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Rumor: PSP2 prototype images leaked
VG247 claims to have obtained two images of a PSP2 development prototype -- pictures that appear to have been taken with a Barbie Video Girl-quality camera. The images depict a "slider" style device with the familiar PlayStation button layout, two thumbsticks, a microphone, two cameras, and a trackpad on the back. See the other picture after the break. The site notes that the development kit "isn't the console's final form factor" -- and then, in an update, mentions that, according to a source, Sony has already replaced this version of the dev hardware with a non-sliding version, designed to rectify an overheating problem. Which means that even if this thing is real (and we're not at all convinced it is, considering, for example, that it lacks the distinctive segmented PlayStation D-pad), it doesn't look anything like whatever the final hardware will be. [Update 5:15pm ET: We've got some more truth gasoline to add to this rumor fire ... or something. After running the images, IGN updated its post with the following: "A development source confirmed to IGN these photos are legitimate." So, best case scenario: this is what the PSP2 dev kit looks like and a rough idea of its feature set, though the hardware (including the PSP Go-style slider) is still at the prototype phase. Either that or both VG247 and IGN's sources are wrong.]
EA VP admits access to PSP2, but won't talk about it
At this point, we can probably all safely believe that developers are already working on games for the next generation of Sony handhelds, much like we can be pretty confident that a PlayStation mobile phone device is real. The Mortal Kombat team has already claimed to have a PSP2 development system, and EA senior vice president Patrick Soderlund recently told CVG that EA has had contact with the as-yet unannounced device as well. "Well, obviously as a developer we have had that" -- referring to "exposure" with the PSP2 -- "but I'm not allowed to talk about it." He refused to offer anything more specific, saying that "We can't talk about it because of our relationship with Sony obviously, which is ... That's just the way it is." Not that we're complaining, but we're pretty sure Sony wouldn't want Soderlund blithely acknowledging the existence of something he's not supposed to talk about.
PlayStation Phone leak reveals prototype device, platform details
Could this be it? The long-rumored PlayStation Phone appears to have taken a giant leap towards being real, thanks to these incredible pictures sent to Engadget. Although the slide-out D-Pad and PlayStation face buttons make it look very similar to a PSP Go, the Android-loaded device is considerably more powerful, sporting a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8655 chip and 512MB of RAM. (The PSP, by comparison, has a 333MHz processor with 32MB of RAM.) You can also see what looks to be the PS button underneath the D-Pad (with placeholder marking) and the big, rounded rectangle in the middle is reportedly a touch-sensitive strip capable of mimicking dual-analog input. This prototype device certainly looks like the real deal, but the lack of a custom Android skin and any obvious PSP branding raises even more questions. When will this device be ready, let alone announced? How much will it be? Maybe most importantly, what kind of games will be compatible with it?
PSP2 in the hands of Mortal Kombat devs; 'It's a pretty powerful machine'
According to an interview with Netherrealm Studios executive producer Shaun Himmerick conducted by Industry Gamers, not only does the PSP2 exist, but it's already in developers' hands. When asked about the possibility of the Mortal Kombat reboot heading to PSP or 3DS, Himmerick replied, "We're not launching day one on all consoles like that. We are looking at them; we have a PSP2 in the house and we're looking at the engine, like what can it support." Wait -- the PSP2, you say? "PSP2 looks like it's a pretty powerful machine," Himmerick added, before saying that his studio doesn't have a 3DS just yet. Sony, as you might imagine, refused to comment.
Next gen PSP to have touch controls -- on the wrong side?
Touchscreen controls are nice for some applications but, until someone invents transparent fingers, they're a real bother for gaming. Many, including Apple, have toyed with the idea of putting the touch sensitive sections on the back of the device, and we have strong rumors coming out of Gamescom this week that this is the path Sony is taking for its next-generation PSP. Now, we've been hearing various rumors about this thing for just about as long as we've known about the first-gen PSP, but Sony is said to be quietly showing off a prototype unit about the size of a PSP-3000. While everyone agrees about the touch-sensitive portion 'round the back, it's unknown what (if any) physical controls will go along with it. A release date for the thing is also unclear, with some saying next year and others saying it'll be later than that. Whenever it ships we hope it'll do the right thing and finally put the UMD format out of its misery.
