Euro boss says next-gen handheld not on the cards yet, but concedes lack of software has caused problems
SCEE president David Reeves has told MCV that Sony currently has no plans for a ‘PSP2’.
The exec moved to debunk web reports which earlier this month claimed the firm had signed a memory chip deal for the device.
“No, there are currently no plans for a PSP2. I go to Tokyo quite a lot and no one has referred to it – I think they have their hands full at the moment,” he remarked.
Reeves said that Sony is instead focusing on continually improving the current generation of the handheld format. As Nintendo has done with the DS, which has transitioned to the DS Lite and upcoming DSi handheld, Sony has released upgraded versions of the PSP, which have reduced its form factor and added technology like a built-in microphone.
“We just launched the PSP-3000 so we are still focused on this generation of the platform,” said Reeves.
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However, he admitted that despite continually improved hardware and firmware, gaming software has been the device’s achilles heel, as developers only have so much time to focus on the variety of competing platforms the current generation has brought with it.
“The PSP is as successful in numbers as PS2 – it tracks its numbers in a cumulative basis,” he said.
“Its weakness, however, is its software. And that’s because developers, when it comes to placing their bets, have to choose PS3 and 360, then Wii, then DS, maybe even PS2 before PSP. It’s the same at our internal studios, where the focus has been on PS3. They’ve also focused a lot on PS2 as well because we have to get the SingStars out for that format. So PSP games will come – they just take a while longer.”
Reeves added that Sony was looking to find new ways that would further stimulate the PSP market, having already successfully launched a dedicated PSP version of the PlayStation Store for downloadable titles.
Comments
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The killer app for handhelds are downloadable games. Maybe the storage capacity on the PSP currently is too small, but it's still worth considering. Handheld games can be shorter, cheaper and more quirky and that suits downloads.
It might be interesting to see development for the platform opened up a little more. Definitely not as open as much as mobile phones, or even the iPhone (which has a lot of dross to wade through to find good stuff). But if they could make it easier for more people to make games for it, but still have some quality control before publishing it, then it might drive software development for it.
It's not like opening the platform would make it easier to hack: it's already been hacked to pieces!
re: PSP 2
The reason software developers shun the PSP is because of the high rate of software piracy. To this day Sony has done very little to shut the barn door.
If I were a developer I would not put my product on the PSP.
Re: re: PSP 2
I work in a similar company, and know that behind closed doors, they are always working on new devices. Just put your money away, and wait...
Re: Re: re: PSP 2
Homebrew is the only thing that is keeping the PSP alive right now actually.
Re: Re: Re: re: PSP 2
Second hand sales are on the up for the PSP, due to the recession, but mostly due to the easy ability to hack a PSP. Gamers in the know won't mind a PSP with a broken UMD drive for a fraction of the cost of a new one, as they will hack it and use piracy or homebrew.
The two and only downfalls of the PSP are:
The lack of PS2 Compatability on it. The PS1 Compatability is a god-send, but the need for PS2 Compatability has been here for years.
The UMD drive is flimsy and temperamental, futher fuelling the Second Hand & Piracy markets.
The PSP2 is needed, or a revised version of the PSP-3000 with PS2 compatability. The security was going the right way with the PSP-3000, so an increase in security yet again and a PS2 Compatability thrown in for good measure, will see the PSP take the lead in Portable Gaming Devices, and create better games from developers too.
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