How Sony Should Counter the Nintendo DSi

Set for April 5^th, the Nintendo DSi is already setting preorder records. Nintendo even warned about a possible shortage due to incredible demand. Without a doubt, the Nintendo DSi will further widen the gap between the Nintendo DS and the PSP. So how can Sony counter against Nintendo? Let's take a look at several options Sony could take with their PSP.

Price Drop

Sony can immediately counter against the Nintendo DSi by announcing a price drop. The redesign model for the Nintendo DS will retail for $169.99, the same price as the PSP currently. It has been two years since Sony dropped the price of their handheld system from $199.99 to $169.99. Thus, the PSP is long overdue for a reduction. By doing so, Sony can cut some of the hype out of the Nintendo DSi.

Digital Distribution

The Nintendo DSi could also hurt Sony in another area other than sales. Nintendo will introduce DSiWare, a handheld digital distribution store, along with their remodeled system.

The PSP already has its own digital distribution store in the Playstation Store. However, Sony has dropped the ball so far with very little releases. In order to prevent the DSiWare from overtaking the Playstation Store quickly, Sony needs to be more aggressive with digital distribution on the PSP. That means more PSOne Classics, UMD Legacy and brand new original downloadable titles.

PSP Redesign

Ultimately, Sony will need to significantly redesign the PSP in order to compete against the hotly-anticipated Nintendo DSi. So what does the new PSP needs to do in order to counter Nintendo's newest handheld system? Here are three possibilities.

Touch Screen

The touch screen on the Nintendo DS was seen as a gimmick by many when it was revealed. Throughout the years, however, Nintendo proved that this feature is essential to any handheld device. Therefore, Sony needs to include touch functionality to the PSP. Although they may be accused of copying Nintendo as a result, that didn't stop them before.

UMD Drive Removal

The UMD has been proven to be a failed format for Sony. It doesn't really add any value to the PSP. In fact, removing the drive can create several benefits. The first is the reduced load times from PSP games, which can now load from a faster storage medium. In addition, the removal could also result in lower costs for consumers. Not to mention the new space could be used for a new feature.

Memory

With the removal of the UMD drive, Sony will need to go with complete digital distribution. Since the current PSP Core Pack doesn't come with any Memory Pro Duo sticks, Sony should consider adding one in the future. The size will have to be 2 GB since the size limit for the UMD is 1.8 GB. This might be a huge road block for Sony if they decide to remove the UMD drive and take the digital distribution route.

While Sony won't be able to stop the Nintendo DSi, these steps should allow the PSP to stay competitive in the handheld gaming market.