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d21lewis on 20 September 2010
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Squilliam said:
d21lewis said:

What does the PSP2 need to do right to compete against the likes of the 3DS and the rise of the smart phone? 

1.  Games:  A video game console lives and dies by its game library.  The PSP needs to have a strong library of games designed specifically for the portable experience.  Bite sized games that pack a big punch.  More SRPG's like Valkyria, FF Tactics, games like Monster Hunter, and such.  Portable games that are console experiences are all well and good, but they suffer on a portable system that many break out when they're bored.

2.  Online capability:  I'd pay $50 a year with a smile on my face (maybe more) if the PSP2 could access the net with the speed and efficiancy of an iPhone or a Droid X.  In this day and age, everything has a built in browser.  The PSP browser should be powerful and not have to rely on Wi-Fi hotspot, either.

3.  Dual Analog:  This is potentially where the 3DS slipped up.  It took a little getting used to but the analog nub on the PSP works great.  Toss in a second one, and we're in business!

4.  Huge Screen:  This is another area that the first PSP excelled.  Yes, the 3DS can display video in 3D but it's still  going to be on a tiny screen.  Even most cell phones suffer from having smaller screens.  Movie buffs on the go would consider the PSP2 if the viewing experience is the best around.

5.  Aggressive Pricing:  Price it near the 3DS.  Whatever that console costs, price the PSP similarly.  The less bulletpoints that the competition has, the better.  Cost $100 more than the competition, and the battle is over before it even starts.

6.  Don't push graphics too much:  Because, as it stands, graphics on the original PSP are pretty damned good.  A slight improvement would be welcome but don't spend tons and tons of R&D on technology that won't be appreciated by anyone except a small minority.  On a relatively tiny screen, "good enough" is good enough.

7.  3D screen:  So people will say they're copying Nintendo.  Who gives a shit!  Copy them!!  This is one selling point that Sony can't afford to overlook.  No matter how good the graphics, how sharp the screen, or how good the games, there are going to be people who get a 3DS simply because they're curious about the 3D.  Sony needs to be able to say, "Hey!  We have 3D, too!"  Hell, if they're lucky, there will be those that think Sony's 3D is better.

That's all I got.  Anybody else?

Doesn't 1 contradict 3? Don't most console ports require the two analogue sticks to be played effectively but most standard handheld games don't really need them at all.

Doesn't 4 contradict 5 and 6 and 7 and 1? If you have a huge screen it isn't pocketable and you need to spend a lot more on batteries and higher performance components and the 3D screen is going to be far more expensive. So you're returning it back to a glorified home console on the go.

The problem is that all the hardcore users want to take the PSP in the direction where it'll be least profitable or least popular. Why don't you decide on a direction you want the PSP to go rather than taking it in all directions with all 7 points. You have to compromise somewhere as does Sony.


Picard > Kirk

But anyway, 2 analogs.  Just because it has new experiences, don't forsake those who just want to play Syphon Filter at work.

4,5,6,and 7--The PSP already has a huge screen and it's portable.  It already has a good battery life.  If the 3DS can do 3D at a reasonable price, so can Sony.And by Tiny Screen, I mean compared to a TV, not other portables.  I don't see the contradictions.