PSP 2: 15 must have features

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.

Force feedback, motion control

Force feedback via rumble is something that’s easy to overlook, but many people realised it was missing when the Sixaxis arrived weighing less than a feather. Having a rumble that matches in-game actions makes you feel more connected, and its inclusion in the PSP 2 can only be a good thing. Something else that seemed like a bit of a gimmick until the Wii and iPhone came along is motion sensing. Some form of tilt mechanic that works like the iPhone but in a more advanced way would allow for a greater variety of games and some really interesting game mechanics.

OLED screen

There’s no denying that the current PSP screen is great. It’s large, colourful and, on its release was quite spectacular to look at. We want it to be better though. We reckon you could get a screen with at least twice the native resolution of the PSP even if the size remained the same. OLED technology would be our choice for the display, as it would produce far better blacks (an area in which OLED has the clear advantage over LCD) and it uses less power. We all know how short the PSP’s battery life is, so anything that helps gamers eek more play time from a single charge is a bonus. The PSP screen’s one disappointment, ghosting, would obviously also be a thing of the past, giving a much better quality of image overall. You could argue that a higher resolution display isn’t needed on such a small screen, but we’re convinced the PSP 2 will offer a sharper image.

Foldable design

Another advantage of OLED technology is that it’s flexible. This would allow the PSP 2 to be a sideways folding clamshell design, effectively making it small enough to fit in your pocket (and protect the screen at the same time). Considering the slight size increase over the original PSP that will be needed in order to include an extra analogue stick, the clamshell design would make the machine smaller than the original when not in use. This might sound like Minority Report stuff, but when the PSP was released it blew us all away with the tech that had been crammed into such a small device. We expect the PSP 2 to be on the same bleeding edge of technology.

HD movie playback on TV

The current PSP allows you to play UMD movies or movies stored on a memory stick on your TV. Imagine the same feature, but in 720p/1080p via HDMI. The PSP 2 will be powerful enough to play back HD video files, so any movies you download from the digital store would then be watchable on the move or in the comfort of your home on your flash HD TV. We can’t really get excited about playing near DVD quality UMD movies on our TV, but HD films is another matter entirely.

Download store

Sony is already laying the foundations for a digital download future by offering its first-party titles as downloads on the PlayStation Store. We expect this to be taken a step further by providing a downloadable version of every PSP 2 game, whether published by Sony or otherwise. Games and plenty of DLC will be backed up by a full movie and music download service, making your PSP 2 your hub for all your entertainment needs. You’ll also see a large focus on smaller, bite-sized games as made popular by the iPhone, with throwaway slices of entertainment costing less than a bus fair. Think PSN or Xbox LIVE Arcade on an even smaller budget.

3G internet

Can you imagine what ‘connect anywhere internet’ would allow you to do with a PSP 2? Online gaming with the PSP is great, but it’s limited to locations that have a wireless access point. With 3G you could connect anywhere (presumably by 2010/2011 the 3G network will be vastly superior), enabling you to play online games while on the bus, train or in the middle of a park – even while lounging on the beach in the summer. It’s not just gaming either, with many more traditional PC like apps and the aforementioned store benefiting from this ability to be connected wherever you might be. Considering 3G usage is generally sold as part of a mobile phone contract, and we don’t want the PSP 2 to also be a phone, we’d happily pay a monthly fee to use the service.

Live TV

The PSP currently offers a subscription-based TV service but it’s not for live TV. GoView offers users on-demand TV shows, movies and sports, but this is only of so much use. What if a big match is taking place or the final episode of your favourite TV show is airing while you’re stuck on a six-hour bus journey? Using 3G to stream TV live to your PSP would make commuting boredom a thing of the past. As great as this sounds, there are a few potential pitfalls that could scupper the whole thing. While we imagine free-to-air channels won’t be a problem, most of the good stuff these days is shown on Sky or other premium TV channels. If Sony can somehow tie your Sky subscription to your PSP 2, we’d be in streaming TV heaven.

Touch screen + stylus

While we want the PSP 2 to offer games of a quality comparable to that of the PS3, we recognise that the DS has changed the way people view handhelds. As such a touch screen and stylus is essential. This will make the device easier to use as a media hub and allow for a greater range of games. Sony will also be keen to sell the PSP 2 to existing handheld gamers, especially those who have only known the DS. A touch screen will make the PSP 2 seem familiar and allow Sony to offer a selection of games geared to appeal to that audience. A Brain Training clone for PSP 2 anyone?

Flash memory for media format

UMD (the format games and movies are delivered on for the PSP) hasn’t been a huge success. The proprietary format made for the PSP has caused numerous problems. Namely, slow data access, producing lengthy load times, and it drains the PSP’s battery far too quickly when being accessed. The solution to these problems is for the PSP to use solid state media for games. In two years time we reckon 8GB Flash Memory cards will be quite affordable (perhaps something smaller could even be used), giving PSP 2 developers more storage space, games quicker loading and hopefully the console a longer battery life. The PSP 2 would also use Flash Memory cards to store downloaded games and other media.

GPS

You can buy a GPS add-on for the PSP, but by 2010 we expect GPS will be in everything. If a GPS is included as standard in the PSP 2 it’ll not only be extremely useful when you’re lost but also potentially allow for some location based games. If the great developers of the world can’t think of any new game ideas using the tech then we’d settle for a nicely presented navigation system that is an evolution of the software the PSP add-on currently uses. While the current software has 3D landmarks, it’s still pretty basic. With the power of PSP 2 we could finally be able to work out where we are based on a 3D world seen on the screen.

PDA features (and additional keyboard)

Sony introduced a number of non-gaming features to the PSP over the last few years, but it stopped short of offering a complete suite of programs. With the addition of an optional keyboard attachment (like what the PS3 is getting very soon), we can see the 3G internet connectivity, touch screen and software combining to produce a very competent PDA. Apps that would definitely work are an email client, basic word processing, an organiser, web browser, text chat functionality and Skype (which is already part of the PSP’s software). To keep costs down Sony could charge for the office suite of applications.

Camera and microphone

What doesn’t come with a camera these days? It seems every modern device can at least play music and video and take pictures. Sony released a webcam-like add-on for the PSP and already has a range of basic tools that could be reworked, so it would come down to if Sony can include a camera without raising the cost too much. We assume Sony will provide some form of community service, so live blogging with pictures and videos seems perfectly possible. If they’re smart they could tie this directly to mega popular networking site Facebook, essentially letting socialites continue their life sharing while away from a PC.

What do you want to see from the PSP 2? Let us know in the comments below.