Datel to launch 4GB hard drive for PSP

Datel is to launch a new bundle that is designed to increase both the battery life and the storage capacity of Sony's popular PlayStation Portable handheld.

The bundle will include a hard disk drive which slots into the handheld's memory stick port to offer 4GB of extra space - enough for around eight movies, more than a thousand MP3s and a huge number of pictures and game saves.

It will come with the X2 Battery, which replaces the PSP's default battery and is said to last for twice as long - up to eight hours on a single charge, according to Datel. The bundle will also include a USB cable for connecting the PSP to a PC.

There's no word on pricing as yet, though the X2 Battery is already on sale in the UK for GBP 34.99. Online retailer Lik-Sang is taking preorders for USD 249.99 but warns customers that "The current price is only the best bet available at our bookmaker right now, it could go up or hopefully down."

Datel has yet to confirm a European release date for the bundle.