Perry: PSP 2 is Real, Could Hit This Fall

Kotaku: "The a UMD-free Playstation Portable 2 is indeed real and could hit as early as this fall, David Perry, chief creative officer at Acclaim, told Kotaku today.

"I spoke to a developer who is working on it right now," he said. "I know this developer is already working on it, so that means they have a prototype. That would sound like a fall release to me."

Perry said he is excited about the news.

"I've been pounding on Sony for a long time to make the Playstation Portable relevant and not to let Apple stroll away with the portable game market," he said. "Look at what Apple is doing now. Why are so many investors investing in Apple game development? Trying to pitch a PSP game to investors right now is brutal."

[Rob0g0rilla]

This is crazy. I didn't think we would have a gaming device like this so soon if it comes out Fall. It does make sense though. Kills used game sells market and Sony makes more money off of the games I guess. I like the idea that there isn't a UMD. The device could be thinner, longer battery life, and it could be cheaper to make.

[gaffyh]

Somehow I don't see PSP2 coming out this year. Too early, personally I think they will phase PS2 out first.

[phosphor112]

And they are trying to confirm this with a guy from Acclaim? When was the last time they release a game? Let alone a good one. I'd rather wait to hear it from a Sony rep.

[yoshiroaka]

I think maybe this new psp is being misbranded by assuming people as a 'psp2' but in reality it may just be a very different psp.
If the rumors of a touch screen are true then it may just be that when a developer says that they are working on a game for 'psp2', it may really mean that they are working on a psp game with optional touch screen support (like how sixaxis is optional for ps3)and that older psps can play the game but not have the touch screen support.

It really is too early for a psp2. The psp1 has only now begun to gain a little momentum. Next year maybe.

[Danja]

The PSP2 will probably be announced at E3 , but it sure as hell wont be coming out this fall..the PSP is still quite relevant is still selling really well..

next year fall is more likely launch time..

[castdreams]

But I seriously doubt it will be launching this fall. It might be announced this fall, but I would think it more probable that Sony announce it at E3 next year and launch it next fall. I don't think Sony would dare launch the PSP2 without a killer lineup, and most of their big franchises are already slated to be released on the PSP this year, so the PSP2 would pretty much be left with table scraps if it did launch this year :/

[DeadlyFire]

Indeed, but its more likely that they would announce it at E3 this year than wait. Its just too much spreading around about the PSP2. Sony has given away that it will appear at E3 this year. Launching in 2010 at the earliest. PSP will stay alive for 5 more years. Sony's 10/5 year plan for its consoles. PSP born in 2005 and production dies in 2015.

[pwnsause]

i can see them announcing it at E3, but seriously, not launching it in the fall. It wouldnt make sense, there are no games announced for it yet, heck no support for it yet.

[TheMART]

Yeah that sounds logical: to announce games for the PSP2 while the hardware itself isn't officially announced :S

Behind the scenes the games could be made and a total package, of PSP2 and upcoming games in fall could be announced @ E3...

[Johandevries]

Maybe upcoming games like Assasins Creed or Killzone: Retribution 2 and maybe a new portable GTA (nobody cares about Chinatown Wars anyway) will be showed off at the E3, and hopefully they are being developed for new PSP2 hardware. PSP hardware sucks anyway, after four years change is needed.

[Xandet]

I've been holding out to get a PSP until Kingdom Hearts: BBS, or at least Dissidia releases in the states. Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core have been tempting PSP-sellers, but an improved "PSP2" is the perfect reason to finally become a member of the PSP family. But please, make it with TWO thumbsticks!

[TOSgamer]

I highly doubt it will come out this Fall or be umdless. I mean honestly they expect to sell every game via download. I don't think it will fly.

[Jihaad_cpt]

It definately won't be without UMD, lots of markets in developing countries would be shut out as not everyone has access to download games. I think that idiot running his moth should shut up. It's Acclaim for goodness sake not Sony

[nycredude]

Yeah agree it would be stupid to make it umdless as millions and million of owners who purchased umd games and movies would get shafted. Also not everyone has good internet.

[XxSpiiKeZxX]

if games are only available for download then that is the number one pirate..u see so many devs were lost due to this issue i mean with custom firmwire i can get any game i want for free...i know its upsetting the devs but u cant stop pple from stealing knowing u wont get caught...i think they shiuld have a way where the psp2 is impossible to crack but have tghe features we love bout custom firmwire like ur own custom themes without having to have CMXB...
some other things they would need:
-2 thumbsticks (this will increase FPS for psp)
-Touch screen (its 09 and technology is advanced now they have no choice Ds and iphone has it)
-FAst Internet (i wish they could strike a deal with firefox and with touch screen it will make a cool difference)
-PC like: u know something like a windows mobile OS where u can do a lot
and there are more much more

[sinncross]

mid 2010 is when I see the release.

