It was only a matter of time before your PSP got outdated. Well, this might not be that time.
As mentioned yesterday, Sony is planning to release a new and improved PSP-3000. We haven’t seen the new design, assuming there is one. However, according to Sony’s announcement (via MarketWatch), the only real changes seem to be a built-in microphone and a brighter screen.
Whee?
Well, the microphone does mean that the portable could double as a phone, assuming you want it to.
The PSP-3000 will pop up on October 14, but as part of the “Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack” ($200). That has the new “Mystic Silver PSP system,” the “Rachet & Clank” title, a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, a PlayStation Network voucher for “echochrome,” and the Nicolas Cage action flick “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets” on UMD. Sony will also release the PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack ($200) in November. It will include the new PSP in piano black, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, and a PlayStation Network voucher so you can snag “Everyday Shooter.”
According to Sony, these will be the only two ways to get the new unit—for now. They are planning to release the black version as a stand-alone product for $170 later this year.
Not only a brighter screen, but they’re saying a much faster response time (important for action games) and wider color range.
The microphone is (I assume) to make Skype support easier. Sony is big on Skype (see the Mylo), trying to use it as a way to get into college student’s lifestyles (since wireless access is so prevalent on college campuses. I’m told).
They’re replaced the Home button with a Playstation button, but otherwise at a casual glance the design looks the same.
To me, it’s a nice incremental change, but I won’t be replacing the PSP-2000 that I bought last year to replace my original PSP. :)
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Yeah Curtis, because posting comments about how stupid people are in a discussion… 
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Response time is definitely good, but give me something I can sink my teeth into!