Tomorrow, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron debuts on the Sony PSP, including a limited-release Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Pack bundle that allows owners to experience their favorite Star Wars battles any way --- and anywhere --- they want with a special "Ceramic White" PSP featuring a silk-screened image of Darth Vader on the back of the unit. Here's an exclusive interview with Sony's John Koller, Senior Brand Manager for the PSP, where he discusses how this killer combat combo came to be.

Sony has never packed a third-party game in with any of its previous consoles. Why break this trend with Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron?

The Star Wars Battlefront franchise has been an extremely strong seller on the PSP, and we knew the new game would be in extremely strong demand from the core demographic. In reviewing our hardware plans for the upcoming year, we felt that a marriage of the new, lighter, slimmer, white PSP with Darth Vader artwork and the Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron game would be a good strategic move. From the demand that we expect to see through holiday, we are very happy with the results, as well as the partnership with LucasArts.

How important is it to Sony that this game was created from the ground up specifically for PSP?

This is extremely important to SCEA, and not only because we want to ensure strong titles are created for the platform. Our goal is to create unique experiences on the PSP -- experiences that cannot be replicated on any other console or handheld platform. PSP owners do not want to play the same game that they can play on console. They want to play games designed for portable play, and games that utilize the PSP's widescreen LCD. Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron successfully integrates this model, while creating a really immersive, fun game to play.

Why go with an image of Darth Vader on this model of the new PSP?

Japanese consumers have been fortunate in that collectible, silk-screened artwork has been available on PSPs for some time. In reviewing their successes, and knowing that the North American consumer values collectibility, we decided to utilize arguably one of the most iconic images in the last few generations -- Darth Vader's image -- on the back of the limited edition white PSP. This tactic immediately created a highly collectible item for Star Wars fans as well as general fans, who intend to purchase a PSP this holiday.

What makes this model of the PSP better than the original model?

We don't like to state that one model is 'better' than another, but the additions made to this PSP model certainly increase the portability and usability of the system. With a 33% lighter and 20% thinner PSP, this model makes it easy to take your entertainment with you on the go. The addition of more RAM space for faster game loading, a more efficient battery, colored systems (for the first time in North America), and the ability to plug the new PSP into a TV to play on the big screen are all enhancements that consumers will appreciate. And, of course, the addition of the Darth Vader art to the back of the white PSP is an awesome visceral enhancement.

What's your personal favorite new feature of the new PSP?

The size and weight differences in the new model are so significant, that the first reaction when people hold it is 'Wow'. That was certainly my first reaction when we received the first sample unit from Japan almost a year ago. While the screen size and buttons retained their size, the portability of this new model is incredibly enhanced. For traveling like I do, there really is no equal.

What would you say to current Star Wars fans who are on the fence about buying the new bundle because they already own the original PSP model?

For Star Wars' fans, this bundle is perfect. It provides the limited edition, collectible 'I have something my friends don't have' white PSP with Darth Vader art, as well as the best Star Wars Battlefront game to date -- uniquely created specifically for the PSP. Also, the new, lighter, slimmer white PSP is now more portable than ever and includes the ability to play Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron on a large TV using video out. It's simply awesome.

What are you personally looking forward to regarding the Renegade Squadron game itself?

Playing and beating Mike Webster, Star Wars Battlefront's Product Manager, via Ad Hoc.

Can you tell us just how limited this bundle is and how long it will be available?

While I can't get into specific supply numbers, we expect the bundle to sell out by the end of December. Because this is such a special bundle, we would urge all Star Wars' fans to purchase as soon as possible to make sure they get their own!

SCEA President Jack Tretton gave Chewbacca a noncommittal "I'll see what I can do" when this bundle was announced and Chewie asked for a free system. Do you know if Jack is hooking up our favorite Wookiee with one after all?

Jack is a smart man, and charts the best course of action is for all SCEA business. The best course of action here would be to make sure that Chewie gets his - and I'm sure Jack is hooking him up. I don't think Jack wants an angry Wookiee pounding on his door next week!!