It appears as if the new PSP just charges through the USB port altogether. Wait, is that Sony getting RID of a propeitary port?

On another note, what is this thing officially named, PSP-2001? and everyone just calls it PSP-SLIM?

I really don't get the new PSP. Other than the video output, the update doesn't seem to address any of the things customers really wanted.

yeah, because the first one was just TOO BIG and bulky...

@xxGenericSNxx: Follow the link and you'll see that the old power/charging port is still used (noted under the Charging page where it mentions use of the AC adapter).

PSP was and is still such a let down. The only way they could have made this interesting is to have 2 analog sticks (wtf were they thinking with 1?) and eliminate the UMD's entirely. Flash ROM based games would load so much quicker. Sony has really stepped down a few notches in my book with all their false promises and let downs. The PS3 is a waste of money and not even close to what was demonstrated at E3. PSP is slow and clumsy. My PSP collects dust on the floor of my room.

@MarkB:

If they added an extra stick that would have splintered the market between the new and old owners. Flash based ROMs would make them lose licensing on UMD games and movies which they are trying to make come back with that video out port.

The PSP still isn't very attractive to me, but they couldn't have done much less of a PSP2 or something like that.

@MarkB: Well they did double the RAM for faster loading times. They couldn't remove UMD without making all old PSP's obsolete. With a TV out it is a nice update for the same price.

My PSP has pretty much been relegated to PMP status. Which it does pretty well, mind you.

Why don't they just put two analog sticks on the back?

Did they uncover a second analog stick?

The original Playstation had ZERO analog sticks so I don't see what everyone is complaining about.

As to the "Ditch the UMD" crowd... there are already close to 300 games on UMD. Sony isn't going to eliminate that potential.

I have about 30 games on UMD myself and there's no way I'm buying them again in DLC format just to play them on a new device.

MarkB:

That's why I use homebrew. Ripping game ISOs to the memory stick cuts load times by more than half.

Two analog sticks would have been nice, but it would mean that games designed for the new PSP would be crippled or unplayable one the old one. Same for taking out UMD. It's just a redesign, not a wholly new machine.

This redesign does seem pretty unnecessary, though. The feature I wanted most (built-in flash memory) is gone, and slimmer does not necessary equal better. Especially when playing 6-button DJ Max and trying to keep your hands from cramping. Sony could have spent their time designing a completely new system rather than redoing an old one and having to keep most of the weaknesses and problems for the sake of legacy support.

@Jordan Lund: Yes, the original PS had no analog sticks, but it evolved over time to the dual analog stick setup. The PSP should be evolving as well.

Or would you prefer a PS3 with just four buttons and a wired controller?

i like 2 analog sticks
racing games are so much easier.
I mean they should have one where you push it and the analog stick pops out. Maybe 2 that'll be cool and a very popular feature