Joystiq

Sony 'continuing production of PSP Go' in America

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EST

Japan and Europe may be finished with the PSP Go, but SCEA says it's not done with the downloadable-only handheld device.

Following up with Sony of America for clarification after recent events, we wanted to know if the company was still manufacturing and shipping the handheld. Today we were told: "We are continuing production of PSP Go for North America."

Several weeks ago, Sony informed Joystiq, "We are going to continue to make shipments of PSP Go," after Amazon updated the PSP Go's product page to note the device was "discontinued by manufacturer."

Sony 'continuing production of PSP Go' in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Japan: PSP Go shipments have ended

JC Fletcher — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:35:00 EST

The PSP Go's life cycle, if it can be said to have had one, is coming to an end. Retailers and bloggers have recently started saying that shipments of the slide-out handheld have concluded, and now Sony itself has joined in.

The Japanese Playstation.com site placed "shipment ended" notices on both the black and white PSP Go listings, along with several PSP-3000 color variants. According to the site, the only PSPs currently in production are PSP-3000s in black, white, silver, pink, blue, and red.

If you want to pick up a PSP Go before supplies are PSP Gone, you can still get one at Amazon for ... $200 in white or $233 in black. It's dying as it lived: too expensive.

Sony Japan: PSP Go shipments have ended originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Sony stops PSP Go production

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST

A blog post translated by Andriasang says production of the PSP Go is over. This adds to mounting evidence that the final days of the PSP Go are upon us -- you know, if anyone actually buys the remaining stock. Eurogamer received a very awkward non-denial from Sony Europe when it followed up on the new information, and MCV notes there are no more PSP Go handhelds heading to UK retail.

Amazon updated the PSP Go's product page several weeks ago, saying it had been "discontinued by manufacturer." When we contacted Sony of America for clarification, a representative stated, "We are going to continue to make shipments of PSPgo." We've contacted Sony again to find out if it has finished shipping those previously mentioned PSP Go units, and whether it plans to make more.

Report: Sony stops PSP Go production originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go price bounces back to $200 (or: Another reason to avoid the PSP Go)

Christopher Grant — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:13:00 EST

With the PSP-3000 getting $40 whacked off its sticker price as of late February, a PSP Go price drop seemed all but assured; however, after briefly appearing on Sony's official PSP site last week (though notably, not a single retailer's) that $150 PSP Go price has reverted back to the previous $200 listing.

Was it an error on Sony's part? A premature website update (hence the lack of retailer followthrough)? It's impossible to say for sure, but we can say this: At a $70 premium over the PSP-3000, the less-capable PSP Go is harder than ever to recommend.

PSP Go price bounces back to $200 (or: Another reason to avoid the PSP Go) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go listed for $150 MSRP on official site; not in effect at retail

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST

Sony's official PSP website has been updated to reflect an apparent PSP Go price drop. "Now you can enjoy the sleek, totally-digital PSP Go system for $149.99 MSRP," reads the product description, "and the unsurpassed PSP-3000 system for $129.99 MSRP." The 3000 price cut was made official last week, but the would-be PSP Go discount is news to us.

Apparently, it would be news to retailers too! As of publishing, outlets including Amazon, Best Buy and GameStop all have the hardware listed at $200 (the price put into effect last October). Given the phasing out of UMD (disc-based PSP games won't be backwards compatible with NGP), people might consider using the all-digital Go at a stepping stone at the new, reduced price. That is, if Sony ever decides to make the price cut happen.

[Thanks, Jason F.]

PSP Go listed for $150 MSRP on official site; not in effect at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go hacked to load game ISOs

JC Fletcher — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:35:00 EST

Good news! There's now a way to run UMD-only games on a PSP Go. The bad news: it's an unofficial exploit. Coders "Virtuous Flame" and "Coldbird" have released a "Homebrew Enabler" for PSP firmware 6.31 and 6.35. Using that, "Liquidzigong" was able to get the Prometheus ISO Loader program running on the disc-free handheld, allowing copied UMD disc images to be saved and run on the system.

