PSP Slim big debut in USA

New version of ice-silver colored PSP has debuted in USA in best pack so far, named Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack. Besides a more colorful packaging than ordinary PSP box, new pack besides PSP unit features couple of UMD’s. In the box you will find Daxter and The Family Guy - The Freakin’ Sweet Collection, but be careful, the latter is not the game but animated series. If this is still not enough, SCEA has thrown in a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo for your storage needs.

SCEA head Jack Tretton
“PSP sales have soared since we introduced the $169.99 price point in April, and that momentum will only continue with the launch of the newly designed PSP, which has generated strong interest among consumers since we announced it at E3. With our growing software library, which includes more than 140 new releases in the pipeline this fiscal year, the PSP platform is poised for significant growth. The Daxter Entertainment Pack offers a great opportunity for consumers to jump in to PlayStation Portable experience with content that demonstrates the multi-functionality of the system, all for a great value.”

Oh, a price tag? Affordable - $199. Later during the month pack containing only new version of black colored PSP unit will go out to stores with a tag of $170. Third - Star Wars pack featuring Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron and a white PSP with a Darth Vader image on the back will appear during October with $200 price tag.

Oh uh. A/V cables needed to output PSP display to a TV screen will not be included in any of the packs but sold separately. They will come in two variants - component and composite, tagged $20 a piece.

New PSP is slimmer, ready at hand, new best friend!

Sony is giving its handheld console a serious refresh in the form of a slimmer, lighter and faster “updated” PSP. The new unit still includes the 4.3-inch LCD and UMD drive, but is 33% lighter, 19% slimmer, has sped up game load times and improved battery life, which is, You’ll agree, one hell of important improvement. This new model “is equipped with enhanced feature to temporarily store game data from UMD, reducing load time during game play”. As we understand it should mean that PSP got more RAM for buffering. Thanks for that!

The only real “new” feature is a video output capability to allow you to play your PSP games on a big screen TV. You can score one in September in the original Piano Black, a new Ice Silver color, and a Star Wars Battlefront special edition. The latter two PSPs come in $199 bundles with related games and a 1GB Memory Stick in the case of Ice Silver. The price of Piano Black model will presumably be around 160$.

“We are delighted to announce the arrival of the newly designed PSP to the SCEE region, whilst also providing something unique and special for our consumers.” David Reeves explained. “With the addition of two limited edition color bundles, inspired by the blockbuster Spider-Man and Simpsons Hollywood movies, together with the new video-out port, which gives consumers the option to enjoy PSP content on the big screen, we are confident that this now brings a whole new dimension to the PSP entertainment experience.”

C|Net has and excellent video review of new PSP Slim at Crave, to see the review click here.