The PSPgo hits store shelves tomorrow and while it has generated a great deal of interest primarily due to being a digital distribution only platform, the relatively high price point is dissuading many consumers from purchasing. SCEE product manager Claire Backhouse isn’t worried, however, as she points out consumers who can’t afford plunking down $250 for the go may opt to pick up a 3000 instead, where the value is unquestionably higher.

We were very aware of concerns when we went into it and I actually expected a lot more negative responses than we actually got. They were really quite fine with it. They see it as a way of getting people into the store because it’s new interest, a new product. And they’ve had such strong sales as well of PSP 3000 almost off the back of it. If you bring out a new product, people aspire to that but they might not buy it, they might buy the PSP 3000 instead. Especially if they’re part of a family – dad might buy the PSPgo but the kids might get PSP 3000s. I think that works quite well for us.

You have to wonder whether or not this was Sony’s end game. Aesthetically, the PSPgo is definitely more of an eye-catcher than the original PSP, but when budget-minded consumers see the price point, they may end up settling for a 3000. Intentional or not, it’s a marketing strategy that will almost certainly work in Sony’s favor.

PSPgo – Sony’s plan for its new handheld [GI.biz]

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