PSP2 graphics chip revealed?

Source: The Spanish cousin of UK-based Eurogamer. What we heard: Though the more streamlined, UMD-less PSP Go was revealed just over a month ago at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, reports of Sony's next handheld are already sprouting up. Case in point: a report today on Eurogamer.es, which...

Source: The Spanish cousin of UK-based Eurogamer.

What we heard: Though the more streamlined, UMD-less PSP Go was revealed just over a month ago at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, reports of Sony's next handheld are already sprouting up. Case in point: a report today on Eurogamer.es, which claims to have uncovered the processor at the heart of the PSP platform's successor, the PSP2. (Completely speculative concept art pictured--no form factor has been revealed.)

According to a handy translation provided by Eurogamer's hardware site Digital Foundry, Eurogamer.es is citing insider sources as saying the PSP2 will be powered by the SGX543MP chip from the PowerVR line of graphics processors. PowerVR is a division of GPU-maker Imagination Technologies, which also specializes in "the creation and licensing of semiconductor system-on-chip intellectual property."

A netbook equipped with a single-core version of the SGX543MP was shown off at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show running Quake III arena at a robust 30 frames per second while playing high-def video. Eurogamer.es claims the PSP2 will be sporting a quad core, low-power-consumption variant of the mutlicore chipset, code-named "Hydra," which can be used for both central and graphics processing. It can process 133 million polygons/second and will boast a 4 gigapixels/second fill rate if operated at the lower end of the spectrum to preserve the PSP2's battery life--more graphics-processing power than the original Xbox. Indeed, the SGX543MP is rumored to be at the center of a new HD-video capable iPhone, since its processors are already used by Apple in the iPhone 3GS. Apple currently owns a near-10 percent stake in London-based Imagination.

The official story: Sony did not respond to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: A little thin, but looking plausible. Last November, long after Apple licensed PowerVR tech in mid-2007, Imagination revealed a deal with an unnamed "major international consumer electronics company" to provide a "high-performance forthcoming member of Imagination's PowerVR SGX graphics processor family" for use in a mystery device or devices.

274 Comments

  • Wings_008

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:45 am PT

    it's gonna need a nuclear reactor to feed this chip and the processor, so am guessing the battery life is gonna be.... err rather short

  • PS2to-the-end

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:41 am PT

    Face it. Sony will always be the best of the best.

  • laptop12

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:35 am PT

    what quad core? hope its grafik better xbox 1, more 3D RPG, more Square Enix

  • jcasanova

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:34 am PT

    That portable would be awesome!!! Probably could bring PS2 classics section on the ps store!

  • alexLmx6

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:34 am PT

    probably going to wait until after xmas when people have bought the psp go to officially announce the new one, and make everyone who bought the go feel ripped off.. yay!

  • cristhiansj_1

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:32 am PT

    @pataponplayer: But its an SDK for programming, third parties can programm for PSP with it.

  • hi66

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:25 am PT

    I do have too say that graphics dont matter. In fact I myself enjoy the classic graphics of the 64 and ps2 then that of the new gen consoles. Mainly because games are supposed to be unrealistic, there an escape from real life, they shouldent be a simulation of somthing you can already do. (just do it for real then)

  • xXZak-ataKXx

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:23 am PT

    @ Night dude
    The Playstation 3 isnt really getting smashed by the 360. Thats all i have to say.

  • Bufta

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:20 am PT

    Gimme Gimme Gimme a PSP2 after midnight, wont somebody help me take the pspgo away. GRAPHICS GRAPHICS AND MORE GRAPHICS, i just love buying a new version of a handheld every year it really helps my bank balance.

  • broen9

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:13 am PT

    I don't understand why this is being compared to the original x-box. Why hasn't Sony figured this out yet? All they have to do is put a handheld out that can play any of the current library of PS2 games and they would have people jumping all over it. The RPGs *alone*.... I *still* own more than 50 PS2 games and have moved on to current Gen for the most part, but I would dust off so many of the current classics on the PS2 if made mobile...

  • corwinn01

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:12 am PT

    I could care less since I will not be buying one.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:08 am PT

    And this is why I'm not wasting my time with the PSP Go. I'm just wondering if the PSP2 is going to be UMD based or just DLC based like the PSP Go? What other features will it have. Graphically it's looking good so far, but we need a lot more information. Price will also be key for me. I'm not paying more then $250 for it, that's for sure.

  • Night_dude posted Jul 8, 2009 9:08 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Night_dude

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 9:08 am PT (hide)

    i think that sony is trying to make a device that could do better than the ps3 since it was smashed by Microsoft

  • tmorri603

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:59 am PT

    Sounds good. I like how much power it will pack. My guess is that it the games will be downloaded to the system like the PSP Go. I still don't see it beating the Nintendo portable beast that they have built. The PSP is hands down is more powerful than the DS but the DS still outsells it. I don't see that changing the next go-round.

