Sony Computer Entertainment is looking to leverage the popularity of its PlayStation game consoles via a new "all-in-one portable entertainment platform."

Sony PSP

Called PSP, Sony said the new entertainment device, equipped with a wide screen 480 x 272 pixel (16 by 9) TFT LCD monitor with a backlight, will be powered by super chipsets utilizing the latest semiconductor technology. Video quality will be enhanced with MPEG4, which delivers quality equivalent to DVD video at a low data rate, the company said.

"PSP" will have an USB 2.0 port for further expandability and connectivity to other devices, along with a Memory Stick slot for network applications and data transportability in a wireless environment. To help encourage the creation of new content, Sony said it will offer development tools in the fall.

"Just as PlayStation and PlayStation 2 revolutionized in-home computer entertainment, we aim to become a new driving force in the portable entertainment platform arena," said Ken Kutaragi, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "The world of PlayStation encompasses hundreds of millions of users worldwide, most of whom view computer entertainment as part of their everyday lives. We look forward to extending the experience through a portable entertainment platform ... This is the 'Walkman' of the 21st century."