Original PSP to be phased out
by Steven Bailey 
{ Jul 13th 2007 at 10:30PM }
Much like Sony is phasing out the 60 Gig PS3, so too will go the original PSP. Sony PR, Patrick Seybold had this to say: "The newly designed PSP wil replace the original PSP design starting in September with the $169.99 PSP Core Pack and the $199.99 Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack." So if for some reason you like your handhelds with more bulk and less capabilities, quickly go out, and buy the original PSP while supplies last.
[Via IGN]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
NdFaN1083 @ Jul 13th 2007 10:38PM
ya they would
Ratchet the Lombax @ Jul 13th 2007 10:55PM
Well I don't have any plans to buy the "new" PSP since it has nothing new that I want. I really don't need the video out thing since I watch DVDs on my tv and don't want to play a game formatted for the PSP screen on my 65" tv (might have crappy resolution). Also the USB charging option isn't that great as I'm not far from a wall outlet or car charger. And lastly the slimmer design doesn't appeal to me either since the current PSP is a little thin for me I use one of those neo pad handle things so my hands don't cramp up. So I imagine that a slimmer one would be worse and I'd be afraid I'd break the thing. Anyway it's not like Sony is going to stop supporting the original PSP that would just be stupid.
pixelator @ Jul 13th 2007 11:12PM
Why are the internets so frigging RIFE with kids and teens who think ANYONE CARES about why they don't want something...
I mean, really - Especially when all they do is tick off a goddamned moronic list saying 'don't want that, don't need that, I'm a clubfooted freak and might break it...'
Ratchet, have a nice big Hugo sized STFU.
rockeranimefreak @ Jul 13th 2007 11:33PM
hmm I want the new one! maybe the daxter pack since i never bought that game?! :D
gator @ Jul 14th 2007 10:27AM
For Pixelator....
To answer your question, it is the same reason that the internet is so RIFE with keyboard cowards like yourself who feel the need to flame others who actually make a point about the topic at hand.
With that said... I too will not be getting the new PSP, as mine is good for what I use it for. Exact same reasons as Ratchet.
I don't think they will quit support right off, however, as with Microsoft and past Sony experience will tell you, that is how they force you to upgrade.
I find it ironic that nintendo still makes the GBASP, or whatever, it is. I have one, my kid loves it. No reason for a DS at this time, they are still making GBA games... now why do you think they do that?
What! @ Jul 13th 2007 11:38PM
I like my old one but if newer games won't be able to be played on it I'm forced to buy
Don @ Jul 13th 2007 11:39PM
On a side note: if the PS3 60gb phase-out is true, does that mean that the price cut isn't really a price cut? Kinda underhanded move by Sony.
But back to the main subject: The old PSP has a lot of accessories (including the headphones remote) that *won't* fit on the new model. The only carrying case that will fit, I believe, is the official soft case.
While I hope that Sony & 3rd parties will make new carrying cases & accessories, the excitement for the PSP is just not what it was in 2005. Back then, a lot of manufacturers wanted in on the PSP bonanza. Now, the momentum has shifted to the DS Lite. So we'll be lucky if we can get many decent new accessories. Even if the new PSP takes off, it will take time for manufactuers to get back on the ball.
So there's still a lot of reason to pick up the older PSP model.
kingofwale @ Jul 13th 2007 11:54PM
If new fws only work on the slim psp then its bye bye psp for me. How the F*** would sony screw its customers.
Screwed one to many if this is true. Ill buy a DS in that case
NeverSage @ Jul 14th 2007 12:16AM
"While I hope that Sony & 3rd parties will make new carrying cases & accessories, the excitement for the PSP is just not what it was in 2005. Back then, a lot of manufacturers wanted in on the PSP bonanza. Now, the momentum has shifted to the DS Lite. So we'll be lucky if we can get many decent new accessories. Even if the new PSP takes off, it will take time for manufactuers to get back on the ball."
Wow, I never would have thought of that. Good point.
I wouldn't mind getting the new PSP, if only to turn my old one in an emulation only system.
Saigon @ Jul 14th 2007 12:36AM
"If new fws only work on the slim psp then its bye bye psp for me. How the F*** would sony screw its customers."
