PlayStation Portable Slim and Lite

Infobox CVG system
title = PSP Slim and Lite |

manufacturer = Sony Computer Entertainment|family = PlayStation
type = Handheld game console
generation = Seventh generation era
lifespan = vgrelease|EU=September 5, 2007vgrelease|NA=September 6, 2007 vgrelease|AUS=September 12, 2007
CPU = MIPS R4000-based; clocked from 1 to 333 MHz
media= UMD
storage= Memory Stick PRO Duoand internal flash memory |connectivity= Wi-Fi 802.11b, USB 2.0
onlineservice=
unitssold=
topgame = "Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G", 2.4 million (as of June 30 2008) [cite web |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/million.html |title=Platinum Titles |publisher=Capcom |date=2008-06-30 |accessdate=2008-08-12]
predecessor = PlayStation Portable (concurrent)
successor = PSP-3000 series (redesign)

PSP Slim & Lite as it is known in the the PSP-1000 numbering scheme of the "old" PSP model).

It was released on September 5, 2007 in Europe, on September 6, 2007 in North America, September 7, 2007 in South Korea and September 12, 2007 in Australia.

Features and changes

Dimensions and weight

The PSP Slim & Lite offers a 22% slimmer and 33% lighter system than the original PSP system. Internal changes to achieve this include the removal of a metal chassis (used to reduce damage in the event of sudden trauma to the system resulting from the user dropping the system on a hard surface), improved WLAN modules and Micro-controller, and a thinner and much brighter LCD. [ [http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20070918/139264/ [New PSP Tear-down Metal Chassis Omitted to Reduce Weight [Part 1 - Tech-On! ] ]

Hardware improvements

The PSP Slim & Lite offers several other tweaks and improvements from the older generation. To target the original PSP generation's poor load times for UMD games, [ [http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6159832/p-2.html Under the Hood: PSP Load Times - Features at GameSpot ] ] the internal memory (RAM and Flash ROM) was doubled from 32 MB to 64 MB, which also improved the web browser's performance.cite web|title=New PSP Slim Coming September, Kinda Looks the Same |url=http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/breaking/new-psp-slim-coming-september-kinda-looks-the-same-277336.php |author=Brian Lam|accessdate=2007-10-16|date=2007-07-11]

Battery

To make the PSP slimmer, the capacity of the battery was reduced by 1/3. Due to more efficient power usage, the run time of the PSP is still the same as the older model. Older model batteries will still work which extends the amount of playing time. However, the battery cover on the newer model does not fit over the older battery due to its bulkier size. The batteries take about one and a half hours to charge and last roughly 4.5–7 hours depending on factors such as screen brightness settings and volume levels. [PlayStation Portable Safety and Support Manual]

In mid-December 2007, Sony released the PSP Extended Life Battery Kit, which includes a 2200 MAh battery with a battery cover that fits over the bulkier battery included; [ [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/11/27/new-psp-battery-and-covers-coming-soon/ PlayStation.Blog » New PSP Battery and Covers Coming Soon ] ] initially only available in North America.Fact|date=December 2007 The kit comes with two new battery covers, one black and one silver. In March 2008 the Extended Battery Kit was released in Japan. However, unlike North America the batteries are sold individually with one specific cover. There are three separate kits, one with the black cover, one with the silver cover and one with the white cover. This means that North American Star Wars PSP owners, whose PSPs were in black and silver colors, can now get the Extended Battery Kit with color matching cover by importing the White Extended battery kit over the internet. This would also resolve some users discontent with the Darth Vader silk screen, since the Japanese white kit comes with a plain white cover.

External appearance, inputs and outputs

The PSP Slim & Lite has a new gloss finish. The serial port was also modified in order to accommodate a new video-out feature (while rendering older PSP remote controls incompatible). PSP games will only output to external monitors or TVs in progressive scan mode, so televisions incapable of supporting progressive scan will not display PSP games. Non-game video outputs fine in either progressive or interlaced mode. USB charging was made possible (the PSP Slim will only charge while it is in "USB mode". It cannot be charged via USB when playing a game). However, there are unofficial USB charge plug-in downloads for charging the PSP with a USB without the need for being in USB mode. The D-Pad was raised in response to complaints of poor performance [ [http://uk.psp.ign.com/articles/673/673821p1.html IGN: Capcom Fixes PSP Pad ] ] [cite web |title=Hands on with PSP Slim |publisher=pocketgamer.co.UK |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/Sony+PSP/news.asp?c=3606 |accessdate=2007-07-22] , while buttons offer improved responsiveness, confirmed in the GameSpot "hands-on" review: "several GameSpot editors have noticed that the d-pad and buttons on the new PSP provide a little more tactile feedback for a better overall feel." [cite web |title=E3 07: Redesigned Sony PSP Hands-On |publisher=GameSpot.com |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6173974/index.html?tag=topslot;title;1 |accessdate=2007-07-22] .

