How powerful does the next PSP need to be?

You surprise us sometimes, people, really you do. This week's topic, which we expected to generate a moderate response, has had you raining down a monsoon of hot white clarity from the heavens already and if the tempo keeps up, we should be on track for an excellent Loose Threads debate come Wednesday next week.

But that is not to say we should get complacent, friends. If you're used to viewing the debate from the sidelines, then there's no reason you shouldn't roll your sleeves up and leap in with some comments of your own. In case you are thinking of doing so, try this one on for size

A rumour broke last week of British chip designer, Imagination, getting the contract to build the new processor for the next iteration of the PSP. 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 into an already gloopy handheld technology soup.

Then again, 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 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. You have our full endorsement.