Developer backs up PSP-4000 chatter

By Johnny Minkley Published 2 March, 2009

Slide screen, no UMD, shoulder-only play.

The next iteration of Sony's PSP handheld will feature a sliding screen, will no longer carry a UMD drive and will allow shoulder button-only games to be played when the screen is in its 'closed' position.

That's according to a development source close to Sony, speaking to Eurogamer on condition of anonymity. We first broke the news of a new update to the system late last year, revealing that PSP-4000, the third incremental hardware revision of the console, is planned for release later this year.

While Sony has refused to comment so far, further rumours have emerged in the past week claiming that 4000 will represent the first major overhaul of the system, with a sliding screen added and the UMD drive removed.

Our development source today confirmed these reports, adding: "The screen is basically the same as the one in the 3000 - except it slides." When 'closed', we were told, the screen won't cover the entire face of the console, but the unit will be "significantly smaller in width" as a result.

With the console in its 'closed' state, most controls will be inaccessible. However, our source claims that games which use the shoulder buttons exclusively - such as LocoRoco - will be playable, as these inputs will still be accessible. It's expected that the unit can also be used for media playback in this configuration.

Eurogamer further understands Sony is approaching developers for ideas for games that only require the shoulder buttons.

Sony said this afternoon it does not comment on rumour or speculation.

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About Johnny Minkley

Eurogamer TV's Johnny Minkley is a veteran journalist with a lifelong passion for games and the games industry. He uses Twitter more than most people use air.

Read more articles from Johnny by visiting the Johnny Minkley archive page.

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Comments (49) 1 year ago

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  • gilroyneil #1 3 years ago

    Sounds like a piece of junk

  • Xerx3s #2 3 years ago

    Sounds promising.

  • GamesConnoisseur #3 3 years ago

    Huh?! How many shoulder only buttons games there would be? If touch screen is to be featured then that would make a lot of sense for the sliding/closed with only two buttons accessible. Otherwise why design it so?

    Or perhaps would seem to some that Sony are getting desperate if they are begging around for devs to do shoulder only games, then that would be trying to get into casual market which Nintendo had successfully made their own?

    I m hoping they are moving into iphone market and make their PSP more akin to powerful touch console with PSP functions enclosed if you wish to slide it back to.

  • weeno #4 3 years ago

    Doesn't LocoRoco also use a face button?

  • DFawkes #5 3 years ago

    I'd start saving up the second it was announced if it turns out to be true. I really fancy the sound of it.

    Not entirely sure about the most likely download only games, but I could live with that too, as long as they're not significantly more expensive than the UMD (EndWar PSP).

  • Thunderbolt #6 3 years ago

    Sound interesting.

    I'm not sure the dual analogue nubs would work though as you would have quite a cluttered device IMO.

    And as reported last week there may be a slew of new games in the pipeline - so predicition LBP as a 4000 launch title?

  • Widge #7 3 years ago

    Shoulder button only games = all current users of PSPs can play them
    Dual Stick only games = only PSP-4000 users can play them

    the dual stick will not happen for that reason. You can't do a hardware revision that suddenly cuts out a massive chunk of your install base.

  • sanctusmortis #8 3 years ago

    As someone who finds PSP and DS Lite uncomfy, this sounds painful... cramp-inducingly so. Still, could be good.

  • penhalion #9 3 years ago

    the dual stick will not happen for that reason. You can't do a hardware revision that suddenly cuts out a massive chunk of your install base.

    Really?!? The how does this revision not have a UMD drive. Last time I looked all the games came on the bloody thing! So just what the frak does the PSP 4000 do for games. How do I actually play LocoRoco on it in the first place?

  • Rodster #10 3 years ago

    So I take it this new model will test the worthiness of digital distribution?

  • Widge #11 3 years ago

    Right, if a game comes out on digital distribution, you can still buy it without having to buy a new console to play it properly. At the most, you'd need to grab a 1 or 2GB memory stick if you don't have the space. That being modular, is a lot easier than trying to bolt another nub onto PSPs 1000 - 3000.

