Dual-thumbstick PSP out by Christmas?

Source: British handheld specialty site Pocket Gamer.What we heard: Since 2009 began, one rumor has hung over the game industry week after week--namely, that Sony is readying a true successor to the PSP. Since being introduced to the US and EU in 2005, the handheld has been outsold two-to-one by...

Source: British handheld specialty site Pocket Gamer.

What we heard: Since 2009 began, one rumor has hung over the game industry week after week--namely, that Sony is readying a true successor to the PSP. Since being introduced to the US and EU in 2005, the handheld has been outsold two-to-one by its dual-screen rival the DS, some 50 million units to 100 million units. Since June 2007, the PSP has also faced competition on the multimedia front from Apple's iPhone, which ramped up its gaming functionality exponentially last summer with the launch of the App Store.

With the handheld market growing even more cuthroat with this week's launch of the Web-browsing, multimedia-enabled DSi, pressure is building on Sony to produce a compelling alternative. The most credible rumors this year have spoken of a slimmer revision of the PSP that ditches the optical UMD drive, whose moving parts can cause long load times and drain battery life. The PSP already supports downloadable games, which are stored on a Memory Stick Duo or Pro, Sony's proprietary flash-memory card format.

Today, Pocket Gamer restoked the PSP2 rumor mill--which has inspired some impressive unauthorized concept art (pictured)--by reporting that it has spoken directly with a developer working with the new PSP. (For those keeping score, that's the same claim made by Acclaim president David Perry in February.) According to the British site, the fourth iteration of the handheld will be much more drastic than its two prior reworks, which streamlined its chassis, brightened its screen, rearranged some buttons, and added video output.

The new PSP will reportedly have a touch-sensitive screen like the iPhone and will offer a similarly sleek appearance by hiding its controls when they're not in use via a sliding panel. Among those controls will be one many PSP users felt should have been included in the original version--a second analog thumbstick. Finally, the handheld will reportedly be released in the US and Europe by year's end following an unveiling at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.

The official story: "As far as this new round of rumors--we haven't announced any new PSP hardware and can't comment on these rumors or speculation." -- Sony rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus something major is in the works. Speaking with GameSpot last month, Sony Computer Entertainment America hardware marketing head John Koller said over half of 2009's PSP games haven't been announced yet. "There's a lot of announcements coming up to E3 and particularly at E3," he said, further indicating that Sony is ramping up its backing of the PSP. (Emphasis added.) With software support ramping up, it would behoove Sony to reshuffle the handheld market deck by releasing an appealing new device.

411 Comments

  • DarkZapper

    Posted Oct 12, 2009 4:01 pm PT

    psp go just came out i doubt it for a year or so at least

  • willywonkamusic

    Posted Sep 5, 2009 9:45 pm PT

    2 thumb sick doesn't change anything its just for 360 degrees look around

  • octotoke

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 10:09 pm PT

    This doesn't look very convincing...not that it is impossible but it would be very dumb of sony to try launch another handheld device to simultaneously compete with the PSPgo...Furthermore new games featuring the second thumbstick would be incompatible with the older PSP forcing people to buy a new console? This is inconsistent with SCEA's conference during E3 as well, which if I remember well dedicated a lot of time describing the importance of sony console's life expectancies. Yes, half of PSP games aren't announced yet! But guessing that these games would be made for a machine other than the current version of PSP is just outrageous...

  • ZeeKing09

    Posted Jul 17, 2009 6:59 pm PT

    yea right i realy doubt theyre making this after they just annoced theyre making psp go. They aint gonna make this for a couple more years. And once its made its gonna be cheap. I would ho[pe they make this, cuz then all the other games wont work on the psp 1. F-- -- K off sony you realy gotta ruin everything. JUst upgrade the psp slim with a second thumstick. BE SMART.

  • Lhachy

    Posted Jul 13, 2009 5:58 am PT

    the reason psp's are unwanted is because they cost so much and they are more mature than ds's. Little kids like ds's for the mario games and what not. but more teens and up enjoy the psp more. but the psp is so expensive with its great hardware ppl think they might as well by a larger system such as an xbox 360 which you could by for actually close to the same price as a psp go when they come out.

