PSP Lite?

[galson]

I'm surprised nobody has posted it yet.

"Smaller, lighter" iteration on the way

SCE UK managing director Ray Maguire has confirmed the platform holder’s intentions to release a redesigned version of its PlayStation Portable handheld.

Speaking yesterday afternoon at the national launch of Sony’s PSP in Education initiative, Maguire told an invited audience of press, teachers and education specialists that the current PSP is just the "first iteration".

In line with the firm’s strategy for previous consoles, a "smaller, lighter" system will be introduced in the future.

Responding to a query on Sony’s plans for redesigning the system, Maguire added that any changes to the industrial design would not affect the size of PSP’s screen - widely seen as one of the system’s key strengths - which is "fixed". He did not offer any suggestions as to when the new iteration might be released.

A reworked PSP has been rumoured for months, but this is the first time a Sony executive has gone on record to confirm the company’s plans. Aside from a reduction in size and weight, Maguire did not suggest any additional changes to the hardware.

If the cost of components for the reworked PSP is less, the machine itself could also carry a lower price tag. It currently retails for GBP 179.

Cutting the size and cost of console hardware has been standard practice for Sony since it introduced PSone in 2000, five-and-a-half years after the Japanese launch of the original PlayStation. The slimline PStwo launched four years after PlayStation 2.

Following the PSP in Education event, a Sony spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz that while there are no "immediate changes" planned for the handheld other than new firmware updates, "In the longest term, of course we are always looking at ways to continue our platform development, and this normal business practice is what Ray was referring to."

Source - Gameindustry.biz

Now I'm waiting for PS3 Slim rumors

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[Holic]

The PSP need something like this if its to be anywhere near what the DS is now.

Now I'm waiting for PS3 Slim rumors

It will happen mark my words.

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[galson]

I'd be careful with that, I mean what can they possibly make smaller? Screen? Maybe they want to make it slimmer or something, but that would only make controls harder which are an issue in current design (has anyone's right thumb hurt after awhile when playing a game that requires often use of O key?). I'm very curious, yet I remain sceptical.

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[Aided Onslaught]

they need to move the analog stick up, my left thumb hurts all the time. Then again I never play the paperweight.

[Holic]

@Hyuga: I agree with you.

Still, I don't see it selling very well, whereas the DS- DS lite was something that was needed- (TBH the original design was awful and the screen was an issue),

Making the psp slimmer wouldn't really be worth an upgrade if you have the original,

unless they sort the hand cramp after an hours play issue I may be tempted to buy one, but if they squeeze too many buttons in a small area then is it really an upgrade worthy of purchasing?

But still at least sony are trying something to take on nintendo in the handheld market.

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[hushypushy]

Ah yes, the ongoing competition between screen size, ergonomics, and being slim and sexy

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[General Plot]

This is also rumored to come with a hardware lockout that prevents downgrading as well as come preinstalled with firmware 4.0. None of this has been confirmed, but if it's true, I'm perfectly happy with my current one (which is running 3.40 OE-A). As for the controls, the only real complaint I have is the lack of a right analog. As for pad/button placement, they did the best they could with what they had to work with, so that's not really an issue for me.

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