New value-priced PSP announced

GAMESCOM: In a surprise announcement, Sony has announced a new model of the PSP will be released this Autumn.

The new SKU – called the PSP E-1000 – will be compatible with all titles previously released for the handheld and will retail for €99.

Crucially, Sony has made cuts to the machine in order to get the RRP so low. Wi-fi has gone, and the device is significantly heavier than current PSP models. Downloadable games will still be available via the machine’s Media Go software, which requires a PC to use.

Sony’s Jim Ryan announced the new handheld during the company’s Gamescom press conference, adding that the PSP family has sold more than 71m units worldwide to date.

He added that the budget price and wide range of titles already available makes the PSP a perfect entry point for consumers into the handheld market.