PSP 2: 15 must have features

Power, controls, connectivity, screen technology and more.

It's usually not long after we've got a new console that talk of the next one begins. The PSP has been available for four years, so chatter has understandably moved towards what Sony could be cooking up for the inevitable PSP 2. We've already seen some stories claiming to have information on the unconfirmed handheld's graphics processor, but so far there's little that could be called concrete. So, before Sony announces anything and ruins our fun, we've put together a lengthy list of features we want included in the PSP 2, covering everything from sheer power to how you're going to be playing the games. If you're reading this Sony, make your next handheld using this template and you'll be on to a winner.

Two analogue sticks and better shoulder buttons
If we had to pick one one thing to change with the PSP's design, it would be the analogue nub, and more importantly the fact that it's only got one. Two sticks has become the norm and by having one a whole range of games simply aren't as playable on PSP as they could be. So, two sticks on the PSP 2 is absolutely essential. We also want them to feel more like the sticks we use on the PS3 controllers and not the strange sliding nub we currently have on the PSP. While we're on the subject of controls, we're not big fans of the PSP's shoulder buttons, so proper L and R buttons would be great - if there's room for L2 and R2 as well, even better.

Lots of games
This might seem like a rather obvious thing to say, but considering the lack of triple-A PSP games that have been released over the past few years, it's not a given. We're hoping that the improved controls will allow devs to broaden their ideas somewhat. For one, first and third-person action games would suddenly be far more appealing than those squeezed onto the PSP using the rather limiting single analogue stick. During its peak the PS2 received game after game, with many of those being the best the generation had to offer. The same can't be said of the PSP, a platform that seems desperately in need of games, quality or otherwise. We've had some classics for sure (LocoRoco would stand up to the best on any platform), but for a Sony platform it just hasn't been good enough.

Graphics almost up to PS3 quality
You might laugh, but when the PSP 2 is released it'll be a high end bit of kit, pushing technology to its limit and probably your pocket too. When the PSP hit stores in Japan the PS2 had been on the market for four years, so if we assume that the PSP 2 will arrive late in 2010, some four years after the PS3 hit stores, the graphical capabilities of the machine should be quite comparable. We're talking sub PS3 in the same way the PSP is sub PS2, but still absolutely stunning for a handheld. If the PSP can run games like God of War: Chains of Olympus (which looks a hell of a lot better than a lot of early PS2 games), we reckon we could see games on par with the original PS3 Resistance in terms of visual quality.