Update: Yes, just to clarify, there won't be any hardware cosmetic change with the PSP-3000. The "slimmer and lighter case" part was inaccurately translated, but everything else remains true.
Original Story:
Last week, a FCC filing all but confirmed the existence of a new PSP…and now, SCEE's David Reeves has announced the PSP-3000 during Sony's press conference at the Leipzig Games Convention.
We're still gathering in as many details as possible, but we can tell you that it's going to use a "slimmer and lighter case" and will also boast "crisper colors and more intensity when outside in natural light." The "enhanced LCD screen" helps in this capacity. Furthermore, as many predicted through past rumors, Reeves revealed Sony will be including a built-in microphone and Skype functionality with the PSP-3000. Now, as for the name itself, we're not sure if it's going to get a nickname – like the "PSP Slim" for the PSP-2000 – because we only know it now as the PSP-3000. But either way, we're happy that it's coming, and it will launch on October 15 for the price of 199 Euros in PAL regions. At that time, you can pick up any one of 8 special PSP/game bundles that include the likes of FIFA 09, Harry Potter, Buzz!: Master Quiz, etc. Obviously, the PSP-3000 is coming to North America, too, but as this is a European conference, they're only talking about information related to that territory. Well, at least for now.
The first cosmetic renovation came at the end of 2007, which fueled a spike in sales that continues to this day. Of course, software like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and God of War: Chains of Olympus (and Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G in Japan) helped a great deal as well. Hey, we know there are a lot of people out there looking for an excuse to finally buy a PSP!
wth!!!!! I just bought the psp-2000 in may. and now your telling me they're releasing another one this fall. this doesn't make any sense the psp-2000 is still selling well. if they don't include a second analog stick I won't be buying this product until my 2000 breaks. foolish move Sony 🙁
PSN ID: Skillz398
I totally agree… they need to think about the people that just bought the previous one also, not just the people that haven't even owned one yet. It's annoying!
This sounds great i might actually get 1 now, sony just announced a new ps3 sku for europe with a whopping 160gb harddrive priced £355
Where did you hear that?
Q!
"aLL RoAdS LeAd Too HoMe"
Awesome. It would have been really nice if they threw in a built in camera and GPS. heh.
This may be part of Sony's crackdown on custom firmware as well… I have a PSP with CFW that I received as a gift, lol. The hackers may be quite upset if this is the case. Off topic, but Ben, any news on the 2.42 patch for PS3? I'm sure I'm not the only one who's curious, and Sending mine in isn't an option cause I have no way to backup or restore it, so a patch is the last hope for some of us…
Ben will be issuing a retraction soon, but the official Sony press release states NO change in form factor. So the new PSP only has a new LCD screen, but is the same size.
I'm happy with my modded slim. I've no reason to purchase this, although it may have promising upgrades. So if you don't already have one, then this would be the one to wait for.
I copy my UMD games to flash because it saves on battery usage and it is more convenient to bring one 8 gig memory stick rather than 12 UMD discs with me. If mods don't work on the new PSP it would be a no buy for me.
Last edited by xStatiCa on 8/20/2008 1:43:01 PM
This is awsome an in built mic and skype included.As long as cutom firmwareis made for it so I can play all my PS1 Classics like FF7 and Legends of Dragoon on it Im all in!!!
Damn! I bought my Slim (Daxter bundle) last Christmas and just got the CFW on it! I wonder how much better the LCD will really look on this new one. The bundles look good, but I hate to shell out the money for this new one for just a better LCD and a mic. I'm not worried about custom firmware because I'm sure no matter what Sony does, hackers will find a way to get around it so we can play our games from our mem sticks.
If they had a built-in camera and GPS, then I'd probably buy this. Those would be great features to have! Second analog stick could be nice. Guess we'll see what happens when it comes out.
calm down! if u bought a psp slim already there's no need to get the new psp-3000 just buy the skype headset. most ppl i see playing any console is indoors anyway like myself. you guys are just upset you don't have the newest hottest gadget lol
LOL…
Q!
"aLL RoAdS LeAd ToO HoMe"
i don't see why Sony needs a new PSP with a slight upgrade to the lcd? It makes sense if there are hardware improvements for a better quality build for the current model or replacements for cost efficient components.