Sony Computer Entertainment Inc announced on Tuesday it would release the latest model of its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld entertainment system (PSP-3000) featuring an advanced high contrast LCD and a built-in microphone on October 16th, 2008.

The new PlayStation Portable will sell for 19,800 yen ($182) including tax. It will come in three basic colors of “Piano Black,” “Pearl White” and “Mystic Silver,” with plans for additional colors.

SCEJ will also release “PSP (PlayStation Portable) Value Pack” for the Japanese market at a RRP of 24,800 yen (including tax), comprising a new PSP system (Piano Black, Pearl White or Mystic Silver), a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Mark2), an original PSP pouch, a hand strap and a cloth to meet users’ various purposes in using the PSP systems such as playing games, watching movies, listening to music and downloading content through the network.

Along with the launch of the new PSP system, SCEJ will also introduce a variety of accessory packs to meet a wide range of users’ lifestyle; “Accessory Pack” will be released at a RRP of 3,800 yen (including tax) and “Battery Pack (2200mAh)” at a RRP of 5,500 yen (including tax). In addition, new peripherals for the new PSP will be introduced; “Cradle” at a RRP of 4,800 yen (including tax) and “Cradle and D terminal AV cable” at a RRP of 6,500 yen (including tax) for charging PSP battery and enjoying high quality viewing on TVs, and also “PSP (PlayStation Portable) Pouch” at a RRP of 1,800 yen (including tax) that matches the color of the new PSP system. All additional peripherals and accessories will become available on October 16th.

SCEJ will also introduce “PATAPON 2 Donchaka♪” on November 27th, 2008 at a RRP of 23,800 yen.

SCEJ also announced that it would launch a new network service this fall that will allow PSP users to connect directly to PlayStation Store, and to download entertainment content without transferring them through PLAYSTATION or PC.
At the launch of this network service, SCEJ will be releasing game content for the PSP system such as “Mainichi Issyo Portable,” developed for PSP from the original PS3 title of “Mainichi Issyo”.