Reeves: Sony needs to release PSP2

By GamesIndustry International Published 18 June, 2010

In order to keep pace with 3DS.

David Reeves, 14-year veteran of Sony and now chief operating officer of Capcom Europe, has told our sister site GamesIndustry.biz that Sony needs to release a true sequel to the PSP quickly if it expects to compete in the handheld market.

Rival Nintendo has this week revealed the 3DS in detail, wowing the masses at the annual E3 conference with hands-on demonstrations of a 3D console, its software and potential to reinvigorate the handheld market.

"It's an exciting time and you could possibly have two handhelds coming out within months or a year of each other," Reeves told GamesIndustry.biz.

Asked whether he expects a PSP2 to be released in the next 12 months, he said: "I'd like to the think it would be for the publishers and developers and consumers.

"Sony tried to make the transition with PSPgo, I think that changed some consumers' attitudes, but they need to come back with something on PSP pretty quickly to stay in the game because Nintendo are s*** hot at getting these things right. And they always get these things right."

Reeves has always been frank about the PSP platform, and last year admitted there were problems with the system - while he was still at Sony he suggested Capcom was one of the publisher's that could help lift the flagging format.

The PSP2 has not been officially acknowledged by Sony, but reports are suggesting the system will be a "technological monster", with one of the main features of the system a touch-screen interface.

The PSPgo, released only last year, has been a flop at retail, with Sony recently offering new users a massive 10 free games for the download-only machine. As well as issues with the software delivery, the high price also hindered sales.

"It was hard and it was very, very expensive," said Reeves. "Now they're offering 10 games and they have to try and revive it."

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Comments (38) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • JunglistVIP #1 2 years ago

    Marcus PSP ya heard!

  • Kazzahdrane #2 2 years ago

    I think Sony would do well to give the PSP2 some breathing room after the launch of the 3DS. Nintendo's handheld is going to sell like hotcakes and the last thing Sony need is launching a new console when the direct competitor is still getting all the press coverage.

  • peterfll #3 2 years ago

    Isn't it a shame you can't get this kind of candid opinion whilst these sorts of people are actually in charge?

    Having just returned from a week on hols, I spent some serious time with my (launch model!) PSP and - as ever - had a great time going through my collections. Its such a great machine that really should have had better support..

  • kiroquai #4 2 years ago

    "Sony tried to make the transition with PSPgo, I think that changed some consumers' attitudes..."

    The only attitude that I saw changing with the PSP Go was that more and more folks started to believe that Sony had actually lost the plot.

  • DUFFMAN5 #5 2 years ago

    Just release the Duelshock 2/3* with a screen in the middle! then release the entire ps2 cannon via psn + New (and I mean new) Resi, mansions and all and I'm in.

    *although might be an idea to make it flatter/smaller ;)

  • Dolly #6 2 years ago

    I predict a 4-D PSP2 from Sony, which squirts water, heats up and blows wind at you for true immersion.

  • DUFFMAN5 #7 2 years ago

    Dolly wrote: I predict a 4-D PSP2 from Sony, which squirts water, heats up and blows wind at you for true immersion.

    Blows you, you say. I'd buy that for a dollar
    Edited by DUFFMAN5 at 18/06/10 @ 09:18

  • Toothball #8 2 years ago

    I'd go for a PSP2, but I'd be somewhat apprehensive about going for one at launch now, following the disappointing support of the PSP Go. If it were to be released with the option of both physical and digital media however, I'd almost certainly stick with digital.

  • Ryze #9 2 years ago

    The important issue is getting the PSP2 right first time in terms of price, size, software, services and feature set.

    Just chucking out the (cool looking) hardware, like they've done with ALL of their previous console launches WILL NOT DO this time.

    Remember and remember well, that you can't just swap out a control pad on a handheld console.

  • Alterego-X #10 2 years ago

    "...with one of the main features of the system a touch-screen interface..."

    That sounds bad, unless they outsmarted Nintendo and figured out how to make a 3D touchscreen, will they really make it in 2D only?

    Or if it will have a dual screen, that would be hilarious.

  • t8yman #11 2 years ago

    we all know the features that would make a killer handheld, and so do sony. which makes the pspgo even more baffling.

  • Paulie_P #12 2 years ago

    What are the chances Sony will release the PSP2 and it won't be 3D at which point the Sony Execs will insist that 3D is not relevant to the handheld market?

  • killyourtv #13 2 years ago

    moar like Playstation BOREtable amirite?

