PSP2 due in shops before Christmas, rumour says

Apparently a new PSP, trumping the old one in spectacular manner, is due in the shops for Christmas. Er… great – as one of the (many) owners of an original PSP, I guess we are going to be resigned to no support for our devices – both on the software side, but also the hardware side – since UMD is being dumped as a game delivery format.

Anyway, back to more positive things – the new PSP(2) is apparently going to have a sliding touchscreen, which comes up to reveal  two analogue controllers – which will bring it nicely in to line with the PS3. The other big thing being touted is an Apps store, much like is existing on the iPhone, and now Android and BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM).

TechDigest neatly questions the point of this move to “Apps”, whilst at the same time wondering whether it’s great logic to potentially not be supporting the harder-core gamers that bought the PSP for it’s hi-power conversions of more challenging titles. I’ve got to agree, it’s a move toward diversification, which could result in the DILUTION of the raison d’etre of the PSP (sub-)brand and product…

Mobile gaming has been getting better at quite a pace in the last 18 months, and the iPhone in particular is bringing it’s “A-game” (no pun intended) to the table – a new PSP2 in my mind would have to blow the iPhone and other smartphones clearly out of the water in order to justify a place in it’s stable. If it tries to do more lo-power tasks such as mini-downloadable Apps, or casual gaming, then it’s got a hell of a battle on its hands…

Why would I buy a PSP2? If it had wicked-good conversions of things like Call of Duty 4, and a good racing game – not to use lots of mini-Apps!

[Via: TechDigest via: Pocket Gamer]