Rumor: New PSP will have sliding screen

Will the new PSP look more like the Mylo?

(Credit: Sony)

After rumors surfaced last week that the next-generation PSP would do away with the UMD optical drive in favor of direct downloads to flash memory via the PlayStation Network, Eurogamer is reporting something similar and adding a new twist to the mix: the new PSP will have a "sliding screen" and will feature a more compact, narrower design.

In typical fashion, this is all according to an anonymous "development source close to Sony," so take it for what it's worth. Said source claims that the next PSP--it may be called the PSP 4000 rather than the PSP 2--will allow you to play games using only the shoulder buttons while the sliding screen is in its closed position. Apparently, most of the controls will be inaccessible when the screen is closed.

The Eurogamer article notes, "The screen is basically the same as the one in the PSP 3000--except it slides."

Personally, I don't care much about playing LocoRoco style games; rather, I'm hoping that underneath that screen there will be a keyboard along the requisite PSP gaming buttons. I've been begging Sony for a couple of years to marry its Mylo Communicator and the PSP into one highly versatile unit, but alas, the chatter doesn't include any talk of a keyboard.

(Source: Eurogamer via Kotaku)

As always, feel free to comment.

[tipoo_]

Dual joysticks would be fantastic, they could realy start having some good FPS's on handhelds.

And when oh when will RTS games make it to handhelds???

[smokin_Z28]

+1 on the dual joysticks

[deepen05]

what they need to do is give the psp a slot drive like the PS3. they should do away with plastic casing around the umd discs, and just use the mini disc alone. that would give it a much sleeker look.

[ajnauron]

Apparently there will be no UMD drive at all, remember?

[atomD21]

But think of the fun that can be had by losing those tiny discs!

[zeem1330]

not to mention breaking them in like 20 seconds

[MastrCake]

More like 5 seconds.

[Mikeybabes]

What about a 3G modem, with a fully functional web-browser. Yes we know the PSP can do games, but now portable devices need to do so much more. Also please let it play more video formats natively (DivX, RMVB), PLEASE!!!! No need for a separate PMP.
Oh yes ... making calls would be nice, but if we have the 3G modem I guess a VOIP function will do - (with camera).

[Inconnux]

why bother redesigning the PSP? it actually sells! What they need to do is put the PS3 out to pasture and make an affordable PS4

[JFerrari427]

If sony makes the same mistake as the ps3 by pricing it ridiculously high- it will probably tank just like the ps3 did.

[beej90]

The PSP really has disappointed me in many ways. It has so much potential, and yet Sony keeps just issuing small incremental upgrades. The PSP could have easily been what the iPhone is today minus the phone. It Sony had of put a touch screen on it, enhanced the media functionality, created some decent desktop software, improved the wireless functions, created a better web browser, and opened up the platform to developers, the possibilities could have been endless. It would have also in my opinion put a dent in the digital music market as well. Think about it, people want a killer device that does it all. The PSP could have easily been that.

[tech_junky48]

You just basically described an iPod Touch. The PSP is a gaming device primarily, despite how it is used by the general populus. If you want a "media-centric touch-screen device that is the iphone without the phone", buy an iPod Touch.

[Balloonknot]

Dual analong joysticks are a must. Touch screen would be cool but not necesary. Most important, great games. The PSP had and still has so much potential but it needs to step it up a notch. Come on Sony, you're better than this..aren't you?

[RSpreitzer]

No, they're not better than this. Another media format invented by Sony has been taken out back behind the barn and rightfully shot.

[Balloonknot]

RSpreitzer...I think you're right...I was being sarcastic.

[Renegade Knight]

Direct Download Games? If I can't resell them, give them away, or do anything with them, I'm not buying.

[Balloonknot]

Good point on the resell issue...i do alot of reselling. They'd have to make up for it price-wise. Would it be possible to "sell back" a downloaded game?...for credit?

[checodaman]

Good point, I used to return m games to FuncoLand for pennies on the dollar. So lets say you DL a game for $24.99...you should be able to return it for $4.