What Sony Must Address at GamesCon 2009

Europe has emerged to become the second biggest video game market behind North America. Out of the big three console manufactures, Sony has paid the most attention to the emerging region. As a result, Europe is the strongest region for the Playstation 3 and the second strongest for the PSP. Sony also has a strong presence in trade shows and conventions held in Europe. This is especially true this year with GamesCon 2009 (held from August 19^th - August 23^rd). Sony has some big plans for what may be the biggest convention (in terms of visitors) of the year. Here are several subjects Sony must address at GamesCon 2009.

Fall Lineup
Both hardware and software sales for the PSP and Playstation 3 have declined significantly so far in 2009. Unless Sony recovers in the big holiday season, they will have a severely disappoint year. Thus, GamesCon 2009 will be big for them. They need to showcase the biggest exclusive games this fall for the Playstation 3 (Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time) and PSP (LittleBigPlanet and Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier). Furthermore, revealing a 2009 date for Gran Turismo 5 on the Playstation 3 would be big for Sony this fall.

PSP Go
Since being revealed in June, the PSP Go has gotten less than flattering reviews. The main complaint so far has to do with the price tag, which is a hefty $249.99 in North America. With the officially launch just a few months away, Sony really need a strong showing at GamesCon 2009 in order to beef up demand. A price drop announcement would do wonders for the PSP Go.

Playstation 3 Slim
The Playstation 3 Slim has been rumored for many months now and seems to be all but confirmed at this point. GamesCon 2009 is the perfect time to introduce the slimmer, and more importantly, cheaper new model. The cost-effective Playstation 3 slim should also pave the way for Sony to announce a price drop. With hardware sales declining for the Playstation 3 in 2009, Sony surely needs to cut the price as soon as possible.

New Exclusive Games
Finally, it wouldn't be GamesCon 2009 without new games announcements. Last year, Sony revealed EyePet and Heavy Rain at the same event. Although the event may not be as big as E3 and the Tokyo Games Show in terms of announcements, GamesCon 2009 is still a great platform to introduce new games. While Sony may have revealed plenty already this year, their development is big enough to contain several announced projects.