With the Sony PSP GO getting ready to go into New Zealand stores October 1st there is real concern overseas about the digital format to be used to obtain games on the much improved looking handheld console.

Some overseas retailers are thinking long and hard about even stocking the new device given they have been cut out of the picture when it comes to software. The PSP GO has no UMD capacity so any games, themes etc are all digitally downloaded from the PSN store onto the new device’s 16 gig flash memory and thus retailers will miss out on what is generally thought to be the actual profitable part of the retail gaming business; selling games.

One major UK retailer has already said they will not stock the PSP GO and a spokesman commented

“Sony has decided to cut publishers and retailers for the software of the PSPgo and deal direct with developers, giving them a 70 per cent margin for any items sold on Sony PSN. I believe if they had lowered that to 50 or 60 per cent, and given the opportunity to online retailers, it would have enjoyed greater success and retailers would attempt to promote the console to the market.”

VGNZ will continue to watch this development closely to see how it pans out in NZ. On the other hand be in quick to get your PSP GO and you will be given the new Gran Turismo PSP game digitally for free.