Sony, here are five things you can do to make PSP better

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 29th 2008 at 10:55AM }

PSP news is sounding rather bleak lately -- but why should it stay this way? Hey Sony, here's five things we think you can do to make the system better for you and better for us. With these steps, we think you'll reduce piracy, increase the amount of games and features we want, and make PSP a better, more lovable place for developers. Best of all: none of these features require a hardware reboot. Imagine, a world where PSPs of all creeds, from 1000 to 3000 can access the same benefits. We believe it can happen.

Let's make the PSP better >

Tags: better, joystiqfeatures, psp

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Aniphx @ Aug 29th 2008 11:02AM

This is a good list of ideas. the only thing left is for Sony to listen up.

Christopher @ Sep 1st 2008 12:06AM

I'd like it if the buttons were back lit. It can be hard as hell trying to find them in the dark...

Kinsey @ Aug 29th 2008 11:09AM

Amen!!!!

richard @ Aug 29th 2008 11:22AM

it would also be nice if it had both external, and internal memory i.e. prodou and and internal, as well as the availability to use a wireless internet card. Even w/ another hardware reboot i think they'd sell like mad

Bryan @ Aug 29th 2008 1:57PM

agreed internal for the psp store only if they wanna be greedy.

Duff_B @ Aug 29th 2008 11:37AM

Absolutely spot on! Please Sony, listen to these suggestions. The idea of letting homebrewers develop games for you, and earn cash at the same time, is great - cut down on piracy and make more money yourselves.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Aug 29th 2008 8:45PM

The only problem is that the main piracy problem on the PSP is actual piracy, not homebrew. People pirate games like crazy which is why hardware sells like crazy but software doesn't. It's cool if Sony does an XNA-like service but that won't stop pirates from downloading games from torrent sites.

atastysammich @ Aug 29th 2008 11:37AM

(Step 7 of 6)

Phantasy Star Portable

nameoo @ Aug 29th 2008 12:00PM

You need to update about final fantasy dissidia. there's another 2 min or something gameplay trailer at their webiste

Andrew Yoon @ Aug 29th 2008 12:22PM

It's coming in just a few minutes. We even have a PSP version ready too.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Aug 29th 2008 7:11PM

@ required:

Well guess what? These guys' actual occupation IS the PSP. They know everything about it and they know a lot more than you do so when a dedicated website that has been running since the system's launch says it is in dire need of a revolution, you know they're on to something.

Hashbrown Hunter @ Aug 29th 2008 7:25PM

sorry, that comment was supposed to be on Dezerith's reply thread.

Dezerith @ Aug 29th 2008 12:16PM

I've been waiting for an article like this for a while, Andrew! PSPFanboy has really detereorated. Back in 2006/7 was this websites peak. You just don't post articles like you used to.

I'd like to see more things like this in the future please!

Andrew Yoon @ Aug 29th 2008 12:23PM

I wouldn't say PSP Fanboy has "deteriorated" (in fact, our traffic has gone up a LOT since then). However, Sony really needs a slap in the face and a wake up call right now. PSP had so much great momentum last year: why does it feel so different now? I know they read this site -- hopefully, this can make at least a little difference.

Kia @ Aug 29th 2008 12:55PM

Dude, there's nothing to post about. Constant news about Japan gets old and PSP is dead in the water over here. It's not the site's fault.

Dezerith @ Aug 29th 2008 2:10PM

I'm just saying - you don't post the kind of content that you used to post. If you take a look at some of the older articles from years gone by, you'd notice they're more about user-created content, PSP modification, third-party accessories and other bits and bobs, whereas now it's more to do with statistics, the PS Store, gameplay footage and interviews/reviews.

This is still a great site, I check up on it every day, I just miss all the kind of stuff you used to write up about. If there was the same amount of regular stuff, but more retro-PSPFanboy stuff, the site would be a whole lot better!

required @ Aug 29th 2008 2:10PM

Andrew Yoon, you and your Weblogs Inc. are the ones painting the dark picture of Sony and their PSP. If it helps for you to understand this fact peruse your own archives. If anyone needs a "slap in the face" it's pspfanboy.com as your snide and cynical commentary is often more pspnotafanboy.

gurbinder @ Aug 29th 2008 12:19PM

I hope for the others but the psp should be able to support a friends list. Come on Sony, what i really need is a friends list :(

TM @ Aug 29th 2008 12:27PM

these are great ideas, but I'm pretty sure sony will not listen to any of them. porting ps2 games would probably give them money. The store directly on the psp was definately what sony should have done the first time.

reson8er @ Aug 29th 2008 12:27PM

Great article, I would absolutely love to see these ideas come to fruition. The best way to get the homebrew community on YOUR side. Its really win win for everyone involved.

