A History of the Sony PSP

The PlayStation Portable was first announced at the E3 Expo in 2003.

Sony greeted fans with the teaser image you see to the left. As you can see, the L and R triggers are missing from this unit. That is because this image was created solely as a mock up, and was not intended to be the final design of the PSP. The prototype unit also featured touch sensitive buttons and a circular D-Pad. As it stands now, this image is nothing more than a unique footnote in this history of the PSP.

When the final PSP debuted just a year later it would look drastically different from the prototype model you can see below. Sony may have shown the early design to the press in hopes of gauging fan response to their new machine. Whatever their reasons, it was clear Sony was putting a lot of thought and effort into their final design. The end product proves this device has come a long way since the first prototype.

 

 

PSP 1000

As is typical of a Japanese company, they released to the home market first, on 12th December 2004. In Japan it sold at a price of ¥19,800 (about $181 USD in 2004) for the "Base Pack" (console, battery and AC adapter), and ¥24,800 (about $226 USD in 2004) for the "Value Pack" (Base Pack plus a 32MB Memory Stick Pro Duo, headphones with remote contro, a carrying pouch and wriststrap). The console's launch was a success with over 200,000 units sold in the first day. Different color variations were also sold in bundle packs, which cost more than usual, around $200. The North American release followed on 24th March 2005 with a single configuration (the "Core Pack") at a price of $249 USD /$299 CAD. At that time, Nintendo had just released its new DS, which was $100 cheaper. Sony claimed that 500,000 units had been sold in North America in the first two days. The European release was on 1st July 2005, at an MSRP of €249 / £179. Despite the high price, the console's PAL region launch was a resounding success, selling more than 185,000 units in the UK alone, selling out of all stock nationwide in the UK within three hours of launch, more than doubling the previous first-day sales record of 87,000 units set by the Nintendo DS. The system also enjoyed great success in other areas of the PAL region with more than 25,000 units preordered in Australia and nearly one million units sold across Europe in the first week

The original PlayStation Portable, dubbed the PSP 1000, was the first handheld to use an optical disc format, also known as UMD (universal media disc). These were 60mm diameter discs using the same technology as DVD-ROM, but in a format proprietary to Sony. With it's multimedia capabilities and PlayStation 2 quality visuals, the PSP helped start a revolution in the portable gaming industry.

The PSP 1000 was also an outstanding multimedia player. While earlier portable game systems had released TV and radio tuners, the PSP was the first machine to truly combine multimedia and games into one package. Gamers could enjoy all their favorite music, movies and photos, all on one glorious little machine. UMD movies were sold alongside video games in most retail locations, further adding to the PSP's clout as an all in one media device.

The machine's biggest strength however, was in the quality of its games. The unit supported full 24-bit colour (16.7 million colours), with the screen providing support for four brightness levels. Connectivity was excellent out of the box, with Wireless LAN, Infra-red, Mini-USB 2.0 socket, composite, component and S-video out. The PSP's excellent sound capabilities came from the Media Engine Chip's embedded Virtual Mobile Engine (VME). This was able to produce 3D multichannel audio out of the PSP's stereo speakers.

PSP 1000 Technical Specs:

  • CPU: MIPS R4000 at 333 MHz (Capped at 266MHz)
  • UMD (Universal Media Disc)
  • 32MB System RAM
  • 480 X 272 TFT LCD (Thin Film Transfer Liquid Crystal Display) with 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 4.3" Screen
  • 802.11B Wifi Connection IRDA (Infrared Data Association)
  • Serial Port
  • Headphone Jack
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo

PSP 2000

The PSP 2000, sometimes called PSP Lite, or PSP Slim and Lite, was released in Hong Kong on 20th July 2007. This upgraded version of the PSP now featured 64MB of RAM (double that of the PSP 1000), along with an improved screen, and a body design that is 19% slimmer and 33% lighter than the original model. This unit also had faster UMD loading times. Other notable features include an improved D-Pad, and buttons that are slightly raised and more responsive than those found on the PSP 1000. Finally one of the more noticeable changes related to the position of the speakers. On the original model the speakers were located on the bottom of the PSP; on the 2000 model they are on the face of the machine, to the top left and right of the screen.