  • D4NZEL-709

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 11:31 am PT

    My guess is It will be announced in TGS along with the Slim ps3

  • Zack-the-man

    Posted Jun 5, 2009 11:59 am PT

    wope its true but i wish that it was out alot earlyer then Christmas or that you can save one online for pick up to beat the rush at Christmas

  • Spat262

    Posted Jun 3, 2009 7:38 pm PT

    yo ill hop rite on that PSP2 if its true...looks ill

  • freeofkings

    Posted Jun 3, 2009 12:50 pm PT

    @ike55 halo would be cool as a handheld game... but its microsoft.

  • Bluellama1

    Posted Jun 2, 2009 2:19 pm PT

    Thought: Skate for PSP!

  • misterbutt

    Posted May 23, 2009 4:20 pm PT

    man i just hope assassins creed on the psp isnt for the new psp2 whenever it comes out cuz i am lookin foward to it and i dont wanna spend money on a new psp ive barely even used my psp slim cuz sony is JUST NOW releasing a lot of good games for it. ive had my psp for over a year and only had 3 games on it including the one it came with!!!

  • bbballin

    Posted May 20, 2009 9:20 am PT

    lbp 4 psp BALLIN!!!!

  • JimJams96

    Posted May 19, 2009 3:47 pm PT

    Finally, 2 analog sticks! That's just what the PSP needs, especially with all these new games announced (devil may cry)

  • Ike55

    Posted May 6, 2009 1:38 pm PT

    no touchscreen but I like the dual thumbsticks. halo for the psp!!!

  • triptiger94

    Posted May 1, 2009 5:49 pm PT

    THE PSP COULD BE GOOD BUT NOBODY LISTENS TO THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER...US

  • triptiger94

    Posted May 1, 2009 5:48 pm PT

    I this psp2 comes out there is no way it will outsell the ds or dsi number 1. On top of that there is no garuntee that its games or touch screen is good. and on top of that the prices of games will increase just like the next gen consoles. And what if the graphics are better so what the system wil end up costing 400 bucks with the system and 1 or 2 games u decide to buy. So i would wait to buy it for mabe a couple months, and if it turns out to be an amazing system i will buy it. But the concept art is cool

  • triptiger94

    Posted May 1, 2009 5:39 pm PT

    even if the psp 2 comes out u have to buy the system and all the new games wich they will problably make more expensive just like the next gen consoles. So it will not out sell the ds lite or dsi because you will end up spending $400 bucks the first time u buy it, and on top of that there is no garuntee that the games will be good. I have maybe 3 or 4 god games for the psp after 4 years of it being out. But the concept art is pretty freakin sweat.
    I would wit to buy it... if it does come out.

  • penguiny

    Posted May 1, 2009 2:36 am PT

    Here's to all you people who are saying they don't need the psp to have a touch screen, that's what the ds is for. the reason behind that is so you DON'T need a ds to do that all you need is a psp for everything.

  • evilkear

    Posted Apr 30, 2009 2:56 am PT

    don't they get it? its not unsuccessful because the system itself sucks, its about the games. that concept art does look sweet though, and i like that it slides open.

  • drwrir

    Posted Apr 29, 2009 7:57 pm PT

    Osnic you're an idiot. This will be good for sony but in no way will it outsell the ds. Just because they make the system better or copy what nintendo has already proven is successful, doesn't mean sh!t. Sony is a fail, they have better hardware in the ps3 than any system out, and what outsells it? The 360, the wii, the ds, the only thing that doesn't sell more than the ps3 is the psp, isn't that ironic? LOL. I'm not a fanboy, but they have no support right now, maybe from square and activision, a few titles from atlus, but not much more. They need to learn to make big selling games, as the psp has some good ones but none that stand out enough to make it a must have handheld. I laugh you at what you say because the psp doesn't need the ds to kick it's ass, all you do is drop it or clip it while sitting down and it's broken. I know people who have gone through 2 or 3 of them because they're cheap. Psp= piece sh!t plastic. I'd love to see sony do better than they are, but when the ds is near passing the ps2 as top selling system of all time, they have a real uphill battle to fight with this one. I just hope they do it right this time, and mimicking nintendos achievements won't make up for it, I guarantee it. I love the ps2, and hopefully the psp2 will follow in it's footsteps. Also, in closing, I think the dual analog stick idea would be very ideal and sounds to be a defining spec to the system.

