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[Elios83]

so far then

3DS
-Good graphics + glassesless 3D
-well established control methods (PSP +DS + Wii)


PSP2
-Great graphics
- a mixture of traditional home console controls, a touchscreen and a quirky new control method


PSP2 honestly sounds awesome. only bad thing is the download only games. fuck that shit

I doubt it's downloadable games only.
It will be digital download and 4-8GB memory sticks at retail. Hopefully this time developers will have to publish their games in both forms.
Power is important but the fact that it will have dual analog sticks and a new touch based control system is even more intriguing.

 

[Emitan]

There will be physical media for PSP2, Kaz basically confirmed that in an interview a while back ("Physical products are an integral part of our PlayStation business..."). I'd just be willing to say nicher stuff SCEA may keep DD-only, similar to what they've done with the PSP. It certainly beats the alternative, not getting these games at all.

That's why I was asking. They only thing I've heard is that they're dropping UMDs as a media format. I doubt anyone wants those sticking around (besides for BC).

 

[gofreak]

With a significantly CPU, though. Sony showing they expertise in prioritizing silicon budget.

It should be noted that the article is not clear about what processor it's referring to with that 'half as powerful as PS3' stuff.

As far as graphics are concerned, the PSP 2 is a beast, packing enough processing hardware to produce graphics comparable to early PlayStation 3 titles. The processor, we're told, is just over half as powerful as the PS3, though the specific framework of the cores and the clock speed was not revealed.

That could mean GPU or CPU or both.

Also though, that seems kind of incredible to me, in the most literal sense - as in, I don't believe that. I don't think it's possible for them to put silicon in there with technically half the processing power of the PS3.

edit - also, re. game distribution, aside from Kaz's earlier comments, the article says it 'will run downloadable or expandable memory-based games.' The latter bit - expandable memory - equals physical memory cards with games on them or whatever. If you're taking this article as gospel anyway...

 

[Trojita]

I'll buy it at a high decent price.

The ergonomics to use the D-pad and buttons seems a little weird. I hope the PSP2 does well since I have enjoyed the library of games on the PSP.

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

"Half as powerful" can mean many things depending on what measure you use. Maybe the person IGN talked to only produces in-game assets and heard from someone doing the engine that the processor's clockspeed is about half that of the PS3's. Which means precisely diddly squat without any knowledge of the architecture.

 

[Elios83]

Also though, that seems kind of incredible to me, in the most literal sense. I don't think it's possible for them to put silicon in there with technically half the processing power of the PS3.

It depends on the manufacturing process they'using.
A GPU like the Geforce 6800 which is almost half the power of the PS3 GPU but can run games like Doom 3 and Half Life 2 at full detail flawlessly is just 150m transtistor.
My opinion it that they will use a SOC solution with a single pool of 512MB of memory (UMA).
Probably the full transistor budget is 250-300million at 45/32nm. There will be different clockspeeds with the possibility to turn off the parts that are not being used by the software.

I think it's safe to expect a similar ratio between PSP2 and PS3 to that of PSP to PS2.
The system is clearly much less powerful but it can produce games that look like they belong to the same generation.

 

[Sipowicz]

It says in the IGN story.

"As would be expected, the PSP 2, like the PSPgo, lacks a UMD drive and will run downloadable or expandable memory-based games."


I know it's IGN but it's still worrying

 

[gofreak]

"Half as powerful" can mean many things depending on what measure you use. Maybe the person IGN talked to only produces in-game assets and heard from someone doing the engine that the processor's clockspeed is about half that of the PS3's. Which means precisely diddly squat without any knowledge of the architecture.

True, whispers can get garbled as they're passed along.

The mention of the display being touch-enabled is a welcome piece of news if true though. Although it might seem an obvious thing to some, no other reports had mentioned it to date.

It says in the IGN story.

"As would be expected, the PSP 2, like the PSPgo, lacks a UMD drive and will run downloadable or expandable memory-based games."


