Sony is halting production on its PSP Go handheld console, according to reports out of Japan.
A Japanese Sony Shop employee at a store in Shinjuku, Tokyo explained on his blog that a Sony representative had told his sales manager that the handheld was no long in production (as translated by Andriasang).
The blog post also notes that the Japanese Sony online store no longer allows users to purchase the PSP Go, stating that it is out of stock with no word of whether stock will be replenished.
News site Eurogamer reached out to Sony for confirmation, but Sony refused to confirm or deny the blogger's report, instead stating, "It is a very exciting time for PlayStation portable devices. Before the end of the year we are launching NGP, our next generation portable device, which we believe will revolutionize portable gaming."
"In the meantime, the current generation of PSPs continue to be in demand, especially since the introduction of our value for money, Essentials range of games and we will continue to meet that demand."
Sony Computer Entertainment has dropped the price of the PSP Go multiple times over the last six months, with a price drop to $199 late last year, and another drop to $149.99 last month.
Gamasutra has contacted Sony Computer Entertainment America for further comment.
[UPDATE: Business site MCV has now got in contact with a UK retailer, who said that "once current PSP Go stock is sold we will not be receiving replenishments."]
Well, that was a short life. Almost as short as the Virtual Boy. At least Sony recognized the failure (at least privately) and didn't pound the pavement with a PSPGo "ten year plan"
It's not that the system is that bad--its the distribution of the software that killed it. They were charging the same if not more for their digital software than theyre physical software---obviously not a way to get on a customers good side--and there weren't many titles available digitally when it first came out.
PS---if they had switched locations of the analog and D pad--and made the analog stick larger--it would have been better...and they should never have charged $250 for it...crazy fools.
Personally I would rather buy a normal PSP than a PSPGo(GO), I have big hands and the GO just doesn't feel right. Same with the 3DS. Its a nice size but the DS:XL is the most comfortable thing ever. I cannot handle small handhelds I need space to enjoy them, Weight means not that much as just being comfortable when I play.
spot on, and surprising that the people above you didn't comment on that already (just shows how much they know). It had a high price point and wasn't manufactured in very large quantities, so it should be seen more as a market experiment and not a concerted sales effort. Do you guys even make any effort to understand context before regurgitating www. gamer misinformation?
I hear what you're saying but the same could be said for the dsi (it was a market test for digital download and also arg), which in contrast was a very successful iteration of the ds franchise.
@Banksy One: Or it just goes to show how important Xperia Play is... as in not very. Regardless of whether or not the PSPGo was a market experiment doesn't change the fact that it was doomed from the get go. What misinformation are you talking about?
PS---if they had switched locations of the analog and D pad--and made the analog stick larger--it would have been better...and they should never have charged $250 for it...crazy fools.
From my perspective, the system offered nothing that couldn't be accomplished by simply buying a larger memory stick for the PSP.
Opinions are opinions...doesn't mean you need to act all high and mighty Ballsy One.