Sony Announces Japanese Dates For PSP Camera, GPS

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has unveiled concrete details concerning the Japanese release of its upcoming camera and GPS peripherals for the PSP, including pricing and software bundling specifics. Though nothing has been revealed regarding a Western release for the camera and GPS peripheral, the company has now confirmed the former for a November 2nd release and the latter for a December 7th debut in Japan. The devices were first announced in April, and later at E3 in May by SCEA president and CEO Kaz Hirai. The 'Chotto Shot' camera will cost ¥5000 (~$43), be capable of photographing pictures at resolutions of either 480x272 or 640x480, and will come bundled with a carrying case and bundled photo editing software. In addition to still images, the camera will also be capable to capturing up to 15 seconds of 480x272 formatted video at 30 frames per second. In addition, the company's GPS module will debut the following month, and retail for for ¥6000 (~$51). Packaged with a carrying case, the GPS peripheral will reportedly be able to register its current location within just a few seconds. While no current games have been announced to take advantage of the PSP's upcoming camera outside of the bundled software for the 'Chotto Shot' device, several titles have already been confirmed to utilize the capabilities afforded by the system's GPS receiver. In addition to the navigation software, of which few details are known, the GPS system will also be used by upcoming releases Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops from Konami, as well as Sega's HomeStar Portable planetarium software and a GPS-enabled version of Sony's Everybody's Golf.