While the PSP seems to be the black sheep of the current crop of gaming consoles (and apparently loved the least), there's quite a lot of buzz about its next incarnation, whether it's part of the x000 line or a sequel.
While the PSP seems to be the black sheep of the current crop of gaming consoles (and apparently loved the least), there's quite a lot of buzz about its next incarnation, whether it's part of the x000 line or a sequel.
There's definitely something brewing over in the Sony labs, whether it's the next PlayStation Portable model or a mind-controlling device able to reduce brain cells into globs of jelly (or both). In the gaming industry, rumors of improved hardware designs are not unheard of, especially when consumer feedback regarding the current version is less than spectacular. And just as lackluster are the PSP's sales figures -in comparison to Nintendo's DS handheld system--despite Sony's over-enthusiastic promotional numbers. With that said, rumors will fly and concept images will circulate, many times generated by disgruntled consumers wanting something better, other times by insiders wanting to please those very same disgruntled people who wouldn't give a second thought about throwing the first stone.
The latest rumor to churn out of the mill is speculation that Sony is indeed working on the PSP-4000, not the recently rumored PSP 2. The new unit supposedly features a slideable screen, however nothing points to Sony's using the highly-coveted touch-screen technology. In fact, according to VG247, the PSP-4000 will use the console's existing technology, but rather undergo a "complete aesthetic overhaul." Of course, Sony has not officially announced the new version's existence, however there seems to be some common knowledge within the industry that the PSP-4000 will make an appearance at either GDC or E3 this year. We say the latter.
Back in December, Sony denied rumored plans regarding the PSP 2. However, in light of recent weeks, it's obvious that the company remains focused on the current platform, seeking to perfect the handheld device rather than manufacture a whole new system. Supposedly, the PSP-4000 will ship some time this year according to Eurogamer, however is Sony's efforts in vain? Many developers complain that Sony doesn't put enough effort into promoting the product. The platform lacks big name AAA titles, and because of its initial identity crisis suffered just after launch, the handheld really didn't get its footing as a competitive, handheld multimedia system.
With that said, is the PSP better than Apple's iPone and iPod Touch? PSM3 magazine editor Daniel Dawkins seems to think so, especially in the hardware department. He told Techradar that Sony should re-market the PSP -when the PSP-4000 launches- as a communication device with Skype and other social networking tools built in. But as past experience dictates, such promotional efforts didn't fly too well at the PSP's initial launch, touted as a multimedia device that plays games, music and even DVD-quality movies on the company's new UMD format. While the idea seemed spectacular at first, sales dictated that the idea didn't really catch on, and retail outlets quickly pulled huge libraries of UMD off the shelves, including Walmart and Best Buy.
There's no question that the PSP console needs a reboot, or at least a relaunch in the same sense as the Nintendo DS transforms into the DSi. Granted gamers can download full PSP games, old classics and demos onto inserted PSP SD cards, Sony should make available downloadable PSP-formatted TV shows, movies, and even offer music if it wants to battle Apple in the portable multimedia market.
Earlier today Sony announced that the Go!Messenger service will be withdrawn by BT and Sony starting March 31. According to a SCEE staffer, the service did not achieve the desired amount of registrations and regular users.
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Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more.
So this is an ugly PSP with a bigger screen, 2 analog sticks, and no L and R buttons. Another thing is that , why does sony actually bother with remodeling current tech if peope wont by it. People want systems with good games and thats what the psp is really lacking. And thats the reason that the DS is kicking their butts ever since the psp came out.
From this pic, how can you say there are no L\R buttons? Looks like a nice resting place back there for some fingers, some fingers that could be pulling triggers. I doubt highly they would include a second analog and take away the triggers. I am thinking the triggers are underneath, more like a 360 controller vs. on the top like the older PSP.
Honestly, I wish MS would make a portable in the shape of a 360 controller, just a bit wider with a screen in the middle.
bustaprSo this is an ugly PSP with a bigger screen, 2 analog sticks, and no L and R buttons. Another thing is that , why does sony actually bother with remodeling current tech if peope wont by it. People want systems with good games and thats what the psp is really lacking. And thats the reason that the DS is kicking their butts ever since the psp came out.
its just some fan based concept image.. not the real thing. if it was, the title would probably be something like "Sony releases official image of the new PSP-4000" i guess.
It's been a frustrating time to into the PSP. Last fall gave us hope that serious titles were on the way, and while there were some very good releases, not enough of them. I don't really care for how Nintendo is always forcing developers to use the touchscreen abilities of the DS, but the system sure does have a lot of great games that otherwise have no reason they shouldn't be on the PSP as well. Personally, I use almost every function of my PSP, and really wish SONY would support the homebrew community and drop the stupid produo port for a regular SD one (the article above does not explain the difference).
With that out of the way. I certainly hope they add a second analog stick and L2 and R2. During regular play L2 and R2 would be useless, and the right analog stick could be reassigned to different things so that is could work in a dual analog setup proper (like in Battlefront).
But then it would function exactly as a PS3 controller for remote play.
Why bother redesigning it with the end user's biggest gripe being the screen quality diminishes per revision. I have a launch version and the screen supposedly is superior to what is out now. Aesthetically, the system looks good to me. I wouldn't say that a Nintendo DS lite looks any better. Those seem flimsy at best. I've probably played more DS than PSP but PSP is a good system and much more powerful than a DS.
