RSSReport: PSP Selling, But Not as Planned
By Ed Oswald | Published March 31, 2005, 12:53 PM
According to at least one analyst, Sony’s PlayStation Portable may not be selling as well as the company may have expected. In a survey of 150 retail locations, American Technology Research found that only one-third of the locations had sold out. Of the remaining stores, 15 had less than three units in stock.
The PSP, which retails for $249, was expected to sell up to one million units within the first few days of launch. Sony even delayed the European launch of the device in order to ensure that enough units were available to ensure a smooth launch.
P.J. McNealy called the PSP's sales "solid but not spectacular." According to the firm's estimates, about 575,000 units sold in the first week, with an additional 300,000 units available in supply channels.
"We believe that the PSP launch, while not the blow-out event expected, will be considered successful as retailers continue to sell through existing inventory levels," he said in a note to clients.
In comparison, PSP's launch in Japan was marred by supply shortages. Sony only allotted 200,000 units for the system's debut, all of which sold out in the first day.
Since its launch in December, about 1.2 million units have been sold in total. Sony says that this number could have been much higher if it had correctly anticipated the PSP's success.
I was excited to hear about the clean crisp video that this module existed. When i went to evaluated on the first day it came out. I was excited and ready to dish out to buy one. I was quite impress with it. Not for the games but the mp3 and video capabilities. But then i noticed the mini cd where locked into a cartridge.
I wanted to burn my own movies and insert them into this new handheld, but you can't until the taiwanese or chinese come out with blackmarket add-ons (re-useable rewritable mini dvd cartridge) for this gismo, and finding a software to burn games and movies will most likely be awhile for this mini console.
My main use of this console was for when i'm flying on long flights like a entertainment center on my lap.
Oh well Sony your lost. Now I'm happy i didn't buy one from reading the forums on lost pixels. What a downer for such a company with a huge reputation as Nakamichi, Honda & Toyota.
I'll wait until Asus and Ipod come out with their next generation of video handheld.
Here in Canada, a movie will run you $40 plus taxes and games $70 Thats way too much! i rather burn my own, but there is a software for the new PSP that will allow you to transfer files to this console , but only to the memory card and it also feature, a built-in Torrent for games and movies.
Its too bad when the new Sony Memory Stick 1Gb is release in June will cost almost the same price as the console. This Unit in Canada retails for $299.99 plus 15% taxes
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|Please... It's about time Sony got it's wake up call. Many of the PSP's (though they say something like 0.2%) have LCD's with several bad pixels each. It's an awesome design job, but it has several design flaws. Especially the 'square' button being too close to the LCD and causing it to stick or not have as much responsiveness. Of course, Sony adamantly denied that this was a flaw...it was an 'enhancement.' I'd like to ask the Sony higher-ups if they would like their consumers to make some 'enhancements' to them!
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|Do you own a PSP? Have you had problems with yours personally, or are you just reading news? Sure there were problems initially with the PSP, but when you see what a remarkable job Sony has done with the hardware (cramming that much power and that nice of an LCD into such a small device at that price point), then maybe you can be a little more understanding about the difficulties in shipping a revolutionary product. I own one. This is my first Sony console (so I am not a fan boy, and have usually preferred my Xbox and Nintendo hardware). I wasn't sure if I wanted a PSP until I played it. The LCD is awesome and there are no problems with my buttons or the buttons of my 5 friends who went and scooped one up as well. This is an awesome product for those who want a mobile gaming device, but the word of mouth is still spreading and the software library is still building. Sony's manufacturing problems are happening to a small percentage of owners and Sony already promises to fix it for you at no cost to you (I have read on the net that they just send you a new PSP). Now that people can see and touch the device, we will see the sales begin to reflect the real situation. This is an awesome device that really opens up gaming to a wide new audience. Just my 2 cents.
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|I just dont see myself paying 50-60 dollars for whats currently watered down ps2 games. maybe if the lineup improves.
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|Actually its 40-50 (without tax of course), and although this is unfortunate, it is expected. The titles are much harder to develope than previous mobile games. They are inline with the graphics and features of the current console line, except it is a portable handheld gaming device.
I bought one a couple days ago (would have bought sooner but didn't have the money at the time), and I love it. The only complaint I have about the hardware is that it takes a bit to get used to the controls, and it can give hand cramps at first because its so thin compared to a controller. Other than that, its as perfect as I could have imagined it when I first read about it about a year ago.
I suggest everyone go out and try one at their local gaming store, because they are loads of fun. However, for those who have never been a fan of mobile gaming, just get a ps2 because they are very similar. This is a system for people who live on the go and dont have time to sit around playing ps2, but rather for people who can fit in 10-15 minutes on a bus ride etc.
On the topic of how much was sold, I am not suprised. It IS an expensive purchase, and has not had all that much marketing leading up to it (understandably considering Sony can barely keep up with current demand), and since it was released at such an odd time (ie. not christmas or other holiday), most people will have to wait until they have some spare cash.
I would also like to say how much I look forword to the possible upgrades the system will have in the future such as a web browser. I have always wanted a portable web browser, but have never wanted to buy a palm due to the outragous pricing and limited use. The PSP is great because it combines so many wonderful functionalities into a nice compact piece of hardware, and does so at a reasonable price.
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|And that's been Sony's Achilles ALWAYS: overpricing.. also at times being a bit out of touch with the consumer-- supposedly this is being addressed by new mgmt.......
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|I own one and I have to say I am disappointed. Yes it is way overpriced and the software selections suck. If you are on the go consider it if you are a home user stick to the PS2. The games are not compatible the included memory is no where near enough for any media. I took 2 units back because of pixel problems (fine when I bought it then deteriorated)and the button placement does need improvement. Don't be so caught up it it not to see the problems and or flaws. You paid alot of money for a system that can be much better.
On the upside the video display is clean, crisp and clear but the deteriorating pixel problem is a bigger problem than Sony is owning up to. Game selection is limited but Sony's libraries usually grow pretty fast. If you have a PS2 and want the same title for the PSP it will get expensive buying 2 formats. Think these things out before throwing down $250.00
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|Yeah, Sony has overpriced stuff and not that great quality like (Nintendo :P)! At least N doesn't charge publishers licensing fees so anyone can make a game.
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|Sony == overpriced / underpowered. Has for a VERY long time. Their audio, their TVs and now their consoles. They're about riupping off consumers while offering them the snob appeal name brand schtick. They're not about value.
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