  • JokerJosh195

    Posted Apr 27, 2009 7:11 pm PT

    No don't get rig of the umd drive it is such a perfect system the psp is already and if you get the new psp u can't play old games witch some of are already awesome as. Arent Sony trying to stop pirateing if there is no umd drive then you could just put downloaded games on to the memory care to play 4 free. If there is so much of a need for a touch screen the why be the same as ds or Iphones stay the same sont change it would be such a waste to give a psp a touch screen stick to the basicks im so bored of touch screens they enoy me and get so dirty. The only way I think psp could get better is to make a dual stick excelsiory that plugs into the usb slot then joins to the bottom where the x button is but u need to make it go in as well its a bit of a pickle. FOR THE LOVE OF ORIGINAL STAY WITH NO TOUCH SCREEN AND NO MEMORY STICK GAMES WE LOBE THE UMD IT ROCKS

  • Killerapp1023

    Posted Apr 25, 2009 4:23 pm PT

    Really hope this comes out. So long as it comes with a lot of internal memory. Guess ill have to wait til E3.

  • Osnic

    Posted Apr 25, 2009 2:31 pm PT

    It sounds cool and everything but I don't want it right now! Wait until at least end of 2010!
    The PSP finaly gets more cool games and I just: Yes! Many good games coming out for PSP. But now they say that it might be true that we get PSP2. I can't sell my PSP beacuse I won't get enough money for it to buy the PSP2 proably. And that's just waste of I don't know it's just stupid. But I still want a PSP 2 but maybe later. Or it is okay if they still make games to PSP for some years after realeasing PSP2. I don't know.
    But if they realease this, it will kick DS litle stupid ass so hard that it breaks/fall apart.
    But I will still buy it if they realease PSP2, I hope it can play PSP games. And I think this is true, it's like the DSi. but anyway that's just my little stupid opinion.
    My comment is way too long.

  • GAMELOVER1997

    Posted Apr 24, 2009 5:36 am PT

    WOW!!! im exited.looks like i phone,if this will come out it wold be awesome! i hope it will come! we'll see.....

  • xyboink

    Posted Apr 21, 2009 12:25 pm PT

    that is normal, the technology evolves and the PSP will evolve too... But it has impressed me more than i've wished... Should that new PSP option open new doors and giving more skills to developpe ?

    My answer: i think YES !

  • gormo4

    Posted Apr 16, 2009 11:55 am PT

    M33 ftw- and the newer psps wont be able to cope wiv that- as we've just seen wiv the 3000's motherboards.

  • Dawg9000

    Posted Apr 15, 2009 6:19 pm PT

    The console is the Turkey and the touch screen is the extra gravy.

  • helix_105

    Posted Apr 15, 2009 2:50 pm PT

    Lol i forgot to add if they do make it i hope theres at least 300 mb of ram.

  • helix_105

    Posted Apr 15, 2009 2:49 pm PT

    if sony keeps on makes this.
    They should still make firmware for version PSP-3000 and its procedures.
    But i think this is to much of an upgrade, i dont believe that to be a real picture.

  • THORINATOR

    Posted Apr 15, 2009 12:47 pm PT

    Oh crap, I just got a psp 3000, it's a bit of a joke the rate sony are modifying & upgrading the current psp handheld, would they ever just build one version & just upgrade the software via firmware updates!

  • xXZak-ataKXx

    Posted Apr 15, 2009 8:50 am PT

    that would be awesome!!! to bad that i just bought the psp 3000. O well i dont mind paying for another amazing handheld, psp is kool.

  • pasteltheman

    Posted Apr 15, 2009 6:14 am PT

    Wow..a touch screen PSP like the iPhone....hmmmm well if Sony will announce it i think its gonna be one of the most best-selling gadgets beating the DS
    dual thumbstick would be great for first person shooters.......

  • NewPorkCity

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 5:20 pm PT

    @AngelCage-2

    Hmmm... let's see. Then what is the point of Microsoft using the same technology that is on the iPhone to design a functional piece of equipment that the Army uses? Pretty sure that the iPhone isn't exactly a fad, seeing as it's graphics are the best on a mobile phone, since we were talking about graphics, so let's not change the subject to phone capabilities. Especially because the n95, while a very effective phone, is A) Using the same idea as the iPhone, and B) doesn't have nearly the array of tools and functionality available for the iPhone. You know, out of the 10s of thousands of Applications in the App Store?

