John-ShepardWe heard all about them at E3 this year, but the official launch announcement is out, and we just had to remind you. While October is absolutely loaded with awesome next-gen software, there's also a great reason to finally become a handheld owner: a PSP-3000 bundle package, with another following in November.
Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that the first of these bundles, the one that includes Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters , will become available on October 14 for the price of $199.99. In addition, another bundle will arrive in November; it's the 4GB Entertainment Pack that also comes with a PSN voucher for Everyday Shooter . This too will retail for $199.99. If you're wondering, these packages will be the only way to land the sleek new PSP-3000 early on, although Sony will release the standalone piano black model "later this year," which will cost the standard $169.99. If you've already forgotten your recent news history, this newly revised PSP will feature an enhanced LCD display (for better viewing out-of-doors), plus a built-in microphone and Skype functionality. And with two bundles to select from early in the holiday shopping season, the PSP-3000 is going to be a very hot item. Let's just hope we actually get some of those cool colors Japan always gets!
As time goes on, Sony continues to expand the functionality of their portable unit, and there have been rumors that a firmware update is coming to allow direct access to the PlayStation Network. This would eliminate the expensive middleman (the PlayStation 3), and would come as great news to new PSP owners. We'll keep an eye on things.
