Well, there won’t be much the PSP2 can’t do if the latest report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei is accurate. The paper is reporting (via Andriasang) that the handheld will ship with 3G support in addition to basic wireless LAN connection capabilities, allowing for, I assume, digital market browsing and online gaming on-the-go wherever a 3G provider has coverage. It’s also reporting that the PSP2 will ship with a “larger than normal” OLED touch screen and a processor which will handle high-resolution visuals.
In Japan, Nikkei believes 3G will be provided by NTT DoCoMo, a Japanese phone, video, and mail provider who, in addition to offering 3G, also broadcasts advanced earthquake warnings. It also has a popular mushroom mascot, who is the hero in Boing! Docomodake DS, apparently.
Nikkei doesn’t discuss any North American specifics on a provider for this supposed 3G support. There’s a commenter in Andriasang’s translation article that supposes publishers will subsidize the support, but that seems a bit farfetched for North American markets. One of the only major devices I can think of that still offers free 3G support is a Kindle and, well... you’re not really using the Kindle and its network to shoot virtual dudes in the face.
The PSP2, by the way, still hasn’t been announced, but it’s almost a given that it will be formally addressed later this week. I’m hesitant to say “take this all with a grain of salt” considering the source, but this device hasn’t even been confirmed yet. Let’s see it first, eh?