  • jms0013

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:41 pm PT

    this will be the best handheld system in the world
    here we come portable fps
    I am definitly saving all of my spare change (every penny) so I can buy this. I also hope it has cfw so I can play ps1 games

  • CVM_123

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:38 pm PT

    it looks like a gameboy color lol but the screen looks awesome!

  • agurio

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 12:50 pm PT

    Dual-thumbstick would be great, and that big small screen too. The slide looks fine, but sometimes, sliding things don't stay where it should after some use.
    That "PSP2" that's is pictured above, it is too squary, and our thumbs wouldn't fit on that shape. The shape of the PS consoles' control would be perfect.

  • CreatureRising

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 12:40 pm PT

    Portable FPS here we come.

  • AngelCage-2

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 8:03 am PT

    @NewPorkCity

    ...And guess what? The best cell phone in the world, with graphics just as good as the Nintendo DS, has a touch screen.
    .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

    The best cellphone in the world? are you talking about the crappy iPhone? Oh come on, is just THE womanizer gadget is cool and that but as a phone, a LOT of other gadgets have better and more capabilities and tools... even the old N95 is better than the iPhone3G, is ugly, but it wipe the floor with iPhone arse.

    I can remember when Motorola released the Razor way way ago... everyone wanted one and a lot of people said that was the best phone in the world, but actually was an underpowered, very generic phone in a amazing skin... there was better phones than it.

  • blancobo

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 6:07 am PT

    Comparing the PSP to the DS is as unfair as comparing it to the iphone. Only biased reviewers would try to put side to side what the PSP is capable of achieveing with either console. The PSP is much better than the iphone or the DS in every gaming aspect. The fact that more DS are sold is just a true fact from the market that Nintendo already had on handhelds. I wish some of these news were constructed on actual/factual statements rather than with vague opinions.

  • shadowmaniac149

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:40 am PT

    they should call it psp slide

  • Lyca

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 2:10 am PT

    I just want plenty of decent games to go with it. Not enough titles have been released on psp!

  • tenlong

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 12:19 am PT

    so when is psp2 coming out i hope the design is like the first psp with 2 analog sticks it would games easier to control i hope they dont make a ds clone i play ds for ds games and psp for psp games they both have their styles of games exclusive to each handheld i play both for different reasons i hate it when console maker try to copy each other they need to be their own thing i hope its fake except that psp2 will have 2 analog sticks

  • Capt_Doom

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 9:26 pm PT

    I just remembered: wasn't there some thing about Sony patenting some new type of motion control (not 6-axis). Maybe that will be in there as well.

  • leonard88

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:50 pm PT

    i'll wait till my first gen psp breaks then i'll consider getting a new one or this one

  • N2TheFlames

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:11 pm PT

    Heck just release it with touch-screen, dual thumbs, internet, full keyboard, umd burner, surround sound, external video connection, long distance, text messaging, video/still camera, 40gb storage capacity, a 4-barrel carburetor, and a flux capacitor... THEN it will be happenin!

    Seriously though... it's about time Sony did something to truly give the PSP it's well overdue upgrades. I don't need a touch-screen, I have the DS for that stuff. The PSP is an amazing little piece of hardware already. Another thumbstick, the bright screen, and maybe some other added features to sweeten the deal and I'll definitely buy one.

  • Fitz180

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:53 pm PT

    Like the two thumbsticks, idk about the touch screen though...

  • Dizzy003

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 5:49 pm PT

    I'd just be happy with a PSP that has a 2nd thumbstick, the touch screen would just be the bonus.

  • NewPorkCity

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 5:08 pm PT

    @gamermanps2

    Hmm... let's see, touch screen is a gimmick that only Nintendo stoops to. Right...

    That's why Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AND LG have all gone touch screen. And guess what? The best cell phone in the world, with graphics just as good as the Nintendo DS, has a touch screen. Hm... sounds like a pretty good gimmick to me...

  • AerosmithRules

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 10:39 am PT

    if its true I'll be selling my old one with my ds to buy one of these. Cant wait for e3.

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