Is PSP still selling?
The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was a highly anticipated handheld console released by Sony in 2005. The PSP was known for its sleek design, high-quality games, and impressive multimedia capabilities. Despite being discontinued in 2014, many consumers still wonder if the PSP is still selling. In this article, we will examine the current market status of the PSP and explore its value to fans and collectors.
Hardware Shipments and Production
According to sources, hardware shipments of the PSP ended worldwide in 2014, effectively marking the end of the console’s manufacturing cycle. This means that Sony did not produce any new PSP consoles beyond that year. While new supply of PSPs might arise from refurbished or pre-owned sources, there is no chance of Sony releasing new units into the market.
UMD (Universal Media Disc) Discontinuance
Another factor to consider is the discontinuance of PSP’s UMD (Universal Media Disc) format. UMDs began to end when the last Japanese factory producing them closed in late 2016, making it difficult for fans to acquire brand new games. While it may not affect the PSP console itself, UMD discontinuation impacted gamers’ ability to play newly released games on the device.
Residual Sales and Value
So, have PSP sales ceased completely? While they are not as rampant as during their peak, some PSP titles and consoles still make up a small percentage of total PSP sales. The majority of sales tend to come from resales and refurbishments of existing PSP units or bundles at discounted prices. As the retro gaming market grows, more fans discover the PSP and seek to add to their collections, sustaining these residual sales.
Marketplaces and Online Stores
The following are marketplaces and online stores where PSP goods can still be found:
- eBay – offers new and refurbished PSP consoles, UMD games, and bundles at varied prices.
- Amazon – sell PSP games, bundles, and accessories, often with new stock delivered within a few days.
- Local Game Stores – Visit dedicated retro gaming stores, and many may still carry PSP stock.
- GOG (Good Old Games) – Although not a dedicated PSP distributor, GOG sometimes includes retro games on their platform.
Are PSP Games Worth Collecting?
Whether PSP games are worth collecting varies depending on the title’s popularity and value. Some rare or out-of-print games have sold for high prices among enthusiasts. Collectors are seeking specific titles, like exclusive indie games or Japanese releases, with values ranging from a few tens to hundreds of dollars. While mainstream titles might be easily acquired and held at lower values, it pays to research the rarity and market value of the specific game.
Why Were PSP Sales Low to Start?
Upon its initial launch, the PSP received a generally lukewarm response from critics and gamers, attributed partly to:
• High Pricepoint: The PSP launched with an MSRP of $249/CA$299, a substantial barrier for many potential buyers.
• Insufficient Exclusive Titles: Lacking a robust lineup of unique PSP-developed games, many were discouraged from purchasing.
• Online Capabilities: Early adoption concerns about PSP’s lackluster online capabilities, especially comparing to the Nintendo DS.
Will Sony Revive PSP Production?
Given the officially discontinued status, new PSP production is unlikely. Unless a surprise rebrand or revamp of the console (doubtful as of now), PSP fanatics will have to rely on finding old stock or second-hand reselling.
In Conclusion
Are PSPs still selling? Although discontinuation in 2014 put the finishing touches on new PSP hardware supplies, residual sales, particularly from refurbished or pre-owned markets continue to exist. Fans still flock to retro gaming communities and purchasing rare and rare titles from various sources, proving that the PSP holds residual value. For collectors, these valuable finds often lead to successful trading and negotiation endeavors within the gaming community.