  • JahB #14 2 years ago

    tbh i was expecting the PSP2 at E3. that whole "let's push the PSP" seemed a bit odd to me

  • drumbaby #15 2 years ago

    Drop the price of the PSP Go...there, I've said it.

  • Stuz359 #16 2 years ago

    You would have to say Sony were the biggest idiots in the world when the released the PSPGo, the released a console that was incompatible with it's OWN software library.

  • sfp_noodle #17 2 years ago

    I honestly expect an announcement at GDC. Think about it. Sony wants to launch it's motion controller and it's list of exclusives. If they also announced a new console at E3, not only would the show have started to drag, but it would split the audience in 3 different directions. I don't think Sony want to do that. They appear to have learnt from their mistakes over the years and bar the ridiculous price of the PSPGo, they have done quite well.

    If for whatever reason they don't unveil the PSP2 at GDC, then it will be quite surprising and quite frankly, a bit of a worry for Sony. They need to get awareness out about it before christmas to build up hype.

    On a side note, capcom announced a Resident Evil game for the PSP at last years' E3. Where the bloody hell has it gone? Or was it never real since not as much as a screenshot has been released since? Answers on a postcard please Sony and Capcom
    Edited by sfp_noodle at 18/06/10 @ 10:30

  • brseg #18 2 years ago

    From reading e3 reports, 3ds is going to be pretty amazing. Sony are screwed trying to compete with this one, but they'll have to. Add to that, Apple's moves into gaming, and i dont see much ground for anyone else. Sony engineers will need to pull off a miracle this time...
    Edited by brseg at 18/06/10 @ 10:35

  • Darren #19 2 years ago

    I think Sony need to focus on making the original PSP as cheap and attractive as possible personally by lowering the price and releasing lots of great, must-have games. If the PSPgo was a flop then what on earth makes Reeves think a PSP2 will do any better when it'll likely cost more than the existing models?!? :?

  • Darren #20 2 years ago

    @brseg - When someone says the word 'handheld' to me I immediately think of Nintendo and the GameBoy/DS even though I don't own either myself. I'd imagine it would the same for most others too. That's how big a foothold Nintendo have on that sector of the market.

    Sony can never hope to match that. All they can do is offer an alternative that has something entirely different, better graphics, a more console-like experience, deeper, more hardcore games, etc. There's absolutely no point in them competing directly with Nintendo because they'd never win. Doubt anyone else would either, certainly not Apple with their glossy, attactive but gimmicky products.

  • sfp_noodle #21 2 years ago

    I think if Sony offered the same kind of experiences that Nintendo offered with their handeheld, they'd compete quite well. Problem is, since they geared the PSP up as a hardcore 'console on the go' kinda thing they're in a bit of a stick. The public perception of the PSP is that its a multimedia device and can do everything. If they focussed on the games like Nintendo did, it would have been far more succesful. I mean, in 5 years on the market the PSP only has 'over 500 titles' which the kid in their new PSP ad campaign confirms. the DS has around 3000. That's a pretty humongous gap. Admitedly, most of that is rubbish but it just shows the variety on hand when it comes to the DS. Sony really need to up their game in that department for the eventual PSP2.

    I recently upgraded my PSP memory stick to 32gb. It's sad when a portable console is kept more for the excellent games of yesteryear in PSOone classics rather than actual PSP games.

  • Dizzy #22 2 years ago

    TBH if I was Sony I wouldn't try anymore. The 3DS looks like it could be the biggest sellling Nintendo handheld yet. The iPhone is selling games like crazy and Android and Windows Series 7 will start getting some gaming trackion as well end of the year. Better let the PSP slowly die out and focus on PS3.

  • NorUraeus #23 2 years ago

    Seems most people here fall into the same trap that market analysts tend to do, it is not about when you launch or what your competitors are doing. It is about putting together a compelling package to sell yourself despite the competition. If you can't make the PSP2 sell if launched at the same point as the 3DS then it will not sell if you wait a year, the PSP2 needs to be good enough to sell on its own accord no matter when its launched. So my message to Sony is not to get caught up in trying to match the competition, but to make sure that whenever they do to market they make sure they do so with a really great and compelling product.

  • Mughes #24 2 years ago

    Am I the only one who initially read that as "David Reeves, 14-year-old veteran"?

  • Chazmeister #25 2 years ago

    "The PSP2 has not been officially acknowledged by Sony, but reports are suggesting the system will be a "technological monster""

    If that's true, then it will be mega expensive and Sony will be just shooting themselves in the foot again. When are they going to learn that in these times of financial hardship, that by and large the general public doesn't have the kind of spare money to splash out hundreds of pounds on gaming equipment. It's all very well building these devices with every flash gadget going stuck in it, but if hardly anyone can afford to buy them, then what's the point?

