About Console > Playstation Portable Slim
The PSP Slim, or PSP-2000 as Sony lists it, is the exact same portable  console as before. Like Nintendo’s DS Lite verses the original DS, the majority of changes to the PSP are not hardware upgrades, but rather how the console feels, weighs, etc.
We’ve all heard the magic numbers. “33% lighter and 19% thinner.” And as Kaz Hirai stated at E3 just a few months ago, the difference isn’t easy to tell from looking at a distance, but when you can hold both, it becomes “quite clear.”
However, when the PSPS arrived, it looked tiny. It’s hard to believe that it’s only 19% smaller than the original. Then there’s the weight difference, which is huge! While most say this was a good idea, I find that my wrists aren’t dainty and don’t need protection against the big bad PSP.
What is more important than the weight change is the different feel. The PSP always felt like a very solid machine, sitting with a good weight and a sturdy feel. The PSPS does not share that same trait, and while carrying it I’m constantly afraid of breaking it.
The glossy finish over the entire PSPS gives it more of the PS3 feel as well, but it makes the back slicker and harder to grip well. It’s still odd to have the glossy finish on the PSP at all because of the fingerprints that stay on, but Sony has an affinity towards that look.
What really impresses the most is the “fixed” D-pad and raised analog stick. The PSP had a somewhat loose D-pad that didn’t work as well as it should have, though the PSPS has fixed that completely. It also has a slightly elevated analog stick, probably less than a centimeter higher, and it gives a much better feel and experience in use.
Also changed is the battery, though it is less powerful than the PSP battery and lasts for 3-6 hours. The older battery can be used, but a special cover must be purchased to keep it safe. The battery cover is also different, a poor change from the PSP with the adeptly placed button to pull it off. However, this change probably was made to keep the system glossy. Regardless, the PSPS battery cover feels flimsy and loose, and moves around while holding it. |
