Whatever Sony ends up calling the next PSP (PSP2 or PSP-4000), it will be a drastic departure from current models if recent rumors are to be believed.
A week ago, Shiny founder Dave Perry dropped numerous details on Sony’s next PSP, calling it a "fully digital online device." Now, according to "a development source close to Sony" that spoke to EuroGamer, Perry’s earlier statements are true, among other additions.
The inside source claims that the new portable will not feature a UMD drive, and will have a screen "basically the same as the one in the 3000 – except it slides."
So, in the ‘open’ position it will function like a regular PSP, while in the ‘closed’ position the width of the system will decrease significantly, and only the shoulder buttons will be accessible. This means that most games cannot be played while the system is ‘closed’, but games that feature only shoulder button input — like LocoRoco — will function perfectly. The source also expects that media can be played in this position.
Sony, of course, was unwilling to comment on this "rumor and speculation," but as similar statements emerge from multiple industry insiders, these rumors continue to gain validity.
We’ll have more on the PSP2/PSP-4000 as it breaks.