Other cosmetic differences include a change to the position of the LAN switch, which was now on the top edge of the machine. The UMD tray latch found on the PSP 1000 had been removed, and now the UMD tray can be pulled open manually. The memory stick port cover was also redesigned, now a small, thin plastic cover. The original PSP also featured an IR (Infra-red) port. This feature was removed from the PSP 2000, along with the ability to remove the Analog Slider Pad. A new gloss coat finish makes this unit more resistant to fingerprints.

The PSP 2000 debuted to record sales in Japan. The release of the PSP 2000 would also coincide with the rise of the Monster Hunter Franchise. The PSP greatly benefited from the popularity of the Monster Hunter titles in Japan. And it seems that the pairing of the Monster Hunter series with the PSP was a match made in heaven.

The PSP 2000 initially was shipped with firmware version 3.60, which added the necessary support for TV output, a USB charge option and support for the Japan-only 1-Segment TV tuner. The PSP 2000 was available in Piano Black, Ceramic White, Ice Silver, Mint Green, Felicia Blue, Lavender Purple, Deep Red, Matte Bronze, Metallic Blue and Rose Pink as standard colors (not all colors were available in all countries).

Several special edition colored and finished consoles were also released in the following markets:

Japan - Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (ice silver engraved), Star Ocean: First Departure (felicia blue engraved), Gundam (red gloss/matte black), and Monster Hunter Freedom (gold silkscreened) .
North America - Star Wars (Darth Vader silkscreened) and God of War: Chains of Olympus (Kratos silkscreened).
Europe - Spider-Man (red gloss/matte black) and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (ice silver engraved) .
Australia and New Zealand - The Simpsons (bright yellow with white buttons, analog and UMD drawer).

PSP 2000 Technical Specs:

  • CPU: MIPS R4000 at 333MHz (Now Unclocked*) (UPDATED)
  • UMD (Universal Media Disc)
  • 64MB System RAM (UPDATED)
  • 480 X 272 TFT LCD (Thin Film Transfer Liquid Crystal Display) with 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 4.3" Screen
  • Video Out Feature (Video Only for Composite, Video and Games for Component) (NEW)
  • 802.11B Wifi Connection
  • Serial Port
  • Headphone Jack
  • Microphone Jack (NEW)
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo

PSP 3000

The PSP 3000, which bears the nickname PSP Brite, was released in Japan in October 2008. The system has an enhanced screen, with a superior color range, 5 times contrast ratio, and half pixel response time to decrease ghosting and motion blur. The screen also employs a new anti-reflective technology to improve visuals during outdoor play. The PSP 3000 also has a built in microphone.

Minor cosmetic differences include rounded buttons on the PSP media bar, and a smaller, thinner silver halo on the UMD tray.

If you look closely you will notice the buttons and D-Pad now rest in a small "dimple" on the face of the machine. Fighting game fanatics have said the "dimple" helps improve the quality of gameplay on PSP fighters, especially when it comes to performing special moves on the D-Pad, which often require quarter and half circle movements. This is just one of those nice little changes that proves Sony engineers are paying attention to even the smallest of details.

The PSP 3000 initially was shipped with firmware version 4.20, which added a number of settings for the connected display, a USB auto-connect feature, the ability to view rentals and purchased videos from the PlayStation Store, and more support for the 1-Segment TV tuner. The PSP 3000 was available in Piano Black, Pearl White, Mystic Silver, Radiant Red, Vibrant Blue, Spirited Green, Blossom Pink, Turquoise Green and Lilac Purple.

The Limited Edition "Big Boss Pack" of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker saw the release of a camouflage PSP while the God of War: Ghost of Sparta PSP special bundle pack included a black and red two-toned PSP. March 3, 2011 saw the release of Dissidia 012 Duodecim Cosmos & Chaos PSP-3000 Limited Edition which has an Amano artwork as the PSP's face plate.

