Manufacturer: Sony

Release Date: 12/15/2008

Colors: Black, Blue, Purple, Red, Silver

MSRP: $169.99

Handhelds these days have the remake curse, with Nintendo being the worst. Really three different GBA’s? Four (and soon to be five) DS models? Once the latest and last iteration comes out, you tend to think that model should have been the first. The same goes with the PSP, since the 3000 is amazing and should have been the 1000 model. The first thing you’ll notice when you take it out of the box is the weight. This thing feels light as a feather, and I almost thought it was a fake piece of plastic. This is also a benefit when playing games and reduces hand cramps.

Another thing you’ll notice is that it’s slimmer, and all the fat has been trimmed off. The D-pad is built better and is concaved on the inside instead of just flat like the original model. The speakers are located at the top front instead of the bottom; thus, they are also more clear and less tinny. The addition of a built-in mic is great too for online play. The memory stick slot also has a major change, with it up near the top left side instead of the bottom. The slot is also a piece of plastic that comes out instead of the black corner piece. The slot is well hidden and blends in nicely with the unit.

Finally, the UMD slot has been replaced with a pull-out slot instead of a switch that makes it pop out. You just lay the UMD in instead of sliding it in like a cassette tape. It’s quieter, seems to be slightly faster as well, and uses less battery power. Another good change is that the WLAN switch is on top of the unit next to the USB port, which keeps you from accidentally switching it on. The console feels better when held due to its glossy back, and there are no contours for your hands, but this makes holding the unit better for some odd reason.

Other than that, everything is the same. The screen is crisper and brighter, and the new PlayStation home button looks great too. The Wi-Fi is slightly faster and supports newer security, and this unit is just solid and brilliantly designed. I really went back to my old UMD collection just to play the unit more, because games look nicer, and they just feel great being played on a solid piece of hardware.