The Sony PlayStation Portable 3004 (PSP-3004) — often called the PSP Slim & Bright — is the third major hardware revision of Sony’s iconic PSP handheld. Released in 2008, it represents the most polished and advanced version of the original PSP design, offering improved display quality, upgraded audio, lighter construction, and the best performance of the entire PSP family (except for the reimagined PSP Go).
For many collectors, the PSP-3000 series is the definitive PSP model — combining sleek aesthetics with maximum compatibility and the best overall user experience.
📘 Introduction
Following the success of the PSP-2000, Sony refined the handheld even further with the PSP-3000 series. The goal was to:
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enhance display clarity
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improve colour vibrancy
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deliver sharper images
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reduce input latency
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refine audio output
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keep the system thin and lightweight
The result was an elegant and powerful multimedia handheld that carried the PSP legacy into its final years.
🎨 Slim, Modern Design with Enhanced Details
Visually similar to the PSP-2000 but with subtle refinements, the PSP-3004 features:
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Slim and lightweight build
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Redesigned Home, Start, and Select buttons
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Improved microphone (built-in)
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A slightly more rounded, comfortable shell
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Glossy finish with Sony’s premium aesthetic
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Available in multiple limited colours and editions
Its compact form makes it ideal for both gaming and media playback.
⚙️ Best-in-Class PSP Hardware
The PSP-3004 features the same core architecture as the PSP-2000, but with important improvements.
Hardware Specifications
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333 MHz CPU
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64 MB RAM
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4.3″ LCD screen (significantly improved)
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UMD optical drive
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Memory Stick Duo slot
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Wi-Fi (802.11b)
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Mini-USB / Charging port
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Built-in microphone
Major Improvements Over PSP-2004
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Better screen with improved brightness, contrast, and colour saturation
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Anti-reflection technology for better visibility outdoors
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Reduced ghosting on fast-moving images
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More accurate colour reproduction
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Integrated microphone for VOIP apps (like Skype)
These upgrades make the PSP-3004 the best model for both gaming and media.
🔥 A Powerful and Diverse Game Library
The PSP-3004 plays the full PSP library, one of the strongest handheld libraries ever.
Popular First-Party Titles
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God of War: Ghost of Sparta
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Gran Turismo PSP
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Killzone: Liberation
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LittleBigPlanet PSP
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Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
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Resistance: Retribution
Action & Adventure
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Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
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Daxter
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Prince of Persia: Rival Swords
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Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines
JRPG Essentials
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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
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Persona 3 Portable
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The Legend of Heroes series
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Valkyria Chronicles II
Indie & Digital Titles
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Many PSP Minis
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PS1 Classics via the PlayStation Store
This makes the PSP-3000 one of the most versatile handhelds ever released.
🎞️ Multimedia Features
Like all PSP models, the PSP-3004 was a full entertainment device:
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UMD video playback
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MP3 music
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Photo slideshows
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MP4 video playback
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Web browsing
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YouTube / streaming apps (old-era)
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Skype support
Before smartphones became mainstream, the PSP was one of the best multimedia devices available.
📺 Video Output to TV
The PSP-3004 retains the video output features of the PSP-2000:
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Composite video for movies & menus
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Component video for full gameplay on a TV
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Works with official Sony cables
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Supports progressive scan output for crisp image quality
This made the PSP one of the first handhelds playable on a television.
🛠️ Reliability & Common Issues
The PSP-3004 is durable, but a few known issues exist:
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Very slight interlacing effect on the improved LCD screen
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Battery swelling (common across all PSPs due to age)
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UMD door wear over time
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Analog nub drift on heavily used units
Overall, it is considered the most reliable PSP model, with excellent longevity.
🌍 Cultural & Historical Impact
The PSP-3004 represents the final and most refined generation of the original PSP design. It contributed to:
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the PSP’s continued global success
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strong adoption in Europe & Japan
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the rise of digital gaming via the PSN Store
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a vibrant indie and JRPG ecosystem
The PSP-3000 remains highly collectible, especially special editions such as the God of War, Monster Hunter, or Final Fantasy bundles.
📦 Items Included in This Collection Entry
📜 Conclusion
The Sony PSP-3004 is the ultimate refinement of Sony’s groundbreaking handheld — combining sleek design, bright upgraded screen, reliable hardware, and compatibility with one of the best portable game libraries ever created.
Beautiful, powerful, and collectible, the PSP-3004 remains one of the finest handheld gaming devices of its era — and a true highlight in any retro gaming collection.