Sony PSP pictures released!

The Kernel · Post by **The Kernel** » 2003-11-04 10:00pm

Here is a concept shot of the new Sony PSP:

Linky

First off, I have to say that the design is quite fetching. From the look of things they are going with touchpads for their analog support which is a concern, but it CAN be pulled off if done right. And check out the size of that screen! This thing is looking better and better the more we hear about it. Let's cross our fingers that Sony decides to sell it for < $300.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2003-11-04 10:40pm

Actually, they look like buttons that aren't raised and slimmed up to the body rather than touch pads.

The screen is a little too big to be a realistic representation, to me.

The Kernel · Post by **The Kernel** » 2003-11-04 11:28pm

Spanky The Dolphin wrote:Actually, they look like buttons that aren't raised and slimmed up to the body rather than touch pads.

The screen is a little too big to be a realistic representation, to me.

The buttons I agree are standard buttons, but I think the D-pad on the left appears to be touch sensitive. This would make sense as they obviously want to keep it as low profile as possible.

As for the screen, Sony has already gone on record to say that it will be a 16x9 monster. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the screen is around that size at launch. That said, with a huge LCD, high capacity battery, two 90 nm custom chips and a designer case, this thing is going to have to be heavily subsidized in order to sell. Fortunately, Sony knows all about this practice (hell, they invented it) so I doubt this thing will list any higher then $299.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2003-11-04 11:58pm

The D-pad also looks like a button to me, personally.

It would be better if the pictures weren't for shit in quality, though...

The Kernel · Post by **The Kernel** » 2003-11-05 07:46am

Spanky The Dolphin wrote:The D-pad also looks like a button to me, personally.

It would be better if the pictures weren't for shit in quality, though...

They are actually just 3D renders, this isn't an actual prototype.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2003-11-05 12:40pm

Ah, that would explain why the screen looks too big and not actually part of the unit.

Drooling Iguana · Post by **Drooling Iguana** » 2003-11-05 08:50pm

I believe it when I see it.

And until then, I'll just make due with a Zodiac.

The Kernel · Post by **The Kernel** » 2003-11-05 08:54pm

Drooling Iguana wrote:I believe it when I see it.

And until then, I'll just make due with a Zodiac.

Ummm, this isn't an idea concept or anything you know. This device IS going to be made and the games are already under development (including a sequel to FF VII from what I hear).

Drooling Iguana · Post by **Drooling Iguana** » 2003-11-05 09:09pm

The Kernel wrote:
Drooling Iguana wrote:I believe it when I see it.

And until then, I'll just make due with a Zodiac.
Ummm, this isn't an idea concept or anything you know. This device IS going to be made and the games are already under development (including a sequel to FF VII from what I hear).

I don't doubt that Sony has a portable game system in the works. However, whether or not it bears any resemblance to what they've been saying about it so far remains to be seen. I'm sure we all remember the claims made about the PS2's capabilities prior to its release.

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2003-11-05 11:55pm

They can pull it off. I have no doubt about that. As for the buttons, they could be recessed push buttons or pressure sensitive non-moving buttons. The screen.. if they use OLED screens, which seems to be entirely possible, then they can get great battery life as well as it being self-lit. If they have external input for this thing, as well as, say, an internal harddrive as well, then this could also sell great as an MP3 player, PDA, etc, besides just a gaming device. The harddrive isn't hard to figure into it, either. Look at the size of the iPod, and its not solid harddrive. Sony makes the batteries for the iPod, and they get some good run times for their side. Toshiba makes the iPod harddrive.

I hope they have more features then just a gaming device.

The design is also pretty cool. I like it.

The Kernel · Post by **The Kernel** » 2003-11-06 12:04am

Don't count on OLED, the technology isn't NEAR where it needs to be in order to be in a shipping product. I doubt we'll see retail products before 2006-2007.

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2003-11-06 12:05am

The Kernel wrote:Don't count on OLED, the technology isn't NEAR where it needs to be in order to be in a shipping product. I doubt we'll see retail products before 2006-2007.

It's in various telephones and such. It's really the production techniques not the OLEDs themselves. I believe some Japanese company has an OLED monitor, but its quite expensive. Perhaps Sony will try to develop it? It would certainly be useful for the PSP.