A Closer Look at the New PSP-3000

Kotaku has posted new photos of Sony's new PlayStation Portable model. The PSP-3000 will be available in Piano Black, Mystic Silver, and (exclusively or Japan and Europe) Pearl White! For release details, click here!

New 160GB PS3 and PSP-3000 Bundles Unveiled!

Sony made two huge announcements at Leipzig today. Here's what was posted on the official PlayStation.Blog:

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune PS3 Bundle w/ 160GB PlayStation 3
After listening to many consumers, Sony will be releasing a limited edition bundle comprised of the following:

• 160GB Sony PlayStation 3 gaming console
• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune game
• PLAYSTATION Network voucher for PAIN
• DualShock 3 wireless controller

The blog states the bundle is set for a November release (just in time for the holidays) at MSRP $499.99 a pop. The site also states that the new 160GB has all the functionality of its 80GB brethren, - just more HDD space. Therefore, don't expect any PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility.

Future PSP Entertainment Packs to Include PSP-3000
You've heard about the new model before. Now, Sony has made it official. The new PSP-3000 model will be included in the previously announced Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Entertainment Pack and a new PSP 4GB Entertainment Pack (which will obviously include a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo). No release date or pricing details yet.

UPDATE: The PlayStation.Blog has revealed the following details about the new PSP-3000 model and the upcoming PSP Entertainments Packs...

Features of the new PSP-3000 model:

• The LCD screen will have a wider color gamut and higher contrast ratio to deliver deeper, more vibrant colors, as well as anti-reflection technology so you can see the screen more clearly when playing outdoors. As you all know, the PSP's screen is a key strength of the hardware, and this update adds an absolutely dazzling LCD screen to the handheld.
• A built-in microphone allows for Skype calls and multi-player gaming communication directly from the hardware - eliminating the need for attaching a separate headset.
  

Entertainment Pack Details:

• Upcoming Entertainment Packs will remain at MSRP $199.99, while a standalone PSP-3000 model will be available in a new PSP Core Pack coming later in the year for MSRP $169.99.

Possibly Real: PSP-3000

Rumored to be already in production, the new PSP model (PSP-3000) popped up all over PSPChina BBS. Kotaku reports that the PSP-3000 features a built-in microphone and possible mobile phone support. Recent photos from Kotaku indicate that the new model has also undergone some cosmetic changes with the button layout. The PlayStation Portable's "Home" button is replaced with a button donning the PlayStation logo - similar to the "PS" button the PlayStation 3 controller (shown left). More info on this as it unfolds...