    The big issue would be with developers having a split hardware platform to design for.

  • penhalion #12 3 years ago

    Spoke to a few PSP dev mates in the last few minutes and the bullS&*t meter seems to be off the scales here. If the design specs being bandied about are to be believed, then to quote a good friend of mine "The damn thing's not going to be compatible with any existing games!".

    As a result I'm calling bullshit until I see some solid proof.

  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #13 3 years ago

    Sounds interesting enough might actually be enough to upgrade me from the phat. Im expecting something that looks like a sliding horizontal iphone now, withough the UMD it should be wafer thin as well.

    Second analogue stick would be nice and could be used for BC PS1 games withought fucking over old PSP users to much.

    Touch screen i thought would be a must even if developers wernt allowed to use it for games because of old psp users, im sure they will want to compete with the slick interface of the itouch for all its other multimedia features.

    Please to god put enough memory in so that the web browser can view more than 1 site, and put a decent web browser in full stop.

  • rprince #14 3 years ago

    This could work, but it might have been interesting to add a capacitive touch screen, so it is usable with a closed screen.

    However, going the two thumb sticks route would make much more sense. The small, simple portable games machine is more than catered for by the DS and mobile phones. Making a better hardcore portable opens up a market barely covered (I guess they might say it doesn't exist). I expect MS might swoop in and take that market if they ever make a portable.

  • Moonprince #15 3 years ago

    lol penhalion, lol...

  • Xerx3s #16 3 years ago

    Penhalion in anecdotal claims from unknown people that have just as much information as the rest of us shocker.

  • theloz #17 3 years ago

    If you can't put custom firmware on it I don't want it. Wake up, Sony! That's what people want!

  • zedzee #18 3 years ago

    All I can say about the PSP-4000 is that Sony had better provide existing PSP users with a way to xfer their current UMD game investments.

    @ Widge:

    Yes, you can cater for both models, even if you have dual stick controllers and that's by the game detecting the hardware it's running on and 'mapping' the keys appropriately to the controls available. Granted this means that developers will have to come up with two key maps but it's an easy route to take, versus losing out on a second stick.

  • Rirekon #19 3 years ago

    "will no longer carry a UMD drive"

    Follow through on that and I'll buy one.

  • tonynibbles #20 3 years ago

    I still want the original prototype plx

  • steviepunk #21 3 years ago

    "Shoulder button only games = all current users of PSPs can play them
    Dual Stick only games = only PSP-4000 users can play them

    the dual stick will not happen for that reason. You can't do a hardware revision that suddenly cuts out a massive chunk of your install base."

    Would agree, but it all depends on whether this hardware revision is just a revision, or if it is effectively PSP2.

    Either way, the lack of UMD means lack of backwards compatibility (unless you buy a game again) so I don't see why Sony won't just go the whole hog and upgrade it completely.

  • Skurmedel #22 3 years ago

    They would have to sort out the storage problem before it would be of any interest to me. Either they would need to add some on board memory for games and videos that any real content could fit onto or stop using uber-expensive Sony-only memory cards.

    Probably they won't since this is the usual strategy for Sony and has been since ages ago. "Design product X, make up new storage format which is very expensive."

  • Dizzy #23 3 years ago

    No UMD and smaller sounds pretty good. I am mildly interested.

  • des #24 3 years ago

    PSP2 incoming...

  • Wildsleven #25 3 years ago

    does that mean there wont be any new psp games released on umd anymore? and wtf does it mean the psp 3000 is useless? i just got one -_-

  • TravisTouchdown #26 3 years ago

    Penhalion's "mates" don't know what's going on...

  • Feanor #27 3 years ago

    Maybe you'll be able to enter the bar codes on the back of your PSP game boxes to be allowed to download the UMD games you own to a PSP-4000.

