Nikkei has some preliminary details on Sony's next generation PlayStation Portable system.

According to the paper, the new system will have 3G support. In Japan, the 3G service will be provided by NTT DoCoMo.

Using the 3G connection, gamers will be able to play online games and download software and movies. The service will not allow for phone calls.

The system will also have standard wireless LAN, of course. However, the 3G support will allow players to connect online wherever DoCoMo has wireless service. DoCoMo is Japan's largest mobile carrier.

Separate from the wireless functionality, the paper reports that the new PSP will make use of an OLED touch screen. Sony has developed a new processor for handling high resolution visuals.

Pricing on the next generation PSP is currently TBA, according to the paper. The paper does not mention possible subscription fees associated with the 3G service, or the possibility of a Wi-Fi only model.

The paper also makes brief mention of the device that many are calling "Playstation Phone," a smart phone that includes game features. This will have button-based controls, the paper reports, making games control easier. The device will use Google's Android OS system and will allow users to access non-game software like video and scheduling software.

Sony is expected to take the veil off the new PSP system at a press conference on the 27th. The PlayStation cell phone device is expected to be unveiled next month.

Source

FPS on the go, here I come!

Under $300 and i think we have a winner.

if they can do free 3G (or very inexpensive) like those on Kindle. then I will buy.

why not do rental service also? (much like netflex?), that would be huge, i wouldn't mind 15 dollars per month for any game i want.

3G is just another thing which will push to or above that $299 mark. It really depends now whether they are taking -10%, 20% or 40% margins at launch as to what price it will be.

OLD touch screen.  Friggin' win.

@Squilliam:  3G shouldn't raise the inherent cost of the system.  For those who choose to pay for the subscription, however...

An OLED touch screen does imply the system will be over $300, though, which sucks.

lol if the news doesn't leave room to complain, hypothesize about a future news and complain/downplay it :P gotta love it

anywho now one thing I wanted is done. Now I want to know, mostly, the games. Man I sure hope to see Uncharted portable, KZ/COD portable etc. I still believe Type-0 will be a great fit for this with the 3G support cuz from gameplay it looked to have some co op play involved in it..27th can't come soon enough

Alright- Im into it. But I need some games Sony, I hope you have some up your sleeve.

So we'll have to find more than 1G to make it jer... err no, sounds like a phone or something now.

Its gonna be announced in only 4 days i didnt know that.