Exclusive: Sony Ericsson to introduce Android 3.0 gaming platform and PSP Go-like smartphone
There's no question that gaming on the Android platform has heretofore been relatively underwhelming, but that looks like it's all about to change. It seems that Sony Ericsson -- a company that has yet to even introduce an Android 2.0 device -- is at work on a project to redefine gaming on Google's mobile platform. We now know (via a trusted source) that the company is actively and heavily developing a brand new gaming platform, ecosystem, and device (possibly alongside Google) which are already in the late stages of planning. And we've got the goods on it.
Video: Sony's PSP Go leaks out before E3, is obviously a go
Look up there, folks. That's the future of Sony's hopes and dreams in the handheld gaming sector. With just hours to go before the company's official E3 2009 press event, it looks like the pieces are all coming together. First a UMD-less game release, then a highly credible mole giving the PSP Go a name, and now -- live action shots. The images here were sourced from an obviously slipped June 2009 Qore video, and aside from giving us a look at the slider-based system (which, let's be honest, looks a ton like the questionably successful mylo), we're also told that it'll tout 16GB of internal memory, built-in Bluetooth and an undisclosed memory slot. If all goes well, it'll ship this Fall for a price to be determined, and it's actually not slated to replace the PSP-3000, as both of 'em will attempt to live on store shelves harmoniously... at least for awhile. Oh, and don't worry -- we'll be on hand in LA to bring you all the impressions we can muster early next week.[Via PlayStation Forums, thanks Matt and A1]Update: Video is now after the break! Thanks adizzy615!Update 2: Official press shots have emerged. [Via Engadget Spanish]Update 3: A few more official specifications are flowing from the full Qore video (pardon the sync issues). Here's the dirt: 3.8-inch display (resolution is undisclosed) 43 percent lighter than the PSP-3000 16GB of Flash storage Bluetooth built-in; supports handset tethering and BT headsets No UMD drive Memory Stick Micro slot New Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and new Metal Gear Solid (!) on the way Full PlayStation Network support (movie and TV rentals / purchases) Integration with PlayStation 3 (works the same as the PSP-3000 does) Sony views each of its products as "10-year lifecycle products," so the PSP "needs to live on."
Next PSP to rely on Memory Stick HG-Micro for storage?
You can be sure this won't be the last PSP rumor to surface before E3, but the word going around now is that the so-called PSP Go! (or PSP2, or PSP Slide...) won't rely primarily on some internal memory for storage as previously speculated, but on something like Sony's new Memory Stick HG-Micro format, which is about 40MB/s faster than a standard Memory Stick Duo card. That word apparently comes from some "sources close to PSP development" that have spoken to PC World's Game On blog, who seem to also be suggesting that the Memory Sticks would effectively replace UMDs as a game delivery format, and not simply be used for downloaded games and whatnot. All of which certainly seems reasonable enough, even if it's still far from being anywhere close to official.[Via Joystiq]
Sony unveiling UMD-less PSP with slide-out buttons at E3?
Whispers of a new or revised PSP have been growing decidedly louder as of late, and now 1UP's gotten a ton of new details from what it claims are "sources directly involved with the new system" -- our favorite kind of people, actually. Here's what they were told: UMD is out, replaced instead with options for either 8GB or 16GB of built-in flash memory. Also nixed is any hope of a "PSP-4000," with Sony opting instead to use a subtitle. Three rumored names include PSP Slide, PSP Flip, and PSP Go!, the latter of which borrows from Sony's pre-existing Go! brand and suggests there might be a built-in camera à la PSP-3000's Go!Cam peripheral. The same D-pad, analog nub, and face button configuration remains, but they now slide out from the bottom of the unit (see mockup, pictured). Expected launch is September for Japan and late October / early November for US, and coming with 'em are over 100 classic and new downloadable titles including Gran Turismo Mobile as a headliner. Sony's supposedly going official with all this during its E3 press conference in early June, and for now they're opting to give the staple "does not comment on rumors or speculation" response. That's one mighty intriguing rumor -- we can only hope it pans out.
