RockStar Confirm GTA PSP News

RockStar Games today threw its support behind the Sony PSP, confirming that a brand-new iteration of Grand Theft Auto and Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition would be available close to the launch of the handheld system throughout America and Europe.

Both titles are currently in development at RockStar Leeds (with the assistance of RockStar North and RockStar San Diego respectively), who previously brought Max Payne to the GameBoy Advance with startling effect under their preceding guise of Mobius Entertainment. Sadly specific details are being kept a closely guarded secret, although we do know that the GTA title will be set in Liberty City. Given the issues of streaming data from the UMD and the consumption this has on the battery, it will certainly be interesting to see what these guys have come up with.

"Bringing two of our most successful game franchises to this thrilling new platform not only gives us an opportunity to create a new dimension for these already extraordinary series but also allows us to begin to explore the full potential of the PSP handheld system," said Sam Houser, President of Rockstar Games. "Sony's extremely impressive technology has allowed Rockstar Leeds to do more on a handheld machine than we could have ever imagined. We are very excited for gamers to experience these two genre-defining franchises in a fashion that could have never before been possible on a portable system."

"We are working very closely with Rockstar North and Rockstar San Diego to ensure that both Grand Theft Auto and Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition remains faithful to the initial vision of these respective franchises," said Gordon Hall, President of Rockstar Leeds. "We understand that gamers' expectations will be very high for new PSP handheld system titles and we are confident that we can deliver exhilarating experiences that will set the standard for what a PSP game can be with Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition and our new Grand Theft Auto title."

Weâ??ll have more information soon.