Sony will launch a new version of its PlayStation Portable (PSP) this fall in Japan, the company announced Tuesday. The PSP-3000, which Sony debuted in August, features a new high contrast LCD screen and built-in microphone.
The revamped handheld gaming device also offers twice the memory of previous models, 4GB, and boasts improved graphics. Sony will release new accessories as well, including a battery pack and cradle.
Available in three basic colours, "piano black", "pearl white", and "mystic silver", the device will hit Japanese store shelves on 16 October 2008 at a retail price of 19,800 yen (US$182).
A unit bundled with "Mobile Suit Gundam Gundam vs. Gundam" will launch on 20 November, priced at 24,840 yen ($228). A PSP-3000 bundled with "Patapon 2 Donchaka", set to hit stores on 27 November, will sell for 23,800 yen ($218). Finally, on 18 December, Sony will release a "Dissida Final Fantasy" bundle selling for 25,890 yen ($237).
"There definitely are some improvements. Improving the display and continuing to improve the graphics on it can't hurt - especially in Japan, which is such a high-def society so far in front of the US," said Michael Goodman, an independent gaming and digital media analyst.
"It comes with a larger memory stick; the old one was 2 gigs. So, they are clearly evolving the PSP as a handheld media platform, and it's a memory stick - but that storage is absolutely critical," Goodman told TechNewsWorld.
