PSP Generations / Model Guide

The PlayStation Portable had four major hardware revisions (often called generations):

1st Generation – Original (2004–2007)

• PSP-1000 / PSP-1001 (Fat)
  • Released: Dec 2004 (JP), Mar 2005 (NA)
  • Heavy (280g), thick, 4.3" 480×272 LCD (ghosting), no video out.
  • IR port, UMD drive, Memory Stick PRO Duo, 32MB RAM.
  • Homebrew: 1.50 kernel exploit → golden era.

2nd Generation – Slim & Lite (2007–2008)

• PSP-2000 / PSP-2001
  • 33% thinner, 19% lighter (189g).
  • 64MB RAM (double) → faster XMB, better web browser, PS1 emulation.
  • Video out (progressive/component via dock/cable).
  • Improved screen (brighter, less ghosting—varies by panel).
  • Charging via USB (with setting).

3rd Generation – Brite & Go (2008–2009)

• PSP-3000
  • Built-in microphone (Skype, voice chat).
  • Screen: "Wide Color Gamut" + anti-reflective coating (but scanline artifacts).
  • PS button (Home) relocated.
  • Same 64MB RAM, video out.
• PSP Go (PSP-N1000)
  • Slide design, 3.8" screen, no UMD drive – 16GB internal flash only.
  • Bluetooth (headsets, PS3 controller).
  • Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot.
  • Digital-only – PS Store (closed 2021).
  • Pause game → resume instantly (sleep state).

4th Generation – Budget (2011)

• PSP-E1000 (Street)
  • Matte black, no Wi-Fi, no video out, mono speaker, cheaper screen.
  • Targeted at kids/emerging markets. UMD only.
  • No microphone, no Bluetooth.

Quick Comparison

For homebrew: 2000/3000 (64MB, permanent CFW via Infinity). For UMD library: 2000/3000. For digital-only: Go (but Store dead).