Rumor: PSP-3000 adds built-in mic, PS button [update]

by James Ransom-Wiley { Jul 22nd 2008 at 10:56AM }

You're allegedly looking at the inside of the PSP-3000. If it looks familiar, it is. A second hardware "refresh" will supposedly borrow heavily from the PSP-2000 design with a few key upgrades, according to the PSPChina.net forum (yeah, it's in Chinese!). A user there cites "reliable sources" and demonstrates his claims with picture evidence, suggesting that the PSP-3000 will feature a built-in microphone, a PlayStation button (in place of the current "Home" button) that parallels the one on PS3 controllers, and a thinner metallic ring on the back casing (all pictured after the break). The poster claims to have no knowledge of an internal hard drive or flash drive, but confirms the UMD drive will almost surely remain in place.

While it's difficult to nail the complete picture of this rumor working only with clumsy translations, we've noted a few possible additions to the details above, including a modified USB input and supposed pictures of a black model (~~now removed~~ -- mock-up images here). The possibility of cell phone integration (beyond Skype compatibility) and some vague references to a "touch-screen" and RMVB support are likely just wishful thinking, as are reports that PSP-3000 is already in mass production. We'll keep you posted as the story evolves.

Update: PSP Fanboy's Alan Tsang reads Chinese! Tsang elaborates on the the rumor here (which we mostly nailed the first time around).

[Thanks creamsugar!]

PlayStation button replaces "Home" button; mic positioned to the right of the volume controls

"Scratch prevent the steel ring is" (Google translation) -- thinner too!

Tags: psp-3000, psp-brite, rumor

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Luthyr @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:04AM

I was considering buying the V2000 PSP just for Skype recently, but perhaps I should wait with this news.

Lars @ Jul 22nd 2008 4:29PM

My launch PSP is still in perfect condition, but I just bought a slim pretty much solely for Skype.

I'm really impressed by the smaller size and especially the lighter weight. The old PSP is like a lead-brick in my pocket by comparison... I don't even realize I'm carrying this one. It's lighter than my wallet.

Skype sounds great on it. I'm pretty impressed with that too, though it's lacking a couple features. No text-messaging that I can find, for example.

Knowing Sony, the PSP3000 won't be out for quite a while. If I was you I'd just grab a slim. Looks like there's no major changes going into this one anyways.

kagai @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:05AM

Needs second thumbstick.

baby sea tuna @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:16AM

Just what I was thinking. It'll probably never happen though.

juju187 @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:27AM

and more ram

Vidikron (FU) @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:23PM

Definitely. The problem with a second thumbstick is that it would introduce a clear break in the hardware, almost like a PSP 2. Games designed with the second thumbstick wouldn't likely work on the older models. So I doubt we'll ever see it until Sony is finally read to launch a PSP 2.

Such a shame too, the PSP has the horsepower to do some good portable shooters but Sony completely gimped it by not including two analog sticks.

PlayForWrench @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:10AM

I need to buy a new psp to use skype that blows

Squirtforce @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:49AM

If it blows why do you need to buy a new psp?

Eric Jackson @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:13AM

RMVB support?!
who actually uses that format anymore!?

I haven't seen a video in that format in at least 5 years.

PSRT @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:15AM

All of this is well and good, but I think Sony really needs to wait until they can properly produce a PSP2 with a second analogue nub and perhaps a more ergonomically sound design. I still have my launch-era PSP, and there's no way I'll pony up the scrilla for another unless mine dies or truly useful enhancements are made.

baby sea tuna @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:16AM

"Scratch prevent the steel ring is"

It's official, Yoda sent this scoop in!

ZeitgeistXIII @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:51AM

nah its probabaly the direct chinese translation it happens alot since they read right to left. I get lots of emails that come from my asian friends like that. My favorite was "Welcome to the boat" based on: "welcome aboard". Of course they always lagh too whne I try my limited Mandarin skills.

o_o @ Jul 22nd 2008 2:20PM

ZeitgeistXIII, Asian languages like Chinese and Japanese all read from left to right.

