Survey: PSP, iPhone owners buy more games

Respondents who happen to own Sony's and Apple's portables said they purchased more titles in the last year than any other group of gamers.

The organizers of yesterday's MI6 Games Marketing Conference wanted to make sure that attendees didn't walk away empty-handed when it came to industry insights, so they shared with them the results of a wide-ranging survey into gamer habits.

If you have an iPhone, chances are you've got a bunch of games too.

One of the survey's key findings was that iPhone owners represented the "greatest video gaming marketing opportunities," a determination based on a number of factors. The survey found that gamers who happen to own an iPhone spend more time gaming than any other group of cell phone users and are the fastest-growing group of gamers, the heaviest users of social networking sites, and the heaviest users of other gaming platforms.

Perhaps more importantly, iPhone users also buy more games for any platform. The average number of new games purchased in the last 12 months by iPhone owners was 4.57--more than all other systems. Owners of Sony's PSP were the second most spendthrift gamers, picking up an average of 4.12 games each during the previous year. The PlayStation 3 was next on the list (3.99), followed by Palm PDA owners (3.70), the Xbox 360 (3.55), the Wii (3.44), and the DS (3.39).

The results for used-game purchases were slightly different, with PSP owners topping the list, reporting an average of 2.71 used games bought for any platform over the past year. That was followed by the PS3 (2.54), iPhone (2.33), Xbox 360 (2.15), and DS and Palm PDAs (2.01 each).

Gamers were also asked to rate the various factors that influence their buying decisions on a scale of 1 to 5. "A good price" was the most important factor, with 72 percent of respondents rating it a 4 or a 5. Playing a demo was the second most popular choice, receiving that score from 62 percent of gamers polled.

Interestingly, seeing the game's packaging in the store was rated as highly influential by 50 percent of respondents, significantly more than online reviews (42 percent), renting a game (39 percent), post-launch downloadable content (32 percent), and online multiplayer features (27 percent).

The survey was conducted by E-Poll Research in February, with input from more than 1,000 gamers.

53 Comments

  • PandaBear86

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:03 am GMT

    I converted from DS/PSP to iPhone gaming. The biggest reason for this is because I hate physical media, since I don't want to carry a bucket of cartridges everywhere I go (it defies the "portable" aspect). Plus the iPhone is always in my pocket, its always switched on, its always connected to the network, etc. I don't bring my DS to work with me everyday, but I do with my iPhone.

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:27 pm GMT

    A phone is not a gaming device

  • W3En

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 1:07 pm GMT

    lol that is a good question angelcage-2!

  • AngelCage-2

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 8:43 am GMT

    maybe i will ask a stupid question, but you know... i better to be a stupoid for a couple of minutes and ask something that keep all your life ans and stupid without trying to learn nothing...

    So: How in the hell you buy USED games for iPhone????

  • mjc0961

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:42 am GMT

    "The survey was conducted by E-Poll Research in February, with input from more than 1,000 gamers."

    Wow, another fail survey. Stop wasting our time with these. There are millions of gamers out there. What "more than 1,000" thought is pretty irrelevant when you look at the big picture.

    GameSpot writers, please put the number of people surveyed at the start of the articles from now on so I can tell right away if it's worth reading. Thanks.

  • gnrlstuart

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 12:14 pm GMT

    thats most probably because iphone games are cheap thrills, i dont need to buy a new game every week for $5, im happier spending $120 every three months on games that have more depth, interactivity, and enjoyability.

  • Mr_Versipellis

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 12:02 pm GMT

    Geez... Analysts LOVE the iPhone!

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 11:51 am GMT

    this articles full of bull lol ds psp wii 360 are selling good so is its games lol

  • SpaceTrucker06

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 3:23 am GMT

    Sorry but those stats are crap and only taking into account people who went to that event and chances are anyone who buys alot of games would have been at home playing them! Like me

  • Razzi65

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 3:12 am GMT

    strange 4 me...
    wii & ds at the last spot??
    amazing..

  • grigjd3

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 1:19 am GMT

    Maybe this is why I don't buy a lot of games.

  • Mist00

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 8:41 pm GMT

    i think it only makes sense cause the ppl that buy the most expensive platforms usually have more money to spend therefore are willing to purchase more games per year

  • crashndash

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 2:19 pm GMT

    i bought just as many games even beffore i got my iphone so a iphone would have no impact on how much people buy games, its just a matter of if any good games come out that year or not on each system

  • Gun_N_Run-_-

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 7:22 am GMT

    Don't they mean stole games from torrent web sites?

