Japan’s Sony Corp announced on Tuesday it will launch its new PlayStation Portable in Japan on October 16 as it seeks to catch up with rival Nintendo Co’s DS consoles. <\/p>\n
The PSP-3000, featuring a high-resolution liquid crystal display and a built-in microphone, will sell in Japan for ¥19 800 (R1 417). Nintendo’s double-screen DS is priced at ¥16 800. <\/p>\n
"We need to, and we will, advance our software and hardware without restraint," said Sony Computer Entertainment Japan president Shawn Layden, presenting a new lineup of games ahead of the crucial winter holiday season. <\/p>\n
The new PSP is Sony’s latest bid to broaden the appeal of its consoles against fierce competition from Nintendo, which is seeing strong demand for its Wii and DS units. <\/p>\n
The PSP-3000 can also be used as a telephone through the Skype service that Sony added earlier this year. But the console is no iPhone, Layden said. <\/p>\n
"For me (the PSP) has been Sony’s entry into handheld gaming and that’s where my focus remains," he said, adding that the company wants the console to become a "lifestyle application". <\/p>\n
According to data gathered by publisher Enterbrain, more than 80% of PSP buyers use the console for other activities than playing games, including listening to music, watching movies, sharing photos or using the internet. <\/p>\n
Sony hopes to add a GPS receiver or a video service in the future. It has sold more than 10 million PSPs in Japan since the launch nearly four years ago. <\/p>\n
The DS sold 23 million units between December 2004 and June 2008 in Japan.<\/p>\n