Please, Sony, for the love of our beloved handheld, use these suggestions.

smoothsake @ Aug 29th 2008 12:28PM

Fair to say that all of Sony's innovation is going into the PS3. While the PSP had its time with cool fw updates, the idea tank has dried up and resources are better allocated on the flagship platform. I think these are excellent ideas but I doubt Sony will act on any of them, which is a shame because the PSP is a fantastic product and it deserves much of what this article recommends.

Maverick Saturn @ Aug 29th 2008 12:37PM

Ya know, the three biggest questions upon getting my PSP were.

1. Why can't I use it as a controller for PS2, or alternative for PS3 PS1 games etc if I don't have several PS3 controllers for multiplay? (not a biggie however)

2. Why doesn't it have its own version of MSN so that like a mobile, I can take people's PSP nicknames I'm mates with, drop them a written message whenever and join them in games.

3. We had Sony connect, why is it now so difficult to make a PSP store?

Fane @ Aug 29th 2008 6:21PM

RE: 1.
The PSP has neither Bluetooth nor a full set of controls (analogs, L2/R2, Sixaxis, etc.) AND IT SHOULD.

Maybe for the PSP-4000.

Phantom @ Aug 30th 2008 11:51AM

You do realise that MSN is owned by Microsoft (I think) .

Also , the PS2 was out WAY before the PSP , and also , if they were to make such drastic changed to the PSP , it would be called the PSP2 or something , because those are the kind of changed that need to wait till next-gen.

required @ Aug 29th 2008 12:40PM

The playstation store is a place you can download PSP titles and it's dynamic (growing and evolving). by the way "Apple's iPhone App Store" is in fact considered a huge pile of nonsensical junk (read your own www.tuaw.com for info) very few actual good or even what one would consider to be downloads.

required @ Aug 29th 2008 12:42PM

My understanding is that Apple is doing the speaking at Weblogs Inc. via a very large contribution. This is something you should disclose.

mo @ Aug 29th 2008 12:51PM

Don't forget my favorite oversight: A proper music player. They have done a great job updating the video player with scene selection and other features. it is nonsensical to me that they have not similarly updated the music player with features like playlist support and the ability to sort music by artist, album, genre etc.

Patio @ Aug 29th 2008 3:04PM

I completely agree. I hate having to cycle through hundreds of tracks to find what im looking for.

Kia @ Aug 29th 2008 12:59PM

I could care less about some "app store" or w/e. I bought a PSP for games, not all this extra functionality crap. Yeah, it's nice, but the PSP is too damn clunky to be something to just slip in your pocket like an iPhone and carry around. I want -games-.

Hell, may as well let the homebrew devs make some, it's not like Sony or any other company will give us any.

required @ Aug 29th 2008 1:10PM

It is in fact true that the PSP has more critically acclaimed (rated 75+) games than the DS has (it's well documented). It's also true that both systems have a lot of games as shown here: http://www.metacritic.com/games/psp/alpha/ and here http://www.metacritic.com/games/ds/alpha/ Also the PSP has a bunch of free flash based games http://www.psponme.com/list_psp.asp?cat=Arcade and a bunch of PS1 and other games from the playstation store. So in many ways the PSP does in fact have both the MOST GAMES and the BEST GAMES.

Disagree? Please elaborate on these particular disagreements because I'm interested to hear!

sracer @ Aug 29th 2008 1:19PM

That is a pretty weak list IMO and focuses too much on game purchases. How about changes that actually improve the usability?

1. Enhanced playlist support for media.
2. Enhanced browser to support flash 9.
3. QWERTY keyboard accessory.
4. eBook reader.
5. Improve availability of games for purchase. (not just on the PSN, but online stores and B&M stores).

Andrew Yoon @ Aug 29th 2008 1:23PM

This list was meant to focus on games, because that's what the PSP is lacking the most right now. How do we get developers to come back to the platform? While Flash 9 would be great, it won't bring devs back. A keyboard (coming in 2009) won't bring devs back.

Fane @ Aug 29th 2008 6:33PM

@ Andrew

Isn't the drought were seeing now the result of decisions made before the launch of the PSP-2000 (i.e., Devs decided not to start working on a new PSP game and instead started a PS3/360 or Wii game, which would only now be coming to market)?

Also, most PSP projects begun AFTER the surge in sales (and the completion of whatever project a Dev had in the works at that time) would only be nearing the announcement phase around now.

I'm not convinced that the PSP is on its last legs, though if that hastens the production of a PSP2 with a full set of PS1/2/3 controls and maybe a 480p screen (still 4"), I'd welcome the death of the original.

Mr.U2 @ Aug 29th 2008 1:26PM

ummmm, wow. Ok, Andrew, and whoever else contributed those ideas... yes, you guys are incredible. Those things are exactly the things that need to change about the PSP! I can't believe how well you guys wrote that! You guys are amazing.

