New PS3 and PSP
Sony has announced that it will launch a new PSP handheld entertainment system (PSP-3000) as well as a new Playstation gaming console in stores in Japan, Asia, North America and Europe in the next quarter.
Playstation 3
The new 160GB Playstation 3 is expected to hit the shelves in November and will have a wireless keypad, a new peripheral for Sixaxis and Dualshock wireless controllers that will allow touch typing.
Equipped with Bluetooth, the wireless keypad can be paired to a PS3 by simply connecting the keypad to the USB cable that comes bundled with the PS3 system. Also, two shortcut buttons, a communication button and a message box button, are placed on the lower part of the wireless keypad, enabling users to jump to pre-set features on XMB (XrossMediaBar) such as "Friends" and "Message Box" during game play, which will help PS3 users to smoothly communicate with each other.
A touch pad button also allows PS3 users to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touch pad, allowing them to easily maneuver the pointer while web browsing, simply by sliding their finger on the keypad surface.
The PS3 will be sold as a bundle that includes a limited addition of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and it will retail for 449 euros (R5 100) The 80GB version will sell for 399 euros.
PSP
The upgraded version of the PlayStation Portable, called the PSP 3 000 will be available in different colours, has a high resolution 4.3-inch wide, anti-reflective screen and a built-in microphone that will allow for headset-free use of the built-in Skype interface as well has enhanced enjoyment of games with voice functions.
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.
The PSP 3000 is expected to be available in Europe and Asia on 15 October, bundled with the game Ratchet and Clank for $200 in the US and 199 euros in Europe.
Sony also committed to releasing new games for both the PS3 and the PSP in order to ensure that they have a strong line up of games for the holiday season.