Why would Sony abandon the 24+ million original psp owners? Like seriously, to think there's even a remote chance of that happening, you have to be mentally handicapped.
pentapenguin @ Jul 14th 2007 12:58AM
"So if for some reason you like your handhelds with more bulk and less capabilities, quickly go out, and buy the original PSP while supplies last."
Uhh...the original PSP has an infrared port which is not on the new PSP. If you're into homebrew that might be important to you.
Kade Storm @ Jul 14th 2007 1:23AM
I'm lookin' forward to a couple of things about the new unit: New screen, and better buttons/d-pad. I'm also pleased by the weight change, but the size part doesn't bother me. I mean, I think the old one's already thin enough.
But yeah, I might go for a new unit. On the other hand, if there's some dead-cheap PSP deals on the old ones, then I'm sure to get one more of those.
kingofwale @ Jul 14th 2007 1:23AM
Why would Sony abandon the 24+ million original psp owners? Like seriously, to think there's even a remote chance of that happening, you have to be mentally handicapped
You must be mentally handicapped my friend. The update on the videos of the redesigned psp show fw 3.60. Features such as tv output,umd cache, usb charge etc. None of these features will work on the current psp. So like i said if the old psp cant utilize the new fw then older psp users would be screwed
PSP-Retro @ Jul 14th 2007 1:39AM
I think 3rd parties are going to jump on the accessory bandwagon. When the PSP was new sure they would jump on given the power of Sony and it's ps2 userbase, but now they know there are 26 Million loyal fans and they know that some of them will jump on the PSP Lite as well as the increased userbase. I would think that stands with built in chargers that would help the PSP sit by the tv as another media component will be popular.
Benzitor @ Jul 14th 2007 1:41AM
@kingofwale
Dont take me wrong, but you really undertand things in the way you want...
They never say they will abandon the support of the fist psp...every new FW will work just fine on it, but the new fonctions will not be available in the menus...SEEMLESS.
Second, i dont understand why people complain about the new psp blabla...nothing change blabla...will not buy new one...blabla...
When nintendo released the dslite, more expensive outside update of the ds, nobody ever complained about it...even some people bought several units in different colours. What is different in this case ? Nintendo is still selling the old crap beside the new...and sony will do it so, until stocks end.
The only thing they will stop, is the production of the old model. And i guess the release of the new model will make the old cheaper, or at least the retailers will cut their prices to get rid of them...so be ready for the bargains in september, if you still want an old psp...
In my case, i think the tv out worth the buy of a new model, and i will definetly consider it...
PSP-Retro @ Jul 14th 2007 1:43AM
Its silly to assume Sony will not continue to support the firmware for all PSP's. Of course you can't utilize the new features that the PSP Lite has, that's just how it is with electronics. It's almost like GBA owner getting mad because he can't do what a DS lite does (which is not that much really :) )
Don @ Jul 14th 2007 2:10AM
"I think 3rd parties are going to jump on the accessory bandwagon. When the PSP was new sure they would jump on given the power of Sony and it's ps2 userbase, but now they know there are 26 Million loyal fans and they know that some of them will jump on the PSP Lite as well as the increased userbase."
No, what they see is 26 million people who've already bought the system (and maybe their products) & are less likely to buy the new one than someone who hasn't already bought a PSP. That's 26 million customers that have already been served.
Maybe it's different where you are, but I've seen in local stores & online a continual decline in PSP accessories, and a huge increase in DS Lite accessories over the last year. Like I said, even if the PSP Slim takes off like a rocket & the trend reverses, it will take time before 3rd parties will come out with stuff to take advantage of the increase. They are going to be more cautious now.
Aaron Walker @ Jul 14th 2007 2:22AM
No, Don et al, I think you are wrong. If even half the current PSP owners get a new one, that is enough potential revenue to continue making third party accesories. And I really doubt they haven't read the news just like we have.
I for one AM going to pick up a new PSP primarily for the TV out.
@ Ratchet, I don't think Sony would tout this as a feature if they didn't already test and know that it will look good on your 65 inch screen. You're being overly pessimistic on that one.