After the break, you can see a demonstration of the hack, in which a user loads up Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep -- a high-profile title never released on PSN. While we can't speak on the legality of using this method to back up your UMD games and play them on a Go (and then on the go), we can confidently condemn the use of this exploit to play games that aren't yours.

Continue reading PSP Go hacked to load game ISOs

PSP Go hacked to load game ISOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go '3-Game Digital Pack' going for $150 'while supplies last'

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Taking to the US PlayStation blog, Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller revealed the PSP Go "3-Game Digital Pack" -- a $150 PSP Go bundle that includes three full (downloadable) games being sold at "retailers nationwide." In addition to a $50 savings from the recently lowered PSP Go asking price, it packs in LittleBigPlanet, SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3, and Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters. Interested parties should head to their nearest brick-and-mortar ASAP, as the bundle is only available in "limited quantities," and "at most retailers" the deals are "one day events and are while supplies last."

If digital games aren't your style, the PS blog also revealed Sam's Club's 160GB PS3 Slim bundle -- the console itself, a copy of ModNation Racers, an extra black Dualshock 3, a Blu-ray remote control, and a copy of (the adorable) How to Train Your Dragon for $399.

PSP Go '3-Game Digital Pack' going for $150 'while supplies last' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go on sale for $150 at Best Buy this weekend

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST

Are you ready for the first shot across the bow from the season of Black Friday? This Friday and Saturday only, Best Buy will mark down the price of the PSP Go to a far more reasonable $150. Keep in mind, though -- it's limited to one per customer. Don't get carried away, guys.

PSP Go -- $149.99, down from $199.99

PSP Go on sale for $150 at Best Buy this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go drops to $199 in US [update: price drops in UK too]

JC Fletcher — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:25:00 EST

Sony has announced price cuts for the PSP Go in both Japan and the US. Originally launched at ¥26,800 ($332), the tiny, UMD-free system will retail for ¥16,800 ($208) in Japan starting tomorrow. In America (according to Reuters), the system will drop somewhat less dramatically, from $249 to $199. This matches information we received from a retailer -- though it's happening a bit later than that retail leak predicted. Of course, Amazon shoppers have had a "preview" of that price for several months, as have others thanks to retail discounts.

The Japanese price drop makes both the PSP Go and the PSP 3000 the same price in that region -- your decision is now based on whether or not you want to be limited to PlayStation Store releases.

Update: Eurogamer reports that the price will drop to £159.99 in the UK starting November 1.

PSP Go drops to $199 in US [update: price drops in UK too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PSP Go drops price to $200 this Friday in North America

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

Due to our strict silk pants-only policy, the PSP Go (and, really, any other handheld) has been a hard sell -- sure, the $250 asking price isn't helping, but that may be changing in the near future. A dutiful tipster sent us the above image from his AAFES-based store of employment, indicating a $50 North American price drop to $200 for the digital-only handheld. Oddly, Sony has kept mum on the possibility, not even offering a "We don't comment on rumor and speculation" to our repeated attempts at contact.

Our friends in other retailers have yet to uncover any news of the price drop, but Sony's silence gives us the impression something's up. Perhaps you have something to share? Don't hesitate to drop us a line!

Rumor: PSP Go drops price to $200 this Friday in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Gametech Bear peripheral sticks your DualShock 3 to a PSP Go

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Did you know that the PSP Go allows you to tether a PS3 controller to the handheld, effectively doing away with the portable nature of the device but arguably improving the feel of its controls? Maybe you didn't, largely because using a separate controller for a handheld device would be ... weird. Peripheral manufacturer Gametech Bear has come up with a way around this phenomenon -- it's created a device which physically adheres the PSP Go to a DualShock 3.

Gametech plans to release the peripheral by the end of the year in Japan at a price point of 2,980 yen (or $36). Though it actually attaches the controller to the handheld, you still have to use a Bluetooth connection to tether the two devices. Here's hoping it doesn't interfere with your DualShock 3's Bluetooth connection to your top-of-the-line FutureToaster.

