Initially it was models from the fashion world that used to become thin. Now that trend continues in the electronic world, especially the video gaming genre. Sony has announced that their handheld console, PlayStation Portable (PSP) will now be slimmer and lighter.
The enhanced PSP will be 33 percent lighter and 19 percent slimmer than the original version. That means it will weigh approx. 189g and will be 18.6mm thick. The original version weighs 280g and is 23mm thick. But like the original PSP, the slim version will have a 4.3 inch wide high resolution LCD screen. Besides these features, the new PSP will sport a video-out port that will allow gamers to view content from the Memory Stick Duo and game software titles on their TVs. It will also be able to store game data from UMD, reducing load time during game play and gamers will be able to charge the handheld through the PS3 and the PC.
Sony has learned the importance of bringing out consoles in different colors. The new PSP will come in three basic colors of Piano Black, Ceramic White and Ice Silver. Along with this, Sony has also announced a collector’s edition PSP Ceramic White, including a Darth Vader silk-screen on the unit, as well as that the PSP exclusive title, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron will be featured in Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Pack.
Jack Tretton, President & CEO, SCEA says, “We are very pleased to be taking part in the global roll out of the newly designed PSP, while providing something distinctive for users in North America. In response to consumer interest, we’re presenting additional colors as part of this improved design to match users’ personal styles and interests. The Star Wars Battlefront bundle in particular is a great opportunity for consumers to get on board with a collector’s edition ‘Ceramic White’ PSP. Also, the new video-out port, which gives consumers the option to enjoy PSP content on the big screen, brings a whole new dimension to the PSP experience.”
The first newly designed PSP will be released in North America. It will be the limited-edition Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack that will be available on September 10. After that, the limited-release Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Pack will be launched on October 9. The price of these versions is $199 (approx. Rs. 8000). Though the new PSP is slated to release in North America, Europe and Japan, Sony has not revealed launch dates the other regions.