It’s about time the PSP was phased out. The console was never able to match the Nintendo DS in sales and frankly, the games and graphics the PSP had just weren’t that great. We have the PSP and DS in my house. The PSP never gets played and my son is constantly on his DS. We all know that the NGP is coming from Sony and to send the PSP out with a bang Sony has a new bundle.
The new bundle has a black PSP inside along with a 2GB memory stick, Gran Turismo PSP, and MLB 11 The Show. All of that gear comes your way for $160. That’s not a bad deal, but for obsolete hardware that never sold well when new, that price is a bit steep.
The Rise and Fall of the PSP
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was launched by Sony in 2004 with high hopes of capturing the handheld gaming market. Initially, it showed promise with its impressive hardware capabilities, including a large screen and multimedia functionalities. However, it struggled to compete with the Nintendo DS, which offered a more diverse game library and innovative dual-screen design. The DS’s touch screen and stylus opened up new gameplay possibilities that the PSP couldn’t match.
Despite its shortcomings, the PSP did have some standout titles. Games like “God of War: Chains of Olympus,” “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII,” and “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” showcased the system’s potential. However, these titles were few and far between, and the overall game library couldn’t keep up with the DS’s extensive catalog.
The Legacy of the PSP
As we look back, the PSP did pave the way for future handheld consoles. It introduced features like digital downloads through the PlayStation Store, which was a precursor to the digital marketplaces we see today. The PSP also had multimedia capabilities, allowing users to watch movies, listen to music, and browse the internet, making it a versatile device for its time.
However, the PSP’s hardware limitations and lack of third-party support ultimately led to its decline. The Nintendo DS continued to dominate the market, and with the advent of smartphones and tablets, the demand for dedicated handheld gaming devices decreased.
Sony’s announcement of the Next Generation Portable (NGP), later named the PlayStation Vita, marked the end of the PSP era. The Vita aimed to address many of the PSP’s shortcomings with improved hardware, a touch screen, and a more robust game library. However, it too faced challenges in a market increasingly dominated by mobile gaming.
The new PSP bundle, which includes a black PSP, a 2GB memory stick, Gran Turismo PSP, and MLB 11 The Show, is Sony’s way of giving the PSP a final send-off. Priced at $160, it offers some value for those who never owned a PSP and are looking for a piece of gaming history. However, for many, the price may seem steep for a console that is no longer supported with new games or updates.
I also have to wonder what will become of the PSP since its popularity has waned and a new portable is coming. Will there even be new games for the PSP moving forward? Still, if you never had a PSP and can’t wait for the NGP to get here this bundle has some value.
In conclusion, while the PSP may not have achieved the commercial success of its competitors, it remains an important part of gaming history. It pushed the boundaries of what a handheld console could do and laid the groundwork for future innovations. As we bid farewell to the PSP, we can appreciate its contributions to the gaming world and look forward to what the future holds with the upcoming NGP.
Via Kotaku
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
