That’s one way to compete with smartphones, we guess, though thinking back to the PSP’s heyday as a sleek and sexy luxury handheld nearly brought a tear to our eyes. Sony’s new PSP will be dubbed E-1000 and will apparently forego cutting edge tech like decade-old WiFi technology in favor of… UMDs. Everyone knows physical media is the new digital delivery.
Value Proposition and Market Positioning
Sony’s take is a lot more upbeat, though:
“Value for money is the goal with this new model that will retail at just €99.99 (RRP), accompanied by an exciting range of PSP Essentials titles that will retail at only €9.99 (RRP) and will include Invizimals: The Lost Tribe, EyePet Adventures, FIFA 12 and many more.
While PSP E-1000 does not include Wi-Fi, it will still provide access to the full catalogue of PSP games either on UMD or from PlayStation Store via Media Go. The design is also slightly different, with a Charcoal Black finish – the same as on the slimmer PS3 model – to give more of a matte feel.”
Design and Usability
The PSP E-1000’s design is a notable departure from its predecessors. The Charcoal Black finish not only gives it a more modern and sophisticated look but also makes it less prone to fingerprints and smudges, which was a common issue with the glossy finishes of earlier models. This design choice aligns with the aesthetic of the slimmer PS3 model, creating a cohesive look across Sony’s gaming devices.
Despite lacking Wi-Fi, the PSP E-1000 still offers a robust gaming experience. Users can access a wide range of games through UMDs, which might seem like a step back in an era dominated by digital downloads. However, this choice could appeal to collectors and those who prefer physical media. Additionally, games can still be downloaded from the PlayStation Store via Media Go, ensuring that players have access to the latest titles and updates.
Target Audience and Market Impact
The PSP E-1000 seems to be targeting a more budget-conscious audience. By pricing the device at €99.99, Sony is making portable gaming more accessible to a broader demographic. This move could attract younger gamers or those who are new to the PlayStation ecosystem. The affordable price point, combined with the low cost of PSP Essentials titles, makes it an attractive option for parents looking to buy a gaming device for their children.
Moreover, the PSP E-1000 could serve as a secondary device for existing PlayStation users who want a portable option without investing in a more expensive handheld console. The lack of Wi-Fi might be a drawback for some, but for others, it could be a non-issue, especially if they primarily play single-player games or have limited access to Wi-Fi.
The PSP E-1000 represents an interesting strategy by Sony to remain competitive in the handheld gaming market. By focusing on affordability and physical media, Sony is differentiating the PSP E-1000 from smartphone gaming and other handheld consoles. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its predecessors, it offers a solid gaming experience at a fraction of the cost.
Source Kotaku
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