Since the introduction of Game Boy in 1989, Nintendo has groomed us to expect follow units more powerful than its predecessor. From spinach-green tones to a bright and colorful touch-screen, Nintendo has evolved their handhelds quite a bit.
So when you hear rumors of a follow-up to Sony's first gaming handheld, the PlayStation Portable, they shouldn't seem so crazy to you. That is, of course, unless you're Sony Europe's President David Reeves.
"No, there are currently no plans for a PSP2," he told MCV. "I go to Tokyo quite a lot and no one has referred to it -- I think they have their hands full at the moment."
Instead, Sony will continue to focus on their current platform, he says. Reeves points to the recent release of the PSP-3000 model, which includes new features like a built-in microphone.
Thinking about it, the success of the Nintendo DS makes it a given that Nintendo are likely working on a follow-up, even beyond the already announced DSi. But the PSP, while a great piece of hardware, hasn't quite met with the same success at retail. Is it entirely out of the realm of possibility to think that Sony won't follow-up the PSP with a new unit? Or do you think we'll see a "PSP2" before long?
Contest:
9:01 AM on 12.12.2008 | 
more like pocketstation 4 m i rite
Sony's consoles always seem to have a really long life cycle. The ps2 is STILL getting a few big time releases (no doubt helped by the Wii not being much of a powerhouse)
I guess this is the first hardware cycle where Sony isn't dominating the market so we'll see how it turns out.
sony isn't the most forward thinking company, at least when it comes to product development.
by psp 5000 it might be a full handheld device.
The biggest difference with the next model PSP will probably be the inclusion of an iPhone-esque touch screen, a hard drive for game and media storage, and of course improved graphics. Right now though, I'd rather Sony focus on just getting more games out for the current PSP! Where the heck is San Andreas Stories and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops 2?
That figure EASILY makes the PSP the best selling, non-Nintendo portable ever. It also has about as many other there as there are PS3's and 360's combined.
Sony needs to show developers these numbers (and the amazing sales of a certain "Monster Hunting" game in Japan), and get a bunch more games in the pipeline.
The near future for the PSP is bleak at best (with the only half decent games coming out soon being Dissidia and Prinny), but if we start to see some big releases come mid next year, then maybe more people will join the party.
It's a great system and it's a shame I haven't played the damn thing in a couple of months.