We're still trying to piece together why in the world Sony would choose matte bronze as the color for its latest PSP Slim, but now that it's out, we're focusing our attention on just how long it takes these so-called limited edition units to actually sell out. The Value Pack it comes bundled in includes a Japanese version of the handheld, 32MB memory stick, cleaning cloth, a case, AC adapter, battery pack and an AV cable for good measure -- unfortunately, a can of black spray paint actually isn't in the box. A last minute exclusion due to shipping regulations, we're sure. Grab one if you're into it for $278.97.

[Via DCEMU]

Whoa, has it really been three years since the PSP had its glittery North American debut? It seems like just yesterday we were watching UMD movies on our chubby first-gen unit -- and now here we are, with the PSP Slim all grown up, multicolored, and in a serious relationship with the PS3. (All we're missing is built-in storage.) You know the crew at PSP Fanboy's doing it up right, hit the read link to join the fun.

It's been a while since the PSP Slim got all up on your TV, but Sony wasn't going to leave you hanging forever without a slick docking solution -- say hola to the new PSP Cradle. Apart from some of that old-time Sony design flair, there's not much else to it: you dock your PSP, images show up on your TV, and you control things with the included remote. On sale April 24th in Japan for ¥4,800 ($46), or ¥6,500 ($62) bundled with a D Terminal AV cable.

PSP hackers will probably be pleased to learn that the next step has supposedly been taken by homebrew hacker Dark_AleX, who claims (with video!) to have the original and most hackable PSP firmware ever, v1.50, running on the new PSP slim hardware. The YouTube clip is posted after the break; take it as you will, but c'mon, it's an eventuality.

We've got all ideas that this tidbit won't infuriate too many users, but nevertheless, Sony will reportedly not be bringing S-Video cables to America for its PSP Slim. According to GameInformer, Sony wanted to "streamline its selection, giving owners a choice between cables supporting composite, the de facto standard, and component inputs." Interestingly, both of the cables that will be for sale here will cost the same $19.99, and if you're somehow still using a television that rocks an array of S-Video ports but not a single component input, the import option is always there.

[Via PSPFanboy]

Well kids, you won't have to wait too long to be hacking, cracking, phreaking, duping, shooting, dumpster-diving, and generally getting biz-zay with your PSP Slim / Lite, as the outrageous tricksters known as Team M33 have just released their do-it-all custom firmware (version 3.6, for those keeping score at home), thus confirming Pandora's Battery as a "go" (amongst other things) on the new systems. If you understand what we're talking about, you'll be pleased to know that homebrews from the GAME, GAME150 and GAME360 directories load fine, though some homebrews written specifically for the 1.50 kernel won't run properly (due to some hardware and screen problems on the Slim). Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, don your helmets, and get ready to seriously rumble.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Now that the PSP Slim is in the wild, we know you're aching to see what it's like up close, and Joystiq and PSP Fanboy have got you covered with an in-depth three-part series that should answer virtually every question you might have -- and them some -- about Sony's littlest console. Check it out!

Read -- Part 1: Firmware, Video-out, button response
Read -- Part 2: Load times, size comparisons, pricing
Read -- Part 3: Cables, cases, battery charging, battery life

It didn't take long after the release of Sony's slim PSP in Europe for some over-anxious individual to get inside of his new handheld, and while dissection pictures are always a treat in and of themselves, this splaying led to an unexpected discovery. After inspecting the motherboard and comparing it to boards from prior (read: not slim) PSPs, it was reported that the newest iteration features "66MB of NAND memory including spare data," which certainly trumps the amount found in its predecessor; additionally, Mathieulh mentioned that the "idstorage area is now fully encrypted." Check out a few more pics for yourself after the jump.

[Via MaxConsole]

Sony's been none to clear about a launch date for the new PSP-2000 "slim" PSP, but really there's no better time than the present to get your slim on, and Sony just announced that its new PSP is available today. Coming in silver, as part of a $200 "Entertainment Pack" alongside Daxter, Family Guy and a 1GB Memory Stick, the new PSP should be hanging out at most major retailers by the time you read this, though you might want to call around a bit just to be sure.

[Via Joystiq]