Sony unveiled a slimmed down Playstation Portable today during their press show at the Electronic Entertainment Expo – E3 – (held in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA between July 11 – 13). The new model is 33 percent lighter and 19 percent slimmer than the original version, but it also features a new video-out port that makes it possible to play UMD movies on other devices. Sony has also improved loading times by adding a new buffer memory. More information inside.

Full press release from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc:

New PSP Makes Its Debut To The Market Worldwide In September With Newly Equipped Video-Out Port

TOKYO, July 11 — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today unveiled an enhanced design for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system (PSP-2000) that has a more streamlined form factor and a video-out port which will become available in stores from September in Japan, North America and Europe.

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(*1) enables new PSP users to experience high quality UMD(TM) (Universal Media Disc) Video, pictures and movies from Memory Stick Duo and game software titles(*2) 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(*3). Moreover, the ability to charge the unit through PLAYSTATION(R)3 or PC via USB cable during data transfer is newly equipped(*4), 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(*5).

During the two and a half years since the launch of PSP in December, 2004 strong support from users worldwide as well as an abundance of exciting software titles from publishers around the world have resulted in PSP achieving cumulative shipment of 25 million units for the hardware and 100 million units for software titles worldwide by March, 2007. The expansion of the PSP platform is being boosted worldwide along with its exciting lineup of software titles as well as the introduction of color variations.

SCEI will continue to further expand the PSP platform and create a new world of computer entertainment with innovative and exciting new titles and a new PSP.

(*1) Video output cables (AV cable/S VIDEO cable/D Terminal AV cable/Component AV cable) are sold separately. Product lineup may differ by country/region.
(*2) Progressive TV and PSP specific cable (D Terminal AV cable or Component AV cable) are necessary to output game software titles for PSP.
(*3) Effect of this feature varies depending on software titles.
(*4) PSP needs to be put in “USB Connection” mode.
(*5) Color variations may differ by country/region.

Product Overview
Product Name: PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable)
External dimensions: Approx. 169.4 x 18.6 x 71.4 mm / 6 3/4 x 3/4 x 2 3/4 in (width × height × depth) (excludes largest projection)
Weight: Approx. 189g / 6.7 oz (including battery pack)