PSP usage is on the decline

by James Ransom-Wiley { Aug 25th 2005 at 3:00PM }

PSP with ejected UMD According to a recent study, Japanese consumers aren't interested in the multimedia functions of the PSP. Only 10% of those polled had ever used the PSP to watch a UMD movie, and a majority did not plan on buying any UMD movies. And less than 50% of them used the memory stick for viewing pictures and watching converted movie files.

While these numbers are likely different in the US, where almost every major studio has or is planning to release movies and TV shows in UMD format, it's likely that the "not touched my PSP in some time" trend is global—at least half of the Japanese consumers that were polled admitted as much. The fact is PSP owners worldwide are desperate for a new game to play. But with usage down, are developers gonna look the other way?

[Thanks, Adam]

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

OtakuCODE @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Did the study happen to ask the people if maybe, I dunno, they'd been playing GAMES on their PSP?

Vagabond Artist @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

man, I hope developers don't look the other way...

oh well, just a few more weeks and I'll be playing an almost-PS2-perfect MADDEN anywhere I want.

Can't wait!

Xbox failed in Japan and still succeeded in America so I dont think anyone should be too worried about it yet.

Japan's game industry is getting weird anyway...

Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I wish we could see some studies like this done in North America. It would be interesting to see.

BTW, the copmarison to Japanese Xbox usage is worthless. Sony usually explodes in Japan. The fact of the matter is, they don't understand the handheld market yet. Maybe they'll learn, but they better learn fast.

Bozer @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

It's funny how things have changed. Originally it looked like the DS was going to get trounced, but now they've got all these great fun games, and the PSP is just collecting dust for most people. I think this just proves that its not always all about the graphics.. its about the gameplay.

Vagabond Artist @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

True, I don't know that it is almost PS2-perfect seeing as I haven't played it.

But I have seen the gameplay videos and it looks phenomenal. and (dare I say it) almost PS2-Perfect.

Quit fooling yourself tho, it looks awesome.
Also, quit spamming all of the PSP news stories with your DS fanboy bile.
Seriously dude... Every time I click a PSP news story there's your name with some kind of intelligent remark like "DS OWNS PSP 4ALL TIME"

grow up.

Matters @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Uhmm perhaps because they're new to the handheld market?

The fact that most of the games are ports of ps2 games and aren't very well suited to handheld gaming?

I think it's obvious they don't know the handheld market yet. Give them some time.

Spank @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

It's ridiculous that a UMD flick costs as much as the DVD version. If they were, say, $10 each, they'd attract more attention.

Todd @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

The reason there are so many UMD videos is because that's an easy pitch for Sony to give a media company: "Put you movie/shows on UMD and even if it doesn't sell you'll make a larger profit on top of your DVD sales". Besides it doesn't require any development cost other than converting video to the PSP format. However with games it's different. Developers will slowly start to drop the number of games they make for the PSP if interest keeps dropping. What's the point in making a game for a handheld system that's losing interest? Especially one that costs as much to develop for as a console.

EvoG @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Not to jump into the middle of something I dont know about(fanboy talk), I DO have to say I'm not surprised by this at all. Wheh you compare the PSP to the DS then to a PS2, the reason the DS can and will do well is the fact that their games take full advantage of the one unique component of the DS, the touch-pad, making for some terribly innovate (read: fun) games. The PSP is more or less a PS2, but now I'm stuck with a 3 inch screen, and at that point, I'd rather gather my friends around my 36" HD for some *cough*Madden*/cough* rather than inducing eyestrain trying to find the football.

In all fairness, I'm not the best candidate to discuss this, as I have no use whatsoever for handhelds, but for what its worth, keeping this in mind, I DID purchase a DS...so that says something for Nintendo.

dmf @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

in my opinion, i believe PSP usage is going down in the US too. the only thing that is keeping my hopes alive are GTA, Final Fantasy and Xmen Legends 2 games. I hope they are not a dissappointment like Death Jr. was. It also doesnt help that Sony is late with their firmware updates AND they are actively trying to stop the homebrew community.

