Apart from the new 160GB PS3 and updated PSP, Sony also revealed a new Wireless Keypad for the PS3. The Keypad will launch across North America in late November and will be introduced in Japan, Europe and Asia by the end of the year.

The price has yet to be announced but keep a look out because Sony promise that the release date and price will be announced later in each region.

Designed to make text communications and web browsing easier, the Wireless Keypad is a new peripheral that snaps on to the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller. It can be easily attached or removed and allows for easier text communication than the on-screen keyboard.

In addition it supports text chat in PlayStation Home and enables gamers to enjoy interactivity playing online titles and enjoying entertainment content more smoothly. The Keypad includes a Touch Pad Button mode that turns the main key area into a touch pad where players simply slide their finger on this area to move the cursor on the screen and tap to enter.

PS3 owners will also be able to jump directly to pre-set features on XMB such as the “Friends” icon and the “Message Box” during game play thanks to two short cut buttons (a Communication Button and a Message Box button) on the Keypad. The Keypad features Bluetooth functionality and can be paired to the PS3 by connecting the keypad to the USB cable that is bundled with the PS3.

With games such as LittleBigPlanet featuring support text chat, PS3 owners will no doubt find the Wireless Keypad useful when it launches.