We’ve seen a lot of mock-up PSPs in the past. Whether they were imitation PSPGos, PSP Phones, or PSP2s, these were either very good, or very bad, models of the gaming system we all know and like.
However, the supposed PSP2 pictures that have recently leaked onto the internet don’t look like mock-ups.

Perhaps that’s due to the crappy image quality, but it’s definite these weren’t thrown together on Photoshop by a fanboy. From what we can see, this PSP slides like the PSPGo, but looks much bigger. It’s also got two analog sticks, a microphone, touchpad, and camera.

We’re unsure whether this model will ever see the light of day, as Sony has stated they’ve designed several different variations of the PSP2, but it’s definitely interesting to see what they’ve been thinking about for the device.

According to Kotaku‘s report, the images have been confirmed by a development source. You can make your own conclusions after the jump.

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While the PSPGo might not be on the top of most gamer’s “must-have” lists, it definitely is about to jump a little higher in the ranks. Sony’s dishing out some great deals to make investing in this portable console even more affordable and appealing.

Starting this month, any PSPGo system purchased will come with a voucher for three downloads for the system absolutely free. This is an $80 value, and includes quality titles such as LittleBigPlanet, Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3.

It seems like Sony is finally figuring out how to deal with people who want to upgrade to the PSPGo, but don’t want to abandon their already assembled UMD collections. This way, gamers can start playing these free games as soon as they get their new PSPGo consoles at no cost to them. This deal will be running until March 31st, 2011.

Additionally,Sony’s permanently dropping the price on Ape Escape: On the Loose, Buzz! Master Quiz, Hot Shots Golf Open Tee, LocoRoco 2, Patapon 2, PixelJunk Monster Deluxe, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo, Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow and Twisted Metal: Head On. These games are all being added to a new “Favorites” software line, and they will all be available for $9.99. Not bad.

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We’ve been talking a lot about the PSPgo here at The Flickcast, both comparing it to the earlier PSP models and discussing problems with its impending release. The biggest issue the PSPgo is facing is the removal of the UMD drive. Because the PSPgo doesn’t allow for the use of UMDs, if you already own PSP games you won’t be able to play them on your new console just yet.

Fans are wary about running out and buy a brand new device without the ability to play the extensive collection of games they already have for it, and retailers in some countries are even refusing to carry the device, citing that they don’t agree with Sony’s download-only sales strategy.

However, Kotaku reports that Sony’s got a solution to this problem… in Europe. Anyone upgrading from the PSP to the PSPgo will recieve three free PSP titles. Seventeen titles are being offered, including Killzone: Liberation, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3, WipEout Pure, echochrome, LocoRoco, and Papaton. In order to get your three free games, you’ll need any UMD, an older PSP, and an internet connection to access the Playstation Network.

This solution is certainly better than rebuying all your old PSP games, but for gamers with far more than three PSP games are sure to still feel frustrated. You’ll be able to receive your three free games  from October 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 in European territories. The PSPgo hits shelves October 1st in the US, and we here at The Flickcast hope that Sony will bring this option to us here in America as well.

Sony’s been on our radar a lot recently here at The Flickcast- first with the release of the Playstation 3 Slim and recently with the upcoming PSPGo. Now, G4 brings to our attention a document posted by MCV, stating that the entire Playstation 2 game catalog will soon be available for purchase on the Playstation Network.

The move is no surprise, as the PS3 Slim doesn’t have PS2 backwards compatibility. Making the catalog available would certainly silence some gamer complaints, and maybe even boost PS3 and PS3 Slim sales. However, this change may be frustrating to gamers who have held onto their PS2 games, and might not want to repurchase them. It also could cause a drop in sales on boxed PS2 titles, which are still sold in stores.

We’re sure to find out all the details during the Tokyo Game Show, especially when Sony delivers their keynote speech this Thursday. For now, we’ll keep this on the rumor pile.

Just weeks after the release of the new Playstation 3 Slim, Sony is unleashing a new console into the market: The PSPGo. This little gadget, while not a new console, has many improvements over the previous models. But is it worth it to upgrade, especially if you already own a PSP? The Flickcast takes a closer look to find out . . .

What We Like

• Sony has decided to do away with UMDs, and has instead built in 16 GB of internal flash memory into the console. Now you won’t have to carry around those round discs anymore, which are very delicate and take up a bunch of space, and you’ll be able to download a lot of old Playstation games and the new PSP Minis (similar to iPhone games) from the Playstation Network Store. This space is expandable up to 48 GB.

• The PSPGo is 43% lighter and 56% smaller than the original PSP-1000 and 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000. The portable has always been a bit bulkier than its competitor, the Nintendo DS/DSi and now Sony seems to be doing something about it.

• Instead of having all the controls right on the sides of the screen, the PSPGo slides down, revealing the d-pad, the standard Playstation action buttons, start/select buttons, and the “Home” button.

• The console will have Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and tethering between computers or cell phones.

What We Don’t Like

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