There is mounting evidence that Sony has stoped production of the PSP Go. When asked for comment a representative Sony of America for clarification, stated, "We are going to continue to make shipments of PSPgo." However many retailers are reporting little to no new shipments of th unit.
Today we’re very excited to announce that the PSP-3000 system will be available for a new low price of $129.99 (MSRP) starting February 27, 2011, offering its greatest value to date. In addition, going forward PSP Entertainment Packs will be available for $159.99 (MSRP).
Sony has announced price cuts for the PSP Go in both Japan and the US. Originally launched at ¥26,800 ($332), the tiny, UMD-free system will retail for ¥16,800 ($208) in Japan starting tomorrow. In America (according to Reuters), the system will drop somewhat less dramatically, from $249 to $199. This matches information we received from a retailer -- though it's happening a bit later than that retail leak predicted.
While I have great hope for their future potential, I am definitely skeptical. The winds in Sony R&D have definitely changed and I really hope they will be able to deliver something that meets this criteria.
I see this going one of two ways:
Nintendo recaptures the mature market abandoned by Sony for growth, while competing against a siege from Apple.
or
Sony comes back with a strongly integrated platform, that involves PS3/BluRay/PSN/Home integration. They hold their current market and perhaps steal a little growth from Apple.
I see Nintendo doing what they can with the timing of this 3DS to force the issue sooner than later, and back Sony in to a corner (scenario 1)
Oh no quite the opposite! I relish *renewed* competition in the space. In competition (or war in my analogy) Nintendo has obvious interest in putting Sony out of the picture. Their clear rival in the handheld space is Apple currently, as Apple's market share of handheld games has grown 100% while Sony's share is now 50% of what it was since the AppStore opened.
I think Sony made a horrible mistake with PSPGo, and therefore "deserves to pay" in the market. If they don't "pay" they will cease to be competitive in this space by simply not learning from their mistakes.
You mention a lot of ho-hum standard integration. This is not what I'm talking about. As a PSP and PS3 owner I can say first hand, integration is clunky, irregular, and really doesn't add anything to the experience (just like the DS unfortunately)
For instance: Why am I not seeing PSP used as an optional subscreen? IE: current standings in FPS games, maps etc.
@PhilHarrision,Sorry...didn't explain my why...I think NIN can continue to hold its own with limited functionality as he vast majority of their sales are still in the 6-12 age group.
Sony having a target age that is older has to complete against Win7/Xbox and Apple iOS and all its interations (phone/touch/pad and I believe TV by year end). They MUST provide a platform that is open enough to allow for social integration of email/fb/twitter/browsing, music, movies and still function withing closed walls. To me Android answers this.
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