BlueGender Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 [Size=1][color=blue]Sony came out today with the first specs of a new handheld. [i]-UMD or Universal Media Device. This storage media is 60mm, about half the size of the traditional CD and has a capacity of 1.8GB. That's right GB. Expect massively complex, detailed gaming (for your handheld anyway). 2.4 inches. - ATRAC encoding support (Sony's proprietary sound format used in their minidiscs). This could mean it will be a multi-media device. - Graphics specs are also impressive: NURB technology for rendering with full 3D polygons. - The unit's widescreen LCD screen (480x272, that's the coveted 16:9 ratio we all love) will be backlit. - The unit's sound processing will feature full 3D sound, PCM, and will be "fully reconfigurable." - MIPS 32-bit processor. - Also, a secure ROM cartridge for anti-piracy efforts. - Super-one-chip solution for graphics, sound, etc. - Memory stick will be used for game saves. Also, for GPS functionality. - Rechargeable battery. - CPU: 90 nanometers with a clock speed TBD. - USB 2.0 connection for talking to your PC, cellphone, even your PS2. - Embedded RAM. - Supports additional video codecs (other than MPEG 4.) (specs recieved from [url]http://ps2.ign.com/articles/402/402220p1.html[/url])[/i] From the Specs alone it looks to be years ahead of the GBA SP, Nintendo until today has hd no real compotition in this market of gaming, I hope they are prepared for this to turn into a full out war. [/color][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 I get the impression that this thing is going to be massive and will almost be too high end and expensive to be competing directly with Nintendo's devices which are more economic in a sense. If you just compare the resolution sizes, the PSP screen size is like 3 times that of the GBA. About the size of the PSone LCD screen... Makes me scared about battery life lol. And really... I like 2D gaming on the road, I'm really afraid that this thing is going to get tons and tons of PSX ports and poor 3D games, but who knows. I get the impression that it would be rather expensive to develop for as well. I can't see companies wanting to make impressive 3D games for a handheld that would retail for like $30... On the other hand, it sounds very impressive considering the weaker technology the GBA uses. I'm sure it would be getting a good deal of support just because Sony is doing it too. I guess we'll have to see. [img]http://home.no/articles/PSP-GBA_Screens_Simulated.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 [color=#808080]I'd put this device in the same league as the high end MP3 players and such. I do not believe that Sony could compete with Nintendo on its own level - an economical, 2D-focused handheld machine. Nintendo owns the market and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. What Sony's doing is different. Sony's product is significantly more advanced and is definitely going to be a lot more expensive. I'm not trying to say that it'll be any better or worse; the games will be the deciding factor on that point. However, what I am saying is that this machine is most likely not designed to compete with the GBA. Sony could quite comfortably slot this thing in above the GBA and the two could get along just fine in slightly seperate markets. Of course, anything Sony or Microsoft do will be seen as a direct strike against Nintendo and vice versa. But in this case in particular, I think that the differences between the two products (technology, market, price) are quite significant. There isn't a huge amount of market overlap, I'd imagine.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zidargh Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 [size=1][color=darkblue] Interesting, very interesting, but in fact, I've never heard of it. As it's been said, people do not feel ecstatically happy with this idea, and it's been made abundably clear that it cannot compete with the idea of Nintendo's own little handheld console, the evolved [i]Gameboy Advance SP[/i]. If it's supposed to be handheld, then why is it nearly the size of a small saucepan? That is, unless we all wear incredibly large trousers. Aside from that idea, I feel this is going to lead to greater competition between the two companies, but it seems Nintendo has gained the advantage on this type of technology in my opinion. I, myself will look into this console but I doubt I'd ever buy it. I fear that the public has become too attached to the stages of the [i]Gameboy[/i] for which they wont accept this new console in general.[/color][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EcCenTriC fairy Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 [size=1]I'll be excited if this is a reality. I'm not too fond of new Nintendo games in the first place, though I love many games Sony has on its consoles. If I were to get a portable console, I'd definitely check this one out. *Crosses her fingers on this*[/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epitome Posted May 15, 2003 Share Posted May 15, 2003 This kind of sounds like that handheld gaming phone that Nokia came out with but I'm not sure who they teamed up with but it might have been Sony and this might be it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 15, 2003 Share Posted May 15, 2003 [color=#808080]Nah, that's the N-Gage. This is the PlayStation Pocket or whatever it's called. I'd say that the N-Gage and PSP will be direct competitors. The GBA will slip under both of their radars and continue to lead the market. I think Sony's first goal will be to blow the N-Gage out of the water. If it can do that (presuming the N-Gage is accepted by the market), then I think Sony can form a nice little high-end niche in the handheld gaming market.