New PSP Hardware Confirmed

[Amon37]

It's not quite the PSP 2 some might've hoped for, but 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, but is 33 percent lighter, 19 percent slimmer, has sped up game load times and improved battery life. The only real "new" features 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. More pics after the break.

I might have to trade up for it. I call it a 1.5 because it's not quite a full re-design.

[McBain]

Press release:

PSP (Playstation Portable) Becomes Slimmer and Lighter


New PSP Makes Its Debut To The Market Worldwide In September With Newly Equipped Video-Out Port

TOKYO, July 11 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today unveiled an enhanced design for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system (PSP-2000) that has a more streamlined form factor and a video-out port which will become available in stores from September in Japan, North America and Europe.

While succeeding the basic functions and design philosophy of the current PSP including a 4.3 inch wide high resolution LCD screen, overwhelmingly large for a handheld device, new PSP is 33 percent lighter and 19 percent slimmer than the original version, making the all-in-one handheld entertainment system even easier to carry around at approx.189g in weight (weight of current model is approx.280g) and approx.18.6mm in thickness (thickness of current model is approx.23.0 mm).

Adding a video-out port(*1) enables new PSP users to experience high quality UMD(TM) (Universal Media Disc) Video, pictures and movies from Memory Stick Duo and game software titles(*2) on their TVs at home. Also, new PSP is equipped with enhanced feature to temporarily store game data from UMD, reducing load time during game play(*3). Moreover, the ability to charge the unit through PLAYSTATION(R)3 or PC via USB cable during data transfer is newly equipped(*4), further positioning PSP as a true handheld device.

A new PSP comes in three basic colors of "Piano Black", "Ceramic White", and "Ice Silver" to meet a variety of lifestyle and preferences for all ages(*5).

During the two and a half years since the launch of PSP in December, 2004 strong support from users worldwide as well as an abundance of exciting software titles from publishers around the world have resulted in PSP achieving cumulative shipment of 25 million units for the hardware and 100 million units for software titles worldwide by March, 2007. The expansion of the PSP platform is being boosted worldwide along with its exciting lineup of software titles as well as the introduction of color variations.

SCEI will continue to further expand the PSP platform and create a new world of computer entertainment with innovative and exciting new titles and a new PSP.

(*1) Video output cables (AV cable/S VIDEO cable/D Terminal AV
cable/Component AV cable) are sold separately. Product lineup may
differ by country/region.
(*2) Progressive TV and PSP specific cable (D Terminal AV cable or
Component AV cable) are necessary to output game software titles for
PSP.
(*3) Effect of this feature varies depending on software titles.
(*4) PSP needs to be put in "USB Connection" mode.
(*5) Color variations may differ by country/region.

PSP(R)(PlayStation(R) Portable) (PSP-2000) Product Overview

Product Name PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable)
External Approx. 169.4 x 18.6 x 71.4 mm / 6 3/4
dimensions x 3/4 x 2 3/4 in (width × height ×
depth) (excludes largest projection)
Weight Approx. 189g / 6.7 oz (including
battery pack)
CPU PSP CPU (System clock frequency
1-333MHz)
Main Memory 64MB
Display 4.3 inches (16:9) full-transparent
type, TFT drive,
480 x 272 pixel, Approximately
16,770,000 colors displayed
Sound Built-in stereo speakers
Main Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b)(Wi-Fi)
Input/Output High Speed USB (USB2.0) (mini-B)
Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM)
Analog Video Out
Main Connectors DC In 5V connector
DC Out connector
video out/headset connector
USB connector
Memory Stick Duo(TM) slot
Key/Switches Directional buttons
(up/down/right/left), analog stick,
Action buttons (triangle, circle,
cross, square), L/R buttons
START button, SELECT button, HOME
button
POWER/HOLD switch, WLAN switch
display button, sound button, volume
(+/-) buttons
Power sources Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack
AC adaptor
USB power supply
Internal disc Read-only UMD(TM) drive
drive
Supported PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Game
profile UMD(TM) Video
Access Control Region code, parental control
Wireless Infrastructure mode
Communications Ad hoc mode (connects up to 16
consoles)
Supplied AC adaptor
Accessories Battery pack (1200mAh)


Supported codec (in Memory Stick)

Video -- Memory Stick Video Format
- MPEG-4 Simple Profile (AAC LC)
- H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile (AAC LC)
-- MP4 File Format
- MPEG-4 Simple Profile (AAC LC)
- H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile -- CABAC only --
(AAC LC) / Baseline Profile (AAC LC)
-- AVI
- Mmotion JPEG (Linear PCM or .-Lau)
Music -- Memory Stick Audio Format
- ATRAC3(TM)
- ATRAC3plus(TM)
- MP3
-- MP3(MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer3)
-- MP4(MPEG-4 AAC)
-- WAVE(Linear PCM)
-- WMA(Windows Media(R) Audio 9 Standard only) (*6)
Photo -- JPEG (DCF2.0/Exif2.21 compliant)
-- TIFF
-- BMP
-- GIF
-- PNG

(*6) WMA Playback feature needs to be enabled.


PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) (PSP-2000) Color Variations

Product Name PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable)
Color Name Piano Black
Product Code PSP-2000 PB


Product Name PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable)
Color Name Ceramic White
Product Code PSP-2000 CW


Product Name PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable)
Color Name Ice Silver
Product Code PSP-2000 IS


PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) Peripherals for PSP-2000 only (sold
separately)

Product Name Battery Pack
Product Code PSP-S110 / PSP-S110 U / PSP-S110 E / PSP-S110 G
Specifications External dimensions: Approx. 36 x 10 x 57mm
(1 1/2 × 3/8 × 2 1/4 in)
Weight: Approx. 30g (1.06 oz)
Battery type: Lithium-ion rechargeable
battery
Voltage/Capacity: DC 3.6V/1200mAh

Product Name Headphones with Remote Control
Product Code PSP-S140 / PSP-S140 U / PSP-S140 G
Specifications Remote functions: PLAY, PAUSE, FF, FR, VOLUME(+/-), HOLD
Headphones: Inner-Ear Headphones

Product Name AV cable
Product Code PSP-S150 / PSP-S150 U / PSP-S150 E
Specifications Composite cable
Cable length: Approx. 2.5m

Product Name S VIDEO cable
Product Code PSP-S160 / PSP-S160 U
Specifications Cable length: Approx. 2.5m

Product Name D Terminal AV cable
Product Code PSP-S170
Specifications For Japanese market only
Cable length: Approx. 2.5m

Product Name Component AV cable
Product Code PSP-S180 / PSP-S180 U / PSP-S180 E

Specifications Cable length: Approx. 2.5m

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

[Shin-Ra]

Should be more comfortable to hold for long periods of time now and hopefully the battery charge lasts much longer. Glad they put in charging over USB too.

[Amon37]

I wish they would have increased the wireless to a "G" card like the PS3 and had the UMD be slot-loading like rumored.

[supersix4]

I dont know why anyone would for instance buy a psp, the umd spidey 2 too watch on a 46+ tv when you have a ps3 w/ blu-ray... I sure wouldnt ... the games now thats worth it to be able to play on the tv

[ps3andlovinit]

Originally Posted by Shin-Ra

Glad they put in charging over USB too.

That's a big one for me actually...especially since..

we have been planning on getting 3 PSPs' for summer travel plans...I was hoping they would be shipping as close to this announcment as possible in order to avoid channel freeze.. bummer it's Sept/Oct..in a pickle now.

[Sane]

Originally Posted by supersix14

I dont know why anyone would for instance buy a psp, the umd spidey 2 too watch on a 46+ tv when you have a ps3 w/ blu-ray... I sure wouldnt ... the games now thats worth it to be able to play on the tv

It's a pretty good idea for someone like me who has to travel from time to time. It'd be nice to have the option to watch your own movie while at a hotel for instance.

[u_nick]

I'm in! I've been dying for video out for my PSP games, and the charging over the USB should help a LOT.

I would like the silver one, but I dont want the extras that one comes with, so I guess I'll go with black again.

[reiella]

Originally Posted by Amon37

I wish they would have increased the wireless to a "G" card like the PS3 and had the UMD be slot-loading like rumored.

Just curious.

I think I'm misunderstanding here, so pardon it.

How would you expect a cartridge contained disk to be slot-loaded?

Do you mean no pop-back tray and just having a thicker back?

[darkpoet25]

I think the white one with Vader on the back would be nice. Especially since it comes with the Star Wars Battlefront game. Already have one though. Got it when it first came out.

[BLu-Balls]

I sold my PSP for a 360 (shakes head in shame). I guess there's a new reason to buy a new PSP system!!

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by reiella

Just curious.

I think I'm misunderstanding here, so pardon it.

How would you expect a cartridge contained disk to be slot-loaded?

Do you mean no pop-back tray and just having a thicker back?

I was thinking the exact same thing. The only thing i could come up with is something like that of a opening (slot is you prefer to call it) and a mechanism like a cassette tape.

[mike79]

Originally Posted by Zaphod

I was thinking the exact same thing. The only thing i could come up with is something like that of a opening (slot is you prefer to call it) and a mechanism like a cassette tape.

Here is a link to what the slot looks like.
http://www.gamespot.com/features/617...;picks;title;1

[Ascended_Saiyan]

When I saw the new PSP from the conference, the screen looked wider. I wonder if they kept the inches the same, but stretched it out (shortened the height and increased the width).

[mike79]

Originally Posted by Ascended_Saiyan

When I saw the new PSP from the conference, the screen looked wider. I wonder if they kept the inches the same, but stretched it out (shortened the height and increased the width).

nope, exactly the same size

[Shin-Ra]

The new model PSP will be released in Europe in the beginning of September for €170 / £130.

[Gamekid]

Thinking about this a little more in detail, I may make the switch.

[Shin-Ra]

AV Output Cables:

[Gamekid]

Originally Posted by Shin-Ra

AV Output Cables:

Nice looking cables. One other issue. If you can play psp games on your tv, how do you make the switch?

[u_nick]

Hooray for component cables! I cant wait...

Gamekid: Do you mean how you make the switch to send the signal to the TV? If so, you buy a new PSP with the new firmware, and there is an option in the XMB.