Sony PSP 2 on the Horizon?

Courtesy of VG247, there is a very speculative rumor out that Sony is at work on the sequel to the PlayStation Portable (PSP).

Gaming website MCV reports that it has been informed of a significant increase in Sony marketing spent at two key publishers for Q4 2010. During a time when the PSP is languishing in Western markets, it is being speculated that publishers are laying the ground for an offensive on a brand new addition of Sony's handheld.

Reports from other various sources around the web are reporting that there will be three big changes to the Sony PSP 2, including the addition of two cameras, at least one touchscreen, and there won’t be any physical media, but a 3G wireless connection instead.

Currently in its sixth year of existence, the Sony PSP has remained somewhat the same since its initial release. However, Sony has announced that on June 20th there will finally be a new update available your PSP's operating system which will include the latest security patches, settings, features and other items.

Sony had the wind taken out of its sails just last year with the leak of PSPgo before it could be revealed at its Press Event, but there were loads of schematics and massive amounts of rumbling on the new system long before the Qore episode was purportedly leaked.

Keep in mind that this is all just speculation and MCV notes that there have been no official documents released as of yet, and when contacted, Sony replied that there were "no imminent plans to launch a new PSP".

So, whether the publishers are mistaken, confused, or right on the money is anyone’s guess at this time, and while possibly far-fetched, it's out there now for your consideration. And don't get your hopes up if you're expecting to hear anything about this at E3 next month.