John-ShepardThe PSP2 and PlayStation Phone have become hot topics of conversation and despite no official announcements, Sony isn't afraid to reference possibilities.
Sony boss Kaz Hirai recently spoke to the New York Times , and suggested that if Sony were going to do another gaming portable (hint hint, the PSP2), it would have the advantage in terms of control. Hirai was speaking in regards to competing with mobile gaming devices like Android and iPhone, and it's clear that Hirai is talking about touchscreen controls:
"Depending on the game, there are ones where you can play perfectly well with a touch panel. But you can definitely play immersive games better with physical buttons and pads. I think there could be games where you're able to use both in combination."
Concerning the PlayStation Phone, which may have been prematurely leaked , Hirai said that "if" Sony released such a unit, Sony would have to make an obvious distinction between the capable smartphone and the PSP2. Said Hirai:
"We don't want gamers to be asking, 'What's the difference between that and a PSP?' We have to come up with a message that users will understand. It would have to be a product that keeps the PlayStation's strengths intact."
At this point, one may assume both the PSP2 and PlayStation Phone will be available in 2011, which might allow Sony to push forward in the portable/mobile gaming market. But it's certainly true they'll need to keep consumers informed…let's not go confusing "PSP2" and "PS Phone."
