The Sony PSP 3000 is the latest hand-held game unit from this great game vendor. But the older PSP 2000 has most of the same features and provides an outstanding list of games, as well. Yet, the 2000 offers a package that is a third lighter than the previous model and almost 20% slimmer. Those same specs are carried over in the PSP 3000. Gone are the bulges of the previous model that covered the battery and memory stick slot.
One of the outstanding features of the PSP 2000 (just as for its newer cousin) is the battery life. Even a 2-hour session only consumes about 20% of the lifetime in this unit, if you take advantage of the larger battery option. But even the smaller powerpack only consumes about 35% of the total under the same conditions.
Those conditions include playing games, of course. With an upgrade (from the previous model) to 64MB of NAND RAM, those will load much faster than older PSPs. The original had only 32MB. And, thanks to a feature called UMD Cache, most games will load noticeably quicker than the predecessor.
Like the newer 3000, the 2000 offers a crisp screen that can be used in nearly full sunlight. It features the same 4.3" LCD screen, but offers a big improvement in visual quality over its predecessor. Just as does the PSP 3000, the 2000 can also connect to a TV but requires an optional set of cables that cost about $20.
However, the output resolution is 480 x 272, so it won't fill your HDTV. Games have large black borders. UMD movies, though, will play (and look) normal in standard definition format. Still, if your TV offers a zoom feature, you can compensate for this drawback to a large degree. Gaming does require a TV that supports progressive scan, not just interlaced, but that's pretty common these days.
Don't expect too much, since the video in the unit isn't the equal of, say, a PlayStation 3. Still, it's terrific for such a small system.
The PSP 2000 provides a set of very firm control buttons. Nothing cheap about the construction here. The Wi-Fi button is easily accessible at the top and you'll like the not-too-easy power button that makes accidental power-off very unlikely. All the buttons provide an audible click for superior sensory feedback. The raised D-Pad is easy to manipulate.
Your other senses will be pleased, too. Audio has been enhanced by the relocation of the speakers from the bottom to the front, alongside the screen. The PSP 2000 will display photos, video, and also play music files.
Those will be easy to obtain, thanks to the ultra-simple Internet connectivity and browser. Games, too, can download at reasonable rates. That connectivity extends to simple integration with the larger PS3, which can use the PSP 2000 (or PSP 3000) as a game controller.