  • rohail88

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 2:40 am GMT

    ps3 n psp up???nice

  • xdeiri

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 2:04 am GMT

    i fool

  • rockstar_88

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 5:34 pm GMT

    I love my iPhone but as a handheld gaming system? I think I love my money a little more than that.

  • fester420

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 12:19 pm GMT

    Sorry I need to reiterate because people are saying "how can you buy a used iphone game?" They aren't saying that, they are talking about the demographic of iphone users that buy used games for any console.

  • fester420

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 12:07 pm GMT

    after reading the first few posts, they aren't saying iphone owners buy more iphone games, i have an iphone and have like 3 games for it, but I also own a PS3, Wii, DS, PSP, Dreamcast, and PC with numerous games. Read the post before you comment on it and stop flooding the comments section with nonsense.

  • Threesixtyci

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 11:38 am GMT

    ...how can the PSP be the second most, when there really aren't all that many games for the PSP? Or does it mean that those that own a PSP just buy more video games, in general.... I guess that's what the article is really saying...

  • scryren

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 9:57 am GMT

    People get bored in doctor's offices. News at 11.

  • BtmnHatesRbn

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 7:50 am GMT

    Phony results. Most iPhone users I know can barely work the thing, let alone BUY games for it.

    Also, if that's the case, why so many DS games sell well? Wait, the monthly top sales charts don't even back this story up!

    More work by GameSpot, the Joseph P. Goebbels of the video game world.

  • dynomitemasta

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 4:41 am GMT

    If you did this survey 10 different times you would get 10 different results.... flawed.

  • ralphikari

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 1:02 am GMT

    According to this survery I must be in the near-extinct minority since most of my gaming buddies don't care about the iPhone but each of us averages 20-30 retail PC/360/PS3 games a year.

    Incidentally the mobile/handheld advocates we know do fit into the 3-4 annual *purchases* groups even though most of their games are birthday or holiday gifts from us hardcores to not make them feel left out.

  • Holyknight_CJ

    Posted Apr 10, 2009 12:36 am GMT

    To be honest I thought the Wii would have lower numbers. The used iPhone and Palm games don't make a lot of sense to me though.

  • somberfox

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 11:46 pm GMT

    Wait, what?
    That's something I wouldn't expect at all considering the PSP's infamy as a 'backup' playing paradise.

  • MrBrosco

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 11:31 pm GMT

    I see no point in these surveys anyway unless they're using a large number of gamers. 1000 people isn't a survey that should be published when there are millions of people playing games on all the devices mentioned. On a side note, I'll be thinking of all you people hatin' on the iphone while I'm using mine as a wireless router to get 3g speeds on my laptop on the train on my way to work. Doubt this? Google "pdanet" and find another reason to hate.

  • nate1222

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 11:03 pm GMT

    @abond

    Ditto. I own PS2, Wii, PSP and DS. My brothers both own 360s. Most of my Wii and PSP games are downloaded; 26 Wii Virtual Console, 8 PSP PS1 games. Mainly because they range from $5-$10 a pop. As far as 'retail bought' games? PS2 ($10-$20) and DS ($10-$15 used). On my brothers' 360s? $20 and up for most downloadables and we all know the range at retail. Thus, they own less games and buy less often.

  • abond

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 9:22 pm GMT

    I suspect the reason iphone apps purchases are so high has a lot to do with the cost... most a only a buck or two.... even "expensive" apps tend to be under $10. I just recently got mine (itouch) and have purchased several games and other apps... haven't spent over $10 yet. On the 360 and PS3's however, I have quite a few games that I have purchased over the past year(s)... but at $50-60 a pop, I am much much more picky about what I buy... I tend to rent them first to see if the hold up to the hype. But at $.99 - $1.99, it's worth a try and if it turns out to be crap, I am only out a buck or two...

  • KoruKinshi

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 9:18 pm GMT

    That's the biggest crock I've ever heard. No one intelligent 'buys' games for the PSP or the iTrash. They download them for free and install them on the hacked version of the PSP, or an unlocked phone.

  • atopp399

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 8:12 pm GMT

    I think this is because people who spend $300-$400 on a phone in addition to the $100 per month service plan have extra money to spend.

    Man apple fanboys make me really want to punch them in the face the way they flash and play with their stupid ass iPhones and crap on the train in the morning on my way to work.

