The PSP2 Has 3G Internet Connection, Won't Be a Phone

Another week, another series of rumors about the upcoming PSP2, as this time we hear that the new portable device will have support for 3G data networks, meaning that besides the regular wireless connection, owners will benefit from an always-on data feed.

3G Internet connections are currently used by almost all smartphones, but this doesn't mean that the next PlayStation Portable handheld will be an actual phone, like the rumored PlayStation Phone (Xperia Play), which might also be confirmed officially in the near future.

Instead, the PSP2 will use the 3G feature to provide an always-on Internet connection, much like Apple's iPad tablet or Amazon's Kindle ebook reader, which offer the 3G mode for customers that travel a lot and aren't always near a wireless hotspot.

The report comes from Japan's Nikkei business newspaper, via Andriasang, which revealed that the country's largest mobile carrier, NTT DoCoMo, would provide a special 3G service for the PSP2, so that owners could access the Internet anytime and anywhere.

No word yet if Sony is to expand the service around the world, as the company needs to start partnerships in each country with mobile carriers in order to supply the service.

There's also no news about how the feature will actually work, as Sony can make owners buy SIM cards or provide it for free, like Amazon is doing with the Whispernet service for the Kindle ebook reader.

Besides the 3G feature, Nikkei is also reporting that the PSP2 will have an OLED screen, as opposed to the current device's LCD one, which will translate into richer colors and improved battery life.

A new processor will be at the heart of the portable device, which is tuned to deliver high resolution graphics, on par with the PlayStation 3, as heard in a previous rumor.

The official reveal of the PSP2 is expected later this week, when Sony is holding a special PlayStation Meeting, in Tokyo on January 27.