24-8-08

US, August 20, 2008 - The PSP design crew apparently never sits still. During its Games Convention press conference over in Leipzig, Germany, Sony took the wraps off of the much-rumored PSP 3000. The new device has the same base functionality as the current PSP (known as PSP slim, aka the PSP 2000), and in fact looks pretty much the same. However, there are of course a couple new features.

The PSP 3000 will include a built-in microphone for use with Skype and Go Messenger. It will also feature an "enhanced" LCD screen, with more vibrant colors and reduced glare when using it outside.

The system will launch in Europe on October 15th for 199 Euros, with the PSP slim dropping to 169 Euros. The new system will be available in a variety of packages with single game bundles. Options will include the likes of Harry Potter, Buzz! Quiz Master, Go Messenger, FIFA 09 and more.

Since this is a European conference, the pricing and release date are only applicable to European territories for now, though we should be getting word from the US side in the near future on those details.

UPDATE
Sony America has now chimed in with details for North American folk on the system. The system will be available in two different bundles as well as a core package. Here are the options:

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Entertainment Pack