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epitome Posted May 15, 2003 Share Posted May 15, 2003 Yea especially because of GBA SP because thats so big now for Nintendo with the light-up background but I think Sony makes better and more high quality systems as well as games so I dont know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueGender Posted May 21, 2003 Author Share Posted May 21, 2003 [size=1][color=blue]Sony reps spoke a bit more about the PSP (Playstation Portable) in a interview with Japan's Mainichi Shimbun it will be released in Fall of 2004, they plan on releasing about 10 million units launch day (wow!) and they plan on it having access to the internet. The amount of unts suggest the price will be a lot lower then what is expected.[/size][/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Just like they'd have plenty of units for the PS2 launch? There's never been an ample supply of units at launch in the history of any big console/handheld, and I really doubt it will be any different with this. Especially considering they don't even have any tangible specs for the thing at this point. The route they are going, I'm expecting this thing to be like $129 to $200. I'd be surprised if it was less, and by that time GBA SP will most likely be a bargain... Although it really seems like they want different markets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epitome Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 I agree with Semjaza on this one. When this comes out, I bet you, because of the success of PS2, that these will sell like hell. But I dont think that it will be as expensive as you said Semjaza. Maybe $130-$150 but definatley not $200. That would be so expensive the no one would probably by it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Well $200 was the extreme end. And I'm not sure what interview you are quoting, but what I read didn't say 10,000,000 at launch... it said they planned on selling 10,000,000 by the end of the fiscal year. Something that could possibly happen if they get enough support. I'm under the impression this thing will be on par with a PSX based on Sony's quotes and that bothers me. 2D ages well, 3D does not. I can't even stomach half of the 3D PSX and Saturn games anymore. I really hope it's able to be a bit more clear, less grainy and have better texture mapping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueGender Posted May 21, 2003 Author Share Posted May 21, 2003 [size=1][color=blue] Sorry I misquoted they said they will ship 10,000,000 by the end of the first fiscal year. I myself am looking forward to 3D games on the go, dont get me wrong I will bring my SP right along with my and play 2D games, but I am in interested in seeing what games all the publishers come up with assuming they dont port every successful PSX game. I am also interested in seeing nintendo's reponse, will they stick with carts(N64) or will they go mini disk with there handhelds. I dont think nokia really has a chance agains't Nintendo and Sony unless they get the public interested in there cell phones.[/color][/size] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Yeah, I'm not expecting much from N-gage other than a small niche market for people who like to spend $300 on a phone heh. I have high hopes for the PSP, and I hope they meet them. I really do plan on getting one assuming there are some decent launch games and it has good battery life (this is the main thing I'm worried about). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epitome Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Is the PSP supposed to have better graphics than the GBA SP. I heard that it was supposed to be almost as good as N64. Anyone know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semjaza Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 No one knows. Nothing in terms of it's actual processing capabilities has really been said, other than that it will support nurbs. Most people just assume it will be a bit more powerful than a PSX, but it's all speculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueGender Posted May 22, 2003 Author Share Posted May 22, 2003 [size=1][color=blue] Well it looks like we are going to have yet another player in the handheld market the Helix by a company called Tapwave. The system is describes as system for those 18-30 years of age.The Helix is based on the Palm platform. The CPU consists of an MX1 ARM9 processor manufactured by Motorola, a graphics chip from ATI, and new audio chips from Yamaha. Helix also features Bluetooth technology support for wireless gaming, dual SD card slots, dual embedded speakers, headphone support, two rechargeable lithium batteries, USB support, rumble support, and a 6.97-square-inch screen with support for 64,000 colors. From a demo shown it appears is said the system will support Playstaion style graphics.[i](specs recieved from [url]http://www.gamespot.com/all/news/news_6026314.html[/url])[/i] It appears the future of handheld gaming will have quite a few players now. This system seems like a souped up PDA from what I have heard so far. But I am inteserted in seeing some more intricate specs on it.[/size][/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shinken Posted May 24, 2003 Share Posted May 24, 2003 Sound pretty good, but I'd have to agree that it probably won't stand up to GBA (saleswise, anyway). But you gotta admit; with all the good games that Sony gets/produces for both Playstation variations, they're BOUND to stumble onto at least one handheld gem. Hitokiri Battosai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now