What's in store for PSP in the future? Sony's latest survey may hold some clues
by Majed Athab 
{ Jan 15th 2009 at 11:20AM }
Click for high-res version
With that in mind, it's not surprising to hear that one of the questions in the survey asked: How likely would you be to buy a new PSP if the version had... followed by such options as Bluetooth, touch screens and an internal hard drive. iPhone much? The survey also asked about interest in regards to bringing other PlayStation Network features over to the PSP such as Trophies, Home and Friend's Lists. The past hasn't been forgotten either, it seems Sony is still gauging interest for the GPS and TV Turner peripheral as well.
Now that we know a bit about some of the thoughts Sony might be playing around with, it's a bit saddening to think that some of this -- if not most, might never come true. Which features do you think Sony should focus on? While you mull that over, have a look at a bit more of the survey after the break. We think you'll find it most interesting.
[Thanks Skor!]
Gallery: Sony PSP Survey 2009
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
aloct67 @ Jan 15th 2009 11:38AM
Where is the survey???
heypaul @ Jan 15th 2009 11:36AM
I'd be inclined to get a new PSP if it supported Bluetooth. Not entirely sold on "Vluetooth" yet though...
Lummox @ Jan 15th 2009 12:10PM
That was a REALLY long survey. I lost count of how many pages I went through, but it was interesting to see what ideas they were trying to find support for.
The one I found most interesting was the Mobile TV add-on. What quickly turned me off was the proposed pricing model which included pretty significant periodic fees (can't remember if it was monthly or yearly). C'mon... it's TV on a 3" so-so resolution screen! I'll stick with my LocationFree TV thanks. Cost me $50 off eBay two years ago, and not a dime since.
I would like to see a redesigned PSP with some more modern features. Bluetooth, higher res screen, touch screen, ditch UMD, etc.
Invitations to the survey were sent via email from Playstation.com, so I'd assume you'd have had to have registered your PSP there and perhaps opted in to some feedback options.
E @ Jan 15th 2009 2:42PM
I don't have a PSP (own a DS) but agree that the Universal Media Disc format (which isn't very useful given you can only use it on a PSP) needs to go but if Sony did, what format are they going to use? I doubt they'd go the Nintendo route with carts.
pixelator @ Jan 15th 2009 7:01PM
Ditching UMD is ridiculous. Just ditch the case. Make the slot load capable of using the caseless bare discs, which themselves work great as game media. Keeping them wouldn't hinder or affect the potential of a PSP2 to have internal storage for downloadable content. And it will keep the PSP2 backward compatible with all your current PSP games (after you pop that disc out).
We've had HOW many systems that use optical discs before the PSP? I think we can handle keeping them scratch-free or, if needed, removing scratches when they do come up. This isn't a system aimed at mostly non-gamers and kids, so we don't need flash carts like the DS does.
James @ Jan 16th 2009 12:10AM
Where is the survey?
edge @ Jan 16th 2009 7:37AM
Ditching UMD would mean going to downloads only, and this is better anyways. Downloaded games have faster load times, don't suffer from damaged media, and can be deleted and re-downloaded infinite times.
UMD was a nice idea, but removing it would leave more internal space for extra features: internal memory (a hard drive maybe, or just some built in flash memory!), the Bluetooth, perhaps a second analog nub (finally?!). But that space used by the mechanics needed for UMD can definitely be put to better use.
The only problems I see with ditching UMD are these two:
1) What to do for people who own UMD titles? Maybe offer a mail-in trade program; send in your old UMD, get a code to download the same title from the PS Store?
