Sony gaming chief Kazuo Hirai has hinted that the next-gen Playstation Portable (PSP) will likely feature a touch-screen interface along with conventional gaming buttons and analog sticks.
“Depending on the game, there are ones where you can play perfectly well with a touch panel,” Hirai told the New York Times. ”
But you can definitely play immersive games better with physical buttons and pads. I think there could be games where you’re able to use both in combination.”
In addition, Hirai noted that the upcoming system would appeal to core fans who preferred conventional console gameplay to casual titles.
“The games being played on Android and Apple platforms are fundamentally different from the world of immersive games that Sony Computer Entertainment, and PlayStation, aims for.
“[Still], we’re seeing people who never had an interest in games join the gaming population. That means that the gaming industry pie is getting bigger.”
Hirai also commented on the rather enigmatic PSP phone, emphasizing that Sony didn’t want to confuse its fan base.
“We don’t want gamers to be asking, what’s the difference between that and a PSP.
“[As such], we have to come up with a message that users will understand. It would have to be a product that keeps the PlayStation’s strengths intact,” he added. [[PSP]]