Darlaten @ Aug 29th 2008 1:28PM

Hmm, interesting "wish list" - although I see it more as a chicken and egg problem. Most of the stuff on there was geared towards making it easier for users to purchase games. But without games being released, at least for those of us outside of Japan, the "wish list" is meaningless. Yes, I would like to be able to access the PSN store from WiFi anywhere I go, but if there's not going to be anything there, then what is the point.

I'd rather see Sony increase its support for developers of games so that games get released. Likewise, I'd like to see some effort put towards porting titles that are already available in Japan over to NA.

The one thing that I really do agree and am glad pspfanboy said it - creating a developers kit for users in order to encourage people in the homebrew scene to create games for the PSP which, in turn, are sold on the PSN, is brilliant. You are absolutely correct in recognizing the strength of this approach in how MS is doing it with the 360. It's a brilliant move that has worked out well for MS and could also work well for Sony. Here's hoping.

Javier_natalio @ Aug 29th 2008 1:48PM

One hardware I'll add is a qwerty keyborad... I say they should release it as an add-on, but make it a touchscreen and give us control of the PSP through it! It can come with a leather case with the mini USB connection hiden in it, and we suddendly had a touchscreen-clamshell-qwerty PSP!!!! I know, it's genius.

Jvaier_natalio @ Aug 29th 2008 1:50PM

Yes Javier, I agree it's an awesome idea, you are a genius indeed. But please spell-check before posting honey!

Bryan @ Aug 29th 2008 3:12PM

if its 1 ting i cnt stand iz peeps who cant spel. jvaier you ma hero.

biffpow @ Aug 29th 2008 2:21PM

Great article. This week's Fanboy content has been the best I've seen on here since...I don't know...ever? Really great stuff. Keep it up.
I am beginning to think that it comes down to priorities based on maximizing profit potential. The PSP is lowest on Sony US's list because it has the least ability to make them money. I know it makes them money; that's not what I'm saying. Just that PS3 and PS2 make more $ for them. Not just in pure console sales, but in development deals, peripherals, and licensing, etc.
I think part of that is incredible short-sightedness on Sony US's part, and part of it is also a knee-jerk negative response they have towards the homebrew community. I'm not saying the homebrew community is putting out awesome games, just that it is a community--It exists already, and it supports and cares about the system. If Sony would embrace that, it would instantly change the public's perception of the PSP as a device and them as a company. And I'm guessing that developers would start looking more seriously at the system too.
But Sony US is a corporation. So that will not happen until it is too late. Hoo hum.

ericdj @ Aug 29th 2008 2:32PM

Make the damned internet work. Not cannot access site, out of memory, plug in required and all the other errors that keep me from viewing any sites I like.

h0mi @ Aug 29th 2008 3:23PM

I cant agree with these any more, especially #5. I mean #1. I mean #3. I really mean #5.

exolstice @ Aug 29th 2008 4:29PM

Myself and most people don't give a rat's ass about any of those features. We bought a PSP to play games. So how about releasing more than one good game every other month? How's that for an idea? Not ports of console games either.

What's the last great game that came out for PSP? God of War? Patapon? How many months ago was that?

The idiots who care about the features listed above most likely already own the affront on good taste that is the iPhone because they're too much of a corporate sheep to realize that it's an overpriced piece of barely functional garbage. How useless are you as a human being that you need to take the internet with you wherever you go? Probably the same assholes who use Facebook in lieu of real communication. Fuck off.

PSP's a goddamn game machine. GIVE ME SOME GAMES!

Bryan @ Aug 29th 2008 4:45PM

whoa take a chill pill. all i read was blah blah blah i like to speak for others cus i believe im a leader in my own mind. you dont need to call me or other idoits. internet on the go is awesome. if you can have it why wouldnt you use it. im not rich and i dont own an iphone. maybe your the sheep for buying a under priced garbage thats on the edge of being obsolete.

synonymous @ Aug 29th 2008 6:25PM

Amen to that brother!

Seriously, the PSP phat has everything the PSP needs (and then some), no need for any more features.

Bryan @ Aug 29th 2008 4:38PM

I like my psp a lot. I mean I have to, I dont own another console.

Barry32171 @ Aug 29th 2008 9:12PM

I want to play my Audible content on the PSP. Other Sony products can do this... WTH Sony? No reason for this not to be on the PSP, IMHO.

Brian @ Aug 29th 2008 11:56PM

I cant believe that a 2nd thumb nub wasn't mentioned.

Mark @ Aug 30th 2008 3:11AM

I got one - how about different users like on the PS3!

SparkyJ23 @ Aug 30th 2008 8:44AM

Aside from the games these are the fixes I want
Opera -just pay them and get this busted piece of shit no memory having mess of a browser off my psp
Bookr - Why can't sony do this? pdf and text in a usable form
PeP Viewer - Am I the only one who thinks a file name is more important in ordering than the fucking timestamp?