Sony: PSPgo Probably Over Priced
PSPGo
The PSPgo, Sony’s over priced attempt at taking charge of the digital distribution movement, was a great idea on paper, but does not seem to be receiving much support.
In an interview with MCV, Kaz Harai of Sony Computer Entertainment spoke of his challenges that the company faced while trying to sell the PSPgo. Two of the most glaring issues being the requisite of online purchases and its high price.
He says that it is the first time that they have done that with any of their devices, of course. He states that they need to make sure that they have as many titles available to download as possible, to make the experience identical to that of the original PSP models. He says the pricing is perhaps an issue with the console. He says the PSPgo is a completely different model and design than the previous, cost efficient, traditional PSPs, so the cost trend is different.
He also goes on to say that he is happy from the results that he has seen on the PSPgo, including the feedback received by customers.
One of the major problems that gamers had with the PSPgo was that it did not allow them to physically own their game. Many gamers are caught up in the idea that they do not have any ownership over their games with digital distribution, they only have the ability to download the games and store it on their hard drive. This seems to hint towards vulnerability if your PSP is messed up or if there is a black out.
Another problem, besides the high price, that the Sony fanbase had with the PSPgo is that it does not have many of the AAA games made available. Many of the most anticipated games are not even supported on the PSPgo which instantly gimps the entertainment that can be had with this digital distribution model. The fact that you cannot re-download games that you already own is another deficiency with the digital distribution model. It’s one thing for Sony to be against used games, but that is pretty nonsensical and something that prevented many people from making the jump over to digital distribution.
In any event, Sony now knows what not to do with any future iterations of the PSP. The PSPgo should be thought of as testing grounds for digital distribution and some very valuable feedback was given to them which will probably allow Sony to become the head of the digital distribution movement in gaming.
