From GayGamer: More PSP2/4000 Rumors Surface

Our GayGamer colleague Game-Boy got the scoop on the PSP v iPhone rumor that's going around, which sees the next PSP as a slide/flip-screened, double-analog-sticked bad boy that Pocket Gamer finds worthy of the moniker "iPhone beater":

It's no secret that Sony has been working on some sort of revision of the PSP, but there's been nothing but conflicting information coming from a variety of developer leaks. Today's latest batch via PocketGamer's anonymous developer source says that the next hardware update is set to include a touchscreen, a d-pad and set of face buttons that slide out, and... you better sit down for this one... a second analogue nub/stick. Praise Jebus!

The source also claims that Sony is ready to ditch the controversial UMD this holiday season in favor of digital distribution through the PlayStation Network Store. While I've never been a big fan of the UMD, I can't say that I'm that ecstatic to hear this. Sony's online stores have been awkward experiences for me at best and the 5th circle of User Interface Hell at worst (that's right next the original Xbox, for those wondering). Add on the fact that there's still no Mac software option for the PlayStation Network and I get the feeling that I'll be missing the UMD drive as much as I miss the GBA slot on the DSi.

Everyone, including the source of this latest rumor, is predicting that Sony will reveal the next step in the PSPs evolution at this year's E3 in June. Only time will tell if these stories are true or not, but with so much gossip around the PSP I get the feeling that there's at least a small amount of truth some of these rumors.

[PSP 2 coming pre-Chrismas will be an iPhone beater] PocketGamer