Dante Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 (edited) 1UP.com Sources confirm the next PSP will gain an internal flash drive, ditch UMD, and nix the rumored second analog nub. Rumors of a major PSP hardware redesign have repeatedly bubbled to the surface over the last several months -- some claiming the removal of the system's UMD disc drive, and others pointing to a second analog stick and sliding screen. According to sources directly involved with the new system, we have learned that Sony will quell those rumors by unveiling their revamped PSP at this year's E3 conference in June. Many have speculated that the update would be called either the PSP 2 or PSP-4000, but our sources claim Sony will forgo a numerical moniker in favor of a subtitle. We've heard various rumored code names for the project (including PSP Slide, PSP Flip, and PSP Go!), but given that Sony has introduced the Go! brand of add-ons (the Go!View video on-demand service and 1.3 megapixel Go!Cam) for the European PSP, it seems likely that the new system will in fact be called the PSP Go! Our sources further confirm that this redesign will be available in two SKUs, with either eight or 16 GB of built-in flash memory. The system is set for release in Japan this September with a U.S. debut coming in either late October or early November. In addition, since the UMD is going away, Sony will have over 100 classic and new PSP titles available for download at launch (Gran Turismo Mobile is said to be one of the premier launch titles). As for the hardware itself, the redesign will include a d-pad, analog nub, and face buttons as part of a sliding unit sticking out below the screen (as seen in our mockup above). Unfortunately for those looking for twin-stick shooter controls, the new system will not have a second analog stick, but instead will remain consistent with the current control configuration. When asked about any of these details, Sony, of course, stated that it "does not comment on rumors or speculation." As a bit of speculation, we wouldn't be surprised to see Sony borrow many design features from their Mylo 2 handheld Internet device, which is seemingly dead in the water. This could provide an 800x480 pixel touch screen for the system, as well as a camera on the system's backside. Between the redesign and a strong lineup of recently announced PSP titles (see: Tekken 6 and Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny), Sony is clearly attempting to assert their relevance in the wake of the DSi's release and success of the iPhone as a gaming platform. It'll be interesting to see what sort of a splash Sony makes and the reaction the new hardware receives when it debuts at E3, which is only a month away. Preloading every PSP Go! with a copy of LittleBigPlanet would certainly make some waves. Edited April 29, 2009 by Dante
Dyson Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 If that's a picture of the device then god damn that thing looks so horrible to hold and play. The shoulder buttons on the top screen are ridiculous and STILL only one analogue stick. Uber fail. If it's a mockup then ignore what I just said. It was just a mockup. Still a terrible job though. And after reading the article it still won't have a second analogue stick. It should also be pointed out that this is a rumor Dante.
Dante Posted April 29, 2009 Author Posted April 29, 2009 If that's a picture of the device then god damn that thing looks so horrible to hold and play. The shoulder buttons on the top screen are ridiculous and STILL only one analogue stick. Uber fail. If it's a mockup then ignore what I just said. It was just a mockup. Still a terrible job though. And after reading the article it still won't have a second analogue stick. It should also be pointed out that this is a rumor Dante. Why does 1UP have the title "New PSP Named And Coming This Fall" in the first place if it another rumour? Stupid 1up!
Dyson Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 Because it's coming from their 'source' and is speculation. Have you actually read the article or just copy pasted it?
Dante Posted April 29, 2009 Author Posted April 29, 2009 Because it's coming from their 'source' and is speculation. Have you actually read the article or just copy pasted it? I quicky read the title and the hardward specs, so in the way yes. Some merge this topic with the other rumours topic.
Choze Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 This rumoured PSP sounds more like an alternative option. Rather than an upgrade. Which makes more sense. The rumour is clearly aimed at US readers however as the Go thing is European and they cut off BT recently. I dont thinkt hey want ot really continue that line of branding. I expect e3 to be more about PSN on PSP and software.
Pit-Jr Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 Would anybody complain if they split a DualShock3 in half and put a big screen in the middle? Id buy it!
Daft Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 This is all old news. Sev on Playstation Lifestyle said it all last week. And I posted it. I wish people would actually pay attention sometimes. 1UP basically stole their concept art as well. http://playstationlifestyle.net/2009/04/21/the-real-deal-on-the-next-psp/ The hint at the end, We all know E3 is GOing to be filled with HEAVY announcements, potentially COLOSSAL even if we’re lucky. Don’t let all the MASSIVE amounts of rumors RAIN on your parade. It’s a great TIME to be living the PlayStation LifeStyle, so TUNE in as we bring all the news, LITTLE and BIG to you as things are set in MOTION every step of the way. GO; PSP Go!
Caris Posted April 29, 2009 Posted April 29, 2009 So what are the people with a collection of UMD games gonna do?
Choze Posted May 1, 2009 Posted May 1, 2009 So what are the people with a collection of UMD games gonna do? This just another PSP. The UMD ones remain. This is just for those who only want digital downloads and no UMD. Having said that this e3 an annnouncement may be unlikely since there are hardly any psp games on PSN yet. Sony will have to add a compulsory PSN version for all games in the future.
Daft Posted May 1, 2009 Posted May 1, 2009 This just another PSP. The UMD ones remain. This is just for those who only want digital downloads and no UMD. Having said that this e3 an annnouncement may be unlikely since there are hardly any psp games on PSN yet. Sony will have to add a compulsory PSN version for all games in the future. Tbf, they have been ramping up the number of PSP games coming out every week on the PSN for a couple months now and since the rumour of this PSP have been around for so long (at least 6 months) it isn't unreasonable to think that by the launch of this new PSP, which will probably be around November, all games will be doubled up to download off the PSN.
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