Is The NGP For Hardcore Gamers Or Gadget Lovers?

Yes, the PSP2 - codenamed the "NGP" (Next Generation Portable) - has been revealed, and it's all anyone can talk about. If you're way behind and out of the loop, we've got a good half-dozen articles dedicated to Sony's ambitious new handheld; read all of 'em, if you want.

But after digesting all the relevant info, I'm just wondering: will this high-tech device cater as much to the hardcore gamer as it will to the gadget lover? Or will one group prefer it more than the other? The reason I ask is because as technology makes all these advancements and everyone wants a piece of the vast mobile market, gaming seems to take a back seat. That being said, we all know that Sony typically puts the games first. We saw Uncharted during the presentation and with franchises like Resistance, Wipeout and LittleBigPlanet (and whatever Kojima will reveal at E3), we know the NGP will have a healthy assortment of titles. But will they be the driving force behind a consumer's purchase decision...?

Or will they be looking more at the social and multimedia features? Sony wishes to differentiate the new portable from the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play phone, and perhaps they will...then again, maybe people will find themselves forced to choose between the NGP and the "PlayStation Phone." The fact that both will be out in the same year may also prompt less-than-wealthy consumers to make a difficult choice. Is it more about the games for you? If so, it has to be the PSP's successor. Right? And if you just want a new phone; well, you know what to do. But with gaming becoming more mainstream and the gadget lovers desiring just about anything shiny that's also mobile, it'll be interesting to see how Sony maintains their focus on games. Either way, we can't wait to see the NGP in action.

Tags: ngp, next generation portable, psp2, sony ngp

1/27/2011 9:05:59 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (56 posts)

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Lairfan
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 9:32:37 PM
Reply

Hopefully they'll balance it out, and it'll cater to both groups as equally as possible. That's probably just wishful thinking, but as long as they release some quality titles for it I'm good (Uncharted, Resistance, and LBP are a great start).

1 up, 0 down

Bonampak
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:03:05 PM

I agree.

With the NGP, Sony really needs to cater to mainstream gamers as much as they already cater to core gamers.

I mean, it's a damn fact of life that without mainstream or casual gamers, NO current gen console or handheld can possibly be successful. Not with the current market place. Sony really needs that crowd in their user base.

I know that we hate mainstreams and casuals. But that's just us. Sony needs them. If only just to buy/move hardware. To be on top again.

Sony just cannot afford to make the same mistake they made with the PS3. Sony goofed initially when they decided to push aside the mainstream gamers that were definitely an important factor that had made their previous two consoles such a HUGE success.

Around 2006 and 2007, Sony practically ignored that mainstream/casual crowd and instead focused almost entirely on core gamers. This was a strategy designed to prevent more core gamers from joining the Xbox camp.

That strategy of ignoring mainstream gamers resulted in them either staying put with the PS2 for at least 2 years... or eventually emigrating to the Wii.

The fact that the DS line of handhelds targets a wide variety of consumers (and not just hardcore gamers), and that Apple's iPhone and iPad line of products pretty much has mainstream consumers in the bag, means that Sony needs to BRANCH OUT and target that same type of consumer. And not just center on core gamers all the time.

0 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 9:46:55 PM
Reply

I just want the PSP2, screw the games! I can show off without the games!

sarcasm :) i want games as well

2 up, 0 down

PasteNuggs
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 9:48:08 PM
Reply

I think Sony will always cater to their fans with everything. Just look at NGP. Everything we asked for we shall be getting. Sony is awesome.

8 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:59:01 PM

Just another reason Sony will always thrive (man the need to have their own JRPG studio).

Honestly Sony has always impressed me. Sony's the only one who can take down Sony. They just seem to be getting better and better. It will be interesting to see how or if the competition even reacts.

3 up, 0 down

darxed
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 6:01:34 PM

@Shadow

Which developer did Legend of Dragoon? I remember it being produced / published by Sony, but I don't remember if it was developed in-house or if there was a third party involved.

