Once Upon A Time…
There was a time when I almost wrote Sony’s shiny handheld off for the lack of good games coming out.  With the imminent release of the PSP GO! they seem eager to change my mind, so I took the plunge of re-investing in a new PSP.

Not being keen on the idea, or the price tag, of the PSP GO! I decided to go for the 3000 model, the third and latest version of the PSP.

Different Strokes
What makes this PSP so different from its predecessors?  Well, not all that much, really, but enough to warrant buying this over a Phat or 2000 model.

Firstly, Sony have added an extra level of brightness over the last PSP which also improves the quality of the colours.  Putting the same game side-by-side on the 2000 and 3000 this really does become noticeable.  Colours seem brighter and more vivid, which adds to games and movies on the lovely widescreen display.

Another addition to the screen is the ‘anti-glare’ which makes it easier (but still not entirely clear) in sunny outdoor conditions.  While it still seems to have an issue with direct sunlight, the screen is noticeably clearer in partial light such as in a car (but obviously not while driving!)

Lastly, Sony have put a microphone in the casing so the PSP is fully Skype ready, coming with the skype software fully integrated in to the firmware.  It’s a handy feature which may cut down on phone calls and also makes your PSP a free phone in any Wi-Fi spot, so long as you call other Skype users.

Game Case
Regular features such as the XMB bar have improved on all models through new firmware.  There are options for playing MP4 video, MP3 and ACC audio and for downloading games either straight from the PSP itself via WI-FI, from the free Media-GO software on PC and Mac or from the PS3 via USB.

More games are now arriving in the PSN store and with an 8GB Memory Stick you can store a fair few to play on the go without worrying about carrying around any discs.

The UMD disc tray is still there, though, which is very handy for picking up cheap games from the high street or online if you don’t mind carrying them around. 

Popcorn Time!
The UMD drive can also play movie UMDs, again allowing you to use those £5 bargain bin movies. 

However, the best way of getting movies to your PSP is to use the free PSP Video 9 software, which lets you convert DVDs and downloaded movies in varying formats to the right format for the PSP and will even allow you to move them straight on to the console’s Memory Stick.  At less than 1GB for a full movie you can store a fair few on a stick.

Power Up
The battery is removable, which is just as well as it only gives you 4 hours of Gaming or movie time and about 16 hours for music.  You can buy spare batteries fairly easily but the best bet is to go for a bigger 3000 battery from Asia (try playasia.com) for extended gaming time.

All Rounder
With its smaller size the PSP 3000 is an ideal MP3, Video and games machine and with Sony’s recent surge of PSN activity and big new games titles coming out, I’m glad I got back in the game. 

I’d happily recommend this above the PSP GO! Which looks as if it will suffer from bad battery life and lack of UMD port for cheap games.

8/10