I think the new PSP, in time for the holidays with improved features and the core $169.00 MSRP, will bring even more people to the PSP platform, and keep the third party accesory makers looking to sell redesigned stuff for the PSP "Lite".
They can't help not to, there's money to be made.
Benzitor @ Jul 14th 2007 2:37AM
@Aaron Walker
I am all in your optimistic way, but i fear that they will still see the jackpot on the ds side...just because the customers of each plateform are very deifferent kind. PSP fans seems more diserning, and picky, so they buy what they need. When ds customers seems more likely to buy whatever for their little console. Evene on the software side it is obvious.
Fans of psp....wake up and support your system if you dont want to see the only nintendo alternative disappear because of a constant shrinking support of 3rd party devs...Buy yours games...stop supporting dark alex and consort...and push sony to include an opening to homebrew instead of showing them you are on the dark side.
Crush did not sell, ratchet did not sell, mgs did not sell ( not as good as expected... ) and the list is long...but strangely there is more people talking about this games that actual sold units...
Do like me, buy one game per month...i live in asia and my salary is far under any student incomes in america or europe, and copies are in every corner of every streets, but still....i buy games...and i see it as the only way to save the psp market.
PSP-Retro @ Jul 14th 2007 1:11PM
Oh geez another one that thinks Piracy is killing the PSP. Wake up dude Piracy is rampant on all systems including the DS and GBA! Dark Alex did not make his firmwares for piracy sake, if yo knew anything about him or read his posts then you would not sound os ignorant. I run the 340 OE and I buy all of my PSP games, there is a helluvalot more to homebrew then pirating PSP games(apps,homebrew games,utlities). I would dare to say that homebrew helps sell nearly as many games as the actual titles themselves! Ratchet did sell well and continues to sell well, you think piracy is to blame for the supposed low sales? There is now way, piracy overall account for only a small portion of lack of sells I really small portion. I do agree that we should all buy games and supoprt the system, I really think the Video Out is going to have a big impact, it will bring in another base of users that liked the idea of the high quality video on the PSP but could not view it on there TV.
PSP-Retro @ Jul 14th 2007 2:56AM
Oh geez another one that thinks Piracy is killing the PSP. Wake up dude Piracy is rampant on all systems including the DS and GBA! Dark Alex did not make his firmwares for piracy sake, if yo knew anything about him or read his posts then you would not sound os ignorant. I run the 340 OE and I buy all of my PSP games, there is a helluvalot more to homebrew then pirating PSP games(apps,homebrew games,utlities). I would dare to say that homebrew helps sell nearly as many games as the actual titles themselves! Ratchet did sell well and continues to sell well, you think piracy is to blame for the supposed low sales? There is now way, piracy overall account for only a small portion of lack of sells I really small portion. I do agree that we should all buy games and supoprt the system, I really think the Video Out is going to have a big impact, it will bring in another base of users that liked the idea of the high quality video on the PSP but could not view it on there TV.
Saigon @ Jul 14th 2007 4:15AM
"You must be mentally handicapped my friend. The update on the videos of the redesigned psp show fw 3.60. Features such as tv output,umd cache, usb charge etc. None of these features will work on the current psp. So like i said if the old psp cant utilize the new fw then older psp users would be screwed"
*sigh*
I don't understand how older psps would become "screwed" if they couldn't use the slim psp's firmware, considering THEY DON'T NEED IT! Different hardware requires firmware, how difficult is that to understand? Sony will either create two different firmwares, or they will make one, that depending on which system you install it on, it will install different things.
almadawarrior @ Jul 14th 2007 4:46AM
sony is trying to:
finish with the homebrew scene
promote the umd movie industry
that's pretty much it
AcesInThePalm @ Jul 14th 2007 5:11AM
@saigon
sony will not have 2 different types of firmware
3.60 will be installable on older psp's
but the features designed for the new psp simply will not work
MisterL @ Jul 14th 2007 6:01AM
Consider this, if newer games require use of the expanded ram, there goes your old PSP. If they only use the ram for optional caching, then it wouldn't be a problem but that'd seem like a waste of potential.
merc25 @ Jul 14th 2007 6:42AM
go to sleep for several hours and wake to fine Sony fucking up in every aspect of their gaming division.
