The rumor mill suggests Sony will officially unveil the PSP2 on Thursday. If and when it does, Japanese newspaper Nikkei is reporting the device will feature a large OLED touch screen and 3G wireless support.

Nikkei's report, kindly translated by the folks at Andriasang, indicates Sony has partnered with NTT DoCoMo in Japan to include built-in 3G support for the PSP2 in addition to standard wireless LAN. The service will allow users to download games, software and movies, but will not allow for phone calls, according to Nikkei.

Popular fan created mock-up of the PSP2.

In addition to 3G, the PSP2 will include a "larger than normal" OLED touch screen and be built around a proprietary processor Sony designed with high-resolution visuals in mind, Nikkei states. The paper did not provide any details on pricing for the device or its 3G service.

Last week Bloomberg, citing two sources "with direct knowledge of Sony's plans," reported that Sony will hold a press conference on January 27 to officially unveil the PSP2. Sony has confirmed it will hold a press conference on Thursday but declined to comment on its subject.


Sharkey says: I have little doubt the PSP2 will be an impressive piece of hardware. The question is, has Sony learned that gamers aren't interested in paying console prices for a portable? When the original PSP launched in 2005, it retailed for $250 - $100 more than Nintendo's DS. Now that Nintendo has revealed the 3DS will retail for $250, what will Sony do? Smart money says Sony will once again price its portable at a premium. But if it really wants to compete with Nintendo, the PSP2 will have to be at or below $250.