First PSP2 Images Leaked?
Dual analogs, dual cameras, and a touchpad.
Published: 18:34, 17/11/2010 by Josh [JoshHood].
48VG247 have posted what they claim to be the first images of a PSP2 devkit (although it’s apparently the last version, and not the current one). Whilst the site itself says that they may not be representative of the portable’s “final form factor”, we can at least see what developers are testing their in-development projects on.
So, let’s look at the front first. Obviously, there are immediate comparisons to be made with the current PSPgo, in terms of a sliding screen that hides the front controls – but VG247 say that the most recent edition of the devkit actually looks more like a classic PSP-1000 through 3000 in that it is a big block and not a slider (apparently to combat overheating concerns). The big news is the two analog nubs (finally), which will make playing first-person shooters much more enjoyable, and help with the camera issues that have plagued many PSP titles so far.
Then we’ve got a microphone (much like the one built in to the PSP-3000), and a front-facing camera. This could mean some kind of video chat system is being planned, or of course it could just be for use in games and applications. There’s also a bit of a switch in terms of the control layout, with the analog sticks now positioned above the directional pad and face buttons unlike on the current PSPs and DualShocks, and it’ll be interesting to see what difference that makes to the ergonomics of the system.
Then on the back of the unit we can see a nice big “NOT FOR SALE” badge, just to reinforce the whole prototype thing, a rear-facing camera to go with the one on the front of the system (presumably Sony decided consumers don’t like one that spins round), the shoulder buttons, and that much-rumoured “trackpad”. It’s still unclear entirely how that’ll work, but it certainly adds something new to the whole experience of a portable gaming console. Plus, who wants to waste those precious extra fingers?
So, what we’ve got here certainly matches up with what we’ve already heard about the console from the rumours (although obviously the photos tell us nothing about the internal components of the handheld), although what’s here could entirely change by the time the system is finally announced.
Current rumours peg the PSP2 for release at the end of 2011, with power equivalent to the PS3 and Xbox 360. What do you guys make of the prototype then?
Source: VG247
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17/11/2010 at 18:37
Member since: Jan 2009
Dual analog for PSP2. Sony, this better be what you’re planning.
17/11/2010 at 18:44
Member since: May 2010
If they don’t then it will get huge criticism as that is what gamers want.
17/11/2010 at 19:05
Member since: Oct 2010
Looks like they’ve finally got their act together. Be interesting to see the specs of it compared to the PS Phone which we saw a few weeks back as they both look quite similar. 3D maybe aswell?
17/11/2010 at 19:59
Member since: Aug 2009
I would be happy if 3D wasn’t there but twin analogs is exciting can’t wait to play Monster Hunter that way
17/11/2010 at 18:43
Member since: May 2010
No UMD slot. Download only then. Hopefully devs will actually release games at a decent price on the store as this is what has stopped me buying a PSP Go
17/11/2010 at 19:03
Member since: Forever
Apparently they are still considering the storage options for the console. UMD could still be options, but with devs loading builds straight on via Memory Stick or something, there might not be a drive on this version of the devkit.
18/11/2010 at 00:34
Member since: Jul 2009
Flash memory is cheap enough that they could very likely go down Nintendo’s cartridge method. It would probably cost a few quid at most each for them to get a huge stock of 4gb cards to wangle in to their own proprietary cartridge. And, they could increase it to 8gb or 16gb if a game was particularly demanding.
17/11/2010 at 18:45
Member since: Aug 2009
Dual analog … im sold! … if it has backwards compatible, which looks bleak
17/11/2010 at 18:46
Member since: Mar 2010
The only issue I can see with having a trackpad on the back is that you’re fingers and going to be constantly on it – the software is going to have to be pretty good at distinguishing the random movements that people are going to make as they adjust and the actual commands people are trying to make.
17/11/2010 at 18:46
Member since: Aug 2009
HOT!!! looks okay but I guess that the PSP 2 (if it is) could have a secret new format and umd slot.
17/11/2010 at 18:46
Member since: Jul 2009
again, i think they are shooting themselves in the foot with download only. perhaps they will be putting games on memory stick? lol just a thought, hope, wish.
17/11/2010 at 18:47
Member since: Jun 2010
From what I’ve heard, that’s one of the options being considered.
17/11/2010 at 18:56
Member since: Dec 2008
They could just stick em on itunes.
17/11/2010 at 18:58
Member since: May 2010
They’d be missing out on millions if they didn’t have the memery stick/flash card option too – $ony won’t miss out on millions!!
17/11/2010 at 20:06
Member since: Aug 2009
Or risk piracy?
18/11/2010 at 02:35
Member since: Aug 2010
>>Or risk piracy?
implying piracy couldnt happen with download only games?
17/11/2010 at 18:48
Member since: Aug 2009
im thinking i wont buy unless it comes with a UMD slot. Its the reason i didnt get the Go and i know others who ducked it for that reason too. if it does though, it will be a buy for me, the power of a ps3 in my hands just sounds amazing.
17/11/2010 at 20:08
Member since: Jul 2010
I really cant see how this could have the power of a ps3, im sure its possible but to engineer all the parts would probably not be cost effective and the psp2 will release at about 600 quid, and sony would probably make a loss at that.
on the other hand with the price of say a smart phone, 600 would probably be reasonable, although if it did release at anything near that i definitely wont be buying until i win the lotto
17/11/2010 at 18:51
Member since: Apr 2010
This comment is hidden.
17/11/2010 at 18:51
Member since: Nov 2009
As long as it is dual-stick then I am totally sold. There are so many games which could have been made a hundred times better with a second stick.
Not having a UMD slot isn’t too off-putting beings Sony seem to be making downloads cheaper nowadays (Ghost of Sparta was £17 at launch.)
17/11/2010 at 18:53
Member since: May 2010
“Oh my God, I have been left alone with the new PSP, I should really take some pictures…. now where did I leave my low quality, 1 megapixel camera phone…!”
I’m sure James Bond always took better pictures than this. Still looks promising and I like the fact that the sticks and buttons have been swapped round with the sticks higher and further apart – should help avoid the dreaded hand cramp!!
17/11/2010 at 20:41
Member since: Nov 2009
Yeah, the quality sucks. Unless they were being chased by security while stealing the device there really is no excuse for this kind of quality… :P