New Gametech Bear peripheral sticks your DualShock 3 to a PSP Go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phantasy Star Portable 2's digital release delayed in Europe

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

PSP Go owners living in Europe who've been anticipating the launch of Phantasy Star Portable 2 will have to stick tight for a little bit longer -- Sega has announced the game's digital version won't launch in Europe until October 6. We'll save some rare drops for you guys!

Continue reading Phantasy Star Portable 2's digital release delayed in Europe

Phantasy Star Portable 2's digital release delayed in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Peter Dille discusses PlayStation's 15-year legacy

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST

Peter Dille is quite possibly one of the most qualified people to speak about PlayStation's 15 year legacy. Minus a stint at THQ, SCEA's senior vice president has been working with Sony since the PS1 launch, returning for the PS3 era. Not only did we get to speak with him about the past 15 years, but we had a chance to talk about the future and the growing importance of the Network in Sony's vision of gaming's future.

Joystiq: This is a difficult first question, but what in your mind is PlayStation's single greatest contribution to the industry since its introduction 15 years ago?

Peter Dille: I think PlayStation changed the business in a way that made gaming popular and accessible to a much bigger audience than had been the case. When we introduced PlayStation back in 1995, we were competing against Sega and Nintendo -- two very successful companies. Largely, folks regarded gaming as something kids did, that something kids would grow out of it once they came to their senses.

What PlayStation proved was that gaming was a legitimate form of entertainment, and the combination of the Sony brand and the PlayStation product and brand identity resonated with folks who were teenagers, but also people who were 35 years old. And the proof is: in 1995, the business was $2.5 billion, and today it's a $20 billion business. We helped grow this business in a way that I think speaks for itself.

Continue reading Sony's Peter Dille discusses PlayStation's 15-year legacy

Sony's Peter Dille discusses PlayStation's 15-year legacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kaz Hirai: Price 'perhaps' an issue with PSP Go

Justin McElroy — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

In what can only be described as a triumph of understatement, PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai has admitted to MCV that the $250 pricing could "perhaps" be blamed for the PSP Go's unimpressive sales thus far. "I think we need to make sure we have as many titles available to download as possible, to make the experience as easy as possible. But also pricing is perhaps an issue. Because of the cost reductions we've been able to do over the years, the traditional PSP has benefited. But the PSP Go is a completely different design, so the cost trend is different." To put it another way, when Sony took out the part that makes it play all the PSP games you already own, it made it very expensive. Or to put it even simpler: They only hit you because they love you so much.

If Sony really wanted to capture the situation, it'd make an ad where Kevin Butler puts a PSP Go in a slingshot, fires it out a window at a passing explosion and says, "Win some, lose some, I guess." We understand why this level of corporate honesty is not an option, but can we at least get something better than "perhaps"? Like ... say ... a price cut?

Kaz Hirai: Price 'perhaps' an issue with PSP Go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep not coming to PSN

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Late last year, we heard a pretty troubling rumor about Square Enix's first keybladed outing on the PSP, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep -- that the game wouldn't get a downloadable version on the PSN, thereby preventing any PSP Go owners from getting their hands on it. It's almost nine months later, and Square has finally commented on the rumor, confirming to IGN that "Square Enix, Inc. currently has no plans to release Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep through the PlayStation Store."

Considering Birth By Sleep is one of the highest-profile releases on the platform in some time, this is an awfully disheartening turn of events for owners of the download-only handheld. We've contacted Sony and Square Enix to find out the reason behind the title's absence from the PSN.

[Thanks, Guts!]

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep not coming to PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget: Sony Ericsson making PlayStation-branded Android 3.0 'gaming phone'

Mike Schramm — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Our sister blog Engadget has been told by "a trusted source" that Sony Ericsson will introduce a cross between the PSP Go and an Android phone later this year. The handset (which is mocked up above -- not the actual product) is supposed to be a "landscape slider," but instead of a QWERTY keyboard like a mobile phone or regular game controls like the PSP, it will have PlayStation buttons, a d-pad and a "long touch pad" to mimic dual analog input.

