Sony says DSi are for 12 year olds

Stole this from System Wars:

Sony director of hardware marketing John Koller has suggested that the DSi might not be enough to help Nintendo widen its user base beyond a youth audience. He went on to tell Gizmodo that the DSi would likely follow in the successful footsteps of the DS Lite, sales of which have dominated the handheld market globally, but questioned whether the new portable had the potential to widen Nintendo's user base, which he said consisted mainly of children.

Will DSi do well with the DS's demographic? It probably will. Will it be a product that expands their user base beyond under 12? I'm not sure," he added.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=198761

If you actually read the post, the guy from sony is saying that the DSi will sell hugely BUT it wont widen Nintendo's fanbase.clyde46

I'm not actually sure how Nintendo could widen the DS fanbase. Everyone and their mother already has one.

I don't think there is a way they can expand fanbase on the DS. They are aiming for the Pokemon effect, and want each Lite owner to get a DSi.

Or two.

Sony said Rumble was last gen...

I would disagree...especially since I say these commercials the other day.

Liv Tyler

America Ferrara

Carrie Underwood.

How much was it going to retail for again? Around $180+? I doubt that not many parents are willing to shell out that much money for their children, especially for a handheld. Usually its the cheaper alternatives that win out in the end.BladesOfAthena

lol, so true. Its funny that DS is supposed to be that cheaper alternative!

My cousin had been asking his mom for a PSP ever since he saw my launch PSP, but had to settle for a DS (and other ridiculous things, kids sure know how to waste their parent's hard earned cash!) until I got him a PSP last christmas. Playing movies, music, games all on the same machine is as facsinating to kids as it is for grown ups like me.*

*I cant believe I just referred to myself as a grown up!

A more correct statement would probably be "appeals to 12 year olds". I'd say MOST people who have a DS already use it for games, and probably have a cell phone (with a camera and MP3 player), a discrete MP3 player and camera and what not, and who but someone younger would need to have this frivolous addition?

There's just no market for this update.

I would disagree...especially since I say these commercials the other day.

Liv Tyler

America Ferrara

Carrie Underwood.

viewtiful26

wow at Liv Taylor! How come she's still smokin hot? wow, just wow!!!!

The Carrie Underwood commercial was just plain retarded, if she's got a real dog with her then why is she playing with a virtual dog???

Ridiculous. Brain Training (whose catchphrase was 'Can you remember what you had for breakfast this morning?') makes it abundantly clear that people loooong past 12 are a big chunk of DS owners.CarnageHeart

You can claim the ds is for all ages...but let's be honest. The DS was always marketted at kids. Even the games are kids fare. There are some hardcores that will get any system regardless of the demo it was focused for. The bulk of ds owners are tweens.Joystick_n_hand

Furthermore, your assertion that the DS was "Always marketed at kids" is flat out false, as applications like Brain Training and so forth were both created for, and rather agressively marketed to, adult casual and non-gamers moreso than any other sector, including a rather rigorous ad campaign on channels like Discovery and The Learning Channel.

lol, so true. Its funny that DS is supposed to be that cheaper alternative!

My cousin had been asking his mom for a PSP ever since he saw my launch PSP, but had to settle for a DS (and other ridiculous things, kids sure know how to waste their parent's hard earned cash!) until I got him a PSP last christmas. Playing movies, music, games all on the same machine is as facsinating to kids as it is for grown ups like me.*

*I cant believe I just referred to myself as a grown up!

S0lidSnake

Awww....how thoughtful of you.

A more correct statement would probably be "appeals to 12 year olds". I'd say MOST people who have a DS already use it for games, and probably have a cell phone (with a camera and MP3 player), a discrete MP3 player and camera and what not, and who but someone younger would need to have this frivolous addition?

There's just no market for this update.

SemiMaster

They may have select markets, but I wouldn't say there's no market for such features.

At this point, what else CAN Sony say? That they misread the market? That they got their rectums kicked?

If anything, I'd say they should just say nothing. The handheld fight is over. It was a good scrap for a while, but Nintendo killed Sony. I wouldn't even be willing to wager on whether or not there will be a PSP2 at this point. There's no money or benefit for Sony to stay in the handheld space. They aren't selling software, which is where the money is, and there aren't many games coming out on it. It's kind of dead, or at the very least -- dying.

[QUOTE="SemiMaster"]

A more correct statement would probably be "appeals to 12 year olds". I'd say MOST people who have a DS already use it for games, and probably have a cell phone (with a camera and MP3 player), a discrete MP3 player and camera and what not, and who but someone younger would need to have this frivolous addition?

There's just no market for this update.

Skylock00

They may have select markets, but I wouldn't say there's no market for such features.

Well there are similiar applications for PDAs, Phones, and I believe even the PSP. So technically no market is not the valid thing to say, you're correct, but this is more of a replacement update, rather than "OMG I GOTTA GO GET TEH NEW DS!!

But are you seriously going to get one of these to replace your currently existing DS which like I said, I assume functions as a gaming platform while any of the other technology out there functions as it's main purpose?

At this point, what else CAN Sony say? That they misread the market? That they got their rectums kicked?

