PS Vita Thread

[Gorvi]

These seem to be coming up a bit more often now, so I figured I'd start a thread to compile them.

The latest comes from Develop (http://www.develop-online.net/news/35969/Sony-sends-PSP2-dev-kits-across-the-industry), citing multiple unnamed industry sources that say it's in the hands of many developers.
Sony has handed PSP2 development kits to a number of key studios for a “significant launch window line-up”, Develop has heard.

It was claimed earlier in the year that developers were shown the device, and Sony has since sent out dev kits to numerous development studios – both third-party and in-house.

Multiple industry sources – who have over the last two months spoken to Develop on the matter – give the impression that Sony is spreading its PSP2 tech widely across the industry for a big impact at launch.

Develop’s sources were understandably unwilling to speak on the record about the new handheld, mentioning the device in passing, and declining to provide details on prototypes.
Their sources are saying it'll be released some time next year, so I'll throw a guess of October out there.

This is, of course, following the story of the developer of the new MK, Netherrealms, saying they have one in house (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=19720).

[TheFlyingOrc]

I heard...

That there will BE ONE.

[Gorvi]

I heard...

That there will BE ONE.
No, no, there can be only one.

[hunterx280]

No, no, there can be only one.

Then I call dibs!

[Chris_D]

They really need to get an official announcement out before the 3DS launches in Japan. If only to hopefully stall the momentum there a bit.

[Panthera]

They really need to get an official announcement out before the 3DS launches in Japan. If only to hopefully stall the momentum there a bit.

Ahahahahah.

[Hawkzombie]

PSP2 being marketed as Special Case for 3DS in effort to boost sales (http://www.iwishthisweretrueitwouldbesofunny.com)

[Xerxes]

I'm slightly disappointed that it's not going the digital distribution route. The Go should have been deemed an abortion the way it came out. The twin brother that made no sense. It was like the opposite of Jonas Jr. I think if Steam and the iphone can pull it off, surely Sony could of got it right.

I hope it's rocking some beefy hardware. With phones and soon tablets cluttering the way people will play games on the go.

[Chris_D]

I know there's that comment from Kaz but I really can't see them going with optical media again. And with that, how else can they get the software on there?

[Gorvi]

Take it with a nice big grain of salt (this is a rumor thread, after all), but according to SPOnG (http://spong.com/article/22626/Dev-Hint-PSP2-for-Easter-2011) they were told by a dev that we'd hear about the PSP2 in six months. So GDC, perhaps?

[Mike Kelehan]

Take it with a nice big grain of salt (this is a rumor thread, after all), but according to SPOnG (http://spong.com/article/22626/Dev-Hint-PSP2-for-Easter-2011) they were told by a dev that we'd hear about the PSP2 in six months. So GDC, perhaps?

I think we'll hear about it in mid-February, just to steal as much of Nintendo's thunder as they can. Sony dropped a ton of details about the PS2 right before the Dreamcast launch, and that worked out pretty well for them.

[Gorvi]

I think we'll hear about it in mid-February, just to steal as much of Nintendo's thunder as they can. Sony dropped a ton of details about the PS2 right before the Dreamcast launch, and that worked out pretty well for them.
I think it would go a long way if all they did was announce it in Japan for $200 along with an upgraded rerelease of Monster Hunter Portable 3.

[rein]

I think it would go a long way if all they did was announce it in Japan for $200 along with an upgraded rerelease of Monster Hunter Portable 3.Knowing Sony they will see the price of the 3DS as an excuse to price the PSP2 at $350.

[Mike Kelehan]

I think it would go a long way if all they did was announce it in Japan for $200 along with an upgraded rerelease of Monster Hunter Portable 3.

Knowing Sony they will see the price of the 3DS as an excuse to price the PSP2 at $350.

Yeah, let's not forget who we're talking about. Sony doesn't ever WANT to have the cheapest ANYTHING. They've built their brand on perceived value, on people spending more and thinking it's better because it costs more.

[Gorvi]

Yeah, let's not forget who we're talking about. Sony doesn't ever WANT to have the cheapest ANYTHING. They've built their brand on perceived value, on people spending more and thinking it's better because it costs more.
Not always. I think they were especially burned by that with the PS3 and to a lesser extent, the PSP. I really wouldn't be surprised to see a PSP2 come out for $200 that's simply an iteration on the current PSP with a touch screen and a second analog nub (improved, I'd hope). Some kind of form factor change as well, maybe like the Go, but slightly larger, and with onboard storage. I just have to wonder what the hell they're going to do about physical media, I can't see them doing UMD again. Probably larger cards like the 3DS is using.

I'd almost like to see them do like they did at the E3 that they announced the PS1 price. Just come out first thing and say it's $100 cheaper, like they did when the Saturn was announced for $400.

[rein]

Not always. I think they were especially burned by that with the PS3 and to a lesser extent, the PSP...You forget, nobody had a problem with the price of the PSP at launch. It was the forced bundle in the US that everyone had a problem with. ;)

I'd almost like to see them do like they did at the E3 that they announced the PS1 price. Just come out first thing and say it's $100 cheaper, like they did when the Saturn was announced for $400.I miss that Sony. They were developer friendly and forward thinking. They used to go after their competition. Now they seem to go after their customers. :(

[Xerxes]

I'm hoping for something in the realm of gorilla glass on this thing. I want more info.

[Gorvi]

Another rumor, this from VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/05/source-psp2-to-release-holiday-2011/). They say their sources are telling them it'll be out in Fall of 2011 (that seems kinda obvious at this point), and that it will a touch screen along with traditional controls as well as both front and rear facing cameras.

[Purple Santa]

Another rumor, this from VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/05/source-psp2-to-release-holiday-2011/). They say their sources are telling them it'll be out in Fall of 2011 (that seems kinda obvious at this point), and that it will a touch screen along with traditional controls as well as both front and rear facing cameras.

Traditional controls as in two nubs? Please? Pretty please?

Fall 2011 is fine. As long as we don't have to deal with forced bundles i'll buy one. But no way I can go for what I paid for the first one (it's to sad to say how much I paid)

[Gorvi]

From Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5672410/psp2-will-be-bigger-out-fall-2011-currently-overheating), take it all with a huge grain of salt:
Several sources have confirmed to Kotaku that the PSP2 does have a previously rumored touch panel on the back of the hardware. The touch panel was described as looking like a big mouse trackpad. When Sony showed the PSP2, it did not provide concrete details regarding how the trackpad will be implemented in games and instead is leaving that to the discretion of game developers.

The screen itself is not only sharper than the current PSP's, but about an inch larger. The larger screen means that the PSP2 will be larger as well. In the private meetings, Sony is touting the screen as "HD".

A larger PSP should not be that big of an issue for Sony — especially in a mobile environment with large tablets like the iPad. It also shows that Sony realizes it is no longer simply competing with Nintendo, but also Apple.

It is unclear whether this is the same handheld described by the Wall Street Journal. According to the the paper, Sony is working on a device that mixes a game player, an e-book reader and a netbook computer.

In late September, there were also reports that the PSP2 hardware was in the hands of "numerous" developers.

Currently, the PSP2's hardware is not finalized, and Sony is having problems balancing battery, power and heat. There are apparently overheating issues, but Sony is, of course, aiming to have those issues corrected by the time the hardware is publicly shown.

Sony set the PSP2's goals, but is still tinkering with the portable's innards. The PSP2's tech specs are expected to change.

Sources tell Kotaku that the PSP2's release window is fall 2011. Sony is not yet talking openly about the PSP2.

[Xerxes]

I want to say it goes with out saying, the hardware should be able to do PS1, PS2, and PSP games. A track pad on the back seems interesting but not needed. How big is the current screen and what does an inch add?

[rein]

I want to say it goes with out saying, the hardware should be able to do PS1, PS2, and PSP games. A track pad on the back seems interesting but not needed. How big is the current screen and what does an inch add?I agree but I am starting to wonder how selfish we gamers are getting. Not only do we want new systems but we want system that play entire outdated libraries.

[KidCactus]

How big is the current screen and what does an inch add?
4.3 inches and pleasure.

[Xerxes]

I agree but I am starting to wonder how selfish we gamers are getting. Not only do we want new systems but we want system that play entire outdated libraries.

Well... I think I told Spigot if I was behind PSP2, I'd be mirroring steam. Involving a boosted library, a direct link to the website, and account where you gamers add a shit ton of games on the cheap. Not the new ones just yet, but over time.

Who won't buy that FF I-XII for $30 bucks? Shenanigans like that. It's added benefit for them, and I would probably be tempted to play a shit ton of ps2 games. I still pop in bushido blade on ps3 to play on my psp.

[Chris_D]

PS1, PS2, + PSP support? Also, carries over all existing PSN purchases? Sign me up bitches!

[Xerxes]

PS1, PS2, + PSP support? Also, carries over all existing PSN purchases? Sign me up bitches!

See! I know it wouldn't be mega popular and in stores, but I'd let them sale like card codes. No wifi, sorry bitches. DD sale blitz folks and you'd have gamers walking around talking about I have 300 games on a psp2. I spent $200 in a weekend and didn't even blink. :p

[Chris_D]

I'm already hooked with what they're doing with PSN and PSP. Being able to get PS1 games like Symphony of the Night, Suikoden, and Silent Hill for $5 makes Nintendo's Virtual Console look like a sick joke PLUS I can load them onto my PSP, easy as pie, something the DSi can't do. Also, full PSP games are regularly discounted to $5-15 on PSN. No complaints here.

[Gorvi]

That's one thing they've definitely done right with the PSP: there area lot of cheap downloads out there now, and a lot of older full games for cheap. I certainly hope they continue that trend with the PSP2 and make everything on the PSN now BC. Having that large library for download day one would be nice.

[Smoof]

Whoop, there it is?

i.engadget.com/2010/10/26/the-playstation-phone/

I like it. Wonder how it works without analogue nubs? Also wondering if it'll alienate a lot of customers, since you'll obviously need to get it from a carrier. Maybe they'll have a standalone one? Definitely hoping it comes to Sprint as I'd like the option.

Full link, sorry, posting from my phone.

www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/the-playstation-phone/

[Shjinta]

PS1, PS2, + PSP support? Also, carries over all existing PSN purchases? Sign me up bitches!

Full PS1 and PS2 support and even i'd fucking buy it.

[Xerxes]

Full PS1 and PS2 support and even i'd fucking buy it.

Cause it sounds so kick ass I doubt Sony would do it. They want us to hate them a little you know.

[Gorvi]

Full PS1 and PS2 support and even i'd fucking buy it.
I think the only thing holding back full PS2 support is file sizes, I'm pretty sure many PS2 games push the 3-4 GB mark. Of course, I'm sure there are many significantly lower than that as well (some early games were still on CDs), but it'd be challenging getting the games people will want.

