Sorry if this was posted... I've been under the weather, not upto date on news articles..

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New PSP Named And Coming This Fall

Sources confirm the next PSP will gain an internal flash drive, ditch UMD, and nix the rumored second analog nub.

By David Ellis

(Not an Actual PSP Go! Photo)

Rumors of a major PSP hardware redesign have repeatedly bubbled to the surface over the last several months -- some claiming the removal of the system's UMD disc drive, and others pointing to a second analog stick and sliding screen. According to sources directly involved with the new system, we have learned that Sony will quell those rumors by unveiling their revamped PSP at this year's E3 conference in June.

Many have speculated that the update would be called either the PSP 2 or PSP-4000, but our sources claim Sony will forgo a numerical moniker in favor of a subtitle. We've heard various rumored code names for the project (including PSP Slide, PSP Flip, and PSP Go!), but given that Sony has introduced the Go! brand of add-ons (the Go!View video on-demand service and 1.3 megapixel Go!Cam) for the European PSP, it seems likely that the new system will in fact be called the PSP Go! Our sources further confirm that this redesign will be available in two SKUs, with either eight or 16 GB of built-in flash memory. The system is set for release in Japan this September with a U.S. debut coming in either late October or early November.

In addition, since the UMD is going away, Sony will have over 100 classic and new PSP titles available for download at launch (Gran Turismo Mobile is said to be one of the premier launch titles). As for the hardware itself, the redesign will include a d-pad, analog nub, and face buttons as part of a sliding unit sticking out below the screen (as seen in our mockup above). Unfortunately for those looking for twin-stick shooter controls, the new system will not have a second analog stick, but instead will remain consistent with the current control configuration.

When asked about any of these details, Sony, of course, stated that it "does not comment on rumors or speculation."

As a bit of actual speculation, we wouldn't be surprised to see Sony borrow many design features from their Mylo 2 handheld Internet device, which is seemingly dead in the water. This could provide an 800x480 pixel touch screen for the system, as well as a camera on the system's backside.

Between the redesign and a strong lineup of recently announced PSP titles (see: Tekken 6 and Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny), Sony is clearly attempting to assert their relevance in the wake of the DSi's release and success of the iPhone as a gaming platform. It'll be interesting to see what sort of a splash Sony makes and the reaction the new hardware receives when it debuts at E3, which is only a month away. Preloading every PSP Go! with a copy of LittleBigPlanet would certainly make some waves.

So are they looking at Europe as their "main customer" for the PSP right now?

Edit: Or rather, concentrating their efforts mainly there?

Well, this is a rumor.

But to be honest, this is the one I believe. I fully expect this to happen, and we would finally see Gran Turismo for the PSP! Also, the rumors for a second analog nub never made any sense.

This could explain the huge support from 3rd party, as this new version of PSP (probably with another security update against hackers) can sell a lot and get the platform revitalized over the west. Maybe the price could be lower too.

FIRST MINUTE PURCHASE!!!, I hope the new design is slick sexy

So it's going to be all digital for handhelds now? Kinda sad but I guess those PSP pirates will feel right at home. BTW how will retailers like Wal-Mart and Gamestop react to something like this which uses nothing but DD?

Though its old, im loving the second pic Big Beutiful screen

Thats why I added it... Love That Photo

just imagine if PSP2/4000/GO!! looked like that..I would replay all my PSP games just to see them on that screen

It will come in either 8gb/16gb models then? Will it still have the memory stick slot then?

If that's all the memory it will have then people will very quickly run out of space. When I ripped my copy of Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles onto my Memory Stick it took up about 1gb(or so, I don't remember the exact amount) of space on the card.

Having only an 8/16gb internal memory, the new PSP would only be able to hold a few games before running out of space(not even counting music/movies people would want as well on there). If I want, I could just delete my file and re-rip my Castlevania UMD if I want it on there again, but would Sony allow you to re-download your games if you deleted them to free up space? Will there be limits on the amount of times you can re-dl something?

Well, guys, remember that that's not the actual image if this rumor is correct.