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

 


Sony gets a little catty over DSi photo

The DSi launches this weekend in case you were living in a cave or like ignoring major gaming news, and whenever a major system launches the competitors have to say something, right? It makes sense; the competition has a new toy and you don't want everyone rushing over to it, so you chirp up with a few words about how your toy is still really cool. What you do not do is come out spewing things that most people know aren't true and thus come out sounding like a total jerk.

Enter Sony. The makers of the Playstation Portable have opened their mouth and decided to speak up about the DSi with a wonderful little statement that makes them seem a bit out of touch. John Koller, Director of Hardware Marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America, dumped this little bit of knowledge out there:

"If Nintendo is really committed to reaching a broader, more diverse audience of gamers beyond the "kids" market that they've always engaged, there isn't much new with the DSi to support that. Significant gamer demographic groups are being ignored, and there continues to be limited opportunities for games from external publishers to do well on the DSi. Compare that with the PSP platform, where we have many blockbuster franchises from our publishing partners launching this year, representing a wide variety of genres and targeting diverse demographics. Games such as Rock Band Unplugged from MTV Games, Assassin's Creed from Ubisoft, Dissidia Final Fantasy from Square Enix, and Hannah Montana from Disney demonstrate the commitment that publishers have to the PSP. From our own first-party studios, we're launching unique versions of LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm, and we're also planning a steady stream of downloadable games -- both new titles and PSone classics -- to add to the content that PSP owners can already purchase wirelessly through PlayStation Store."

What? I don't think the DS has been considered a "kids" system for the better part of three years. Did I somehow buy the DS that had great games launching on it constantly and everyone else get the one that didn't evolve past its first year of releases? Oh, and someone over at Sony might want to check the monthly sales charts of DS games because third parties rule them (as does Nintendo). Speaking ill of your competition is par for the course, but if you're going to do it at least keep your twisted truths slighty truthful.


Continue: More Sony stories





prev next

42 comments | showing # 1 to 42

Justice's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:03
Justice
So to sum up what they said:

Rainbowblack's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:16
Rainbowblack
reatcion images were made for times like this

lol Hannah Montana,
Discarded Couch Sandwich's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:19
Discarded Couch Sandwich
Does PR speak do any favours in convincing anyone anything?... Ever!

Because the only forseeable target for the kind of company smack-talk are the kids who need to be told that their system is better, or more "grown-up" or whatever...
Are they the ones Sony are gunning toward with this statement?

It completely confuses me why every company in this industry must constantly put its voice forward with ill informed advice, and expect regular people to belive it! Dont they all realise that this makes them look stupider, rather than smarter?
pascuz46's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:24
pascuz46
Sony's marketing staff should stop talkin shit about nintendo and start advertising there console much better, ie the PS3.
eternalplayer2345's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:33
eternalplayer2345
Cleary DSi is a kid system, while PSP is for the mature gamer. I don't know about you guys but I had my hannah montanna game preorder for months.
nilcam's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:35
nilcam
Ahhh, Sony marketing. If I were in that department, I would have started singing the praises of being able to download PSP and PSone games before Nintendo even announced the DSi. Once again, Sony marketing fails.
Steve Cebu's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:38
Steve Cebu
Sony would be better served if they talked up their own system instead of dissing Nintendo. The problem is Sony has lagged so far behind with games and focused on hardware that the PSP has a lot of crap as well as not all that many games as it is. I have a DS but mostly my wife and aunt play it. I prefer the BIG screen over a portable except for travelling. But Sony needs to start buying more exclusive games for both PS3 and PSP. Plus fix the screen issues with the PSP. We play games not hardware. Sony really needs to start offering more money for exclusives.
Topher Cantler's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:40
Topher Cantler
You leave suuuuch a baaaaad taste
Sowuh grayyypes
I don't need yooouu anyway
OmegaPlatinum's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 09:57
OmegaPlatinum
I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice Hannah Montana in Sony's games list.
networkingyuppy's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 10:08
networkingyuppy
PSP-Babies
DS- Kids
-Just a bunch of babies dissing the other kid's fortune. Ha. Big kid @ heart here just playing with his handhelds.
gatorsax2010's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 10:20
gatorsax2010
lol

That's all that need be said.
Steeldragon's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 10:30
Steeldragon
Sad thing is, it's what I expect from SCEA for the last few years now. They seem to cover both extremes in their immaturity, either boasting how better they are or whining that something is likely better than them so they have to appear to be the better system. Either way it's amusing for me to see what they're ranting about every time so I can laugh at their fail.
Woogity's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 10:38
Woogity
So he lists a Rock Band game, Final Fantasy game, and a Hannah Montana game. The DS has two Guitar Hero games, several Final Fantasy's, and I'm sure it must have a couple Hannah Montana games.
And he's bragging about the PSone classics? They've only put out 10 of those over 3 years, and it's crap like 2Xtreme.
DinnertimeNinja's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 10:56
DinnertimeNinja
"great games launching on it constantly" is an entirely subjective term.

