We all know that sooner or later Sony is going to release the next PSP, known as PSP 3000, to the market. But could that be coming sooner than we think?

A few pictures have surfaced on a Chinese PSP site that allegedly show the PSP 3000, the third generation PSP. Apparently, these photos have leaked from a factory in China where PSP is manufactured.

If it’s for real, it suggests that Sony has more revisions in store for the handheld. A redesign seems possible, particularly since Sony has already mentioned a PSP-3000 model in leaked technical documents.

The images of component parts, which we have so far, show minor modifications to the PSP design. Most importantly is what appears to be a built in microphone next to the volume buttons, a feature that would be useful for those who want to use Skype on their PSP.

The chrome ring on the UMD drive on the back of the device is also thinner, possibly keeping the console more stable on flat surfaces. And there is also a new button with the PS brand logo next to the two volume push buttons, replacing the HOME button found on the PSP-1000 and 2000 series.

From these shots though, it doesn’t seem that the next PSP will be much, if any, thinner than PSP slim.

Other features a new PSP might have, discussed in many forums and sites, include built-in disk space, a camera, Bluetooth and 802.11n wireless support and even an all-new ‘PSP-phone’.

Obviously, nothing about this report can be considered official, and without a confirmation from Sony, it is impossible to speculate what other changes might be in store for an upcoming hardware revision.

With all that said, the PSP 3000 could be among the surprise announcements Sony and many other publishers said we should expect at Leipzig next month. And if it’s already in production, it means that it would probably arrive just in time for the holidays, the same time PSP slim was released last year.

Don’t forget to check out PSP Games site to get more news about PSP 3000 and more!