PSP 3000 Technical Specs:

  • CPU: MIPS R4000 at 333MHz
  • UMD (Universal Media Disc)
  • 64MB System RAM
  • 480 X 272 TFT LCD (Thin Film Transfer Liquid Crystal Display) with 16:9 aspect ratio (UPDATED)
  • 4.3" Screen
  • Video Out Feature (Video and Games with Compontent and Composite) (UPDATED)
  • 802.11B Wifi Connection
  • Serial Port
  • Headphone Jack
  • Built In Microphone (NEW)
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo

 

PSP Go

The PSP Go (also known by its codename PSP-N1000), launched in January 2009, was the only PSP model to not come with a UMD drive. Aside from its obvious reliance on digital distribution (downloaded from PlayStation Store), this system is a radical departure from earlier models. The entire unit is a drastic redesign, although it was never intended to replace the PSP 3000. It is significantly smaller and thinner, and it sports a nifty, slider design, allowing the D-Pad and buttons to slide under the screen when not in use.

The internal 16 GB of memory was added to allow storage space for downloaded games and media. This could be expanded to 32 GB by adding a Memory Stick Micro (M2). Unlike previous PSP models, the internal battery is not removable or replaceable by the user. A new multi-use connector replaced the Mini-USB socket on previous models. This was used for charging, USB data transfer, as well as sound output and TV out via an optional component or composite AV cable. A new feature added to the Go was Bluetooth, typically used to support Bluetooth headsets and game controllers (such as the DualShock 3 PS3 controller), and for tethering with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

While some might feel the smaller screen is a downgrade, others will see it as a necessary sacrifice to increase portability. Unfortunately, battery life was also decreased on this model, a puzzling change considering the machine has no UMD drive, and no moving parts.

Some people consider the PSP Go to be the oddball of the PSP family. This negative reputation is greatly undeserved. The hardware itself is very solid, and in the end what truly killed the PSP Go was a lack of a solid game library (which the PSP series already had), along with higher prices for downloadable games. Had these two problems been fixed before the launch of the PSP Go the system might have fared better in the market. (editor's note: I personally watched Shigeru Miyamoto sample the PSP Go at E3 2009.)

The PSP Go was discontinued on 20th April 2011 as Sony shifted their focus onto what would become the successor to the PSP range, the PS Vita.

PSP Go Technical Specs:

  • CPU: MIPS R4000 at 333MHz
  • 16GB Internal Memory (for games storage) (NEW)
  • 64MB System RAM
  • 480 x 272 TFT LCD (Thin Film Transfer Liquid Crystal Display) with 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 3.8" Screen (DOWNGRADE)
  • 802.11B Wifi Connection, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (NEW) 
  • All In One Port (NEW)
  • Headphone Jack
  • Built In Microphone
  • Memory Stick Micro (NEW)

 

 

PSP E-1000

The PSP E-1000 was released only in Europe and certain PAL territories in October 2011 with an RRP of €99.99. This budget model removes several key features found on other PSP systems. Therefore it will be seen as a downgrade by some. This model removes the wifi capabilities entirely. It also has a mono speaker instead of the stereo speakers found on all earlier models. The overall weight of the system is lighter. And the media bar has been redesigned and simplified.

Removing hardware features might seem like a puzzling move to some readers, but you must understand the motivation for the release of this machine. The E-1000 model was designed to capitalize on the continued strength of the PSP market in the UK, EU and other PAL territories. It was released right before the holiday season. It was also aimed specifically at a younger market, meaning kids probably would not care about or even notice the missing features. And best of all it was sold at a very reasonable budget price. The release of the E-1000 was as much a strategic move as it was a financial decision.

So while hardcore PSP owners will stick with their 2000 and 3000 units, kids and budget gamers will happily enjoy the PSP E-1000. And ironically, since this machine was only released in PAL territories, it may one day become a highly prized collectible, solely because of its limited distribution.