Matters @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Jesus Dmitri calm down dude it'll be OK

hi @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

dont you mean every major movie put out by sony

Danny Boy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Well I know that I don't want to play rehashed PS2 games on my PSP.

Sony seem to be putting games in the back seat and multimeda upfront, just look at the PSP and PS3.

Rappateng @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Wow, I guess I'm not alone then in the 'haven't touched it in a while) department, huh?

I've worn all my PSP games thin at this point, with the exception of Lumines. I do own 1 UMD move, and a 1GB memory stick that I do constantly stuff with video files - but at the moment, my PSP has fallen to the bottom of my gadget bag in favor of the Nintendo DS with it's one-two punch of Advance Wars and Nintendogs.

My PSP is most likely dead at this point from being put in sleep mode for too long(more like coma mode).

hi @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

if this kind of functionality is what you want in your "gaming device" just buy pocket pcs and pdas... and, no, its not because the japanese dont understand the handheld market #7 its that they understand the GAMINGggngngngngnggngn industry and theyre buying products foff that industry babe

you guys with umd moviessss are such slaves! go watch "hitch" on your psps!!!!!! nintendo rules!!!!

pspgamer @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

My personal PSP usage is way down. Last night, I rented Death Jr and find myself asking "why do I even bother?".

Killer app? I bought a PSP in anticipation of being able to play full-blown GTA on the go. Heck, I'd be happy to play at least something original.

Pete @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

PSP = Gamegear II

Matters @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Nah you're not alone. In my house with 5 roommates my DS has logged more hours in Meteos or Kirby alone than every game and movie for the PSP combined which is funny because I'm the only real Nintendo fan in the entire house. Everybody else was all about the PSP.

That's not to say I don't like the PSP. You have to remember that developing for it is more expensive and going to take longer. PSP owners don't want simple games like Kirby they want Final Fantasy this and that. Those kind of games are going to take longer to make.

I think the games will be worth the wait.

Until then I'll be enjoying my DS.

MILES! @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Does anyone else think Sony sucks?.. "We never once called the PS3 a Games system".. Well I want a games system. Same with the PSP, I don't want a multimedia machine that played overpriced UMD movies. I mean seriously, who in their right mind would buy a UMD movie?

Sony have made the PS3 a machine that is not good for gaming, they have made it a machine packed full of useless gimmiks just so that it sells.

JimyD @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Is this supposed to be surprsing? First and foremost, the PSP is a game system. All of the other media features are just icing on the cake.

As far as the games, they need a killer title, which will most likely be GTA: Liberty City Stories.

Fetus Catapult @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I waited in line at midnight for my PSP, and I wish I would have saved the money for something else. I have owned 6 different PSP games, and as of tuesday, I traded the last 2 for Nintendogs and Advance Wars. I don't regret it one bit.

Also, UMD movies should be cheaper. My local Walmart has started putting them out in the open instead of the glass case. NOBODY EVEN WANTS TO STEAL HITCH OR ANY OTHER BLURRY MOVIE.

You guys need to come clean, the only real reason to own a PSP is to surf in the bathroom and to be able to carry 1GB of porn in your pocket. HA!!

I really wanted to love my PSP, especially because LOADING screens are my favorite part of a game!!!

Philip Wesley @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Don't take this too seriously, because I am joking. Although, consider this for a bit!

Ahem.

I believe the PSP may be the first ambigiously gay handheld. It's delicate, has a large screen to compensate for something, constantly requires grooming (polishing) and insists on watching loads of action films and very few comedies. It would seem to me that the PSP is the most closeted handheld ever. The GBC and GBA may have come out in all purple, but they seem to be comfortable enough with their own masculine stature to wear purple. The Game Boy even runs out in PINK. The Nintendo DS is definately a female system. After all, she has two ports. But the PSP is a back loader, pure and simple.

