PSP 3000 Review

We've had a Sony PSP model 1001 for at least four years now, and I was trying to decide if upgrading to the new 3000 model was worth it. I like the fact that Sony has been releasing firmware updates for this game system, but I wasn't sure if the lighter, brighter, faster hardware was worth spending more money on. After doing some research, I found out that the new model had component video output, allowing you to see the games on your TV monitor. Actually, my girlfriend purchased the cable before she realized that it wouldn't work on her old PSP. So, after much consideration, I bought the new one so we could try the cable.

I wasn't using the component video input on my TV, so I connected the new PSP component video cable to that. I purchased a component video coupler at Radio Shack to extend the 8 foot cable from Sony. This allows us to sit on the couch and play the PSP while watching the game or movie on the big screen. Be aware that your TV must support progressive scan and you need the component (5 plug) cable to play games. The composite (3 plug) cable will not let you see games on your TV. Also, UMD movies play full screen, but the games only fill about 60% of the screen. It's still pretty cool to see your game on a bigger screen.

I do have a few gripes about the PSP, mainly the web browser's limited usefulness. The version of flash that it supports is older than most content you can find on the web. I also don't like how Sony keeps things so locked down, preventing open source developers from creating games and useful applications for the device. The list of things the PSP can do is impressive, but it could do so much more, if Sony only allowed it. They seem to like giving us little tid bits at a time.