PSP2 Rumored, Touch Screen and Cameras Possible

News via http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3179333

Sometimes we simply can't use the word "rumor" enough, but reports are circulating today regarding the possible features and reveal dates for the next PlayStation Portable. VG247 rounds up the reports, which describe everything from online capabilities to control input methods. In terms of product features, rumor has it the device will feature two cameras, one facing forward and one backward. It has a touch screen, but keeps its buttons as well. It may be 3G enabled, though a service provider hasn't been mentioned. It also might run on a four-core Cell CPU, as compared to the PS3's eight-core. And following in the footsteps of the PSP Go, it's likely to be free of physical media entirely.
As for announcement timing, rumors circulated last week that it was set to be an E3 reveal this year. Another source claims it's "99 percent" certain that the announcement won't come from E3. But kits and prototypes are supposedly already in the hands of developers, and the company is said to be shooting for a 2011 release. One source claims this makes it a likely announcement for the Tokyo Game Show or Gamescom.

An impending PSP2 launch seems likely, given the PlayStation Portable's slipping sales performance. The PSP Go was largely seen as a stop-gap solution for whatever Sony has coming next. Still, it's wise to be skeptical about these rumors and keep in mind that they're all unconfirmed. We wouldn't be surprised to see at least a few of them come true, but as always Sony has the final word.