A 'PSP 2' has been rumoured for some time now, and a report in the current issue of PlayStation Magazine shovels a hefty spadeful of fuel onto this particular fire. Sony will not be drawn into commenting on the story, but the chaps at PSM say that the news came to light thanks to a deal apparently struck by Sony with Korean tech giant Samsung.
The mobile phone wizards are the only company with the technology to fit 8Gb of flash memory into the PSP's slim frame. The onboard memory is thought to be a step towards making it easier for PSP owners to purchase PS1 games, and perhaps even films online.
The revamped PSP is said to be headed for Japan in March 2007, and a European ship date could only be guessed at. Given Sony's track record, we would imagine there would be quite a long wait.
As well as boasting the solid state storage facility, it could also be slimmer and feature a much needed ergonomic reworking of the UMD slot. There's also talk of a built-in digital camera, primarily one assumes as an EyeToy-enabler. We're not sure how likely one is to burst into an impromptu dance-off on the train, but as a 'lifestyle accessory' a digital camera would be an undoubted boon.
Before you get too excited, there are no plans to up the machine's gameplaying powers. It seems that Sony have learned a trick from Nintendo here - a tweak here and a restyle there on a handheld can keep customers coming back for more. More on this as we get it.
The mobile phone wizards are the only company with the technology to fit 8Gb of flash memory into the PSP's slim frame. The onboard memory is thought to be a step towards making it easier for PSP owners to purchase PS1 games, and perhaps even films online.
The revamped PSP is said to be headed for Japan in March 2007, and a European ship date could only be guessed at. Given Sony's track record, we would imagine there would be quite a long wait.
As well as boasting the solid state storage facility, it could also be slimmer and feature a much needed ergonomic reworking of the UMD slot. There's also talk of a built-in digital camera, primarily one assumes as an EyeToy-enabler. We're not sure how likely one is to burst into an impromptu dance-off on the train, but as a 'lifestyle accessory' a digital camera would be an undoubted boon.
Before you get too excited, there are no plans to up the machine's gameplaying powers. It seems that Sony have learned a trick from Nintendo here - a tweak here and a restyle there on a handheld can keep customers coming back for more. More on this as we get it.
Companies:
Sony
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Comments
Joji 31 Aug 2006 12:22
1/5
I heard whispers of this over at magicbox.com but I took it with some salt. Seems more tangible now that MS are soon to enter with the Zune as a portable media player thingy.
I'd welcome a mk2 I doubt if I'd buy it til the price haves. I'm sure the iPod lovers will indulge.
I'd welcome a mk2 I doubt if I'd buy it til the price haves. I'm sure the iPod lovers will indulge.
Bentley 31 Aug 2006 12:49
2/5
They should move the analogue stick to the right-hand side, where it should have been in the first place. And protect that screen one way or another.
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warbaby 31 Aug 2006 13:53
3/5
Bentley wrote:
They should move the analogue stick to the right-hand side, where it should have been in the first place. And protect that screen one way or another.
Agreed. I shouldn't really have to worry about the screen considering it's a portable device. And the analogue nub should really be on the right side. I really dont understand why you'de put both forms of directional control on the SAME side.
Maybe Sony has learned something, a reworking of a portable device brings people back for more, but I fear if they stick in 8 GB of flash memory and a digital camera, the price could be a bit high. I could easily see it going for over $250US. At that cost, I'd rather pick up a Wii.
crs117 31 Aug 2006 15:31
4/5
Rumor has it that they may be adding another analog nub to the other side. This would make all previous psp's obsolete if a game used the new nub.
I would be pretty pissed if i was an original psp owner if more than a cosmetic redesign occurs, because they will be limited from enjoying the new flash memory and perhaps new control scheme and and perhaps camera. When nintendo does a redesign its usually cosmetic only with usually a lower power chip used and a better screen.
I would be pretty pissed if i was an original psp owner if more than a cosmetic redesign occurs, because they will be limited from enjoying the new flash memory and perhaps new control scheme and and perhaps camera. When nintendo does a redesign its usually cosmetic only with usually a lower power chip used and a better screen.
miacid 31 Aug 2006 15:54
5/5
warbaby wrote:
Bentley wrote:
They should move the analogue stick to the right-hand side, where it should have been in the first place. And protect that screen one way or another.
I really dont understand why you'de put both forms of directional control on the SAME side.
How would you press the buttons if the nub was on the same side!?