good commercials. It's just that they don't advertise enough.

[Hallucinate]

there early ps3 commercials were awesome..but the killzone2 commercial was so fing awful in so many f'ing ways

[rockleex]

But they'll have learned from their mistakes by the time the PS9 comes out.

I've got proof! >:D

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[n4gn4gn4gn4g]

Sony has come from nowhere and now taken 30%+ market share in the hand held console market.

Sony is making money on the PSP, you don't have to have the top console to make money for your shareholders.

Sony is having their 3rd party game roster GROW this year (4 years into its lifespan)

[HaloHead]

It is partially a matter of perspective but by the same token I can't help thinking with the software they have got they should be performing better.

I Think the statement that they are bad at advertising is at least some of the answer. Bad at creating an attractive image perhaps? Appealing to the wrong market? I am not sure.

[raztad]

@Halo

Sony real problem is to make PS3 profitable. Software wise things are in very good shape for them. PS3 is having a hell of a year and psp is already receiving a lot of new games. Not every title can do Halo's numbers, but most of Sony's published games cross easily the 1 million barrier.

All these "Sony failed" articles are getting real old and pointless. This is not a race, this is business.

[PotNoodle]

The PSP is going for a totally different market, they shouldn't really be compared anymore in sales.

Just like the Wii, PS3 and 360 - the PS3 and 360 shouldn't be put up to the Wii because they're not in the same market.

[Tony P]

I don't think the Wii is anywhere close to DS's balance in terms of good software, so I can't help but object to your application of the same logic.

No, I'm not jumping up to defend Wii. I don't think it's that great a console on its own or compared to the other two. But with the DS, Nintendo manages to capture a significant portion of your broad and niche markets. Sure a lot of people loved Nintendogs, but DS customers also snap up JRPGS, Castlevanias, and a wealth of other games with far more depth than a 2 minute Brain Training session.

Sony doesn't need to put out a bunch of "casual" titles, but they could still stand to learn much from the dominant handheld.

[Shortstop]

I'd say part of the reason is because older people won't justify the expense of buying a PSP when they already have a home console. Handheld devices are for travel mostly, or maybe for the gamer's emergency fix in case of a power outage.

The DS is geared towards kids; and parents, knowing that the DS is more kid-friendly than the PSP, will buy the DS for their kids instead of the PSP.

Obviously this isn't the sole reason, but it's definitely a factor I would guess.

[Ryo-Hazuki]

Its simple w/ the ps3....if they drop the price then they're winning. To be the most expensive console and twice the price of the 360...they're barley getting outsold Worldwide. Just think what a price cut would do....Sony's in it for the long haul so it doesnt matter, the time will come eventually

[felidae]

80% of the DS games are pure fun. playing games on the PSP hurts my fingers and there's zero innovation

[Pennywise]

I think the same can be said for the PS3 and PSP. Everytime I show off the ps3 or psp features everyone is shock at what the machines can do.

I think there is a basic lack of understanding of the consoles features and Sony has a hard time relaying the info to the consumers.

[michellejbuss]

This is my point, people are paid a lot of money to relay this message. they are getting something wrong.

To who ever said all these 'Sony failed' articles are pointless; is that what you think this is really?

In so many ways Sony have won. I just think that with such fab hardware they should have done better. And don't fool yourself, what ever the software situation, are you really telling me Sony would not like to be selling more units?

[Pennywise]

I think your response is confusing. My point was if Sony was to relay the plethora of things you can do with the psp/ps3 to their customers... the price point would not matter as much because the value of said items would be instilled into their heads.

[michellejbuss]

Only my first sentence related to what you said, to be more clear about it I was trying to say that I think you are right. But Sony needs to work harder on getting this stuff into people's heads.

[Pennywise]

lol okay... I saw a disagree for me and a response from you.

I thought you were directly talking to me, which I couldnt understand.

I KNOW I am right just by peoples reactions when they see what I do with my PSP/PS3.

[Ninjamonkey]

I agree. Having both i can easily say that the psp is a much better console.

Its got better graphics, and for me, better games. Some gemes even boast 32 player online like MOH. SOCOM is still one of the best online shooters ive played, and its psp, and games like resistance R continue to push its graphics way in advance of the DS's.

Plus its a much better multimedia system with a screen of better quality than most dedicated portable media players. And it looks brilliant.

It fails because a huge % of handheld gamers are kids, and casuals.

They dont care about reviews, the kids love the touch screen and the fact it plays mario and spinoffs from their favourite kids shows. And casuals want the brain training and 5 min wonder camera toy thing...

as a GAMER though the psp is infinately better. Not even close. Ratchet and clank, SOCOM, MOH, Resistance, PROPER GTA'S, and with more to come.

[Ninjamonkey]

Oh and about the ps3.

MS is incredibly good at marketing, nuff said...

[michellejbuss]

well that is it really isn't it.

Sony needs to get head hunting in the MS PR boardrooms.

[Kemicalbeliefs]

My view on DS V PSP. The DS is aimed at everyone not just gamers with crappy kiddish games that have the longevity of a premo sufferer.

What I would say is the main factor behind the DS's massive sales is the R4 card. I know about 10 DS owners and every single one has an R4 card.

Me, I've got a PSP.

[cliffbo]

if some kind person gives me 50 million times the cost of a PSP, i'm willing to call myself a loser...

[Socomer 1979]

the best equipment geared towards serious video gamers.
Its for you & its reliable. Sony only cares about gamers needs.
if you can't respect that then enjoy your other choice.
It won't be your fault if you arent a serious gamer but dont pretend hardcore gamers
dont exist because were the reason why there is a psp & ps3.

[borgome]

The DS destroys the PSP plain and simple. The DS is actually fun to play. PSP has a brutal design, sony is overrated and over priced.

[NegativeCreep427]

LOL! The D*ck-Headed Fanboy speedometer is reading off the charts here!!

[Argento-Nox]

I've got a NDS lite and PSP-2000, so neither Sony nor Nintendo are losers to me. How someone can call Sony taking a 1/3 of the handheld market a failure, is just baffling if you ask me (^_^);;.

I can see an easy fix for Sony in the next gen:

PS4: more RAM and larger capacity blu-ray

PSP2: Handheld PS3 with dual analog sticks ---> PSP problem solved (^_^).

[v1c1ous]

they did quite well and have a sizeable chunk of the handheld market.

the psp2 should prove more of a contender to the next version of the DS or whatever handheld nintendo has in mind.

however, my one disappointment with the psp are worldwide software sales. psp seems to be a powerhouse in japan, but software sales everywhere else are lackluster.

the hardware is doing relatively ok, but the amount of hardware being sold is not justifying the software sales.