I have both a PSP and a DS and they both get about equal play despite everyone always complaining about the PSP having no games.

Basically, the only "great" games that the DS has would be Elite Beat Agents, The World Ends with You, and now GTA:CW and Rhythm Heaven. Maybe Professor Layton if you're into that stuff, but the majority of the puzzles in the game were pretty boring really. Everything else are just rehashed Nintendo games with Mario, Mario Kart, and Chrono Trigger bringing nothing really worthwhile to the table.

The PSP doesn't see nearly as many releases but it's original lineup is really just as strong. LocoRoco (1 and 2), Patapon (1 and 2), Jeanne D'Arc, Crush, Killzone: Liberation, FF: Crisis Core. And I left out the games that people would argue as Sony "rehashes," like GoW: Chains of Olympus, Wipeout Pure, the two Syphon Filters, MGS:PO, Daxter, and Resistance: Retribution.

And undoubtedly, the DS is still seen by the public as a "kid's" machine.

I can take my PSP anywhere and people don't think anything of it, but when I play the DS someone always says something about me being a dork.

I love 'em both, but Sony's not entirely wrong here.
jjwet35's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:00
jjwet35
That great Hannah Montana game is clearly the one for us to watch. The PSP proves yet again it is full of non-kid titles.
jjwet35's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:12
jjwet35
dinnertime, you are clearly out of touch. those games you mentioned in your post, are only a few of the great games in the DS library from your limited exposure. just the past few months, retro game challenge, fire emblem shadow dragon, advance wars days of ruin, FFCC echoes of time, N+, bangai-o-spirits, GTA chinatown wars, henry hatsworth, moon, with dark spire coming later on this month just to name a few, are all great recent titles. you should spend more time finding great games for the DS system and playing them instead of writing dated comments.
SpiralViper's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:17
SpiralViper
As much as I like my PSP (FYI I have a DS as well, no plans to get a DSi), Sony seems to be kicking itself in the nuts way too often lately. That argument sounds like something an anti-PSP troll would post ironically.
MowDownJoe's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:26
MowDownJoe
I find it funny they call the DS a kids system, but they're the ones putting out a Hannah Montana special edition... left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing? (Seems to be a common theme at Sony...)
Monodi's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:27
Monodi
Maybe in 5 years the DS will have sharp definition textures as the PSP.

The PSP was a very promising handheld, I am what could be considered a Nintendo fanboy but I was pretty excited for it in 2004 for all the features and I was expecting lots of games. Never owned it by the end but it saddened me how it lacked of titles I was interested like Ratchet & Clank. At least LocoRoco and Patapon appeared years later which were very kick-ass but the DS was already catching my eye by then.
AgentMOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:33
AgentMOO
Oh Sony PR, you're so cute. Did you record this on your My first Sony?

Mabui's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 11:40
Mabui
I'm not really sure how to get hyped about DSi - Bigger screens is a bonus, DSi ware seems promising - yet it sacrifices the most important factor for a handheld. Battery Life.

The DS to DSi Battery life isn't just some small hit either. I think of all the things - that is probably the most unforgivable and least talked about.

"Director of Hardware Marketing" Obviously if this dude was doing his job better, he wouldn't have much to have sour grapes over.
whormongr's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 12:42
whormongr
the ds is really a kids system, I think that is one reason why it succeeds, not because of the casual gaming element, but moreso that you can put out stupid shitty games for it real easily and there are kids and parents not in touch enough to know that you can pirate them and plunk down 20-30 bucks for a shitty imagine game that isn't worth the money
personally if the psp games had a lower rice point and were in a solid state form instead of umd I would be more inclined to buy more games for it instead of pirating games- as it is I buy the games I want to support and rip them since I like having more than one game at a time on the machine, but with the lack of games that have come out and the price point it has been since sw unleashed that I have bought anything for the psp. talking with someone in the industry a while ago I do think that non fixed price points for games is coming and I do think that it will have a lot to do with overall growth including games for the psp which I hope happens