    Oh, sorry for the rant...

  • chappy_man

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 7:53 pm GMT

    hmm, and how many consoles/ handhelds to each of these people own? In my case psp, ds, wii, and, more than likely the ps3 once i feel so inclined. So where does someone like myself fit in and if i only had one console would i buy less or more for it. Too many factors i say

  • Megavideogamer

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 7:23 pm GMT

    I think whomever was responsable for this survey, was too damn lazy and Phoned the results in. There is no way to buy used iphone games. Even if you phone in it...

  • Cu_sidhe

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 7:22 pm GMT

    Wow, so many tears being shed over one survey. Also, this comment from Remembermytitans really made me laugh: "While a DS owner may only need two quality games a PSP owner may need to get four average games to feel satisfied."

    Wow. Really? THAT is how you interpret the information?

    Also, considering the types of games that come out for the DS, I can see why the average gamer from this sample would only buy two of them.

    Seriously, how can you take this article so intensely that you MUST find some way to ignore it? Will that REALLY make you feel better about your purchase?

    Also, in response to Dynomitemasta, maybe the reason the numbers are the way they are is because there are fewer PS3/PSP owners purchasing more games; and more 360/DS/Other owners purchasing fewer games.

  • black_ice23

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 7:16 pm GMT

    this sounds like some BS, theres no way with the amount of consoles out there that the iphone comes on top, and 2nd people have to stop calling the iPhone a handheld, its not, it never will , and it never has. it just a phone with games ala N-Gage, while the others are dedicated game consoles with other media thrown it,

  • hatieshorrer

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 7:05 pm GMT

    I find this hard to believe Ive met so many PSP owners that have told me they have stopped buying PSP game because they dont like caring UMDs and the video's put on youtube by PSP owners would boast that. Even www.vgchartz.com says PSP owners average less games then all other current gen. consoles.

  • MayorJohnny

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 6:52 pm GMT

    I bought my PSP in January, so I'll be buying quite a bit of PSP games this year.

  • novicegamplagrl

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 6:32 pm GMT

    I buy more games on my iPod Touch G1 because they are cheaper than the PSP and DS.

  • arcelonious

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 6:24 pm GMT

    People who can afford to have IPhones are more likely to have more money than people who don't, which may be the underlying reason why they buy more games, and why they probably have more consoles as well.

  • dynomitemasta

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 6:23 pm GMT

    this is so flawed, the numbers just don't add up. the 360 sells the most games from month to month...PERIOD, just look at the sales...... I just think asking fanboys this question opens this survey up to complete deception and some serious flaws because of it.. I own all 3 consoles. I own over 85 360 games, 9 PS3 games and about 10 Wii games.......Handhelds I own 3 PSP and 2 DS.... the sales numbers just don't reflect this survey.....Bogus.

  • svaubel

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:28 pm GMT

    I buy more games because I own all three consoles and both handhelds

  • gnbfd

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:27 pm GMT

    how do you buy used games for the ITouch? This is news to me.

  • remmbermytitans

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:24 pm GMT

    This data can be interpreted many ways. The way I saw it was that, due to a lack of solid titles for either of those systems, people spend money to satisfy their gaming needs. While a DS owner may only need two quality games a PSP owner may need to get four average games to feel satisfied. Though after reading all these comments, I find that this article is pretty useless. It could be translated in many different ways.

  • Nihmmoh

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:19 pm GMT

    good point jordan, this thing is fake!

  • Jordan Bisasky

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:15 pm GMT

    Wait I'm confused. How can you buy "used" iPhone and Palm PDA games?

  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:03 pm GMT

    The study makes sense, people with more expensive consoles probably have more money to blow ... as they have already blown a lot more than other console owners ... i only wish this would have had more people involved. maybe 10k or so.

  • Kuruption84

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 5:03 pm GMT

    Why wouldn't they be counting downloadable games? They're games! I fall into that catergory. Iphone, PS3, 360, PSP. I've bought at least two of each since January 1st.

  • Tylendal

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 4:56 pm GMT

    Are they counting cheap download games? Sounds like it.

  • umbrae

    Posted Apr 9, 2009 4:25 pm GMT

    Only 1000 gamers. No mention of who sponsored the survey. Since Disney and Sony are customers of E-Poll, I doubt this can be trusted. I would bet my "personal" game habits outpace iPhone game sales.

    I call bogus.

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