[Purple Santa]

I agree but I am starting to wonder how selfish we gamers are getting. Not only do we want new systems but we want system that play entire outdated libraries.

Haven't we been a selfish lot always? Look at past consoles and the issue of BC. Besides, i'm thinking about shelling out money for your device, I would like to play my old games or have that ability. I know that can be argued and has been pro and con but just what i'm looking for.

[Xerxes]

Haven't we been a selfish lot always? Look at past consoles and the issue of BC. Besides, i'm thinking about shelling out money for your device, I would like to play my old games or have that ability. I know that can be argued and has been pro and con but just what i'm looking for.

I mean that level of BC i mentioned gives them a huge library of shit out the door to help them take my money. How selfish am I to think it would be awesome to take my money on shit that probably hasn't made them much money over the years. :D

[Gorvi]

More rumors from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5675525/psp2-will-ditch-the-umd-and-be-as-powerful-as-the-xbox-360):
One of the key ones is that the PSP2 will not have a UMD drive. The UMD (Universal Media Disc) was launched in 2004 for use in the PSP. Initially, the format was used for movies, but slow sales of UMD films lead to studios dropping support for the format.

Sony's PSPgo is UMD-free version of the PSP, and sources tell Kotaku that the PSP2 will follow in the footsteps of that portable. Games will be stored on a Memory Stick, according to one source. Though we've also been told that Sony is still puzzling out what the final non-UMD storage solution will be for the PSP2.

We've also learned that the PSP2 will be a much more powerful gaming device with twice the RAM of the Xbox 360.

While we don't yet know all of the portable's system specifications, we have been told that the PSP2 will feature 1 GB of RAM. That's compared to the 64 MB of RAM the PSPgo and PSP 3000 have. Both of those portables use a MIPS R4000 CPU clocked at up to 333 MHz. By comparison the Xbox 360 has 512 MB of RAM and runs a 3.2 GHZ CPU.
I'm starting to get the feeling that Kotaku is pulling these rumors out of their asses, as they're the only ones reporting any of this (everyone else has been sourcing them), but we'll see eventually.

[Chris_D]

Yeah, Kotaku staff will post anything to meet their quotas.

Still, I'm sure it will be badass.

[Purple Santa]

More rumors from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5675525/psp2-will-ditch-the-umd-and-be-as-powerful-as-the-xbox-360):

I'm starting to get the feeling that Kotaku is pulling these rumors out of their asses, as they're the only ones reporting any of this (everyone else has been sourcing them), but we'll see eventually.

Yeah, might be crazy shit nonsense but makes it nice to dream about the PSP2. I'd love to see games on the memory stick. To not hear the noise of the UMD ever again would be heavenly.

[Gorvi]

Yeah, might be crazy shit nonsense but makes it nice to dream about the PSP2. I'd love to see games on the memory stick. To not hear the noise of the UMD ever again would be heavenly.
Oh, I'm not saying that because it's crazy, just because they seem to be the only ones reporting it, every other story sources back to their posts. I don't trust Kotaku all that much, they seem to do anything for page hits, and all of these rumors they've been posting seem to be very slight expansions on existing rumors or just shots in the dark.

[Gorvi]

This isn't so much of a rumor as it is confirmation that the PSP2 does exist. And that's pretty much it:
In a new interview, which will be published on CVG soon, we asked EA's Soderlund: "Have you had any exposure at all to the PSP2?"

He replied: "Well, obviously as a developer we have had that - but I'm not allowed to talk about it."

Soderland was obviously reluctant to talk about Sony's new hardware - and skilfully avoided giving away any more detail.

When asked about his expectations for the console, he said: "We can't talk about it because of our relationship with Sony obviously, which is... That's just the way it is."
- CVG (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=273297?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-News-RSS)

[Panthera]

No way! I think I'm going to need another two or three interviews before I believe it exists.

[Gorvi]

No way! I think I'm going to need another two or three interviews before I believe it exists.
Just give it a few weeks. :p

[Gorvi]

And here are your first rumored images of a prototype PSP2, complete with two analog sticks:

http://assets.vg247.com/current//2010/11/front.jpg

http://assets.vg247.com/current//2010/11/back.jpg

All of this from VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2010/11/17/psp2-dev-kit-snaps-show-twin-sticks-trackpad/):
The shots clearly show the device’s forward- and rear-facing cameras, as well as the much-discussed trackpad on the rear of the unit.

Note that this isn’t the console’s final form factor. As you can see, some developers are working with a kit with similar construction to a PSP go at the moment – see the update below – with a sliding screen over physical controls. We don’t know when the final physical spec will be nailed down, only that this isn’t it.

We were first told PSP2 kits were in developers’ hands early this year.

It has an HD screen. The last set of rumours surrounding the handheld said the chipset has yet to be finalised.

The machine is rumoured to be extremely powerful, with approximately twice as much RAM as a 360.

EA has confirmed it’s had “exposure” to the unit, and developer Netherrealm has openly admitted it’s working with a kit.

PSP2 is supposedly heading for release in late 2011.

If you’re in any doubt as to the authenticity of these images, don’t be. It is what it is. Enjoy.

Update: We’ve been told by a source that these images are from the last kit. There’s a newer one, which is a single, non-sliding block. Remember those last Kotaku rumours of the unit overheating? Sony switched back a form like PSP-1000 in order to cool it down.
Want.

[Xerxes]

I like the slide form factor.

[Xerxes]

8AyVh1_vWYQ

[Gorvi]

Rumors are now pointing towards a January 27th reveal for the PSP2 (http://www.mcvuk.com/news/42498/PSP2-announcement-on-Jan-27th). Two more weeks!

[KidCactus]

The day after the 3DS release. I'm not sure if that is good or bad timing...

[Chris_D]

Hmm, it would have been better if they could have got that shit in our faces before the 3DS release. Not that I'm planning to buy a 3DS myself but they might have swayed a few early adopters.

[Gorvi]

Isn't the 3DS Japanese launch on February 26th? This would be for January 27th.

[KidCactus]

Isn't the 3DS Japanese launch on February 26th? This would be for January 27th.

You are correct. :o

[JayVe]

Rumor: PSP2 unveiling in Tokyo this month at Sony 'business meeting' (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/rumor-psp2-unveiling-in-tokyo-this-month-at-sony-business-meet/)

Supposed images of a "PSP2" prototype (pictured) were leaked in November, followed in December by the detailing of alleged hardware specs. The PSP successor is assumed to be in development alongside the PlayStation Phone, and Sony has already acknowledged the challenge of differentiating two such devices in the consumer market. Coming out and announcing them already would probably be a good start.

[Gorvi]

Rumor: PSP2 unveiling in Tokyo this month at Sony 'business meeting' (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/rumor-psp2-unveiling-in-tokyo-this-month-at-sony-business-meet/)
That's sourcing the article that I linked to 3 hours ago! ;)

I'm just really curious to see what they do with the thing. The form factor, the controls, how powerful it is, what features it has. I'm already more predisposed to buying this as opposed to a 3DS, if only because I've been happier with Sony's first party portable output than I have with Nintendo's. Not that Nintendo's has been bad by any stretch, but they focus a lot on a demographic that I'm not part of (Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, etc..). That, and the PSP has been one of my favorite consoles, home or portable, ever. I still have significantly more PSP games than any other current system.

[JayVe]

That's sourcing the article that I linked to 3 hours ago! ;)

I'm just really curious to see what they do with the thing. The form factor, the controls, how powerful it is, what features it has. I'm already more predisposed to buying this as opposed to a 3DS, if only because I've been happier with Sony's first party portable output than I have with Nintendo's. Not that Nintendo's has been bad by any stretch, but they focus a lot on a demographic that I'm not part of (Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, etc..). That, and the PSP has been one of my favorite consoles, home or portable, ever. I still have significantly more PSP games than any other current system.
Dude

I know.

I've been reading long enough, and checking out your sig of Sony-platform games, long enough to know where your preferences lie.

Me? I had a fucking shitty experience with the PSP.

I went through several models with dead pixels, and had to argue with the store until I finally got one with only 3. I hated UMD... like a damn record player in a car. I hated the analog nub. The 'square' button had a fucked-up 'clicky' action when pressed from certain angles. Atop it all, Sony had the audacity to tell me that the system was perfect, and that I had no room to complain to the master architect. This was not the same Sony I knew from the PS1 and PS2 days. This Sony just screwed me over, and told me everything was fine... when it wasn't.

PSP was the damn worst gaming experience I've ever had... other than playing Ducati World Racing Challenge (http://asia.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/ducatiworldracingchallenge/index.html) on the Dreamcast. That game was downright broken... and $50! Not even a reach-around!


Even though I LOVE me some WipEout, I couldn't stand the damn system. Sold it and never looked back. Glad your experience was so much better than mine, cause I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Edit: LOL! You get to respond with... Dude. I KNOW! :D

[Gorvi]

Dude

I know.

I've been reading long enough, and checking out your sig of Sony-platform games, long enough to know where your preferences lie.

Me? I had a fucking shitty experience with the PSP.

I went through several models with dead pixels, and had to argue with the store until I finally got one with only 3. I hated UMD... like a damn record player in a car. I hated the analog nub. The 'square' button had a fucked-up 'clicky' action when pressed from certain angles. Atop it all, Sony had the audacity to tell me that the system was perfect, and that I had no room to complain to the master architect. This was not the same Sony I knew from the PS1 and PS2 days. This Sony just screwed me over, and told me everything was fine... when it wasn't.

It was the damn worst gaming experience I've ever had... other than playing Ducati World Racing Challenge (http://asia.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/ducatiworldracingchallenge/index.html) on the Dreamcast. That game was downright broken... and $50! Not even a reach-around!


Even though I LOVE me some WipEout, I couldn't stand the damn system. Sold it and never looked back. Glad your experience was so much better than mine, cause I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Sorry? I was just stating an opinion there, I didn't mean to offend.

Luckily I didn't have any of those problems with my 1000, the thing got a stupid amount of use and never gave me a problem. I didn't buy it until about 8 months after launch, though, long after I had bought a DS, so maybe by then the problems have been ironed out.

EDIT: Dude, I know! :p

[JayVe]

Sorry? I was just stating an opinion there, I didn't mean to offend.

Luckily I didn't have any of those problems with my 1000, the thing got a stupid amount of use and never gave me a problem. I didn't buy it until about 8 months after launch, though, long after I had bought a DS, so maybe by then the problems have been ironed out.

EDIT: Dude, I know! :p

You didn't offend me. You just opened up an old wound. I have rarely felt so gypped.

[Xerxes]

Man, I'm with Gorvi. Bestest handheld ever. Granted mines is hacked, but still.

[muddi900]

I spent more time with my PSP than my DS. And my PSP got stolen I didn't even notice.

[JayVe]

I spent more time with my PSP than my DS. And my PSP got stolen I didn't even notice.