  • Roddy100 #28 3 years ago

    Zedzee said:

    "All I can say about the PSP-4000 is that Sony had better provide existing PSP users with a way to xfer their current UMD game investments."

    I concur. All my games are on UMD. Why would I buy a new UMD drive-less PSP if it couldn't play all my existing games.

  • LittleSacky #29 3 years ago

    I does sound like a odd redesign for the layout, having it slide & cover the buttons would make it similar to this mockup from a while ago, however I'd image that it would be starting to get a little cramped for controller space, I find the current layout already cramp inducing for extended periods of play.
    Plus I'm not sure how they'll distribute the weight of the thing, I've only got a psp1000 to compare it to but I'd reckon even taking out the dive, it'll still be a bit of a weighty handheld.

  • superjag86 #30 3 years ago

    I wonder what the Latin is for "I'll believe it when I see it"

  • konniehuqfan #31 3 years ago

    maybe sony will release an external umd drive.

  • bad09 #32 3 years ago

    I have to say, while a no UMD PSP is welcome (bit late but never mind) the PSP pricing on PSN for many games is not. It's not like I buy PSP anymore but I would not like PSN being the ONLY place to get them, watch those silly prices get sillier people!

    Unless it gets some CF I'll probably stick with a 2000 anyway, for a long time now I have had ALL my old PSP games as UMD ISOs on my PC to transfer to a MS, these would all be useless without CF. As all original UMDs are long traded I would have to buy 'em all again!

  • septimus #33 3 years ago

    If they are going to do that they need to add a touch sensitive screen and motion sensing.

    Playing games with just the shoulder buttons seems lame (LocoRoco is the exception).

  • Skurmedel #34 3 years ago

    Two buttons would be sufficient for Tetris :) But I agree. It's hard to think of games which works with just two buttons.

  • Pro_Gamer #35 3 years ago

    Dear Sony,

    Please listen to what gamers want. It's not another hardware update. We want games. Please advise when the planets align and we see Gran Turismo PSP.

    Regards,
    Common Sense

  • Ryze #36 3 years ago

    Include:

    Touchscreen

    right-analogue

    better analogues

    tilt / motion sensor

    bluetooth

    better web browser

    integrated storage (4-32Gb flash)

    decent online service

    More power for PS2 compatibility (wish!)


    Risks:

    This is all way too late - iPhone kneejerk reaction

    Sony's web browser is likely to be shit

    Sony's online store is at risk of being shit

    Sony's online service is at risk of offering a shit experience

    Online content is likely to be overpriced

    Download speeds on a Sony service may well (continue to) be awful

    Where's Gran Turismo?

    Alienating current PSP owners

  • stevetuck #37 3 years ago

    R.I.P UMD... so thats mini disk and UMD in the can... blu-ray next? :p

  • Roddy100 #38 3 years ago

    UMD isn't in the can until we see real proof that this is actually happening.

    For now it has it's feet firmly planted in Rumourville.

  • radlord #39 3 years ago

    Include:

    Touchscreen

    right-analogue

    better analogues

    tilt / motion sensor

    bluetooth

    better web browser

    integrated storage (4-32Gb flash)

    decent online service

    More power for PS2 compatibility (wish!)






    if they included all this they'd have to sell it for £500.

  • spookyzombie #40 3 years ago

    Consider yourself............. ignored.

  • 3william56 #41 3 years ago

    I think the demographic for PSP2 owners and the demographic for a website to meet hot models are somewhat mutually exclusive. But thanks for the thought.

  • drumbaby #42 3 years ago

    "Maybe you'll be able to enter the bar codes on the back of your PSP game boxes to be allowed to download the UMD games you own to a PSP-4000. "

    / Takes spy camera into Game :)

  • ShinMegami08 #43 3 years ago

    it will only be a soft hardware upgrade.
    Why?
    1. There doesn't seem to be any dev kits around. The production of a game takes about a year so its almost impossible, that Sony would bring out a real PSP2 in fall. We would hear a lot more from the devs (like ReadyatDawn)

    2.The "original" PSP is still selling very good. Sony would cut in its own market.

