New Launch: PSP 3000

Sony launched the PSP 2000 last year, with a few significant improvements over their first model. It was slimmer and lighter (hence the name PSP slim), and it had some much needed extra functions like USB charging, TV out for videos and games, faster loading times, which made the console the best deal you can get in portable gaming.The question is — just a year later, was there really a need for a new PSP? And does it really offer enough for old PSP owners to upgrade to this one? We explore this and much more by first looking at the new features offered by the newly launched PSP, dubbed the PSP 3000.

Firstly, in case there is any misconception about it, this is not the sequel to the original PSP. It's simply the 3rd redesign of the same hardware, capable of doing the same core functions as the original two. You won't have any games or movies that would be exclusive to PSP 3000 and not compatible with the earlier two editions, simply because its not a successor to the original PSP.

With that out of the way, at first look, there isn't that much that makes the PSP 3000 stand out from the second generation PSP. It's exactly the same size and dimensions. But on a closer look you notice the subtle changes—

• The Home button is now the PlayStation button with the classic PlayStation logo.
• There's a mic placed right next to the volume control for the new Skype function in the PSP 3000.
• The D-pad is a lot better this time around, which I suspect would make playing fighting games a lot easier than its predecessors.
• It can now output games via Composite cable as well, unlike the PSP 2000, which requires a component cable to output games.

But you notice the biggest change from the previous PSP's only after you turn it on — It's spanking new screen.