14 DAY TRIAL // A number of high level sources inside Sony are saying that the video game publisher and hardware maker is preparing to launch its new generation of handheld, the PlayStation Portable 2, in time for the crucial Christmas shopping season of this year.
The rumors came courtesy of MCV, which has also reported that the company is planning a big event of January 27 when the new piece of hardware is officially unveiled and when the initial technical information is delivered to those interested.
Apparently, Sony is aiming to deliver video games for the PSP 2 that incorporate more complex gameplay mechanics and more content than rival offerings delivered on mobile devices from Apple or those Android powered, with the aim being to again compete directly with the Nintendo-made line-up of handhelds.
Sony also seems to imply that the PlayStation Portable 2 will be as capable hardware wise as the PlayStation 3, probably in its earlier incarnations, but there's no talk of delivering 3D gaming experiences.
The sources are also saying that physical media will be incorporated in the PSP 2, although it’s not clear whether Sony will still promote the UMD standard or will push another solution, in order to make sure that brick and mortar retail is still a part of the console experience.
The device will also get access to content via the PlayStation Network, with smaller games and apps offered through digital distribution.
The big rival for the rumored PlayStation Portable 2 is the very much real Nintendo 3DS device, which will be released in Japan on February 26 and should arrive on other markets about one month later.
The new Nintendo platform will deliver three-dimensional gaming without the use of glasses and a lot of publishers have already announced plans to deliver big franchises like Metal Gear, Mario and Madden NFL on the new device.