Quote:

---

And not only that, it looks like it's coming later this year.
There have been rumors ever since the DS Lite hit that Sony was also planning a redesign of its portable. Some of those rumors have ground in reality, some of them are just wishful thinking. Nothing official has been announced, and Sony has shot down any chatter regarding a redesign saying it's not happening. With all this, PSP2 looks to be a pipe-dream ? Like it's not happening.

Apparently, it is.

Various third party and highly placed sources state that the PSP2 is coming. Speculation is swirling around the industry, and third party publishers are hoping to tie their games to the PSP2 launch. Thing is, Sony has yet to pass along any information about when that will be. Meaning we won't see big third party titles at launch.

Word has it that a big announcement will most likely hit at E3 with Sony unveiling the redesigned portable. An announcement of launch date (which should be sometime 4th quarter) is entirely possible as well. The redesigned product apparently does exist as this is what we've heard so far:

The screen is gorgeous
The loads are faster
Improved buttons
Internal flash ? 8GB
Possible touch-screen
Possible built-in camera
Uses UMD
The recent blockbuster success in Japan should prove that the PSP is anything but dead and deserving of a make-over. Stay tuned! Brian Ashcraft

---

Quote:

---

Rumor: PSP 3000 Features Built-In Mic, Already In Production





Posters on the PSPChina BBS are claiming that Sony is planning on releasing a hardware update to the currently available PSP, model number 2000, one that includes a built-in microphone, updated buttons, a few cosmetic changes and possibly even cell phone support.

As can be seen in the picture above, the Home button on the original and current PSP models is now occupied by a PS button, similar to the one on the PlayStation 3 controller. One could assume that Sony would have made the Home to PS change in an attempt to prevent confusion with its Home service. The purported microphone is to the right of the volume buttons.




Yes, that's a thinner metallic ring on the UMD door. Why that would possibly change, we have little idea. Below is what is said to be the back half of the PSP 3000's plastic casing.

Keep in mind these photos are not confirmed to be the real deal and that they should be considered rumor for now. We'll be following up with Sony to learn more about its PSP plans and get comment on the authenticity of the above photos.

---

Quote:

---

Sony says nothing on ´PSP 3000´

Images have emerged of what's claimed to be an upcoming hardware update for the PSP, sporting new buttons and a built in microphone.

The pics, which cropped up on Chinese forum PSPChina (via Kotaku), show the new 'PSP 3000' shell complete with 'PS button' in place of the old 'home' one and a tiny microphone off to the side.

The metallic ring on the UMD drive on the back of the console is also thinner, possibly keeping the handheld more stable on flat surfaces.

The PSP Slim & Lite, which is much lighter than it is thinner, only hit the shops last year.

For brand consolidation reasons it'd make perfect sense to switch the 'home' button out for the PS3's version, and the other changes aren't exactly earth shattering, so we reckon this update could be plausible.

We've just got off the phone with Sony Computer Entertainment's UK office though and it's dishing out a straight "no comment" on the PSP 3000 pics. Predictable.

---