Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


Guess what! PSPgo Rewards scheme is not for Americans photo

You remember yesterday when we announced that Sony had introduced one not-quite-awful idea for the PSPgo? Well, this is Sony we're talking about, so I guess I was naive to think it would last. The PSPgo Rewards scheme, where PSP upgraders can download three free games, is for Europe only. That's right, North American users will NOT get free games.

This is amazing. PSPgo Rewards was perhaps the only PR move Sony had done right since this disaster was announced, and they've managed to stuff even that up. While Europeans get Gran Turismo and three free games as a reward for, we North American consumers are expected to happily "upgrade" our machines with absolutely no incentive whatsoever. 

"We have a dual platform strategy," bullsh*tted a Sony spokesman. "PSPgo is the latest offering in our portable entertainment products targeted for the digitally savvy and early adopters who are looking for an easy way to experience entertainment and a wide variety of digital content."

Sony: You have f*cked this up, like you f*ck nearly everything up. Well done. I think I'll release my own PSP model. It'll basically be a piece of sh*t in a matchbox, bundled with a free dead bumblebee. I guarantee that, at $300, it'll be fifteen times more valuable than the PSPgo.

Why is Sony afraid of looking at least quasi-competent? This is pathetic.


Continue: More Utterly pathetic stories





prev
next 50 comments

71 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Chibi_Zero's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:02
Chibi_Zero
I figured as much...
jawshoeuh's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:08
jawshoeuh
That is pretty fail of them. I really want to upgrade to a Go, but damn... they've given current PSP owners nothing but reasons NOT to buy a Go.
lolipantsu's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:08
lolipantsu
I like how SCEA considers "digitally savvy" to be synonymous with "sucker".
ZombiePlatypus's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:10
ZombiePlatypus
Europeans do seem to love their Sony more than us Amerikaners. Maybe Sony's just reciprocating?

But yeah, that's bullshit. Of course, I think the whole idea of the PSP Go is bullshit, so I'm not really effected.
AstralDrmz's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:11
AstralDrmz
Damn. I planned to buy one when they announced it. I was a bit wary though. The fact of the digital downloads only made me unsure, but the internal memory brought that back to just being wary. Then they just blew everything up to the point where I'll get one when it's $100 or less. I don't have my PSP anymore, but I'm damn well not buying one that makes everything a bit worse. If I want to play Dissidia, I'll just find an old 1000 on eBay.
Shin Oni's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:12
Shin Oni
I'm still baffled people consider wanting this still. I laughed at this phailed crap when we were still calling this the MyloGo.
ViewFinder's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:13
ViewFinder
On the European point of view this is first win situation that Sony has managed this generation. Then again if they keep failing on biggest market, NA, it's pretty pathetic.
zombiekiller13's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:15
zombiekiller13
I wonder if we can stop holding our breath for a PSP 3000 price drop. I need to get one so I can play Persona 1 (yes, bought the game before the system...hey, bonus soundtrack was included), but I was kinda hoping they'd announce something along the lines of a price-cut or incentive plan. With the latter, that would mean people may have started trading in their PSPs en masse, giving me a chance to get one slightly cheaper.
TheNomadicTroll's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:15
TheNomadicTroll
Don't know what's the big deal about this. I've been getting free PSP download games for awhile now. Oh...that's right I have a hacked one, thanks internet.
mabman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:16
mabman
free dead bumblebee owned me for about 15 secs
lolipantsu's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:16
lolipantsu
@jawshoeuh

You may have stumbled on SCEA's marketing strategy for the PSP-Go!
taumpytears's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:17
taumpytears
Jim, are you keeping your PSP go reservation?
Shadowiii's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:17
Shadowiii
Seriously...why? I thought the PSP was a great system, and this is just taking advantage of the PSP fan base that took them so long to build up (lets face it...the DS is beating the crap out of them in handhelds).
But I still think that the Go looks dead sexy. Just saying.
Sedidwif's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:18
Sedidwif
A piece of shit in a matchbox, with a dead bumblebee? Where can I preorder the JSPgo? If I pay $50 more, can the bumble bee still be alive and sting me in the face? Sounds like the same deal Sony would give me if I wanted a carrying case for my PSPgo.
Arianol's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:18
Arianol
"I want a PSPgo, Gamestop counter man!"
"Why?"
"Because it'll be easier to play my games!"
"Not really..."
"No longer will I be smothered by the confines of those SUPER HEAVY AND INCONVENIENT UMD Dics!"
"..."
moominsean's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:20
moominsean
not sure why they didn't just make it into a phone...they'd sell millions of them , i bet.
stevenxonward's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:24
stevenxonward
I'll pick one up after the haxorz tell me what I can do with it.
Buddyleej's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:27
Buddyleej
I have come to expect this from Sony. We dont have to buy it though. Let them suffer. Best way to show them they screwed up is affect their bottom line.
Everyday Legend's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:28
Everyday Legend
Digtally-savvy=sucker confirmes.

