PSP-3000 Portable Gaming Console (Slim)
Get more of what you want with the all-new PSP-3000 system. It has an advanced LCD screen, which offers the highest-level contrast ratio, best response time and the widest color gamut possible on an LCD screen. It also has anti-reflection technology, so that you'll get vibrant and natural colors in any conditions. And the built-in microphone enhances multi-player gaming and enables Skype? calling. Light, slim and as portable as ever. Watch movies. Listen to music. Surf the Internet. You can even watch live and recorded TV. And it all goes down on the dazzling widescreen LCD. Doing it all and looking absolutely brilliant, the all-new PSP-3000 system.

User Reviews about PSP 3000 Core Pack - Black

I've spent the last few weeks doing some research on which to buy, and finally caved and bought a PSP GO. I ended up returning it and buying the PSP 3000, and here's why:

1. Physical comfort.

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for things that are new and look cool (sometimes at the cost of utility.) Plus, things that slide are undoubtedly awesome. Sony knew that when they made the GO. The problem is the "cool" and "new" factors are outweighed by the smaller screen and compressed controls. Also, I thought it would be better having the controls on the bottom wh en gaming, and have a less distracting view when watching movies since the buttons would be hidden, but I was wrong. The buttons on the side are far more comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly natural. The bigger screen actually does make a difference, and the L and R buttons just feel more natural this way.

One thing to note about the screens (both have the same resolution):

They're good, but not great. The problem is we're spoiled now. If you have a smartphone (which if you don't, I feel like I don't even know you,) you'll be disappointed when you see some things on the screen that are just so clearly pixelated. I'm going to post a video review in a bit and you'll see what I'm talking about.

2. Digital games vs. UMD (the names of the physical discs that the 3000 uses.)

For those who don't know, the PSP GO uses digital games exclusively. There are no physical discs. You download games from the Playstation Network store. It's convenient since you don't have to carry discs around, and you have immediate access to a huge selection.

The 3000 uses physical discs (UMD) as well as downloads. Now, carrying discs around is definitely a hassle (even though they're only about 2 inches by 2 inches), but the benefit is that you can buy used discs for very cheap, an option not available with the digital only GO.

***IMPORTANT TIP***

At GameStop, you can buy used PSP UMDs for cheap, and they have a great return policy. For any reason, you can return any used game within 7 days for a full refund, to any GameStop in the country. If you don't have your receipt, you have to return it to the location where you bought it.

***/IMPORTANT TIP***

3. Price

This is often overlooked but I think very important. The retail price for the GO is $250, which is pretty crazy given that you can often find a PS3 for $250, or at worst, $300. Given that you can get a full system for 20% more, it's hard to justify spending that much for considerably less functionality.

Now on Amazon you can get the GO go for $200, plus tax and such leads to about $215. On NewEgg, you can get the PSP 3000 with Madden 11, free shipping and no tax for $170. So you'll end up paying at least $45 more, but for what?

You are really spending $45 more for no reason. And with this extra $45, comes the responsibility to spend even more on games that you buy directly from the PlayStation network as opposed to used UMDs.

4. Memory Stick

***IMPORTANT TIP***

If you do decide to get a GO, it uses something called the M2. If you buy it from Amazon, you get a 4GB for $15 and it comes with an adapter for the Memory Stick Duo:

http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-Memory-Stick-SDMSM2-4096-Package/dp/B00107AO58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1281896190&sr=8-1

If you buy a 3000, it uses the Memory Stick Duo, which if you buy by itself, a 4GB will run you ~$19:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Memory-Stick-Flash-MSMT4G/dp/B0013AX2JM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1281896267&sr=1-2

I know it's only a matter for $4, but I thought that was interesting (I need to get out more) and worth mentioning.

***/IMPORTANT TIP***

5. Fun level

They're both freaking fun. Sony knows what they're doing, the games are great, the devices are both portable and easy to take around, and keep you entertained for hours. Either way, you'll love what you bought.

6. WRAP UP

I ended up with a 3000 and I'm happy with it. I couldn't justify spending nearly as much money as I would on a full system without getting much in return. And the ability to buy used games for considerably less was also hugely attractive. Finally, the better placement of the controls really won me over.

