PSP Minis brings bite-size games to portable platform

The PlayStation 3 isn't the only thing getting smaller. At its GamesCom 2009 press conference today, Sony announced a new line of downloadable PSP games called PSP Minis. Capped with a 100MB size limit, Minis are intended to offer players a "snackable" gaming experience.

Set to go live October 1 alongside the official launch of the UMD-less PSP Go, the PSP Mini service will initially boast a selection of 15 titles, including Tetris and Sudoku. During its GamesCom presentation, Sony also showed a mock-up for a game called Aqua Panic Oasis. By the end of 2009, Sony expects to have a selection of 50 PSP Minis available on the PlayStation Network.

While the PSP Minis name is new, Sony has indicated its interest in the idea before. Last month, a Sony Computer Entertainment Europe representative told British magazine Develop that the company was planning a section for the system's online store that would be devoted to smaller-cost, smaller-scale applications.

PSP Minis weren't the only news for Sony's handheld coming out of GamesCom. The electronics giant also revealed a trio of new color models for its PSP-3000 system in Europe. Gamers across the Atlantic will soon be able to pick up the portable in shades of turquoise green, violet, and pink. For more on GamesCom, check out GameSpot's continuing coverage of the show all week long.