Not much for portables?

[Chris_D]

Isn't the 3DS Japanese launch on February 26th? This would be for January 27th.

Oh right :). Yeah, Sony would have had to have been stupid, that was true. Glad they are getting the chance to show their wares and make their case.

And PSP-2000 = best game handheld ever :p.

[tacitus]

I too have enjoyed my PSPs (1000, 3000), but the left nub is sucky and I have not been thrilled with the battery life. Alas it does not get played very much because generally when I have a chance I game using non portables. Also, I have a morbid resistance to buying off of PSN so that limits me to UMD consumption.

[Chris_D]

The PSP-2000 introduced the extra ram for caching so I never noticed any major problems with battery life (never owned a 1000). Of course, now I buy everything on PSN so it's even better. The nub is not ideal, for sure, although it's probably the best analog controller on a portable device so far (competition almost non existent).

[JayVe]

The PSP-2000 introduced the extra ram for caching so I never noticed any major problems with battery life (never owned a 1000). Of course, now I buy everything on PSN so it's even better. The nub is not ideal, for sure, although it's probably the best analog controller on a portable device so far (competition almost non existent).

The one on the Tapwave Zodiac was better... when it worked. The damn thing was unreliable and had a tendency to drift off-center. But when properly calibrated, it was bloody fantastic. Great range of motion, nice level of 'springy-ness' andit has the familiar 'arc' of motion instead of simply 'sliding' around. Having spent quality time with it, I was disappointed to get my hands on the PSP's.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/analog_closeup.jpg

You are so right though. There isn't much competition in the 'portable analog controller' space.

[JayVe]

Rumor: Sony telling people PSP2 is as powerful as PS3. (http://kotaku.com/5732402/sony-telling-people-the-psp2-is-as-powerful-as-a-ps3?skyline=true&s=i)

It's part of a clear strategy Sony has for the upcoming (and still not yet officially unveiled) handheld, which is that it's "specifically requesting richer, more in-depth content to differentiate its device from app-centric Apple and Android devices."

Like its own PlayStation Phone, for example.

The same report claims that while downloads will play a big part in the system's game library, the PSP2 will also use physical media so that its games can be sold in retail stores. It also states the handheld will be out in Q4 2011, possibly as early as October.

There's even word it may include some kind of phone (remember, the current PSP can be used as a Skype device), though "not as a primary function".

Before you spit internet coffee all over yourself, remember the PSP2 probably won't actually be as powerful as a PS3. But on a smaller screen, it should manage — just like the PSP did with the PS2 — to appear as though it's pretty close.

[Xerxes]

PS3 is five years old. I can believe it. I'd imagine it would have to put those latest graphically impressive games on iphone to shame.

[Chris_D]

I dunno about this physical media thing. It might make sense in Japan but nowhere else.

[Xerxes]

I dunno about this physical media thing. It might make sense in Japan but nowhere else.

I think I heard somewhere it'll be memory stick. Which sadly sounds like a hackers delight. I was thought this would be ideal if they like modified the connectors on the cards but that wouldn't stop anyone.

Nope, a handheld Steam delivery type device would of been the best.

[Chris_D]

I think so. In Japan UMDs still fly off the shelves like hotcakes but elsewhere? A memory stick solution would surely add a premium to the price of every game. If the PSP2 is as powerful as rumoured they will need a large amount of memory for all the assets.

Regardless, I'm not even convinced that 3DS physical media will be very successful. People are getting used to paying a much lower price for portable games and physical media will never be able to compete.

[JayVe]

I think so. In Japan UMDs still fly off the shelves like hotcakes but elsewhere? A memory stick solution would surely add a premium to the price of every game. If the PSP2 is as powerful as rumoured they will need a large amount of memory for all the assets.

Regardless, I'm not even convinced that 3DS physical media will be very successful. People are getting used to paying a much lower price for portable games and physical media will never be able to compete.

While you and I may be ready to go for a wireless/download solution, most of the world isn't.

Memory sticks are relatively expensive because they are rewritable flash. Cartridges are typically ROM, which can only be read. ROM chips are cheaper than flash memory.

Sony could easily make ROM chips that contain games. UMD has a maximum limit of 1.8 gigs of space available to developers. Most FLASH memory cards of 2 gigs are very cheap for consumers, and even less for manufacturers. ROM chips would be even less.

Like Nintendo, Sony could make 2GB cards available to developers, and as the system matures and the price of memory continues to fall, card sizes can increase.

Edit: While the term 'Memory Stick' is being tossed about, I doubt it would be compatible with any existing memory Stick formats and readers. To do so would be inviting disaster from the hacking community. Although... Sony has in the past asked the hacker community to do the worst to their products. Pulling Linux from the PS3 comes to mind.

[Gorvi]

While you and I may be ready to go for a wireless/download solution, most of the world isn't.

Memory sticks are relatively expensive because they are rewritable flash. Cartridges are typically ROM, which can only be read. ROM chips are cheaper than flash memory.

Sony could easily make ROM chips that contain games. UMD has a maximum limit of 1.8 gigs of space available to developers. Most FLASH memory cards of 2 gigs are very cheap for consumers, and even less for manufacturers. ROM chips would be even less.

Like Nintendo, Sony could make 2GB cards available to developers, and as the system matures and the price of memory continues to fall, card sizes can increase.
That's what I'd like to see, personally. While it would bother me that I couldn't use my old UMD collection on the new system, well, I still have 2 PSPs, so I'd manage.

What they really need to do is make the PSP2 BC with all of the PSP games that are on the PSN now. There are so many games that are $10-$15 now, and more will drop as time goes on, that buying up old games for the new system would be great.

[Chris_D]

When was the last time a 3rd party DS cart was in the NPD charts?

[Gorvi]

When was the last time a 3rd party DS cart was in the NPD charts?
Scribblenauts in 2009? I don't know, did Super Scribblenauts make it this past year?

[Chris_D]

Don't remember seeing it in the charts. The bottom has fallen out of DS software sales in the last year and it isn't through lack of install base.

[Gorvi]

Don't remember seeing it in the charts. The bottom has fallen out of DS software sales in the last year and it isn't through lack of install base.
I don't think US sales are a good barometer for that. Serious handheld gaming just isn't all that big here, it's much more of a kids market, with niche gaming on the side. Granted, those niche games are great, but I don't think you see many handheld games on either the PSP or DS surpass 100k in sales in the US, not games that don't have the Mario, Pokemon, or Final Fantasy name on them, anyway. With the DS's crazy install base you'd think you'd see more, though.

I was wrong about the last 3rd party game on NPD, I remember pretty well that Dragon Quest IX hit ~120k when it came out last Summer.

[Chris_D]

For a game of that quality and production values 120k is pretty sad for the 50 million+ DS owners in North America (shame on them :p).

5 years ago I paid $30 for Brain Age on my DS and was happy enough with the purchase. Today I would think twice about paying 99c for something similar on the app store. My whole perception of what a handheld experience is worth has changed and I think the same is true of most "hardcore" gamers. And casual games on DS are suffering the most. If I want to play Pokemon or Metal Gear I'm still prepared to pay $20 or so. But if it's crossword / sudoku / picross I'll just pay 99c and probably get a better experience.

[JayVe]

When was the last time a 3rd party DS cart was in the NPD charts?

This is a narrow look at software sales.

To think that a game needs to be in the top-ten of sales in order to be successful is silly. Quite successful games can never, ever, break into the top ten or 20... but can still make a nice profit.

[Chris_D]

Or they can never make their money back. With the amount of shovelware how many games manage to stay on store shelves?

[Gorvi]

For a game of that quality and production values 120k is pretty sad for the 50 million+ DS owners in North America (shame on them :p).

5 years ago I paid $30 for Brain Age on my DS and was happy enough with the purchase. Today I would think twice about paying 99c for something similar on the app store. My whole perception of what a handheld experience is worth has changed and I think the same is true of most "hardcore" gamers. And casual games on DS are suffering the most. If I want to play Pokemon or Metal Gear I'm still prepared to pay $20 or so. But if it's crossword / sudoku / picross I'll just pay 99c and probably get a better experience.
True. I think you're going to see a much larger divide between the more traditional boxed games and download games. I like what's been done on PSN lately, by NIS of all publishers, releasing smaller localized games for $15-$20 as downloads, games that wouldn't see a big print run. Cladun is a great example of that.

Pricing has to be flexible. I don't mind spending $35-$40 for games like Valkyria Chronicles II or Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, but more games need to be launching at the $20 price point. It's been happening more and more often, but that trend needs to continue.
This is a narrow look at software sales.

To think that a game needs to be in the top-ten of sales in order to be successful is silly. Quite successful games can never, ever, break into the top ten or 20... but can still make a nice profit.
That's also very true. Handheld games have much smaller budgets, success can easily be 100k units sold in North America over the sales life of a game, probably less.

[JayVe]

Or they can never make their money back. With the amount of shovelware how many games manage to stay on store shelves?

If 3rd party DS developers were not making their money back, would they still be making DS games?

The DS has probably the most diverse demographic of owners than any other console before it. Young, old, male, female, the DS appeals to the elderly, the casual, and the hardcore. There is a lot of breadth to the user base, who buys lots of things that you or I think are crap.

This diversity means the landscape is filled with niches for all kinds of games. It also means that it is difficult to make a game that appeals to EVERYONE across the demographic spectrum. A game can be successful without being a huge, breakout hit.

Just because your movie didn't make it into the top-ten grossing films of the year does not mean that your film isn't profitable.

Just because your book isn't on the New York Times' best seller list does not mean that your book isn't successful.

If those in the top-ten list of anything were the only ones seeing any success, then every industry would be bankrupt of ideas. I'd hate to live in a world filled only with Maddens and Modern Warfares.

Edit: Think of the PS2's library - Diverse with games for every type of gamer... and it was still more narrow than the DS' library which contains gardening guides, cooking games, and babysitting games.

Yet all those hidden gems of the PS2 never broke through the top 10. Did Shadow of the colossus ever realize widespread financial and sales success?

Again, using the 'top-ten' list as an indicator of success is a very narrow way to look at games... or any kind of entertainment.

[Chris_D]

Devs are starting to move away from DS, no question. We are far away from the golden days of '07,'08. If even Japanese developers don't have confidence in the DS, there's a problem. 3DS software needs to do better than DS software has been doing, otherwise devs will move to other platforms. And there's no shortage of them.

For varied software, I'll just pay $5-15 on PSN thanks. You can have your $20-40 DS carts. Sony has got a good model going on PSN even if they don't have the sales to show for it (who knows with PSN really).

[Xerxes]

That's what I'd like to see, personally. While it would bother me that I couldn't use my old UMD collection on the new system, well, I still have 2 PSPs, so I'd manage.