2) Download titles are tied to your "account", meaning you can't just hand a copy to a friend and let them play it (or loan it out, sell it, etc). Upshot is you can use your copy on up to 5 different PSPs which are activated to your PSN account, but then any content not tied to that account becomes unplayable. So... possibly a tradeoff.
muir666 @ Jan 17th 2009 5:37PM
the downside of ditching umd and going the download route is u cant trade any downloads in. i regularly play and complete a game.or just play til i get bored of it.then trade it in and use that money towards a new game.i cant do that with a download.unles sony introduced a feature that let u delete games from your download list and system and then gave you some money back
pixelator @ Jan 17th 2009 10:28PM
You don't need to ditch a UMD drive so that there's 'room' for a second analog controller or more RAM. The current PSP isn't exactly bursting its seams and it's been slimmed down a fair bit from the first release. It stands to reason all of what we want out of a PSP2 can easily fit into the current profile without abandoning current model PSP game compatibility - which would just be plain idiotic.
Gameboys and ther DS have been backward compatible, so too should the PSP2 be. In order for that to work you need a UMD drive. JUST DITCH THE CASES and it'll be fine. Mini DVD is a great medium for games - huge capacity (especially compared to the DS flash carts) and dirt cheap to make. Keeping UMD doesn't mean you can't place more focus on downloaded content, either. It just gives additional options for distribution and legacy gaming.
Joey @ Jan 15th 2009 12:09PM
Wasn't there 2 other surveys before this? I do remember taking one myself last year.
jeffk @ Jan 15th 2009 12:17PM
You know what I want in the PSP's future? Games! That's it! Just give me games that I want to buy, and I'll be happy.
Dale Thornton @ Jan 15th 2009 12:23PM
id like to see home and friends list on the psp. really turn this community gaming up a step. its the future, so im told, lol
Wally @ Jan 15th 2009 12:40PM
Blah. Sony needs to wow people adding bluetooth or tv tuner isn't going to do it. I think they are just threading water, milking the platform for every red cent for another year before doing something game changing in 2010. In short don't expect a touch screen or one board memory anytime soon.
Mattchewie @ Jan 15th 2009 12:40PM
Here is my PSP wishlist
1.) Full intergration into PSN. I want Trophies, access to the movie store, and a friends list.
2.) Cross platform voice chat once voice chat becomes integrated into xmb and not a standalone app. I have a dream of being on the road, taking out my psps, looking at my friends list and being able to voice chat with them while I'm playing my psp game and their playing their PS3 and or PSP.
3.) Not really adding to the PSP but I would REALLY enjoy the netradio app to be added to the PS3 and then adding a pandora application to both platforms.
I just think now is the time for sony to really smooth out their community features and let hardware be in the back burner for a bit.
Maverick Saturn @ Jan 15th 2009 12:46PM
I agree with most.
For trophies, can't say I'm hyped to get it, but it would be somewhat nice to have it if its connected to my PS Account. Friends list is a definate, I want a MSN like system for my PSP, add other people, chat to them anywhere, delete them at will, group chat, camera chat, voice chat. We Europeans already have Sky View for PSP, but I don't want to have to go to PC to get it, it should be on PSP XMB, only then would I be more likely to purchase more movies, shows etc.
Cross Platform sounds good as well, agreed.
Maverick Saturn @ Jan 15th 2009 12:42PM
Well heres my personal veiwpoints:
Battery: 4
Touch Screen: 5
Easy File Transfer with PS3: 4
E-comics: 1
Finding Others Nearby: 5
Social Networking: 5
Bluetooth: 5
Keyboard: 4
Faster Load Times: 4
Smaller: 3
Harddrive: 5
GPS: 4
Screen: 5
Browser: 3
TV Tuner: 5
Music Download: 3
Internet from any location: 5
New Colours: 1
McManus @ Jan 16th 2009 11:54PM
i almost agree with you completely except
battery:5
E-Comics:5
New Colors:4
FeaturePreacher @ Jan 15th 2009 1:16PM
Second analog nub. Everyone know this is needed for the psp2, why doesn't Sony? Just look at Resistance Retribution and its psp plus in order to see the lengths developers need to go to just to add a second analog nub.