If anything, I'd say they should just say nothing. The handheld fight is over. It was a good scrap for a while, but Nintendo killed Sony. I wouldn't even be willing to wager on whether or not there will be a PSP2 at this point. There's no money or benefit for Sony to stay in the handheld space. They aren't selling software, which is where the money is, and there aren't many games coming out on it. It's kind of dead, or at the very least -- dying.

Shame-usBlackley

As much as I hated reading your post... sadly, It's true. I think Sony messed up by NOT making PSP a portable PS2. Just imagine being able to play all your PS2 games on the go... yes the graphics would've taken a hit, but they shouldve made sure their UMDs were big enough to store at least 4.7 gigs of data, they shouldve solved that memory problem! They should've included two analog STICKS instead of that ****** disk, PSP wouldnt even need its own library with all those PS2 games coming out. Heck, some devs are still making PS2 games!

As much as I hated reading your post... sadly, It's true. I think Sony messed up by NOT making PSP a portable PS2. Just imagine being able to play all your PS2 games on the go... yes the graphics would've taken a hit, but they shouldve made sure their UMDs were big enough to store at least 4.7 gigs of data, they shouldve solved that memory problem! They should've included two analog STICKS instead of that retarded disk, PSP wouldnt even need its own library with all those PS2 games coming out. Heck, some devs are still making PS2 games!

S0lidSnake

I think what they should've done is use memory sticks as game media instead UMDS, as they are far more durable and that there would no loading times, which I believe is part of what doomed the PSP from the beginning.

Well there are similiar applications for PDAs, Phones, and I believe even the PSP. So technically no market is not the valid thing to say, you're correct, but this is more of a replacement update, rather than "OMG I GOTTA GO GET TEH NEW DS!!

But are you seriously going to get one of these to replace your currently existing DS which like I said, I assume functions as a gaming platform while any of the other technology out there functions as it's main purpose?

SemiMaster

The main draw for the DSi, for me, would be DSWare, as it would be housing not only games, but most likely varying types of applications for different applications that, yes, would also be found on things like PDAs/Phones, but from what I suspect, a lot of the funcationalities that we see here are not for the US market in mind, but the Japanese market, hence why the DSi is getting rolled out there next month, but we're not seeing it for several more months.

As much as I hated reading your post... sadly, It's true. I think Sony messed up by NOT making PSP a portable PS2. Just imagine being able to play all your PS2 games on the go... yes the graphics would've taken a hit, but they shouldve made sure their UMDs were big enough to store at least 4.7 gigs of data, they shouldve solved that memory problem! They should've included two analog STICKS instead of that ******* disk, PSP wouldnt even need its own library with all those PS2 games coming out. Heck, some devs are still making PS2 games!

S0lidSnake

Yeah, that's been the big issue. If it could replicate the PS2 experience on the road, then it'd be much better off in my opinion. The problem is that when it comes to controlling these games, it feels like you need to be an octopus, and that's no good. Hell, at this point, I'd be all for Sony adding a patch in that makes a Sixaxis or DS3 controller work with the PSP. I mean, it would be easy as hell to implement, and they could release a little easel that the PSP sat in so you could plop it on a desk or a plane tray and play with conventional controls.

And yeah, if the PSP had somehow been able to use PS2 games (be it by straight port or downloads), it would've fared better. I also think piracy is killing the PSP. I've read reports of games being cracked before they even go on sale. It's gotten ridiculous.

I feel your pain though, man. If you ever feel like scouring through my post history back to '05, you'll see that I was one of the biggest proponents of the PSP. I really, really thought it was going to take over the handheld space.

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

As much as I hated reading your post... sadly, It's true. I think Sony messed up by NOT making PSP a portable PS2. Just imagine being able to play all your PS2 games on the go... yes the graphics would've taken a hit, but they shouldve made sure their UMDs were big enough to store at least 4.7 gigs of data, they shouldve solved that memory problem! They should've included two analog STICKS instead of that retarded disk, PSP wouldnt even need its own library with all those PS2 games coming out. Heck, some devs are still making PS2 games!

BladesOfAthena

I think what they should've done is use memory sticks as game media instead UMDS, as they are far more durable and that there would no loading times, which I believe is part of what doomed the PSP from the beginning.

Yup, they could've done that... but not back in 2005. I remember paying $150 for a 1GB Pro Duo back then. 4GB still retails for a hefty $40, dont know if that would've been a plausible choice.

[QUOTE="SemiMaster"]

Well there are similiar applications for PDAs, Phones, and I believe even the PSP. So technically no market is not the valid thing to say, you're correct, but this is more of a replacement update, rather than "OMG I GOTTA GO GET TEH NEW DS!!

But are you seriously going to get one of these to replace your currently existing DS which like I said, I assume functions as a gaming platform while any of the other technology out there functions as it's main purpose?

Skylock00

The main draw for the DSi, for me, would be DSWare, as it would be housing not only games, but most likely varying types of applications for different applications that, yes, would also be found on things like PDAs/Phones, but from what I suspect, a lot of the funcationalities that we see here are not for the US market in mind, but the Japanese market, hence why the DSi is getting rolled out there next month, but we're not seeing it for several more months.