Ahem. Don't get offended. It just popped into my mind. O_O

Jimmy McPaddles @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

You know what they should make...old successful games ::cough cough:: FFVII ::Cough cough::

Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Another flame war over the systems.

PSP is fun. I enjoy it.

The DS wasn't fun. I sold it.

I prefer not to cramp my hand while doodling on a screen.

I like to watch movies under trees, on the front porch, in a car.

I actually enjoy playing my PSP games, and go cycle through my 6 games for a week per game.

I've yet to regret purchasing my PSP

I regreted purchasing my DS once it hit February. I sold it in March. I felt guilty for selling it to my friend since he hasn't touched it, aside from playing GBA games on it. I felt like I ripped him off for the $100 i charged him.

I own/use my gig stick on a daily basis. I only own one UMD, but I plan on buying 3 others when I get around to the story(FF Spirits Within, Advent Children, and Akira). My gameplay is definitely backburner, but that's because I've been getting into anime heavily since I just torrent a series, convert it and watch it on my PSP. This will change once RPGs start being released (Ys, Legend of Heroes, PoPoLoCrois, Crisis Core).

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I torrent series and watch them on my Treo phone. No conversion is needed (automatic on the fly downsampling) and it plays at the same resolution than you can get off of the Memory Stick (320x240). The screen is bright with a better pixel density than the PSP and you can even use it outside without being consumed by glare. The SD memory cards are cheaper than the memory sticks, the emulators are better, the web browser is better and I can have both at the same time. The best part is, Sony does not keep trying to break the extra functionality with each firmware upgrade.

If you want a gadget, there are better gadgets than the PSP. If you want a game system, find one with games.

Oh yeah, I can make calls on it too.

JimyD @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Dmitri - GTA is getting dry and stale (San Andreas)? I guess that means 12 million gamers enjoy playing a "dry and stale" game.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Philip Wesley:

That is the funniest thing I have read in AGES! While probably true, what on earth made these disturbing thoughts pop into your mind?

MILES! @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

If you want an all around good system that does everything.. Get a Zodiac 2.

dusda @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Wasn't planning on purchasing a PSP anyway...I'm getting a DS in the next couple weeks, for games I actually care about. Nintendogs, Advance Wars DS, Yoshi's Touch and Go, Kirby's Canvas Curse, etc. Why is it that I can name four [i]recent[/i] DS games off the top of my head, yet I can only thinkg of one or two PSP games (Lumines and Metal Gear Acid), both of which came out a while ago? Sorry Sony, I'm not particularly interested in portable media; if I was, I would buy a fancy PDA for about the same price.

Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

How much was your phone? That sounds rediculously huge for a phone. My cell phone has an inch my inch screen. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if it's playing at a 320x240 resolution, your screen is slightly bigger than an inch by an inch. Guess if you're into gadgets hardcore, that's your thing. I'm perfectly content and capable of watching my PSP outside with perfect clarity. But again, how much was your phone?

Converting files for my PSP really isn't a hassle, so I don't see why you brought that up. Queue up a series, go to work, come home and it's done.

Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

"Why is it that I can name four [i]recent[/i] DS games off the top of my head, yet I can only thinkg of one or two PSP games"

Because the DS was released about half a year before the PSP, and the games have a shorter development cycle. Check back with the PSP in 5 months and we'll compare recent games being released. It's funny how people ignore 5 month jump the DS had on the PSP. It's farther into it's life, I sure as hell hope it'd have more games for it.

CapTn_InSanO @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I'm sure their are some (a few) out their who use all the functionality of their PSP. But I think most people buy a machine for its main purpose. Do you buy a cell phone for the phone or the camera? I'd buy it for the phone and if it has a camera thats a nice extra.
Same with the PSP except in this case I want a game system first and they are not delivering on that. I own a DS and must say that at first their was slim pickings on that too. It gotten much better. Meteos, Nintendogs, Kirby Canvas and the upcoming games like advance wars and age of empires (from Microsoft!?!).
And by they way I'll take a female system over an ambiguosly gay one anyday.