  • -Raiden-

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:42 am PT

    i hope it can play better games) that would be awesome) PS3 grafic on Psp))))

  • FlashCharge

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:38 am PT

    The list of psps goes on and on and on and on.....

  • da1writer

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:26 am PT

    @ pataponplayer: Really? You better go tell that to Nvidia, ATi, and EVERY graphics card creator. @ red-ray: Come on dude, get your head out the cheerios. This is speculation over the future PSP 2 not over another version of the current PSP. To those crying over backwards compatibility, yeah it would be nice but I prefer the original hardware than any thing and also it looks like Backward compatibility ideas are leaving this world. Don't flame me, it's true. Yes Sony cut it out in the PS3 (might be coming back soon) but Nintendo ,OF ALL PEOPLE, cut out GBA backwards compatibility out of the DSi and is the reason why I still don't have a one. I got a few GBA games I still haven't finished yet and thus will continuee to use my DS Lite...

  • cjasko94

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:26 am PT

    @geomyr its not matching up to the ps3. @xXDante666Xx you mean the gears2/killzone2 graphics wh0r3s? Yeah gameplay is where it counts. Yet when you got a game like mgs4 which has the everything gameplay, story, graphics all toped notched. And you people know come next summer there will be another psp go 2.o or updated one. jus like psp1000-3000

  • xXDante666Xx

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:16 am PT

    First I've always said graphics are like the mints on the pillows at hotels. You don't need them, but they are a nice bonus. Why? Because every person here (an exaggeration) can play Pac Man non stop, and graphics are not that games forte. BUT with that said I'm against such awesome graphics for a handheld. It is cool but one thing I've always loved is having my handheld and having it last a long time. The PSP's of today are terrible in terms of battery life. But if Sony does something amazing and makes this system have a good battery life, and these awesome graphics I'm totally for it. Until that unlikely scenario happens, I'm not hopping on that boat.

  • pataponplayer

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:04 am PT

    Sorry but DirectX 10 is a Microsoft product :/

  • geomyr

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:02 am PT

    well finally sony will make the psp 2 with the graphics engine of the ps3 yes but i think the psp 2 will be out some 2 years from now ?

  • red-ray

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 8:00 am PT

    even more powerful than original psp, it has to share its games with other models so there would be no better graphic.

  • ChidoriBoyU

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:58 am PT

    it'd be cool if the psp2 would support graphics as good as the next gen consoles or at least nearly as that well i don't care that much actually but it'd be nice as a hand-held device

  • Rottenwood

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:57 am PT

    Since this is just a rumor, it's hard to speculate. The main flaw of the PSP was that it was TOO high-end; people want portables that are cheap, durable, and have games that don't appear on the home consoles. Sony needs to make something you can jam in your pocket, and has software besides stripped-down versions of PS2/PS3 games.

  • Smithers2286

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:51 am PT

    Honestly who cares?

  • AngelCage-2

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:50 am PT

    Why te people keeps saying that the psp is a failed device? 48 + million units selled since december 2004 (less than 5 years, and still growing)

    that's pretty healty for the device in my book, especially when you consider that it is the first attemp on the portable market from sony. Yeah, DS beat the crap out of PSP sales number, but that don't means that the PSP is a failure.


    if even with that numbers, the people still think that PSP is a fail, then Gamecube (22 million in 5 years) and original Xbox (24 million in 5 years) are MEGA FLOPS both of them (and for the record... if you compare 360/ps3 sales with wii sales, then that two are flops too)

  • -Celeste-

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:38 am PT

    The source's claim that it will support DirectX 10 make this completely bogus. DirectX is a Microsoft technology. Also, Sony has learned by now that processing power does not result in more sales.

    ----

    Except that DX10 is used by any and every game around since its a graphics standard and set of instructions. Microsoft technology or not, every graphics card uses the tech and i don't see any card not using it.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:29 am PT

    I will likely get the PSP2 no matter what Sony puts in it. However, I won't be getting the first generation this time around unless I am certain I will upgrade later. My PSP 1000 is great, but there are some great enhancements with the PSP 3000 & PSP Go. I just can't see myself investing in another of the current-gen PSP just for those enhancements. My only future goal for my PSP is a larger memory stick and a stock of DLG's.
    _

  • GhostyMcboo

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:23 am PT

    see? THAT's what the PsP Go should have been.. but Sony has to keep those dollars rolling in.

    If that concept art comes to bear fruit, I will grab one. That just plain rocks!

    TWO Joysticks! Huzzah!

