Loose Threads: How powerful does the next PSP need to be?

Graphical chest-beating is a pursuit that has played a much smaller part in handheld gaming than it does in traditional under-the-TV console gaming. It was established early on that the PSP was the console to beat and Nintendo's interface sidestep and reluctance to be baited on the issue of power proved to be the catalyst for peace among fanboys across the land.

But now things are starting to heat up once more and arguments that were put to rest three years ago are starting to rear their stupid, ugly heads.

The iPhone's clear abilities in the pixel pushing department have raised the eyebrows of DS die hards for trumping their console of choice's efforts.

Similarly, PSP devotees have been fidgeting at the sight of games like Hero of Sparta, wondering if it's just a matter of time before the iPhone produces prettier pictures than their pocket gaming companion.

So basically, there's a good old flame war brewing, and just to really put the hungry lioness among the emus, a rumour has filtered through that Sony has enlisted Imagination (the company that supplies the iPhone's processor) to do the guts for the PSP2.

But just how powerful does the PSP2 need to be? Unsurprisingly, the debate kicked off with hunter_alien's two cents:

"The PSP only needs a modest hardware update to jump into the next-gen handheld race. It's already by far the most powerful of the major contenders. Sorry iPhone fans, but until it proves to me otherwise, the iPhone is still miles behind when it comes to graphics (and just because the DOOM-man says otherwise, I still don't believe it).

"In my opinion, the upgrade should be similar to what Nintendo did with the Wii. It added enough power to its console so we can see the difference, but it was still not a full technology leap. The PSP2 should work similarly; it has to have enough power to run flawlessly PS2 games and make new games look Xbox-like, so most games should look at least of the Thief 3 or Doom 3 calibre.

"This is more then enough to warrant a great product. Hardware is not/won't be an issue. All that Sony has to do except this is to throw in a serious software library, quality online support, good ads, and the next-gen can start."

That's a very clear picture of the way forward for Sony you've painted there hunter, though danskmacabre came at the debate from an entirely different angle:

"I'd prefer it if Sony put in better control options - touchscreen, tilt sensor, whatever, just as long as it works and is better than a control pad by itself. Oh yeah, and better battery life. I bet better graphics will hit the battery life hard. I'm ready for a new handheld, and the DSi doesn't really grab me, but a new PSP with better controls (and at least 5 games I really like), well I'd be all over it."

So would we dansk, and we are in total agreement about your point on battery life. Can a handheld console that pushes graphics that surpass the current PSP's efforts be realistically achieved with the current battery technology available?

Mandark was next to take the reins:

"I think hunter_alien's assessment may be right. PSP2 will be powerful enough so that we can see the difference but there will be little point in offering anything more. It would be nice if it could run a decent cut down version of Little Big Planet but I'm not expecting to see it running a top notch Crysis port. I expect the boys at SI Games will be pushing Sony for a stronger processor that can run a far more detailed version of the number crunching Football Manager Handheld game too!

"I can also see Sony moving the PSP2 even more into Archos/iPhone territory following the success of the PSP as a multi-media device. So more types of connectivity, a good web browser and high definition video playback capability could be important."

That all sounds reasonable enough, and the mere thought of Little Big Planet on the PSP has us quaking with need. Does the PSP really need to make any major leaps in the media department though? Are games not the area that Sony really needs to concentrate on? Closing the discussion was Gideon B with a familiar axe to grind:

"Ditch the UMD format. Sure it's more protected, but people get past it. Here's a brilliant idea for Sony, let us install our own games. Tell developers to add digital signatures for the premium games, but let homebrew developers get their games onto the wider market. Saves us splashing £130 on a GP2X Wiz when it comes out. Also it requires a touchscreen - a responsive one.

"In all, The PSP requires a powerful graphics processor, large CPU (600mhz will do) and 256MB of ram if possible. Also make your mind up: either no analogue sticks or two analogue sticks. I want to play games in a natural way, with two sticks. Also upgradable firmware has to have some decent reason to it, other than patching up random crap."

We think there are quite a few people who would agree with you over the UMD, analogue sticks and firmware update issues. If Sony already has the successor to the PSP's innards taken care of, let's hope it gets to work on fixing those other external problems.

Well, that was quite a lively one, which leaves us with only enough space to post the kernel of what will hopefully be another heated debate:

Loose Threads: What does the future hold for the N-Gage?

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