    The only reason many people own expensive fancy PDA style mobile phones is because they either come free or for a small extra charge on an 18 month phone contract. Maybe if their next handheld is another £300+ monster, then they should take a similar route and let people buy it over an 18 month period much like a mobile phone. Though that just brings up another point though. If people already have a phone that does all their calls, texts, emails, web browsing etc, do they really need all that sort of funcionality all over again packed into their mobile gaming device? For the PSP2 Sony should take a leaf out of Nintendo's book and concentrate on making a gaming device that is all about the games.

  • mumblyjoe #26 2 years ago

    Given its no show at E3 I would say that...

    a) PSP2 Doesn't exist (yet)
    b) Sony are waiting for the TGS too reveal it
    c) All of the above

    Also what is the PSP Go actually like? I would of thought that the games come in around the 2Gb mark so that would be what 6-8 games before its full? Are the controls any better than the 'fat' psp? Whats the pricing like for the downloadable games, same as retail? Slightly less?
    Edited by mumblyjoe at 18/06/10 @ 11:56

  • asphaltcowboy #27 2 years ago

    There is no way David Reeves ever said "shit hot"! I call your bluff! :)

  • Rubarack #28 2 years ago

    Unless the PSP2 runs on air and deposits gold coins whenever you get an achievement I fail to see it getting any traction against the 3DS. Better to go back to development and release something amazing next year than to bluff ahead with a basic upgrade and flounder hopelessly.

  • AliRay #29 2 years ago

    They should give up and concentrate on getting the PS3 sorted. The PSP Go was a fucking joke, and now the competition is even stiffer with the iPhone and the 3DS.

  • alcides #30 2 years ago

    "I'd like to the think it would be for the publishers and developers and consumers.

    Alright, I always make fun of Reeve's articulate speech impairment. But this HAS to be a typo.

  • Phishfood #31 2 years ago

    Unless Sony get a 3D screen and more comfortable controls that are on par with a DS I don't see them making a comeback with the PSP2.

  • kratos-i-am #32 2 years ago

    Pretty dumb assessment by most of the people here! Sony give up on the portable market? What in Gods name are you guys smoking? Have you seen the Japanese sales of the thing? They've sold 65 million units! Bundle a psp 2 with a phone, touch screen and a reinvigorated digital store in a package the footprint of an iphone and theirs your killer portable... Admittedly the 3DS is more ambitious, but besides the 3D display it suffers from the bulky portable factor which for my money makes an all in one device like the iPhone so much more appealing. Do I really want to carry a bulky DSi like device on the way home from work? Nope!

  • Beranmee #33 2 years ago

    I would longer battery life, better graphics and good software support is all I'm asking for! Also if it had a second analogue nub get some PS2 titles on there!! Ico, Shadows of the collosus and Transformers Armada!!!!

  • effinjamie #34 2 years ago

    2nd stick and release the entire PS2 catalogue and I'm sold, don't care about 3D

  • Arkwright #35 2 years ago

    Battery life is key as is some kind of screen protection. No fun watching your psp screen deteriorate day after day with one scratch after another.

  • My1stLoveJak #36 2 years ago

    I never did buy a PSP (got mine used, from someone who didn't want it), so, if Sony can pull off the PSP2 without any problems, I will be on board

    *starts saving money* 3DS, PSP...wonder how much they'll go for, considering the PS3 is at $300, right now? Hard to believe how expensive the original PSP was, these days.

    The PSP doesn't get a ton of my gaming time, but I love using it, when I do: some of the MINIS games are just brilliant, Patchwork Heroes is just as innovative as any DS game (for a 1/3 of the price), and the display is WAY sharper than anything the DS has...Zelda still looks pretty blocky on the console. It sounds like the 3DS will change all that, though, so I hope Sony can wow us all, when the time comes! I expect Sony to have more versatility - hopefully they hang onto the SKYPE compatibility (I loved that idea), the MP3 is still just as useful, and having internet access like the iTouch would be fantastic.

    High hopes, Sony!

  • albinac #37 2 years ago

    sony pulled the psp2 from e3 because they didnt have 3d incorporated and when they heared the buzz comming from the crowed about 3ds they shiat their pants.they may have to scrap the current plans and for the psp2 power house and rethink their strategy.

  • Geordiemp #38 2 years ago

    Sony Psp2 needs to be a phone as well. Why carry a games portable and a phone ?

    It could rival apple easpecially if it had better games. Even casual gamers want to carry fancy phones.