Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/03/13/sony_to_shrink_psp/
Remember claims made in August 2006 that Sony is planning to redesign the PlayStation Portable (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/31/mag_forecasts_psp_redesign/)? It turns out they were true. Sony Computer Entertainment UK chief Ray Maguire yesterday confirmed a "smaller, lighter" version is on its way.
Maguire said the PSP's screen size will remain fixed, but indicated future versions of the handheld games console would be more sleek than the current model, which he described as a "first iteration".
Maguire was speaking at the launch of a campaign to promote the PSP as an educational tool - no, really - where he was asked about potential PSP changes, GamesIndustry.biz reports (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23465).
The Sony executive gave no timeframe for the redesign, though last year's forecast put its debut down for some time this year. Maguire made no comments on other changes to the device's specifications. Past rumours have hinted at the addition of an EyeToy-style webcam and 8GB of on-board storage.
Maguire's words shouldn't come as a surprise. Sony has form here, having redesigned the original PlayStation as the PSOne, and later replaced the first PS2 with a slimmer version. Greater levels of component miniaturisation and integration are likewise going to make a thinner, lighter PSP certainly a possibility if not a reality.
Second-generation Sony PSP unveiled (12 July 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/12/psp_lite_unveiled/
Sony clocks up PSP processor by 25% (26 June 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/06/26/psp_firmware_update/
BT, Sony to turn PSP into a phone (23 May 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/05/23/bt_sony_to_turn_psp_into_phone/
Sony eyes add-on camera for PSP (1 May 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/05/01/sony_readies_psp_cam/
Sony shrinks UK PSP price (23 April 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04/23/sony_to_cut_uk_psp_price/
Sony US cuts PSP Core Pack price (3 April 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04/03/sony_cuts_psp_price/
Dell denies handheld games console plan (7 February 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/02/07/dell_denies_games_handheld_plan/
ADS touts iPod, PSP friendly USB video accelerator (20 November 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/20/ads_touts_usb_h264_accelerator/
Sony slams Lik-Sang 'sour grapes' (25 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/25/sony_slams_lik-sang/
Lik-Sang shuts shop, names PSP-purchasing senior Sony staffers (24 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/24/lik-sang_shuts_doors/
Mag moots March '07 PSP redesign (31 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/31/mag_forecasts_psp_redesign/
Sony officially launches pink PSP (23 August 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/23/sony_unveils_pink_psp/
PSP-friendly Wi-Fi network to go live tomorrow (27 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/27/sony_to_open_playstation_spot/