Rumor of a new PSP model in the works with leaked pictures

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?

• Rumor: Microsoft cutting Xbox 360 price to prepare new model
• Evidence $199 Xbox 360 is on the way – Microsoft to discontinue model?
• Microsoft Xbox 360’s ‘Nickel and Dime’ model better than PS3 business model
• Does Sony have a Slimline PS3 in the works?
• Soaring sales of PS3 thanks to 60GB model, 40GB version flops