While Sony continues to dismiss rumors that a PSP2 is not far off, such efforts have done little to quell speculation. Murmurs of a PSP successor have surfaced once again, this time from a “senior industry source” that UK-based trade site MCV reports has solid intel on Sony’s future plans.

MCV’s source says publishers are in the process of ramping up marketing efforts for the next iteration of Sony’s handheld. One publisher noted that it is waiting on a “specific announcement” from Sony before it can reveal its PSP plans, yet refrained from elaborating further.

Iteration is a vague term in the case of the PSP, especially given that the platform has went through numerous hardware revisions over the years. Still, considering the platform is now six years old, coupled with mixed reactions to the PSPgo, another refresh seems unlikely. Which, in turn, means the notion of seeing a successor is not exactly far-fetched at this point — despite a strong line of software offerings on the way, the likes of which include Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

Sony’s official stance is that it has “no imminent plans to launch a new PSP.” It’s clear that Sony is keeping a tight grip over the flow of information after last year’s worst kept secret of E3 — the PSPgo. At any rate, if there’s any truth here, we’ll know soon enough. E3 is only a month away.

PSP 2 – the big E3 surprise? [MCVUK]

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