To the guy that use the analogy of GBA to a DS, those two different systems. The PSP to the PSP slim(PSP 2000 models), is supposed to be merely a redesign like: GBA to GBA SP, DS to DS Lite, and GB to GB pocket. This is different if the programmable features will be used by devs, the the 25.4 million PSP user will be getting screwed out of services.
Jay @ Jul 14th 2007 6:45AM
OH DEAR GOD.
Someone please contact SONY and tell them to drop the price of the PSPhat to about £75. They'll sell out their entire stock in a week, ready for the 1.1.
Kade Storm @ Jul 14th 2007 7:36AM
. . .Okay, I am understanding the concerns at hand, but I don't understand the technicalities. So, there's a chance that new software might not work on the older PSPs? Well, that'll suck. On the other hand, I don't think that'll happen. I am not Sony's biggest fan, but this doesn't sound like something they'd execute so arrogantly.
Oh, and to the 'person' whose name I can't even recall at this point, belching about piracy. LAWL, dude. Consider a career in ironic comedy? You don't have to be ironic, but we'll just pretend that it's irony, and laugh regardless.
Zero @ Jul 14th 2007 8:37AM
If sony is going to phase out the old model... why not add another analog stick to their new model??
snake79 @ Jul 14th 2007 9:08AM
chill out~ it's like NDS to NDSL. There is nothing to worry about. other then your old psp look bigger then the new boy. If you're really worry about it, get the new one. I just bought my blue psp 5 months ago and i'm not even worried. and if you're worry that you can't play your free downloaded game anymore, it's time for you to pay for what you use. help out with the industry abit k?
Bob @ Jul 14th 2007 9:14AM
They announced the price cut a few months ago. There was a surge of units bought, how many of those people would have bought it knowing there would be a new model just a few months down the road.
Sony did this to clear old inventory and its shady.
Alien @ Jul 14th 2007 4:02PM
Who cares Il buy a new one anyways :D
qrayg @ Jul 14th 2007 11:02AM
If you don't like the shiny surface on the PSP then definitely do not pick up the new version. The old version only had the smudge showing surface on the top of the unit. The new version has this horrible surface covering the entire device. Yuk.
Quest @ Jul 14th 2007 11:58AM
@ 6. "On a side note: if the PS3 60gb phase-out is true, does that mean that the price cut isn't really a price cut? Kinda underhanded move by Sony."
That's STILL not the point. Seems to me that they could have cut the price by another $50-100, and when the 80Gig comes here it will be at the same $499. They are trying to maximize profit by cutting costs. EVERY company does that when they put a price tag on their product. Get over it, or make your own.
@ 7 kingofwale Do you even WANT a PSP? Complain WHEN Sony messes up. Buy your DS WHEN you can't update to the newest FW and can't play (insert your favorite upcoming game here) at all. That way, we don't have to think you are just a whiny child, and you can save up for your shiny new DS!
I still think that there will be either: two versions of FW when there are updates. One for PSP:TFG (the first generation) with the basic updates for games and so on. And another for PSP:TNG that will address the features TNG has.
Other option is that somehow the updater will be able to tell if you have TFG, and only update the features your RAM can accept, being half the size of TNG.
As for the bundles, why buy one with a game you can get for $20(Circuit City, right now), when the price point for the TNG make the game $30?
required @ Jul 14th 2007 12:07PM
this isn't as much gba to gbasp as it is ipod1 to ipod2
GoBob @ Jul 14th 2007 12:36PM
OK, people are clearly confused on Sony's firmware. ALL Sony's new firmware updates will be compatible with old PSPs. If their programmers are even halfway decent, they have a value stored for the 2nd gen. PSPs(possibly the old ones as well). This makes adding all new features for the 2nd gen. PSP, while leaving out those features in the 1st gen. easy. All you need are simple IF statements when implementing new features. As far as the added RAM, since the older PSPs do not have this, all this will translate to is longer load times. Before you tell me I have no idea what I'm talking about, please note I am a developmental programmer for a medical software company. Yes, it has nothing to do with gaming, but the fundamentals of programming apply to all situations involving programming. It's just like one of old hat programmers tells me:
"We're programmers. We're fucking gods."