Sony Ericsson's device will run Android 3.0, and games will be made available through a special section of the Android Market, with versions of God of War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and LittleBigPlanet reportedly used as examples of what sort of lineup we could expect. Additionally, games that meet certain requirements might be made available to other Android handset users and, eventually, titles might embrace other smartphone features such as augmented reality.

The phone is reportedly set to be introduced sometime this October. With the actual PSP already experimenting with phone-like functions like Skype, it's not a stretch to see Sony try and bring some of its gaming know-how to the mobile phone space in a PSP-like package.

Engadget: Sony Ericsson making PlayStation-branded Android 3.0 'gaming phone' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EyePet PSP and Invizimals may not support PSP Go in North America

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The upcoming camera-enabled launches of EyePet and Invizimals in North America may not be available to PSP Go owners at all. PlayStation.Blog's Sid Shuman accurately admits that the upcoming PSP camera was "designed for pre-Go models only," and the "current camera will only fit onto the larger PSP model."

Shuman suggests there are "no workarounds," suggesting he has forgotten about the rarely-seen PSP Go "converter cable," introduced at Tokyo Game Show last year. Whether or not the attachment will ever find a Stateside release is still up in the air. "We don't have any information yet on a peripheral attachment for the Go," a Sony rep told us, neither confirming nor denying the possibility. Of course, should SCEA choose not to ship the cables, there's another solution: importing from Japan.

Gallery: PSP Go Converter Cable

EyePet PSP and Invizimals may not support PSP Go in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: PSP Go 'experiment' revealed consumers' love of physical media

JC Fletcher — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Speaking to MCV, SCEE CEO Andrew House categorized the digital-only PSP Go as an experiment of sorts. "One of the reasons we launched PSP Go was to understand where that consumer behavior was going," House said. "We were getting signals from consumers that this was the kind of device that they wanted. But we need to recognize that consumers like their packaged media library."

Of course, House is omitting most of the reasons that the PSP Go isn't the best value proposition. Sure, people like to collect and display game cases and other retail bonuses. But they also like buying games on their release dates, rather than several weeks later -- or not at all -- as is the case with many digital versions of PSP games. They also like having the choice between digital and packaged versions of games, as is possible with every version of the PSP hardware but the Go. What they don't like is paying an $80 premium for the privilege of being limited only to digital releases.

We admit, we haven't commissioned as much research into consumer behavior as Sony has -- but we think we have a handle on this particular phenomenon.

Sony: PSP Go 'experiment' revealed consumers' love of physical media originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces $10 PSP games, PSP Go deal

JC Fletcher — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST

Following the announcement of Sony Europe's PSP Essentials line, Sony is introducing a line of super-cheap $10 PSP games to North America. The "PSP Favorites" line, launching today, includes first-party hits like LocoRoco 2, Patapon 2, PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe and Twisted Metal: Head On; as well as third-party games like Silent HIll: Origins, Justice League Heroes and others. The full launch list of "PSP Favorites" titles is posted after the break.

In addition, four games have been added to the slightly-more-expensive Greatest Hits collection: Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet, Resistance: Retribution and Secret Agent Clank. Each is priced at $20.

But wait, there's more! Sony has also announced a voucher for three games with the purchase of a PSP Go system from now through March 31. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, LittleBigPlanet and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 are now free with the purchase of a system. With those games costing a combined $80 at retail, that means the PSP Go is basically the same price as a PSP 3000 right now -- at least, if you were going to buy all three of those games.

