Sony’s launch into the portable gaming market was met with mixed response; the PSP played host to plenty of phenomenal games, but the hardware itself never seemed quite up to the task. Low batteries, fragile disc casings, and a laughable thumb nub often made for a frustrating experience. Potential for something great was there, however, and Sony’s recently announced follow-up could potentially correct every one of the first handheld’s faults. Codenamed as the Next Generation Portable, or NGP, the long-rumored PSP2 has finally graced the world with a photo op. But aside from what’s already been shown, what can be done to avoid a fate similar to its older brother?
Please don’t make this the NGP’s future.
Portable devices almost always turn into a ported-game landfill during some point in their lives, and no handheld has ever been more susceptible to this than the upcoming NGP. It’s essentially upgraded hardware with new features and a PS2 controller wrapped around the package. Considering the PS2’s incredible library, a monsoon of established classics could easily plague the NGP’s release schedule for a few years.
If that sounds as ridiculous as I tried to make it, I’m glad! Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with revisiting classic games. The problem with treating handhelds as re-release platforms, however, is that it sets a negative example for everyone else to follow. If developers can just rehash previous titles to cash in on everyone’s nostalgia, then what’s the point of using the resources to develop an IP that isn’t guaranteed an audience?
Luckily, Sony can at least discourage this from happening. By adding PS2 games to the Playstation Store, a wider selection of classic games would be made available quickly enough to deter complete ports. The prices of digital copies would likely be low enough for gamers to be willing to buy into the nostalgia, and the NGP’s finest exclusive games would revolve around the system’s unique strengths rather than the company’s decorated past. (more…)
