Pachter: PSP 2 must be cheaper than iPod touch to succeed

Wouldn’t you love to get paid, handsomely, for speculating on future gaming devices every once in a while?

Well, tech analyst Michael Pachter does just that in his monthly Q&A column for Industry Gamers.

In the latest instalment of Pachter’s Podium, the Wedbush Morgan Securities man on the inside discusses the oft-rumoured PSP 2.

This week speculation was rife over at VG247, with suggestions that the next generation portable handheld from Sony would possess a touchscreen.

The second juicy rumour surrounding the PSP 2 was the possible inclusion of two cameras, features that Pachter worries may make the handheld console “more expensive” and “destroy the brand”.

“The only way I can see a PSP resurgence is to price it below the iPod touch, which is a versatile device with a really great display," continues the analyst. “The PSP2 has to be priced at $199 or lower to have a real shot.”

By way of warning to Sony, Pachter points out that the PSPgo’s fine potential was harmed irreparably by its less-than-aggressive RRP.

Hopefully, we’ll find out more on the PSP 2 over the course of the summer either at E3 or Gamescom.