DigitalStupor @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Hopefully the PSP can hang in there long enough for the slew of titles slated for this fall. I'll admit, the SEVERE shortage of titles is getting depressing. I mean, what has been released for the PSP this summer? Like 2-3 games? In contrast, guess who finally started to roll out titles this summer? That's right, the DS.

So let's see:

DS (Released Nov '04) --> 9 Months --> Finally some Decent Games (Aug '05)

PSP (Released Mar '05) --> 6-9 Months --> Perhaps some decent games (Sep, Oct, Nov '05)?

If anything, we might see a slate of quality titles for the PSP quicker than it took for the DS. Considering developers are already making PSP titles, when these come out, I think you will see an increase in interest - better games means people start to pay attention = more developers making games. What a crazy cycle it is! Considering the scenario painted out above, it's not a wonder there is some waning interest in the hardware (Sony is FINALLY dropping prices on the Duo sticks, which will help with the waning interest a little). This study is a worthless piece of garbage - just another metric used by investors to determine what today's stock value is for SCEA.

Dumb!

chill @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Not Impressed (Dmitri) just nutted in his pants.....

MILES! @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

The PSP has a pretty poor battery life too, If i was going on a long trip I would want to have my DS with me, the PSP would run out too soon.

And how much is 1 gig memory stick duo? It's criminal how much Sony ask for them when they are no different from SD (Which is like half the price) and Sandisk also do a cheaper version of Memory stick that is actualy better and cheaper (Still too much though).

I only use my handhelds when im sitting down in a car, on the place, round someones house.. The Touch screen is great, the only time it would be hard to use is if I were standing up or walking around.. Who stands up and walks around to play on a handheld? It's not even that hard to use when you're standing still.

You have to remember that there is an addon for the DS that takes SD cards so you can play movies on it, sure the screen may be smaller but who cares.

The PSP is also near to 2x the price of the DS.. Is it worth it? I don't think so.

MILES! @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

i ment "On the plane".. sorry.

dvdzandgamez @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Relax, and the games will come. Obviously the world is starved for a good new-PSP game. Do you honestly think no game companies realize this pot of gold? Come on..
Did anybody here own an Xbox, PS2, GameCube, DS when they first came out? (Within 6 months of release). No great games for any of those were there?

DS owner @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I regreted buying my DS for a while and actually wished I'd bought the PSP. However with the flood of top quality games due out this year, plus Nintendo Wifi set to launch, I've changed my tune.

Oh, and we supposed "fanboys" hit this thread with a vengence because it's about how the PSP's of the world are going unused, as some people predicted.

DS is for games, PSP is for l33t technophiles that must own the most powerful thing around. Judging by sales figures, I'd say gamers outnumber the bleeding edge fanatics by about 2 to 1.

GuyManDude @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Well Christopher, it's also funny how when people talk about ps2 sales numbers, they easily forget how it had year head start on the competition.

mr.karmalicious @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Chistopher -- he's got a Treo. With a service plan, it's about $200 at my local Cingular store. I believe it has a touchscreen as well, but don't quote me on that.

http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/i/z/rv/2004/10/palm-treo-650-300x500.gif

"It's funny how people ignore 5 month jump the DS had on the PSP."

It's also funny how people ignore the jump the PS2 had on the GC and XBOX. I'd sure as hell hope it'd have more games for it. :P

dusda @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

"Because the DS was released about half a year before the PSP, and the games have a shorter development cycle. Check back with the PSP in 5 months and we'll compare recent games being released."

Christopher7, I understand that completely. Hell, my earliest memories are of playing video games; I understand these things. However, I'm speaking from a totally consumer-oriented position. In short, why should I care when the PSP launched? My wallet doesn't seem to.

In other words, using a later debut as an excuse for an anemic list of titles is logical, but the average consumer just isn't going to care. It makes sense to us (It seems like half of being a gamer is waiting for games...), but we're alone in this understanding.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

The Treo phone is a much better gadget than the PSP and can be picked up for even less than the PSP's base price! You can get a brand new Treo for as low as $229. The screen is small but 320x320 resolution, making it extremely sharp.

http://store.treocentral.com/content/smartphones/page-650.htm

The battery lasts longer than the PSP too.

