PSP2, the rumour that refuses to die just got a whole lot more real. Apparently (according to Kotaku) Sony showed off the new, as yet unannounced console at around the time of the Tokyo Game Show at a private meeting in Japan.
The skinny? The PSP2 does have a rear touch panel (it’s a “big mousepad”), the screen’s an inch larger than the current PSP (and “sharper”, Sony’s calling it “HD”) and, at the moment, Sony are struggling balancing power, battery life and heat.
Literally, it’s “overheating”.
According to the report, Sony has already set in stone the PSP2’s goals and direction, but is still messing around with the innards and the technical specification. And, as you might have gathered from the recent price cuts for the PSPgo, the next generation console is currently aiming for “Autumn 2011”.
That rear trackpad sounds fantastic, though, although it’s baffling why the main screen wouldn’t offer the same sort of tactile flexibility. We’ll see when Sony finally start talking about it…
Source: Kotaku
theDAZBOMEGATRON
Quote:
That rear trackpad sounds fantastic, though, although it’s baffling why the main screen wouldn’t offer the same sort of tactile flexibility. We’ll see when Sony finally start talking about it
Maybe because its 3D and a finger on the screen would ruin the effect?
colossalblue
That is a good call actually. The PSP being very much a “1-Player-per-screen” device might also mean that the glasses problem (everyone needing a pair) goes away…
FoxHoundGabe
Do you really think it would be glasses-3D? for a portable console? i doubt it.
It would be aweful to have to put on 3D glasses on the bus or train, not to mention that comparitions with 3DS would hurt it too.
Watchful
No, I believe cb is implying that as it’s a strictly 1-player-per-screen device it could use the glasses-free 3D like the 3DS, rather than needing a glasses-based 3D solution that supports multiple local players.
bigwhiteyeti
Even if it isn’t a 3D screen, it’s obvious from the iPhone/iPod Touch how much a finger blocking the screen limits what you can see and do. This would allow you to have a touch controlled interface, without having to block what you’re seeing.
Apnomis
Good point, if it works this could actually be a really innovative feature for a gaming focused device allowing the ease/fun of a touch screen without it getting in the way of the display.
I’m struggling to visualise how you would hold/use a device that has the screen on one side and the controls on the other though!
Kevling
I imagine it would work well for just moving around the XMB because you don’t need to be pointing to a specific icon…
Picture a closed PSP Go, swipe left/right and up/down with a finger on the back. Then just tap to select. If what you have selected needs controls, then you slide your PSP open and off you go…
JamboGT
I know the iPhone and etc are changing minds about this, but I still hate using a touchscreen for gaming, I hate fingerprints so much!
Grey_Ghost13
Agree, don’t like touch pads. It works on some games as a gimmick. But you can never beat a control system. Hopefully it will be used as an add on for small parts of the games.
tantalus_blank
There’s a pretty limited amount of depth you get with touchscreen controls, which is why every Apple platform game is shallower than a garden pond
stueeeee
I have an iPhone and I don’t let anyone else touch it for fear of loads of smears and fingerprints on me screen! I really should invest in a case for it….
wuntunzee
Can you imagine if they finally get everything right about this PSP?
Cannot wait till Autumn 2011 to replace my launch day PSP1000.
daveydaver34
(Mouth waters) The PSP has a lot of potential which is currently going to waste, if Sony get there act together it really could be a must have piece of kit.
cam the man
Autumn 2011, it’s Sony so you’ll be lucky to get it by late 2012.
stueeeee
After 3 different editions of psp and the fail that was PSPGo, let’s hope the only way Sony can go is up. Oringinlity, no ports of games, better mulitimedia functionality, trophies, 3G and everything that is making handhelds successful nowadays will make for a greater and more popular console!
BrendanCalls
I’d put my own money down today that this will not be released in 2011, I suspect closer to summer 2012 for the release.
colmshan1990
Might be released in Japan in 2011, but not Europe.
Raider197
Why oh why did I buy a Go? Might just sell it on eBay along with my PSP 1000 because I want the PSP 2 now :/
Raider197
Wait, if I sell my PSPgo and buy a 3000, I can just download the games I bought for the Go onto the 3000 can’t I? Win-win.
DannyFantango
Hmm, I think I would probably buy a PSP Go if the price was dropped to say £115, even knowing that the 3DS is only around the corner.
I don’t think I would get a PSP Go knowing that the PSP2 is less than a year away- unless it is backwards compaitble of course.
Dan Lee
This is all sounding expensive :o/ I’m actually praying it doesnt come out in 2011, as I want a 3DS!
cam the man
We’ve been drip fed small bits of info on the PSP2 for a while now. I hope it’s not too long until the official specs are finalised and released.
Shotgun75
We havent actually been fed anything, not anything that matters, ie from Sony. This could all be a load of old nonsense.
cam the man
True, but things like the touch pad on rear seem to be near the mark.
I think it will be quite a while before we hear anything from Sony. Definitely after Christmas.
Watchful
So no progress on the power and heat problems they were reportedly having back in July then.
http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/07/15/rumour-psp2-hits-difficulties/
TSBonyman
The touch pad on the rear sounds interesting, at least you don’t have to obscure the screen with your fingers but i’ll need to know more about how it’s implemented.
The overheating issue is a concern. They might have to reduce the specs if they can’t get around that.