Ubisoft has predicted that Sony will launch NGP (PSP2) at an "attractive price", and expressed confidence that the device can woo a "huge" market of smartphone gamers.
Speaking exclusively to CVG, Ubisoft's European MD Alain Corre complimented Sony on NGP's "unique offer".
Sony was keen to highlight the "social" and "connected" capabilities of NGP at its Tokyo launch last week - as well as the stunning technical specifications of the device.
"The handheld gaming market has fundamentally changed in the last few years notably as more and more people begin to play games on the go with their smart phones," Corre told CVG.
"If Sony can capture this huge market - and they do have a unique offer for that market with the NGP - then success will definitely be on the agenda for them."
When asked what he expected the price of NGP to be, Corre added: "I trust Sony to know their market very well and to be able to offer a price that will make their machine attractive."
A weighty line-up of new games - including new Killzone, Call Of Duty and Resistance titles - has already been confirmed for the device.
Sega West president Mike Hayes has told CVG that he is "extremely optimistic" NGP will be a sales success.
Meanwhile, UK developer Codemasters has predicted that the price of the system will be in line with Nintendo's 3DS in the UK, at around £230.
Comments
19 comments so far...
CrispyLog on 1 Feb '11 said:
Well I'm attracted to fat ladies, so hopefully that means it will be 88 quid
theaface on 1 Feb '11 said:
How attractive are we talking here? Like, Gwyneth Paltrow in Iron Man attractive, or more Katy Perry in PVC attractive?
Wozzakl on 1 Feb '11 said:
Attractive to smart phone users isn't encouraging -- without a contract, iPhone's are how much?!
Padua on 1 Feb '11 said:
I'd still feel a plonker pulling out a PSP2 on public transport. At my age, I only just get away with it with an iPhone
If I do get one it will definitely remain a guilty pleasure only indulged behind closed doors 
veato on 1 Feb '11 said:
Attracting smartphone users? But has anyone actually bought a smartphone for the purpose of playing games? Surely you buy the phone/text/web device and the gaming element is a bonus feature if anything.
The_KFD_Case on 1 Feb '11 said:
I'll believe it when I see it. I remain highly sceptical that Ubisoft's idea of an "attractive" price conforms to my idea of what is an attractive price.
The_KFD_Case on 1 Feb '11 said:
This.
Taus on 1 Feb '11 said:
Disagree Pad, gaming is for all generations these days, look at the Nintendo adverts for DS ranging from Jedward (lets not get into that!) to Helen Miren
Besides, life's too short to care about how people you meet on public transport think of you
Imaduck on 1 Feb '11 said:
Dude Taus ..... those were ads? I bet most of the people in them don't know where the on button is. It's called endorsement. I don't remember ever seeing anyone with even a PSP or DS out on the bus, I see what he's getting at.
ricflair on 1 Feb '11 said:
I see people with them on the tube/bus in London pretty much every journey I make! Although there seem to be a lot more people playing iphones etc now though.
boskersrevenge on 1 Feb '11 said:
You had me at that... *shudders*
BOYD1981 on 1 Feb '11 said:
I never use my DS or play games on my phone on the train because I look at people - adult people - who do and I just think they're a little bit pathetic, I prefer to be anti-social indoors.
Balladeer on 1 Feb '11 said:
Because I bet you're being so very social on the train.
KingPepper on 1 Feb '11 said:
I take my DS Lite or PSP onto the coach whenever i travel anywhere, always sit at the back, because of the fear of someone grabbing it on the way off the coach, there is no way i would lose something that costs £230 pounds, by way of a mugging, so i am always on my guard.
So in my point of view, i don't mind using my handhelds in full view of other people, just very cautious of other people around near me.
AussieCrysis on 1 Feb '11 said:
Life's too f**king short to give a flying f**k about what others think of you, just do whatever you want as long as it's not morally wrong or against the law.
Ever thought it was more pathetic to judge someone for wanting to kill the time? who actually wants to be social on a train anyways?
Mmmmgrolsch on 1 Feb '11 said:
Spot on.
Taus on 2 Feb '11 said:
Yep all marketing but canny marketing all the same from Ninty
There's a vested interest in the response; we're all gamers and we're all ageing, does Pad post mean when we get older there's a cut off date where we have to put the games away and be sensible? A point where giving a s**t about politics, watching the news or watching Helena Bonham Carter movies is prefered to playing Assassins Creed
Sack that my friend, for the sake of all gamers we need Pad to buy an NGP/3DS!
Yellow6 on 3 Feb '11 said:
Even big fellas get their pockets picked.
No mugging required.
So on that practical note I agree that I do care who's looking at me.
My best tip is put your phone, wallet and anything else you can fit into your trousers front pockets, won't stop a mugging but you'll notice a pickpocket by way of your schlong being stroked as they remove your possessions
To avoid a mugging, upon first entering a train carriage, quickly scan the occupants.
Approach the roughest meanest looking "mugger" type and brutally attack him without warning.
You'll either be "king of the hill" or get a severe pounding, although that is not "technically" a mugging
Works for me every time.... I'm just sorry about what happened on that bus full of pensioners....they don't fight fair
kimoak on 3 Feb '11 said:
A geneic MP3 player does me when I am on the train. On an Aircraft I use Delta airlines so they have a lil touch screen on the back of the seat in front of me. I watch movies and TV then... also play music on my generic MP3 player in between. I am looking forward to a bit of hand-held gaming on the longer journeys myself. I do get a little travel sick though zoning in on the screen in a moving vehicle.