- Large 4.3-inch LCD display
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Skype
- Good graphics and game selection
- Interlacing artifacts on the screen
Prior to the release of the Sony PlayStation Vita (*Est. $250), which reviewers praise as the best portable gaming system to date, critics gave the nod to the Sony PSP-3000 as the best bet for serious gamers, because it offers more realistic graphics and a larger variety of games than the Nintendo DSi (*Est. $150). Those advantages over the DSi hold true, making the PSP-3000 worth considering for gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
The Sony PSP-3000 includes a large, 4.3-inch LCD display in addition to built-in Wi-Fi, Skype and audio and video playback. The display on the PSP-3000 is rich and sharp, and owners say the portable video game console is fun to play, with a great assortment of games. However, some experts note interlacing artifacts on the screen, which look like faint horizontal lines during fast-motion games. This is a serious drawback for a gaming console, but most reviewers are willing to forgive it because the display looks good overall.
The PSP-3000 was released in 2008, so most professional reviews -- while still helpful -- are on the old side. Still, we found worthwhile coverage of the Sony PSP-3000 at CNET, which reports on nearly every video game console on the market. Reviews at CNET are richly detailed and based on extensive testing. We also found helpful reviews at DigitalTrends.com, Gizmodo.com, CrunchGear.com and T3.com. User reviews at Amazon.com and BestBuy.com help round out the coverage and have the added benefit of being more up to date.
| PlayStation Portable 3000 Core Pack System - Piano Black | |
(636 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
|
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  483 store reviews | In Stock. | $99.96 | See It |
 |  1,257 store reviews | In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi | $197.99 | See It |
 | 1,257 store reviews | In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi | $199.99 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
1. CNET
John P. Falcone gives the Sony PSP-3000 an Excellent rating, saying it has tons of great games with better graphics performance than the Nintendo handhelds. Although he calls it a "solid" console, visible lines are noticeable on the display during his testing. This report is a minor update of a review originally written in 2008, but it is largely still relevant.
Review: Sony PSP 3000 (Black), John P. Falcone, Sept. 28, 2009
2. DigitalTrends.com
Chris Chiarella calls the Sony PSP-3000 "one of the best handheld gaming systems on the market," though his comments predate the release of the Sony PlayStation Vita. He says he particularly appreciates "gorgeous" screen, although he thinks it would be even better with a keyboard.
Review: Sony PSP 3000 Review, Chris Chiarella, Nov. 17, 2008
3. TechCrunch.com
The Sony PSP-3000 gets high marks for its lighter design and brighter display from Peter Ha. He also notices the interlacing artifacts on the display, but like a few other reviewers, he says it doesn't bother him much.
Review: Review: Sony PSP-3000, Peter Ha, Oct. 23, 2008
4. Gizmodo.com
Jason Chen says the display on the Sony PSP-3000 is much improved over its predecessor, the PSP 2000. The screen is noticeably brighter, with better contrast, he says. Although he notices the interlacing artifacts, he says they are not that bad.
Review: Sony PSP 3000 Review, Jason Chen, Oct. 23, 2008
5. Amazon.com
Nearly 300 owners have reviewed the Sony PSP-3000 here, and opinions are largely positive. A plethora of games and movies is one of the biggest pluses, although several owners note problems with their screen. Some newer reviews reflect long-term use, while others comment that at its current pricing, the PSP-3000 is a relative bargain.
Review: PSP 3000, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. BestBuy.com
More than 100 owners also give the Sony PSP-3000 high marks here. Most rave about the game performance, and more than 90 percent would recommend it to a friend.
Review: Sony - PSP-3000 Core Pack System (Piano Black), Contributors to BestBuy.com
Hand Held Game Systems Runners Up:
3 picks including: DigitalTrends.com, Engadget.com…
3 picks including: Amazon.com, DigitalTrends.com…
Franklin SPELLING CORRECTOR
Franklin Electronics
New $12.46
(122)PlayStation Portable 3000 Core Pack System - Piano Black
Sony
New Too low to display
(636)
The Amazing Spider-Man (Kindle Tablet Edition)
Gameloft
New $6.99
(745)
Sun Joe HJ602C Hedger Joe Lithium Ion Cordless Electric 3.31-Inch Grass Shear/5-Inch Shrubber
Snow Joe
New $27.80
(246)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance - Indigo
Nintendo
New $249.99
(95)Best Reviewed
Hand Held Game Systems
- Best handheld game system Sony PlayStation Vita *Est. $250
- 3D handheld game system Nintendo 3DS *Est. $170
- Best value for kids and tweens Nintendo DSi *Est. $150
Get info about new reports and updates
