Happy 5th Birthday, Sony PSP

Kris Erickson • Mar 26, 2010 • Comments ()

This week marks the 5th anniversary of the release of Sony's PSP in America. True, it isn't quite the real birthday, since the device was released in Japan several months before it made it to the West. But we'll call the Japanese launch its conception, making the USA release its true date of birth. Whether you feel joyous or sad on this occasion really depends on your personal relationship with the PSP. It has proven to be quite a controversial device during the first 5 years of its lifespan, garnering many fans and detractors, who either seem to love or hate the portable. Rather than harp on the negatives (flagging sales, diminishing game releases, endless ports), we'd rather focus on the massive accomplishment that this birthday really signifies for Sony. Here is a company that, 6 years ago, had absolutely no foothold in the portable gaming market. Now, only 5 years later, the PSP has established itself as a strong contender in the portable gaming space.

Since its release in 2005, Sony's PSP has sold over 60 million units worldwide. More than 245 developers have helped to create a staggering 520 games for the system. Meanwhile, Sony has worked tirelessly to evolve the platform by adding incredible new features like the PSN, Skype connectivity and comic book reader.

Sony deserves credit for bringing such an ambitious product to market, finding a global consumer base for it, and supporting that customer enthusiasm with strong new updates. Here's wishing Sony continued success and another 5 exciting years for the PSP platform.