BTW, Legend of Dragoon was a hell of a RPG, If the gods of gaming would grant us the remakes we want, this would tie for first on my list, besides you now what game...

0 up, 0 down

sticklife
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 9:49:47 PM
Reply

I say it's for everyone! With the apps I'm sure they'll have something for everyone.

0 up, 0 down

StangMan80
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 9:50:00 PM
Reply

@Lairfan
It will balance out.

The PSP2(NGP) will equaly apeal to both of the crowds.
The NGP(Nintendo Got Pawned) is a gadget monster for gamers. I can't wait to hear the price.

0 up, 0 down

Silk
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 9:51:42 PM
Reply

Both. Big budget titles, PSN titles(PS1, minis etc), Android Apps! and Games!

This will have everything. I could see Sony releasing big titles on Memory card or could you imagine just downloading a chapter at a time instead of the full game? chapter one might be 10 bucks and has everything the full version has, but it's only one chapter, and you can go online but only on that map, until you buy the next chapter.

Apps!!!!! just a stupid app with touch pad on the back, like that old metal thing you put your hand print in, you could move the pixels around just like that ball game Sony showed, so many more doors have opened, just like the iphone/ipod touch has proved.

I just hope they don't call it the NGP when it's all said and done.

0 up, 0 down

noodles619
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:03:10 PM
Reply

Android + Sony = Win

0 up, 0 down

Jonesy555
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 4:13:57 PM

I agree. It is a marriage that produced beautiful babies like Google TV the NGP.

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:06:42 PM
Reply

I see it as a product in the portable multimedia category with a marketing identity that's lead by premium gaming entertainment. I think it's significant for Sony having a target audience that will attract a consumer that will value it's particular strengths most.

For myself, I'm interested in it for a variety of reasons. I don't have any tech gadgets right now (iPod, iPad, multi-media phone etc) so a cutting edge multimedia device does carry some value with me. Though, first and foremost, the gaming would be my primary interest.

I also don't plan on being an early adopter; rather, I'll give it some time to sink in with a larger library of games and perhaps a hardware revision with a price cut. I'm in no hurry. I still have MGS:PW, GoW:GoS and other PSX games to keep me entertained on my existing PSP-2000.

0 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:21:08 PM
Reply

i think it is for both hardcore gamers and gadget lovers, and some of them belong to both groups like myself :D

Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 1/27/2011 10:21:43 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:23:42 PM
Reply

I really don't know, I just know I'd pick the NGP over the phone. But since PSP has Skype I'm sure NGP will too, so maybe Sony is looking ahead and figuring the phone people can get the PS Phone thing now, but VOIP will be bigger in the near future than it is.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:32:42 PM

With a bluetooth headset and a VOIP client, the NGP/PSP2 could (stress *could*) become a phone. Assuming that 3G network operators don't block VOIP protocols.

4 up, 0 down

Simcoe
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:01:00 PM

Agreed, no cell network operator will give up calling features without some charges. I do know some companies include GAN/UMA but that is usually an add-on for use on local wifi networks not their 3G network.

If there is a way to make money, the phone companies will find it.

0 up, 0 down

SmokeyPSD
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:36:07 PM
Reply

I honestly think both. It has the potential for applications and other great gadgetry with the tech in it. Then there's the games themselves which truely look like we will be getting great experiences on the NGP.

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 10:55:47 PM
Reply

I think it's for everyone. The power behind it just says "this is for real games."

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:00:24 PM
Reply

I think that the NGP is an intriguing product, but I also think that there is still a gap in the product line. A game I still want Sony to fill.

The NGP/PSP2 will appeal to PSP fans, gadget fans and hardcore gamers alike. No mainstream or hardcore gamer is going to ignore the NGP, even if they have a liking for the Nintendo DS, the games and gaming on the NGP are a different class. Gadget fans will love it because like the most capable smartphone it can potentially be the electronic equivalent of a swiss army knife, plus it's actually well suited to being everything except a phone.

