Sony Computer Entertainment today made several hardware announcements during the Games Convention in Leipzig. First was an official announcement of a new PSP hardware unit called the PSP-3000, due to release in October 2008. Nearly identical in appearance and weight to the current "slim and light" PSP model, the newest PSP also has a brighter and clearer LCD screen with a built-in microphone.

Also announced was a new Wireless Keypad for the PS3. Designed to attach to both Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers, the Bluetooth enabled peripheral also features a Communication Button, a Message Box Button and a Touch Pad Button. The PS3 Wireless Keypad will release in November 2008, concurrent with text chat compatible games like LittleBigPlanet and the PlayStation Home open beta.

The Wireless Keypad fits snugly onto a Sixaxis/DualShock 3 controller.

Finally, a new 160 GB PS3 model was announced for North America. This console will be part of a limited-edition bundle that includes a copy of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, a DualShock 3 wireless controller and a PlayStation Network voucher for Pain. The limited-edition Uncharted: Drake's Fortune 160 GB PS3 system bundle will release in November for $499.99.

"As PlayStation Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160 GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."