White PSP hits Europe on Monday

Following on from Sony's earlier announcement, the company has now confirmed the ceramic white version of PSP previously only available in Japan will be released in Europe next Monday.

From May 15th, 249 Euros (expected to translate to £179.99 in the UK) will get you a white PSP as part of the Value Pack bundle, which includes a 32MB MemoryStick, a charger, headphones, remote control, protective pouch and a wrist strap.

In addition, and as previously announced for the American market, Sony also revealed a Platinum range of software which will retail for 24.99 Euros (£19.99). As on the PS2, the Platinum range covers successful but older games re-released at a lower price point to encourage further sales. The first titles to feature as part of the range include Everybody's Golf, WRC, F1 Grand Prix, Pursuit Force and Ridge Racer, along with a number of offerings from other publishers.

Following the successful Japanese stint, the wi-fi hotspot scheme, PlayStation Spot, is to get a European release with 300 spots (which broadcast peer-to-peer wi-fi signals from which PSP content can be downloaded) appearing across the continent over the coming weeks.

Finally, a series of interactive city guides are also planned. Called Planet PSP, these are being produced in conjunction with guidebook specialist Lonely Planet. The first titles – covering Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Paris, Prague and Rome – are due this autumn.