Continue reading Sony announces $10 PSP games, PSP Go deal

Sony announces $10 PSP games, PSP Go deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New PSP Go owners living in UK get free game download

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:37:00 EST

Once more, with feeling! In an attempt to shore up consumer interest in the PSP Go, Sony is offering an attractive promotion to folks living in the UK: Anyone who buys the handheld, or has registered said handheld online after April 1, can download one of ten free noteworthy titles for the platform. All you have to do is download a "Promotion Theme" from the PlayStation Store before September 30 (and, um, live in the UK), and you'll be able to grab one of the following for free:

Gran Turismo
MotorStorm: Arctic Edge
LittleBigPlanet
Wipeout Pure
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice
FIFA World Cup
Need For Speed: Shift
Avatar
GTA Vice City Stories
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines

New PSP Go owners living in UK get free game download originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go on sale for $189 from Dell

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:46:00 EST

If you've stubbornly held off on purchasing a PSP Go until it's available at a slightly more reasonable price, you may want to turn your attention to Dell's current discount on the handheld. If you purchase a Go on Dell's site right now, you'll get an instant $60 rebate, knocking the total cost down to $189. Shipping is free as well, so you won't concern yourself with any pesky weight and distance estimations. As the salespeople on TV would say, you just set it, and forget it.

Then, in three to five business days, it'll show up, and you'll be all like, "Oh, neat. Someone bought me a PSP Go."

PSP Go on sale for $189 from Dell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monster Hunter Freedom Unites with PSP Go in Japan

JC Fletcher — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST

After almost six months, we're going to see sales for the PSP Go pick up in Japan starting tomorrow. How can we be so sure? Today, Sony announced that not only is the PSP hit Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (called Monster Hunter Freedom Unite here) being released as a download on March 18 -- a voucher for the title will also be given away with new PSP Gos. The downloadable game by itself will cost ¥1,600 ($17.69) from the PlayStation Store.

Even though over three million people already have this on UMD -- and even though Monster Hunter Portable 3 was just announced for PSP -- we still anticipate a lot of sales for this. People in Japan are just that thrilled about Monster Hunter.

[Via Andriasang]

Monster Hunter Freedom Unites with PSP Go in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

The "choice" between a free digital copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines that new PSP Go owners will receive as part of an ongoing promotion is based on their ages. That's the key detail Joystiq confirmed after following up with Sony, which said, "The game sent to consumers is determined by age, once the user creates/logs into their PlayStation Network account." (Check out Sony's full statement after the break.)

This means that if your PSN account indicates you as age 17 or older, you'll receive Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- whether you like it or not. Similarly, minors will be automatically booked for a trip to LittleBigPlanet. We'd say that consumers should cry foul for being robbed of a true choice, but new owners of the UMD-less PSP should probably get used to that feeling anyway.

[Thanks to Talton W and everyone else!]

Continue reading Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed

Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make Philadelphia in LittleBigPlanet, win a PSP Go

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST

Geekadelphia, arguably the best Philadelphia-centric tech and entertainment blog around, is hosting a pretty clever contest. The site is giving away a PSP Go and a $50 PSN card to the amateur engineer who can create the best representation of the City of Brotherly Love in LittleBigPlanet. Geekadelphia is accepting entries (limit one per person) until March 10 -- three days later, the site will reveal the winner at a chiptunes dance party at Philly's Studio 34.

Check out Geek's announcement for more information about the contest. Get a move on, though -- we've already started crafting our auto-play music level of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air intro.

Make Philadelphia in LittleBigPlanet, win a PSP Go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony teases 'very robust' 2010 for PSP, which still struggles with piracy

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:35:00 EST

After completing 2009 with redesigned hardware and several high-profile games (including Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge and LittleBigPlanet), the PSP platform is looking for another strong lineup to carry it until the end of another year. Sony's senior vice president of publisher relations, Rob Dyer, told Industry Gamers that third parties will provide a "very robust lineup" in 2010 -- albeit one that has to face a very old problem.

"I think we had a great lineup last year. The biggest problem that plagued PSP was piracy; we have not been able to slow that down," Dyer said. "We think we have some answers going forward, but we're not ready to talk about that publicly at this point. So we're working on fixing that, because that's been a big problem. Publishers, when they put out good games, are not getting the same sales results that they got a few years back. So piracy's been a big issue and we're working on that very diligently to bring about some solutions."

