PSP-3000 set for October

Closely trailing its announcement at the German Games Convention event earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced today a Japanese release for the PSP-3000.

This latest PSP hardware revision looks mostly the same as the PSP-2000, with the same size screen and the same dimensions and weight. There are, however, a couple of big changes.

The revised hardware looks basically the same as the current PSP-2000 model.

The display has been improved, with higher contrast, higher color depth, and faster response time. Sony has made use of anti-reflection technology to make the system more usable in bright environments.

The system now includes a microphone built into the hardware just below the screen. This can be used for Skype, but Sony's Japanese announcement statement also suggests that game makers take the opportunity to include microphone support in their games.

Sony has updated the video-out functionality of the system. Previously, gamers wanting to play PSP games on the big screen could only do so on progressive televisions. With the revision, the system will be able to output to standard analogue televisions as well. This presumably means that players will be able to more easily record game footage.

The last change is a subtle one. The "Home" button, which takes players back to the system's main interface menu, has been changed to a "PS Button," with the PlayStation logo.

Domestically, the PSP-3000 will be released in three colors: Piano Black (PSP-3000 PB), Pearl White (PSP-3000 PW) and Mystic Silver (PSP-3000 MS). The system will come bundled with an AC adapter and 1200mAh battery pack.

Three colors arrive simultaneously this October.

Sony did not share pricing for the Japanese market. In Europe, the system was announced as part of a bunch of software bundles costing 199 Euros.