Though it does make sense that they might announce this at E3.

Take the recent slew of PSP news that was made known a few days ago.
To me, much of that news could have been put to E3 and really bolster Sony's E3 presence and as well as the PSP.

It could be that this was done because these titles were PSP games as compared to PSP2 games, and whats' the point of showing off PSP games when you're showing off the PSP2.

That said, the release won't be half bad. The few PSP revisions will inevitably help lower the cost of the PSP 2 (for instance getting production prices down on the mic from the PSP-3000 means that it will be cheaper to include it in the PSP2). It also would have a 6 year lifespan, which is not too bad considering the D came out 3 years after the GBA.
As well it gives Sony a jump ahead of Nintendo's new handheld (if one is even coming) but not at a point where hardware is compromised like the Xbox360.

Anyways, as long as the PSP2 can function as a controller for the PS3 (that is it has all the buttons of a PS3 controller) then I'm all for it.

[kingkobra2xxx]

I have a psp and an Iphone, the games are definitely better on the PSP, but guess what, I play the games on the Iphone games. The UMD, back in the day sounded like a good idea, but is not relevant anymore, portable+ digital download = WIN. Sony has to do this, they let Apple kill them with Ipod with the Mini Disc debacle, but this time they know better, evolve or die.
Speculating on the hardware front, my initial thoughts were mini PS3, ie 64GB flash with cell and RSX processors , OLED touchscreen display and dual analog sticks with motion sensing.
But since its too early for this tech to be implemented at a reasonable price, i think it will be PSP 1.5, ie maintain PSP internals(maybe give performance boost via more RAM), new form factor with slider style, GPS built in , touchscreen/motion sensing and of course HDD in lieu of the the UMD. This way, they can have games come out quick as there is no learning curve, and control issues will be gone. Plus it can steal the good games from both apple and DS as it will be motion sensing and touchscreen enabled.
PSP2 will be Ipod touch with better graphics and analog controls.

[TrevorPhillips]

ok the only thing the psp2 needs is a second joystick for fps games and yes many other stuff people are asking for :)

[darkdoom3000]

with all the PSP games comming out rite now, i dont see it comming soon, mabye the end of 2010.

[kingkobra2xxx]

To come to think of it, the online Sony survey said it all. The survey asked users what they wanted to see most in the next PSP iteration.
PSP2 breakdown:
new form factor
dual analog( hoping)
touchscreen
HDD- Sony mentioned all UMD games will be made available online , another clue that its a new iteration of PSP1
same internals(more ram please)
GPS/motion sensing/3 = maybe- this will pit them against IPod touch
3g or Wiimax enabled= maybe, as an always connected user will download more games, and have truly multiplayer on the go.

[jrsenkbe]

No UMD means that new adopters of a PSP or PSP2 wouldnt be able to play old PSP games. I know SONY axed BC with the PS3 but the PSP needs to rely on its BC. They have to many high profile games coming out for the system: Persona 1, FF7: Crisis Core, KH, Resistance Retribution, LBP, Assassins Creed, Motorstorm, and the list goes on.

[hi-tower]

It's not crazy to leave behind an obsolete technology such as UMD Disks.

Digital distribution is the future of gaming, particularly portable gaming and media as we have seen with the iPhone and iTunes/ the App Store.
Sony already has the method of digital distribution in the PSN store -as a compromise to those people who will have bought UMD versions of the newest games why not have a website where you input a unique code on the UMD and they give you a code to download the game for your PSP2?

Sony does have a history of leaving behind distribution media - look at Mini-Disk, had no wide market impact due to the rise of MP3 and was dropped. Look at Beta-Max etc.

[jrsenkbe]

I guess the unique code thing would work, but will they really do that? If that is the case, then I am all for it, if they inclide a good size HDD.

[Sitdown]

"not to let Apple stroll away with the portable game market,"

Did I miss something?.....Did Nintendo pull out of the handheld business? I thought for sure they had it on lock.

[Chubear]

The PSP2 is still roughly 2 yrs away from launch.

[DJ]

For now though, it’s better to simply keep the PSP userbase happy and keep releasing as many new games as possible. Digital Distribution is definitely the right choice for the handheld as broadband DSL and Cable, as well as Wi-Fi networks, are widespread in the U.S. (and especially Japan). But I’m not so sure about certain countries in Europe.

Either way, it would be the most portable handheld gaming system due to the lack of cartridges or game discs (UMD), and that would help them increase battery life significantly.

But their distribution system is only going to be as successful as the PC/MAC software that comes with it. It needs to be even simpler than iTunes, with easy drag-and-drop functions for photos, movies (of all formats), and music. It’s also imperative that the user be able to quickly manage their downloaded titles on their computer. 32GB of internal memory is a lot, but you never know if someone will run out of space.