I know it's IGN but it's still worrying

'Expandable memory-based games' = physical sticks/carts with games on them.

 

[Takao]

Hopefully this time developers will have to publish their games in both forms.

I won't buy a PSP2 unless Sony actually mandates that in their publisher agreements. Seriously. Don't want to make a digital version? Don't expect to publish a game on this platform.

 

[StealthGoblin]

It says in the IGN story.

"As would be expected, the PSP 2, like the PSPgo, lacks a UMD drive and will run downloadable or expandable memory-based games."


I know it's IGN but it's still worrying

Expandable memory is flash sticks.

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

Expandable memory is flash sticks.

Flash sticks with read-only segments that are pre-loaded with game software and sold individually at retail. I could believe that.

 

[Sipowicz]

Expandable memory is flash sticks.

as in sd cards and shit?

i've got about 50 of them lying about the house already. i dont need any more

 

[Takao]

as in sd cards and shit?

i've got about 50 of them lying about the house already. i dont need any more

lololol this is Sony never expect SD cards. Expect some Memory Stick solution that only they make.

 

[Ignignort]

Would be nice if they used a standard which Sony have been getting better at. Alot of their products now use microsd which is great because any flash storage made by Sony is crazy expensive!

I can see them using flash storage, but it'll be in a weird format to combat piracy

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

as in sd cards and shit?

i've got about 50 of them lying about the house already. i dont need any more

A quick Google search has turned up an expandable flash stick used on a competing product. They might work like this.

 

[Augemitbutter]

as in sd cards and shit?

i've got about 50 of them lying about the house already. i dont need any more

you can't be serious.

 

[Sipowicz]

lololol this is Sony never expect SD cards. Expect some Memory Stick solution that only they make.

i'm a bit confused by it to be honest

are they proper memory sticks that can be rewritten? what are you going to do with 50 memory sticks of the same size? what happens to your game if you delete it? are they going to be as small as the sony memory stick?

they should make chunky cartidges that are clearly labelled and cant be ovewritten. it's not as if you can use sony memory sticks for anything anyway

also they should allow you to install and register the games like steam games

A quick Google search has turned up an expandable flash stick used on a competing product. They might work like this.

well those are dedicated cartridges, they cant be overwritten and they're already tiny as fuck. something smaller like a sony memory stick without a clear label and with the possibility of overwriting it would be a nightmare

 

[Elios83]

i'm a bit confused by it to be honest

are they proper memory sticks that can be rewritten? what are you going to do with 50 memory sticks of the same size? what happens to your game if you delete it? are they going to be as small as the sony memory stick?

they should make chunky cartidges that are clearly labelled and cant be ovewritten. it's not as if you can use sony memory sticks for anything anyway

also they should allow you to install and register the games like steam games

It's not really hard to imagine, they will use read only memories with the same package and format of a memory stick.
And the size will be as small as possible to keep costs down while being able to store the games they want to make on the platform, hence 4GB as the minimum, 8GB max.

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

well those are dedicated cartridges, they cant be overwritten and they're already tiny as fuck. something smaller like a sony memory stick without a clear label and with the possibility of overwriting it would be a nightmare

Dedicated cartridges that provide the system with a form of expandable memory.

 

[slider]

Expandable memory isn't commonly used (at least in my experience).

Anyway, I'm intrigued and am itching for a reveal. I only really use my current PSP when I travel. If I could could coordinate my PSP PSN purchases from my Windows machine I'd be very happy (you can't currently can you?).

 

[Takao]

^ I'm not sure what you mean by "coordinate", but you can buy PSP games and such on the PC via MediaGo. If you own a Mac, you're SOL, but that shouldn't be new to Mac owners.

i'm a bit confused by it to be honest

are they proper memory sticks that can be rewritten? what are you going to do with 50 memory sticks of the same size? what happens to your game if you delete it? are they going to be as small as the sony memory stick?