Enjoy! -- How I Decided Between PSP GO and PSP 3000

I bought the PSP in February 2010 at GameStop. I bought it for one reason and one game. LittleBigPlanet PSP. I loved the console version, and LBP PSP didn't disappoint. As I used my PSP more often, I discovered, like the PS3, it does much more. The Gran Turismo pack included a 2gig memory stick, The Italian job movie voucher, Gran Turismo, the PSP itself (Duh!) a 10-song movie voucher, and a few other things. the console itself is well built and the buttons are ok. It suffers from short battery life. 4 hours is ridiculous.But you are gonna have a fun four hours! It has cool features such as the playstation store, SKYPE, internet radio, and many, many more things. If you want Playstation on the go, I would pick up the Gran Turismo pack. It is a great value and gives you a head start on your PSP game library. Also consider LPB PSP.

OVERALL STATS
BATTERY-4/10
GAME LIBRARY-6.75/10
BUILD QUALITY-9.5/10
EXTRA STUFF-10/10
OVERALL SCORE- 8.50/10 -- Sony PSP 3000 Grand Turismo Pack

I bet you've already read alot of PSP reviews... Ill get to the chase, The graphics on this thing is unbelievable, playing games like GTA and Metal Gear solid I could not believe that this hand held device can handle it... This is worth every cent.

It would be better if this PSP-3000 can be hacked, NOT TO PIRATE GAMES... but for user customizations and PSPTUBE[Youtube for PSP].. but I could still live without those features. -- PSP=Awesome, but could be Awesome x2

So back in 2005-06 shortly after the PSP 1000 just launched I decided that I wanted one. However that never happened. Five years later I finally have my own PSP 3000 and must say it was worth the wait. I noticed that the ads for this thing really play on the wide array of features this little system has - music, movies, gps navigation, comic book reader, internet browsing and quick access to the PSN network. All these features are a nice touch but none compare to the core of the system - gaming. And gaming it does well.

Now I also have a NDS and I love my DS. I have a small library of 19 games for it (some folks have hundreds) and I love them all. However I wanted to play some the old PS1 games I missed out on and are now too expensive to buy on the system but are really affordable for the PSP. Again the PSP is a very powerful gaming device.

Lets talk about the gaming aspect of the thing.

Firstly the PSP is a mini PS2 graphically. It pushes some amazing pixel resolution and if you need proof, just look at the game Final Fantasy: Crisis Core. The games on this thing look amazing. Compared to the graphics on most NDS games the PSP outshines everyone.

Games
Now, it took a few years but the PSP finally has a decent library of games. You don't have to just play JRPGs on this baby. You can fire up God of War, Resistance Retribution, Little Big Planet or Mod-nation Racers PSP. All fantastic games. If that wasn't enough you can head over to the PlayStation Store and download PS1 classics like Street Fighter Alpha, Final Fantasy VII to IX, Grandia, Resident Evil or Crash Bandicoot to name a few. You can also download the awesome PlayStation Minis which are small bite sized games that are great for on the go gamers - think Plants vs. Zombies for the PC. Truly a vast gaming experience awaits.

Sound
I'll be serious, buy some headphones for this baby. The regular sound is ok - if you're either at home or in an office. Outdoors however, you can't hear a thing.

Other Features
The Music player has upgraded to the Sense Me player which groups your tunes and shuffles them which is a nice feature. However, as Apple has spoiled us, the PSP won't be replacing your Ipod anytime soon.

The feature to play MP4 movies and tv shows is awesome. Remember that the PSP has a bigger screen than any IPOD or IPHONE minus the IPAD. So its perfect for watching tv shows on the go or at home. It's my favorite feature.

The comic book reader is nice. Basically the screen focuses on each panel on the page that gives reading a dramatic twist. The only downside is buying the comic books of which there is a small collection of on PSN.

The internet browser is slow and troublesome due to no onscreen keyboard. I don't bother with it. The RSS feed however, is a nice touch, as is the easy access to the PSN.

And there you have it. The Sony PSP model 3000 with its slimmer design is worth the money. You get more out of it than your DS (all things considered) and you'll make those without a PSP very very jealous. -- PSP 3000 still packs a punch even in its twilight years.