What they really need to do is make the PSP2 BC with all of the PSP games that are on the PSN now. There are so many games that are $10-$15 now, and more will drop as time goes on, that buying up old games for the new system would be great.

PSP, PSN, PS2, PS1, PSP mini, like steam they could be a reselling machine. How many of those folks have bought games they already own.

[Gorvi]

Now Bloomerg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-19/sony-said-to-be-preparing-to-unveil-new-portable-playstation-next-week.html) is also reporting that the PSP2 will be unveiled on January 27th, with the PSP Phone announcement coming at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Sony Corp. plans to unveil an updated PlayStation Portable handheld game device on Jan. 27, followed by a game-playing smartphone in February, according to two people with knowledge of the plans.

Sony, the world’s second-largest maker of portable game players, will also outline a strategy to use its networked entertainment services to share games, movies and music among handheld products, TVs and other devices, said one person, who declined to be identified because the plan isn’t public.

[Chris_D]

Only another week to wait!

[Gorvi]

If they truly allow you to share the same PSN purchases between the PS3 and PSP2 that will be brilliant. Not full PS3 game downloads, of course, but stuff like Joe Danger, Shatter, and Critter Crunch working on both would be awesome.

[Chris_D]

My panties are wet! Even what you can already do with PS1 games on PS3/PSP is awesome.

[Gorvi]

My panties are wet! Even what you can already do with PS1 games on PS3/PSP is awesome.
And soon Turbografx 16 games. :)

[JayVe]

I may be at Mobile World Conference for work. If it pans out, I'll fill you in.

[Gorvi]

I don't have a lot of hope for the PSP Phone, mostly because I know Sony Ericsson's phones have a really bad rep. I don't have any first hand experience with them, though. I'd like to be surprised, and I like the idea in concept, but I'm not so sure the hardware execution is going to be there.

[Gorvi]

And the rumors keep on mounting, this time from Japanese newspaper Nikkei via IGN (http://psp.ign.com/articles/114/1145577p1.html):
According to the paper, the PSP successor will have a 3G connection. In Japan, this will be provided by NTT DoCoMo.

The 3G connection will be used for online gaming and for downloading movies and games. Users will not be able to make phone calls.

Different from Wi-Fi, which requires hotspots, users will be able to access the 3G connection wherever DoCoMo cell phone service is available. This likely means a permanent connection throughout Japan, as DoCoMo is Japan's largest cell phone carrier. The system will also have WiFi support similar to the PSP, of course.

The paper did not say if users would incur a monthly charge for accessing DoCoMo's network. It also did not mention equivalent providers for overseas access.

Other bits mentioned in the Nikkei article include the inclusion of an OLED touch screen and a newly developed processor for outputting high end visuals.
We should know Wednesday.

[Xerxes]

3G/4G devices aside from phones are really starting to get on my nerves.

[KidCactus]

We should know Wednesday.
Don't you mean thursday?

[Gorvi]

Don't you mean thursday?
Details, details. :p

[Chris_D]

Since it looks like WiFi will never become ubiquitous, at least in Japan, I don't really see a choice but to have 3G/4G on board. I just hope it doesn't come attached with an additional fee, but it's likely it will.

[Xerxes]

That's the thing I hate most. "Additional fees." I don't even like the cost of a 3g radio being included. Now in Japan this makes a shit ton of sense. Get your Monster Hunter on anywhere.

[Gorvi]

If I had to bet the 3G connection would be free for PS Store access and downloads with optional paid 3G for multiplayer. That's what I'd consider ideal, anyway.

[Chris_D]

It just pisses me off that city wide wi-fi is still basically non existent. So I don't think Sony really has a choice here. Also, almost no Japanese phones seem to support tethering.

[Gorvi]

A rumored press shot of the PSP2 from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5742423/the-first-official-shot-of-the-psp2):

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/01/500x_psp222.jpg

They list a good number of reasons why this is probably fake, but it's worth posting on the off chance that it may actually be real. It essentially looks like a modified PSP Go, which I wouldn't have a problem with personally as that thing, despite its other flaws, is quite comfortable to hold.

[JayVe]

I'd be shocked if they used a resistive screen, and not a capacitive screen.

Personally, I love resistive screens for their precision. But any product without a capacitive touch screen using real glass gets roasted in the press these days.

I long for the days of Sony making PDAs again. I'm thinking that if this thing makes good use of the stylus, it could be home to some awesome creative apps. The DS has a number of painting programs that work really well with the stylus. A high-end PSP with nice creativity software could be fantastic! Load it up with games like Little big Planet to attract a creative audience.

Lots of potential here!

[boratika]

After carefully consulting some of the pixels, I have come to the conclusion that the above is a 'shop of this particular photo:

http://flexapic.com/g.ashx?id=5913

Notice how the shadows and glare are in exactly the same place, and one is just a random incidental shot and the other is meant to be a press shot/render.

[Mike Kelehan]

Yeah, it's probably fake... but it's a good design that I could get behind. I also think that a resistive touch screen is the way to go, because the precision is important for games. People like capacitive for PDAs for many reasons, but this isn't a PDA.

[Widgetcraft]

A rumored press shot of the PSP2 from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5742423/the-first-official-shot-of-the-psp2):

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/01/500x_psp222.jpg

They list a good number of reasons why this is probably fake, but it's worth posting on the off chance that it may actually be real. It essentially looks like a modified PSP Go, which I wouldn't have a problem with personally as that thing, despite its other flaws, is quite comfortable to hold.

Only a complete moron would put the analog sticks on the bottom-middle of the device like that.

Confirmed for official Sony prototype on that basis alone!

[Widgetcraft]

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/psp2-ngp-next-generation-portable/

Looks good. Dual analogs in fairly well placed areas are a big plus. The lack of a clam shell design is a downer, but not surprising, considering that it is Sony.

[TheSilentDeath]

So they just announced their next portable system a few minutes ago. UMD is out and it seems that they are moving towards a flash based cartridge like the DS. Looks like a psp but with dual sticks and some other stuff.

Edit: beaten to the punch by a minute and a link.

[Widgetcraft]

One cool thing is they have touch pads on the back that substitute as the L2/R2 buttons. They also have a touch screen. PS3 level graphics rumor turned out to be true.

[OldJadedGamer]

It all comes down to how much it will cost. Really surprised it's not a sliding unit.

[TheSilentDeath]

I must say, they might actually get me to buy a portable from them with this one. My only real complaint with the psp was the fact that it was too small for my hands which led to them cramping over extended playtimes. Wonder if this will be the case with this one since it seems to be a little bigger since the screen is bigger.

The touch pad on the back does worry me a bit because of wandering fingers hitting it at inopportune times, but this is a wait and see type of thing since I don't know how sensitive the pad is.

[J Arcane]

Even crazier, is apparently the PSP2 is running Android, and Sony is bringing the PSN Store to the Android platform across multiple devices along with hardware-independent content generation tools and a "PS Certified" process that'll allow people to have their games branded as PS games.

Basically, Sony seems to be saying "Fuck the 3DS, we're going to put Playstation on fucking EVERYTHING."

[boratika]

Heh, the game cards look a whole lot like DS ones with rounded tops.

Also this:

http://flexapic.com/g.ashx?id=5924
(link) (http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/110127a_e.html)

[Xydarc]

Looks great. Let's hope the price is reasonable.

[evilgoodwin]

Yes, but does it rumble? :)

[KidCactus]

Let's hope the price is reasonable.
With those specifications I just can't imagine we'll see a reasonable price, at least if we compare to the current PSP.

[KamaItachi]

The system itself sounds insane and the possibilities of the service intrigue me, but there's no way in Hell this is going to be priced in my range, plus early adoption of Sony Hardware is a huge no-no for me.

But I will have one of these, someday...

[Chris_D]

Looks awesome. I'm sure it will be out of my price range at launch but I don't usually buy hardware at launch anyway. I'm just glad that at least one company is still making the kind of portable system I want.

[Chris_D]

NGP Software Lineup Detailed (http://www.next-gen.biz/news/ngp-software-lineup-detailed)
...an initial lineup of games was revealed.

Heading the list is Naughty Dog’s version of Uncharted, which makes use of a number of NGP’s wide variety of control options. The touch panels can be used to push Drake over obstacles, attack enemies and control him during climbing sections. Tilt controls build momentum on hanging ropes and can be used to aim weapons. Fans of traditional controls can use the twin sticks and face buttons in what looks a reasonable facsimile of the PS3 games.

Also announced were versions of Hot Shots Golf, Killzone, WipeOut, Resistance, Monster Hunter, Dynasty Warriors, and Call Of Duty.

In addition several tech demos were shown displaying cutscenes from PS3 games running on NGP. Hideo Kojima showed a Metal Gear Solid 4 scene that he said was exported from the PS3 and rendered in real-time, albeit only at 20 frames per second.

Scenes from Lost Planet 2 – Capcom is porting its NT Framework to NGP – were also shown, as were Yakuza Of The End, Dungeon Defenders and Epic Games’ Epic Citadel, running on the developer’s Unreal Engine 3.

I'm probably most interested in Monster Hunter and Dynasty Warriors (sue me ;)).

[Widgetcraft]

You had me at Monster Hunter.

[boratika]

Let's hope the price is reasonable.

I suspect you may be disappointed...

[TheEpicOfTyler]

It's impressive for sure, but they've gone completely down the rabbit hole of what is "wrong" with the PSP. I don't want to play these types of games on the go, I'd rather be sitting down in front of my TV.

I think this thing has a lot of hurdles to overcome. It's not going to be cheap, and they didn't really show much in the way of portable software.

[Widgetcraft]

Concept video (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/watch-the-ngp-concept-video/)

Lots of pictures (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/ngp-psp2-hardware-gallery/)

It's impressive for sure, but they've gone completely down the rabbit hole of what is "wrong" with the PSP. I don't want to play these types of games on the go, I'd rather be sitting down in front of my TV.

I think you'll find that many of us are drawn to the PSP specifically because of it's console-style games.

[boratika]

It's impressive for sure, but they've gone completely down the rabbit hole of what is "wrong" with the PSP. I don't want to play these types of games on the go, I'd rather be sitting down in front of my TV.

I suspect the idea is that they are targeting people like you with Playstation Suite, while this is aimed more at the sort of people who are in this thread, currently drooling.

[Chris_D]

I think you'll find that many of us are drawn to the PSP specifically because of it's console-style games.

Exactly. Just doing traditional portable games would put it head to head with smart phones and the DS, a battle it could never win. At least it has a chance of carving out a niche audience with those of us who are looking for console experiences on a high tech handheld. The PSP hardware was undoubtably a sales success and I'm convinced software would have been too if the system hadn't been hammered by piracy from almost day 1.

[Chris_D]

Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5744675/)
During Sony's event, the NGP's beautiful OLED screen was stunning. It looks even more stunning up close. The touch elements on the front screen were more than serviceable, offering a new experience for PlayStation Portable gamers.

