Rumor echoes claims of Sony PSP slider, no UMD
updated 08:45 am EST, Wed March 4, 2009
PSP Slider Rumor Backed
Sony's widely rumored PSP slider revamp may have gained support if a new claim by a developer on Wednesday proves accurate. The anonymous source tells Eurogamer that the PSP-4000 should use a much narrower T-Mobile Sidekick-like form factor that tucks the main controls underneath a sliding display; only the shoulder buttons would be accessible as long as the system was closed. Sony is reportedly asking developers to consider game designs that would only use the shoulder buttons for input.
The display would be the same 4.3-inch, high-color LCD as in the current PSP-3000 aside from the sliding mechanism.
The same tipster also lends support to beliefs that Sony may drop UMD support on its fourth PSP revision. The move would potentially slim down the handheld further still but would also require that users download all their games either online through the PSP's Wi-Fi connection or else transfer them to a Memory Stick.
While the new rumor supports the increasing belief that a significant PSP redesign is enroute, it contradicts a retraction by Acclaim's Dave Perry, who now says UMD will stay. Sony itself has also sent mixed messages by downplaying the possibility of a new model but simultaneously hinting that it will rely much more on downloads.
