Sony's PSP Could See Touch Controls on the Back in Next Generation Model

It's been a little while since we've heard rumors about the next generation PSP. At least, rumors that were interesting enough to talk about. This time around, it's sounding more and more like Sony's planning on keeping the overall look and feel of the current generation PSP-3000, but they've definitely got some interesting ideas that are either going to hit gamer's right in the heart, or right in the face.

We're not sure how this new rumor falls into place with Sony's UK Sales Director, Mark Howsen, when he said the company was going to completely reinvent the PSP model. We mentioned in that earlier report that Sony recognized Apple's diligence in selling expensive hardware, and keeping their software (in the video game market, anyway) relatively low. These new rumors may support that, at least money wise, but we're not sure how customers will look at it.

According to some rumors floating around Gamescom right now, Sony is planning on adding touch controls onto the back of the new PSP. It makes sense, logically. While touch-based games and touchscreens may be awesome, and the latest thing, it gets rough when you're playing a game and your digits keep getting in the way. So, if Sony could figure out a way to put those touch controls on the back, and make the game still comfortable to play, then it would seem to us like they've got a winner on their hand. And if Sony's keeping the body of the PSP-3000, then we already know it's relatively comfortable holding in the hand for long periods of time.

However, there is nothing being mentioned about other hardware controls. No joysticks. Physical buttons. Not even a start button. Would Sony really be playing with the idea to ditch the prodigal "X, triangle, square, circle" controls? An all-touch PSP wouldn't be completely out of context, and we're sure that Sony's played with the idea a few times, but we'll be surprised if it comes to market like that. No word on when we should expect to see it, either, unfortunately. So more waiting it is.

[via Eurogamer]