Sony just asked its customers what they want in the next PSP. Well here's what we want in our next PSP, and most of it's doable through software alone.

Get Remote Play Working, Standard
Remote Play promised to allow gamers to play PS3 games through the internet on their PSPs. Brilliant! And it was actually implemented in a game PS3 called Lair...and then basically nothing else. You can find Remote Play in a handful of downloadable PS3 titles, but it's far from a standard offering, and basically doesn't exist in the world of AAA releases. But just think—Remote Play would lessen the PSP's need for original titles—something Sony hasn't been able to secure as of late—and promote loyalty to the PS3 since its games would be playable from anywhere.

Make the PSP the Ultimate Blu-ray Remote
If there's one thing you can't fault the PS3 for, it's the machine's excellent Blu-ray playback. So why not make the PSP the unequivocal best Blu-ray remote ever? Not only could you use the PSP for basic functions, but a little programming savvy could stream entire BD features to your hands. Imagine the use of a Wi-Fi enabled second screen from the PSP with streaming audio support. You could watch a movie with a friend and decide that just you would turn on the audio commentary for a scene (through headphones), while viewing some extra production stills (on your secondary display). Hey, we'd settle for a submenu on the PSP's screen, even.

Give Us a PSOne-to-PSP Ripping Tool
Offer us a tool to rip PSOne games on the PS3 in order to be transferred to the PSP. They can wrap them in DRM and charge us $5 each time we rip a game, and we'd still do it. While we'd say the same for PS2 titles, we realize that PSP processors probably couldn't handle the software emulation load. PSOne games, though? Definitely.

Display Hints and Walkthroughs That Sync with PS3
Easy money for Sony—license out the option to make PS3 walkthroughs for the PSP. The strategy guide company does all the work, creating the text file (already on hand from their publications) and some basic syncing cues from, I dunno, saved game files or scripts. We're sure if enough money was exchanged between all involved parties, something could be figured out that's not so resource intensive that it isn't worth their while.

Our Only Hardware Revision: Add a Second Analog Stick Already
Look Sony, you were wrong, just give in. Screw backwards compatibility and add the second analog stick to make the PSP essentially interchangeable with the Dual Shock 3/SIXAXIS. Just as that second analog stick has held back PSP developers, it's also limited Remote Play functionality and the option to use the PSP as a premium controller. The hardware is holding back the software, but not in a "we just need stronger processors" way. It's a simple fix. PSP loyalists might complain, but trust us, they're complaining more that their controls are gimped. (Oh, and Bluetooth would be a runner up for greater connectivity options.)

Do All of the Above, Then Sell a PS3/PSP Bundle
The PS3 has already lost the game machine war. But it's still a contender as a premium home theater machine. Offer users a deal in which they can pick up a PS3 along with a PSP. Upsell the PSP as a remote, a second screen, and a media streamer (as opposed to a bulky PMP with a crappy game catalog).

The questionnaire asks the public if they're interested in features like Bluetooth, integrated storage, GPS, TV tuning, better file connectivity with the PS3, a touchscreen, improved battery life and speedier load times. Is there any way to just circle all of the above?

It would seem that Sony, able to do all of these things with the PSP, would like to select only those options that will prove the most enticing to companies and profitable for the company. Fair enough, but with every lame PSP update that's made, I think we all get a little less excited about the platform. Oh, and games, Sony. We want games. [PSPFanboy]

Yes, you can notice the scan lines in both games and movies. Yes, you can also noticed jaggies resulting from the interlace problems. But is it horrible? No. The image above exaggerates the effect slightly. The increased brightness and contrast more than make up for this. Does the new "improved" screen mean you need to upgrade from what you've got? Nah. Current PSP users are fine, and new PSP users may even prefer to get the PSP 2000 now to avoid the interlacing quirks if it really bothers you a lot.

Here are two other reasons why you don't need to upgrade, or might prefer to buy an older PSP now. They both play the same games and the hacking community still isn't quite familiar enough with the new version to say how hackable it is. One of the main problems that Sony's had with the previous two PSPs was piracy, as evidenced by the 5.0 release being hacked just two days after it launched. We're thinking that the PSP 3000 will add even stronger anti-piracy measures, but it's too soon to tell until hackers get their hands on them.

There are other very minor changes to this such as a microphone for built-in Skype chatting, the re-labeling of the Home button to the PlayStation button and the fact that the current pack comes with Rachet and Clank: Size Matters as well as a National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets UMD movie for $199. So the only question left to answer is whether the PSP 3000 is better than the PSP 2000. My answer? Yes, as long as you're alright with that screen. [Amazon]

We've talked about the PSP being a 10 year product, but a 10 year product in the continued... how can I put this... in the continued lifecycle, so we obviously had the 1000, we have the 2000, so the PSP as it was first launched in March 2005 isn't going to the be the PSP that it ends up as in 10 years, but it will still be a very strong portable gaming device that is centered in gaming and has a lot of multi-functional features.

