@BostonPimpDaddy2: I had a psp first and traded it for a DS, been happy ever since.

danatoth

well, you know, from the point of view of the young consumer, 39 or even 45 euros for a PSP game is too much. I think this encourages piracy a lot.

jutzuro

Love my DS. Never saw a need to get a PSP even with my PS3.

BostonPimpDaddy2

Well, last time third party companies (read: movie studios) got into bed with Sony, they got a rushed to market format that's still not quite fleshed out to it's full potential. Maybe these companies are sending a too late message to Sony about their tactics.

qbrad

I only have 3 games on my PSP, I cant keep up with so many games: PS3, PC and PSP. I like Soccer Winning eleven thats my favorite for the PSP.

Benitocarmona

I would argue price on this one, not so much after the reduced price recently but the original price. This thing had hype but was too pricey to go up against the nintendo offering.

Sony needs to think before they leap on their new console and handheld and keep pricing within reason so those following the news won't be scared away from price and those with a passing interest can at least consider it without breaking the bank if they jump in.

With a smaller user base devs aren't going to exactly jump at putting more money into games that may not sell well for all their efforts which is why I say price was a big factor.

lilaliendog

For me personally... The reason why I will never buy a PSP is Sony's utter lack and disregard for what people have been clamoring for since launch:

Yes, you guessed it... Dual Analog Sticks!

Until this happens, I will always look at the PSP as crippled hardware that could be so much more. If Sony ever decides to stop releasing re-hashes of the same PSP and re-invents it to an actual PSP2 with dual analogs... I know for a FACT, SALES will INCREASE... which will in turn lead to more 3rd party games being made.

SkoGoody

@Earthslide: No you don't understand, see..

out of those 76 games, you will only WANT to play 5-10 of those...because the rest are just cheap PS2 knockoffs :)

Jon B.

76 is too many games. I play maybe about 5-10 titles a year. I guess I can catch up with the other games later.

Earthslide

I suspect it also has to do with the same reason alot of devs are backing away from PC titles...piracy.

Dreadfish

No doubt it's because of piracy

LittleBigPlaneteer

It is way more interesting developing for a platform like the iPhone or Android Phones (to be confirmed) mainly because of the distribution system that is easily accessible and also cuts dramatically in costs for the game developing companies.

sos10

The PSP had a good, although bumpy ride, but I think it's time for a PSP sequel with dual-analog, some new features, and of course a much beefier CPU and GPU, the games look like PS2, which is excellent for a mobile platform, but now most gamers are used to the graphics of the 360 and PS3, we need something that would be a lot better than PSP, but still definitely not as close to as PS3 or 360 graphics. Maybe a little better than the Iphone's CPU, which is around 600MhZ or something like that. Then we will be able to have some really good games on there, not a ton of ported games. Oh and next time they should put in 802.11N for better online gaming, a bit of a better browser, Maybe some internal memory (like 16-32GB's, and you'll see why I put such huge capacities) and NO UMD's! If it were all digital downloads of games, and a very very tightly locked down DRM system to stop the piracy that has been with the PSP since launch, like maybe a hardware chip for DRM (probably will get hacked to hell anyways). Of course it would have a memory stick and not SD card slot, 'cause it's Sony, but if they went the SDHC route, it would be for the better. Maybe some youtube support on the device, and since there would be no UMD's, maybe they could make the device either somehow thinner than the psp slim, or smaller in design. Maybe it will be the same size, but the extra space will be used by a longer battery or the 16-32GB's of storage, or possibly the faster CPU/gpu will need some better cooling h methods, maybe some sort of heatsink design that would not be too large for the device? Who knows, but I used to be an obsessed PSP fanboy for the longest time and wasted all of my time on the PSP forums, and I had some pretty good ideas for the PSP, including some that were made into reality by Sony, but that was a while ago. SO I don't know if they care about their fans ideas. I haven't used my PSP in years, but I'm glad I got it in the first place, because it was that which made me go online for hours a day, and get into reading about tech and blogs like gizmodo and engadget, I probably wouldn't be a computer geek had it not been for that device, because I wouldn't have been online for so long to discover it. So thanks Sony for the PSP, and here's to hoping you're next one will not be a media-centric device with barely any good games!

Sam_Zebian

@BostonPimpDaddy2: But how many good games are being released on the DS? I bought one hoping for a regular showing of innovative games, but after the initial rush, find myself sorely disappointed.

SF_iris

I bought GTA: LCS merely to run homebrew on my PSP. At the time it was the only way to do it on a 2.6 firmware. I wonder if that helped it's sales at all :c)

Rabid Penguin

Maybe the developers got tired of waiting for Sony, I was really exited when a new PSP was coming out this year only to be disappointed that it looked the same, the hardware had improved, but not its looks

exer881

@SkoGoody: In all honesty, I don't find the lack of a second analog stick to be a problem in most games (read: anything put FPSs). Maybe that's just because I was weaned on 3D gaming on an original PlayStation with no analog controls.

