Unveiled: Tantalising new PSP concept design

While most consumers are blissfully happy to ignore glaring aesthetic shortcomings while snapping up each new generation of console hardware, not everyone is satisfied by enhanced gameplay when it’s encased in sub-standard design.While we’re not casting aspersions at Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo, there are certain gaming fans who are so disgruntled with design elements that they’re willing to invest considerable time and effort in creating exactly what they would like to see on the market.Following in the footsteps of this 3D concept clip for a revamped and re-imagined Nintendo DS Lite -- which received notable fan feedback when it appeared a few months ago -- a new-look PlayStation Portable has this week swept across the Net, leaving dropped jaws aplenty in its wake. Sadly, it'll never happen. Credit: BluezPS

Sadly, it'll never happen. Credit: BluezPSAping the common popularity of modern mobile phones, this concept PSP sports a sexy sliding display that absolutely maximises screen sizing while also hiding the console’s controls in a sleek total package.

You know you want one! Credit: BluezPS.

Beyond the hugely appealing screen, the ultra slimline PSP also addresses one of the current PSP’s major desgin failings in that it clearly incorporates dual analogue thumb pads. The directional pad and face buttons are laid out as you’d expect to find them on the existing PSP or a PlayStation controller.The only question mark -- from a control point of view -- is that it’s not clear to see how the left and right shoulder buttons have been added into the concept design. The fact that the non-slide section of the unit is so thin would perhaps make the shoulder buttons difficult to integrate? Ah, we’re losing ourselves in the warm and welcoming pool of whimsical possibility.Bottom line, for this writer, is that I’d be willing to buy this PSP right now if it suddenly appeared in stores -- I’d even be willing to toss my trusty Nintendo DS out the window (thee floors up) if this sexy minx came with iPhone-esque touch-screen capabilities and other pseudo smartphone features.Sadly, however, this will likely remain nothing more than a tantalising glimpse of what Sony could have done with the PSP. Shame.