During the ongoing video game convention in Leipzig, Germany, Sony officially announced the release of the (sort of) new generation of the Playstation Portable called the PSP 3000. It will be made available in Europe starting October 15 for the price of €200 (approximately $294). This does not mean the existing PSP will be taken out of the picture; the portable console will remain on the market too.

The PSP 3000 does not feature as many changes as one would think. It comes with an improved screen which is covered by an anti-reflective coating; it also packs a built-in microphone which will help make Skype calls a lot easier, as well as a tweak to the video-out socket, which will enable new PSP gamers to play away on "non-progressive TVs."

Possibly one of the biggest changes is that related to color; besides the Piano Black, users of the new device can also go for either Pearl White or Mystic Silver.

The PSP 3000’s dimensions are 169.4 by 18.6 by 71.4 mm and it weighs about 190g.

Judging by the huge success the first edition of the device has had, one can easily draw the conclusion that, despite the absence of some spectacular new feature, the PSP 3000 will probably have a similar market response.