Now, with the release of the latest major revision to the system, the PSP-3000 right around the corner, IGN Gear takes a look at the evolution of the PSP.
PSP-1000
The Sony PlayStation Portable began with the PSP-1000. Bulky, but bustling with features, the PSP brought unparalleled power to the mobile gaming format. Boasting a 4.3" TFT LCD screen with the capacity to display video images at 480 x 272 resolution with over 16 million different colors, the PSP-1000 featured incredibly detailed and vibrant displays. The PSP's primary media processing block comes from a dedicated 32-bit MIPS32 R4k-based CPU, similar to that which powers the primary operating system.
In terms of raw processing power, the PSP's CPU had a maximum clocking speed of 333 MHz. For unknown reasons, however, the PSP-1000's CPU was originally capped at 222 MHz. Fortunately, in the months to follow the platform's launch, enthusiastic hackers managed to uncork the code of the PSP firmware and were then able to run the system at maximum capacity. The PSP-1000 packed 32MB of ram, 8 times that of the Nintendo DS. One of the most compelling features of the PSP, however, is the Wi-Fi connectivity of the PSP. With it's built-in web browser and other web-enabled programs like remote play.
However, the PSP-1000 wasn't without its flaws. Shortly after launch, the volumes of readers reported issues like dead pixels in their LCD displays, unfavorably short battery life, and extended load times. But within the next year, Sony sought to remedy many of these issues with the introduction of the PSP-2000.
PSP-2000
In September of 2007, Sony introduced the PSP-2000, a slimmer, lighter alternative to the PSP-1000. Among the new improvements would be a 33% lighter build, coming in at 189 grams, and 19% thinner design that cut the depth of the PSP down to less than an inch thick. The reduced weight and size of the PSP, as well as the continuation of the original PSP's price reduction of the core pack to $169.99 resulted in a boost in sales.
Another defining factor to the PSP Slim is the revised loading tray for the UMD drive and memory stick. UMDs in the Slim are loaded via a swiveling tray which is popped open, as opposed to the switch-open tray of the PSP-1000. Sony also added a new glossy finish to the PSP, which reduced the appearance of dirt and wear significantly. Some other subtler improvements were made to the PSP's D-pad, which was raised slightly due to consumer feedback that cited poor feedback, as well as a repositioning of the PSP's speakers from the bottom of the faceplate to the top.
The PSP-2000 also included a collection of new and expanded hardware features. In order to reduce the weight of the PSP, Sony had to cut down on the PSP's weighty battery. Fortunately, however, the reduction of the battery had no immediate impact on the maximum playtime of the system due to additional strides made by Sony to boost the PSP's energy efficiency. In order to reduce the unfavorably slow load times of the PSP-1000, Sony opted to up the PSP's memory from 32MBs to 64MBs, as well as removing the 222Mhz cap on its CPU.
Finally, the biggest addition to the PSP-2000 is the inclusion of a video output cable which enables users to play their PSP and display media on any television. Users could then use the PSP to display media and games at a maximum resolution of 720 x 480 via composite, component, S-video, and D-terminal cables.
Initially it was believed that the PSP-2000 would be merely a bridge iteration that would segue into the PSP 2. However, when Sony announced earlier this year that the PSP would share the same 10-year lifespan of the PlayStation 3, it was clear that Sony had a different release schedule in mind.
PSP-3000
As one of their biggest announcements at the 2008 Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, Sony announced that the PSP-3000 would hitting shelves this Fall. The company's announcement at GC '08 cited the retention of the PSP-2000's slim design with no further reductions in weight or size. The big difference, however, is in the PSP's revised LCD display, which boasts twice the color gamut of its predecessor, as well as five times the contrast ratio.
Additionally, the PSP-3000 features a microphone for Skype users and a new anti-reflective finish that reduces glare on both the frame and the screen of the PSP. The new finish yet again reduces the appearance of dirt and wear on the system, which for avid users will be a necessary addition.
In yet another subtle addition, the PSP's start, select, and home button have been revised from half circles to ovals. Furthermore, the home button has been replaced as the "PS Button," similar to that of the PS3 SIXAXIS.
The introduction of the PSP-3000 will also mark the release of several new bundled packages, one with Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets UMD, and a 1 GB memory stick. The other will feature a 4GB memory stick and a voucher for Everyday Shooter, available via the PS Store. Both will retail for $199.99 on October 14, while a core pack will be released in November for $169.99.
Stay tuned to IGN.com for all the latest about the PSP-3000.
