How powerful does the next PSP need to be?

[Fraser]

A rumour broke this week of British chip designer, Imagination, getting the contract to build the new processor for the next iteration of the PSP.

http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/PSP+ ... sp?c=10204

Now that raises enough questions all by itself, but the fact that Imagination is the same company that handled the graphics side of things for the iPhone thickens the plot like so much cornflower.

But the PSP's failings as a console have not been in the graphics department. If anything, that's the department where Sony's handheld has excelled. Does the PSP 2 really need to be a graphics powerhouse? If it does, what sort of standard do we want? The current Sony handheld can already push near PS2 levels of gorgeous, and to expect visuals approaching PS3 levels would probably be a wish too far. Or is a beefier processor more than just about better graphics? Are there other missing features in the current PSP that a tougher electronic brain would help solve?

It's all unsubstantiated conjecture at the moment, so just let the leash off this one folks...

[hunter_alien]

The PSP only needs a modest hardware update to jump into the next-gen hand-held race. Its already by far the most powerful from the 3-4 major contenders ( if wee include the N-gage service)... sorry Iphone fans, but until It proves me otherwise the Iphone is still miles behind when it comes to graphics ( and just because the DOOM-man says otherwise I still dont believe it).

IMO the upgrade should be similar to what Nintendo did with the Wii... it added enough power to its console so we can see the difference, but it was still not a full technology leap. The PSP2 should work similary: it has to have enough power to run flawlessly PS2/P games and make new games look Xbox-like, so most games should look at least Thief3/Doom3 caliber.

This is more then enough to warrant a great product. Hardware is not? wont be an issue, all that Sony has to do except this is to throw in a serious software library, quality online support, good ads, and the next-gen can start

[danskmacabre]

I'd prefer it if they put in a better control options, touch screen, tilt sensor, whatever, just as long as it works and it better than a control pad by itself.
Oh yeah, and better battery life. I bet better graphics will hit the battery life hard.
I'm ready for a new handheld, and the DSi doesn't really grab me, but a new PSP with better controls (and at least 5 games I really like) , well I'd be all over it ..

[Mandark]

I think hunter_alien's assessment may be right. PSP2 will be powerful enough so that we can see the difference but there will be little point in offering anything more. It would be nice if it could run a decent cut down version of Little Big Planet but I'm not expecting to see it running a top notch Crysis port. I expect the boys at SI Games will be pushing Sony for a stronger processor that can run a far more detailed version of the number crunching Football Manager Handheld game too!

I can also see Sony moving the PSP2 even more into Archos/ iPhone territory following the success of the PSP as a multi-media device. So more types of connectivity, a good web browser and High Definition video playback capability could be important.

[GideonB]

The Next PSP has to draw the line between brilliant PS2 Top Quality Graphics and a LOT of Ram. It took Sony the second try to get the RAM right, but me being an original PSP owner, it really did need it. I reguarly get cache memory problems, but since my PSP is used only for gaming, the load times are quite good, but you do need a lot of RAM. Also ditch the UMD format. Sure it's more protected, but people get past it. Here's a brilliant idea for Sony, let us install our own games. Tell developers to add digital signatures for the premium games, but let homebrew developers get their games onto the wider market. Saves us splashing £130 on a GP2X Wiz when it comes out. Also it requires a touch screen. Responsive one though.
In all, The PSP requires a powerful graphics processor, large CPU (600mhz will do) and 256MB of ram if possible. Also make your mind up, either no analog sticks or 2 analog sticks. I want to play games in a natural way, with two sticks. Also upgradable firmware has to have some decent reason to it, other than patching up random crap.

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