Some solutions include the PSP Go, which focuses on digitally acquired games (through the PlayStation Store, of course!) and -- as recently demonstrated by third-person shooter SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 -- a form of potentially consumer-unfriendly online activation. And while Sony appears pleased with the platform's longevity, six years is a long time to still be tinkering with anti-piracy experiments.

"We're into the sixth year now on the platform, and that's a long time for a handheld," Dyer noted. "I think given where we're at right now, we're doing very, very well. But yes, the business has had problems and I think it all stems, candidly, from the piracy."

Sony teases 'very robust' 2010 for PSP, which still struggles with piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New PSP Go owners to receive a free copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST

This should make the PSP Go's price tag a bit easier to swallow. From now until March 21, new North American PSP Go owners that add a PlayStation Network to their systems will be eligible to receive a free game from the PlayStation Store: either Assassin's Creed Bloodlines or LittleBigPlanet PSP. After the registration process, SCEA will e-mail a special code that enables the free download.

The promotion is similar to one launched by Sony Europe a few months ago. Unsurprisingly, early adopters are feeling left in the cold. DevilDawg90 commented on the PlayStation.Blog: "This is unfair to people like me who picked up the PSPGo day one. I had to pay 40 for LBP PSP! I have been supporting Sony and this is just a slap in face."

Unfortunately DevilDawg, that's generally how technology works; it gets cheaper over time. In fact, the PSP Go is approaching affordable when considering the $50 discount Amazon.com is offering on it. At $200 with a free game, it's almost -- dare we say it? -- a good deal.

New PSP Go owners to receive a free copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Create a LittleBigPlanet contraption, win a PSP Go

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:46:00 EST

Want to flex your LittleBigPlanet creative muscle? Want to a win a prize doing so? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is giving away a PSP Go system to one ingenious inventor that is able to create a specific "contraption": a vehicle that can operate on both land and water.

To enter, log onto LittleBigPlanet (PS3 only) and find the level "CC10 - Template." Copy the level to your Moon, and create a contraption within it. Once you're done, publish your creation with the prefix CC10 in the level title. One winner be selected to win a PSP Go. You'll have to hurry, though: The competition ends on February 28th. Good luck!

Create a LittleBigPlanet contraption, win a PSP Go originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go save $40 on the PSP Go at Amazon.com

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST

PSP Go has entered the "almost worth it" zone. While we're enamored with the system's smaller design, it's hard to ignore that it plays far less games than the PSP-3000 and costs much more.

Thankfully, online retailer amazon.com has discounted the white handheld to $209.99 -- $40 off the standard MSRP. At this price, the PSP Go costs approximately the same as a PSP-3000 and a 16GB Memory Stick. Considering Amazon's hefty cut, we wonder: will Sony announce an official price drop of the PSP Go some time soon?

[Thanks Goldenchild!]

Go save $40 on the PSP Go at Amazon.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PSP Go relaunch in the works

Justin McElroy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST

We weren't absolutely smitten with the PSP Go when it launched last October, but according to Gamervision, Sony may be hoping for a second chance at a first impression. Citing unnamed sources, Gamervision suggests that a relaunch of the handheld is "imminent" and speculates that it will include a price drop.

A price drop is definitely the place to start over (if the rumor is accurate), and some Kevin Butler spots would certainly help too. As for a new campaign slogan? We say stick with what's worked for the PS3: "It Only Does Everything*."

*Y'know, the PSP-3000.

Rumor: PSP Go relaunch in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go stop-motion disassembly is entrancing

Justin McElroy — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST

The stop motion PSP Go disassembly video after the break from TechRestore is that rare item that works on three different levels. If you're a fan, it's interesting to see how the system's all put together. If you're us, you get a grim satisfaction seeing one torn apart. If you're among the people who smoke, or people who drink, it looks like the system's taking itself apart, which should keep you busy for a few hours.

Also, all stop-motion disassemblies should be set to this music in the future. That is all.

