Atma Xplorer

Xploring Games, Computing, Photography

Head to Head: PSP-3000 vs PSP Go

With a new PSP in the market you may be wondering which of the current models is a better option, hence a head-to-head: PSP-3000 vs PSP Go.

Is the flash memory equipped PSP Go a better investment rather than the UMD-trotting PSP-3000?  Let’s find out

PSP Go vs PSP-3000

In the last (and this is waaaaaay back) iteration of Atma Xplorer’s head to head, we’ve pitted Nintendo DSi vs PSP-3000 and PSP-2000 vs PSP-3000, generating some of the most interesting yet vitriolic discussions I’ve seen so I decided to continue the trend with a few more Head to Head posts. 😀

PSP-3000 versus PSP Go

Now, the question on everyone’s mind: Which of the current PSP models is better? Even with the release of the PSP Go, Sony has admitted that it won’t stop sales (nor production) of the the PSP-3000. As with the earlier Head to Head post, this is meant to help you decide which new model is worth picking up and which one isn’t. Sure, both device has merits but only one deserves your money right?

Alright, let’s get started.

The hardware

PSP-3000

  • The PSP-3000 looks 90% similar to the PSP-2000 or the Slim.
  • Built-in microphone for Skype
  • Uses a proprietary UMD drive for games
  • Uses a Memory Stick Duo for additional storage
  • Has 64MB internal flash memory
  • Has a 4.3″ screen with 480 x 272 resolution
  • Has Wifi and USB 2.0 connectivity
  • Weighs approx. 189g

More info about the PSP-3000 can be found here.
PSP-3000
PSP Go

  • The PSP Go is 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the original PSP (the PSP-1000)
  • Uses a sliding control pad to hide the unit’s controls when not in use
  • Built-in microphone for Skype
  • Uses it’s internal flash (see below) for games
  • Uses a M2 Memory Stick for additional storage
  • Has 16GB internal flash memory
  • Has a 3.8″ screen with 480 x 272 resolution
  • Has Wifi, Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity
  • Weighs approx. 158g

More info about the PSP Go can be found here.
PSP Go

The short list of features listed above shows that the PSP Go is technically superior to the PSP-3000. It uses very same screen as the PSP-3000 which has double the color gamut, about five times the contrast ratio of older PSP models and has bluetooth support. Of course this superiority comes with quite a number of tradeoffs that can be the deal breaker for some. First off, the PSP Go does not have a user replaceable battery, the one it uses is soldered in. While you might expect that with a much smaller components, that that PSP Go would outlast the PSP-3000 in terms of battery life, it turns out that they’re quite even. Sony shrunk the PSP Go‘s battery to fit the smaller casing thus negating any advantage that the new unit has.  A bad decision on Sony’s part IMO :(.

As for games distribution, the PSP-3000 supports both UMD and digital distribution content while the PSP Go (obviously) can only use digital copies. If you already own a PSP and have some UMD games that you want to convert to digital format for the PSP Go, you’re out of luck as Sony has explicit said that there would be no conversion program for existing games. If you really wanted to play your current games on the PSP Go, you need to buy them again, this time from the PSN Store.

Now for the price. The PSP-3000 can be acquired for about $150 (Php 7,500.00 approx), the PSP Go on the other hand can be had for $250 $199 (Php 9,00.00 approx). Upfront the PSP Go is much more expensive but you do get 16GB of storage.  If you add a suitable Class 6 and up memory stick to your PSP-3000, the PSP Go will be a whole lot cheaper.

Which will you guys go for?  The PSP-3000 or the PSP Go?

June o8/20/11 Update

Both PSP-3000 and the PSP Go can be hacked so you can avail of free PSP games.

Check the side bar for more information on this.

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Comments ( 12 )

Have Something To Say ?

  1. god_rulez_all tenzing December 16, 2009 Reply

    Hey, Ive heard from people that the digital games are NOT cheaper than the UMD games (although they should be).
    Anyway, I feel the most negative things about the PSP Go is the price point and the inability to run any UMD games you own.
    I guess Sony is marketing it towards new customers or people who havnt upgraded from the fat PSP. As a PSP 2000 owner, I see absolutely no reason to even think of buying a Go.

    Also, havnt noticed you updating the CFW post: Gen-D3 is out!! 😀

  2. in3rve [n3rve] December 16, 2009 Reply

    Right, although the PSP Go is far superior to the Brite, I’ll have to stick with the Brite for now. Great post, sylv3rblade 😉

  3. vanjhnn The Photoblogger December 26, 2009 Reply

    Although I don’t own a PSP.. yet. (hihihi) I think I don’t want a slide feature for my game pad.

  4. aniketroxmabe aniket March 7, 2010 Reply

    i am still confused between psp 300 and psp go. psp 3000 has a better shape and graphics but psp go has bluetooth and wifi

  5. luisangelseda luis March 12, 2010 Reply

    How noticeable is the screen size difference?

  6. tsomogyi tsomogyi March 19, 2010 Reply

    I’m still hesitating which one to buy. Pros for Go:
    + Brighter colors
    + 50% faster CPU (333 vs 222)
    + more memory (16GB vs 64MB)
    Cons:
    – smaller screen
    – higher price
    The rest (battery, Bluetooth, weight, no UMD etc.) is not significant.
    Questions:
    – How significant is that CPU is faster? And the same for the memory?
    – Which is the more comfortable to handle: side controls or bottom controls under the sliding screen?

    • atmaxplorer sylv3rblade March 19, 2010 Reply

      CPU is actually clocked to 233Mhz and with CFW, older PSP models can be overclocked to 333Mhz.
      As for your questions, not by much. It’s still the very same processor, just a different board. Same goes for memory.
      For comfort, people who have bought a Go usually have a hard time conforming to it’s controls :(.

  7. crgcelestin craig July 9, 2010 Reply

    I am going on a very long flight and i am looking for what model psp to get:psp 3000 or pspgo which one should i get

    • atmaxplorer sylv3rblade July 10, 2010 Reply

      If you’re looking at battery life, both models have nearly the same (Sony attached a smaller battery to the Go). If you had the choice though, I’d recommend a PSP-3000 with custom firmware.

      • anon200 anon December 31, 2010 Reply

        Umm if i buy a psp 3000 right now in the us will it be in version 6.20?

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