I suppose the DS ware is the biggest draw to the hardcore community, but how many people who actually purchased a Nintendo system can consider themselves the hardcore faithful who actually use peripherals and other functions besides the latest game based on a movie?

And Sony is just as guilty with releasing the PSP 2000 and then 3000, but like I said, neither of the new models should shatter sales records.

Hmph. Sure, Many 12 year olds play the DS, so do many 17 year olds, and 20 year olds, and so on...

I have nothing against Sony, I have a PS2 and PSP myself, but sheesh, they really gotta stop saying such silly things.

Sony should focus on building TV's and drop the console's race. The DS is the only Nintendo console I'm respectful of.Rampanterage

Umm, hell no.

Videogames account for a huge portion of their revenues plus they're just as important to the industry as MS and Nintendo.

At this point, what else CAN Sony say? That they misread the market? That they got their rectums kicked?

If anything, I'd say they should just say nothing. The handheld fight is over. It was a good scrap for a while, but Nintendo killed Sony. I wouldn't even be willing to wager on whether or not there will be a PSP2 at this point. There's no money or benefit for Sony to stay in the handheld space. They aren't selling software, which is where the money is, and there aren't many games coming out on it. It's kind of dead, or at the very least -- dying.

Shame-usBlackley

Come again? How are you sure of Sony's intent on the gaming market. The PSP has sold nearly 39 million units, nearly 2 times what the Xbox360 has sold in the same timespan. How can anyone with basic math skills see that as a failure. Ive said it before and I will say it again. the Nintendo DS is NOT a direct competitor for the PSP! It is clearly marketed at the "Fisher-Price" crowd. They sell Nintendo DS purses for crying out loud. PURSES! Touchy screens , tiny plastic pens and outdated graphics will only please those under the age of 12.

Come again? How are you sure of Sony's intent on the gaming market. The PSP has sold nearly 39 million units, nearly 2 times what the Xbox360 has sold in the same timespan. How can anyone with basic math skills see that as a failure. Ive said it before and I will say it again. the Nintendo DS is NOT a direct competitor for the PSP! It is clearly marketed at the "Fisher-Price" crowd. They sell Nintendo DS purses for crying out loud. PURSES! Touchy screens , tiny plastic pens and outdated graphics will only please those under the age of 12.
ThisCurse

Because the money is made on software, and how often have you seen a PSP game crack the top 20 in the NPD in America? Has it ever happened?

The DS is its own thing, but erasing the DS from the equation entirely, the PSP is still on the brink of being a commercial failure. As I said before, it's hard for people to wrap their heads around how a system can have a forty million installed base, but month after month, no game sales, but that's what appears to be the case for the PSP.

EDIT: Here's a hint, dude: When the president of a company has to publicly decry/beg third-parties for more support? It's over.

Come again? How are you sure of Sony's intent on the gaming market. The PSP has sold nearly 39 million units, nearly 2 times what the Xbox360 has sold in the same timespan. How can anyone with basic math skills see that as a failure. Ive said it before and I will say it again. the Nintendo DS is NOT a direct competitor for the PSP! It is clearly marketed at the "Fisher-Price" crowd. They sell Nintendo DS purses for crying out loud. PURSES! Touchy screens , tiny plastic pens and outdated graphics will only please those under the age of 12.

ThisCurse

Oh, and Sony, as well as other accessory manufacturers, has made fashion bags and carrying purses for the PSP, too, just to let you know. So I guess PSP's are just as "Fisher-Price" as the Nintendo DS.

Sony, as well as other accessory manufacturers, has made fashion bags and carrying purses for the PSP, too, just to let you know. So I guess PSP's are just as "Fisher-Price" as the Nintendo DS.

Skylock00

I dont see them on the store shelves, sure on Ebay from Japanese vendors, but you have to agree thats a different crowd over there. And, NO, the PSP is much more technilogically advanced, you cant fairly even put them in the same class.Its like comparing a Kia to a Ferrari.

And I am NOT slamming the DS, people love it, people support it, but as the thread title says........it is aimed at 12 year olds.

[QUOTE="Skylock00"]

Sony, as well as other accessory manufacturers, has made fashion bags and carrying purses for the PSP, too, just to let you know. So I guess PSP's are just as "Fisher-Price" as the Nintendo DS.

ThisCurse

I dont see them on the store shelves, sure on Ebay from Japanese vendors, but you have to agree thats a different crowd over there. And, NO, the PSP is much more technilogically advanced, you cant fairly even put them in the same class.Its like comparing a Kia to a Ferrari.

And I am NOT slamming the DS, people love it, people support it, but as the thread title says........it is aimed at 12 year olds.

It is absolutely not something that is soley made/marketed for 12 year olds. Furthermore, my stance wasn't about whether you could get PSP purses in stores or not...but simply pointing out the fact that Sony makes these sorts of things themselves (Selling some of them for almost $120 bucks) while you are trying to use that point to trumpet the DS as being a kids-only system.