PSP-3000 Arriving on October 16

Sony is certainly moving fast when it comes to new product releases. They are now saying that the new PSP-3000, a hardware update for the gaming handheld from Sony, is set to be launched on the Japanese market as soon as October 16, as part of a bundle and as a standalone product.

The new version of the console features several significant changes from the previous incarnations of the PlayStation Portable. The most important change is set to be made to the screen. Advances in LCD technology since the handheld was launched mean that the new screen will have visibility significantly improved in direct sunlight, with better contrast and with better color representation.

Another improvement is the fact that the device now has a built in microphone, which means that it can act as a recorder in a pinch while also allowing communication between users. Sony says that the battery of the device will also be improved, while also warning users that the new screen is much more power hungry than the last one, which means that battery life might be actually a bit reduced as compared to previous versions.

The new model of the PlayStation Portable will initially only be available as part of a so called Value Pack, which will feature a 4 GB memory stick and other goodies. A standalone deal will be offered shortly after launch.

The North American release is also said to be scheduled for October but Sony has not said exactly when it plans to roll out the new console. No European date has been given.

Sony Japan is also saying that it plans to release a new gaming Bluetooth wireless headset on October 3. The initial release in Japan will be followed by a worldwide availability a few months after that. The new headset is set to be a revolution for gamers. It will hang over each ear and it will have power for 8 hours before it will need a recharge. Noise canceling technology is integrated and there's a new High Quality mode, which offers on screen indicators showing the current connection status, the battery charge level, the speaker volume and the mute status on screen.

MMO's Coming to PlayStation Portable

The PlayStation Portable is not in the best position in the world right now. Sales are going down, even in Japan, where
the platform has been on top of the hardware chart this year, and Sony has acknowledged that the gaming handheld is not supported by independent developers. But it's clear that the company has not given up on the game, with the new variant, the PSP-3000, being close to launch.

And Sony Online Entertainment, which is now part of Sony Computer Entertainment, is thinking of bringing the most addictive type of games, the MMO, to the PSP. John Smedley, who is the head of SOE, said that this is a definite possibility. Here is what he revealed, “I think PSP is something that we're definitely looking at; 34 million worldwide really opens your eyes, and they're all connected”. He went on to provide some context, stating that “we've kind of got our heads up looking around the world within Sony Computer Entertainment, we're really starting to see a big push for PSP. We think it's a world-class device; in the future, we see full MMOs that are designed for the PSP”.

The first step would be to add some offline elements that are linked to the MMOs Sony is publishing. You could train a new pet on the PlayStation Portable or you could play a solo adventure which is designed to increase the skills of your character. There's also an option of porting card trading games tied to MMOs to the PSP.

If this first step is successful, then Sony should be thinking about creating fully fledged MMOs, like a version of Everquest, for the handheld. Sony is already planning to bring The Agency and Free Realms on the PlayStation 3 and they would also be prime candidates for the PSP.