PSP 2

[Bullwinkle]

There are a few too many PSP 2 threads, so I didn't know where to put this.  Details are starting to emerge, as it's in developers' hands.  It's rumored to have more RAM than the 360.  However, here's the most interesting bit to date, PICS:





Source

[farley2k]

Looks uncomfortable to hold, much like the Go.  They don't seem to care about ergonomics at Sony.

[Devil]

Looks wider than the Go, which is good.

[CeeKay]

Rear trackball?

[Bullwinkle]

Rear trackball?

It's a touchpad, like on a laptop.  It's used for some level of control.

[EngineNo9]

It seems like getting your thumbs up to use those sticks and holding it in general is going to be uncomfortable.

[Bullwinkle]

I'm sure it's just a dev prototype, but I'm not convinced the real thing will be much better.

[Turtle]

I'd believe it. But also think that's still the old prototype. It does match every bit of rumors about from various developers and people who had seen it. There's plenty of usability refinements.

On the other hand, Sony's not exactly known for pushing ergonomics to the forefront of their hardware designs.

The design seems solid though, in terms of what it has, not its current configuration.

Dual "thumbsticks" that are a bit like the cool sticks on the zodiac machine from a while back, will be a nice one up on a lot of other handhelds out there. Also, considering the power of the machine, FPS games or games that use FPS style controls will benefit.

I have no idea what the trackpad on the back will be good for. I suppose PSP minis and stuff that comes over from the ipod/android will also benefit, along with other gametypes that might need trackpad/touchscreen style controls, such as turn based strategy or even RTS games.

All these control schemes, and the big screen, gives it something above and beyond other systems right now. The ipod/android really only have the touch screen and gyroscopes, great for smaller games and novelty. DS and 3DS have almost the same, but lack the dual sticks, and I'm not sure the DS's large nub will be any better of the current PSP's crappy nub.

Of course, it's all about the games. Give me another Killzone Liberation with proper dual stick controls dammit! My friend and I had so much fun going through that game. Same with monster hunter.

[Dante Rising]

Looks uncomfortable to hold, much like the Go.  They don't seem to care about ergonomics at Sony.

The PSP Go is actually more ergonomic than the original PSP for most users. Less weight, and the way it is held puts less pressure on the wrists. I wasn't a believer until I used a Go at length. Now I can't go back to the Original PSP. I even re-purchased all of the games that are available on PSN for it.


I'm really hoping they implement backward compatibility for the PSP library via PSN.

[Graham]

I'm not sure the DS's large nub will be any better of the current PSP's crappy nub.

The thing I was most impressed with on the 3DS was the control nub.  It's much better than that PSP's nub, with plenty of area to move it and get more control.  At least, that was my impression from playing with it at E3.