So, you're probably wondering how the PSP-3000 compares to last year's PSP-2000, the second version of the PlayStation Portable. Check out the pictures below for a side-by-side comparison and decide if you're ready to jump on the PSP, or if it's worth the upgrade from the PSP-1000 or PSP-2000
Starting with the face of the PSP-3000 (on bottom), note that the buttons under the screen are all rounded. Oh, and that little hole next to the PSP logo is the newly integrated microphone. The logos shift around a bit too.
Top view: No differences to note. Still as slim.
Back view: Only change is a slimmer ring around the PSP logo on the UMD door. Note that the Mystic Silver PSP-3000 has a matte finish to the glossy sparkle of the Ice SIlver PSP-2000
The battery compartments and sizes are identical.
Left view: PSP-3000 (on right) has a more rounded edge and the thumbstick is slightly higher. The grip on the PSP-3000 cradles your thumbs easier.
Left view - Memory Stick Compartment: Same design as PSP-2000. It's held up well on the PSP-2000.
The PSP-3000 (left) features a very slight recess in the middle of the button layout. You can also see the rounded edge again.
Right view: The sliding power/sleep switch and battery compartment button. Same form.
Bottom view: Same power and audio/video out ports.
UMD doors are the same (except smaller ring design on PSP-3000).
UMD door view. No notable difference.
Front view: A small hole next to PSP logo hides the newly added PSP mic, probably the biggest upgrade on the PSP-3000 (no more need for the PSP Headset and PSP Mic hardware).
Using the new "Color Space" system settings feature on the PSP-3000 (bottom), the colors appear a bit brighter. Note that PSP Firmware 4.20 comes installed on the PSP-3000. At the time of this writing, the most current downloadable version of the PSP Firmware was 4.05. The Color Space feature has 2 settings: Normal (which will give you same colors as in the PSP-2000) and Wide, which the menu notes: "the system's display will appear more vivid".
Here you can see an off-screen shot taken in a dark environment. The PSP-3000's Color Space WIDE setting allows for a bit more contrast and detail, but at the sacrifice of saturated colors? More below.
Metal Slug close-up picture. Note the colors again. With the PSP-3000's WIDE Color Space on, the colors look desaturated in comparison to the Normal color setting (the only color option on the PSP-2000). Also should note that when navigating the menus, the PSP-3000's display had interlacing-like artifacts when in motion, in Normal and Wide Color Space mode. That sums up the comparison pics. Overall, the hardware hasn't had dramatic differences as the jump from the PSP-1000 to the PSP-2000. The notable addition is the microphone, which will save you around $20-$30.
-GamingBits [Quoted]
Mae's Piece of Advice:
If you haven't got any PSP yet, buying a PSP 3000 might be worth it. Buy it now, because now is the cheapest time you can get a new PSP 3000, once it is hacked and able to play download able games, then the price will go higher.
If you can just buy it and be patient a little while the hackers do their job, then it is OK. Or else, buy PSP 2000.
The only difference between PSP 2000 and 3000 are: the graphics, although in some situations there are reported 'glitch' in PSP3000 due to the increased graphical setups. And the built in microphone, and audio, although you will not be able to really tell the difference using a cheap headphones.
If you already own PSP 2000, there is absolutely no need of you to upgrade to PSP 3000, which means, buying a new one.
It is not worth it. Some people even consider buying PSP 2000 instead of PSP 3000. About the built in microphone, you can always buy the external ones for PSP 2000. And unless you really uses Skype a lot, what the heck the microphone is for?
Playing online games? Well, that's possible, but do you really use mic when playing your fave online games?
Just think about it this way, PSP 3000 is good for future investments, which means, now is cheap, but like any other consoles, it will be hacked sooner or later, and the price will go up, so better buy now and wait patiently.
But for PSP 2000 owner, just enjoy your console and forget PSP 3000, you do not need to upgrade, absolutely not worth it.
Luv and Play!
Mae