INSIDE SOURCE: PSP2, PS3 $100 Price Drop Confirmed

[wraggster]

You’ve heard the rumors, you’ve seen the mock-up pictures, and now you get to know that yes, the next PSP does actually exist. Although we can’t get any pictures, hardware specs, or official announcements from Sony themselves, we can confirm that it’s been shown to some people, one of whom is VERY reliable regarding such matters. Our inside source recently met with Sony representatives, where he was shown the next iteration of the PSP, but not allowed to play with it.

According to our source the ‘Next PlayStation Portable’ includes these features:

Rounded Edges

Dual analog sticks
Small sliding screen
Similar size and thickness to current PSP model
No UMD drive
This means it’s not shaped like the mockup pictured above, rather “it’s ugly and still bulky, and is (an) ugly gray color.” It does however include several of the features we would expect it to have which correlate to previous reports coming from Dave Perry. The same source also tells us that “Patapon 2 is kinda the test drive [for digital distribution], heard it said that if it fails massively, then Sony may reinstate the UMD drive. Said they are working out bugs for release.” Interesting.

Not only that, but our source has also confirmed that a $100 price cut is coming to the PS3 at E3, which we assume covers all existing models. Apparently vendors across the United States are stockpiling PlayStation 3 consoles in preparation for the drop at E3. We have contacted SCEA for confirmation on this story so, hopefully, more developments will be posted as we receive them.

UPDATE: We contacted Julie Han at Corporate Communications who thanked us for informing her that we will be running the story before responding “I don’t know who your source is, but Sony is not in the business of answering rumors.” I guess we shall see at E3 because that surely is NOT a denial on their part. More news if it comes in!

http://www.onelastcontinue.com/5488/...rop-confirmed/

[apex05]

But is the UK getting a price cut? $100 (£75) would take it to £225 ($325) and finally be a realistic price, but i can't remember the last time Sony was realisic on anything.

[darkriku2000]

so... no umd, they realize that they are practically asking people to pirate their games, it's also kind of a kick in the crotch to those who can only do umd (ie: No online money)

btw, when is E3 again, I forgot

[Darksaviour69]

But is the UK getting a price cut? $100 (£75) would take it to £225 ($325) and finally be a realistic price, but i can't remember the last time Sony was realisic on anything.

since the ps3 is selling well in europe and a price drop in the uk would encourage more mainland Europeans will import from the uk because of the weak pound against the euro, (hell the wii is going up by 20 quid because of the weak pound) it would not surprise me the uk will be left out of the price cut (if there is one)

[pspandrew2006]

no umd seems like a stupid move to me iwont buy psp2 if it has no umd at least not for awhile

[darkdex52]

I hate these strong Sony-fanboyish esque type of news > .

And most of all, I hate rumors.

[arcadekidflo]

Touchscreen or not ? Another piece of news said a definite NO

[devdj]

the real question is how powerful will the psp2 be will it be on the same scale as the pandora or weaker or more powerful than it and its about time sony drop the price of the ps3 in this global economic crisis were facing at the moment by the way i saw that wii is selling for 200 euro in xtra-vision on its own.