TM @ Jan 15th 2009 2:24PM
A good list. Hopefully they would listen to the requests when they make the psp2
Meme @ Jan 15th 2009 3:18PM
wheres the survey? i want to take one
atastysammich @ Jan 15th 2009 5:25PM
That's interesting, they... they seem to have forgotten the option "Came with Megaman 9 and Jumping Flash! 2."
Levi @ Jan 15th 2009 6:35PM
Yes. Mega Man 9 on my PSP. That should be a reality.
Levi @ Jan 15th 2009 10:08PM
I think trophies would be a good addition. I got so much more play time out of SSHD after the trophies patch.
I'm not sure they can make any changes to save it, though. The devs know that the money isn't in the PSP right now, which is why the games aren't churning out at a decent rate, and that's what the system REALLY needs. Games. I looked at a shelf of used PSP games, and found basically nothing that I actually wanted. I was trying to find 3 to fulfill the B2G1 deal at Gamestop during a black out in my neighborhood. I ended up going with a crappy RPG, and spent the extra dough to make the other 2 games Skate and Resistance for PS3.
On another note, now that I've finally played Resistance, am I allowed to say that it's pretty overrated? I mean, it's not bad, but it definitely isn't great in my opinion. We're talking R1, not 2. Haven't tried Skate yet, but I'm considering selling it along with Resistance and Warhawk to just jump straight to Skate 2 since release is so close.
pixelator @ Jan 15th 2009 7:01PM
They could simplify the hell out of this by simply asking "Do you think PSN should be on par (or better) with XBOX Live in terms of features and content?"
Yes.
Levi @ Jan 15th 2009 7:06PM
I think trophies would be a good addition. I got so much more play time out of SSHD after the trophies patch.
I'm not sure they can make any changes to save it, though. The devs know that the money isn't in the PSP right now, which is why the games aren't churning out at a decent rate, and that's what the system REALLY needs. Games. I looked at a shelf of used PSP games, and found basically nothing that I actually wanted. I was trying to find 3 to fulfill the B2G1 deal at Gamestop during a black out in my neighborhood. I ended up going with a crappy RPG, and spent the extra dough to make the other 2 games Skate and Resistance for PS3.
On another note, now that I've finally played Resistance, am I allowed to say that it's pretty overrated? I mean, it's not bad, but it definitely isn't great in my opinion. We're talking R1, not 2. Haven't tried Skate yet, but I'm considering selling it along with Resistance and Warhawk to just jump straight to Skate 2 since release is so close.
Ben @ Jan 15th 2009 8:06PM
Tell us about the survey, but don't tell us where to find it or anything.
Great reporting, guys.
IntoTheForge @ Jan 15th 2009 10:08PM
When I think PSP, I think Sony's portable video game console. I really hate it when companies try to compete with feature creep. Tighter integration with the PSN and PS3, support for direct PC ad hoc communication (the wi-fi adapter in the PSP has more than enough bandwidth to handle anything).
If they were to embrace the homebrew crowd and give them a place on PSN, I could see adding an internal hard drive or solid-state drive.
Unless they are keeping other PSP colors suppressed to drive up sales of special edition PSPs, there is a high demand for colorful PSPs.
I use my PSP and my friend's PS3 together extensively (mostly to mess with her), but other than these things and the standard hardware upgrades, the PSP is Sony's portable gaming console. It is not a universal data parser or mobile netbook. Feature creep would kill the PSP as surely as it killed the... *shudder* N-Gage.
I don't see Home running on the PSP because programs of that type require, for their stability and enjoyment require a persistent internet connection and the PSP, by its nature, cannot assure as persistent a connection as a landline, or landline connected to a wireless router can. Still, I don't know the playing habits of other PSP users, so I can't be certain as to whether or not people play around a wireless router enough to classify their wireless internet connection as persistent.