Continue reading PSP Go stop-motion disassembly is entrancing

PSP Go stop-motion disassembly is entrancing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rent a PSP Go on your next South Korean flight

David Hinkle — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

If you're planning on taking a flight into (or out of) South Korea and are hard-pressed for something to do during the flight, Jin Air, a subsidiary of Korean Air, is offering patrons the option to rent a 16GB PSP Go for a reasonable 4,000 won ($3.50), Siliconera reports. It apparently comes pre-loaded with games, none of which are specifically mentioned in the press release. That's a good way to get somebody to pay for something!

Anyway, we're just glad somebody's supporting the PSP Go, because it's not like Sony is.

[Thanks, John]

Rent a PSP Go on your next South Korean flight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pachter: More console price cuts coming by summer

Randy Nelson — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST

In his latest advisory note to investors, Wedbush Morgan prognosticator and analyst Michael Pachter goes on record with his belief that we'll see "another price cut for both systems some time this year (around summer)," noting in the email that "because its manufacturing costs are lower, Microsoft has the ability to lower price as early as March or April."

In lieu of a price cut on Microsoft's part so soon, Pachter feels that the company may instead introduce "a more feature-packed Xbox 360 in early 2010 (likely with a 250GB hard drive) at the same $299 price point." The great seer believes that Microsoft will only drop the price on its console before summer "if it begins to lose significant market share to Sony," adding that he anticipates last fall's price cut on PS3 will continue to help Sony gain ground on Microsoft.

On the portable front, Pachter doesn't expect PSP Go (remember that?) to make much headway this year unless Sony prices it "more reasonably," and says that the biggest challenge facing Nintendo DS is "its own high installed base," stating that he anticipates sales of the handheld to steadily decline in 2010. Good thing Nintendo's started talking about a "DS2," huh?

Pachter: More console price cuts coming by summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:45:00 EST

On the heels of its CES 2010 keynote speech, Sony released a chest-pounding press release declaring worldwide sales "exceeding 3.8 million" of the PlayStation 3 during the 2009 holiday season. According to the company, "during the five weeks following the last week of November 2009" (ending on January 3, 2010), the console sold more than during any previous holiday season -- a 76 percent increase over last year's numbers.

Alas, the PSP and the PSP Go were neglected a mention in the presser, though Sony did reiterate the 38 million PSN user number we'd heard a bit earlier. We'll have a clearer picture of what exactly the sales shook out to for North America when the latest NPD numbers arrive next week.

Sony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP-4000 in advertisement deemed a 'mistake'

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST

Last week's digital issue of MCV featured an advertisement for an accessory bundle mentioning the "PSP-4000." The listing has since been described as being nothing more than a mistake. Negative Gamer contacted A4G, which placed the ad, and the company's license manager said the mention of a new iteration for Sony's handheld was a "mistake on [their] part." The spokesperson was unaware of a new model.

Rumors of the UMD-enabled PSP-4000's existence have been floating around for a few months. These are not be confused with the longer-standing PSP-4000 rumors, which ended up heralding the PSP Go. Would a real PSP-4000 be considered a mistake?

PSP-4000 in advertisement deemed a 'mistake' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST

After a strong 2009, Sony plans to focus its efforts in the coming year on some new initiatives -- notably the still unnamed and, with a "Spring 2010 release," curiously under-promoted PlayStation Motion Controller, 3D games, and the PlayStation Network. In a recent GamePro interview, Sony marketing head John Koller said the company will be focusing on these "three big pillars" going forward, and detailed its plans to expand on each. "I think the areas that are going to be really critical to our success will be family games, as well as shooters and sports games ... they're areas that quite honestly, I think Project Natal and the Wii are going to have trouble matching," he said of the company's motion controller plans.

Without getting too specific, the PlayStation Network will apparently be seeing the addition of "a number of very critically demanded features" in the coming year, while the company strives to reach day-and-date release parity between UMD-based PSP games and their digital counterparts from third-party devs on PSN. He even teased the concept of "placing you as a consumer into the game physically" -- an idea he called "the Holy Grail of gaming." We get the feeling 2010 is going to be kind of a weird year, folks.

