Not to be outdone by the PS3 related announcements, there was plenty unveiled about the PSP as well. Global sales of the PSP are now around 52.9 million, including 17 million in Europe. Sony also revealed that the venerable PS2 has sold 138.8 million, including 52 million in Europe.
Additionally, the PSP will be getting a Digital Reader for users to browse comics from Marvel, Archie, Image, IDW Publishing and iVerse Media. An Autoflow feature lets users zoom into particular frames and shift from frame to frame.
"This is a great new service that offers PSP owners even more options for entertainment on the go and makes PSP a must for comics fans," says Isabelle Tomatis, European Marketing Manager, Hardware and Platforms, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "Digital Comics will sit alongside the new PlayStation Network video download service as yet another way that PSP offers a whole world of entertainment in your hands."
"PSP's new digital reader offers an unprecedented consumer experience that will extend the world of Marvel from print pages into the hands of fans around the world. We are excited to be part of this launch," said Ira Rubenstein, executive vice president, global digital media group, Marvel Entertainment.
New downloadable titles called Minis were also announced, being less than 100MB and having over 15 available for the PSP Go launch on October 1, 2009 and 50 titles by the end of the year.
"We are very excited to offer so much new content for PSP this year, particularly in this bite-sized form," said Zeno Colaco, Vice President, Publisher and Developer Relations, SCEE. "In opening the door to developers everywhere, we are broadening the type of content available to PSP owners, and opening up a world of possibilities to enhance the PSP gaming experience."
"'minis' is yet another part of our concerted effort to expand content options on PlayStation Store as the demand for digital content will increase with the launch of PSPgo," said Eric Lempel, Director of PlayStation Network and Strategic Planning, SCEA. "minis will give developers the opportunity to create and share a variety of new and original content that in some cases, are only available on PSP."
Finally, those that register their PSP Go before October 10 will receive Gran Turismo PSP for free (Note: this promotion is in Europe only).