The thing is, tablets are too big to be as portable as a cellphone, you can use them with a headset, but they're not like a cellphone. Cellphones are too small to really make sense as media devices or web browsers. The NGP sits between these devices with a screen that's big enough, and all the capabilities of a Tablet, but the size of a big phone. It's convergence device, and with a headset would - IMHO - provide the perfect balance for the person that wants everything in one device.

Personally, I'd carry a phone and an NGP/PSP2. For me it seems like a tablet that I can take everywhere easily.

0 up, 0 down

SayWord
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:12:03 PM

This is exactly what I was excited about as well. The whole tablet aspect. It might even act as a computer similar to how the ps3 acts. Plus we are going to have awesome jrpgs! GUST and NIS are on the 3rd party list. ^^

1 up, 0 down

A2K78
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:08:04 PM
Reply

NGP = End of the traditional game console

In the future the new traditional game console will a portable rather than a set-top box and NGP seem more like a dry run test for that future.

0 up, 4 down

Temjin001
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:12:34 PM

Will the living room come to an end too?

2 up, 0 down

Abidan13
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:14:30 PM

That will become portable too.

3 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:07:22 AM

That's an interesting thoery but I don't think portable game technology and game console technology will always 100 percent mimick each other. The technological advancement of both could go in slightly different directions where neither would cause the other to become obsolete.

Innovation to improve both with new ideas is what I think will keep both alive.

1 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 8:43:06 AM

You know it's possible. I heard they are working on wireless HDMI! So you could sit on your couch with the NGP while playing on your 65". The NGP screen could be used as a map while the main gameplay happens on the TV. I can see this happening.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 10:41:28 AM

What's more likely is a future NGP that sits in a cradle at home, connected to your big screen and you use a blue tooth capable controller like a Ds3 to control it just as you would the PS3. Then when you're on the move, the unit is a hand held. Switching between the two modes would be near seamless. But that's for a generation or two in the future.

2 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 10:52:36 AM

The concept isn't inconceivable but it's very unlikely anytime soon. The option to try and market a handheld that doubles as a home console is there, and it has been for some time. The marketing barrier is that cutting edge processing starts large and over time works into a lower transistor process effectively reducing power consumption and heat. If a electronics provider chose to market a handheld that served as both a traditional console and a handheld device they'd place themselves in a position to sacrifice processing power for low voltage mobility. Thus, possibly making themselves vulnerable to a competitor who offered only the high powered game console. Despite how powerful the PS3 is today, graphics are still a far ways away from matching the latest Pixar movie or Hollywood grade CG that looks nearly like real life. Until processing has met an evolutionary ceiling by being able to generate near-photorealsitic visuals in any given scenario would the gap between handhelds and home consoles be able to narrow and possibly converge.

I suspect Nintendo would be the first to make such a move for convergence. Graphics and processing isn't what they lead with.

0 up, 0 down

Abidan13
Thursday, January 27, 2011 @ 11:13:05 PM
Reply

I think this is going to be a platform where developers can REALLY get creative. With support for 3G (depending on the specifics of it), there is potential for mobile MMOs or MMMOs if you will (HAHA).

I also see developers being able to reclaim/redeem some lost glory here. Like Square Enix: I will forgive unforgivable errors if you make with the PSN FFX and the FFXII so that I may play anywhere I choose, whether its on my couch or in a tree. Don't ask why I would be in a tree, but goddammit I want to have that option!!

This is the real beginning of the Handheld revolution and I am glad that I can experience it. With the exponential growth of NanoTech, I can't wait to see where this industry is going to be shifting to. As newer and newer technology is produced, I do have the vision of a universal platform, where we don't have to worry about "versions" and developers can focus on the true vision of the game. Are we ready for this? Not yet but maybe soon enough.

