PSP Slim Details Revealed

[devilscallmedad]

Back in March, we brought word (http://kotaku.com/gaming/top/rumor-no-denying-it-psp2-is-coming-242845.php) of a new and improved PlayStation Portable. But what good are the rumblings of new hardware without some of the details? Today, thanks to several sources close to Sony, we bring you that nitty gritty as the redesigned Playstation Portable nears completion.
Keep in mind this isn't Playstation Portable 2, but rather a redesign of the original (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/original/), so it will be sporting the same internal hardware. But that's about the only thing that hasn't changed. The new Playstation Portable will have a much slimmer design, thanks mostly to a new LED screen that will deliver an ultra-crisp image but take up far less space. That LED also helps pump up the battery life of this sexy new model, which can last as much as four times longer than the original PSP (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/psp/). While the new PSP still makes use of the UMD drive, it will be a faster version and to help speed up loadtimes and gameplay, the portable will come packed with 8GBs of internal flash memory. Finally, the PSP's much maligned buttons have been revamped and the D-Pad has gotten a major overhaul, giving portable gamers something more like a Playstation 3 D-pad to play with.
The company is still trying to decide whether or not they want to include a built-in camera, as they weigh whether the cost of adding the device will be worth the benefit to gamers. Our money is on no camera because of the competitive price issues. Those of you holding out for a touchscreen are, unfortunately, going to have to wait, though word has it that it will most like make an appearance in Sony's next portable gaming device. While the new PSP will remain black, Sony is still trying to decide whether it will have a glossy or matte finish.
The final price for this new PSP hasn't been set, but Sony is hoping to sell it for under $170 or so. Manufacturing should commence in the upcoming weeks, and the product is going to be officially unveiled at this year's E3. The sale date being tossed around is August, but don't be surprised if it's pushed back to September. What's this reworked PSP called? It doesn't have a name as of yet, but may we suggest "PSP Slim (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/psp-slim/)"?
Sony Computer Entertainment of America declined to common on "rumor (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/) or speculation."

[Chandoo]

its still only rumored ..

[superlative56]

I dont think so They re-design the PSP shape

[Usman]

Maybe the new Version will have Video Out functionality. Which was recently found hidden in the PSP's code.


Homebrew developer undertaxxx took a look at FW 3.50's code using RCO Editor from ZiNgABuRgA. And if all his interpretations are correct, we might be seeing our much-loved PlayStation Portable units hooked up to TV sets in the future.

The said code has a small reference to videout located in "impose_plugin.rco" complete with its own icon. Aside from this, undertaxxx also noticed a Line_Out Icon stored in the same rco. A good knowledge in coding will tell anyone that this is indeed is somehow connected to "video and audio out" functionality but Sony still has its mouth shut.

QJ also have some concerns about the new control scheme... Here's what they wrote


What strikes me as surprising though is that according to Kotaku, the phonenixified PSP will carry a completely overhauled set of controls (they compared it to PlayStation 3's D-pad actually). This is a bold move for Sony considering that most of the games out today are coded using the current PSP's controls. It can also mean a nightmare for developers of PSP games since it could translate to two sets of control schemes to develop for.

Should we expect the two generations of the PSP to carry completely different control schemes? I'm still putting my money the redesigned PSP having the same control schemes but perhaps an improved analog stick and better button placing. Sony just can't afford to have the headaches two PSP versions having completely different controls will definitely bring.

[devilscallmedad]

This is what's it supposed to look like, i really like the new thumbstick/buttons they suck right now.

http://www.pspfanboy.com/media/2006/02/psp_concept.jpg

[Usman]

in the above model the buttons look like touch sensitive. It Looks cool, but nothing like PS3's controller...

[devilscallmedad]

Its rumored to have a free 8GB memory stick, if its true maybe i'll buy this new one.

[mominhaq89]

its all rumors and 8gb mem stick costs $300+ alone , so why will they sell the new one for around 170 and moreover the above pic that u gave is the very first prototype pic of the existing psp

[Usman]

Its rumored to have a free 8GB memory stick, if its true maybe i'll buy this new one.
Not 8GB Mem Stick.. it is supposed to have built-in memory of 8GB...

[Chandoo]

its only a big internet rumor at this point !

[devilscallmedad]

From Rumor Reporter


- New slimmer PSP is indeed in the works. Hardware is essentially the same, and will NOT have any big speed increases.
- There’s no longer a UMD Tray, but a slot loader instead. Design is supposed to have an even “cleaner” look, much like the DS Lite.
- The screen is the exact same size, and is sidekick-esque. This means that there’s some sort of a flip-factor, making the overall system even smaller.
- The screen is still LCD, not LED. Either way, battery-life will obviously be improved.
- Sony is considering bluetooth capabilities.
- Underneath the screen is the home button, the brightness controls and the volume button. This revision will also include all-new controls for chapter skipping with UMD movies and music tracks.
- Not 8GB of on-board memory. 4GB is more likely. However, the storage capacity could change.
- Sony is still deliberating on the issue, but the PlayStation Portable name should stay put. This could eventually replace existing PSP models.
- Pricing is currently the same, and a release date is more likely for Fall 07

[Fahad007]

Wow 4GB Free Space this will be a Big Jump

[Jawadamin3]

its is a big rumor