Oh, Sony's good at make.believe. They're only kidding themselves.
Infinitys End's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:33
Infinitys End
Such RAGE in you, Mr. Sterling! Tell us how you REALLY feel!
Gestault's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:35
Gestault
I think Jim's overstating things a bit, but uhh...I can't possibly think of a worse strategy for marketing this rubbish. I pray consumers are aware enough to avoid this pitfall and Sony learns a lesson for future projects. Look at the late 2005 press releases Sony put out for the PS3 (I was taking a PR course at the time, and we were literally studying Sony as what NOT to do). These are almost word-for-word the same releases, just replace PS3 with PSPgo. That strategy didn't work, and I had though Sony learned from that. Hell, in that case, the hardware warranted the price, even if consumers didn't want to pay it. Here, Sony's just being...bad.

I was just getting a second wind in terms of going back to appreciating was Sony was doing for gaming this generation (I don't think titles like Flower would be as in the mainstream if they weren't) but as soon as I accept that they'd figured out how to market their PS3 (third logo's a charm, I guess?) they throw away that mindshare with this.

Look at Microsoft, they sell network adapters for probably double what they should while charging for online play with advertisements, and I'm more annoyed at Sony for a move like this. That is an impressive feat.

I really like my PSP 2001, even though most of what I play on it is PSX games, but I enjoy my system less knowing its manufacturer apparently has no respect for its buyers.
ydarkage's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:37
ydarkage
Heehey! itīs like I feel with almost.. everything in this industry!
Sedidwif's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:39
Sedidwif
Sony believes the marketing strategy used for the PS2 applies to all f their future products because it was a successful launch (I guess... I bought one years after launch because I thought the launch games were shit.) When the PS2 came out, the Dreamcast was already losing steam and there was no competition. It was a very different environment. You can't apply that sort of "perfect storm" marketing campaign when you are up against a system that can play the same games yours can.
Space Moose's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:40
Space Moose
It is funny seeing Jim get all pissy about this, he sure had a fun time digging his claws into all of the pissed of L4D2 people, sucks when you feel like you got ripped off doesn't it buddy.
iEro-Sennin's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:46
iEro-Sennin
Come to Europe. It's great here.
Qraze's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:46
Qraze
don't care. don't have a psp to begin with. when i do get one, it'll be hacked to hell and back so i don't have to pay sony that i can get for free. i am a pirate and i see no "incentive" not to be, especially with the psp.
Zantetsuken's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:48
Zantetsuken
Now you guys know how Europeans feel 90% of the time. Sucks doesn't it.
Ninja Cameraman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:49
Ninja Cameraman
@ Space Moose

Oh, so you've played L4D2 all thet way through and made all converted boycotters go back to boycotting? Please, do tell.

Otherwise there would be no founding to that statement and you would just be one of the inital people that got pissed about L4D2...

But that would just be silly wouldn't it?
GAPING MAW's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:50
GAPING MAW
@Space Moose I have to ask, who's getting ripped off with L4D2? This is a stupid comparison. So stupid, I'm not even going to dignify it with a comparison between the arguments.

I think I've commented once on Dtoid, but thanks for inspiring me to comment again.

Oh, and stop whining.
funran's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:53
funran
This is fucking frustrating, WHY WONT YOU LET ME BUY THIS, YOU'RE NOT LETTING ME. FUCKING SONY.
Happy Chainsaw Man's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:55
Happy Chainsaw Man
"PSPgo is the latest offering in our portable entertainment products targeted for the digitally savvy and early adopters"

So, you mean long-time owners of the PSP who want this shiny new fancy PSP?
That makes sense.
jawshoeuh's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 11:57
jawshoeuh
Also out of curiosity went to the online playstation store to see what PSP games are actually available digitally and found that you now have to install Sony's MediaGo (PC only, 90+ megs) to actually use the store in any real sense. WTF. And once I finally got this POS installed and viewed all of the available PSP games there is nothing. Pretty much none of my favorite UMD games are available digitally. WEAK SAUCE.
Zeta Crossfire's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:03
Zeta Crossfire
I might just sell my PS3. Im almost ready to leave sony all together.
Everyday Legend's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:08
Everyday Legend
@gestault
You, sir, are an intelligent human being. Thank you.
Gestault's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:09
Gestault
Henceforth today, all my posts with be in poetry form:


Space Moose, You silly goose. Your bad comparisons are structurally loose.

I don't know why, you wine and cry, when a game not released you're asked to buy.

It's content filled, yet detractors shout: "What the hell's this bullshit about?"

DLC? Oh can it be? For the very game you wanted to see?

Why now do you talk of jips and foul, when Jim slams Sony when it drops the ball?
Everyday Legend's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:15
Everyday Legend
@ the L4D2 comparison

Valve hasn't asked you to pay over $300 for the next entry after adding new features and capabilities to the current offering.

