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Updated: New PSP design and features due for 2007?
According to PlayStation Magazine -- and we suppose they would know -- Sony has a PSP redesign in the works. It's not a PSP 2, the rumored device resides squarely in the realm of redesign, but the supposed 8GB flash drive from Samsung, built-in EyeToy and a thinner, lighter form factor would all be welcome improvements to the current PSP. Actually, all the specs match up nicely with the PSP 2 rumors we were hearing earlier this year, but supposedly Sony wants to go with the Apple model of iPod upgrades, and stick with the single PSP name. In recent interviews, Sony's SCEA president Kaz Hirai didn't directly discount the idea of a PSP redesign, but he didn't really give it a lot of weight either. We're willing to give this rumor a fair shake, but we'll have to wait for more info and a real pic to see if this thing can have DS lite-ish success at its purported March 2007 launch -- Sony sure could use a hit. UPDATE: Our original post was based on a fan-made PSP mockup from Joystiq's writeup that threw us off the trail, but now we've got a thumbnail of the magazine scan thanks to PSP Fanboy.[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: PSP redesign coming before March 07
People love talking about a redesign of the PSP. Heck, PSP Fanboy ran a contest to see fans make up their own crazy contraptions. Well, a very believable scan of PlayStation Magazine seem to suggest that Sony's working hard on one, and it's coming very soon: March 2007, two years after the US release of the handheld. The article states that Sony's taking a page from Apple (very much like Nintendo), and will provide the same core functionality, while providing a new aesthetic and non-game affecting additions. The biggest changes appear to come in size and memory: the theoretical system will have 8GB of hard disk space, be smaller, and have a retooled UMD drive, all at the same price as the current model. EyeToy will also be integrated into the system, and function as the upcoming external version for current PSP owners.A redesign has worked wonders for the DS, and Sony's portable can certainly benefit from the same image boost that Nintendo received when retooling their handheld. Sony just has to remember one thing: ensure that a redesign doesn't interfere with current PSP owners from playing future games. Also remember, until Sony confirms otherwise, we're taking this story as a rumor.Read - Page 1 of magazine scanRead - Page 2 of magazine scan[Via QJ]
For Sony, everything old is new again
For those who were still wondering just how revolutionary the new PlayStation 3 controller was, well feast your eyes on this PlayStation Magazine video podcast that shows first hand just how great the technology is. Hosted by some uber gaming writer, our guide takes us through a magical time machine back to 1999 to demonstrate the use of a controller by Pelican that is eerily similar to the ancient groundbreaking PS3 controller. Playing a 1995 version of Warhawk then Gran Turismo 4, we get to see that the PS3 controller ain't so new. In fact, not only does the controller mimic the same motions as the new one, but it also supports vibration -- something the PS3 one will lack. Of course the PS3 controller will be wireless, and perhaps be more precise, but don't gamers deserve something a little more for their $600 than rehashed 7-year-old ideas?[Thanks, Tony]
