Hirai hints at PSP2 touch controls

For much of 2010, unconfirmed reports of the PSP2 have bounced around the Web. In particular, rumors that the device would have a touch-sensitive pad on its back have been around as far back as August. Those rumors were seemingly confirmed when purported photos of a PSP2 dev kit surfaced last month.

Today, in an interview with the New York Times, Sony Computer Entertainment president and group CEO Kaz Hirai dropped some tantalizing hints about the PSP2.

When asked about what kind of controls the next PSP might have, Hirai gave the following answer: "Depending on the game, there are ones where you can play perfectly well with a touch panel, but you can definitely play immersive games better with physical buttons and pads. I think there could be games where you're able to use both in combination." (Emphasis added.)

Hirai was also asked about reports of Sony Ericsson's PSP Go-like gaming phone, which may--or may not--be PlayStation branded. "We don't want gamers to be asking, what's the difference between that and a PSP," said Hirai, without confirming the device's existence. "We have to come up with a message that users will understand. It would have to be a product that keeps the PlayStation's strengths intact."

Finally, Hirai expressed his belief that the increased interest in casual games will actually benefit Sony, traditionally a maker of more hardcore games. "We're seeing people who never had an interest in games join the gaming population," he explained. "That means that the gaming industry pie is getting bigger."