PSP 3000 announced by Sony for October release. Features enhanced LCD screen and built-in microphone

Sony has revealed the PSP 3000 redesign for an October release in America. The new redesigned system will originally be sold only as part of two different packages. This was announced during Sony’s Press Conference for the Leipzig Games Convention 2008, the biggest video game convention in the world (now that E3 has downsized).

The first is a Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Entertainment Pack and the second is a new 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack which will include a 1GB Memory Stick Duo, an UMD copy of the film National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets, and a voucher for the downloadable title Echochrome. Both packs will retail for $199.99 and include the new redesigned PSP 3000. Later in the year the PSP 3000 will get a normal standalone release in a Core Pack that will retail for $169.99. The new model will immediately upon release replace the current PSP.

The PSP 3000 was announced at Europe’s biggest game event (Their E3) known as the Leipzig Games Convention where Sony unveiled it at their press conference. Like the last edition, the PSP 3000 will have the same video output functionality but it’s been upgraded so it can output gameplay in interlaced video format that’s compatible with non-progressive video displays

The PSP 3000 has two major additions to the previous version (PSP 2000). First off it features an enhanced LCD screen that gives you improved color reproduction; i.e. more natural and vibrant colors. It also will feature “anti-reflection technology” which will foil glare. This means that the screen should be virtually 100% glare free even when playing outside! Which is definitely a huge plus.

The other major upgrade is an added built-in microphone, just like on the Nintendo DS. This will also allow you to make phone calls using Skype (although a wi-fi connection is required to do so) and to chat without having to use a headset. They also added a “PlayStation Button” which will replace the “Home” Button in the lower left although it will apparently have the same functionality as before. Sony did not mention when or if an in-game XMB (CrossMediaBar) will become available, as is expected when Sony brings Trophies to the system rumored.

The system will also retain it’s slime design, the new features will not add any bulk to the system and it will be available in three different colors: Piano Black, Pearl White, and Mystic Silver.

The Playstation Portable 3000 has a European release date of October 15 for 199 Euros (approximately $291.67). And not only that, but it will come with no less than 8 (yes, EIGHT!) different one-game bundles at launch, including one with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, one with FIFA Soccer 09 and one with Buzz! Quiz Master. The PSP Slim will then drop in price to $169 Euros to make way for the new PSP 3000 and will be available on it’s own for a limited amount of time.

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