A new simpler and more compact UMD loading tray design was developed, in which the tray swivels out instead of opening up completely, while the Wi-Fi switch was moved to the top of the PSP. To address many consumer complaints about the Memory Stick door breaking off the old PSP, the Memory Stick door has been relocated and redesigned. The speakers were repositioned on the front of the PSP near the top of its screen. The infra-red port was also removed because it offered no use to the original PSP generation other than in homebrew applications. Its analog stick was also redesigned to be more flexible and is not removable without opening the PSP.

A "1Seg" TV tuner (model PSP-S310) peripheral, designed specifically for the PSP Slim & Lite model, was released in Japan on September 20, 2007.cite press release |title="Slimmer and Lighter" New PSP (PlayStation Portable) Comes In Six Color Variations To The Japanese Market |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=2007-07-17 |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/070717e.html |accessdate=2007-09-22]

Pricing

The announced price is set at $169.99 for the Core Pack and $199.99 for the newer PSP entertainment packages. The original version of the PSP is also priced at $169.99, until they are sold out, although some stores may lower the price as a clear out sale to try and sell their PSP systems more rapidly. The PSP Slim sells for $169.99, and the two special limited edition ones cost $199.99. The Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary edition, limited to 77,777 units, is currently on sale in Japan and online stores for US$399.90.

Retail configurations

In North America, the Ice Silver Daxter Entertainment Pack comes in an entertainment packet including the game "Daxter", a 1GB Memory Stick, and the UMD movie, "Family Guy Freakin' Sweet Collection". About one month later, Sony released a special Ceramic White Star Wars edition PSP which has a silkscreen picture of Darth Vader on the battery cover. It also comes with the game '. Both the Ice Silver and Ceramic White PSPs are priced at $199.99. Sony released the colors Rose Pink, Lavender Purple, and Felicia Blue in Japan at launch. A special "Final Fantasy VII" 10th Anniversary" Edition was released for Japan only and, as mentioned above, was limited to 77,777 units. [ [http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-12x-49-en-70-25kr.html Buy PSP PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite - Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Bundle - Order Now! ] ] The package includes a silver color unit with "Final Fantasy" pictures at the back, and an original "Final Fantasy" Buster Sword shape strap (some shops will also provide a special earphone for pre-orders). [ [http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/11/sonys-new-psp-is-slimmer-includes-video-output Sony's new PSP is slimmer, includes video output - Engadget ] ] [ [http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/breaking/new-psp-slim-coming-september-kinda-looks-the-same-277336.php Breaking: New PSP Slim Coming September, Kinda Looks the Same ] ] Australia and the UK will be getting a Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core Bundle similar to Japan's but it will not include the Buster Sword strap and the PSP will not have a unique number on it. North America also received a 'Deep Red' model with Kratos, from the "God of War" series, silkscreened on the battery cover. The bundle also comes with the movie, "Superbad", on UMD, the game, and a voucher to download '. This bundle arrived in June of 2008, for a retail price of $199.99. North America is also slated to receive a Metallic Blue PSP that bundles with Madden NFL 09, a football related UMD and a 1GB Memory Stick. It has been given the standard PSP bundle retail price of $199.99. At Sony's 2008 press conference at E3, they also revealed they will be releasing a "" PSP bundle pack that will include an Ice Silver PSP Slim and Lite, "Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters", "National Treasure 2" on UMD, a voucher for "echochrome", and a 1GB Memory Stick Duo for $199. It is due to launch this October.

Europe will receive black, pink, and silver models. As well as the two special limited edition colors available as a bundle: Simpsons-themed yellow bundle and the red and black Spider-Man bundle. In the United Kingdom, the PSP Slim & Lite comes in Piano Black and Ceramic White (released on October 26, 2007) colors, both retailing at £129.99. The UK will now also retail for £144.99 the Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core pack (Ice Silver and Crisis Core Game) (released on June 20, 2008)

Release dates

The PSP Slim & Lite was released in Hong Kong on August 30 2007. In North America the Ice Silver "Daxter" Pack was released on September 52007. In Australia, the PSP Slim was released on September 122007, with New Zealand following 2 days later. The Piano Black Core Pack was released on October 52007, and the "Star Wars" Ceramic White on October 4 2007. [cite web |title=PSP Slim Hands on |publisher=ubergizmo.com |url=http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2007/08/handson_with_the_psp_slim.html |accessdate=2007-08-22] For the Japanese market, a special "FINAL FANTASY VII" 10th Anniversary" edition was released on September 132007, bundled with the release of the game "", limited in quantities to 77,777 units. The normal edition was released on September 202007 in Japan. In September 2007, SCEE announced 2 more Slim PSP editions, a "Simpsons" PSP, and a "Spider-Man" PSP. Both come with their movie games, and the "Spider-Man" pack comes with "Spider-Man 3" movie UMD. The PSP Slim & Lite was also released in Malaysia and Singapore on October 102007. A "Deep Red" PSP was released in Japan on December 13 2007.cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/11/06/japan-to-receive-deep-red-psp-with-optional-tv-tuner|title=Japan to receive "Deep Red" PSP with optional TV tuner|publisher=Ars Technica|date=2007-11-06|accessdate=2007-11-12]

