The Leipzig Games Convention kicked off last week, with some of the more exciting announcements coming from Sony. The company announced the release of the PSP-3000, an updated PS3, as well as a wireless keypad for the PS3.

The PSP-3000 is due out October/November in both Europe and North America and while it will look pretty much just like the Slimmer version of the PSP, the PSP-3000 will feature an improved LCD screen with a wider color gamut and a faster response time.

Another useful addition to the PSP display is the anti-reflection technology that Sony claims to have incorporated. Anyone who’s tried to work outside on a sunny day knows that bright light can sometimes make it hard to see the display. The technology incorporated into the PSP-3000 enables users to use the device in well-lit places and outside, cutting out a large portion of the glare from bright lights and the sun.

The updated PSP also features a built-in microphone. The handheld console is already capable of running Skype, and previously, users wishing to use the application with their PSP had to plug in a headset. People will no doubt warm up to the idea of the PSP as a phone more now that the device has an integrated mic.

Sony just recently launched an 80 GB PS3 so the addition of yet another ramp in storage space with the 160 GB PS3 comes as quite a surprise. While the announcement of the new hardware was made by Sony Entertainment Europe, both the new PSP and the 160 GB PS3 will be available in North America. The upgraded version of the PS3 will be part of a new limited-edition bundle that includes the PS3, a copy of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, a PlayStation Network voucher for Pain, and a Dualshock 3 wireless controller for $499.99. Sadly, it appears PS2 backwards compatibility will not be a part of the package.

The new PSP will be sold with the recently announced Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP bundle and a new PSP 4 GB Memory bundle.

Upgrades aside, the presentation in Leipzig saw Sony announce a wireless keypad for the PS3 that will make web browsing and typing a little easier. The keypad snaps onto your wireless controller and not only acts as a keyboard for typing but also comes with a feature that turns the main key area into a trackpad for users to use the keypad as a mouse. There’s also two short cut buttons on the keypad that will enable users to jump directly to the XMB’s “Friends” icon and the “Message Box” during gameplay. The Wireless Keypad is set to launch in late November.