Sony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Traveler's Tales founder: PSP Go will die if downloads don't get cheaper

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST

While speaking at the Develop Jury Service (a pow-wow for industry figures to discuss current gaming trends and topics), Traveler's Tales founder Jon Burton questioned the prolonged survival of the PSP Go platform, since UMD games can often be purchased new or pre-owned at a lower price than the digital versions compatible with PSP Go. "I own a PSP Go but don't want to buy LittleBigPlanet, for instance, as I can get it 20-percent cheaper on UMD from Amazon and could resell it once I'm finished with it," Burton explained. "But if I download it, I get no discount, and no chance to resell -- how annoying is that?"

According to Burton, PSP Go's all-digital system is more than just a minor inconvenience. He later added, "I'm betting on Sony making PSP Go games much cheaper than the UMD versions, or the PSP Go will die." Oh no! The PSP Go is far too tiny and adorable to die so young. Listen to the man, Sony!

Traveler's Tales founder: PSP Go will die if downloads don't get cheaper originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PSP Minis playable on PS3 before Christmas

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST

Since the launch of the PSP Minis digital platform alongside the PSP Go back in October, Sony has showed little more than a passing interest in promoting its bite-sized game service. After playing a decent chunk of games at launch and then barely hearing a whisper since, we've been wondering when the company would show more support for Minis. If what we're hearing from a handful of reliable sources is true, however, the PSP Minis will finally get some attention in the near future as they become playable on the PlayStation 3.

It'll happen "before Christmas," says one source (confirmed as "this month" by others independently), allegedly with the entire selection of Minis (and presumably upcoming releases) to be playable on PlayStation 3 consoles -- with a resolution bump to boot. As for Sony: "We don't comment on rumor or speculation.", so we'll have to leave it in the rumor department for now.

Rumor: PSP Minis playable on PS3 before Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech denies it's developing PSP Go UMD add-on [update]

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST

A CVG source (singular) claims that Logitech is developing a UMD drive add-on for the PSP Go. The source has neither price nor release information, merely stating that the "only problem is that it'll make the PSP a little bulky." Logitech's UK office told the outlet that it's unaware of such a device and that it "may be something the US office is working on." We've contacted both Sony and Logitech for more concrete information.

Beyond the fact that such an add-on would undermine what the Go represents (not quite the "only" problem, is it?), the likely price of such a device, in addition to the base cost of the PSP Go, would not compare well to the already lower cost of a regular PSP with UMD drive. Now, if the add-on could "install" your old games, that would be something ...

Update: Logitech tells Joystiq: "This is not something that our company is working on."

Logitech denies it's developing PSP Go UMD add-on [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Alright, Europe. We're not sure what you did to get into Sony's good graces, but we wish you'd share that information with your pals in the States. Not only do you guys have access to the PSP Go incentive program, which grants owners of UMDs three free game downloads through March 31, but Sony Europe just went ahead and threw another complimentary game on the pile. Anyone living in Europe who owns a PSP Go is eligible to receive a free copy of Gran Turismo, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (or, in Germany, LittleBigPlanet) until January 10.

For more details on the promotion, visit Sony Europe's official site. We've contacted Sony America to find out if we'll be getting a similar offer stateside.

Europe gets more incentive to purchase PSP Go with new bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HMV slashes price for DJ Hero, PSP Go in the UK

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Lucky Brits. Not only do they get to be in closer geographic proximity to the dreamy David Tennant than we do, they're also extended some amazing post-Thanksgiving deals on typically pricey gaming equipment. Electronics retailer HMV is currently running two such offers in the UK -- the company has dropped the price of the PSP Go to £148.99, down significantly from the handheld's MSRP of £224.99. In addition, it's reduced the cost for DJ Hero, normally £107.99, down to just £69.99.

We're not sure how long these prices will stay this low, so if you live in the United Kingdom and have any interest in turntabling or digital distribution revolutions, we suggest you get while the getting is good.

HMV slashes price for DJ Hero, PSP Go in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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