We are now mere days away from the rumoured “PlayStation Meeting” that will supposedly announce the PlayStation Portable 2. Over the weekend, Japanese newspaper Nikkei published a report (kindly translated by Andriasang) claiming that the upcoming handheld will come equipped with a 3G chip for more portable network access than the current wifi-enabled version allows.
Whilst the PSP2’s 3G connection would apparently not allow for phone calls (I mean, how much more confusing could the PlayStation lineup get?), it would allow for a decent PSN service on the portable, something long asked for by owners of the original. As well as allowing for over-the-air game, video, and DLC downloads, such a connection would also make the system’s internet browser and Remote Play application a whole lot more useful. Add in the rumoured front-facing camera and you’ve even got potential PSP2-PS3 video chat. The Nikkei report claims the mobile service would be provided by DoCoMo, Japan’s biggest provider, but there’s no mention of any networks elsewhere in the world, or whether there would be a monthly fee (like a phone or laptop) or an inclusive free data allowance (like the Kindle).
The report also mentions a larger, OLED, touch screen on the front of the console, which runs contrary to what we’ve heard so far. The most recent rumours have talked about a non-touch screen, and a touch-pad of some kind on the rear. Of course, it’s entirely possible we’ll get both, but we could end up looking at a pretty pricey console if that’s the case – not that Sony haven’t done that before, of course. A touch screen could allow for easier conversions of big mobile titles to the PSP2, and maybe even pave the way for some kind of application (read: not just games) store on the device.
Of course, although Nikkei have their sources, this is all pure rumour and conjecture until Sony get around to finally announcing the thing, which should be this coming Thursday. If they do, you can be sure we’ll have all the details we can get our hands on here at TheSixthAxis.
Now all we need is trophies.
Source: Nikkei, via Andriasang.
solidsteven
It sounds good so far but i think speak for everyone when i say does it two anlogue sticks? to b honest i’m not that big on touchscreen tech and if the PSP2 had it i might not get. I really hope the PSP2 will be backward compatable with PSP1 games. Sony won’t be that cruel not to include it would they?
4lf13
Sony had better get this very right if they intend to do well.
Foxhound_Solid
Man the PSP2 is sounding pretty awesome so fr ;-)
gazzagb
3G would come in handy when out and about.
Zephyre
If there’s a cost for this 3G service, I’ll have to give tethering a go – anyone tried this with android and a PSP?
JoshHood
I tried a PS3 and an Android phone – even with full signal, the latency was so bad that it wouldn’t sign in to the PSN and just kept timing out.
cc_star
I used my PS3 connected to my laptop connected to the net with a 3G dongle from 3… I got far better speeds than fixed line broadband gives around here, however download limits mean downloading from the store is expensive & P2P isn’t allowed which means you can’t play many online games as most use p2P hosting.
cam the man
A 10 inch OLED TV costs about a grand, maybe slightly less now, so having one on the PSP2 will hike the price up a fair bit.
uber-BARBIE
why have a psp2 when ya got a ps3? thats what i say lol.
Lambo_1989
I can’t wait to find out the battery life of it.