The glossy new finish of the redesigned PSP is very attractive, although we're afraid that it might attract fingerprints much more easily than the already susceptible original. Regardless, the shiny new sheen makes the system makes the original look dull in comparison.
In addition to being slimmer, the new system also has redesigned buttons that feel much more responsive than the original. The D-Pad and face buttons all have a little bit more resistance to them, making the tactile sensation of using the system that much better. Unfortunately, Koller explained that the analog nub is not improved, although we found that a brand-new system works better than our system from launch.
There are also a few more minor changes, such as the omission of the unused IR port. The Wi-Fi switch has been moved to the top of the system, where it's less likely to be hit by accident. The Memory Stick port was moved to the other side of the system, and is much more cramped. We're a little disappointed by that change, because it makes swapping the Stick out of the system a little bit more difficult than previously.
The new headphone jack (pictured, above) not only moves further to the left of the system, but utilizes a new pin system that allows for the system's video-out. Component or composite cables can be used for TV out, but Koller explains that PSP game output will only be component-compatible. Movies (of both Memory Stick and UMD flavors) can use either component or composite cables. The video output of UMD video is especially impressive, due to the UMD's high video resolution. Many people have forgotten that UMD movies are encoded in DVD resolution: 480p. We're certain that this new feature will make UMD movies more viable than they have in the past.
We're very excited about the new PSP redesign. Many were quick to write it off when it didn't appear to be significantly different from the original. However, it's clear that this is a significantly better system that not only looks better, but feels much better. We can't wait for the retail release later this year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
7-12-2007 @ 4:06PM
Kspraydad said...
Thanks for the news...
Um...did you use a Go!Cam or something though?
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7-12-2007 @ 4:19PM
PocketGoddess said...
Does anyone know if upgraders can just pop in the MS Duo from their original PSPs and go?
I read somewhere else that game saves made on a particular PSP can't be played on another unit, but that doesn't make much sense to me. Any why would GameFAQS offer PSP game save downloads if that were the case?
I'd also like to know if the battery compartment on the new PSP is sealed, or if the battery will still be removable. None of the pictures I've seen make that clear.
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7-12-2007 @ 4:37PM
Mark said...
I'll have to take your word for it that the new system is shiny. Hard to tell from the pics, they are a touch blurry.
TV output rocks. How do the games look on a TV?
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7-12-2007 @ 4:37PM
ninjakamster said...
The battery is certainly removable but it has 1200 mah capacity vs the old PSP's standard battery having 1800 mah, and the battery life is supposed to be better? If true then very impressive.
But I'm guessing that the older PSP batteries won't work with this? I read that it may be possible to have video-output eventually on the older PSPs? Its strange if you upgrade the old PSP to 3.6 with the video output options and you can't use them am I right?
Or will they make another 3.6 for the older PSPs? Sucks that the IR port is gone, homebrew used it as a nifty universal remote and I wanted the system to have a total matte finish, back and front, not glossy all around, just invites smudges and scratches!
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7-12-2007 @ 4:58PM
PocketGoddess said...
Sounds like the headphone port has been redesigned to add the necessary pin outs for video output--this isn't a software-only feature.
Battery life can be improved through better system performance--extra RAM for faster loading can be used as a cache so the UMD drive doesn't have to keep spinning up, for example.
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7-12-2007 @ 5:56PM
Geimkisi said...
I think a psp with a OLED Screen instead of an LCD screen would be the best.. Brighter, thinner, better viewing angle and uses less battery! Perfect! More expensive? hells yeah!
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7-12-2007 @ 6:17PM
Jeremy said...
Yeah, the screen is the big thing. While it's never bothered me much, lots of people whine about ghosting on the orignal PSP screen. (I really only see it with certain shades of red in certain games)
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7-12-2007 @ 6:31PM
Saigon said...
The ghosting never bothers me in games, but it does when I'm watching dvd rips, or hd shows. I wonder if the screen for the new version will have that problem.
Andrew, how do games look on tv?
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7-12-2007 @ 6:43PM
Don said...
I still have my doubts as to the quality of that shiny back plate. After an intense round of gaming, like 30 minutes+ of playing... how's it going to feel? And how easily does it scratch up?
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7-12-2007 @ 6:57PM
calvin said...
All that I know is I'm buying an additional "original" PSP before this thing hits the market.
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7-12-2007 @ 8:02PM
Don said...
"Component or composite cables can be used for TV out, but Koller explains that PSP game output will only be component-compatible."
ugh... can't seem to find a component-to-composite adapter. While I'd still be able to watch video, not having games on the big screen really puts a dent in my plans for a PSP Slim.
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7-12-2007 @ 8:11PM
Anthony said...
the battery is detachable, accourding to the japanease site, if you have an hd video on your psp, and on the psp it lags, from being hd, id comes out as hd and not choppy, so a 720p video on psp connected to a 720p res tv, the video is exellent. the screen is a new led screen, which means each pixel makes its own light, or something like that, meaning that a battery power drawing backlight is not needed. hence, helping with the thinnes. and since each pixel makes its own light, the reselution is more crisp, brighter, better. The batteries in this system are also thinner, helping in the skinnyness.
i beleive i helped answer a few questions? eh.
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7-12-2007 @ 8:28PM
rockeranimefreak said...
in the top pic the psp on top looks weird what the heck is that!? it looks like they took a good chunk of plastic out near the bottom! Hmm just wondering why it looks like that?
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7-12-2007 @ 8:52PM
importuner93 said...
^^^ that would be glare cause it's the ne shiny slim one
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7-12-2007 @ 8:52PM
cypunk01 said...
Anthony:
Can you link to your source about the screen being a new LED screen? I have not read this anywhere else, out of all my research since the announcement. I was hoping for a screen improvement with no 'ghosting'.
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7-12-2007 @ 11:20PM
jonnyt said...
I won't buy it until it gets hacked for homebrew
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7-13-2007 @ 3:55AM
Chichi said...
"In addition to being slimmer, the new system also has redesigned buttons that feel much more responsive than the original. The D-Pad and face buttons all have a little bit more resistance to them, making the tactile sensation of using the system that much better."
This is all I wanted. I hate the buttons on my old PSP! especially when playing MHF
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7-14-2007 @ 4:57AM
BurnZ said...
Great bloggers... but get a great photographer instead. :)
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7-16-2007 @ 7:21PM
Kiteless said...
Hey that is some great news. But I will bet money that you have to buy the video cable for it. Or it will come with a composite cable and not component.
I was gonna get the silver one, but it looks ghetto. I am not a Star Wars fan, but have always wanted a white PSP. Black is too finger print prone.
Finally, PLEASE use the macro feature on your camera. On most digital cameras there is a little flower icon, push it, then take all your close up pics. THe blurr is just such a tease. To have those devices and take blurry pics of them, it hurts.
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7-17-2007 @ 7:40PM
Dan said...
Is there some reason they didn't update the WiFi to G instead of keeping it B?
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