Decker

Yes, I know all about the upcoming PSP, but it seems to me a much more obvious, desirable alternative is possible. Why not have a portable PS2 developed like the current portable DVD players? I'm sure the technology exists to fit all the needed componants in a portable DVD case, and with portable DVD players all the rage now, I bet it could be made cheaply. They could throw in a wireless controller and make a device that every kid in America would be begging his family for this Christmas. Sure it's bigger and perhaps less durable than the PSP, but the fact that it could double as the family's portable DVD player would make it very popular. And since it would be playing games that people already own, the investment would seem more palatable to the parents. I just think that the PSP has the potential to be a flop (maybe not like the N-Gage, but certainly it could hurt Sony's bottom line, especially if they start out at $300 and don't move well) and this would have been a sure-fire hit.

Thoughts?

Drexl

I don't think it's possible yet to reasonably pack all that in to a unit that small. The technology to power the PS2 is a lot more sophisticated than what a portable DVD player needs. It would generate too much heat, and the battery life would be way too short. It would just be too big, especially since you need room for two analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, six face buttons, and a d-pad, plus the little button to switch to analog mode in PS games. Also, when you press buttons, the unit would move a little, and this could cause problems with the disc skipping.

Unless of course, you're suggesting it be a two piece unit. Is that what you mean with the wireless controller? That would really limit its usefulness, since you would have to be in an environment where you have a table in front of you to set the part with the display on.

Decker

Yes, I was referring to something similar to the PS One, but perhaps with a wireless controller and a better, self-contained TFT screen. I wouldn't think it would require a box bigger than a large portable DVD player to incorperate alll it's function (besides a HDD of course). As far as battery power, yes it would proably be short, but so are laptops and DVD players.

DVD Josh

I would imagine the biggest problems would be the processor and the fan. Neither of these things are present in a portable DVD player.

LeRoy

They don't make money on the consoles they make it on the accessories and the games. They want everyone to go out and buy new games not play their old collection on a portable system.

jw2299

Yep.

But, to be fair, the PS One did extend the lifespan of the original playstation for another few years. Maybe they'll give the PS2 the same treatment when PS3 comes out.

Drexl

Well, the idea would be to somehow streamline the technology so that it doesn't need a fan, like what is done for laptops. Unless they would be willing to make it the size of a laptop and price it at $500 or more, I don't think it could be done.

DVD Josh

First, if you want laptop size, most are powerful enough right now to run PS2 emulators.

Second, laptop size is awfully big for a portable gaming system

Third, and I honestly don't know the answer to this, is there a laptop WITHOUT a fan?