I will say I'm not 100% sold on the touchpad. It may end up being a technological blunder. For the NGP to succeed (more so than the PSPgo), developers will need to build games with that touchpad as a core feature.

To the point. I think this is for everyone.

Last edited by Abidan13 on 1/27/2011 11:13:56 PM

1 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 1:03:21 AM

To think we came from a gaming generation where sega gamegear and nintendo's gameboy were the talk of the town in handleds to this.

For those whom are older than me , you may remember earlier handleds. Point being, when I sit back and think about it we have truly come very for in just a decade.

What's next? Computer chips that are implanted into a human being making them a biological gaming device fully equipped with 3G, Wifi, projected holographic gaming screen to pull up at will, internet access, optional 3D....well you get the picture. Wonder how much byte space our brains are? Am I thinking too far into the future here?

0 up, 0 down

TheShadow
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:13:56 PM

WAY WAY WAY to far into the future

0 up, 0 down

Sol
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:21:14 AM
Reply

I'm sorry, but this thing does not interest me so much in the slightest. Perhaps if I read something that said it was super-durable and could read/play UMD stuff. If I'd no longer need my PSP, then I'd be more interested, but as of now the NGP is at the bottom of my gaming priority list. It's somewhere under the Nintendo DS which I only originally wanted for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (and now possibly Re:Coded), as well as Heart Gold and some Final Fantasy games I can't find on any of the Sony consoles I own already.

Besides, as of now I'm as broke as a really bad joke. I'd need to save up big time to get anything I wanted, especially some shiny piece of new equipment.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 1:57:01 AM
Reply

both, IF its priced right!
i had to laugh today, when sony were asked about pricing all they would say is it will be affordable.
affordable?
yea, thats what you said about the ps3 just before releasing it at 1000 bucks!
i dunno about you, but i would not call 1000 bucks affordable for a gaming console!
hell MY FREAKING FIRST CAR COST LESS THAN THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
albeit, just 1 cent less than that, but one cent is still one cent.
;)

1 up, 4 down

Looking Glass
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 7:20:12 AM

Oh for crying out loud.

The PS3 never cost $1000, even at launch.

But nevertheless I agree that price is likely going to be an important factor in determining the success of the NGP.

0 up, 2 down

___________
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 8:32:33 AM

ahhhhhhhhh, yes it did!
i bought the launch 60GB ps3 and the RRP was 1000 bucks.

1 up, 1 down

Looking Glass
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 8:48:49 AM

Well then, I suppose you should have chosen your retailer more carefully. Even if it is as you say and the recommended retail price was $1000 the actual price was still well below that.

Anyway, it's largely a moot point in this case because it's extremely unlikely that the NGP will cost anywhere near that much.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 10:06:36 AM

I'm thinking that's $1000 Australian Dollars, correct?

0 up, 0 down

Simcoe
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:05:35 PM

Not everyone lives in the US.

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 2:48:19 PM

It didn't cost that much in Europe either.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 3:50:35 PM

It was $1000AUD. And I at least don't regret it. If the NGP is $500, I'll be leery, but probably still get it, any higher and I'll wait for the first price drop... Unless they come with the games early. Then I may just have to get it at launch price.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Saturday, January 29, 2011 @ 7:58:19 AM

every store had it at that price, retailers dont set the price sony does.
thats why no matter which store you go to the prices are all the same, the only thing that changes are the games or accessories bundled with it.
like when i bought my slim EB offered free extended warranty, game had free HDMI cable and game of your choice, and JBHIFI had free HDMI cable and 4 platinum games cant remember what they were.
all same price, just different extras.
360s and wiis are the same, retailers dont set the prices the manufacture does.

0 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Saturday, January 29, 2011 @ 8:29:08 AM

In any case try to be more specific next time with regard to region. Because what you said is untrue in the cases of the US and Europe.