[na2ru1]

what, so digital distribution IS the way foward huh?

It PISSED me off that everyone just cursed UMD to smithereens. It warrented the Sony HQ to go 100% digital without guilt. And the reason for not favouring UMD was what? Oh that it's DEAD? I'm sorry I must've missed something. The DS being a massive success has hardcopies of games only. BUT the PSP's hardcopied games are forbidden. Why? If draining battery life is the only reason, then god help all us spoilt idiots.

Not everyone will ever have the ability to have internet connectivity. Unless selling games on memorysticks is no way near as scarce as the PSN's current offerings, the PSP2 will be destined as a niche by restricting it's market SIGNIFICANTLY.

And thanks to pirates, the PSP's potential got reduced to ashes and I had nothing since GOW COO.

[DJ]

Gamestop recently reported that they actually made more revenue off of Used Games than New Games. That translates to game publishers (and Sony) making only half the money they normally would simply because of how places like Gamestop operate. Digital Distribution is the only ways to fight this business trend put in place by retailers, and ensure proper compensation for developers’ hard work.

Yes, DD will limit the PSP2’s initial userbase by requiring a broadband internet connection and a PC. But about half of all households have both, so it won’t be too bad. But connection speed is definitely the biggest obstacle. Downloading an iPhone game is quick since most titles are 10 MB or less. But PSP titles are between 200 MB and 1.7 GB due to UMD’s capacity. PSP2 titles could easily be in the 2~8 GB range, especially if it uses a variant the Cell processor and/or Sony pushes for very graphically intensive titles.

[Eddie20101]

To me it doesn't make sense that a video game executive is talking about a new PSP without Sony making an official announcement, especially since Sony is making a big push with the current PSP. I don't think Sony would want this talked about by anyone until they were ready to talk about it.

Seems to me that Perry has been talking a lot of trash about the PS3 And PSP the past couple of years. Why now does he feel the need to make an announcement on a new system that has not been officially announced yet?

[thehitman]

PSP-2 is UMD less they will substitute it w/ another form of physical media. UMDless does not equal DD.

[fatstarr]

i wont disturb the psp fans raving for psp2

now when the ds2 is announced lets see if the same respect arrives.

[Mr Tretton]

I've been saying they'll announce PSP2 this year. But I really don't see it coming before the year is over.

Probably an E3 or GDC announcement

[FFXI101]

Touch screen, UMD free, build in memory, and maybe with build in camara/speaker/GPS. Hell yeah, I'm buying it!!!

[sunnyhours]

Let's hope this alleged Computer to PSP syncing plan includes support for Mac OS X, or else I am out of luck and without a new PSP.

It might be trivial to fear that, but due to Sony's complete disregard for Mac users with current PSP Media Managers, I do worry. They don't care about Mac users now, will they later?

[Traveler]

I am buying one as well. I love my PSP already, but I know I would have to buy the next one.

[Traveler]

I love my PSP and would definitely buy the next one. Right now though, there are a lot of good games that I am looking forward to on the PSP: Tenchu Shadow Assassins, Resistance Retribution, Assassins Creed, MotorStorm, LittleBigPlanet, etc.

[Rhezin]

I just bought a 3000, this is bullsh!t they should at least release it in sometime late 2010. This is false news there no way it's going to release this fall. BTW does that picture of that dude make anyone else want to punch his face in?

[dxking]

ITS ABOUT TIME .......................VICTORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
POWER TO SONY

[Fatal Blow]

If psp2 comes out first day buy for me

i think the psp2 will have little bluray disc like umd so they
can make more money then again if u think about most people buy alot once the consel are cracked like playing games and moding the psp because they can play backup games and sony wins both ways plus digital aint coming any time soon

and about apple i think they are planing to build a consel and we might see it or they might join nintendo,sega if one consel end's in the next war for ps and xbox there next consel in 2011

lol then again sony anit going any where any time soon

[Enigma_2099]

... funny, I've been asking you to do something relevant before ever opening your mouth again.

BTW, if this DOES happen, plan to fork out at least an extra $50 for a memory stick big enough for the games.... maybe more than that...

[b777conehead]

Sony isn't going to rely on down loads only there will be a optical drive of some kind on the psp2 . they aren't going to lose sales in areas where high speed INTERNET is not to much available

[Argento-Nox]

I agree that the PSP2 won't be without a media of some type. I expect digital downloadable games, however, may be available at the same time as a media-based version on day 1 for release. I'm expecting a release like warkawk or socom confrontation, where a blu-ray version and a digital download are available almost at the same time.

The thought of a PSP2 with a mini-bluray disc, makes me salivate at the propects of having something similar to a handheld PS3 on the go. With those new mini-projectors made for Ipods and mp3 players with video, http://technology.sympatico...
A handheld PS3 would be awesome!