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PSP2 Talk Picks Up

Sounds like Sony's got more than a pile of newly announced software in the works for the handheld, but the details are scarce and positively unverifiable.

Not the actual PSP2. Because there is no PSP2... right?
Not the actual PSP2. Because there is no PSP2... right?
People have been spreading rumors about Sony's next handheld platform for years. But most of it? Utter nonsense mixed with wishful thinking. Between design student mock-ups and the never-ending desire for a second analog stick, I'm pretty sure that talk about the next PSP started, well, right around the time people starting buying the first PSP.

And now there's more PSP-sequel news from a sort-of-unlikely source: Acclaim's David Perry. Yes, the same man who brought you such hits as Earthworm Jim and Cool Spot is laying it down via everyone's favorite microblogging service, the Twitter.

In an effort that must be absolutely lauded, Kotaku decided to break the weird Internet 3.0 cycle of reporting "MAN SAYS SOMETHING ON TWITTER, FILM AT 11" that myself and plenty of others have gotten into and actually followed up with Perry to see if he had more to say. And hey! He did!
"I spoke to a developer who is working on it right now," he said. "I know this developer is already working on it, so that means they have a prototype. That would sound like a fall release to me."
Perry also states that the unit is sounding like it'll ship without a UMD drive, and he further speculates that consumers will receive games as digital downloads. So, I guess, it's like an iPhone but with games that actually resemble meaningful interactive experiences instead of more-gimmicky versions of old cell phone games?

Separately from all this, we've also heard from an Anonymous Source type that the buttons on the new PSP may be significantly different from the existing layout. Who knows if that will pan out, but if I were designing a new PSP, I'd at least put a full DualShock-style layout on there. Might as well toss in some motion control, just to keep up with what Apple's been doing. And hey, maybe do a touch screen, just for kicks! Of course, that stuff gets expensive fast, so maybe asking for all that is a bit much. But hey, let's get pie in the sky on this, right?

It's a fascinating prospect, and with all of the PSP-focused game announcements coming out of that retailer conference in Arizona, it certainly sounds like Sony's gearing up to take the portable market more seriously this year. Add to that the way that every single outlet on the Internet seems to have at least one or two other "trusted sources" to back up Perry's details, it's pretty clear that something's up.

Chainblaston Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:30 a.m.
I'm not sure releasing a new platform during a recession is a great idea, but we'll see how it goes.
JJOR64on Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:32 a.m.
I just hope this has two analog sticks.
Cubeon Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:34 a.m.
Cool stuff. I'd buy a PSP2.
RealEddieon Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:34 a.m.
About time.
I love my PSP and I hope they will fix the stuff that was missing on it, like duel analogue sticks.
Buckwyldon Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:36 a.m.
I heard it runs on nuclear batteries with a 42 Terabyte SSD. That's not even the coolest thing bout it. You can connect up to 6000 and 1 PSPs together to achieve the Singularity.
Doogie2Kon Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:44 a.m.
But can you hook the singularity into your mind?  That's the real shit.  (iPhone II, Summer 2010.)
AspiringAndyon Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:50 a.m.
But, I only just got my psp..
Death_Unicornon Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:56 a.m.
Two analog sticks, and it's an instant buy. The current handheld generation hasn't really been hooking me lately. I miss the GameBoy :(
welshy023on Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:07 a.m.
Damn I just got one.
Oh well I'll buy it.
Floppypantson Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:28 a.m.
As others have said, the PSP2 needs dual analog sticks.  The PSP1 would have been great for FPS games if they had just put a second analog nub on.  A healthy FPS game library would make the PSP2 stand out against the DS.
edenspresenceon Feb. 26, 2009 at 2:03 a.m.
I really hope it doesn't have a touch screen. The thing that is annoying me about Nintendo's consoles recently is that developers feel they have to "Uses the motion control in a clever way" to every game they make. I want Sony to stick to just really good games with normal controls. (I suppose motion sensing is ok)
phlegmson Feb. 26, 2009 at 2:15 a.m.
Do they really need another hardware update at this stage?
I would of thought they would be better off trying to secure more exclusive titles for it rather than trying to stir up interest with new hardware. Seems like sony really have lost their touch....
Scratchon Feb. 26, 2009 at 2:23 a.m.
Now is not the right time to introduce a new hardware upgrade.
Kohe321on Feb. 26, 2009 at 2:48 a.m.
Cool, I'd buy a psp2 I think...
Hampeon Feb. 26, 2009 at 3 a.m.
The PSP has had great titles, and this year doesn't seem to disappoint with titles like Little Big Planet and Resistance.

Been playing the PSP pretty much every day for a year, so I would buy a PSP2 without question!
Karmumon Feb. 26, 2009 at 3:33 a.m.
Eek, if you are going to make a concept image, try and make it good!
Snailon Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:09 a.m.
Stupid rumors keep was waiting in ignorance.
F1on Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:11 a.m.
I hope they don't put a touchscreen. They need to learn from PS3. The next one should be more affordable, or at least cost aware.
There are still plenty of games that makes me want to rebuy the first PSP for, so I would hope the PSP2 is backward compatible...
SunKingon Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:47 a.m.
To my understanding, the PSP has sold over fifty million units so far. That means that there is a huge market audience out there with the console, and hopefully, willing to pay for games on it. There isn't much the PSP could benefit from apart from a better control layout and a new storage format. I still believe that the PSP has the technological capabilities to be a great portable console. The problem isn't so much with the console, it's the way games are designed around it. Oh, and the piracy issue.
coffeesashon Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:57 a.m.
For gawds sake give it a clamshell or something, I'm constantly afraid I'll scratch the screen. Also, make the paintwork matte so that I'm not constantly rubbing dust and fingerprints off it.

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