The PSP Slim, or PSP-2000 as Sony lists it, is the exact same portable console as before. Like Nintendo's DS Lite verses the original DS, the majority of changes to the PSP are not hardware upgrades, but rather how the console feels, weighs, etc.

We've all heard the magic numbers. "33% lighter and 19% thinner." And as Kaz Hirai stated at E3 just a few months ago, the difference isn't easy to tell from looking at a distance, but when you can hold both, it becomes "quite clear."

However, when the PSPS arrived, it looked tiny. It's hard to believe that it's only 19% smaller than the original. Then there's the weight difference, which is huge! While most say this was a good idea, I find that my wrists aren't dainty and don't need protection against the big bad PSP.

What is more important than the weight change is the different feel. The PSP always felt like a very solid machine, sitting with a good weight and a sturdy feel. The PSPS does not share that same trait, and while carrying it I'm constantly afraid of breaking it.

The glossy finish over the entire PSPS gives it more of the PS3 feel as well, but it makes the back slicker and harder to grip well. It's still odd to have the glossy finish on the PSP at all because of the fingerprints that stay on, but Sony has an affinity towards that look.

What really impresses the most is the "fixed" D-pad and raised analog stick. The PSP had a somewhat loose D-pad that didn't work as well as it should have, though the PSPS has fixed that completely. It also has a slightly elevated analog stick, probably less than a centimeter higher, and it gives a much better feel and experience in use.

Also changed is the battery, though it is less powerful than the PSP battery and lasts for 3-6 hours. The older battery can be used, but a special cover must be purchased to keep it safe. The battery cover is also different, a poor change from the PSP with the adeptly placed button to pull it off. However, this change probably was made to keep the system glossy. Regardless, the PSPS battery cover feels flimsy and loose, and moves around while holding it.

A few parts have been moved around. The WiFi switch is now on the top instead of on the side, which really isn't much of a change since it didn't interfere beforehand. The speakers are now in the top in front instead of on the bottom, which also seems superfluous, but has an obvious reason for the change.

The UMD tray is perhaps the scariest change of all. Replacing the switch to shoot open the tray is nothing. On the PSPS, just flip it open. Discs don't sit within any enclosure and look and feel exceptionally loose when putting them in, it sits nicely within the tray and doesn't move around when closed. This may make PSP users uncomfortable, and is another sign of limited sturdiness.

The headphones jack is also moved over slightly, now not in the way of the lock attachment. It's changed as well so that video can be sent out, so playing games or UMD's on a TV is a reality. Sadly, that cable doesn't come with the system, so the extra fee's are piling up already.