In what is seen as an attempt by Sony to counter the fact that the Nintendo DS is outselling its PlayStation Portable by three-to-one in some regions, the Japanese electronics giant has cut the price of its handheld Core Pack by $30 USD in North America. Major U.S. retailers GameStop and EBGames have today snipped the Pack's price from $199.99 USD to a slightly more appealing $169.99 USD.

If the sales discount proves successful there's a chance that a similar tactic could be rolled out across other territories. For now, at least, that isn't the case; a Sony representative explaining to gaming portal CVG that today's news is a "US-only thing."

The PSP's Core Pack is the cheapest and most basic bundle on the market for the Sony handheld. It includes the console as well as an internal battery and a mains adaptor. It lacks the 1GB Memory Stick and UMD that is included with the more expensive Entertainment Pack, which, incidentally, will continue to retail for $250 USD.

Whether Sony's marginal discount will markedly improve the PSP's market share in the portable arena remains to be seen. All things aside, the canny gamer might be wise to wait a little longer still, since Sony recently talked up plans for a re-designed version of the PSP to come.

In other PSP news, it was announced yesterday that its users could soon be enjoying free Wi-Fi access across America. 

Sony announced yesterday that the latest firmware upgrade for its PSP handheld would enable gamers to surf the Net and connect to play Wi-Fi compatible games for free at over 7,000 T-Mobile U.S. HotSpots. Locations include most Starbucks, Borders book stores, and over 70 major airports nationwide.

"The access will remain free for six months, after which time a full subscription will be available for purchase at a discounted rate. The new offer enables Sony to take portable gaming and entertainment to a new level of mobility and convenience for PSP owners."

Click HERE for GamerSquad's low-down on the rest of the latest firmware's (version 3.30) update!