Set to be released in time for Christmas 2008 the PSP 3000 is the third generation PSP following on from the original, and slim and lite models.

The first major difference of note is the improved LCD screen, boasting an increased colour range, five times the contrast ratio and half the pixel response time (reducing both ghosting and blurring effects) PLUS the all new anti-reflective technology with means playing your PSP outdoors no longer means fiddling about trying to find a good angle so the screen looks good, crisper more intense colours are yours even in an outside environment.

All this increased ability should theoretically impact on the batteries power and initially Sony stated that there would be a reduction of 20 to 30minutes playing time per charge, although this has since been retracted and the company line is that there is no difference regarding the battery life on the PSP 3000 and the older model.

Another addition to the PSP is the addition of a Microphone; whilst you may initial think that this is feature has been added to compete with the Nintendo DS, and whilst there is no doubt that gameplay will be enhanced with this feature the emphasis seems to be on making the PSP 3000 a viable communication device compatible with Go messenger and Skype. Allowing you to contact friends and family free of charge so long as you are in a Wi-Fi area.

The Port for the ‘Video out’ is the same as the previous model whilst PSP games will now be playable on non-progressive scan TV sets achievable through use of composite video cables, the start and select buttons or now oval in shape as opposed to the previous semi-circle design and the ‘home’ button is no more and its successor is a ‘PS’ button in keeping with the Dualshock 3.

In summary it’s everything you love about the PSP, but better!