The PSP train wreck continues for Sony. I've said it before (and I'll say it again), the PSP is successful when viewed only by the number of hardware units sold. When viewed from any other perspective, be it software sales, UMD movies, music, video, and pure customer satisfaction, it's a flop.

So what do you do when something is broken? You fix it, right? That's just what Sony tried to do. However, the latest series of hardware fixes in this "newly designed" PSP doesn't address what wasn't working for the flailing handheld in the first place.

Don't get me wrong. A slightly slimmer profile, less weight, better D-Pad, front facing speakers, top mounted Wi-Fi switch, and new colors are all great things, but it doesn't solve the problems that have been facing the PSP since day one... a massive catalogue of 90% crappy games. The best fix Sony could make for the PSP is improving the quality of their catalogue. There's a few diamonds in there, but not nearly enough compared to it's DS Lite nemesis.

I'll give them kudos on one fix. First, their "award winning" UMD drive has gotten an upgrade that should reduce the length and of load times. That's a beautiful thing; load times have always been painful on the PSP. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything to help those stuck in load time hell.

The other interesting addition is a video output. While I don't think I would personally want to play PSP games on a regular TV, I can see it being a useful enhancement for many. Plus, the ability to play video content on something other than the built in screen is also intriguing.

What about all the problems that didn't get fixed? Most of the PSP games I've played require use of the thumbpad (I refuse to call it a thumbstick), which is still inconveniently placed in the lower left side. I would have much preferred they use a smaller D-Pad, a bigger thumbpad, and switch the positions of each. Some users have been clamoring for a right thumbpad, but I'm not so sure introducing two of them is a bright idea. Besides, who's going to go fragging on a 4.3 inch screen?

And if you were hoping for a built in hard drive or some massive amount of flash memory for more video and music content... too bad. Keep stocking up on those Memory Stick Duo cards!

So there you have it, PSP Rev. B... slightly redesigned hardware for a massive library of mediocre games. If this platform ever turns around, it's not going to be because of these hardware changes. It will be because developers figured out how to make fun games for it.

Finally, is silk-screening a small picture of Darth Vader on somethig really enough to push someone over the edge to buy? If it works for PSP, you can just bet there will be a limited edition "Wookie Musk" Playstation 3 bundle headed to retail shelves in the near future.

What do you think of the new PSP? Post away in the comments.

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