The word was confirmed at the scaled-down E3 this month: Sony actually is releasing a mildly remodeled PSP later this year. And there was cause for rejoicing from Honolulu to the Outer Banks.

While I tend to prefer the PSP over the clunky original Nintendo DS, the DS remodel has been putting pressure on Sony for months now. While the new PSP won’t add a much-needed second analog stick, the new form will feature an even brighter screen, improved battery life, a trimmer design and some other technical improvements.

A screen that doesn’t scratch without being protected would be a nice idea, but doesn’t appear to be part of the package. We’ll see how it looks when more details are announced later this year.