At first glace, the NGP seems large. It is, measuring out larger than the PSP-3000. But while it isn't the smallest handheld on the block, it is surprisingly light.

"That's because it doesn't have a UMD drive," Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida tells Kotaku. In the place of the Universal Media Disc, Sony is using flash memory-based cards and digital downloads.

Unlike the smaller PSPgo, the NGP fits comfortably in the hands. On the back, there is a touch pad, which is glossy and slick to the touch. Initial worries are that it'll get guncky with dirt and grime. Using it, however, felt quite natural as my finger movement responded directly to the onscreen action. There are Sony's iconic button icons as a monogram. Next to them are grips for one's hands.

The entire handheld is sealed like an iPhone, so players will not be able to change the battery. The reason for this, Yoshida says, is because of the rear touch pad. It's apparently not possible to have a rear touch pad and changeable battery like on the current PSP-3000.

On the top of the console, there is metallic trim on which there is a power button as well as volume controls.

The rear and front cameras are unobtrusive.

The buttons and the directional pad are akin to what players are familiar with on the current PSPs. Also, the handheld has a layer of gloss similar to the previous PSP models. Throughout my hands-on, two Sony staffers stood by with white gloves, ready to wipe down any fingerprints.

The dual thumbsticks were a revelation — fast, responsive and easy to use. For those who always felt that the PSP's thumb "nub" never got it right, you'll be more than pleasantly surprised. The NGP, for as large as it seems, left me pleasantly surprised. It's light, and it's beautiful.

[Iron Past]

I'm all over it! Maybe not at launch, but you know...

And they seem to be fixing the one major problem they had the first time around, they're talking about games. People don't remember that that was what made it fail early, focusing on everything besides what it was made for (and that mentality didn't help the PS3 in the early days, either). And it's not console style games on a portable device that makes those uncomfortable, it's that they weren't designed to the system. The inputs were still geared toward a full controller, so they played like crap or held your hand too much. I'm hoping the devs learned their lessons from that.

Lastly, and I know it's a really, really long shot, but this can't be priced much more than the 3DS. I know it's powerful and they'd lose a lot of money, but if they over, say, $279.99, they've already lost and there's not point in even releasing it.

[Chris_D]

I honestly don't think so. I can see tech heads paying $300-400 for what this can do. Personally I would expect 299 as the most likely price point at which it would do quite well, off chance for 350 which I agree would make things a little more difficult for Sony. My personal price point is about 250 but then I would pay 150 at most for a 3DS. Really, I'm more worried about the Japanese pricing considering the 3DS is $300 US here.

[Iron Past]

Tech heads, sure, but those aren't who's going to keep the platform afloat. By the time it comes out, the 3DS will already have a huge foothold, and a much more expensive price will ensure everyone goes to Nintendo. There's also the cost of the games, which will probably be comparable to the 3DS as well. If they have nothing more than "it's more powerful," it won't sell. More powerful at a competitive price? Yes. But I shudder to think what this'll cost in Japan...

My money's on $299.99 as well, though. Which means I'll wait for the first price cut.

[Chris_D]

Well the PSP sold well enough at a higher price than the DS. I think it would be unrealistic to expect the PSP2 to be the same price as the 3DS. And, yeah, it will 3rd behind the 3DS and smartphones but hopefully will sell enough to carve a niche for itself. One thing it has going for it is that it is differentiating itself more and more from the typical smartphone experiences. Meanwhile, smartphones have pretty much destroyed the casual DS market. The days of paying $20-35 for crosswords and sudoku puzzles on a cart are over (yes I was one of those who did). Whether Nintendo will be able to recover that market with cheaper titles on their download service remains to be seen.

The PSP2 will be offering console like experiences with traditional controls, something you won't get anywhere else. One of the main problems with the PSP was the single analog nub so many dual stick games were shoehorned onto the system with mixed results. With the PSP2 it will pretty much be 1:1. Of course, that doesn't interest many but there are definitely a few who are into that.

For me it seems if you like 3D and Nintendo's games you should get a 3DS. Since I care about neither of those things I will go for the PSP2 and paying an extra $50-100 for a vastly superior system technically doesn't bother me.

[Yeti2005]

Damn Sony sure does know how to make a device look good. I'm just worried about the price which at the minimum is going to be $300. I wonder if they'll try and subsidize it with cellphone carriers since it uses 3G? If it's free 3G then that's even better.

I thought it was interesting that both the Playstation Phone and the NGP will use Playstation Suite which is some sort of unified place to get Playstation content.

[Philonious]

Seems like they're making all the same mistakes and the PSP and PS3, but we won't know for sure until they announce pricing. That being said, launching with a Monster Hunter in Japan is an act of genius. The design certainly makes the 3DS look crappy.

[Chris_D]

I dunno, why go head to head with Nintendo and Apple at this point? It seems pretty smart for the PSP2 to steer clear of those 2. In the meantime they give Android some extra credibility with the Playstation brand (not that it needs it) and some much needed cash into their coffers from digital sales at relatively little expense. The Playstation phone itself might do alright if it's a decent Android handset but they're definitely not counting on it destroying the iPhone (nor should they).

If they can greatly reduce piracy they will have fixed the biggest problem with the PSP.

[Gorvi]

Thread title changed to something a bit more appropriate now. A lot has come out so far, it's very nice to see. Uncharted running on the system:

T9e3c0k3SrQ

This is very interesting from Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5744571/metal-gear-solid-4-lost-planet-yakuza-shown-playable-on-psp2):
Sony's Shuhei Yoshida likened the power of the next PSP to that of its current home console, the four-year-old PS3. A handful of developers took the stage to illustrate the next-generation PlayStation Portable's power, playing an all-new Uncharted game designed for the new handheld, as well as a few games based on existing PlayStation 3 software.

Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima showed a demonstration of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots running on the PSP2, looking almost as good as its console counterpart. "This game used the model data and environments from PS3, and it was exported directly to NGP," Kojima said, adding "On NGP, we can enjoy the same quality as the PS3."

Sega's Toshihiro Nagoshi also showed off a PSP2 version of Yakuza 4, extolling the ease of reusing PlayStation 3 assets, saying the Yakuza team created its NGP demo in a very short time frame.

Capcom's Jun Takeuchi showed two games running on the PSP2, a copy of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd to illustrate the system's backwards compatibility with downloadable PSP games and a demo version of Lost Planet, which looked close to its PlayStation 3 ancestor.

None of those titles were officially announced as PSP2 games, however. Given the ease of portability between the PS3 and PSP2, we won't be surprised if some of those PlayStation 3 games find their way to Sony's new platform.
And one last thing for now, Eurogamer's Digital Foundry (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-sony-ngp-analysis) analyzes the specs so far.

[violent]

I wouldn't be surprised to see this thing released at $350. I'd lie if I said I wouldn't be tempted even at that price.

[RandoM51]

Has everything I wanted in a new psp, except for a low price(I imagine). Maybe Sony has made great strides in bringing down OLED costs, great strides nobody knows about. Yeah, right. :)

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I suspect the idea is that they are targeting people like you with Playstation Suite, while this is aimed more at the sort of people who are in this thread, currently drooling.

This is true. I quoted "wrong" for a reason. I know some people love the PSP and are very excited about the PSP2, but I'm waiting and seeing.

The more I think about the possibilities though, if they released like LBP2 on the PSP2 that was the exact same game as my LBP2 at home... I could get down. Put my save into the cloud and I'd buy one.

I'm glad that they're releasing 2 sku's as well. Hopefully the 3G-less version of the system is something in the $250 - $300 range. I know $250 is unlikely, but if it's $300 or more that's something I've got to sit on for awhile.

[Xydarc]

I wanna make love to it.

[Dukefrukem]

Can someone please explain to me the advantage of getting the 3G version? buying games on the go? And watching them slowly download?

[TheFlyingOrc]

Aint' no way you're going to directly port games optimized for the Cell onto a standard quad core processor.

I dunno, except for the cool touch on the back (which is a pretty good idea), seems like more of the same, but more powerful. DS vs. PSP all over again.

[Deadend]

I am more interested in the PSP2 than the 3DS.
I know that the 3d effect doesn't have any useful gameplay impact, and the magic of the 3DS was the touch screen, not having 2 screens.

The PSP2 fixes what the PSP was missing, and will probably have similar, if not better battery life than the 3DS.

[Gorvi]

Aint' no way you're going to directly port games optimized for the Cell onto a standard quad core processor.

I dunno, except for the cool touch on the back (which is a pretty good idea), seems like more of the same, but more powerful. DS vs. PSP all over again.
Except they've shown that porting already. As proof of concepts portions of Lost Planet 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 were shown running on the PSP2 with almost identical assets.

[JayVe]

If porting games to the PSP2 fr4om the PS3 is so easy... how will this affect PS3 sales? If you can choose between a portable or a home system and play the same games on them, would you get both? Will PS3 sales decline as people move to the PSP2 - or - will PSP2 not take off because people can get the same games on their PS3 at home? Will developers abandon one format in favor of another?

I'm curious to see how it plays out.

[Dukefrukem]

Two different markets. I don't see it affecting PS3 sales. People who like to play on their 55 inch TVs and people who like to play on the bus.

[Grifter]

I know this doesn't really fall in line with gaming but given the capabilities of the NGP screen I hope Sony comes out with a program that allows you to control the PS3s (and possibly Sony TVs) media functionality using the NGPs touch screen similar to those high end home theater remotes.

[Gorvi]

As for the PS3 to PSP2 thing with games, I think it will be more that they'll be able to use the same (or incredibly similar) assets and engines on both, saving on dev costs. I doubt we'll see the same exact games, though I wouldn't be surprised if there are instances where the same game comes out on both. Kinda like how there was a PS3 and PSP version for ModNation Racers.

[RandoM51]

I know this doesn't really fall in line with gaming but given the capabilities of the NGP screen I hope Sony comes out with a program that allows you to control the PS3s (and possibly Sony TVs) media functionality using the NGPs touch screen similar to those high end home theater remotes.

You can already do this with PSP and PS3, I'd expect the same functionality to appear in the PSP2.

[JayVe]

Raw horsepower aside, the PSP2 is what the PSP should have been . There was NEVER an excuse for optical media in a handheld. Solid state means shorter load times, longer battery life, fewer moving parts, greater durability, and more portability. Same thing with the dual analogs... they should have been there from the start.

I like this design. I've been burned before by being an early PSP adopter though. I'll probably wait till the first revision. After they fix the square button and the dead pixel issues... or whatever issues they have this time.

[Dukefrukem]

Raw horsepower aside, the PSP2 is what the PSP should have been . There was NEVER an excuse for optical media in a handheld. Solid state means shorter load times, longer battery life, fewer moving parts, greater durability, and more portability. Same thing with the dual analogs... they should have been there from the start.

