Sony Claims PSP2 is as Powerful as PS3

Not to be outdone by Nintendo (though they probably still will be), Sony’s finally going to announce the PSP2 on January 27. The absurdity of announcing an announcement aside, the current big news is what Sony’s been telling licensees about the device.

Apparently the PSP2 will be just as powerful as a PS3, and it will be out by Christmas, possibly as early as October. It will have HD graphics, two control sticks, and a form similar to the current PSP. Retail and digital content will both play a part, and Sony’s hoping to differentiate it from other mobile platforms by featuring richer, more console-like experiences.

All this is according to UK publication MCV, though their sources are somewhat unclear. At least we now know that the PSP phone that’s been popping up recently is not the PSP2; they’re separate devices, though the Sony Ericsson-branded phone will focus heavily on games. According to MCV, the PSP2 may feature a phone component as well, though it won’t be a main focus.

It’s hard to believe that a handheld system could possibly be as powerful as the robust PS3. What’s likely more true is that the PSP2’s graphics will appear similar to the PS3’s due to the comparatively small size of the handheld’s screen. Still, it would be pretty impressive if Sony’s claims pan out.

And news that they won’t be going all digital is welcome. It may seem obvious they wouldn’t go down that route due to the failure of the PSP Go, but you never know with Sony. Past rumors like the possibility of touch or motion technologies remain unconfirmed, though we’ll likely know a whole lot more by the end of the month.

Although the 3DS is getting a head start of several months, it looks like the battle of the next generation of handhelds will be underway by the end of the year. If the PSP2 hits the ground running with a competitive price tag, it might be a toss up which will come out ahead.