Sony's John Koller says 'tangible disc' still important
In the latest assault in what we've come to think of as "Operation: Spite David Perry," Sony's John Koller is still insisting that the UMD disc is a valued member of team PSP, telling Gamesindustry.biz, "We look to the tangible disc as continuing to be very important. I think there's certainly a consumer out there who values tangibility. We say that alot [sic] in our research." We're hoping he means "see that a lot," or we're not sure they understand exactly how research works.We've had our top decoders working on Sony's UMD message, and we think we've got it just about cracked: "We're going to keep telling you to buy UMDs until the moment we tell you our next system won't play them." We may not like it, but dammit if we don't respect it.
Rumorang: PSP2 brings dual analog nubs, touch screen by Christmas
Rumors pertaining to the PSP2 (sometimes called PSP-4000) seem to be getting wilder and more exciting as the days go by. First, we heard about the UMD drive's removal and the addition of sliding screens, but now it's all touch screens (that slide) and dual analog nubs. According to PocketGamer, who apparently spoke with a developer working on the new hardware (and not Dave Perry), all of these new features will be available later this year when the PSP2 ships sometime before Christmas.If we're following Sony's usual timeline of events, we'll see the new hardware unveiled at E3 -- just like the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000 in the previous years. [image]
Sony plays catch up with hackers, mulling over PSP 'virtual console'
We're pretty sure a good lot of you with PSPs have used them for, shall we say, less than reputable means -- like playing 16-bit era games using emulators. Soon, there might be a more legit outlet for that fix, as Sony's head of US marketing for PlayStation hardware John Koller tells MTV Multiplayer it's looking to bring classics from before Sony entered the arena to the handheld, à la Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console. The company's also expanding North America's library of PSOne downloads to eventually match the plethora of titles available to the Japanese market. It's all part of a greater initiative to make more digitally-distributed, download-only titles, which we wholeheartedly support -- now, about those pesky UMD-less PSP2 rumors...[Via Joystiq]
Dave Perry challenges Sony to confirm UMD in PSP 2
Wow, son, this s**t just got real. Wait wait, let us get you up to speed with a fictionalized one act play.Dave Perry, Acclaim COO: The PSP 2 totally isn't going to have a UMD drive.Sony spokesperson John Koller: Huh? Wha? PSP 2? Dave Perry, game industry veteran: Exactly.Now, DP has gone one step further to extend the beef. He just dispatched a Twitter message (or, as they say on the streets, a "tweet") saying, "John Koller is publically questioning my post about PSP 2. So I confirmed with Top PSP 2 developers. John, state that PSP 2 WILL have UMD." Oh snap! Dave, how about you stop sweating the contents of the PSP 2 and make us another Wild 9 for it? Please?
PSP 2 is ready and UMD-less, claims Earthworm Jim developer
We've lost count on the number of times we've heard from a friend of a coworker of a cousin whose girlfriend's stepfather happens to work at Sony and they're all but ready to launch a UMD-less PSP in 17 different color options bundled with a portable version of Street Fighter IV. Typically, we remain skeptical, but when it's veteran developer David "I made MDK and Earthworm Jim" Perry, we'll give him the floor to speak. Earlier this week, his Twitter account updated to say he's heard the PSP 2 is done and minus that disc drive. He later reaffirmed that comment to GameDaily, saying he can't reveal his source (naturally), but he feels certain UMD is gone. Is his source bunk? He's certainly a guy who'd know a guy, but we've heard this story far too many times to take a leap of faith now.[Via Joystiq]Read - David Perry's TwitterRead - GameDaily
Dave Perry absolutely 'certain' next PSP will forego UMD
Everyone on the internet seemingly has an "inside source" at Sony. Did you know that a forum poster's best friend's cousin works at Sony R&D and TOTALLY wants to spill the guts on firmware 3.00? Yeah. Dave Perry, former COO of now-defunct Acclaim, left a Twitter message claiming to have heard about Sony's next PSP. "I hear Sony FINALLY has the PSP 2. And thank goodness, they've removed the stupid battery-sucking UMD disc drive. I'm excited!"GameDaily BIZ followed up on Perry's tweet, and it appears Perry is willing to go on record with his statement. "I can't reveal my sources, but you can be certain there's no UMD, which means fully digital online device, and you know I know people."We usually doubt anyone that claims to have an unnamed source at Sony -- and we still place a lot of doubt on this industry alum. However, his rumor is given a bit more weight thanks to a similar report at PC Watch released today, which states that SCEI is currently looking into PSP2 development much more seriously. Certainly, something is happening behind the scenes. Will Perry's claim come true?
