Quote Originally Posted by Revoltor
Gimme a break. Let's try applying common sense here. You think some rinky dink download that'll probably be no better than your average cellphone game actually give Sony an edge?

I want real games plz, not some bullshit iTunes wannabe.
I'm not expecting full-scale, major-league games to be downloadable here. I'm going to guess that the early offerings will be quick "pick-up-and-play" diversions, and maybe emulations of older games from years ago. They'll probably be along the lines of the types of games that are available on X-Box Live Arcade.

Let's speculate for a bit here. I've seen several people (many of who don't even own or don't like PSP) badgering Sony because recent firmware releases tend to lock out unauthorized software, including homebrew games and emulators (along with pirated PSP games, which is what Sony is really trying to fight here; the homebrew software being locked out is merely an unfortunate side effect). I don't want to get into a whole debate about the virtues of Sony's "security upgrades" via firmware and why they continue to lock out homebrew, but just want to mention this as background for my idea here.

Suppose that Sony is trying to grow PSP Connect into a new avenue for independent software developers. They might be taking homebrew applications under their wing, and packaging them in such a way to make it quick and easy for the novice user (and not just the experienced computer hacker) to get small but fun games onto their portable system.

Gamers could be given the opportunity to download cheap and completely legal versions of classic games like Asteroids, Pitfall!, Blazing Lazers, or Earthworm Jim. There would be no fussing with creating multiple directories or tweaking configuration files, and no need to worry about "bricking" your system because the games would be tested and certified beforehand.

Original homebrew games could also spring up, and be given a spotlight by being officially sanctioned on an official service that thousands or maybe even millions of users could be logging onto. Underground developers would be given the opportunity to jump to a higher level, showcase their talents on a higher stage, and even earn money from their hard work.

I'm not saying that this will happen, but it's a possibility. Let's at least wait until the first games are available (hopefully in March, along with the revamped PSP Connect) before we conclude that what Sony is doing here is a bad idea.