  • Gamingcucumber

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:15 am PT

    That's an interesting amount of power on a handheld device, but the way I see it would only repeat history. Developers would try to create portable console games instead of games that are really designed for a handheld market such as the case with DS and Elite Beat Agents, Trauma Center, Phoenix Wright to name a few.

    To be interesting graphic wise is one thing, but to actually be fun and fresh to play is an entirely different thing.

  • Cathan

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:14 am PT

    It doesn't seem like the first PSP sold very well, so why would Sony think that creating a newer, more expensive one will do any good?

  • Shtinky

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 7:10 am PT

    Someone needs to tell sony to stop focusing on graphics tech alone, and start focusing more on innovative gameplay technology.

  • Fenrio

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 6:28 am PT

    i loved my 1st psp i dont know why i sold it.... ;( i would like it to have 2 analoge sticks but i think they will put that on becuase everyone wants it i probs will buy a psp go just so that i have a psp again i loved the games. Monster Hunter!! all the way

  • Scarshi

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 6:26 am PT

    I can only imagine the day I am playing a 4 inch display handheld with xbox like graphics, two thumbstick controlls, and being able to play hd movies. Might be a few more years yet, but looking promising already. I'll still hang on to original psp just because I'm nostalgic. Just like my Nintendo 64 (still works) Sega Mega Drive 2 (still works), Sega Dreamcast (still works).

    I love backward compatibility, but nothing beats playing original games on original hardware!

  • liltigger

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 6:01 am PT

    I dont care about the graphic chip of the psp. I only care if the psp gets a descent D-pad to play fighting games and 2 analog sticks to play properly shooters. Better online capabilities would be nice too, hmmm I would love it if they make psp2 - ps3 games so you can play against ps3 players aswell as psp2, more multiplayer competition = more fun xD. Also multiplayers games has a better sale then singleplayer so less chance of pirating/losing money.

  • buaskoor

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:51 am PT

    reles 2013

  • Laiska_pummi

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:39 am PT

    Dunno about PSP2. All consoles these days are backwards compatible. Wars GBA backwards compatible?

  • Laiska_pummi

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:38 am PT

    PSP Go is not backwards compatible. You can't play UMD's on it. It has downloadable content only. Well it's as far as I know.

  • fkbwii

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:26 am PT

    The laptop that has the same chip is a single core 1.3 GHz, so we are probably looking at a quad core 1.3 GHz PSP2 costing about $299.

  • shogoh

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:24 am PT

    The source's claim that it will support DirectX 10 make this completely bogus. DirectX is a Microsoft technology. Also, Sony has learned by now that processing power does not result in more sales.

  • Wolf-5

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:13 am PT

    Awesome stuff. Anxious to get confirmed info and can't wait to see what it will accomplish. I just hope it is backwards compatible to the PSP.

  • kierantoocool

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:09 am PT

    @ Kleeyook: I'm with you on this one would love trophies on PSP and another analogue

  • keitaro0516

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:03 am PT

    @ wwwgippal lol bro thats why the blog is called "rumor control" xD

  • businessfox

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 4:29 am PT

    There are up to something and it smells fishy.

  • Kleeyook

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 4:24 am PT

    The 2nd thumb stick and trophy system for PSP 2 please!

  • wwwgippal

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 4:23 am PT

    Wow, Gamespot actually posted and article based on speculation, I thought you guys were better than this :/

  • nappan

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 4:08 am PT

    I'm not even going to BOTHER to weigh in on the issue, becaue frankly, the level of veracity is so pitifully low. Oh look, a picture that represents only an artist's imagination, and a chip no one has any REAL info on. I'm curious... how many major internation consumer electronics companies are there? Yeah... it's possible, but it's equally possible that this is a rumour... and I fail to see the CONTROL here.


    When DID Rumour Control turn into a way to further propogate rumours without having to perform REAL reporting? The issue isn't that the rumour could be true... because given the FACTS they could just as easily be false. "A little thin but looking plausible"... should be replaced by the honest, "We WISH we had 4th party sources... never mind 1st tier sources, so we have no clue."


    By the way, completely speculative concept art... IS NOT CONCEPT ART. It's just a picture drawn by someone. Concept art requires... a concept.

  • LorenaLarue

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 3:58 am PT

    Though Sony just released information on the PSP GO not so long ago its not completely unbelieveable that Sony still wants a larger piece of the handheld market which Nintendo is still dominating..

  • Artemios

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 3:56 am PT

    sure this is something that will occur in the near future. However, the PSP Go was just introduced during E3 (what the article said ) and from what I remember, it is going to get released this October, or am I mistaken? Anyway, I'll keep this article in mind, but I'm not taking it too seriously until more is presented

    FYI: I own original PSP + PSP 3000

  • Death_Adder1911

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 3:55 am PT

    let's just wait a little bit more.i think i'm seeing the 2nd thumbstick. hmmmmm yummy......

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