In addition to an expected graphics upgrade, the online-only Confrontation features seven maps, one of which is a 32-player version of "the most popular SOCOM map of all time, Crossroads." Tournaments, clan ladders, leader boards, and integration with SOCOM.com are also on tap, and players will have the choice of manning one of five customizable special force units.

The optional blue tooth headset also promises improved speech recognition and noise cancellation used for voice commands, according to Sony.

"With the new headset, we were able to implement new game features such as proximity chat, which utilizes high quality voice chat in full surround sound with reverb and sound occlusion to match all of the sound effects in the game; providing players with the most immersive voice chat experience heard in any game," says Seth Luisi, director of development.

As previously reported, SOCOM Confrontation is available as a download from the PlayStation store and on Blu-ray disc at retail for US$39.99. A bundle version for $59.99 adds the new Official Bluetooth Headset, which will be available for stand-alone purchase in early November for $49.99.

Since 2002, the SOCOM franchise has sold upwards of 8 million copies for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable, resulting in one of the most widely played first-party series on PlayStation.