Unless Sony's programmers are terrible, which they AREN'T, we will be fine. No, not discovering exploits doesn't make them bad programmers. Those things are only found after through testing, and that type of testing(searching for exploits) is only done by a couple of people in the world who search that intensely.
tl;dr They know what they're doing and won't fuck over 1st gen. PSP owners. Relax.
andres @ Jul 14th 2007 12:52PM
Serious question. I havent touched my Psp in what feels like years. But didnt the original Psp have it so you can play psp games on the tv via a video out jack?
PSP-Retro @ Jul 14th 2007 1:11PM
andres
You are an idiot and do not deserve a dignified response. Tell you what you should sell your PSP as you appear to stupid to own one, given your statement / question in your post I think your IQ is way to low to own a PSP, go back to your DS.....
The Clunge @ Jul 14th 2007 1:31PM
What rock are these idiots that think the firmware updates won't work on old ones crawling out from under? Is there a special "Internet for retards" event going on somewhere today? Did someone roll up a truck full of PCs to a mental institution and say "Have at it, go nuts... okay, even more nuts!"?
andres @ Jul 14th 2007 2:13PM
37. andres
You are an idiot and do not deserve a dignified response. Tell you what you should sell your PSP as you appear to stupid to own one, given your statement / question in your post I think your IQ is way to low to own a PSP, go back to your DS.....
And you are? Attacking someone because they asked a serious question does not dignified this type of respones. Its idiots like you that there only form of sexual gratification is sticking there beloved system down there pants.
If you read what I wrote. I clearly stated that I have not touched the psp in what may seem like years. Which means I have moved on to other systems.
One day when you group you'll see that you will move on to other things and have your mind completely and totally occupied but said things that you may forget tiny details of stuff you may have already known.
Sure retopsp you may know the lyrics to Jay Jay the Jet plane now. But when you move on to the more serious stuff like Thomas the Tank you may one day forget the lyrics to Jay Jay.
And to say "Go back to your DS" would mean that I have a DS which sadly I do not. Again it is one of those grown up things that you one day will experience. I have to choose every month on how to spend my money. Will I buy a DS or pay car insurance. Needles to say Car insurance wins out every time.
Also your comments which not only represent yourself also represent the psp community. Now if they decide to have you voice there thoughts is one thing . But since you are a PSP comment section then you represent the community. See I know this. Whatever chat I am in I know i Represent a community. Which is why I clearly thiink out what I will say and respond in a dignified matter.
Which one day you will learn.
So again I will ask my question to the audience. Not you psp-retro (which let me tell you is a name that does not make a lick of sense since there is currently nothing retro about a Psp.)
Was there or was there not a feature in the original make of the psp that had an option to connect the system to a tv and use that as the screen when I play my games?
PSP-Retro @ Jul 14th 2007 4:06PM
andres
It's a shame there is not a moron filter so that posts like yours would not see the light of day. You asked totally stupid question and you say you have not touched the PSP in a few years??? It hasn't even been around for 3 years (again I state moronic statment)
And the way you phrased your first question like the PSP came with a video out statement tends to make people think that your mommy had to read the instructions on how to even turn the PSP on (so yes your first post was either moronic,stupid or retarded take your pick. Oh yah the term PSP-Retro I will use small workd so that you can understand.. PSP can emulate older RETRO video game consoles. If you still don't get it maybe you should ask your mommy to explain it further.
grg_ibe @ Jul 14th 2007 3:35PM
F*ck Sony! How the hell did they even consider doing this to thier customers. I'm not byin' shit rom them just to play an HANDHELD SYSTEM on my tv. If you want it go and bye it but as for me I'm going to the darkside (homebrew/CFW) or even worse... NINTENDO. Thanx again sony for not caring at all for your former customers. Good luck, Jackasses :)
pixelator @ Jul 14th 2007 3:36PM
"go to sleep for several hours and wake to fine Sony fucking up in every aspect of their gaming division."