I like this design. I've been burned before by being an early PSP adopter though. I'll probably wait till the first revision. After they fix the square button and the dead pixel issues... or whatever issues they have this time.

Although I agree with you here, it was way too soon for the market. When the PSP was released, SSD was still wicked expensive. This whole "On the go" movement wasn't as big as it is today. I actually didn't expect the PSP2 to NOT have optical media.

[Dukefrukem]

Bwhahah Gamestop is taking pre-orders at $999 (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/gamestop-taking-ngp-pre-orders-for-999/)

[TheFlyingOrc]

Except they've shown that porting already. As proof of concepts portions of Lost Planet 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 were shown running on the PSP2 with almost identical assets.

Yes. Sony has NEVER used false demonstrations to show a system to be more powerful than they actually are. NEVER.

I'm in the industry. There are a million ways to lie about/fake your tech demos. Straight ports onto a completely different architecture aren't going to be the copy/paste jobs they want to imply.

[Widgetcraft]

Bwhahah Gamestop is taking pre-orders at $999 (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/gamestop-taking-ngp-pre-orders-for-999/)

See, now that is out of my price range. I'm topping out at $400, and at $400 it would not be competitive with the 3DS. What Sony actually ends up pricing it at is entirely unpredictable. You'd think they would know how the market works, but then you can take a look back at the launch price of the PS3 and see that they clearly didn't only a few years ago.

[Gorvi]

Yes. Sony has NEVER used false demonstrations to show a system to be more powerful than they actually are. NEVER.

I'm in the industry. There are a million ways to lie about/fake your tech demos. Straight ports onto a completely different architecture aren't going to be the copy/paste jobs they want to imply.
They've had third parties do that for them, like Capcom, Konami, and Sega? These weren't actual in development games they were showing, but proof of concept work to show what they could do with translating a game from the PS3 to the PSP2. It wasn't Killzone 2 CG.

[Dukefrukem]

But of course that's what they're remember for Gorvi.

[Suave Peanut]

I'm still gaming on the same model PSP that I first bought in March 2005.

Yeah, I think it's nearly time for an upgrade.

[TheFlyingOrc]

But of course that's what they're remember for Gorvi.

Yeah Gorvi, but of course that's what they're remember for!

:confused::confused::confused:

[Gorvi]

Not sure how long this will stay up, but this is the compilation trailer shown at the event:

K3EloCX9hy8

I believe a number of those games were playable in one form or another, but there's more than likely NDAs in place for now.

[JayVe]

Not sure how long this will stay up, but this is the compilation trailer shown at the event:

K3EloCX9hy8

I believe a number of those games were playable in one form or another, but there's more than likely NDAs in place for now.

Holy crap, this thing is big!

Looks GOOD, but BIG. Like DSi XL kinda big!

Edit: It is bigger than the DSi XL while closed! (http://www.sizeasy.com/page/size_comparison/31033-PSP-NGP-vs-Nintendo-DSi-XL-vs-Nintendo-3DS-vs-PSP-Go-vs-iPhone-4)

The 3DS is going to look downright tiny compared to the PSP2.

[Gorvi]

Yeah, it is rather large. Kotaku has a pretty good comparison image made up:

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/01/500x_sizetime.jpg

[violent]

I tend to carry my DS around because it tends to be simpler in design and frankly, has a built in cover. The PSP has always been my long car ride device. Seems the same applies to the NGP and 3DS.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I tend to carry my DS around because it tends to be simpler in design and frankly, has a built in cover. The PSP has always been my long car ride device. Seems the same applies to the NGP and 3DS.

Yeah, I know a lot of people disagree with me, but my interest level in the PSP would be higher if I could close it.

[JayVe]

That's a great graphic.

I wonder how it will be received. In an age when small is in, and people already complain about carrying too many devices... I am suspect that the size will be well received.

[violent]

Yeah, I know a lot of people disagree with me, but my interest level in the PSP would be higher if I could close it.

Completely understandable. That's what pretty much prevents me from taking it around everywhere. That's where my DS comes in.

[Dukefrukem]

Just curious. How often you guys go on "long car rides" when you're not the driver?

[JayVe]

Just curious. How often you guys go on "long car rides" when you're not the driver?

I rarely ever drive. Mrs. Kamalot knows that I would prefer to play, and so i get passenger rights most of the time. :D

[violent]

I road trip a few times a year. I also play my PSP nightly to help me fall asleep.

I'm wondering if some of the PSP titles played on the NGP will utilize the second analog. Monster Hunter and Peace Walker come immediately to mind.

[J Arcane]

Just curious. How often you guys go on "long car rides" when you're not the driver?

I carpool with my roommate. I usually wind up spending the time chatting or surfing the web on my phone though.

I stopped carrying a dedicated handheld once I got my phone, and now I'm thinking of getting rid of it too. The iPad has cooler games. ;)

[Widgetcraft]

Holy crap, this thing is big!

Looks GOOD, but BIG. Like DSi XL kinda big!

Edit: It is bigger than the DSi XL while closed! (http://www.sizeasy.com/page/size_comparison/31033-PSP-NGP-vs-Nintendo-DSi-XL-vs-Nintendo-3DS-vs-PSP-Go-vs-iPhone-4)

The 3DS is going to look downright tiny compared to the PSP2.

Honestly... it doesn't matter to me. None of these things ever go into my pocket. I'll have it inside a case, tucked into my laptop satchel, or simply carried with me.

[Suave Peanut]

Yeah, I haven't tried to carry my PSP in my pocket in five years.

I used to wear very large pockets.

[Vigil80]

Neither my PSP or DS have been devices that I really try to carry all the time. I generally know when I'm likely to have time on my hands, and just deal with carrying the thing. I can usually fit one in a cargo or coat pocket if I really want to.

If I was in a situation such as riding public transportation regularly, I'd probably have something like a laptop bag with a few such things in it anyway.

[Chris_D]

I use a protective case for both my DS and psp. No clam shell is fine with me.

[J Arcane]

I can't stand carrying a bag anymore, I did too much of a number on my spine when I was a lad, so nowadays if it doesn't fit somewhere on my person I'm probably not gonna carry it.

I wish DS developers at least would just start considering mobile as a second part of a multi-platform strategy. Modern iOS and Android phones have more than enough power to run something like DQ9. Obviously I'm still going to need a DS for first-party stuff, but there are a lot of games on DS, especially the touchscreen intensive ones, that really don't need to be on a DS at all. There's nothing about Scribblenauts, for example, that bars it from running on an iPad, for example.

[Widgetcraft]

What kind of pockets do you have that can fit an iPad?

[Iron Past]

I'm glad it's big. Maybe my hands won't get cramped and using the sticks will actually be comfortable. Also more room for a bigger battery and larger screen.

[Widgetcraft]

Here is my question: Since this thing runs Android... will it have access to the marketplace? If so, that means day-1 access to emulation, and much less reason to hack this thing.

[Iron Past]

Here is my question: Since this thing runs Android... will it have access to the marketplace? If so, that means day-1 access to emulation, and much less reason to hack this thing.

I think it only runs Android in the sense that it runs PlayStation Suite. I could be wrong, but I doubt they'd open it up that much. I guess we'll find out at E3?

[evilgoodwin]

Saw it's backwards compatible. Sweet.

[J Arcane]

I think now that its Android underneath, to maintain compatibility but I don't know how much if at all of the Android functionality will be available to users, though I imagine if it's not someone will have it rooted and running Gmail and Market inside of a month.

[JayVe]

Yanno, I'm really impressed with this announcement. It seems absent of Sony's arrogance and hubris as of late. Instead of making grand promises about worldwide releases and impossible features, it feels like Sony has learned when to keep its mouth shut.

This whole thing is a game of expectations: setting them and managing them. This is the first time in a long time I feel like old Sony is back. I hope they've learned from their mistakes, and refocused their efforts.

This NGP is gonna be a kick-ass system... focused on games for gamers.

[Chris_D]

Yup, I can't wait to play games on this. Don't care about the other stuff.

[Seika]

So, any news on the internal storage of the device?, and I'm missing something or was it not announced?

Everyone that has held one is praising the screen.

Also, is this real? Whoa.

http://i.min.us/ie1Bxo.png

[RandoM51]

In terms of pixels they're probably to scale but it ignores the fact that the pixel size is different from device to device.

For example, the PSP image up there is slightly smaller than the PSP screen and the DS images are *much* smaller.

In short, the PSP2 is pushing a heck of a lot more pixels than last generation and quite a few more than the 3DS but the screen size differences aren't as extreme as that image implies.

[J Arcane]

That is an almost identical resolution to the iPhone 4.

I wonder how the pixel density compares.

[Iron Past]

That is an almost identical resolution to the iPhone 4.

I wonder how the pixel density compares.

3.5 inches versus 7 inches is easy math. But you also won't have to hold it six inches from your face.

[JayVe]

http://www.digitalunrestcomic.com/strips/2011-01-28.jpg

From Digital Unrest (http://www.digitalunrestcomic.com/index.php?date=2011-01-28)

[Xydarc]

Yeah, I know a lot of people disagree with me, but my interest level in the PSP would be higher if I could close it.
And if it was clamshell, you'd find something else to dislike. C'mon and admit it, you really want one. Don't worry, your Sony Haters Club card will still be good.;)

The more I read, the more I want one. Like everyone else, my big question is the price. The only thing NGP's price will determine for me is whether I get one at launch or a few months later.

[Goronmon]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/1173457634_d5yix-L.jpg

[Widgetcraft]

And if it was clamshell, you'd find something else to dislike. C'mon and admit it, you really want one. Don't worry, your Sony Haters Club card will still be good.;)

The more I read, the more I want one. Like everyone else, my big question is the price. The only thing NGP's price will determine for me is whether I get one at launch or a few months later.

Gamestop is saying $299, and I really doubt that they're completely in the dark on this one.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Gamestop is saying $299, and I really doubt that they're completely in the dark on this one.

...why, exactly? Gamestop is guessing.

[J Arcane]

They originally had it at $999. I don't think Gamestop is a very good source of prognostication.

[TheFlyingOrc]

They originally had it at $999. I don't think Gamestop is a very good source of prognostication.

Are you dumb? Think of all the great reasons that Gamestop would have the price early when nobody else does and they weren't behind a NDA on it!

Oh, there are no reasons for that. Sorry.

[Chris_D]

I think I said 349 earlier but now I'm going with 399 :).

[Gorvi]

I'll still say $299 anyway. Just because.

[KamaItachi]

I'm leaning towards US$400/AU$900/400 quid.

[Chris_D]

Over here I'm thinking 39,990 yen (~$500).

[J Arcane]

299 w/contract. 699 unlocked.

3G antennas are fucking expensive. And since the price of a cell antenna is mostly in patent licensing, it is not a price that is easily reduced.