though I have to say that as much as I want the psp to make larger strides, it is going to take more than hannah montana and motorstorm to do it, they need a lot more 3rd party titles to make the device solvent
Zero Atma's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 12:43
Zero Atma
@Discarded Couch Sandwich
And shareholders. This sort of PR is often more for investors who don't understand the gaming world and base decisions (in part) off of this sort of stuff.
Dv8thwonder's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 13:01
Dv8thwonder
worst bottle of vino I've ever tasted.
Harris Hatsworth's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 13:06
Harris Hatsworth
Because if Nintendo has a single problem it's with reaching a wide audience with their systems.
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 13:21
Chronic Logic
Nice going Sony, way to be a dick. Not only that, but it makes people think you're just jealous because Nintendo is still printing money.
monkeyspoon5's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 13:44
monkeyspoon5
Note: Perhaps the DS is considered a "kids" system here, but have you seen Japan? Holy crap guys.
Naim Master's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 14:22
Naim Master
OMFG , COMPANIES PROTECT THEIR SYSTEMS , ARE YOU CEREAL ?
pedrovay2003's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 15:31
pedrovay2003
So wait, Sony's not full of Nintendo fans?
SubOrbital's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 15:40
SubOrbital
Lol listen to all the bitter Sony bitches here, including Sony themselves. I think Sony should just concentrate on fixing their own problems instead of taking the pathetic, childish approach of knocking the competition for succeeding. The DS is a great machine, not as powerful as the PSP, but it has better games, especially for some good hardcore RPGs and the like. I don't find those games to be 'kiddish' at all, unless the kids who play the DS are markedly more intelligent than the kids who play the PSP. Sour grapes don't taste good to anyone, Sony.
Occams electric toothbrush's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 16:04
Occams electric toothbrush
Sony has a rather serious case of sandy vagina.
Neeklus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 17:34
Neeklus
The DS is not a kids machine. Nor is it a hardcore gamer machine. I sell a lot of these to people from the whole age spectrum. Few of my gamer friends own a DS, however, and neither do they own a PSP.
Projectexodus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/05/2009 18:38
Projectexodus
Ehm, Sony? This "kids system" is outselling your PSP by 50 million units, go figure.

Also, calling the DS a kids system is just silly. It's the developers own fault for not putting out more mature games for it. But yeah, if you're one of those macho manly-mens, who needs to play gritty, ultra-violent, bloody, "mature" games to boost your imaginary manlihood, then the DS is probably not for you.
MarkoPolo42's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 02:12
MarkoPolo42
Funny part is Sony is releasing a Hannah Montana themed PSP..it's purple. Totally not for kids!

Oh yeah GTA is better on the DS than it is on PSP too.
Sexualchocolate's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 05:50
Sexualchocolate
I personally think of the DS (and the DSi) as kiddies handhelds. I mean come on, Nintendogs? Animal Crossing? Brain Training? Pokemon? Sure they threw GTA in there, just to TRY to expand their market, but I would imagine 90% of the people playing Chinatown are actually underage. They're aimed at kids and women.

The people I know with DS's are..

4 - female
6 - male
10 (x2) - male
17 - male (blatantly gay)
22 - female
23 - female

My PSPing buddies are...

24 - male (me)
26 - male
28 (x2) -1 female 1 male

So uh, yeah, as far as i can see they are bang on the money. When you can play Manhunt, Monster Hunter, God of War (or something similar) on DSi I will personally consider it to have branched out from the kids and girls market.

How about some DSi porn? - You know like the UMD porn. I think porn is the tell tale factor in a handhelds target demographic.
Projectexodus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 06:25
Projectexodus
@Sexualchocolate
Just because it has games that appeal to all age groups, still doesn't make it a kids system. All the games you listed can be played (and enjoyed) by adult males.

I don't know about you guys, but the day I'm forced to just play Racers, Sports, and violent FPS games, just because that's whats appropriate to my age group, is the day I quit playing videogames.
Sexualchocolate's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 08:10
Sexualchocolate
Gay above.

Off you go, you'd better get back to your Nintendog!
Monodi's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 16:39
Monodi
Gay above.

Obvious troll.
Chack's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 16:50
Chack
The DS is an "E" system (for everyone). PSP aims for a teen-adult audience in its majority, just look at the games libraries of each console. I'm a DS owner, I have several 20+ years-old friends who also own this console and we've seen how great games it has.

Of course the "great games" phrase is subjective, but sadly for me, the PSP doesn't have enough original games to be interesting to me. Most of PSP games are ports that I already played in my PC, why buy the same game again which also doesn't look (and plays) as good as in my Computer?

This is just whinning because Sony's handheld is not selling good enough.
Dexter345's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/06/2009 23:52
Dexter345
Hah. I sometimes wonder if they're actually this deluded or they just have to be to be in PR.
ChaosSeven's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/07/2009 15:16
ChaosSeven
Its called advertising! If Sony nearly made as much fuss as Nintendo did with their systems, they could be actually going places instead of killing jobs, freezing wages and bickering with the likes of Nintendo and Microsoft.

I recently bought a PSP 3000, i think it's awesome and It has a wide variety of cheap great games for MY needs and I wouldn't change it for the new DSi, but seriously, Sony needs to get a grip and put their money where their damn mouth is.
prev next

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 56711 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