Like an ageing relative sitting atop a multimillion-pound inheritance, rumours of a PlayStation Portable 2 just refuse to die. But allegedly “credible sources” have now confirmed in an online report that, yes, a new model is definitely coming.

The supposedly trustworthy sources told gaming website IGN that a PSP 2 is on the horizon and that the new design will feature a “widescreen multi-touch interface”.

This interface, we’re told, will be comparable to that of the iPhone for both in-game control and menu navigation. If true, this would be a welcome addition, as gamers have often lambasted the PSP’s fiddly nature - especially when typing URLs.

The moles’ leaked information follows the recent appearance of what’s thought to be a Sony customer survey on Joystiq. It asked gamers to rate from one to five how likely they would be to buy a new PSP if it was equipped with more juicy features.

Options ranged from a touchscreen and “keyboard for easier internet browsing”, to an integrated hard drive and TV tuner. It also quizzed people about their views for PSP GPS navigation and easier communication with the PS3.

Unfortunately, nothing’s been mentioned about adding telephone capabilities to the PSP - a feature that’s long been rumoured as Sony’s next step for the handheld console. ®