You’ll find our report of the event in Tokyo, written live, below. But the following is a reflection on and summary of, the PlayStation NGP / PSP2 device.
The PSP2 has been announced, and it embodies what one would imagine to be the logical successor to the PSP. It’s solved the long-fraught ‘dual analogue stick’ fps problem, it’s incorporated the popular touch screen functionality featured in most modern phones, it’s integrated front and back-facing cameras, Wifi and cellular 3G connectivity and its raw power is exponentially greater than its predecessor’s.
Although ‘NGP’ (Next Generation Portable entertainment system) is simply a codename, it stands out as relatively dry and odd. A variety of other devices could be described as NGPs. And despite the fact that a device’s codename is certainly not indicative of its resultant quality, assigning an ideal handle is an important part of selling a product / informing consumers.
Commentators have observed the slightly curious hardware and target audience choices by Sony, relative to the first PSP. Whilst selling a commendable amount of units, the PSP ultimately lost out against the Nintendo DS. Furthermore, the software ‘attach rate’ for the PSP was less than ideal, yet this is arguably partly attributable to piracy. The original PSP was designed as a technically advanced system, offering console-quality performance, whereas the DS was designed and marketed as a redefinition of various human inputs for games, featuring compelling innovations.
Bearing this in mind, some argue that it is odd that Sony appears to have chosen the same strategy as before. The PSP definitely succeeded in many respects. Yet, the logic in this observation is undeniable. Ultimately, when considering Sony as a company, the details of the PSP2 are relatively unsurprising. This is also the case with Nintendo and its 3DS. Seemingly, these companies are simply conforming to their predefined nature, and internal culture.
Personally, I welcome the sophisticated technology offered to consumers in the NGP. Whether or not it’ll mean Sony’s device outsells / outperforms Nintendo’s, it is certain that we can all look forward to a redefining chapter in portable gaming.
Check out the official release information and images at the PlayStation Blog.