The Second Annual "Nintendo DS" Awards: Mainstream PSP Launch Coverage

When I said last year that the "Nintendo DS" awards were going to be an annual event, you thought I was kidding, didn't you?

Think again. Welcome to my round-up of the most interesting PSP launch articles to be found on the 'net.

I decided early on to focus just on the mainstream accounts, figuring these would be the most influential to undecided population (most specialist readers probably decided whether or not they were buying a PSP months ago). Most of the articles just rehashed the same basic information that I had already read, but I picked out the ones that stood out from the pack, either for noble or ignoble reasons. Here's what I picked:

Editor's Note: I know that this article is at least two weeks past being relevant at this point, but it was only half finished when my computer decided to die and leave me struggling for computer time until a new one came. I hope you'll enjoy it anyway.

Most Straightforward: Sony Launches Mobile PlayStation Portable -- AP

This article makes sure to mention Carson Daly and the "celebrity cachet" the device has, but only interviews one guy from the line at the Metreon? Pathetic. The author fills space with blurb about PSP theft at the end. Most likely explanation... a short deadline. Moving on...

Grandest language: Review: PlayStation Portable is slick -- AP

Despite the headline, this early review from the AP has some rather lofty words for the PSP, which the article compares to "some diminutive monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey," "and says "has the edge with its versatility, raw power and chiseled good looks." And what of Sony, gentle sir? "After years of stumbling in a consumer electronics industry it pioneered, Sony may be a bit premature in declaring the PSP a '21st Century Walkman.' But for games, it's an attractive, uncompromising system that successfully takes the true power of video games out of the living room and into your hands."

Best Business Analysis: Sony Bets on Strong U.S. Debut for PSP Game Machine -- Reuters

This quick wire story manages to mention Sony's tumbling profit forecasts, their new CEO, and cites hard numbers for the supply to store. Brief mentions of the movie, entertainment, and iPod angles put it into context for investors with more experience in other areas.

Best Angle: On Advertising: To hype PSP, Sony lines up aficionados -- NY Times

Rather than focusing on the big screen or the impressive processing power, this article takes the interesting tack of looking at the marketing hype value of the line of die-hard gamers at a midnight opening. Besides a detailed account of the PSP line at Sony's Metreon, the article quotes a marketing consultant and a Sony VP on the power of the launch. They even get original with the ending, going out on a poignant quote from homeless man bemoaning these kids' lack of priorities.

Oddest Angle: She vs. he on Sony's hot PSP -- Chicago Tribune

The author's main goal in this story seems to be trying to use the letters X and Y as many times as possible in order to totally obscure any information about the system. Blech!

Most Interesting Discrepancy with a Specialist Source: Sony Playstation Portable Is a Tough Find, Huge Hit -- Contra Costa Times

The headline of this story indicates that the PSP has been hard to find, but an earlier IGN story says it's been harder to sell? IGN only has anecdotal evidence to go by at this point, but all the Times has in an analyst predicting demand at a ridiculous "12 times that of the initial 1 million supply." They report... you decide.

Best Quotes: PSP, I Love You: For Gamers, The Date Has Finally Arrived -- Washington Post

WaPo gets some great sound bites from gamers eager to get their hands on the system, but they don't stop there. The author uses a quotes from IGN's message boards to show anticipation, and also quotes sociologists and analysts on the system's impact in business and society. By the end, you understand why the PSP is so important.

Best Picture: Victor Cristales -- Associated Press (scroll down for pic.)

The most interesting picture I saw by far. The contrast of military fatigues with the peaceful shopping center surroundings is great. The PSP box in the foreground and the vacant stare on the soldier's face make it a classic.

Jack of all Trades Award: PlayStation Portable Makes a Splash -- L.A. Times

This article says everything and nothing about the PSP launch. It touches on the long lines, the history of console systems, and the PSP's potential competition with cell phones, iPod,and the Nintendo DS, but doesn't really go in depth on any of these issues. Focus!

Best Focus: Sony PSP: Powerful, Sexy, Pricey -- ABC News (scroll down a bit)

This short article latches ointo the Nintendo vs. Sony battle angle and pounds it until it cries for mercy. Great quotes from EGM's own Dan "Shoe" Hsu round it out a bit. Makes me nostalgic for a good old SNES vs. Genesis rant.

Best Headline/Weirdest Lede: Potent Portables -- Toronto Sun

The above headline made me grin, but the iuntroductory sentence -- "NOT SINCE Gary Coleman got arrested for beating up a female fan has something so small caused such a fuss." -- made me scratch my head.

Most Ironic Headline: PlayStation Portable splendid for gamers

Sure, the headline says it's great for gamers, but the article mostly rambles on about the system's sleek style and non-gaming functions. Near the end, we read that the author "had a wonderful time playing World Tour Soccer and Gretzky NHL," and "bit the dust" in Twisted Metal Head-On. You mean it plays games too? Golly!

Despite trolling the Web for many hours, I'm sure I missed some other great articles on the PSP launch and its aftermath. Let me know it by linking it up in the comments thread below.