Sony to stop selling PSP dev kits

PlayStation platform holder has confirmed to MCV that it will stop selling PSP development kits to studios on November 15th.

The decision was taken due to the expiry of current development and test tools.

However, the news does signal the end of the handheld in the way that some sites are reporting. Speaking to MCV, a spokesperson confirmed:

We will continue to provide loan stock for registered and new developers until a new certified model is available.”

It’s not clear whether that means a new model of the current PSP dev kit or instead equipment for the machine’s still unannounced successor.

Chatter concerning the existence of PSP2 has reached fever pitch recently. Last month Mortal Kombat developer Netherrealm Studios boldly proclaimed that it had a PSP2 in the house and we’re looking at the engine”.

Then last week it was revealed that Sony has distributed PSP2 dev kits to a number of its key development partners.

UPDATE: Sony has contacted MCV to confirm the exact situation. The licence of the current PSP dev kits expires on November 15th. The company, however, WILL be renewing them and when that is complete the sale of current PSP kits will resume as normal. In the interim a temporary loan system will be put in place.