Back in September last year we heard that Sony were releasing a slimmer version of the PS Vita. Initially the PS Vita Slim was released in Japan but, the slimmer handheld console is now set to release in the UK come February 7th. While available in several colours in Japan, the UK will only have the option of the black model.

The Slimmer Vita is 20% slimmer than the first generation Vita and 15% lighter. The new model no longer features an OLED display but, instead Sony have opted for an LED display. Other changes include bettery battery life and 1GB of inbuilt storage. The suggested retail price for the new Vita is £180 for the Wifi model. The current ‘phat’ model in comparison can be bought for £169 with the Mega Pack of 10 games and a 16GB memory card.

A new megapack featuring Indie games is also soon to be released, which will feature 10 games from independent developers, such as Hotline Miami as well as coming with a 4GB memory card and is slated to be released priced at £20.

There’s been numerous rumours in the past surrounding a PSP2 from Sony. Many thought that Sony’s next portable device after the PSP 3000, aka PSP Brite, would be the PSP2. Instead we found another “PSP1 model” to complete the range of PlayStation Portable devices, the PSPgo.

EA recently revealed in an interview that as developers, they had gained early access to the next gen portable gaming device from Sony. Patrick Soderland, Senior VP has added that ” “Obviously as a developer we have had that access but, I’m not allowed to talk about it.”

Unfortunately in what way the access was provided we don’t know, whether they were given just specifications, a prototype, or a near finished product. It’s quite possible that it would be either the specifications, or an early prototype that developers are given access to, as many believe that the PSP2 will not begin shipping until late 2011, in time for the holiday season.

When it launches it will have to compete with Nindendo’s DS, both DSi and 3D models, as well as Apple’s iPod Touch and iPhone. Sony has led the way before in the portable gaming market but, will the PSP2 be enough to revive that energy and support that the original PSP had?

Sony haven’t confirmed the existence of a PlayStation Portable sequence and the above picture is one of many concept images of the PSP2.

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SCEA SVP of PR Rob Dyer has said the PSP will expect a pretty “robust” third-party line-up for 2010.

He stated that, despite admitting to problems with piracy on the handheld, there will be a great range of games in first and third-party line-ups.

And went on to say:

“I think we had a great lineup last year,” said Dyer. “The biggest problem that plagued PSP was piracy; we have not been able to slow that down. We think we have some answers going forward, but we’re not ready to talk about that publicly at this point.

“So we’re working on fixing that, because that’s been a big problem.”

“That said, we still have a very robust lineup this year from third parties on the PSP, starting with Metal Gear Peace Walker,” he further added.

Well I would like to see continued success for the PSP I remember when I bought my first one I was so excited to get it home and unbox it as I am sure many of you were. I am looking forward to the titles they will be releasing this year.

Tecmo Koei has announced Dead or Alive: Paradise is headed to the PSP this Spring, and promises “the most beautiful 3D female characters even seen in any PSP title.”

From Tecmo Koei:

“Featuring all the DEAD OR ALIVE lovelies, basking in the tropical sun of ‘New Zack Island’ you will be able to mingle, flirt, play, take snapshots, and challenge the girls in various mini-games found throughout your private island in the best looking PSP game yet.

Boasting the most beautiful 3D female characters even seen in any PSP title, you will be able to indulge in beach volleyball, pool hopping, as well as visiting the revamped casino resort run by the enigmatic ‘Rio’. With an exhaustive shopping option as well, spend your hard-earned ZACK currency on hundreds of cool items, from clothes to gadgets then keep them for yourself or give them as gifts to your new girlfriends. The more gifts you give, the stronger your bond with them will grow.

You’ll also be able to snap candid photos of your giggling beauties in their beachwear which you can store in your very own private photo album and collect ‘Venus Clips’ to enjoy later. It’s all on-the-go, and all in the palm of your hand. Take your girls anywhere. Play with them any time.”

One of my favourite series is going to be released for the PSP. Game developer Project Aces is bringing the game to the PSP, with over 40 aircraft, a campaign mode, multiplayer online modes, real-world locations, and visuals you have come to expect from the Ace Combat game series.

Here’s some details from Namco:

“Take to the skies and reign supreme as a top Ace pilot in a variety of ACE COMBAT JOINT ASSAULT’S action-packed adversarial and team-based multiplayer modes via ad hoc or infrastructure. Team up with three friends to take down the forces of evil in campaign mode, featuring the specially designed Joint Assault Mission System. Players break off into two teams and simultaneously complete objectives on two separate maps. Objectives completed on one map will affect battle conditions on the other. ACE COMBAT JOINT ASSAULT also includes intense eight-player adversarial matches across a variety of locations. Strategic planning and a steady aim will be paramount to your victory as advanced aircrafts screech through the sky with only one objective in mind – taking you out of it.”