You're actually kind of confusing me here, lol they'd be (as mentioned earlier by someone else) read only. They'd have a tiny label I'd imagine to point out that this is a game (small box art picture maybe?). If you're asking about save data, I'd imagine the PSP2 is going to come with a hard-drive. Or they can use re-writable sticks that only segment a small portion to save data (as the Nintendo cartridges use).

 

[Nemo]

A quick Google search has turned up an expandable flash stick used on a competing product. They might work like this.

If they do this I hope they make em smaller, like MicroSD small.

Making artwork for that would be awesome plus you can hold several of them while outside, one of the reason legit people carry around a flashcart for the DS

 

[slider]

^ I'm not sure what you mean by "coordinate", but you can buy PSP games and such on the PC via MediaGo. If you own a Mac, you're SOL, but that shouldn't be new to Mac owners.

Heh, just shows how little I've used it!

So I can store my purchases on my PC and transfer as and when I want? Actually, don't bother answering - it'll be a learning experience for me. Google, here I come...

 

[Sipowicz]

from what you lot are saying it sounds as "expandable memory" just means cartridges

i hope they are a bit bigger than sony memory sticks though. the ones in the PSP are way too thin and small

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

Expandable memory isn't commonly used (at least in my experience).

It's ambiguous wording on IGN's part (or maybe their source), but I'm prepared to put money on the notion that the PSP2 will use cartridges or a modified form of solid state media.

 

[H_Prestige]

So maybe the PSP2 really does use a 4 SPU micro CELL CPU. There was a rumor about it some months ago but everyone just wrote it off as crazy. I remember Panajev also explaining how it is actually feasible.

 

[Graphics Horse]

from what you lot are saying it sounds as "expandable memory" just means cartridges

Real cartridges are exactly that, a bolt on memory chip that's accesible in the same way as internal memory and at comparable speeds. The last popular system to use that was the Gameboy Advance, and it's more likely Sony will go for something more like the DS's cards if they're releasing boxed games at all.

So maybe the PSP2 really does use a 4 SPU micro CELL CPU. There was a rumor about it some months ago but everyone just wrote it off as crazy. I remember Panajev also explaining how it is actually feasible.

Not everyone! It's certainly possible they could put a cell based co-processor in there if it makes sense in terms of performance/efficiency. Don't expect it to rival half a PS3 though.

 

[Sipowicz]

It's ambiguous wording on IGN's part (or maybe their source), but I'm prepared to put money on the notion that the PSP2 will use cartridges or a modified form of solid state media.

i hope so

but all the talk of "expandable" memory and being "like the PSP go" had me worried

 

[VegaShinra]

If the PSP2 is around PS3 level graphics, what reason do I have to buy the handheld version of a console game? Unless I can do the PS3 play at home and then transfer it to my PSP2 for play on the go, it will split the market a bit.

Time will tell.

 

[Lonely1]

"Half as powerful" can mean many things depending on what measure you use. Maybe the person IGN talked to only produces in-game assets and heard from someone doing the engine that the processor's clockspeed is about half that of the PS3's. Which means precisely diddly squat without any knowledge of the architecture.

Maybe this. A 1.6Ghz is common... but for Netbook grade hardware.

Just to be clear, there's very little chance of a hand held packing a CPU "half as powerful" as Ps3 Cell, even if you are overly optimistic. The proposed mini-Cell is within 1/3 of Xenon, let alone Cell. For reference, Carmak said that Apple's A4 CPU is about an order of 10 away from Xenon.

 

[Manmademan]

That about wraps it up for the 3DS!

seriously though, if this is as powerful as the numerous rumors are saying it is, cellphones won't really be in the same ballpark. The 3DS will be the only real competition for it.

 

[Celine]

So maybe the PSP2 really does use a 4 SPU micro CELL CPU. There was a rumor about it some months ago but everyone just wrote it off as crazy. I remember Panajev also explaining how it is actually feasible.

Yes.

 

[matmanx1]

Yes.

That would be some wild, crazy stuff right there.

