PSP digital sales up by 200%

The launch of the first major download-only gaming device would always be looked at with lots of interest, as well as scepticism. However, it looks like the launch has been met with great success so far according to Sony. Sony says U.S. PSP hardware sales, as well as digital downloads have soared since the launch of the PSPgo on October 1.

“The launch of PSPgo has generated strong consumer interest in the overall PSP platform and the PlayStation Network’s digital content offering,” a SCEA spokesperson told IGN. “In the three days since the Oct. 1 launch of PSPgo, our top retail partners experienced a 300 percent lift in PSP hardware sales compared to the prior week same period.”

That’s great news, but what about game sales? Well according to Sony downloads of PSP games off PSN have soared by over 200%. This along with a major deal between Sony and major online retailer “Amazon” to help distribute digital content found on PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3 and PSP platforms means that digital downloadable gaming seems to be a success, at least for the moment.

“The launch of the PSPgo has generated a significant increase in revenue for PlayStation Network, driven by a 200 percent lift in PSP game downloads purchased from PlayStation Store,” the spokesperson added. “With several blockbuster games launching digitally and on UMD in the coming weeks — from LittleBigPlanet to Assassin’s Creed Bloodlines — we expect this momentum to continue and look forward to a strong holiday season for both the PSPgo and PSP-3000.”

Does this lead us to believe that the end of optical storage gaming will soon be a thing of the past? Well, although digital downloads seem the way of the future, I hope it will not be the case. Having said that, the successful launch is great for Sony and the industry itself. Source

PS3Blog European PSN Store Update 25 January 2012: Only two things to really look out for with this week... http://t.co/JgQw20fj

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