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Buyer Beware: PSP 2000 Accessories
September 18, 2007
Cases
Just about any slip case will work with the PSP 2000, and will probably work even better that it would with the original, since the new version is thinner and just a bit shorter as well, but the same length.
What won’t work is any sort of form-fitting case such as silicone skins, aluminum hard cases, etc. I’m currently using a Waterfield case that has just enough room to slip in a pair of headphones and a couple of UMDs.
Advice: Wait until the PSP 2000 has been on the market a while longer before you try to find a case, unless you just want something like a carry case to protect the PSP in a larger bag or backpack.
Screen Protectors
The PSP 2000 screen is NOT flush with the front of the device, as the old one was. That means that you will likely have to trim screen protectors to fit. The screen is the same size as it was on the original model, but since it is no longer flush with the housing and most screen protectors are slightly larger than they need to be, the edges of screen protectors tend to “pop up” causing unsightly air bubles.
Since the speakers have also moved, if you try to use a screen protector made for the “old” PSP there will be cutouts in the wrong place.
Advice: This one is hard for me, considering my love of screen protectors, but it might be best to go “naked” for now. I do find myself constantly polishing my screen to remove fingerprints, and I’m deathly afraid of scratches, but my attempt to trim a screen protector made for the old PSP was an exercise in total frustration.
Headphones/Remote Control
You can use any pair of headphones or ear buds with the PSP 2000. However, the remote control that came with the old PSP will NOT work with the new model. Sony has improved the design of the remote control and an updated version (including earbuds) will soon be available for $29.99. GameStop is shipping the item this Friday, the 21st, and Amazon currently has it on preorder for $24.99 with an estimated ship date within the next couple of weeks.
Advice: Use whatever headphones you like, but if you want the remote control functionality, which is handy for navigating long playlists without taking out the PSP and looking at the screen, wait for the redesigned remote. Hopefully it will be modular so that you can still use whatever headphones you like; my favorites are from Brookstone and wrap around the ear for comfort—they never fall out!
Power: Batteries & Charging
There’s a lot of confusion out there regarding this accessory category, mainly because Sony isn’t releasing a lot of information. Previous web reports state that batteries compatible with the old PSP will work in the new model, but will require a new battery cover because of their physically larger size.
Standalone battery chargers for the old PSP will NOT work with the battery for the PSP 2000; there’s even an insert in the box warning users of this fact. The AC adapter however appears to be exactly the same as the one for the original PSP, except that it is manufactured by a different company. I’ve tested this and found them to be interchangeable.
USB charging cables and other charging accessories work just fine with the PSP 2000; I personally have tested this theory with a BoxWave MiniSync and the Gomadic Double Wall Charger with TipExchange.
Bottom Line
If you have an old PSP and are upgrading to the new PSP 2000, you may already have several accessories that will work with the new model. If the PSP 2000 is your first Sony handheld, be very careful when you’re shopping for accessories—otherwise you might buy something that won’t work with your device. Play-Asia has a separate category just for accessories “suitable for PSP slim & lite” but even there I’ve seen some things that won’t work well wtih the PSP 2000.
Buyer beware! If you have any specific questions about what will and won’t work with the new PSP, feel free to leave them in the comments or use the Contact link on the left and I’ll do my best to help you out… if I can tear myself away from Alien Syndrome, that is!
Category: Features
Published: September 18, 2007 9:51 PM
Comments
1. Brian Cohen on September 29, 2007 1:11 PM said...
I have a Nyko Theater Experience for the PSP 1000. Someone stole my PSP so I have to decide whether or not to get the new PSP 2000 or the original. I really like the nyko hometheater, it is perfect for what i need, but i assume the new psp wont work in it right? I would be willing to buy a new theater type accessory if there was one available for the psp 2000. do you know if one will be coming out?
2. wannapsp on November 3, 2007 8:05 AM said...
hey. iv seen some accessories for the psp, but all it says is "psp" for wat it is compatible with so how do i no it will work with the psp-2000?
3. PocketGoddess ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.pocketgoddess.com/articles/nav-commenters.gif)
on November 4, 2007 10:56 PM said...
It depends on the type of accessory that it is--as I mentioned, most any "slip-style" case will work, but hard cases or other cases that actually attach to the PSP and are made to be form-fitting probably will NOT work, unless they are specifically made for the new PSP-2000.
Accessories are starting to hit the stores for the PSP-2000, most notably the new remote control from Sony, TV-Out cables, and an NFL-themed accessory kit that includes a case.
Just be sure to read the package carefully before you buy anything, and you should be OK.
4. Zachary on November 30, 2007 9:42 PM said...
My PSP 1000 series was stolen and I recently purchased a new PSP 2000 series. I found that alot of my old accessories for the original did not work with new improved psp version. Since the PSP 2000 is new to the market therre are no third party accesories made for the psp 2000 as of yet. So alot of people who upgrade to the new PSP are going to be very frustrated as I was. Very good advice though.
5. Noelle B on December 25, 2007 8:26 AM said...
Looking for a theatre system for the PSP 2000. Have a very sad 8 yr old today, Christmas morning, that the one he got is not compatible. Suggestions?
6. Aja on January 14, 2008 8:42 PM said...
I want to buy psp 2000 but can it be hacked like the psp 1000. What i mean is can the same hack from psp 1000 work in the new psp 2000 like vista and xp psp version, gameboy emulator for psp and nes n64 emulator on psp. What i want to know is if the same hack will work on new psp. AND I HEARD THAT THE NEW PSP HAS A NEW MOTHERBOARD WHICH PREVENT USERS FROM HACKING AND PUTTING HACKS FROM PSP 1000 ONTO IT. MAKING THE NEW PSP NOT WORTH IN MY POINT OF VIEW BECAUSE IT IS LOCKED FOR NO CUSTOMIZATION FROM USER.
7. David on January 28, 2008 10:50 PM said...
Witch psps is better to get the silver one or the white star wars one?
8. PocketGoddess on February 8, 2008 9:38 AM said...
The actual device is the same whether you get the silver or the white; it's just a matter of personal preference.
If you think you might want to get the extended battery pack from Sony, however, you might want to get either the silver or black PSP. The extended battery is a bit bigger than the original, so you'll have to use a new battery compartment cover. The extended battery kit comes with silver and black covers, but does NOT include a white battery cover.