 

[M3d10n]

"Expandable memory", heh? C'mon Sony execs, don't be shy, I know it hurts right on the pride, but you can do it! Just say it it slowly: C-A-R-T-R-I-D-G-E.

 

[M3d10n]

I'm guessing a back touchpad works just like bamboo tablet, but with your finger?

Would that even be possible? Because I know you can't use your finger on a Wacom tablet

Or maybe it will be a hybrid between the DS and iPod touch screen. Touch slightly to make the cursor appear and press harder to perform an action

We just got some new tablets at work that also work as giant touchpads you can use with your fingers, and they do multi-touch as well, so you can zoom, scroll, etc.

 

[Boney]

Soooo... how's the battery gonna work?

 

[ULTROS!]

As far as graphics are concerned, the PSP 2 is a beast, packing enough processing hardware to produce graphics comparable to early PlayStation 3 titles. The processor, we're told, is just over half as powerful as the PS3, though the specific framework of the cores and the clock speed was not revealed.

Early PS3 titles? I can't tell the graphical difference of early PS3 title games and later PS3 titles games. :lol

 

[Kittonwy]

PSP2 a beast? Ima beast. Rawr.

 

[antonz]

Early PS3 titles? I can't tell the graphical difference of early PS3 title games and later PS3 titles games. :lol

Its really a meaningless statement since IGN also stated the 3DS was able to pack HD twins like graphics.

So in the end it doesnt mean much. And the power statement is stupid because Modern CPUs can outperform Cell with far lower clockspeeds. Half the speed is uninformed tech speak.

 

[Manmademan]

"Expandable memory", heh? C'mon Sony execs, don't be shy, I know it hurts right on the pride, but you can do it! Just say it it slowly: C-A-R-T-R-I-D-G-E.

eh, I dunno if "Cartridge" is really the right term for flash memory sticks.

 

[DMeisterJ]

Hopefully this beast of a machine can manage to play 10 year old PS2 games. I'd die a happy death if I could have portable PS2 games.

 

[Kittonwy]

Hopefully this beast of a machine can manage to play 10 year old PS2 games. I'd die a happy death if I could have portable PS2 games.

RAWR!!!

 

[Manmademan]

Hopefully this beast of a machine can manage to play 10 year old PS2 games. I'd die a happy death if I could have portable PS2 games.

Given that the PS3 can't manage to emulate them, I'd say no. Ports might be more likely, but didn't they try that with the PSP? I'd rather more original content, personally.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

-calm down with the memory stick panic. the word was just used loosely so people would understand what was meant: a piece of plastic you stick in there that has stuff on it. new age gamers might not get the cartridge thing or think that it's some huge N64 sized thing. the only thing that matters is that it will still use physical medium for you folks that are into that kind of thing. (used games? :lol )

Spoiler

jkiloveyou<3

-sweet! touch on back AND front!

-HYPOTHETICALLY: if it were another cell, but just smaller and with fewers cores (i'm going to just use that word for simplicity sake) then would it still have issues with heat dissipation? would it require RAMBUS? would it be compatible with current PS3 SDK's and tools? or only compilers? (trying to sound smart, HYUCK!!)

-obviously if they used something comparable to GBA or DS cartridges, we would see improved loading times and more packed into the unit itself without a disc drive taking up space. that in itself is already a worthy reason to upgrade alone. makes you wonder how PSP would have fared if it launched exactly the same, but with a cartridge reader instead of the UMD drive.

hopefully the moles don't get hunted down. this is a fun leak.

EDIT:

Given that the PS3 can't manage to emulate them, I'd say no. Ports might be more likely, but didn't they try that with the PSP? I'd rather more original content, personally.

oops, thought it said PSP not PS2. carry on.

