Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is preparing a yet another version of its PlayStation Portable (PSP) video game console for the launch next year, whereas the next-generation PlayStation Portable will only be released at a later point.

The model PSP-4000, the fourth version of Sony PSP and the third slim-and-lite flavour of the portable console, will be released in late 2009, “publishing sources” revealed in an interview with EuroGamer web-site. Meanwhile, the true next-generation portable game system will be released at a later time.

Back in November rumours transpired that Sony had licensed PowerVR graphics processor technologies for the next-gen PSP2. If the information was correct, then in the best case scenario the PlayStation Portable 2 will see the light of the day in late 2010, but it is highly likely that it will be launched sometime in 2011.

As many other companies, SCEI does not comment on future products, currently developed technologies and market rumours. Therefore, it is impossible to verify anything about the PSP2 at this point. In fact, a high-ranking Sony Executive said that there is no PSP2 even in the plans.

“There are currently no plans for a PSP2. I go to Tokyo quite a lot and no one has referred to it – I think they have their hands full at the moment,” said David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, in an interview with MCV web-site.

It may not be crucial for Sony to release its next-generation PSP. The current device provides decent amount of features and performance that will be relevant for a year or two at least. Meanwhile, leaving the next-gen console without certain technologies that will be demanded in five to six years time is something that Sony is unlikely to do.

Tags: Sony, PlayStation Portable, Imagination, PowerVR, Playstation