Some people in the industry have joked that Sony's strategy with the PSPgo is to actually boost sales of the old PSP-3000. After all, the PSPgo doesn't play any of your UMDs, there's no conversion program, the PSP-3000 is cheaper and it plays all the digital games too. Now early data from Sony in the U.K. has suggested that PSPgo has indeed boosted PSP-3000.
According to a statement from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe [thanks GI.biz], PSP hardware sales have been up 120% following the launch of PSPgo. "PSPgo has performed in line with our expectations, driving 120* percent incremental volume for the category and has benefited the broad PSP portfolio with PSP-3000 also enjoying a big lift," reads the statement. "PSP software sales also having been a standout with both new releases GT PSP and FIFA 10 performing well."
The PSPgo launched for £224.99 on October 1 in the U.K. Consumers are being offered a free downloadable copy of Gran Turismo PSP until October 10 and European gamers can also download another three games for free if they register with Sony using their old PSP. These deals are not available in the U.S.
Exact sales figures are not available yet, but PSPgo reportedly sold roughly the same amount as PSP-3000 during the launch period.
*Note: the statement originally said 100 percent but Sony updated it.
