Netherrealm Studios says it has a PSP2 "in the house"

Mortal Kombat developers Netherrealm Studios has claimed it has a PSP2 in-house, and it "looks like it’s a pretty powerful machine".

While Sony has yet to announced the existence of the handheld, during a PAX Prime interview with Industry Gamers, MK2011 executive producer Shaun Himmerick let a bit of information on the much rumored PSP2 slip.

According to Himmerick,the studio is looking at handhelds for the newest Mortal Kombat game, and mentioned the PSP2 development unit that's "in the house".

"We are looking at [PSP and DS]; we have a PSP2 in the house and we’re looking at the engine, like what can it support," he said. "Always a big thing for us is the performance.

"We’re running at 60 fps, what can we do and do we have to build all the art assets over. We’re definitely looking at them. PSP2 looks like it’s a pretty powerful machine. We don’t have a 3DS system in house yet, but we’re looking to get one, and we’ll certainly look at what its power is."

Previous rumors have PSP2 down for a 2011 launch, but Sony refused to comment on the matter, other than providing outlets with the usual "rumors and speculation" quote.

Sony’s Michael Denny, when asked about the possibility of the handheld, previously stated that the firm didn't have " anything to announce" but its always "looking at the future as well". He also said Sony is concentrating on the current PSP as it is still a "very attractive proposition".

While this little slip-up may sound exciting and all, keep it as a rumor just in case Himmerick is mistaken.

We'll mail Sony, but we honestly don't expect an admission.