Sony PSP Vending Machines in Malls and Airports

It seems that Sony is planning to flog PSPs and other accessories from specialist vending machines, according to a report in Japan’s Mainichi Daily News this week.

The ‘robotic stores’ are already being trialled in selected shopping malls across the US, offering 50 different items including PSPs, digital cameras, CD players, games and DVDs.

Whilst Japan is already home to gadget vending machines, it’s rare for a high-end consumer electronics brand such as Sony to sell its gizmos and gadgets in this way. However, the company expects the unusual sales tactic to work, due to a combination of well-placed robotic stores and brand recognition.

Indeed, SPOnG is confident that the trial may well prove to be successful. Especially in higher end shopping malls and airports, where gift shoppers or time-poor business people might not think twice about spending a few hundred dollars on a PSP or a bunch of games, without having to bother with the queues and hassle of human contact and chit-chat involved in dealing with a more traditional retail experience.

Whether or not this is ‘a good thing’ or is part and parcel of the continuing de-humanisation of our society... well, we'll let you pick up that thread in the forum below.