    3. Sony has announced a lot of new titles (Assasins Creed, Rock Band, LBP, ...) and seem to want to widen the userbase (pink PSP,...)

    PSP2 in 2010 or 2011 not before.

  • Christian_Otte #44 3 years ago

    I would probably be inclined to pick this up if it is download-only. It is kinda annoying having to carry around your games .

  • FladgeMangle #45 3 years ago

    If the PSP 4000 looked like those concept pics, had a touch screen, camera, mic and acceleromiter (so I can play Flower via remote play) then it would certainly be on my shopping list. I'd rather it kept the UMD so I could still play my back catalog and movies.

    Also, I don't understand the negativity some posters here have about adding a second analog. Older games don't use it, newer games have the option to use it. I don't hear anyone complaining about the DSi and the fact that current DS owners are being alienated from future camera functionality. If developes are sensible and allow for one-nub PSPs - at least until the new model has eclipsed the old - then there won't be a problem.

    I'd personally like them to add two more shoulder buttons and get full dualshock 3 functionality onto it, with a mobile style vibrate function.

  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #46 3 years ago

    the dual stick will not happen for that reason. You can't do a hardware revision that suddenly cuts out a massive chunk of your install base.

    Anyone remember when Sony brought out dual-analogue joypads which they eventually made standard two thirds of the way through the PS1's lifecycle?

  • Stepharneo #47 3 years ago

    R.I.P UMD... so thats mini disk and UMD in the can... blu-ray next? :p
    ignore poster


    You forgot betamax and walkman (though technically they just took ages for a revision)

  • M_of_the_sys #48 3 years ago

    @FladgeMangle

    Where are the concept pics? I really don't understand how this is going to work. Where is the screen going to slide to exactly?
    Edited by 1 at 06/03/09 @ 16:11

  • Grayvern #49 3 years ago

    Blu-ray wont fail as its not just sony craziness. That and at 20 quid blu rays new releases dont have a long way to go before theyre dirctly competing on price with dvd new releases in high street shops.

    Its also stupid to say umd going the way of failed formats because despite sonys bullish marketing and forays into filmland, it was only ever going to be a handheld format and you dont say that gba carts are a failed format.

    Besides that has anyone considered this based on the existing pricing model would actually be more expensive if you wanted to carry around say the six games that the standard official psp cary thing can carry. For instance Resistance Retribution is the same in many stores as on the PS store.

  • shawnlee100 #50 1 year ago

    Also, I don't understand the negativity some posters here have about adding a second analog. Older games don't use it, newer games have the option to use it. I don't hear anyone complaining about the DSi and the fact that current DS owners are being alienated from future camera functionality. If developes are sensible and allow for one-nub PSPs - at least until the new model has eclipsed the old - then there won't be a problem.
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  • Roberto229 #51 1 year ago

    Another developer has stepped up to give credence to recent PSP 2 rumors, reports Eurogamer. An anonymous development source close to Sony claims that the system will contain a sliding screen that covers most of the controls. The system width will be slightly wider than the screen, but "significantly smaller" than the current PSP iterations due to the slide-screen. However, the source claims that the shoulder buttons will still be accessible in its closed state, so games that rely on them (like Loco Roco) will be playable. The report claims that Sony is working with developers to create more shoulder button-based games for the new device to take advantage of the functionality. The system in its closed state is also said to support media playback such as movies , music.

    The sliding screen over the buttons and rumored removal of UMD would result in a much smaller system. If these rumors are true, though, it doesn't seem likely that the revamp would solve the most common complaint about the PSP, the single analog nub. If the system is real and as far in development as we've heard, we're likely to hear official word from Sony at E3 this year.

    Edited by 1 at 23/12/10 @ 07:58