It's the grammar that's different.

SimbaDogg @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:24PM

@ ZeitgeistXIII
dude...maybe u should top off your sarcasm detection tank before you go to bed. I think you might have completely ran out.

But seeing how bad...eh, sweet that translation is, one can only be reminded of 'all you base are belong to us'

Sora @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:16AM

God damn, I just bought a God of War bundle last month...I don't want to buy a new PSP just so I can play games that utilize the mic. USB attachment for PSP-2000 pl0x!

Lars @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:45PM

PSP2000's do support mic input. The 3000 may just have it built-in, apparently.

Deric Lee @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:27AM

So I just purchased a PSP slim less then 4 months ago and now it's out of date?

WTF Sony???

Eggy @ Jul 22nd 2008 1:52PM

Idiot much?

Deric Lee @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:15PM

So I say WTF Sony, and the Sony Defense Force comes strait away to the scene of the crime.

Fanboy much?

Theo @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:28AM

honestly this must be a fake. or else sony would have shown it at e3 less then a week ago -_-

Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:29AM

I wonder if the battery life will be improved on these models? I'm happy with the battery life on my slim, but you can never have too much.

Maybe a better web browser as well when your in a pinch?

The_Punisher @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:31AM

idk why a second analog stick is such a big deal. Holding hown L/R and using the same stick works fine. It did for me in GoW:CoO anyway.

Marty @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:36AM

Anyone ever played any SNES games on their PSP? Is it easy to do? Do all games work with it?

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:16PM

That was all I ever used mine for until I sold it. It played anything I through at it with excellent control and it looked great.

freedomfromconformity @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:21PM

It can be easy depending on the PSP you have. If you have a fat PSP then it's easy. If you have a slim one it's a bit harder and you'll probably need someone with a hacked fat PSP to help out.

Ishikawa @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:39AM

enough hardware "refreshes"

I'd rather they just focus more on a new system, because there's no way any refresh will add a second analog nub

ANTCEP @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:45AM

me thinks it's just a case-mod

Broseph @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:55AM

how valid is this, or is it a chinese knockoff?

pavs @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:59AM

Its such a shame that this amazing piece of technology is being outsold and overshadowed by a piece of shit DS.
This thing can do everything, and I mean everything. Everyday I discover something about my PSP that I had no idea the thing could do. The only thing I descovered about my DS is that its a shitty product and I can get enough money from Gamestop for it to get a couple of PSP games.

pather @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:20PM

Except for touch screen.

Vidikron (FU) @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:30PM

I think the DS fills its role quite well. The touch screen has been used to make some great games and it's awesome for puzzle games like Picross and Sudoku. The DS is also pretty good 2D machine, just see the completely awesome Castlevania games.

Sony just really missed the boat by leaving off the second analog stick on the PSP. It has all the power to great 3D games, an area where the DS struggles, but Sony gimped it by not including the 2nd analog stick... something many 3D games really need. The second analog stick would have really helped the PSP set its games apart from the DS in the same way the touch screen sets the DS games apart from the PSP.

LocalToast @ Jul 22nd 2008 1:57PM

Eh, buy a flashcart. I use my DS more than any other system in my house (360, Wii) because it's so versatile.

LAZoftheTamarinds @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:10PM

Well if this turns out to be true I feel bad for all those that recently purchased the PSP-2000's.

If it releases will I buy the new system? No, because I'm fine with my Original launch PSP. :)

The Rabbid @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:22PM

So wait... Is this just like the slim? an optional one? Because I don't want to have to buy another PSP...

Kilo720 @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:23PM

i want it , son cool already if it a second stick & hdd it a must buy

FiredCylinder @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:45PM

The home button is positioned to the left, not right, of the volume buttons.

Nugent @ Jul 22nd 2008 12:57PM

I don't see what the big deal is. Sony has a history of revising their hardware to shave off a few cents on production cost and make a bit more profit. They're not trying to get people to upgrade (unless you're really dying for a microphone). The PSP is still selling well, and every penny counts.