Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that it will launch a new PSP handheld entertainment system (PSP-3000) featuring an advanced LCD that further improves the very popular, high resolution PSP display. The new PSP will be available in stores in Japan, Asia, North America and Europe from October 2008.

While inheriting the basic design and functionality of the current "slim and light" PSP, the image quality on the new LCD screen is enhanced, and a built-in microphone is added to meet the PSP users' demand to enjoy games and content with voice input functionality without the use of a separate microphone.

Offering the highest-level contrast ratio, response time, and wider color gamut possible on a portable LCD screen, the new PSP is capable of displaying movies and photos in more natural and vibrant colors on its high resolution 4.3 inch wide screen. The new LCD screen adopts an anti-reflection technology, which enables users to see the screen more clearly in well-lit places, even when used outdoors.

The built-in microphone will allow users to easily enjoy games that utilize a microphone, as well as Skype and other communication tools. To enable Skype on PSP, users will require a Skype account, Memory Stick Duo, a wireless Internet connection and a Headphone with Remote Control (PSP-S140) or Skype-compatible headphones. Microphone function can be used on games that are compatible with headsets.

Further expanding PSP's entertainment capabilities, the video-out port is also expanded to output gameplay in interlace format, which will allow new PSP users to enjoy games on non-progressive TVs by using separately sold cables. With the current "slim and light" PSP, games can be displayed on progressive TVs only.

In addition to the basic "Piano Black" color, the new PSP will also come in "Pearl White" and "Mystic Silver" to meet variety of lifestyle and preference of all ages.

Tags: Sony, PSP