Sony PSP-3000

PSP 3000 Console

The PSP 3000 features a console that is slim and compact, measuring 2.81 inches high by 6.63 inches wide by 0.63 inch deep; in addition to its slim design, the PSP 3000 console is also very light, weighting only about 7 ounces, and that’s even with the battery, game and memory stick.

Although the 4.3-inch LCD wide screen remains the same as earlier models, there have been some upgrades that include better color reproduction, reduced glare, as well as reduced ghosting on high motion scenes.

Like other PSP models, it is necessary to purchase a protective case, as it does not come in a clamshell design like the Nintendo handheld systems; the silver version of the PSP 3000 is resistant to fingerprints, unlike the glossy black version.

The control buttons are located on the sides and bottom of the screen, and are very much like the Playstation control buttons.

One new feature of the Sony PSP 3000 is the built in microphone, which is used for online communications, such as with the system's Skype application. The built in microphone can be used with standard headphones.

The PSP 3000 is designed to play games and movies from what is known as Universal Media Discs. These disks only work with a PSP, which makes a massive investment in them a little questionable, though it does appear that Sony has been moving toward making the PSP more of a system for downloaded games.

Although you can use headphones with the PSP 3000, there is also the option of using the external speakers.

Along with its gaming and movie features, the PSP 3000 also has some great online capabilities as well as built in Wi-Fi, which allows users to connect to any wireless internet. Another improvement is the AV output for better video and game playback on TVs.

The PSP 3000 does offer a great line of games that feature much better graphics than the DS system, which is one fantastic advantage over the competition.

Some problems with the new PSP 3000 include UMD load times, which are still slow when compared with DS games; in addition, the web browser and data input can be a problem, and there is no built in storage.

For those who own a PSP 2000, there are not likely enough upgrades with the new version to prompt replacing your current system, but if you don't have a Sony handheld device, the PSP 3000 is definitely worth the investment.

For those who are looking for a cheap PSP 3000, you may be a little disappointed. This is a high end, next generation system that offers fantastic graphics, which means that the price can be a little more than other handheld systems.

The basic PSP may be had for less, but it will lack the advanced features of the Sony PSP 3000.