Sony Drops PSP Go Price For Japan, U.S.

Sony Computer Entertainment today announced a major price reduction for the PSP Go in Japan and the U.S., according to Reuters. The cost of the handheld system is now reduced to $199 in the U.S., down from $249. Websites for retailers including GameStop, Walmart and Best Buy already reflect the price cut. In Japan, the download-only, disc-free handheld will drop from the current ¥26,800 ($330) to ¥16,800 ($208) this week. The reduction will bring the Japanese price of the machine in line with its disc-based cousin, the PSP-3000, which sells for $169.99 in the U.S. While the original PSP has enjoyed widespread success in Japan, the PSP Go has struggled by comparison since its Japanese launch on November 1 last year. The system has no UMD drive, limiting content to digital downloads. According to Sony, as of the end of September, PSP Go owners have access to over 590 game titles, 1,250 pieces of video content, and 2,200 comic episodes. However, some analysts have pointed to the inability to transfer existing UMD discs to digital format is also a barrier to entry for potential buyers. The PSP Go hardware launched in North America and the UK on October 1 last year for $249 and £224.99, respectively.