New PSP to launch with 100 digital titles - report

The new model PSP, expected to be announced at E3 this June, is likely to be supported at launch with over 100 titles made available through the PlayStation Network.

That's according to a report by 1UP, which claims the new PSP will drop the UMD drive and come in two SKUs, with eight and 16GB of flash memory.

Speculation of a redesigned system has been rife, with many expecting a complete overhaul for Sony's handheld. 1UP's report suggests the new model will not be the PSP 2 that some expect, but will feature a sliding screen and retain the current button configuration, without introducing dual analog sticks.

According to the report, the system is likely to launch in Japan this September, with other regions following before the end of the year. It's also suggested the new PSP will retain the Go! branding already introduced on some PSP products in Europe.

Sony is attempting to reinvigorate the PSP market this year, with both US marketing boss John Koller and out-going Euro president David Reeves stating that 2009 is expected to see the best software line-up in the history of the system.

Following the announcement of MotorStorm and LittleBigPlanet titles for PSP earlier this year, Sony is also promising more big names for the system, along with renewed publisher support from the likes of Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and Capcom.

Sony has told GamesIndustry.biz that it does not comment on rumour or speculation.