DailyTech - New PSP Hardware Sells One Million Units in Japan

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Gadgets New PSP Hardware Sells One Million Units in Japan
Marcus Yam (Blog) - November 26, 2007 1:42 PM

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9 comment(s) - last by inperfectdarkn.. on Nov 26 at 10:44 PM

The upcoming "deep red" PSP-2000

PSP-2000 hits a million two weeks quicker than old hardware

The original PSP is a wonderfully designed piece of hardware – except that it’s not particularly light or thin, and that pesky square button doesn’t feel quite right. Enter the PSP-2000, the redesigned hardware that retains all the good qualities of the original while losing 33 percent of its weight and 19 percent of its thickness.

Thanks to its makeover, the newer PSP has won over the hearts of gamers in Japan, selling over one million units since its debut on September 20. Interestingly, it appears that the new PSP is more attractive than ever, as it hit the million mark two weeks faster than the original PSP-1000 hardware did.

Aside from going on a diet, the new PSP is more versatile and accessible. In Japan, a “1 Seg” add-on device allows the viewing of television programs over the air on the hardware’s 4.3-inch screen. The PSP-2000 may also output to a television for expanded gameplay or video viewing.

Also boosting the PSP’s popularity in Japan is its wide array of available colors. On December 13, SCEI will release two limited edition “deep red” bundles, one with a TV peripheral tuner, stand and 32MB memory stick, and the other with just a the 32MB card.

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New PSP won over the hearts of gamers?

By ryedizzel on 11/26/2007 2:06:44 PM , Rating: 2

I don't think those sales figures prove the claim made above. It's not really surprising that 2nd generation hardware sells faster than 1st generation. The smarter consumer usually waits for the bugs to get worked out of the original before investing into it, unless they are early adopter enthusiasts. Also keep in mind that the holidays are upon us. Did the original PSP launch at the same time of year?

RE: New PSP won over the hearts of gamers?

By akugami on 11/26/2007 2:26:44 PM , Rating: 2

Actually, the new slim PSP is selling insanely well. The Nintendo DS used to routinely outsell it by 2 to 4 times in Japan and now the PSP is pretty much keeping pace with the DS. The Nintendo DS is still outselling the PSP on a regular basis but it's no longer 70k units to 20k units and more like 70k compared to 50k.

The Nintendo DS is still on an average basis the top dog but the PSP is actually quite successful and the lone bright spot amid the many blemishes in SCE's record lately.

I'm wondering if the new SCE will be the old Nintendo. An old beast who used to be on top whose home consoles are currently in the decline being propped up by it's hand held systems. The one major concern with that line of thought is that the PSP is nowhere near as successful as Nintendo has been and is in the portable market. Nor does Sony have the stable of money making franchises that Nintendo has.

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RE: New PSP won over the hearts of gamers?

By Cygni on 11/26/2007 2:30:38 PM , Rating: 3

That argument isnt really based in reality in the console world. Did the 2nd gen NES outsell the first gen? In fact, how many people even know that there WAS a 2nd gen NES? Same for the SNES revision, the 2nd gen PS2, the PSOne, on and on. All gained good sales by virtue of sitting on shelves for long periods, but none sold with the fervor of their original version.

The fact that the second revision PSP is clearly outselling its predecessor is a pretty significant sign that something notable has changed, because the unit itself is not drastically different.

The difference as i see it is that the PSP looks stable as a platform now. Sony invested in a second technology revision, and it wont be dropped before it gets a full catalog of games. Developers and consumers are both willing to invest in it more today than at launch. When it first launched, there was a good deal of skepticism that its fate would be similar to the Ngage. Sony has proven now that that wont be the case.

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RE: New PSP won over the hearts of gamers?

By michal1980 on 11/26/07, Rating: 0

RE: New PSP won over the hearts of gamers?

By koenshaku on 11/26/2007 5:22:38 PM , Rating: 2

It would suck to see Sony completely bomb out because competition is good. As far as the psp goes mine stolen at work all I used it for was porn and lumines though now my Iphone play video and Lumines is on live.

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RE: New PSP won over the hearts of gamers?

By inperfectdarkness on 11/26/2007 10:44:43 PM , Rating: 2

what about the numbers for GBA vs. GBA SP? in fact, nearly every generation of gameboy has outsold it's predecessor--even without major updates to the hardware. gameboy pocket anyone? gameboy micro?

i see psp's role in the market identical to ati's role in the video card market. it's simply there to keep the competition honest. a competition that is clearly superior, better equipped, and more competitively priced.

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