Sony Unveils The PSP2

As previously reported, Sony just unveiled a PSP successor, codenamed “Next Generation Portable”, at an event in Tokyo. The biggest bullet point here is that Sony claims the portable system is as powerful as the PS3, which means it will be supposedly able to produce “PS3-like graphics”. Sony did show the hardware up and running.

Update:
The first game details and more information here.

The new device will come with the following features:

• 5-inch OLED touchscreen with 960×544 resolution (the current PSP has a 4.3-inch LCD with 480 × 272 resolution)
• ARM Cortex A9 core CPU (4 core)
• SGX543MP4 GPU
• storage: “new type of mini flash memory cards” (definitely no UMDs anymore)
• new form factor (Sony speaks of a “super oval” shape)
• touch pad on the rear that allows users to “touch” or “push” objects in games from the back
• 3G and Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n connectivity (3G for a portable gaming system is a first)
• front and rear cameras
• dual analog sticks
• tilt-sensitive SIXAXIS controls
• GPS
• built-in stereo speakers, mic
• Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• size: 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm

Here is Sony Japan’s full press release in English.

This pic shows the back of the device:

Sony says the PSP2 will hit stores by year-end. The price hasn’t been fixed yet. Update 4/4/2011: The earthquake and tsunami in Japan may have delayed the PSP2/NGP to 2012 in most markets.

The first colors:

Pic of the new game card:

Pics via AV Watch [JP]

Official pics from Sony Japan:

Update:
The first game details and more information here.