Anyone who can't get that and continues to compare the two is an incorrigable idiot asshat. This is indisputable.
Jawmuncher's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:20
Jawmuncher
PSPgo is sounding more and more like a failure every time I hear about it
matty125's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:21
matty125
What a mess.
Sony turned my anticipation dial to a complete 180 in a matter of a month.
wastedyears's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:38
wastedyears
So I assume from all this blathering that all the other game companies let you download free digital versions of their games, and all you have to do is claim you already bought it. So Nintendo lets people download its digital NES/SNES/N64 games for free? And all I have to do is claim I already bought it? Wow! I can log into XboxLive and download all its digital versions of Xbox/Xbox 360 games for free, as long as I claim I already bought it? Awesome! I can download free PC games from Steam and D2D and all I have to do is say, "uhhh, I already bought these games before. Gimme Gimme Gimme." Fantastic.
No? It doesn't work that way? Are you sure? It must, I mean look at all the people who are upset that Sony isn't giving its games away for free.

Oh, I get it. Now I see how it works. I have to pop a disc into the drive first. So, all I have to do is hit Blockbuster and rent a few games, maybe get some from Gamefly, put the disc in the tray, log into XBL or the Wii online and say, "I bought this game! See! Here'e proof! The disc is in the tray! Now Gimme the digital version! Gimme some free stuff!!!!!!!

To put it another way: ARE YOU PEOPLE MONUMENTALLY STUPID?
Ikey Heyman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:44
Ikey Heyman
haha, wooooow.

no one will buy this.
Wolfrider's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 12:47
Wolfrider
Wow. Man, I've defended the PSPgo for a while but this is the last straw. I just canceled my pre-order. These people are out of their goddamn minds.
parrothead's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:06
parrothead
well, when I read that yesterday I was on board to pick up a GO when it comes out. Now I am not so sure.
Gestault's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:08
Gestault
You miss our point, Wastedyears. You have yet to pin our collective fears.

We don't ask those who sell their ware, to part with them for less than fair.

All we ask for hard earned cash, is parity in price and flash.

Features lost, with fewer games, while prices rise is not the same.

Your comparisons are not quite right, and you pepper us with hateful spite.

So please consider, in your cries, the feelings of those yourself besides.
FatherChesz's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:10
FatherChesz
That's my Sony! In response to this excellent news, I have two responses. One is my middle finger, extended to maximum flexion. The second is my other middle finger, similarly displayed.
Carlton Banks's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:16
Carlton Banks
Does the "crying like a bitch" ever stop?
mrandydixon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:32
mrandydixon
@ Gestault

I think I might be falling in love with you.
Drunken Haze's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:41
Drunken Haze
First we get Halo ODST cheaper than America, now we get free stuff from Sony. How the tables have turned. I think they did it because Jim moved to America and he is bias

Europe FTW!
CaptainApocalypse's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 13:47
CaptainApocalypse
That PR statement is the equivalent of saying "Well, the cool kids are gonna buy one."

I'm keeping my current PSP.
Midgetsnowman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 14:19
Midgetsnowman
@Wastedyears: Nice work on completely missing the issue by setting up a strawman.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/25/2009 14:41
Xzyliac
Right now Jim is regretting ever coming to America.
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 

   Got news?   tips@destructoid.com   |   Dtoid Twitter

New Videos

more videos


Reviews & Previews
BioShock 2 review
Dante's Inferno review
Chime review
Hustle Kings review
iPhone Review Round-up: January review
more reviews
Dawn of War II Chaos Rising
Metro 2033
A trip to the racetracks Days of Thunder Arcade
Double the pleasure, double the fun with Darwinia+
Wizarding world in plastic Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4
more previews


- The Dtoid Army is 56752 strong -

Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

Call for entries: the Areas of my Expertise

New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide


 Originals
Jim Sterling: How Aliens are blatantly better than Predators





















More Destructoid Originals




We are Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
Nick Chester
Editor-in-Chief
Niero
Founder, Big Boss
Jim Sterling
Reviews Editor
Hamza Aziz
Community Manager
Dale North
News Editor
Rey Gutierrez
Destructoid Video EIC
Anthony Burch
Features Editor
Brad Nicholson
Managing Editor
Tom Fronczak Colette Bennett
Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
Conrad
Zimmerman
Chad Concelmo
Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
Brad Rice Jordan Devore
Will Maddock Matthew Razak
Josh Tolentino
Joseph Leray
Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
     
  Adam Dork
Daniel Lingen
Hollie Bennett
Joe Burling
Mikey Turvey






 
 
  get involved

register or login
post a blog
post a forum
enter a contest
contribute a news tip
suggest a feature
be a guest editor
support

new member's guide
login assistance
tech support
report abuse
email our editors
read our dev blog
nuclear crisis?
keep in touch

RSS feed
Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Flickr
Game nights
Meetup+play online
seriously

about Destructoid
advertising
terms of use
privacy policy
jobs at MM
buy our crap
our network

Tomopop
Japanator
Despingation?




Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
living the dream since March 16, 2006