 

[antonz]

-calm down with the memory stick panic. the word was just used loosely so people would understand what was meant: a piece of plastic you stick in there that has stuff on it. new age gamers might not get the cartridge thing or think that it's some huge N64 sized thing. the only thing that matters is that it will still use physical medium for you folks that are into that kind of thing. (used games? :lol )

Spoiler

jkiloveyou<3

-i still see nothing in the updated info that suggests the front screen is touch screen. if not, it might be a mistake to not take advantage of all of the developers out there making smart phone games specifically for touch screens. sure, it could be retooled to work with the back touch pad, but it still comes off as something new and foreign to the average iphoner. (your mom)

-HYPOTHETICALLY: if it were another cell, but just smaller and with fewers cores (i'm going to just use that word for simplicity sake) then would it still have issues with heat dissipation? would it require RAMBUS? would it be compatible with current PS3 SDK's and tools? or only compilers? (trying to sound smart, HYUCK!!)

-obviously if they used something comparable to GBA or DS cartridges, we would see improved loading times and more packed into the unit itself without a disc drive taking up space. that in itself is already a worthy reason to upgrade alone. makes you wonder how PSP would have fared if it launched exactly the same, but with a cartridge reader instead of the UMD drive.

hopefully the moles don't get hunted down. this is a fun leak.

Heat Problems have been a reported issue . Of course every other week they seem to have a new body for the PSP2. When heat was first reported to be an issue they switched back to a PSP style body. This rumor says a Go style body.

 

[Manmademan]

-calm down with the memory stick panic. the word was just used loosely so people would understand what was meant: a piece of plastic you stick in there that has stuff on it. new age gamers might not get the cartridge thing or think that it's some huge N64 sized thing. the only thing that matters is that it will still use physical medium for you folks that are into that kind of thing. (used games? :lol )

Spoiler

jkiloveyou<3

oh, yeah. obviously. one of the things that killed the Go was that it needed to have a built in retailer markup to placate the brick and mortar crowd and convince them to carry it. With physical sticks of some sort, this won't be necessary. No brainer.

-obviously if they used something comparable to GBA or DS cartridges, we would see improved loading times and more packed into the unit itself without a disc drive taking up space. that in itself is already a worthy reason to upgrade alone. makes you wonder how PSP would have fared if it launched exactly the same, but with a cartridge reader instead of the UMD drive.

eh, at the time the PSP launched it wasn't economically feasible to fit the kind of memory sony wanted onto flash carts. even 256mb sticks were embarassingly expensive.

 

[Manmademan]

i thought the official word from smarty pants techie coder mega brains on the innernets was that it's perfectly capable, but sony won't do it so they won't cannibalize PSP unit sales?

eh? how would software emulating PS2 games cannibalize PSP sales? the first three editions of the PS3 (the 20 gig, 60 gig, and half the 80 gigs) play PS2 games just fine, but needed some form of PS2 hardware to pull it off.

The PS3 just doesn't have the hardware to emulate PS2 games fully in software, odd as it sounds- or at least, it doesn't have the hardware to fully emulate the 90-odd% of PS2 games it would require for sony to consider it an acceptable alternative.

 

[webcivilian]

-i still see nothing in the updated info that suggests the front screen is touch screen. if not, it might be a mistake to not take advantage of all of the developers out there making smart phone games specifically for touch screens. sure, it could be retooled to work with the back touch pad, but it still comes off as something new and foreign to the average iphoner. (your mom)

-

IGN - It maintains the slider design of the PSPgo, but increases the overall size to accommodate the new features and a slightly larger touch-enabled display.

Read maybe?

 

[Omiee]

i would def get this, if its realy possible to start a fifa season on your ps3 and just continue on your psp2 without getting a big drop in graphics would be amazing. im all for that.
i would even spend 399 for it to be honest.
but they have to build more things in it, like trophies and a friendlist like the ps3 and a facetime kind of aplication to videochat.

 

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

eh, at the time the PSP launched it wasn't economically feasible to fit the kind of memory sony wanted onto flash carts. even 256mb sticks were embarassingly expensive.

oh i know, i just meant that if it could be magically replaced with no cost difference, what kind of games (hell, even review scores) would we have enjoyed? (or still be enjoying)

what exactly is the difference between GBA carts and DS carts? (other than capacity i imagine)