Ex-PlayStation Boss Recalls Nintendo's 'You Bastards' Text After PSP Reveal
Shawn Layden says a Nintendo employee texted him 'You bastards' when the first PSP was shown, and warned Sony struggles to market two platforms at once.
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden recalled that a Nintendo employee sent him a text message reading "You bastards" after the first PlayStation Portable was shown, in an interview with The Expansion Pass.
Layden also said Sony has always struggled to market two platforms at the same time, pointing to the PS3 and PS Vita as examples.
He suggested that if Sony re-enters the handheld business, it might set up a different company to focus solely on it.
The PSP was revealed in the mid-2000s, around 2003 to 2005. It went on to sell 76 million units, while the Nintendo DS sold over 154 million.
Rampant piracy made it difficult for Sony to sell games for the PSP. In Japan, Monster Hunter helped drive sales through its co-op focus.
The PS Vita was released and initially did well, but the PS3's recovery affected its marketing, according to Layden.
Quick answers
What did the Nintendo employee say to Shawn Layden after the PSP reveal?
According to Layden's interview with The Expansion Pass, the Nintendo employee sent a text message reading "You bastards" after the first PSP was shown.
What did Shawn Layden say about Sony's handheld strategy?
Layden said Sony has always struggled to market two platforms at the same time, citing the PS3 and PS Vita, and suggested Sony might set up a different company to focus solely on a handheld if it re-enters the business.