Sony Unveils Details of Next Generation Portable (NGP)

Sony on Thursday announced the next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP). Not due in stores until the end of 2011, NGP will feature a multi-touch 5-inch OLED front display, a multi-touch pad on the back of the device, dual analog sticks, front and rear cameras, three motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer and electric compass.

It will also have both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity and PlayStation Network access. Games will be on small, dedicated flash memory-based cards, and PSP titles, PS one classics, video and comics from the PlayStation Store will all be able to be played on the NGP.

In addition, every game for NGP will have a space called "LiveArea" where users can share the fun with other players. An "Activity" log will be able to be viewed, and is updated with accomplishments from users who are playing the same game. Also, a new application called "Near" will be pre-installed in the system and let users find out what their friends in the area are playing now or what they were playing recently. Users will be able to meet their friends and new players virtually, regardless of what games they are playing by sharing their game information.

Pricing for NGP has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more details.