Unless there is some form of subsidy, or Sony just takes a bath on each one, that shit is gonna be pricy.

[Chris_D]

What do you think about the Wi-fi only version? The prices I gave were for that, I haven't really thought about the 3G model.

[Yeti2005]

I'll still say $299 anyway. Just because.

$299?! I wish. I'd buy it for $299 but I think $350 is the lowest price we'll see and even that's doubtful and probably is wifi only. It's got a freaking gorgeous OLED screen which isn't cheap. Not too mention the touch pad on the back and the touch screen on the front.

[Vanthar]

299 w/contract. 699 unlocked.

3G antennas are fucking expensive. And since the price of a cell antenna is mostly in patent licensing, it is not a price that is easily reduced.

Unless there is some form of subsidy, or Sony just takes a bath on each one, that shit is gonna be pricy.

The kindle 3g costs $189 man.. you don't think they can figure out a way to get those antennas cheap? I say 300/400 wifi/3g varieties.

[Urizen]

$300 portable sitting next to home consoles seems unreasonable to the consumer eye, I imagine. But I still think the price is going to be start at $400, with maybe a mini-game collection pack-in, or $30 PSN credit. I also think it's going to ship with a sleeve or some protective case.

Personally, initial price on the unit doesn't bother me much. I might even bite at $400 if the games are in the $35 to $40 range.

[Urizen]

FWIW, the wife downloaded Pride and Prejudice on the Kindle over 3G when we were in Jamaica. Obviously, a public domain title and listed for free on the Kindle store.

But using 3G in international markets incurred a 99 cent charge.

Kindle's 3G pricing is deceptive and not a model Sony can follow.

[Chris_D]

I think the early adopters will pay almost anything for this so I don't think Sony will suffer. Their pricing strategy in the 2nd year and later will be more important.

[J Arcane]

What do you think about the Wi-fi only version? The prices I gave were for that, I haven't really thought about the 3G model.
I didn't realize there was a wifi version. I would probably expect around 399 for that one then.
The kindle 3g costs $189 man.. you don't think they can figure out a way to get those antennas cheap? I say 300/400 wifi/3g varieties.

Whispernet doesn't use the full functionality of the cellular network. It's not even running at full 3G speed, doesn't need to, as most kindle files are very small. In addition, Amazon pays out of their own pocket for that little arrangement, as well as subsidizing the cost of the device.

[Widgetcraft]

They originally had it at $999. I don't think Gamestop is a very good source of prognostication.

They originally had the price of the 3DS at $999. When they got the official price, they changed it. At least, that is what I heard.

[KidCactus]

I say the wifi only version will be $379.

[Chris_D]

For fun I thought I'd summarise everyone's price predictions so far. At least those I could easily find.

PSP2 WiFi Only version price predictions:
KamaItachi - $399
Urizen - $399
J Arcane - $399
Chris_D - $399
KidCactus - $379
Yeti2005 - $349
Gorvi - $299
Heretic Machine - $299
RandoM51 - $299
Iron Past - $299
JayVe - $299
Wilkz07 - $249

[KamaItachi]

For fun I thought I'd summarise everyone's price predictions so far. At least those I could easily find.

PSP2 WiFi Only version price predictions:
KamaItachi - $399
Urizen - $399
J Arcane - $399
Chris_D - $399
KidCactus - $379
Yeti2005 - $349
Gorvi - $299
Heretic Machine - $299

Are we taking bets?

[RandoM51]

If anything they won't drop the price of the wifi version, they'll give the 3G version an artificial bump.

I'm thinking the cheapest version in the US will be $299. If it is more than that they might as well not bother releasing it in the US.

[Iron Past]

I still say $299.99. I can't decide if that's for the 3G or wifi only version. My heart wants it to be the 3G version. And they'd be completely insane to release this in conjunction with a data plan.

[Gorvi]

I'm thinking the cheapest version in the US will be $299. If it is more than that they might as well not bother releasing it in the US.
That's exactly why I think it will be $299. No publisher in their right mind will support it for anything more. They're billing it as a portable game system, and have said it will be in line with other portable game systems, this isn't an iPad that's being sold as 25 other things in one package.

If they price it for more than $300 in the US they're asking for failure. Taking a loss on the initial units is better than not having an install base at all to sell games to.

[Chris_D]

I think you're both underestimating the desirability of this machine to the high end consumer. Also, even at $400 they will be probably taking a loss. The red ink has to stop somewhere. And why take bigger losses when it will probably sell out anyway.

[JayVe]

Put me in for the $300 WiFi version of the NGP.

If it launches at $300 ($299.99) I'll probably bite. :D

[JayVe]

I still say $299.99. I can't decide if that's for the 3G or wifi only version. My heart wants it to be the 3G version. And they'd be completely insane to release this in conjunction with a data plan.

Get ready for the insanity. I bet a data plan is coming with any 3G version.

[Gorvi]

Get ready for the insanity. I bet a data plan is coming with any 3G version.
Agreed, there's no way they can put the 3G out there w/o charging for a data plan. The amount of data that would be transferred is far too much not to charge. This isn't like the Kindle downloading books that are less than 10MB, we're talking about games here that will be a minimum of 200MB+, which is more than likely severely low balling it.

Personally I don't plan on getting the 3G version at all, I'm just hoping they allow tethering like the Go does.

[Wilkz07]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/1173457634_d5yix-L.jpg

I'm okay with 250-300 for wi-fi, i don't play multiplayer on my psp now so don't need a 3G version.

[Iron Past]

Get ready for the insanity. I bet a data plan is coming with any 3G version.

Didn't say they wouldn't do it, just that it'll be a massive trainwreck if/when they do. As far as the data usage, Gorvi, you should find the comments that detail their plans for 3G usage. Hint: it's not to download--or even play--games.

[Gorvi]

Didn't say they wouldn't do it, just that it'll be a massive trainwreck if/when they do. As far as the data usage, Gorvi, you should find the comments that detail their plans for 3G usage. Hint: it's not to download--or even play--games.
So just random "connectivity" things? Then I guess I could see that coming without a charge, depending on the features.

[rein]

From what I understood the 3g would be used for asynchronous activities. Not head-to-head game play.

[Iron Past]

So just random "connectivity" things? Then I guess I could see that coming without a charge, depending on the features.

Really, there's no telling what will happen with it till probably E3, or even launch, but that's what they're saying now. A tenuous connection to PSN, messages, some kind of people finder, etc. And what rein said. :)

[Chris_D]

Maybe they don't think 3G performance is up to it but it seems like a wasted opportunity to not let folks in Japan play Monster Hunter wherever they like. Wifi is definitely not as common here as you might hope. Not by a long shot.

[JayVe]

I still think the approach would be to make a hotspot with your phone.

That's what I'll be doing. It works for my lappy and my DS right now. 3G+WiFi anywhere.

[KamaItachi]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, (cause right now I'm guessing I am) but I always assumed 3G was nowhere near fast enough for serious online play.

[Exodus]

If this thing is over 350$ I'm out. 300$ is going to be bad enough when I know I'll be spending money on a new memory flash drive/games on the spot.

[Chris_D]

Most Japanese phones don't do tethering although hopefully that will change.

[Yeti2005]

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/1173457634_d5yix-L.jpg


I think this is dead on. If the price was "reasonable" (249-299) then Sony would have just spilled the beans and told Nintendo to suck it.

[Grifter]

I think this is dead on. If the price was "reasonable" (249-299) then Sony would have just spilled the beans and told Nintendo to suck it.

Or they are waiting until after Nintendo releases the 3DS before they announce their price.

[Iron Past]

Or they are waiting until after Nintendo releases the 3DS before they announce their price.

That would be the smart move. Wait till E3, then announce a bunch of launch games and a price to grab headlines after the 3DS has made it's impact crater.

[TheFlyingOrc]

That would be the smart move. Wait till E3, then announce a bunch of launch games and a price to grab headlines after the 3DS has made it's impact crater.

Huh. I would have thought, if they were in the same price range, they'd want to announce early so that they undercut their competition, and get more people to wait on the 3DS to buy their own offering.

[Generation ABXY]

Huh. I would have thought, if they were in the same price range, they'd want to announce early so that they undercut their competition, and get more people to wait on the 3DS to buy their own offering.

I would have thought so, too, but I suppose they could just hope to snag them during the inevitable hardware shortages.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I would have thought so, too, but I suppose they could just hope to snag them during the inevitable hardware shortages.

I doubt the 3DS shortages are going to be that bad. I just recently moved into the "going to wait" camp, as I have some heavy expenses coming up.

[Iron Past]

Huh. I would have thought, if they were in the same price range, they'd want to announce early so that they undercut their competition, and get more people to wait on the 3DS to buy their own offering.

People on here notwithstanding, the Venn diagram of people planning on buying a 3DS at launch and people interested in waiting for a NGP to buy at launch has got to insignificant. That thing is going to own everything--including news sites--when it launches, so why fight it? But a few months later when the glow wears off, pull out your guns and create some crazy excitement for yourself, without the worry that people will have forgotten you in the excitement of the 3DS launch. Which is launching AT LEAST eight months prior. At least that's what I'd think, but I'm not an exec or anything. :)

[TheFlyingOrc]

People on here notwithstanding, the Venn diagram of people planning on buying a 3DS at launch and people interested in waiting for a NGP to buy at launch has got to insignificant. That thing is going to own everything--including news sites--when it launches, so why fight it? But a few months later when the glow wears off, pull out your guns and create some crazy excitement for yourself, without the worry that people will have forgotten you in the excitement of the 3DS launch. Which is launching AT LEAST eight months prior. At least that's what I'd think, but I'm not an exec or anything. :)

Fair enough, I can see that. With the amount of distance in between the two launches there's little reason to blow your marketing early.

[JayVe]

Even though the 3DS will be launching in a few months, it will still be THE item to have under the tree this holiday.

[Yeti2005]

Huh. I would have thought, if they were in the same price range, they'd want to announce early so that they undercut their competition, and get more people to wait on the 3DS to buy their own offering.

That's because they are not close to the same price range. The PSP2 (yes I'm calling it that) will be more expensive. If it WAS in the same price range Sony would have announced it, thus getting a group of people to think about NOT purchasing the 3DS. There's no downside to Sony announcing the price now IF it was in the same ballpark.

[Chris_D]

The latest version of the list.

PSP2 WiFi Only version price predictions:
KamaItachi - $399
Urizen - $399
J Arcane - $399
Chris_D - $399
KidCactus - $379
Yeti2005 - $349
Dukefrukem - $349
Gorvi - $299
Heretic Machine - $299
RandoM51 - $299
Iron Past - $299
JayVe - $299
Grifter - $299
Wilkz07 - $249

[Widgetcraft]

Even though the 3DS will be launching in a few months, it will still be THE item to have under the tree this holiday.

