PSP2 rumoured to have OLED screen and 3G support, but no phone calls

According to a report by Japanese newspaper Nikkei, Sony’s PSP successor will pack a 3G chip for universal internet access, but it won’t act as a mobile phone for direct voice communications.

Similar to the high-end version of the iPad, the fabled PSP2 will allegedly feature 3G connectivity, allowing you to get online from almost anywhere in the world, over the phone network instead of wi-fi (it will still sport wireless LAN, of course). But also like the iPad, you won’t be able to use your games console as a phone.

However, in order to do this, you'd need to pay for a data plan with a telecoms company.

It seem unlikely most PSP2 owners would want this, although it would provide the opportunity for the likes of Vodafone, T-Mobile and AT&T to bundle the PSP2 and additional data rate into the plans of existing, and new, customers

Another rumour concerns the touchscreen, which is said to use organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology, to provide a high resolution display with incredible contrast ratios for deep, dark blacks. Samsung smartphones and Sony TVs currently use the technology.

It is all speculation right now, especially seeing as the console hasn’t even been announced by Sony. But leaked details and hints by developers reveal the console has a touch pad on the unit’s underbelly, and enough processing brunt for visuals on par with early PS3 games.

VG247 is reporting that Sony will be holding a meeting in Tokyo on January 27th, and a source has said the PSP2 will be the star of the show. Take it with a few grains of salt.