Sony Announces Japan-Only "Deep Red" PSP Bundles

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has announced that it will release two PlayStation Portable bundles for Japan, both featuring a limited-edition "Deep Red" PSP, a color the company says was made available in response to strong consumer demands. The new bundles -- "PSP Deep Red Value Pack" and "PSP Deep Red 1 Seg Pack" will be available beginning Thursday, December 13th 2007 for a limited time, for 22,800 ($198) and 29,800 ($260) respectively. The Deep Red Value Pack, which the company says is intended as a "starter pack" for new PSP owners, includes a new “Deep Red” PSP, a pouch, a hand strap, a cloth and a 32MB Memory Stick Duo. The Deep Red 1 Seg Back bundles one of the red PSPs with a 1 Seg tuner (for mobile audio and digital broadcast in Japan), a stand to hold the PSP during long TV-viewing sessions, a strap, a cloth, and a 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo. It's marketed as an all-around entertainment pack, clearly highlighting the mobile TV feature. SCEJ will also release a separately-sold battery charger for 3,800 yen ($33), usable with both the bundled PSPs and the current models on the market. SCEJ says the new battery charger will allow the PSP to be charged more quickly than with the AC adapter. The company concludes that it will "continue to expand the PSP platform."