Updated Sony has broken its silence over recent rumours that's it's readying a redesigned PlayStation Portable and unveiled the sexy new PSP-3000 at the ongoing Leipzig games developers convention.

The new model features an “advanced” 4.3in, 480 x 272, 16:9 ratio LCD screen that now allows gamers to see brighter colours and a better-defined on-screen imaged in natural light, Sony claimed.

Sony's PSP-3000: now with an anti-glare screen and a microphone

The unit's size, shape and look match those of the current handheld, the thin'n'light PSP-2000, which was released almost a year ago.

As predicted, the PSP-3000 has a built-in microphone for use with VoIP apps like Go!Messenger and Skype. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean the PSP’s turned into the much hyped PSP phone.

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Under the PSP-3000’s hood is 64MB of memory and support for 802.11b Wi-Fi - so still no upgrade to 802.11g. Storage is still based on Memory Stick Duo cards and UMD media.

Sony’s PSP-3000 will be released in Europe and the US on 15 October in a variety of single-game bundle packs, including FIFA ‘09 and Harry Potter. White, black and silver body colours will be available, each priced at €200 ($295/£158).

Update: The PSP-3000 will officially cost £150 in the UK.

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