Sony scouting a tester for unreleased new product?
While the rumors of a PSP2 and PSP Phone have calmed down of late, they're never truly dead. According to a fluent Japanese speaker translating a Sony Japan job listing for GameSpot, the company is on the hunt for an "evaluator / assessor for a new game machine." More specifically, that elusive machine is said to be a "part of the PlayStation or PSP series and their peripherals." The listing goes on to state that the lucky winner will "be part of an advisory staff that will play PlayStation series software on this new machine and check its functionality," and they'll also be able to "test game machines not yet released or new functionality of PS3 peripherals before they are released." From there, it's up to your imagination to determine what exactly this could be alluding to, but we're setting our expectations remarkably low as to not be disappointed.[Via GameSpot]
Sony looking for testers for 'new game machine'
A new job listing on the Sony Computer Entertainment Japan website has us intrigued. It asks for someone to "evaluate/assess" a "new games machine," according to Gamespot's translation. The device will be "part of the PlayStation or PSP series and their peripherals." Considering the PS3's 10-year life cycle, we're not expecting its successor any time soon. As for the PSP, there've been rumors recently regarding a PSP-2 of some description. This could be it, or it could just be yet another iteration of the PSP: an incremental upgrade, the PSP-4000, which could be arriving later this year, if Eurogamer's sources are to be believed. Alternatively, this "new device" could be something completely ... new. The long-rumored PSPhone, perhaps?Regardless of what it is, it's comforting to know that Sony's got something cooking behind the scenes. We look forward to finding out more, but suspect it may be a while before we do.[Via Gamespot]
Sony dismisses IGN's PSP2 rumors, disses IGN
Wow, not only did Sony take the time to deny an IGN rumor about the PSP2, but the company took the opportunity to flat out insult the site. IGN recently cited "several credible sources" in a report on Sony's next handheld, allegedly featuring a touch screen, Bluetooth support, hard drive and GPS. MCV then spoke to Sony about the rumor -- that's when the sparks flew."Clearly, being a quiet time of year, many, what we thought to be credible websites, are making up stories about PSP2, and how it allows you to teleport across the globe, travel through time, and will be powered by the horns of baby rhinoceroses," Sony explained. "Hopefully, you can sense a mild tone of sarcasm, which should hopefully indicate how 'on the money' IGN are. Needless to say, we don't comment on rumour or speculation, but this is nonsense." We don't know who to feel embarrassed for right now, but it's certainly going to be awkward if IGN is right.Source - Rumor: PSP2 coming soon. (IGN)Source - PSP 2 Rumors are "nonsense." (MCV) [Image]
Sony denies PSP2 rumors, calls it "misinterpretation"
Chatting with Silicon Alley Insider, Sony's John Koller called the PSP2 rumor "completely unfounded." Koller called the push for a PSP2 a "misinterpretation" for the PSP's refocused direction away from UMDs and move towards digital distribution. Despite a flat out denial from Sony, Eurogamer -- the publication which first ran the PSP-4000 and PSP2 rumors -- insists that its sources are "adamant that Sony has specifically discussed both products with them, and that games are in development for a PSP successor." It's a bit of a tug-of-war here. Who do we believe? It's not too farfetched of an idea that the PSP-4000 is due for next year considering that new hardware has come out annually for the past two years. Couple that without mention from Koller, and it's very likely that this could prove to be still on the table. As for the PSP2, it's never a good time to talk about replacement hardware during a key shopping season, if you catch our drift. Perhaps we'll hear more as we enter 2009.
Sony PSP2 rumors debunked, probably not for the last time
OK, guys and gals, we hate to break it to you -- John Koller, Sony's Director of Hardware Marketing has said it in plain English: "no plans for a PSP2 are underway." Apparently, the company is pushing developers towards the PlayStation store for their primary point of sale, a move that some people have taken to mean that the companies have been secretly developing games for some sort of new platform. Of course, in the light of some similarly "cryptic" statements we reported yesterday, some folks might continue to be gullible skeptical. Which is fine, as long as nobody asks us when the device pictured above will be released. 'Cos it won't be. Evar.
