PSP 2?

Sony is currently developing a second PlayStation portable device.  They're currently calling it the NGP, or the Next Generation Portable.  It looks like it's truly going to revolutionize their portable gaming sector.

The PSP itself is a pretty disappointing product.  This isn't because it isn't user-friendly or capable, but because it was overshadowed by the Nintendo DS, which decided to add a revolutionary touchscreen that is actually usable for many of its games.  Also, the PSP has such a small selection of good games.  Sony focused far too much on making the PSP versatile and high-performance and not enough on getting contracts for successful games.  The Nintendo DS, on the other hand, revolutionized handheld gameplay.

The so-called NGP looks like it may actually be able to turn the tides when it comes to handhelds.  It offers a lot of new specs:

- Two Analog Sticks (the PSP has one)
- Front and Rear Cameras (DS and PSP have none - skype, anyone?)
- Front Multitouch display and a Multitouch rear pad (to be used like a laptop mouse maybe?)
- GPS (that's right.  lost?  Pull out the NGP)
- SIXAXIS motion sensors (the same technology PS3 uses in its controllers for games like Uncharted (one) and GTA 4 - I'm not a fan of this, but if you are, whatever floats your boat)
- 3 axis Electronic compass (yeah.  a 3d compass.  'nough said)
- 5 inch OLED display (far outshines DS - did I mention that this display is touchscreen?)
- Wifi and 3G connectivity
- Location-based multiplayer (find others to play against based on location - also completely wireless)

And they're already working on developing games for it, and they're advertising that they will actually be worth buying.  I'm still skeptical on this, but they are making a new Uncharted game for it, temporarily dubbed "Uncharted Portable," and I am definitely  excited for that.  So far the Uncharted franchise has yet to disappoint.  Let's hope they can keep it up.

For more information on this portable device, you can go to this link:
Sony - Next Generation Portable

We're talking about what essentially could be a iTouch for gamers, but made with Sony technology, which (in my opinion) outshines Apple technology.

Will it be successful?  Only time will tell.

I'm excited.