Step Yo' Game Up!

The recent attacks by Sony on iOS gaming testifies to how much Sony is frightened of the rise of the relatively new comer. Sony itself was a new comer and knows how a noob can beat a master. Unfortunately for Sony, they are also validating Apple's claims that iOS is a gaming platform and giving it air time. This is not like the Mac vs. PC ads where everyone knew what a Windows-running PC was. This free air time informs viewers that there is yet another serious gaming platform that Sony is scared of it.

Why wont Sony be scared? The PSP failed miserably against the DS and recently saw it sales drop further and market share dwindle. The rise of the iPod touch went hand in hand with the accelerated fall of the PSP. The PSP found itself between the best gaming handheld (DS) and the best handheld (iPod touch). Games were always a weak link for the PSP and the attach rate shows it. The attach rate for the PSP has always been lowest in the industry and it is only gonna get worse.

PS3 Trails Wii and 360 in Attach Rate, According to NPD | FileFront
Xbox 360 leads software attach rate – Even the Wii beats PS3 – GAMER.BLORGE

Some might try to downplay the iPod touch sales/market share for being bought by many as media player, but in truth so was the PSP, at least initially. Sony did imply in many ways that the PSP is the Walkman of the future. So a comparison against the iPod touch is fair.

Sony to launch ‘Walkman of the future’ to rival iPod | iLounge News

Death of the PSP

Apple iPhone and iPod touch Capture U.S. Video Game Market Share

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Total Portable Sales: 2008= $2.25bil;      2009=$2.50bil
iPhone Game Sales:    2008=$0.12bil;       2009=$0.50bil
PSP Game Sales:       2008=$0.45bil;       2009=$0.28bil
DS Game Sales:        2008=$1.69bil;       2009=$1.75bil

Piracy is a huge part of why the PSP's attach rate and software sales are low. I don't justify piracy at all, but given that pirating DS games is easier yet lower, one can assume that many gamers don't perceive PSP games to be worthy of their asking price. I haven't pirated any PSP games, but compared to my DS library it is about 12:1.
PSP and DS Piracy Explained In Pictures // Siliconera

You can bet 2010 will be even bigger for iOS, it has become common to see +$5.00 on top, with many $9.99 games making it near the top.


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