Dear Sony: Do The PSP Better!

Sony assured gamers that 2009 would be a big year for the PSP. Can you tell? Here we are, almost into the second quarter, and the horizon still looks foggy for the platform. With its multitude of multimedia capabilities beyond gaming, we’ve yet to determine just what type of device it is.

In this week’s Robot Punch!, we explore the current state of the PSP and what issues Sony should consider if they truly intend to support the console as promised.

Only slightly less silly looking than the Ngage taco phone.

According to reports, the PSP is showing significant profits for Sony over previous years. In Q1 of 2009, PSP hardware sales are up 75% from last year and software sales are up over 20%. Despite this growth, many are worried as it’s yet to catch up to PS3 or even PS2’s formidable numbers.

Huh…That’s kinda weird. Like myself, you’ve probably noticed that when you visit your favorite retailer, the PSP section has been getting smaller and smaller.

This appears to be the result of the PSP’s candle burning at both ends. On the one hand, retailers are devoting less space to the PSP in favor of more popular products. On the other hand, developers are complaining about the level of difficulty in programming games for the device, especially when dealing with the UMD format. For most, it’s just not worth the hassle.

However, 2008 showed a spectacular increase in business through digital distribution. Seeing this, Sony’s announced great plans for expanding their PlayStation Store. Many developers, such as Capcom, have also expressed interest in taking advantage of this growing technology.

I don’t know about this… While I’ve recently come to benefit from digital distribution, I’ll still advocate the value of tangible media. To me, I’ll buy smaller “twitch” games online; like puzzle games or ports of last-gen titles. On the other hand, when I’m looking for a much grander game, like an RPG or a game with a high-end production, I like having that on a disc. And not just a disc, but also a nice case and manual; a physical artifact that I can store on a shelf and pay respect for not only the cost of my purchase, but also the invested efforts in its development.

To apply a food metaphor, I don’t want to pay a lot for a mere snack. I’m not worried about small bites that will sustain me for the moment, only to be forgotten soon after. But for a royal feast, I’ll pay a pretty penny, with a little extra for presentation.

What also sours the experience for me is how the PlayStation store is operated. At the moment, North America has a dismal selection of downloadable games. Japan’s library of PSone games far surpasses North America, containing highly desired titles like Xenogears, Bushido Blade, Metal Gear Solid, and the entire Resident Evil trilogy. I’d happily hand Sony $10 to play Einhander instead of paying $75 to some weaselly eBay dealer.

Seriously... How hard could it be, guys?

So what’s the hold up? It’s not like it’s hard to port an original PlayStation disc ROM to the PSP’s Eboot format. There are already free programs available that allow you to do that (but please don’t). If it’s a matter of licensing, are the North American branches of the publishers somehow afraid of making money? (Square-Enix, I’m looking at you.) Especially if it’s by simply re-selling old product…product that doesn’t even need reprinting?

The benefit most often mentioned regarding digital distribution is that without the cost of a physical product, the savings are then passed to the consumer. With that theory, Sony’s UMD Legacy line was created. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, most of the titles available for download are priced almost as high as a boxed copy.

I could buy a downloadable copy of Ultimate Ghosts ‘N Goblins from the PSN for $19.99, or a physical copy at Walmart for the same amount…or only $15 from Amazon. For a boxed copy, I can save $5 and storage space on my memory stick. Where’s the incentive to buy from PSN?

Instead of games, Sony seems to be putting more energy into shoveling out other multimedia garbage for the PSP. Their “premium” themes are a joke—Why pay $3.99 for a fake anime theme, when I can easily make a real one for myself. Even if I lacked the know-how, a quick jaunt through DeviantArt should connect you with someone who’s perfectly willing and able to hook you up.

You know what I’d happily pay $3.99 for? Movies or television shows that I can watch on my PSP. Watching movies on the PSP from a UMD may have failed, but the concept can be given new life through digital distribution. The service has been available for the PS3; why not apply the same business model to the PSP?

We can only hope that Sony’s true to their word on supposed plans for the PSP this year. So far, it’s been tumbleweeds, but the summer is just around the corner.