Skip to main content

PSP2 might offer graphics on par with PS3

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Go ahead and skip this article if you are someone that only wishes to know solid facts about upcoming items. The rumor list has grown so long regarding the PSP2, that even trusted sources have been proven to be totally wrong, and even if something does seem very probable, we won’t be able to confirm it until the details on the PSP2 have been released. So although this source seems credible and offers a comprehensive set of details rather than just the vague rumor about a new button or the like, take this news with a grain of salt. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

IGN is reporting that a source who has had hands on time with the PSP2 revealed several details regarding the device. If true, the thing is going to be fairly epic, as far as portable gaming devices go. It might be the one true handheld gaming system to rule them all…

Among other details, the source claimed that the pictures that were recently leaked by the website vg247 (above and below), are in fact of the actual PSP2. The final production model should have some cosmetic differences, but in terms of functionality, that is what the device will look like. The PSP2 will feature front and back facing cameras, a microphone, two analog sticks, and a trackpad on the back.

In terms of processing power, it will be half as powerful as the PS3, but that would mean that it could run PS3 graphics comparable to the early PS3 games. The device also features an HD screen, so it could get away with displaying PS3 graphics despite the weaker chip, because there is a much smaller area to display those graphics on.

If the processor can keep up, that might mean players could transfer their games from the PS3 to the PSP2 and continue playing while on the go, as long as developers are willing to create a ported version of the game for the PSP2 as well.

Of course, this all sounds amazing but if it is as powerful as rumored, the hardware will likely cost money. An awful, awful lot of money. Sony is not afraid to charge a pretty penny for its hardware, just look at when the first PS3 was released. No word yet on when we might possibly see a free range PSP2 running in the wild, and as usual, Sony has no comment.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Editors' Recommendations

Ryan Fleming
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
All PS5 games that support 120 fps: Destiny 2, Fortnite, and more
Destiny 2 player preparing for battle.

PlayStation 5 is an incredibly powerful console, capable of running today's most demanding games in 4K without ever skipping a beat. Whether you're playing a PS5 exclusive like Deathloop or taking advantage of a next-gen upgrade, there's no doubt you'll be in for a visual feast.

Beyond ray tracing and fancy graphics, however, several games take advantage of PS5's processing power to run at 120 fps. Not all games support the feature -- in fact, the full list of supported titles is rather short -- but there's no doubt it's one of the coolest next-gen options available on Sony's latest console.

Read more
You can now replay PS3 classics with AMD Super Resolution

AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) isn't exclusive to individual games, it seems. RPCS3 -- the go-to emulator for PlayStation 3 on PC -- added support for the feature over the weekend, and it's the first emulator to do so. Hopefully, it'll kick off a stream of support from other emulators, too.

The latest RPCS3 build supports FSR, so all you need to do is install the latest version or update the version you have, and you'll be able to use FSR with your favorite PS3 games. To enable the feature, follow Configuration > GPU in the app, tick the Enable FSR Upscaling box, and set the strength of the sharpening filter.

Read more
Sony reverses plans to close PS3 and PS Vita digital storefronts following fan feedback
sony-reverses-plans-to-close-ps3-and-ps-vita-digital-storefronts

Sony is reversing its plans to shut down the PS Vita and PS3 digital storefronts following feedback from the community. Sony does still plan to "retire" PSP commerce functionality on July 2, 2021.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO and President Jim Ryan explains the company made "the wrong decision." He goes on to say that, "when we initially came to the decision to end purchasing support for PS3 and PS Vita, it was born out of a number of factors, including commerce support challenges for older devices and the ability for us to focus more of our resources on newer devices where a majority of our gamers are playing on.

Read more