Another rumor surrounding the fate of Sony and its new gaming device has surfaced on the internet. Apparently, PocketGamer has received information from an inside source, “who’s not Dave Perry” and are saying that the new handheld device will feature a sliding screen. No one is sure on whether Sony will call it the PSP 4000 or the PSP 2, but speculation is that the new PSP could be out before Christmas.
Sony, it seems, is making this move to ward off stiff competition from Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch and Nintendo’s DS and DSi. The rumor suggests that the new gadget will be a lot more like the iPhone, whose screen will slide out to reveal D-pads and possibly dual analogue controls.
This layout should suit both hardcore gamers, with the console buttons and casual gamers, with the touchscreen functionality. Also, the PSP 2 (or 4000) will supposedly not utilize UMDs for its games, but will get its content online in the form of digital download, via the PlayStation Store.