Sony announces PSP-3000

Sony officially revealed the new PSP game console PSP 3000 at the Leipzig Games Convention in Germany, confirming rumors that had popped up online recently.

The new PSP will be released in mid-October with an enhanced LCD screen and a built-in microphone that enables it to be used as a phone.

The PSP-3000, which will be available in North America, Europe, Japan and Asia, has the same dimensions of the current PSP Slim & Lite, and comes in three different colors: white, black and silver.

It can be used to make phone calls through the Skype service, which Sony added to current PSP consoles earlier this year in an effort to expand its appeal in the middle of fierce competition with Nintendo.

The new LCD screen adopts an anti-reflection technology, which allows users to see the screen more clearly in well-lit places, even when used outdoors.

The built-in microphone will enable users to easily enjoy PSP games that make use of a microphone, in addition to Skype and other communication tools.

The PSP 3000 comes with a price tag of $199.99 in North America and 199 euros ($294) in Europe. The price for Asia has not yet been announced.

Playstation Portable is gaining overwhelming support from an extensive range of PSP fans across the world through the exciting lineup of PSP games and softwares as well as the introduction of color variations and network services. Since the launch of the PSP Slim in September 2007, the expansion of the PSP device has been further accelerated, and more than 41 million units have been sold as of June 2008.

“Demand for the consoles is still strong, especially in the United States,” said Yoko Sakaki, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. spokeswoman.

Sony intends to sell 15 million PSPs throughout the world in the current fiscal year to March 2009.

Updated: See PSP-3000 vs PSP-2000 comparison pics here.

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