A second analog stick would sure be sweet, though.

Sportyboard

The problem with PSP is they were basically cramming it with cheap ports of PS2 games. Games people had already played, well, on PS2.

UnnDunn

I've always thought that the problem with the PSP was that it tried to make console games handheld, which doesn't always work that well. The idea with a portable game system is that you should be able to turn it on and be in the game in seconds, like the Nintendo DS. I have a PSP, and it takes me 90 seconds just to get into a game of Lumines.

Sportyboard

Original content at a reasonable price, problem solved. Piracy has nothing to do with it. The NDS is as hacked as the PSP and sales are fine. Much more interesting content for NDS.

Sony has gone a bit crazy with 4 platforms and essentially the same content on all.

tcrown

as if the DS, ps2, wii and x360 are not pirated enough... i dont think its the prime reason..... its more that developers are now focusing on making few games that will earn an AAA title.... and obviously an AAA title would most likely be sold on the big consoles...

oh and dont forget PSN/ arcade games....

Jay

Honestly? For years i used my PSP as a portable video player, not a gaming system. Mostly because none of the games were ever that compelling and all the controls were jacked due to the aforementioned lack of dual analog sticks. But ever since i got my iPod Touch...the PSP has been sitting gathering dust. The only reason i keep it is for hope of more functionality with PS3 (i'm looking at you, GT5!!)

Papercutninja

The NDS is easier to mod and you can hold nearly all your games with 1 or 2 SD cards. The PSP modding *can* be risky, voids the warranty, and you can only hold 2 or maybe 3 regular games on a 2GB stick. Piracy isn't the reason the PSP is having trouble getting 3rd party games.

geowrian

@Sportyboard: Point taken, the problem is though... FPS's(ex:R6Vegas) and Shooters(ex:Gears)are my favorite types of games. The PSP is physically capable of replicating these games on a smaller scale... However, can NOT, due to the severe lack of a 2nd analog.

Adding to my point, it's not just FPS's that benefit from a 2nd analog. Any game where you move with 1 analog and control the camera with the other REQUIRES 2 analog sticks to make the game playing experience flawless. This would include other favorites of mine like Splinter Cell(tried playing it on PSP... it was unbearable!), Tenchu, MGS, etc. These are all action games that need that 2nd analog to control the camera...

The PSP really could be the Ultimate Portable Gaming experience... Instead, as I said, its CRIPPLED. And makes playing portable versions of some of the best games the video games industry has to offer, excruciatingly painful.

SkoGoody

It seems the consensus is that one analog nub is not enough, people want two crappy analog nubs. Two would be nice, but they would need to make them suck less... Though I've never used a PSP Slim, so maybe they do suck less, but on the original release of the PSP it was kind of hokey imo.

Rabid Penguin

NDS games are heavily pirated yet the strongest selling handheld games and games in general are on the NDS. So pirating being part of the PSP equation, not so much.

Tepoz

I love my PSP but it is way too big. The screen is great, the functions are good, the UMD was stupid. I only use it now for the locationFree TV so I can watch live TV or my videos anywhere I have WiFi. The browser sucks (I use my iPod Touch now) and the games are too expensive -- and are mostly lighter versions of the console games.

Sora57

I'm not sure where they're getting their numbers though.

Go to Gamerankings.com, pick "Rankings" from the left hand side. Set the review thresh-hold to one, PSP is the platform and each of these years:

2005 - 81 titles (launch year)
2006 - 152 titles
2007 - 142 titles
2008 - 68 titles (to date, bulk of game releases are from September to December.)

Jordan Lund

The same things can be said for the DS, there's near nothing coming out on it these days...

Knirfie

I agree with papercutninja. I, too, use my PSP mostly for movies. I have a couple games, but nothing very compelling.

ninjagin

I love my PSP, but not for PSP games.
I use it for Video and RSS feeds. Watching converted DVDs on this thing while traveling is a dream. Can't beat it.

efenili

Sporty, I think, hidden in all the rhetoric, you've hit the nail on the head. The PSP (which I love, I have 4 of them) just takes too long to load and save games. It is not something, generally speaking, one can pull out on the bus, play for a few minutes, and immediately put away once you've gotten to your location.

I love playing games on my PSP, but this issue alone, is why I pretty much only play it at home. When I'm bored of playing WoW, or don't want to turn on my PS3, I'll mess around on my PSP. That isn't what Sony had originally envisioned for their handheld...

