The Downfall of PSP: Reasons Why PSP Failed
Have you ever seen those black-looking controllers that some of your gamer friends carry around with them in 2014? Yes, we are talking about the one-of-a-kind PlayStation Portable, better known as PSP. Sony’s initial attempt to introduce the PlayStation brand to handhelds was the PSP. If you have one of those back then, you are a cool kid. However, not any technology can last for decades as it can be outdated or get lost in competition with the market. For this reason, let’s talk about the reasons why PSP failed.
The Downfall of PSP: Reasons Why PSP Failed
The Counterpart: PS2
The PlayStation 2 or commonly known as PS2 completely dominated the market, being the best-selling console of all time. PS2 sold almost 160 million units worldwide, surpassing PSP’s 80 million units. It looks like PSP was on par with PS2 at that time. It has a small screen, a reduced amount of pixels, and a very high pixel-per-inch density. However, people loved the PS2 more than the handheld console because it is more technically impressive and well-designed.
The Rivalry: Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS was ahead of its time after its release in 2004. It introduces us to touchscreen technology along with its dual-screened device before it was popular. Even though the PSP was selling by millions, the DS was selling tens of millions because of its cutting-edge design and games. The Nintendo DS became the 2nd best-selling console of all time with over 154 million units sold.
PSP, not a console accessory
The PSP never turned out to be the PS2 accessory that it seemed it should have been. PS users wanted the PlayStation 2 to be in their pockets.
Additionally, the PSP wasn’t a PS3 accessory either. Sony has only recently started to actively explore cross-system compatibility with the PS Vita and PS4.
Even though the PSP failed to thrive in the market, it still ended up selling a lot of units. With more than 76 million sold, it became the 9th best-selling console of all time.
