@ mibuokami

Of course, their PR folk would try to be overly positive with regard to the format (it's an effective sales tactic, which payed off pretty well the first couple of years).

And even in 2009 various new UMD movies have been released, so the format isn't only used to distribute games.



I don't agree, UMD made sense for the PSP back in 2004 (far more so than cartridges for a powerful handheld gaming console like the PSP). I think online distribution of portable games and movies make far more sense today for the PSP, so IMO the PSP is merely evolving.

Think about it, big internal flash drives, widespread broadband internet coverage, small screen => small storage capacity movies and games. IMO the time is right to evolve in this direction!

Technically I think it's a lot cleaner, having to worry less about the vulnerable media and moving parts in a handheld portable device (needs to be sturdy and provide long battery life).

The new PSPgo is a signal for a new dangerous trend in gaming history. If I'm buying a game, I want to hold the package in my hand to get this special feeling.
And it's also frustrating for many people, who haven't much money, because you can't really resell or buy used games anymore. Am I the only one, who is not ready to pay 49$ for every game I want?
The UMD might have been a big mistake from the beginning on, but I think that a UMD less PSP is a bigger mistake.

VivaLaWiida said: The new PSPgo is a signal for a new dangerous trend in gaming history. If I'm buying a game, I want to hold the package in my hand to get this special feeling. And it's also frustrating for many people, who haven't much money, because you can't really resell or buy used games anymore. Am I the only one, who is not ready to pay 49$ for every game I want? The UMD might have been a big mistake from the beginning on, but I think that a UMD less PSP is a bigger mistake.

No I'm with you. I use to borrow many friends games and buy used ones. With this new PSP, if I had one, it would be disapointing.

 

I think it won't be a mistake. You can't borrow or re-sell iPhone games/apps that you download and pay from AppStore. And it is a huge success.

VivaLaWiida said: And it's also frustrating for many people, who haven't much money, because you can't really resell or buy used games anymore. Am I the only one, who is not ready to pay 49$ for every game I want?

I think you will see more of an influx of cheap PSN like projects costing 8 dollars or less (like is already the case). Major UMD games could be distributed online cheaper than at retail as well, Sony would basically be cutting out the costs of middle salesman and replication/casing, etc.

I think PS3 remote play and streaming is even free, right?

MikeB said: VivaLaWiida said: And it's also frustrating for many people, who haven't much money, because you can't really resell or buy used games anymore. Am I the only one, who is not ready to pay 49$ for every game I want? I think you will see more of an influx of cheap PSN like projects costing 8 dollars or less (like is already the case). Major UMD games could be distributed online cheaper than at retail as well, Sony would basically be cutting out the costs of middle salesman and replication/casing, etc. I think PS3 remote play and streaming is even free, right?

 

How much will they cut the price of PSP games? The costs of producing and releasing will be much more less, but I anticipate that Sony will lower the price "only" about 10$ relating to new releases.. but that's just a predicition. Let's wait and see what will happen at E3.

@ VivaLaWiida

Aren't ordinary PSP releases cheaper than that, I see God of War: Chains of Olympus for only $19.99 $18.99 at Amazon.com?

Some current pricings of PSP games I'm interesting in available on the PSN:

Killzone Liberation $15.99
Ratchet and Clank: Size matters $15.99

UMDs have been a failed format since the PSP launched.

MikeB said: @ VivaLaWiida who is not ready to pay 49$ for every game I want? but I anticipate that Sony will lower the price "only" about 10$ relating to new releases Aren't ordinary PSP releases cheaper than that, I see God of War: Chains of Olympus for only $19.99 $18.99 at Amazon.com? Some current pricings of PSP games I'm interesting in available on the PSN: Killzone Liberation $15.99 Ratchet and Clank: Size matters $15.99

God of War: Chains of Olympus is already platinum and about one year old.

I wanted to buy Phantasy Star Portable yesterday at a local electronic market, but it costs 49 Euros!

I found instead Mega Man X: Maverick Hunter Mega Man Maverick Hunter X  and Bioshock, each for 10 Euros :D

@ VivaLaWiida

We have high taxes in Europe (and often seem to pay extra), the recently released Patapon 2 costs €29.99 including taxes here on the PSN and only $19.99 on the US store.

Still not that bad IMO, there are also cheaper games like Super Stardust Portable or Riff: Every Day shooter for only €7.99. So maybe online distribution won't be so bad for the budget gamer.

MikeB said: @ VivaLaWiida We have high taxes in Europe (and often seem to pay extra), the recently released Patapon 2 costs €29.99 including taxes here on the PSN and only $19.99 on the US store. Still not that bad IMO, there are also cheaper games like Super Stardust Portable or Riff: Every Day shooter for only €7.99. So maybe online distribution won't be so bad for the budget gamer.

 

29.99€ seems to be a fair price for a new game. I would welcome it as an average price setting for new PSP games.