Sony PSP 3000 and PSP 5.0 Update
October 8, 2008 by Victor
Now that we’re getting closer to the official October 14th release date of the Sony PSP 3000, the new PSP has apparently been popping up all over Best Buy stores in the US. Here is a picture of the new PSP 3000, packed with the Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters bundle.
If you’re lucky enough to convince the sales rep to sell it to you (they aren’t supposed to sell them before the 14th, but some do anyways), then you will find, besides the actual console, game, cables, instruction manuals, a 1GB memory card. It is surprising that Sony didn’t include a 4GB card, but it seems like they’ll be selling the PSPs with 4GB memory sticks once the 1GB cards run out.
Sony PSP 5.0 Firmware Update
The new Sony PSP 5.0 firmware update will include the following features:
- PSN (PlayStation Network) Access. This means that gamers will now be able to use the PSP for multiplayer online games. Most new releases will now have full multiplayer support, with possible access to the PlayStation Store. Users will also be able to chat with eachother directly through their PSPs.
- RSS Reader. While there is an RSS reader in the current release of the firmware, it is quite buggy and is not easy to use. The new RSS reader will be completely redesigned to address all of the features which Sony has received complaints about. The new RSS reader, besides having support for images and videos, will also have support for text.
- Screenshot mode. Users will now be able to take screenshots of their in-game action, which was something impossible with the previous firmware revisions. The screen captures will then be saved to the Memory Stick. Most likely, full support for screen captures will only be available in newly released games.
PSP 3000 Hardware
So you now know about the new firmware. Now, let’s see what’s new on the hardware side of the PSP 3000, and is it really much better than the PSP 2000?
The new PSP has a more refined look than the PSP-2000. Sony has also done a lot of research in the ergonomics of the device, which have also been improved. Some of the ports on the PSP have been moved around to provide easier and better connectivity. The TV-out feature has also been improved to support TVs without progressive scan, whereas only progressive scan TVs were able to function with previous hardware version of the PSP.
Sony has also decided to add an integrated microphone to the PSP 3000, located just below the LCD screen. This feature would be very welcomed by those who use Skype on the PSP. It would even allow future games to support in-game voice chat (similar to TeamSpeak on PC). The rear (back) panel has also been refined for a different look, pictured below.
The biggest hardware improvement, however, is the new LCD screen. This really is a feature worth switching to the PSP 3000 for. This screen is probably the crispest and brightest of any portable video game console available on the market. The PSP 2000 is pictured above, while the PSP 3000 is at the bottom of the picture. Check it out:
For those users who absolutely need to know the specs of the new PSP 3000, Sony has announced the official specifications, shown below.
Sony PSP 3000 (PlayStation Portable) Specifications
Size: 169.4 x 18.6 71.4 mm / 6¾ x ¾ x 2¾ in
Weight: 189g / 6.7oz (with the installed battery)
CPU: System clock frequency 1-333MHz
Main Memory: 64MB
Display: 4.3 inches (16:9) full-transparent type, 480×272 pixel, 16,770,000 colors
Sound: Built-in stereo speakers
Main input/output: Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) (Wi-Fi)
High Speed USB (USB2.0) (mini-B)
Memory Stick PRO Duo™
Analog Video Out
Microphone
Main connectors: DC IN 5V connector; DC OUT connector; Video out/headset connector; USB connector
Memory Stick Duo™ slot
Power sources: Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack
AC adaptor
USB power supply
Internal disc drive: Read-only UMD™ drive
Access control: Region code, parental control
Ad hoc mode (connects up to 16 consoles)
Supplied accessories: AC adaptor
Battery pack (1200mAh)
The verdict? Two thumbs up from us! Sony really did listen to gamers’ views on the old PSP and has added some cool and, more importantly, useful features to make the PSP experience even better than before! If you’re still considering buying a PSP, then the PSP 3000 is the one to get!
More links/sources: Sony Official Press Release, QJ.net, Walyou.
it looks slick but not much different then the 2000 i would personaly stick with the 200o cause it has the same funcutions just the 3000 is just polished and more expensive. its not bad but i still perfere the 2000/wats the difference
It is worth mentioning here that, according to Sony, running any unauthorized code on the PSP will immediately void the warranty. Emission Control
The big difference is the screen! Look at how much sharper and brighter the image is on the 3000 vs the 2000.
The price is $199.99 and it comes with a game, movie, and 1gig mem stick. So buy the 3000 and leave the old psp’s in the past.
Also it has a built in mic, new mother board, and better buttons, I don’t see anything near as good as a psp3000, wish it had a touch screen though.
The Nintendo DS has two screens! The psp has 1. The DS has a touch screen, the psp doesn’t; try and touch that psp screen and you’ll be is scracted up screen hell! The DS already has a built in mic since even its first model. The psp just now decided to add a mic built in. The DS has built in chatrooms which you can utilize the the touch screen with for drawing. The psp… – sigh – once again, doesn’t. I can keep this up, but I am only able to type 1000 characters. So just buy a DS!
“Nintendo Man,” while some people prefer the Nintendo DS vs Sony PSP, you have to understand that they are two different animals. The DS and PSP both have different games and in my opinion the screen of the new PSP 3000 is superb, even compared to the DS.
Has not been cracked yet though. I’ll hold out until Dark Alex gives us all the nod.
This new PSP seems to be a great upgrade or a great deal for anyone who doesn’t already have one. In regards to Nintendo Man’s comment, both devices have there ups and downs. The PSP’s graphics blow the DS’s out of the water. As far as looks, the PSP looks much sleeker and more professional. I love both systems and to be honest, you can’t say that one blows the other out of the water because they both have different things that better than the other.
Just like Micheal Jackson, the psp is dead. But the DS is pimp.
PSP games are more detailed than DS games in my opinion and one reason is PSP does not have touch screen. PSP has crisp details while DS has more of the Saturday morning cartoon details. Would I want to play God of War on 3D possibly but not until the graphics are fine tuned. I can see the tiniest details on my PSP when I play games and DS not so much but I play each system for different reasons. I would rather have both systems and not have to choose because it is like comparing apples to oranges DS offers array of options to gaming but has not perfected details in the games where Sony has the graphic details and the characters appear to be computer animated and less hand drawn appearing which is how I would describe Nintendo characters.