DigitalStupor: The DS and the PSP were released about 10 days apart in Japan. Saying the delay in games is due to the 6 month delay for the launch is dumb. If that's the case, then if Sony ever decides to launch in Europe then there will be another delay of games?

What it really comes down to is this: the development kits have been available for the same amount of time. Don't give me some sob story about a 6 month US launch delay or longer development times.

What does it really mean to the end user and potential consumer? It means they aren't buying games cause they aren't available. They are getting a bad taste in their mouth cause they have cash to spend and nothing but cruddy PS2 ports to buy.

It isn't a good place for Sony to be in. Based on the E3 showing, the future is dim for the PSP. It has Game Gear written all over it.

DigitalStupor @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I forgot to mention, titles I am looking for most in the near future:

-SSX on TOUR (10/24) - I CANNOT wait for this one.
-Burnout Legends (9/13) - I'm hesitant because the game is going to be so fast, and on a small device, this might mean head-aches???
-Virtua TENNIS (10/04) - Yay!
-LOTR: Tactics (Dec) - Looks interesting
-The Con (10/18) - Looks to be a great twist on a fighting game.
-Of course GTA (Oct) - Sure, you've seen it before, but this will move units people.

There are some other potentials, all I know is this Fall is going to get EXPENSIVE with all the games coming out, and the frakkin 360 which I know I won't be able to resist!

Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

I play games walking around the neighborhood or between classes around campus... *shrugs* didn't realize it was an oddity.

PSP will have some nice games by Xmas from the looks of it. Battlefield 2, Battlegrounds 2, SOCOM, Lord of the Rings Tactics, GTA:LCS, some RPGS, and some other shit that I personally don't care about(all I want are the RPGs). Things will get better, and GOD I can't wait for FF7 Crisis Core.

In all fairness, I'm also dying for FF:Crystal Chronicles on the DS/Revolution. Was fun with 4 people on the cube, will be even better when you can go online to form a Diablo'esque party.

pspimp @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

shut up dum-itri.

Timmi Tommi @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

PSP usage is on the decline? awww, it can't be! the psp release date is next week in europe :)

DigitalStupor @ Dec 18th 2005 10:00PM

Kamel:

"DigitalStupor: The DS and the PSP were released about 10 days apart in Japan. Saying the delay in games is due to the 6 month delay for the launch is dumb. If that's the case, then if Sony ever decides to launch in Europe then there will be another delay of games?"

You think every developer in the US got a PSP Dev kit as early as the Jap developers did? I don't think so! Sony knew they would release first in Japan, therefore, Jap developers got the first set of devs. Actually, Sony probably did the "rush the launch" scenario, simply so they could combat the DS out the gate with something - so it sounds like the Jap developers are just as far behind. Mistake? Probably...but this doesn't mean we won't see the PSP regain some ground in the near future.

Honestly, Europe might be the best off with the good slate of games coming this fall, which is something to drive interest.

MILES:

Please just stop dude...

"You have to remember that there is an addon for the DS that takes SD cards so you can play movies on it, sure the screen may be smaller but who cares."

That's the stupidest thing ever; who cares?. Hell, why are we buying bigger and bigger TV sets each year? I mean, if no one cares about screen size, why not watch everything on the smallest screen possible! A 3-inch 256?92 rez screen is pretty paltry for watching media, and let's not talk about the horrid contrast of the DS. I would never use a DS to watch movies on the go (I'm sure some people could handle this, but I think it is ridiculous).

BTW, Duo's, while stupidly more expensive than SD (and I def hate Sony and the proprietary, ever shifting mem formats they make), are not DOUBLE the price. A 1 Gb can be had for 80 bucks of recent - 1 GB SD is maybe 20 bucks less for a comparable quality card.