We’ve been waiting for a long time and Sony may finally make the PSP2 public on January 27. A rumor from “trade sources” suggests that it will be shown at a special event in Tokyo. Publishers were reported by MCV as having known since late last year and would have had development kits for some time.

The company’s PlayStation head Kaz Hirai has already hinted that the system was in development and that it would combine touch and buttons. A full touchscreen along with a possible back touchpad and dual analog sticks might show up in the initial model. Sony is also planning a major jump in performance that might give performance closer to that of the PS3. The photo above is from an earlier leak and has changed since then to be a non-slider.

[electronista]