Spec showdown: PSP-3000 vs DS Lite vs PSP Slim

The upcoming launch of a new PSP model fans the flames of the handheld war - but how do they all stack up? T3 investigates.

At the end of October, Sony will be taking the handheld console war into its third major battle. The PSP-3000 will replace the year-old Slim & Lite, throwing in an integrated microphone and enhanced screen into the features mixer.

Nintendo's answer is in the pipeline, but for this Xmas, you'll have to decide whether to go for a cheap old PSP Slim & Lite, a shiny new PSP-3000 or the aging kid's favourite, Nintendo DS. Let the specs decide:

Dimensions

Sony PSP-3000: 169.4 x 71.4 x 18.6 mm (width, height, depth), weight 189g

Nintendo DS Lite: 133 x 73.9 x 21.5 mm, weight 218g

Sony PSP Slim & Lite: 169.4 x 18.6 x 71.4 mm, weight 189g

Screen

Sony PSP-3000: 4.3", 480 x 272 pixels, 16,770,000 colours, enhanced contrast ratio and response time, anti-reflective technology

Nintendo DS Lite: Two 3.0", 256 x 192 pixels, touchscreen

Sony PSP Slim & Lite: 4.3", 480 x 272 pixels, 16,770,000 colours

Battery

PSP-3000: 1200mAh, 4-6 hours game time

DS Lite: 1000mAh, 5 to 8 hours game time

PSP Slim & Lite: 1200mAh, 4-6 hours game time

Connectivity

PSP-3000: WiFi (802.11b), USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio output, integrated mic, analogue video output

DS Lite: WiFi, 3.5mm output, integrated mic, GBA cartridge slot,

PSP Slim & Lite: WiFi (802.11b), USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio output, analogue video output

Interface

PSP-3000: Analogue stick, four face buttons, shoulder buttons, D-pad

DS Lite: Touchscreen, four face buttons, shoulder buttons, D-Pad

PSP Slim & Lite: Analogue stick, four face buttons, shoulder buttons, D-pad

Memory

PSP-3000: Memory Stick DUO port, up to 16GB

DS Lite: None official, but unofficial MicroSD card readers are available

PSP Slim & Lite: Memory Stick DUO port, up to 16GB

Accessories

PSP-3000: Optional camera and GPS

DS Lite: Optional Rumble Pak

PSP Slim & Lite: Optional camera, GPS and microphone

Software and media playback

PSP-3000: Integrated web browser, internet radio tuner, MPEG-4 SP(AAC), H.264 MPEG-4 AVC MP(AAC) video playback, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, MP3MP3, MP4, WAVE, WMA music playback

DS Lite: Opera web browser software available, unofficial cartridges add video and music playback

PSP Slim & Lite: Integrated web browser, internet radio tuner, MPEG-4 SP(AAC), H.264 MPEG-4 AVC MP(AAC) video playback, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, MP3MP3, MP4, WAVE, WMA music playback

From T3