For me, my PSP gets the most use for it's Internet Radio, and MP3 playback. (Yeah, I've got an iPod shuffle, but I would rather use my PSP.) Pretty much the only game I play on it, now, is Madden09... Still haven't finished FFVIICC or Monster Hunter Freedom2

Barry32171

Well, maybe the PSP 3000 will jumpstart the PSP again. But since the DS is gaining more popularity in places not just teen girls, I hope that Sony will wake up and smell the coffee. Or tea, whatever.

michaelleung

The psp is a good system, but I couldnt find many games I liked at first. Thats before I got custom firmware on mine, and was able to emulate older systems that I like so much. Lack of games has to be one of the main reasons for piracy, that and its free. I know a place to download psp games for free, but there arent even many I would play more than once, so I just stick to playstation games and snes games. Dual analog sticks would help, but I wonder if sony will take that chance even after sales go down for lack of games. I guess its big in japan though, so maybe. Also, sony always says they will get 10 years out of theirs systems, they say that for the psp and the ps3. I just think thats a stupid thing to say, technology is always changing, and there are oppurtunities to improve their systems every few years, so why not take them? Come on sony, psp3000 has a brighter screen, and a ps button? give me a break.

tweaker

I think it's userbase numbers, development costs, and the design of the hardware. It seems to me that developing a DS game would be cheaper than a PSP game. Add that on top of a larger installed base and the possibilities of the dual screen / touch screen format and it seems pretty obvious to me.

Ayanami

John Koller here from SCEA -- I head up hardware marketing, including the PSP. Thanks to those of you who have jumped in on the conversation. It's always good to hear feedback from you directly. There are definitely several factors that determine the volume of software releases. What you’re seeing now in terms of fewer titles is the result of development decisions made two years ago when PSP wasn’t selling as well as it has been over the last year. Third parties have since seen the PSP's install base grow substantially and have renewed excitement for the platform. The PSP's core demographic has shifted from the older professional to the teen consumer group, which has changed the way developers must think when creating new games. I’ve been going on road shows meeting with many third party publishers to educate them on this shift and the recipe for success on the PSP, which is to deliver games under strong, well-known franchises, while offering unique gameplay -- absolutely no ports. God of War: Chains of Olympus is a great example of this strategy. I can assure you that we’ll see the results of these efforts in 2009, as we have a great lineup of quality franchise titles along the lines of a God of War right around the corner. I'm talking about big games like Resistance: Retribution, and I can guarantee there will be significantly more titles like this released next year compared with this year. I look forward to having all of you PSP owners out there get your hands on these games when they launch.

IrvinMalacky

The "boot time" factor is mitigated by the suspend option. I keep my games suspended most of the time as I don't swap games all that often. The PSP can stay suspended for a week or more and wakes up in seconds and you can play where you left off. This is handy for strategy RPGs - play a few turns and then put the unit back on suspend. It's the same as closing the lid on the DS.

EnricoPlautus

im pretty sure the one and only reason why the GTA:LCS was such a high selling game was because of the flaw the game had when loading saved games. Which was exploited to run homebrew for many people who didn't want to downgrade their PSP's or didn't know how. Other than that, the game was really not that great. Besides I love my PSP, I love the fact that I can run homebrew on it as well as backing up games. Yes, piracy is probably the main issue at hand when it comes to software sales.

MorvenDerro

Personally the PSP hurts my hands too quickly when playing games. I do like a couple games on it but I don't like to play them too long. When Sony introduced the ability to play the games on a progressive scan TV I was somewhat happy, but I wish I could use a PS3 controller with it. Kinda turn it into a mini console. With the exception of being unable to make phone calls over cell phone networks it really is a great convergence device.

ccfpark

they need to forget about that PSP 3000 and make a new one with dual analog sticks, and ditch the whole UMD thing. make it backwards compatible, with the discs the same size so that we can tear apart the games that havent already fallen out of their UMD case. 76 games equates to just over 6 games a month, with most probably coming out around christmas time. for comparison, the Nintendo DS will have another 100 games out by the end of the year (next 2 months). id much rather have 76 good games spread over a year than 100 more crappy DS games

ArdisRhapsody

To be honest the only people I've seen with PSPs are boys under 16. I know that's not the case everywhere but I think down here in Australia no one else even knows the PSP exists.

PamelaBullfinch

For me the psp fell just short of the mark on all fronts:

The games are too expensive for the stripped down ps2 games that they are.

The system can run psone games but without homebrewed (illegal) firmware can only run the limited number that sony sell online (at least in the uk).

It can (could) play umd films, which costed more than dvds and had far lower quality so were destined to go the way of the dinosaurs.

It's possible to put films onto a memory card but sony tried very hard to force psp owners to pay extra for the software to do it - even after umd films failed. I'm not sure if it'll let you encode a dvd with it though, which is probably illegal. Oh, and you're stuck with sony's proprietary format.

Capability to connect to wifi but near zero ability to do anything with it.

So many missed chances. My psp's looking pretty dusty.

Greasybaz

Handhelds tend to get duplicate IP to their console counterparts but with less "game" in the game. That's why handheld games/systems don't do so well. Now, Nintendo may be something of an exception with all of its first party content, but that just proves the whole point here. Not many third party developers, not much new IP, not much interest in the platform.

DoomGaZer