PSPgo launch mystery shop

Mike Bantick
Thursday, 01 October 2009 10:09

Your IT - Entertainment

It is evident that there is a formula to working out a retailers love of this digital distribution device, and quite simply it is based on how much dependence the company have on selling games, both new and second hand.

Sony has its own electronics stores, and the Sony Central I ventured into had the PSPgo equally on show next to the existing PSP 3000.  It was rather jarring however with that AU$449 price tag sitting next to the AU$298 one of the PSP-3000 .  Even more thought provoking was the next price tag, the PS3, with its recent price cut bringing it down to AU$499 not looking such a bad pick up next to the PSPgo.

Dick Smith Electronics are predominately interested in selling electronic hardware, with only a smattering of new games on its shelves.  They happily displayed the PSPgo, plus a discounted price tag of AU$428.

Over at JB Hi-FI, a retailer that has a broad interest in digital content, electronics, games and gaming hardware has an interesting approach to selling the PSPgo.  The store I attended had many PSPgo’s in a nicely stacked display. 

In a display case the PSPgo is alongside its predecessor as well as the Nintendo DS and DS competition.   All, apart from the PSPgo have been labelled with bright price-tags and bonus offers.  The PSPgo, though on show is not up to speed on peripheral detail.

Finally I entered EB Games, one of Australia’s largest gaming retailers, and an outlet that thrives on its second hand game market.   Hmmmmm ok, there is the DS Lite, over here is the PSP-3000, but where is the PSPgo?

Ok, report confirmed , a quick enquiry to the girl behind the counter – ironically pricing PSP UMD’s at the time – shows that EB Games is not even stocking that dirty digital distribution device.

Can you see the pattern?  Yep, the more an outlet has vested into selling games off the shelves, the less love is metered out to the PSPgo.

The PSPgo is the first of its kind, a dedicated download device geared for gaming primarily.  The pocketable size and no-disc-media format makes for a clutter free portable gaming experience.  But at its current price point, and truncated retail support, it has a rocky road ahead