PSP E-1000 Technical Specs

  • CPU: MIPS R4000 at 333MHz
  • UMD (Universal Media Disc)
  • 32MB System RAM (DOWNGRADE)
  • 480 X 272 TFT LCD (Thin Film Transfer Liquid Crystal Display) with 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 4.3" Screen
  • 802.11B Wifi Connection
  • Serial Port
  • Headphone Jack
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo

 

Sony PSP Timeline

June 2003 A Sony PlayStation handheld is announced and described by CEO Ken Kutaragi as the "Walkman of the 21st Century". There are no images, mock ups or models but the technical specifications are discussed.
November 2003 The first concept drawings of the device are discussed at a Sony meeting which include flat buttons and no analogue stick.

May 2004 The PlayStation Portable is unveiled at a press conference just before E3 and is the first handheld device to use optical disks - the UMD.
June 2004 The PSP is on show at E3 along with the games Metal Gear Acid and Wipeout Pure.
October 2004 The PSP is officially launched with the worldwide release dates.
December 2004 PSP launches in Japan on 17th October for ¥19,800 for the basic model and ¥24,800 for the value version. It sells 200,000 units on the first day.

March 2005 PSP launches in North America for $249, approximately $20 more than the Japanese price and $100 more than its recently launched competitor - the Nintendo DS. 500,000 PSPs are sold in the first two days but there are later suspicions that the first weeks do not reap quite the figures that Sony had hoped for.
June 2005 Hackers release the PSP code and distribute it online. As a result the ISO loader is created crammed full of pirated games and is thought to be responsible for the rise in sales of the PSP but the drop in retail of the games.
September 2005 PSP launched in the UK for £179 - at the time over $100 more than the US price. Sony say this is because of high VAT pushing it up in the UK and the need to compensate for local sales taxes in the US. All 185,000 units sell out in the first three hours doubling the DS's record on launch.

March 2007 The PSP totals 25.39 million units shipped worldwide.
June 2007 The next generation of Sony's gaming handheld is announced as the 33% lighter, 19% thinner PSP-2000 and is the first of the Slim and Light series. It supports USB charging, has a composite TV-out and twice the RAM taking the memory up to a healthy 64MB. The screen is brighter and the UMD speedier to load.
September 2007 PSP-2000 goes on sale worldwide. Also, limited edition models start being released worldwide.

August 2008 An update of the PSP-2000 is shown off at a press conference in Leipzig. The PSP-3000 is ostensibly identical to its predecessor but features an improved LCD screen with a better contrast, colour gamut, a faster response time and an anti-reflective coating.
October 2008 The PSP-3000 goes on sale worldwide

January 2009 Built-in Skype service is added though a firmware update as Sony announces that 50 million PSPs have been sold to retailers worldwide
May 2009 After much internet speculation, the PSP Go is revealed in June's issue of Qore online
June 2009 PSP Go officially launched at E3 with Bluetooth, a smaller 3.8-inch screen and at 43% lighter than the original PSP. The UMB has vanished and instead is replaced by 16GB of internal flash memory for digital downloads plus a Memory Stick Mirco port. The release dates are revealed as the 1st October for North America and Europe, and 1st November for Japan.
August 2009 56 million PSP units reported sold worldwide
September 2009 PSP service called the PlayStation Room is announced where users will be able to host real time communications inviting people in to their "rooms" much like the PlayStation Home service on the PS3. A closed beta test is to take place in Japan only between 24th September - 5th October.
October 2009 PSP Go goes on sale in Europe and North America, to mixed reviews by the media. The general consensus is that it is priced too high (just $50 less than a PlayStation 3, which comes equipped with a Blu-Ray player). Also noted is that absence of the UMD drive, which is actually considered a positive attribute, and the new proprietary multi-port replacing the standard Mini-USB.

 

Feb 2010 Sales of the PSP Go are lacklustre.

June 2010 Sony sell the PSP Go with 10 free downloadable games in the UK.

July 2010 Sony extend the free games offer to the Australian market.

October 2010 The PSP Go's price is dropped to $199.99 in North America.

 

April 2011 Sony announce the PSP Go is to be discontinued, with the exception of North America.

 

January 2014 Sony stop sending shipments of the PSP Go to North America, marking its discontinuation.

June 2014 PSP 3000 discontinued in Japan.