PlayStation Portable 2: Everything We Know

Sony’s handheld gaming devices have always stirred up excitement. From the original PlayStation Portable to the PlayStation Vita, Sony’s foray into portable gaming made waves. There is a lot of buzz about PSP2, which is currently in development. With its expected custom AMD APU, PS4-quality native gaming, and premium design, the PSP2 could stand out as a powerful device for on-the-go gaming. While details are still scarce, there are a few things we already know about what Sony is planning. Here is everything we know about the PlayStation Portable 2 so far.

What is PlayStation Portable 2?

The PlayStation Portable 2 is Sony’s upcoming handheld gaming console. This device is being developed to provide a native gaming experience. That means it won’t just rely on streaming games like Sony’s PlayStation Portal. Instead, the PSP2 will be capable of running PS4-quality games directly from the device, much like the Nintendo Switch.

It’s been more than a decade since the PS Vita was released, and gamers have been hungry for a new portable option. Sony’s PS Vita had a lot of potential but struggled to compete with mobile gaming and other handheld consoles. The PSP2 is expected to fix many of the issues from the past and deliver a more polished experience.

How Will PlayStation Portable 2 Work?

The PSP2 will function quite differently from previous Sony handhelds, especially the PlayStation Portal, which only supports Remote Play to stream PS5 games. The PSP2, in contrast, will allow gamers to play native games directly on the handheld console. This is a huge step forward from Sony’s earlier devices that were limited to streaming.

The PSP2 is expected to run games on a custom AMD APU, a powerful processor that’s already used in devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. This custom chip will enable the PSP2 to handle PS4-quality games and potentially upscale older titles to resemble PS5-quality graphics. 

What’s even more interesting is that some games could receive a “Pro-like” patch. That means the games would optimize them to run even better on the PSP2. This would give gamers the chance to enjoy smoother performance and higher-quality visuals, even on the go. For example, a game like God of War Ragnarok could be enhanced for the PSP2 to provide a richer experience.

Design and Hardware Improvements

When it comes to design, the PSP2 is likely to look and feel very different from its predecessors. Sony’s last handheld console, the PS Vita, featured a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, which was considered revolutionary at the time. The PSP2 will build on this by offering an even better display, providing vibrant colors and high contrast for an immersive gaming experience.

One of the standout features of the PS Vita was its dual analog sticks. The PSP2 will almost certainly keep this feature, allowing for more precise control over characters and gameplay. Additionally, dual analog sticks are essential for modern games, especially shooters and action-packed games. Consequently, this will make the PSP2 feel more like a console than a traditional handheld.

Additionally, the PSP2 will include motion sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers, giving it the ability to detect movement. This could be used for motion-based controls, offering a more interactive gaming experience. Furthermore, there’s the possibility that the device will feature rear touchpads, similar to the PS Vita. 

Although we don’t have many details on the exact battery life of the PSP2, it’s clear that battery performance will be a key factor. Sony will need to ensure the device can last for several hours of gaming. This is crucial, especially when running demanding games. Gamers will want to enjoy extended play sessions without constantly worrying about charging.

Comfort will also be a priority. Sony will likely focus on improving the ergonomics of the handheld. A well-designed device will make long gaming sessions more comfortable. If the PSP2 is too bulky or awkward to hold, it could negatively impact the experience. The goal will be to create a balance between power and comfort for extended gameplay.

PlayStation Portable 2 Price

Now, let’s talk about price. The PSP2 won’t come cheap. In fact, analysts predict that the starting price could be $499 or higher. This might sound like a lot, but considering the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2 are priced in a similar range, it’s not entirely surprising. The PSP2 will be a premium device with high-end hardware. It will include a custom AMD APU, a better display, and the ability to run console-quality games.

To put things in perspective, the original PS Vita launched at $249.99 for the Wi-Fi model and $299.99 for the Wi-Fi + 3G model. While the PS Vita was impressive, it didn’t quite live up to its potential in terms of sales. The PSP2, however, is designed to offer far more powerful performance, making it a much more expensive piece of tech. In addition to the base cost of the device, gamers may also have to spend extra money on memory cards. Of course, they will be expensive, similar to those for the PS Vita.

PlayStation Portable 2 Release Date

When can we expect the PSP2 to hit the shelves? The exact release date is not known yet. However, players can expect the release date for the PSP2 in 2026 or later. Notably, Sony is focusing on launching its PS5 Pro and PSVR2, so it may take a few more years for the PSP2 to make its debut.

However, the market for portable gaming has been growing. PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally have captured a lot of attention. Notably, fans can expect the Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in 2025. With these devices pushing the boundaries of portable gaming, Sony’s PSP2 would be entering a highly competitive space. Despite this, there seems to be plenty of demand for a powerful handheld gaming device from Sony. If the PSP2 can deliver on its promises, it could become a key player in this growing market.