Sony has made it clear that they view Apple and the iPhone as a threat to their mobile gaming dominance with the PSP, with the latest “line in the sand” being drawn with a television commercial that sort of entirely misses the whole point.
Ars Technica is reporting on the new Sony PSP ad, where the gaming giant basically admits right up front that they’re battling Apple and the iPhone -- not to mention the rest of the cell phone industry.
The new ad features a hipster dude rocking what appears to be an iPhone, then proceeds to show a second character who mocks game play on a cell phone, claiming the device is “build for calling your grandma and texting your girl.” The second guy then goes on to show a variety of older $9.99 PSP games, claiming they’re somehow better than the games available on iOS.
“It’s interesting: the PSP is basically setting itself up as an alternative to iPhone games, which is the opposite of how that argument usually plays out,” writes Ars Technica’s Ben Kuchera. “Sony is also promoting inexpensive, older games as a reason to enjoy the PSP instead of looking ahead to big-name upcoming titles.”
Ars Technica also makes the most valid point of all: People like cell phone games because they’re inexpensive, can be purchased from nearly anywhere and they’re always with you. Compared to Sony’s PSP -- which only sold 84,000 units in the U.S. last month -- the iPhone is truly dominating mobile gaming at the moment.
But hey, we wish the gaming giant good luck with this new strategy -- they’ll probably need it.
(Video courtesy of Ars Technica)
Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter
rogology
August 17, 2010 at 5:32pm
wait a minute! isn't he the foot burn guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGsch1DtpGQ
PlaceboAddress
August 17, 2010 at 11:25am
What's also hysterical is that the kid has to put down his game, and then pick up his cel phone to make a call to the guy with the iPhone. I got an iPhone so I DON'T have to carry multiple devices!
tulrich
August 17, 2010 at 10:58am
Not sure it's wise of Sony to do this. It sort of exposes to people who weren't considering an iPhone or iPod Touch as a viable mobile gaming device, that alternative. Would anyone who is planning on getting an iPhone look at this and say decide to get a PSP instead because it has better games?
At best, maybe it'll show current iPhone users what they're missing out on and they'll also buy a PSP.
For my money though, if I want a really different gaming experience to my iPhone I would consider getting a DSi.
iThink
August 17, 2010 at 9:26am
Shame on Sony. Why be afraid of a phone. It has limitations you know. It's not like a nuclear bomb to the Technology that with its power can destroy you. It is a revolutionary phone and the PSP is a gaming device. It has more options. Sony should quit blaming and come out with something good. Playstation Motion Controller definitely sucks because they are basically putting themselves with the Wii while XBOX is dominating with Kinect and here you are fighting with a freaking Phone? Its as if iPhone bought a knife to a gun fight and you are running away with the GUN! I will not be surprised if the iPhone ruins you guys.
xblue95
August 17, 2010 at 7:14am
That's Hilarious SUUUCCKKKKER!!
I think it's a huge testament on how much the iPhones putting a hurting on Sony's portable gaming division. They're feeling the pinch, so it's time to start pointing out iPhones weaknesses. Apple does it to, like with the whole MAC-PC campaign. It's funny to watch these guys go at it some times!!!!!
boushkaa
August 17, 2010 at 6:31am
Iphone you can do just about everything
PSP same except for a phonePSP made for gameing
iPhone made to be a revolutionary phone
It is a phone not a gaming system sure people make games for it and a lot of them are great except its still meant to be a phone
so sony comparing the PSP to the iPhone is just not fair i believe sure the psp has better games but honestly they are not made for the same thing
