Hardware specs
- CPU
- MIPS R4000-based custom SoC, 1-333 MHz (variable)
- RAM
- 32 MB (PSP-1000/2000/E1000) / 64 MB (PSP-3000 / PSP Go)
- Storage
- Memory Stick PRO Duo; UMD optical disc (read-only)
- Display
- 4.3-inch TFT, 480×272, 16:9
- Battery
- 1800 mAh (PSP-1000) / 2200 mAh (PSP-2000/3000); 4-6 hours real-world
- Weight
- ~280 g (PSP-1000) / ~189 g (PSP Go)
- Released
- 2004-12 (Japan) / 2005-03 (North America)
- Price
- ~$169 (PSP-1000 launch); $99-130 used for PSP-3000 today
Known issues
What we ran into while testing, and what to do about it.
- FYI
Original 1800 mAh battery is dead on most PSP-1000 units in 2026
Lithium-ion cells lose capacity permanently after ~500 full cycles. Twenty years in, stock batteries in untampered units hold 0-30 minutes of charge.
Fix: Aftermarket 2200 mAh batteries (Cameron Sino or generic) cost ~$10 and snap in with no soldering.
- Workaround
UMD drive failure on PSP-1000/2000 after 10+ years
The laser assembly and sled motor wear out. Disc reads cycle from 'takes 2-3 tries' to 'never reads'.
Fix: For most games, a CFW + Memory Stick ISO is the modern path. UMD drive replacement requires desoldering — only worth it for collectors.
Firmware changelog
Latest OS / driver / BIOS updates we've verified on this device.
-
- Final official Sony firmware for PSP-1000/2000/3000/E1000.
- PSP Go (PSP-N1000) peaked at 6.60 (2010).
- Custom firmware (CFW) scenes like PRO and ARK still release updates — see /tags/psp/ for current versions.
Mods & replacement parts
Upgrades we've actually tested — SSDs, batteries, screens, shells.
- Battery
Cameron Sino 2200 mAh replacement battery
Drop-in replacement for any PSP-1000/2000/3000. Restores ~5 hours of real-world gameplay.
- Storage
Memory Stick PRO Duo adapter + microSD card
Adapter ($5-10) lets you use any microSD up to 256 GB. Standard PSP homebrew path; CFW expects the adapter format.
- Screen
Polarizing film replacement (for scratched LCD)
The 4.3-inch LCD polarizer peels after 15+ years; replacement film restores color and contrast. Hardest of the three PSP mods.
Tutorials
All guides for PlayStation Portable (PSP), newest first.