The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto title for the PlayStation Portable has been named. The PSP exclusive will be known as Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and is expected to be available shortly after the Sept. 1 European PSP launch. No word yet on whether or not we’ll be reprising our role as the now infamous Tommy Vercetti. It’s also still unknown if the game will be in 3D or the top down format of the first few titles in the series. Click here to view the game’s current packaging sleeve.

Below is the official press release for the game:

Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for the PSP Portable Entertainment System

The latest title in the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto series to be available exclusively for Sony’s portable system this Fall Title to be shown behind closed doors at E3

New York, NY – May 17, 2005 - Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will be available exclusively on the PSPTM portable entertainment system in North America and Europe following the European launch of the PSP system on September 1, 2005. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will be shown by invitation only at E3.

“Returning to Liberty City and bringing it to life on a handheld system has been both nostalgic and extremely inspiring for us,” said Sam Houser, President of Rockstar Games. “The incredible PSP system technology allows for fans of the previous Grand Theft Auto titles to revisit Liberty City and see it from an amazing new perspective with an entirely original storyline. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will be a bold new experience that has never before been possible on a portable platform.”

“We’ve been very ambitious with Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories,” said Leslie Benzies, President of Rockstar North. “By collaborating extensively with Rockstar Leeds, we’ve been able to create a massive, uncompromising experience on the PSP system that we believe both long-time Grand Theft Auto fans and newcomers will be excited to get their hands on.”

“We have worked very closely with Rockstar North to bring the same integrity and production value of the previous Grand Theft Auto titles to the PSP system,” said Gordon Hall, President of Rockstar Leeds. “People’s expectation for a Grand Theft Auto title will always be very high, and we’re confident that we can deliver a revolutionary experience. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will be the most intense and epic title created for the PSP system, undoubtedly setting the standard for this groundbreaking platform.”

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is an entirely new game in the Grand Theft Auto series and brings an unprecedented mobile dimension to this epic experience. The original storyline and all new missions take place in Liberty City, featuring the interactive, open environment, superb voice talent and diverse music that have become pioneering trademarks of the series.