Last edited by Looking Glass on 1/29/2011 8:29:55 AM

0 up, 0 down

LowKey
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 2:06:14 AM
Reply

Hey guys long time no speak. got a question about the rear capacaitve type touchpad. anyone know the specs on that alone? like what its made of? a buddy of mine asked me a question about scratching it if you set it down somewhere but the only thing I could come up with is that is made of some kind of composite or ceramic... any help would be appreciated cuz ive been looking everywhere and have come up with nothing.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 10:39:30 AM

No information on that yet. However, the touch screen on my Droid uses the same type of technology and I installed a plastic screen protector and it still works perfectly, so I am certain that the touch pad will be coated/protected by something durable that doesn't affect it's performance.

0 up, 0 down

LowKey
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 2:06:28 AM
Reply

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 3:49:12 AM
Reply

Gamers... Actually, I see it as appealing to pretty much every market. Sony announced at the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the PSP that in the future they would be aiming to capture the younger audience with more child-friendly games, so that will get them. Games that have already been demoed, such as Uncharted and Resistance will be for the hardcore gamers, and all the mutimedia features that this will undoubtedly have will be the appeal for the gadget-guys.

Seriously... Let my excitement for this thing (and it is a THING... it defies description in my mind) subside a bit before starting to ask questions about it.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 7:19:19 AM

Nothing is more expensive than Apple's product!

0 up, 0 down

wiiplay
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 9:28:05 AM

@daus26: And to prove that you are correct, we'll do a little comparison.

Apple's Mac Pro with everything - $17,884

Toyota Matrix - $16,715

Enough said. :p

1 up, 0 down

Simcoe
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 12:10:37 PM

Try buying a new iphone without a contract, I think you'd change your tune. Phone companies are nice enough to subsidize the cost of phones for us (to the tune of hundreds of dollars), when we sign multi-year contracts, with horrific early termination fees.

2 up, 0 down

kraygen
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 5:17:07 AM
Reply

Well all I can say is, the NGP is for me, not sure if it's for my wallet yet, but I saved for 6 months to buy my ps3, I can save for this too.

0 up, 0 down

Zorigo
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 6:50:06 AM
Reply

for me my phone just has to be able to text take good pictures and play vids/music to a reasonable degree.
when i want a device for games apps vids and all round multimedia, which i finally do want one, im looking at this.
so if the price is good, im on it. it has everything imo, games, apps (probably), wifi, big nice touch screen, power, and tech appeal.
something just occured to me, im getting a job come summer, i can save up for this!!

Last edited by Zorigo on 1/28/2011 6:50:33 AM

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 7:18:39 AM
Reply

This is an easy question, and I agree with a lot of you. I mean, why not both? It certainly looks like it'll be able to. With the souped up processing power, I'm assuming it's going to have pretty amazing, hardcore games.

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Amazingskillz
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 9:18:35 AM
Reply

Sony would be smart to focus on the NGP being more than just a gaming device. Based on past iterations of the PSP (except the GO) its clear they've got portable gaming down pat. If they truly want to take it to the next level they need to clearly explain to the general public that this device "only does everything" like to the PS3 but in your hands.

1 up, 0 down

Looking Glass
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 9:20:55 AM

Well, if the teaser trailer for the NGP is any indication it looks like Sony is ready to do just that.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 10:34:35 AM

I agree with you. I think that they need to ensure that there are sufficient non-gaming apps to make the device a viable sub-tablet & mobile media device. The PSP almost fulfilled all of that, it lacked a touch screen or keyboard, and mobile data network access. This new NGP/PSP2 fixes both of those, and adds more power and a bigger screen.

1 up, 0 down

city96
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 11:04:39 AM
Reply

I think that, like PS3, big technical advanced had to be done to ensure the games are the best they can be.

The powerful gadgets always appeal to gadget lovers and also hardcore gamers.

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 5:47:34 PM
Reply

Games will be everything just as it was on the DS. Nintendo only added browsers and social activities AFTER the games poured in.

Coming out with all this is fantastic, but there is a serious need for games on Sony's handheld.

0 up, 0 down

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