PSP World

Could Sony Merge PSN Service on PSP and PS3?

Handheld gaming systems and consoles should go together like Mario and Luigi, but the dream of a fully integrated portable device has yet to be realized. If Sony could manage to successfully merge the PSN on both its systems, this would go some distance toward creating the ultimate handheld gaming experience. Imagine being able to play downloadable PSN games on both your PS3 and handheld right from purchase, or seamlessly enter HOME from wherever you happened to be. All of these things would be possible if the PSN were made compatible across mobile and home-based hardware.

Since the launch of the Playstation Portable, much has been said about the possibility of connecting the handheld with Sony's console counterparts. Early on there was talk of using it as a rear-view mirror in Gran Turismo, a dream that didn't quite materialize. Other games have made some use of PSP connectivity, such as Resistance Retribution, which allows players to "infect" their characters by connecting the device up with a PS3. However the overall enthusiasm by game developers for cross-connectivity has been slim to zero. And why should they get excited about pimping cross-compatibility? After all it just means more work for them as they have to think about coding for a separate platform, with little evidence that such schemes promote greater sales. Most cross-platform connectivity up until now seems like it was designed to satisfy a bullet point for Sony marketing execs.

There is one way that the company could significantly connect its handheld and home-based product offerings, and that is by merging the Playstation Network to make it accessible from both machines. If the PSN was built to be cross-compatible with different devices, it would make it easier for users to enjoy downloadable content on whatever system they chose. Ultimately this would mean more sales for studios that make PSN games, because they would benefit from the installed base on mobile platforms, without having to port their game to different hardware. Other benefits would include access to HOME from anywhere, as well as the ability to keep track of one's online ID and friends from anywhere.

Is such a scheme realizable on the current PSP hardware? Probably not. The difference in chip architecture between the PSP and the lack of a powerful equivalent means that the PSP in its current form would be unable to access 3D software like HOME without some VERY clever coding on the part of Sony to compensate for differences in hardware and screen resolution. Cross-platform PSN games are slightly more plausible, but this would put additional stress on developers who would be required to ensure compatibility of their games on both platforms. The simplest feature to implement at this point would be trophies on the PSP. This possibility is rumored to be on the table at Sony, although the company is apparently facing a technical challenge of establishing an online database to record trophy wins for each player. However, if the next generation PSP included cell-like chip architecture and a graphics card similar to the RSX, then the device could easily be made to work in perfect harmony with the PS3.

Ultimately, the future of handhelds points toward total integration with more powerful hardware at home. Whether Sony does it with the PSP 2, or Microsoft gets there first with its Zune platform, the results will literally be game-changing.

Imagine being able to access the same PSN from anywhere...