We look at it just like our console business being a 10 year cycle, but we do see iterations as we go along to really adjust to the market.

So Sony, while you may be making PSPs in 2015, that doesn't mean that we'll still be buying them. [IGN via Kotaku]

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA UNVEILS PLAYSTATION(r)STORE FOR THE PC, EXPANDING PLAYSTATION(r)NETWORK ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT TO PSP(r) (PLAYSTATION(r)PORTABLE) USERS PLAYSTATION(r)Store for the PC Marks Evolutionary Step in PLAYSTATION(r)Network, Providing Access for PSP Users Via the Internet

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 20, 2007 - Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today unveiled PLAYSTATION(r)Store for the PC in North America, enabling PSP(r) (PlayStation(r)Portable) users to access PLAYSTATION(r)Network games, video content and services over the Internet through a personal computer at http://store.playstation.com. This new free service allows users to establish a PLAYSTATION Network
account, download free content or purchase content directly from the PLAYSTATION Store for the PC to their PSP without the use of PLAYSTATION(r)3 (PS3(tm)).

Through the PLAYSTATION Store for the PC, PSP users can now download classic PlayStation(r) game titles as well as all-new PSP titles only available from the PLAYSTATION Store. Available immediately, full-game
downloadable content exclusively available on PLAYSTATION Store for the PC include titles such as Syphon Filter(r): Combat Ops. Users can also download existing PSP games such as Gangs of London(tm) and WipEout(r)
Pure, as well PS one(r) classic titles including favorites such as JetMoto(r) and Crash Bandicoot(r). In addition, trailers for forthcoming titles, add-on game items, promotional videos and themes for PSP that allow users to customize their PSP menu color, background and icons of XMB(tm)(XrossMediaBar) will be available through the
PLAYSTATION Store for the PC.

Through PLAYSTATION Store for the PC web site, PSP users will be able to establish and use their PLAYSTATION Network accounts and "virtual wallets" for PLAYSTATION Network, providing a seamless online commerce
experience on both PS3 and the PC. In addition, users who already have a PLAYSTATION Network account can use their existing username and password to log in to the PLATSTATION Store for the PC.

"The library of innovative, downloadable games, videos and entertainment content available through the PLAYSTATION Store provides a new way for PSP owners to get content and demonstrates the continued evolution of PLAYSTATION Network," said Peter Dille, senior vice-president, marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA. "PLAYSTATION Store for the PC will give the millions of PSP users who do not yet own a PS3 access to PLAYSTATION Network, and enhance the online entertainment experience for users who own both a PSP and PS3 whether they are at home or on the road."

Exclusive PLAYSTATION Store tiles for PSP Check out the exclusive PSP games from the PLAYSTATION Store including Syphon Filter: Combat Ops (US$9.99), the latest addition to the Syphon Filter(r) franchise.

Play PSP UMD games
Play some of your favorite PSP games without the UMD(tm) (Universal Media Disc), exclusively available from the PLAYSTATION Store, including WipEout Pure, an adrenaline-filled racing action game, and Gangs of London, part of the hit franchise The Getaway.

Classic PS one games for PSP
Now you can bring your favorite PS one games, from the original Crash Bandicoot(r) to Hot Shots Golf(r) 2, on your PSP by simply downloading them directly to your PSP from PLAYSTATION Store. It has never been easier than now to play your favorite games across all PlayStation platforms.

Download free PSP playable demos and trailers
Download the latest PSP demos from PLAYSTATION Store for the PC including the anti-terrorist thriller, Syphon Filter(r): Logan's Shadow, and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike, the latest addition to the
popular SOCOM gaming franchise. At no cost, you can check out the latest PSP games today before you decide to buy them tomorrow. Check out exclusive previews of upcoming games for PSP including game trailers for
exclusive PLAYSTATION Store titles such as Beats, an enthralling rhythm action game based on the PSP owner's music collection.

Once you do, it'll come with an install DVD that allows you to unlock the movie and put it onto the stick for PSP-consumption. – Jason Chen

PSP Firmware 3.1 Hits [Kotaku]

Goofy exploit by Noobz - Hello World on firmwares 2.0-3.03! *with video* [PSP Updates]

Now speculation runs rampant across the blogosphere, anticipating the next Sony PSP, perhaps at CES 2007 in a couple of weeks. After all, Sony's portable gamer is ripe for a good upgrading.

Or, the graphic could have just been an example of how such a tiny disk packing so much data could be used, you know, hypothetically and all. At this point, it's anybody's guess. – Charlie White

PSP with 60 GB Samsung hard disk? (Google translated) [PSPwelt]