Release dates are as follow:

* Japan
** Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core "Ice Silver with engrave" Limited Edition - September 122007
** All Colours (Piano Black, Ceramic White, Ice Silver, Felicia Blue, Lavender Purple, Rose Pink) - September 202007
** Deep Red - December 132007
** Star Ocean "Felicia Blue with engrave" Limited Edition Bundle - December 272007
** Gundam Limited Edition "same as European Spiderman edition with engrave" - February 72008
** Mint Green - February 282008
** Monster Hunter Portable "Gold PSP Slim with silkscreen and bundled with UMD case, matching pouch and matching strap" - March 27
** Matte Bronze/Gold. April 2008
** Metallic Blue June 17 2008
* North America
** Daxter Ice Silver Bundle - September 52007
** Piano Black Core Pack - September 272007
** Star Wars Ceramic White Bundle with "Darth Vader" "silkscreen" on back - October 92007
** Deep Red Bundle with "Kratos" "silkscreen" on back - June 6 2008
** Madden NFL 09 Metallic Blue Entertainment Pack - August 12 2008 [http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/05/21/coming-this-fall-madden-nfl-09-psp-entertainment-pack/ PlayStation.Blog » Coming this fall: Madden NFL 09 PSP Entertainment Pack ] ]
** Entertainment Pack - October 2008
** The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack - October 2008

* Australia
** 2 Colours - Ceramic White/Piano Black - September 122007
** Simpsons - November 162007
** God of War (Ice Silver, bundled with God of War) - March 27 2008
** Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core (Ice Silver and Crisis Core Game) - June 19 2008
* United Kingdom
** Piano Black - October 262007
** Ceramic White - October 262007
** Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core (Ice Silver and Crisis Core Game) - June 20 2008
* South Africa - September 242007
* Europe
** Piano Black - September 52007
** Ice Silver - September 52007
** Spider-Man "Red Glossy/Black Matte surface with black buttons" - November 112007
** The Simpsons "Yellow/White PSP with blue font" - November 152007
** Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core (Ice Silver and Crisis Core Game) - June 20 2008
* Korea - September 72007
* Hong Kong - 6 Colours (Piano Black, Ceramic White, Ice Silver, Felicia Blue, Lavender Purple, Rose Pink) - August 302007
* Malaysia - October 102007
* Singapore
** PSP Slim October 102007
** Deep Red December 13 2007, Deep Red will be not be released Singapore from July 2008.
** Matte Bronze May 20 2008

TV output and accessory port

Sony has added a TV output for the PSP Slim available through Firmware 3.60. The PSP can output in a conventional aspect ratio (4:3), and widescreen (16:9). It also offers a screensaver if the PSP is inactive for a set amount of time. It is able to output games, videos, and other media. To achieve TV output on the Slim model, Composite, S-Video, Component and D-Terminal cables are sold separately by Sony. Games are output as a progressive scan signal, which can only be carried by the component video and D-Terminal cables, and can only be displayed on a television which supports progressive scan. Although the user needs Component cables and a TV that supports 480p (mainly found in HDTVs), a homebrew plugin called "FuSa" allows anyone with a Slim PSP to view their games on any SDTV or HDTV using Composite or Component cables. It's also advantageous to those with TVs that do support 480p because it allows a full screen (1:1 ratio) viewing of games. The maximum resolution through TV output is 720x480 pixels, and composite video uses NTSC color encoding (no PAL composite signal is available, although it works on a NTSC compatible TV in Europe). The old Playstation Portable (PSP-1000) is not capable of this feature due to a slightly different port. As a result, original PSP accessories (using the connector) will not work with the Slim and the Slim's accessories will not work with the original PSP. Sony has released a new version of the remote control accessory designed for the Slim as a result. The PSP Slim can still use 3.5mm headphones, like the old PlayStation Portable.

Sony confirmed their GPS Accessory for the United States at Sony CES 2008. The GPS is to be retailed for the new Slim PSP models. It will feature maps on a UMD, and offer driving directions and city guides.

References

External links

Official websites

* [http://in.playstation.com/psp/ Official PlayStation Portable website] (India)
* [http://uk.playstation.com/psp/ Official PlayStation Portable website] (Europe)
* [http://us.playstation.com/psp/ Official PlayStation Portable website] (North America)
* [http://au.playstation.com/psp/ Official PlayStation Portable website] (Aus/NZ)
* [http://us.playstation.com/pressreleases.aspx?id=207 SCEA PSP Specifications press release]
* [http://us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/407 SCEA PSP New Designed Press Release]

Other links

* [http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/08/103,1186541439,76465,0,0.html Old PSP with new PSP Slim & Lite comparison pictures] (Japanese)
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