Unless Sony launches with a good enough line-up to draw attention away from the 3DS. Don't count on brand loyalty to carry a platform, if that were the case the industry would be very, very different. Gamers are fickle, and if the wind blows right Nintendo could fall flat on their face with the 3DS. I'm not saying it is likely, but it isn't out of the question either. Who expected the XBOX brand to jump from third to second, for the Playstation brand to struggle to find a foothold this generation, and for Nintendo to run away with with the lead?

[Gorvi]

Even though the 3DS will be launching in a few months, it will still be THE item to have under the tree this holiday.
I wouldn't be so sure of that. I'm not saying it's going to fail by any stretch, but $250 for a console that's bread and butter has been kids isn't going to be the easiest sell in the world. This isn't the Wii where the whole family plays the system together, this is a handheld system that will primarily be bought by parents for their kids (and of course hardcore enthusiasts). It'll do great at launch, but I wouldn't be so sure that it'll be "the thing" come the holiday season.

And to be clear, I don't think the PSP2 will be "the thing" either, it's a device geared towards gamers, not something that's shooting for that whole "blue ocean" concept, or whatever Nintendo was calling that wide reaching strategy.

[Gorvi]

Apparently Sony had a meeting with a good number of devs yesterday in the UK, Eurogamer (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-04-new-ngp-details-emerge-at-private-event) has a nice write up on what went on (from an anonymous source, of course):
During a presentation to around 20 UK developers at its headquarters in London yesterday, Sony shared a wide range of information about its new handheld platform, revealing significant new details on launch plans, hardware specifications, networking features and more.

One attendee, speaking to Eurogamer this morning under condition of anonymity, said: "NGP is a developer's dream – Sony is finally doing the things developers have been crying out for for years."

Studios had been expecting to collect development kits at the event, but were told "late shipments from Japan" meant SCEE would now be "prioritising". According to the source, for a kit to be delivered before April a studio must supply a "20-page concept document on a game they want to release at launch".

Eurogamer understands that key UK studios have had early kits for almost a year. But the source claimed the new shipment of kits would be "the first to have the final GPU in them".

Sony has not yet dated the system beyond plans to begin rollout worldwide by the end of 2011. But during yesterday's presentation, Sony listed the Wi-Fi only edition of NGP as "2011", while the Wi-Fi plus 3G version was listed as "Holiday Season 2011", implying that the 3G-enabled console would not be available day one.

SCEE did not share any solid information on date or price, only adding that details would be revealed "very soon".

Sony staff demoed a handful of upcoming first-party NGP titles, including Uncharted, Little Deviants and WipEout. The source said the latter was "the WipEout HD PS3 engine running on PS3 with no changes to the art platform. That means full resolution, full 60 frames per second. It looks exactly the same as it does on PS3 – all the shader effects are in there".

With Sony urging developers to create releases that work across PS3 and NGP, the implications of this are significant. "They want us to do cross-platform," said the source, explaining that the submission process has been streamlined, with only a single submission required for a title on PSN and NGP.

And developers were told: "All games at launch available on flash [the physical storage medium] would also be on PSN."

However, Sony is also insisting that it "does not want exactly the same game" on NGP and PS3 – there "has to be a reason for the NGP title". "They want at least some kind of interactivity between the two versions with NGP-only extras," the source added.

The rumoured addition of 'cloud saving' – seen as key for enabling gamers to switch easily between a game on PS3 and NGP – was raised by developers, but SCEE would not officially confirm it.

The publisher also moved to reassure developers that the technical hurdles of cross-platform development were being kept as low as possible.

"Any shaders for PS3 stuff will just work," said the source. "We won't have to rewrite. What would have taken two-to-three months before looks like it could take just one-to-two weeks now. The architecture is obviously different, but it's the same development environment."

Elsewhere with the hardware, it was confirmed that NGP features three gyroscopes, compared with one in PS3's controller, allowing for more accurate movement. And the front and rear touch panels are both capable of six-point multi-touch.

"The touch pad on the back is fantastic," the source said. "It does feel second nature, like you're having a real impact on the world." As an example of the potential, SCEE described squeezing an object in-game by pinching the front and the back simultaneously.

SCEE further outlined its vision for the first five years of the platform and its target audience, with year one focused on "hardcore" and year two on "hardcore and teens", with the expectation that the audience will expand younger and older after that.

Social networking and location-based features were also highlighted for their gaming potential. SCEE suggested, for instance, that "clues could be put on the social networking side" that could lead to "virtual gifts", that could in turn make use of the camera and augmented reality capabilities to distribute "new skins and avatars".

"Sony has made it completely developer-centric this time," the source added. "[The development kit] is really simple to plug in and use. It opens direct in Windows Explorer and you can see all systems on a network – so you could, for example, update the firmware of multiple NGPs at once.

"A PS3 dev station can take three hours to set-up. This looks like it will take under 20 mins. It just makes everything easier – they've really thought about it this time".
Bolded some interesting bits.

[Dukefrukem]

$349 for wifi version $449 for 3G model

[rein]

One attendee, speaking to Eurogamer this morning under condition of anonymity, said: "NGP is a developer's dream – Sony is finally doing the things developers have been crying out for for years."I hope they take this attitude into the next generation of home consoles too. That is one of the things that led to the success of the PS One. Could it be Sony is starting to realize that they need the developers to suport their consoles?

[Chris_D]

All sounds awesome.

[Grifter]

I'm thinking $299 WiFi $349 3G.

[Iron Past]

Not big on pushing the connectivity between NGP/PS3 games, and I think that will lead to poor games (same with forcing a 'uniqueness' on the NGP version), but the rest sounds good. PSN games running on the NGP just makes sense, since the PSP already does that for some games and they tend to not be too processing intensive.

[rein]

Not big on pushing the connectivity between NGP/PS3 games, and I think that will lead to poor games (same with forcing a 'uniqueness' on the NGP version), but the rest sounds good. PSN games running on the NGP just makes sense, since the PSP already does that for some games and they tend to not be too processing intensive.

That has me a little concerned too.

[Yeti2005]

I hope they take this attitude into the next generation of home consoles too. That is one of the things that led to the success of the PS One. Could it be Sony is starting to realize that they need the developers to suport their consoles?

It sounds like they've seen the light. This bodes well for the PS4 in 2013.

[Stoke]

The latest version of the list.

PSP2 WiFi Only version price predictions:
KamaItachi - $399
Urizen - $399
J Arcane - $399
Chris_D - $399
KidCactus - $379
Yeti2005 - $349
Dukefrukem - $349
Gorvi - $299
Heretic Machine - $299
RandoM51 - $299
Iron Past - $299
JayVe - $299
Grifter - $299
Wilkz07 - $249

$1 Bob. ;)

[Yeti2005]

The latest version of the list.

PSP2 WiFi Only version price predictions:
KamaItachi - $399
Urizen - $399
J Arcane - $399
Chris_D - $399
KidCactus - $379
Yeti2005 - $349
Dukefrukem - $349
Gorvi - $299
Heretic Machine - $299
RandoM51 - $299
Iron Past - $299
JayVe - $299
Grifter - $299
Wilkz07 - $249

It's going to interesting to return to this thread after the price announcement. Are we playing The Price Is Right rules? :)

[Dukefrukem]

:-o (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/rumor-ngp-developers-encouraged-to-go-cross-platform/)

An anonymous developer speaking with Eurogamer paints a rosy picture of the NGP, calling it nothing less than a "developer's dream." The dev had just just returned, cheeks still presumably flush with pleasure, from a UK Sony meeting in which the company outlined the system's future.

Most concretely, Sony reportedly stated that all NGP launch games would be available both on the new format game cards and on the PlayStation Store, a feat its predecessor was never able to live up to.

Slightly murkier is the anonymous developer's claim that Sony encourages titles to be developed simultaneously for the NGP and PS3. From Eurogamer:

"'They want us to do cross-platform,' said the source, explaining that the submission process has been streamlined, with only a single submission required for a title on PSN and NGP. However, Sony is also insisting that it 'does not want exactly the same game' on NGP and PS3 -- there 'has to be a reason for the NGP title.' 'They want at least some kind of interactivity between the two versions with NGP-only extras.'"
While it's unclear what the implications of that are -- simultaneous PS3 and NGP releases, or retail NGP games available for download on PS3? -- one thing is certain: The future of the PlayStation platform is getting more interesting by the day

[Stoke]

:-o (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/rumor-ngp-developers-encouraged-to-go-cross-platform/)

That goes both ways though. If I can play all the NGP games on my TV in 1080P, you can bet your ass I'll never own a NGP.

[violent]

All titles available on PSN is sure to piss of a few retailers. Unless they in fact are talking solely of launch titles. And by distinguishing the NGP and PS3 versions even the slightest bit allows them to charge twice.

[Iron Past]

All titles available on PSN is sure to piss of a few retailers. Unless they in fact are talking solely of launch titles.

How would that differ from PSP titles released now? Precious few launch without a PSN counterpart.

[Chris_D]

Yup, and I think we're getting past that issue now, little by little.

[violent]

How would that differ from PSP titles released now? Precious few launch without a PSN counterpart.

Because this thing has the potential of actually moving some games.

[jpublic]

Y'know, the PSP Go would have done better if Sony had avtually applied some leverage to their 3rd parties to get their entire back library on PSN. If I could play Crisis Core and the upcoming 3rd Birthday (and probably Agito XIII) as digital downloads, I would have got a PSP Go instead of my 3000.

[Iron Past]

For my part, if I pick this up I plan to shove the biggest memory stick I can into it and download all the games I buy (if the sizes support it). For portables, having all you stuff easily accessible like that would be a huge boon.

[Gorvi]

An interesting story (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287510/news/sony-ngp-aliens-vs-predator-engine-fully-playable-on-psp2/) demonstrating how easy it is to get current gen engines up and running on the NGP:
Rebellion's announced that its internal game engine, Asura now fully supports Sony NGP (PSP2 to newcomers).

The tech, which has been used to power last year's Aliens Vs. Predator and The Simpsons Game on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, has been adapted to the PSP successor over the last few months, the studio says.

The Asura engine is now demonstrable on NGP with a fully playable demo of a "multiplayer third person shooter".

Rebellion has been able to support the NGP so quickly because the Asura engine is a complete package, with no middleware required for game elements such as physics or lighting - and it's now ready for publishers to sign up, it says.

Jason Kingsley, CEO said of the news: "The technology, design and art teams have worked incredibly well with Sony's newest device. We have managed to make our engine fully functional, and looking great on the hardware in double quick time. We'll be attending DICE and GDC to show what we have created and look for business partners."

[Gorvi]

Some comments (http://scrawlfx.com/2011/03/japanese-developers-comment-on-ngp) taken from Famitsu from a few Japanese developers on what they would like to do with the NGP.