Go back to sleep, then. On the PSP end, Sony isn't fucking up anything - none of the earlier PSP users are being 'left out in the cold' unless they want to do video output or have a lighter model with new colors and faster UMD loading. And Jesus, are we so damned illiterate that people are using FINE instead of FIND, now?
"Consider this, if newer games require use of the expanded ram, there goes your old PSP."
*smacking forehead* NO, the old PSP isn't going to be made incompatible in this way. Do you really think they're THAT stupid? Well, I guess people who are idiotic can't see above their own level of intellect, after all.
"To answer your question, it is the same reason that the internet is so RIFE with keyboard cowards like yourself who feel the need to flame others who actually make a point about the topic at hand."
He made NO points that were worthwhile. Nor have you. You're no less a 'keyboard coward', as you put it, by flaming me, after all. Anyone who says 'ooh, it's too small now' or 'oooh, I don't need faster load times or video out' are assuming anyone else cares. We don't.
Damn, it's 'I'm a freaking idjit' day here at PSPFanboy. Sony is in NO WAY going to rig this UMD caching so that earlier model PSP units will be INCOMPATIBLE with future games. That would be TOTALLY INSANE. There's NO PROOF of this theory, and it's just typical FUD concocted by those who are afraid of any change or feel milked by a new PSP model.
"didnt the original Psp have it so you can play psp games on the tv via a video out jack"
See? Idjits, I tells ya.
"What rock are these idiots that think the firmware updates won't work on old ones crawling out from under?"
DS Fanboy, maybe? You got me. But damn, I've never seen such stupidity en masse.
grg_ibe @ Jul 14th 2007 3:58PM
Oh yeah as for Benzitor, you are a dumbass. How the the hell do you compare GBA to GBA SP to the PSP and PSP lite? Last time I check the only feature the sp had over the original was that it had a little nite bright behind the screen and the fact fact that it could charge, bvut that was also a downside could you couldnt remove the battery pack. But in the psp situation the new has a whole bunch of shit that (to me anyways if it counts for for anything ) are useless. Even at that I spent so much buying accessories and now I find out that if I buy the new they wont work on it. BULLSHIT! As I said before Thanks but NO THANKS Sony. Go Kick rocks :)
Don @ Jul 14th 2007 4:01PM
What I wonder is, why are people so surprised & angry that Sony plans to discontinue production on the old PSP? With the 2 models having few differences between them, it makes sense that they would want the PSP Slim to be *THE* PSP from September onwards.
Unless people are reading "Original PSP to be phased out" as meaning that software & firmware support is what's being phased out.... which this article does NOT suggest.
If you are angry, I'd like to know why. If you have an original PSP, it doesn't stop working just because they're not going to be selling that model after September.
merc25 @ Jul 14th 2007 4:22PM
pixelator, I'm sure you never had typo in your life. *rolls eyes*
pixelator, I do believe they are that stupid.
Because every hyperbole deserves another:
"We don't." That is a fragment. Educated people do not use fragments therefore, pixelator is uneducated.
Trekster @ Jul 14th 2007 4:25PM
I think this is a really good move on Sony's part. It shows they are comitted to the PSP, and hopefully gearing up for a PSP2 in the furture. I think Nintendo is in for a fight!
Plokosh @ Jul 14th 2007 4:46PM
All I'm hoping for is that the release of PSLite will bring another price cut for PSPhat, that way I can actually get around finally getting one!
(I wanna play WTF, I keep seeing it at GS!)
Andres @ Jul 14th 2007 4:57PM
hey psp-retro.
If you ever wonder. Why people buy the Nintendo DS instead of Psp. Go look in the mirror. It is people like you that turn people off of particular systems. SO enjoy. Have fun with your Psp. I hope on those lonely nights you have, the psp keeps you warm.
Cause frankly I am done with you. You are nothing to me and will never be nothing. So good day. To the others that are out there an answer would be appreciated.
Quest @ Jul 14th 2007 5:05PM
@ grg_ibe #40 Good! Don't let the door to the internet hit you in the ass on the way out!