Meet the PSP 3?

Kris Erickson • Apr 7, 2010 • Comments ()

We'll have to wait until E3 to find out if a PSP2 is already in the works. However, we can confirm that the PSP3 exists, and it is definitely a powerful machine. The next PlayStation Portable won't be easy to carry around, but we can confirm that it will contain both the Cell processor and RSX chip from Sony's home console. That's because this PSP actually IS a home console, just with a screen and speakers bolted on.

For some inexplicable reason, Japanese accessory maker Hori decided that the PS3 needed to be made more portable. So they've created a strap-on screen for Sony's slim PS3 gaming console, allowing gamers to take their Blu-ray movies and games on the go. The device (called the HP3-87) features an 11.6-inch screen that folds down like a notebook on top of the console. The LCD screen sports a native resolution of 1366x768, meaning that games and movies can still be enjoyed in 720p high-definition. A pair of stereo speakers as well as headphone jacks are included in the design. It will still need to be plugged into the wall like normal, limiting its true portability. It also will take up a considerable amount of space in your luggage, so don't even think about flying anywhere with it on a budget airline.

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The screen features a somewhat mediocre 500:1 contrast ratio, 7ms response time, meaning that it won't set the world on fire in terms of performance. One cool thing is that Hori's accessory is compatible with Sony's Torne TV tuner and DVR for the PS3, allowing users to watch TV broadcasts recorded on the hard drive.

The HP3-87 accessory will launch in Japan on May 27th, for the price of 18,800 Yen ($200 USD). No word on whether the device will see release in the West. Is this a product our American and European readers would be interested in?