Rumor of a new PSP model in the works with leaked pictures
By Mike Ferro
There is rumbling on the Internet about a potential new model for the PSP with an updated design sporting new buttons and a mic. It’s interesting to note that the PSP, not that long ago underwent a very minor liposuction approximately reducing 30% of its weight.
The rumor started on a BBS in China where people were discussing the much speculated version of the PSP model 3000. There are even snapshots of the alleged PSP model that is said to be currently in production.
According to Kotaku on the Chinese BBS, people are talking about new features such as an additon of a mic and a new Playstation button replacing the Home button. This move would put the PSP closer in-line with it’s big brother the PS3 using the Playstation symbol on the controller.
The mic has been speculated for use with features such as Skype which has already been announced for the PSP, where users could make phone calls using their PSP. Other speculations indicate this maybe Sony’s attempt to bring some of the more casual DS games over to the PSP such as Crazy English.
I believe if a new PSP would be released the UMB drive would also be taken out making all games downloadable. This rumor is picking up more weight as the PSP downloadable game library has been expanded with the addition of Syphon Filter and Gurumin.
There has been some hint from Sony on plans on leveraging a Sony PSP store which can be accessed via the PSP instead of through the PS3 or PC. That would give Sony more potential sales for those consumers who don’t own either a PS3 or PC.
One thing Sony is learning is if you put the content out there for easy access such as on the PSN, people will be more prone to impulse purchases. I have to confess I purchase game after game on the Xbox Live Marketplace and on the PSN store all the time.
Considering this rumor comes out of China there might be slight validity to it, considering all the factories cranking out the PSPs are located there. I’m sure some factory worker would be tempted to leak the latest intel if such a device were being made.
For those that already own a PSP would you shell out $200 for a PSP you could call home with and possibly with a huge built in storage capacity?
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Tips N4G
July 23rd, 2008
Wouldn’t that move alienate the existing PSP owners that dont have HDD….
I am presuming that if they do away with the UMD drive, a HDD would be needed to replace it ??
IF….I say again… IF this is true, it will give the xbots plenty of ammo. Probably deservibly so ??
July 23rd, 2008
um yay?
How about bringing out a new PSP sony? Then I’ll be more interested.
And same for Nintendo. New DS please. And by new I mean a new system not a new Home button.
July 23rd, 2008
Who cares? I got a PSP probably 2 years ago, and I think I’ve played it 10 times max - and that was because of the SNES and Mega Drive/Genesis emulator I put on there. I reckon I get more use out of my GB Advance, not to mention the DS. Sony were champions with the PS1 & 2, but they really dropped the ball with the PSP and PS3. Definately the most arrogant games/development company just pipped by EA.
July 24th, 2008
That looks worn out to be a new prototype.
Beside psp sucks. I had 2 and no one played them. Sold them to get DS’s and they get lots of use.
July 25th, 2008
Sony Chairman:”Guys lets start With a new PSP, get the technical team to start PRONTO!”
Assistant:”Yeah we totally lost out on the PS3, not to mention all the fanboys up our asses, This will shut them up”
Sony Chairman:”Yeah that too! I just wanted to yet another sony entertainment system out with a number at the end of it….”
July 25th, 2008
DS gets lots of use? what games are you playing i got my Ds a year ago and never use it. If you don’t like mario and zelda then whats there to play? please tell me it just breaks my heart to see it gathering dust!
July 25th, 2008
Millions of comedians out of work in this world Wesley and your trying to be funny……