RUMOR: NGP (PSP2) to release in 2012 and priced at $299.99?

Ever since the Tokyo Sony Press Event that happened a few days ago, all of us were blown away by the NGP's (PSP2) system specs, the features, and how pretty damn good games look like on it, but we were never given a price for Sony upcoming handheld. Although, there's always going to be someone who will always get ahead of the game.

From a reliable source, GameStop has the NGP listed in their upcoming games/systems at a $299.99 pricepoint. This makes the NGP $50 more expensive compared to the Nintendo 3DS! What really adds to it is the fact that's even dated for a 2012 release. Like most retailers out there with unnannounced release dates for consoles and games, there's always a "placeholder" release date so that pre-orders can begin. Some of these release dates are almost factual, but only time can tell, especially since the "Super Bowl of Videogames", otherwise known as E3 2011, is just months away.

In my opinion, I was expecting a $249.99 price tag, just like the Nintendo 3DS to compete with it and also the fact that Sony and retailers have been trying to phase out the unsuccessful PSP Go in order to continue selling the PSP-3000.

Is $299.99 too much or just about right? Throw in your opinions!

The New PSP. Codename NGP Announced.

We've had rumors, we've had leaks, we've had buzz. Now though we officially have an announcement. The successor to the PSP has now been announced in the form of the codenamed NGP (Next Generation Portable). The new handheld was announced literally minutes ago at a Sony press conference in Japan.

This device has been designed on five core tenets: Revolutionary User Interface, Social Connectivity, Location-based Entertainment, Converging Real and Virtual, and Playstation Suite Compatibility.

What does that mean? Well let's start with the most obvious improvement. Dual analog sticks for one, which has been a long time coming, 5-inch OLED display (960x544 resolution -- 4x the PSP's); 3G, WiFi and GPS; front and rear touchpads; and a 3-axis motion sensor for good measure, as well as front and rear facing camera's. And who could overlook the games, which will no longer be UMD based, but will instead be flash-memory cards.

As of the time of this writing no price point has been announced, but there is still press conference left. The NGP is slated for a holiday 2011 release date.

PSP2 to be as Powerful as PS3

According to a report from trade site MCV Sony has been telling "Licensees" that the PSP2 will be as powerful as the PS3.

These are big claims that fit in line with Sony's strategy for a new (and still unannounced) handheld device which is "It is specifically requesting richer, more in-depth content to differentiate its device from app-centric Apple and Android devices." The Playstation Phone comes to mind.

The report also mentions that while downloads will play a large role in the handhelds game library, retail games will stay around to help ensure that the handheld has longevity, so no more PSP go situation. There are also talks of some type of phone being included, much like the PSP's current ability to use Skype.

The first announcement of the PSP2 is expected to be January 27th with having subsequent details revealed at GDC and E3.

Now keep in mind, the PSP2 probably won't actually be as powerful as the PS3, but on the smaller screen it's very possible that it could seem like it. We'll be sure to keep you up to date on further announcements.