When the PSP was originally introduced in 2005, many gawked over its brilliant screen, design, game graphics, and multimedia capabilities. Many thought it to be the Gameboy killer, but it did not quite pan out that way. Instead, the PSP found its own voice of gamers loyal to Sony's first ever handheld.
Since the PSP was introduced, the hardware design has gone through a few cycles of changes, starting from the Sony Slim AKA 2000 to the current the Sony-3000.
We discuss the evolution of this machine and review the new PSP 3000 we think deserves more attention than it has been receiving.
Design
Sony has always been known for its design, and this still holds true up to this day. While the new PSP 3000 isn't a revolutionary overhaul from its previous versions, some minor yet welcomed cosmetic changes have been made.
For example, the measurements of the PSP remain the same at 2.81 inches high by 6.3 inches wide by 0.63 inches deep and its weight is a little lighter at just a little over 7 ounces.
Also, Sony decided to release the PSP 3000 in two different colors. The classic black piano finish as well as a high quality brushed metal matte finish which we think is quite striking. In our case, we have the brushed metal version for review that came with the Ratchet and Clank value entertainment pack for $199.99.
The nice thing about the metal matte finish was that fingerprints and smudges were much less apparent. Unfortunately we wish we could say the same for the screen, which still embraces fingerprints in all its glory.
Maybe it's the materials used for this round of manufacturing, but the 3000 feels more solid in my hands. The build quality seems to have been upgraded all around, even its plastic shell. The buttons are shaped a little more aerodynamically and the joystick pad felt sturdier and more responsive as well.
The Screen
One of the most glaring differences between the old and new model is its screen. With the new screen, there is a notable difference in anti-glare when playing games or watching movies. For gamers who like to use their PSPs outdoor, the screen's anti-glare technology is dramatically improved outside in daylight. The glaring screen has always been a complaint from previous models and we're happy Sony finally addressed the problem.
It is worth noting that the changes to the screen are not merely superficial. The screen's technology has changed as well. The PSP's screen now has wider color gamut and features five times the contrast ratio and quicker pixel-response times than the PSP's previous versions. What this does is vastly reduce ghosting while playing fast action games or watching movies. Ghosting is when the frame of an image is apparent from a previous scene and overlays with the present frame.
But this increased clarity comes at an expense. The clearer reveals the PSP hardware's age with more visible scanlines and jaggies. It distract from gameplay less than ghosting, but its important to consider, especially for those consumers debating an upgrade. It's noticeable, it exists, but it does not ruin an update to Sony's underrated handheld system.
Built-In Mic
Since the introduction of Skype to PSP users, the software has had a lot of success with games that utilize its potential and also for general phone use. Sony decided to build in a mic into the PSP 3000 to expand on it success and usability. We tested some voice calls within the North America to see how clear the audio came in and we were impressed with its uncompressed sound. Users on the other end were surprised on how clear my calls came through, even when I had some music turned on in the background.
Conclusion
Although the new PSP is not a game changer when compared to the Slim, the new Sony PSP has some great minor cosmetics changes and some fantastic under-the-hood additions. However, do not expect enormous changes if you are just looking to upgrade. But those looking to benefit from the PSP 3000 are new customers looking to adopt their first ever Sony Portable System - if you are a member of that group, the PSP 3000 is definitely the way to go.
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