Slim PSP to launch in Japan on September 20th

Though both European and American gamers are still waiting for a firm launch date for Sony’s streamlined handheld, the platform holder has announced that the machine will arrive in Japan on September 20th.

Priced at Y19,800 (around 80), the new device, which was first announced at E3 last week, is 33 per cent lighter and 19 per cent slimmer than the current model. Chief amongst the new features is the ability to output films and games onto a full-sized TV screen.

It has now also been confirmed that to output video, gamers will have to buy a specific cable, which will come in composite, S-video and component flavours at a price of Y2,800 (10).

Also arriving on the same day is a PSP compatible TV tuner, priced at Y6,980 (30). Japanese launch colours are set to include Piano Black, Ceramic White, Ice Silver, Rose Pink, lavender Purple and Felicia Blue.

Though no European or US dates have been announced as of yet, it is anticipated that the consoles will arrive shortly after the Far Eastern launch.