One more note:
Sony I love you guys, but I will never forgive you for suppressing the 60GB PS3 - the one with the memory card slots and backwards compatibility? You wasted a prime marketing opportunity by stifling the liquidity of information on your new console - this has ALWAYS hampered sales. This is exactly why all new generation media players, portable or otherwise, come with tools to liquefy information transfer or they DIE. I had the chance to buy one of the 60GBs when they came out, but someone stole my f**king wallet while I was in line.
Keep the gaming console a gaming console.
Skor @ Jan 15th 2009 8:28PM
Oh boy, I feel so cool.
I ticked off for my three main things that would influence a future purchase 1)Hard drive, 2)TV tuner, and 3) Keyboard.
Falmung @ Jan 15th 2009 11:05PM
I would like to see trophies.
PX @ Jan 15th 2009 11:12PM
hmmm. 2 analog stick, touch screen, faster loading for games, screen like the 3000 but just dont have the scan lines, friends list, trophy, home, better battery life, easy transfer files from ps3 to psp, ability to find others near you who wants to connect to games, small keyboard, new colors, wireless internet, easier to use web browser, gps, hardrive for more memory storage. this is at least all i want. but it would be expensive. 5 for every question, vote
James @ Jan 16th 2009 12:23AM
NO!! no small keyboard, use the keyboard on the screen using touchscreen, everything else you want is great though ;)
JamesNorman93 @ Jan 16th 2009 12:28AM
I would want the following (in order):
1. Touch Screen (You don't need a small keyboard if you have this)
2. 2 Analog Sticks
3. Home
4. TV Tuner
5. Hard Drive
Vincent @ Jan 16th 2009 5:59AM
Good job in not telling us where the survey is.
daniel @ Jan 16th 2009 11:14PM
i just want a double analog,better graphics.
Also less necesary but still trophies and online friends
Kaine23 @ Jan 17th 2009 2:15AM
Accelerometer! Just think of what it would be like wii'ing in your hands(?!)
Like when Mecury came out with the psp we just were just like
'oh come on if we could move the psp around to move the mercury would that be cool!'
I'm sure there could be all sorts of things you could do with it and my damn N95 has the bloody thing in it already? C'mon come out with some gaming innovation already!
Talking to other people and trophies or whatnot are a bit blah when its supposed to be a gaming device, I have my phone to talk to people im just too far out in the sticks I musnt be used to having all this access to wireless connections
I just want cool games to play with. Isn't that the point to these things?
Muffy @ Jan 21st 2009 10:32AM
Where is this survey?
radiata @ Jan 19th 2009 6:10PM
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10746521
ok i seen this mp3 player called slot Muisc. its sold at malmart u buy a card with a CD on it instand of downloading. they could make psp cards with a game
perinstalled on them
WiJaCoo @ Jan 19th 2009 9:29PM
This survey makes me think of the first people to implement some of these options into a game system, a company starting with N and the device being DSi
WiJaCoo @ Jan 19th 2009 9:31PM
A lot of the things that Sony has on their system is actually intellectual property of Nintendo, the control pad layout, D-Pad, analogue stick, start and select buttons, if anything, Sony's PlayStations are just modified, more powerful glorified optical disc Super NES/FC systems
jesus @ Jan 24th 2009 2:17PM
It is shameful what most of you guys are asking. All I want are some games, another anolog thing, and some more games. that is the only thing that is killing the psp, that is why the ds is doing so well, because there are a lot of games to choose from. I don't care for a built in tv, radio, or chat. If so I would have bought a fancy phone or something. The downloadable games are a little iffy, because then it will somehow get hacked, and people would start buying 30 dollar games for 3 dollars. I also don't really like the idea of a keyboard, then the psp might look like the g1 phone or something. Opinions?
Steven @ Jan 29th 2009 12:10AM
I think the UMDs should be ditched for a BIG hard drive and there should be a machine that attaches to the USB port so we can copy our UMDs to the hard drives which would benefit people like me who've spent $300+ on UMDs.