Kaz Hirai says PSPgo decision not influenced by iPhone
'App Store games are not comparable to the ones on PSP,' claims Sony boss
Speaking to The Guardian, Sony boss Kaz Hirai has played down comments that the handheld hardware re-jig, the PSPgo, was at all influenced by the success of the iPhone.
"[The iPhone] has nothing to do with our decision," he replies, when asked about the success of the Apple handset and the App Store. "Everyone talks about the App Store having games but the types of games the App Store offers are completely different from the game experience we are presenting to consumers on the PSP."
He goes on to point out that physical buttons are the most important factor when it comes to PSP games, and that "...soft on-screen buttons are totally different to proper controls."
"Look at Gran Turismo or Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker," he continues. "These are games that are meant to be played on devices like the PSP where you have physical buttons."
Essentially, this is a point worth making. In one sentence, he highlights the flaw and the strength of Sony's new approach. While Metal Gear Solid Touch turned out to not work all that well without physical controls, Hirai has conveniently overlooked the accelerometer and the superb control system it provides for games such as Real Racing.
"Games are all called "games" but the ones on the App Store are not comparable to the ones on PSP," he concludes.
Just for fun, let's say Pocket Gamer sent you a cheque for £200(ish). Which would you buy: an iPhone/iPod touch, or a PSPgo?
