PSP 3000 Takes Aim At Mobile Phone Market

Sony’s new PSP 3000 will come with a built-in microphone, and supports software such as Skype and Go Messenger, which means it has the communication functionality of a mobile phone.

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In previous incarnations there has been a port available to attach a microphone, but this is the first PSP to have one built into it. At the Liepzig gaming convention in Germany, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president David Reeves backed up the assertion that they are aiming for the communication market, but also stated that the device is first and foremost for entertaining.

“We believe that this will establish the PSP as a viable communication device,” he said. “[However, we want] PlayStation [to be] the first choice for gaming and entertainment fans and we are fully prepared to continue the challenge of convincing them.”

Features of the PSP 3000 include high-level contrast ratio, quick response time, 4.3-inch wide LCD screen, capability to display movies and photos and anti-reflection technology so the screen can be seen properly.

The unit will become available in Australia in October 16, 2008 with an RRP of $299.95.