Whether it was over a redesign or a new handheld outright, few doubted things would be quiet concerning what steps Sony's PlayStation Portable would take next. At E3 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment did indeed announce the latest hardware revision for the PSP. The new PSP has a slimmer profile and is lighter in weight than current models. It also features a new video output for connectivity with the PlayStation 3 console, improve caching of game data for reduced load times during gameplay, and the always useful USB charging. It will not feature the previously rumored built-in flash hard drive storage. UMD meanwhile remains the media format of the day for the console. Expect to see the slimmer PSP hit stores beginning this September.

In addition to three new hardware colors, special edition PSP consoles were announced, one bearing the likeness of the blackest brother in the galaxy:

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 enables new PSP users to experience high quality UMD (Universal Media Disc) Video, pictures and movies from Memory Stick Duo and game software titles 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. Moreover, the ability to charge the unit through PLAYSTATION 3 or PC via USB cable during data transfer is newly equipped, 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.

PSP "Ice Silver" will be included in the limited-edition Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack, available in September. Also, a collector’s edition PSP "Ceramic White," including a Darth Vader silk-screen on the unit, as well as the PSP exclusive title, Star Wars Battlefront®: Renegade Squadron, will be featured in Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Pack, launching in October. PSP Entertainment Packs with the new colors, revealed at the E3 Media & Business Summit today, will be available for $199.99 (SRP).