PlayStation Portable Remains a Gamer's Device

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld gaming device is capable of more than games. It can play video content, music, and display photos, but emphasis among users remains on the games. According to data released from the “Mobile Entertainment Platforms and Services” report published by Parks Associates, only six percent of those who intend to buy the unit are interested in playing video content.

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Sony made pre-recorded video available on the system’s Universal Media Disc (UMD). Downloadable content can also be played on the PSP. Downloadable video content offered by Sony often contains streaming ads in a preroll format. Some content available as advertainment. Parks Associates doesn’t differentiate between the pre-recorded and downloadable formats in the report, but cites a lack of relevant available content as one reason for the adoption lag.

“There are not that many commercial titles available yet. Almost 70 titles are available or will be released by the end of this year, though the titles are targeted toward gamers,” Harry Wong, research associate at Parks Associates told ClickZ Stats. He also addressed downloadable content, “PSP [will need to] provide a better offering for video fans, they will have to make the download practice easier to access, and offer a library with more choices.”

Driving factors for people who have purchased or intend to purchase a PSP are more focused on gaming. Graphics rank as the most important factor at 43 percent; gaming capabilities and the number of games carry equal importance with 29 percent of respondents respectively.