Even though it’s over 20 years old at this point, the PlayStation Portable remains a remarkably fun handheld, with a dedicated community of loyal fans. Thankfully, the PSP modding scene has been expanding as of late, resulting in a new kit that fills a much-needed void. Previously, IPS screen kits were only available for the original PSP-1000 model, but now, the PSP-3000 is joining the fray. Best of all, this new screen is laminated with a glass lens, making it far more resilient than the stock option. So, if you’ve got a damaged handheld that you’re looking to revive or simply seeking an upgrade, this brand new PSP-3000 IPS screen kit promises everything you’d want in a fresh display.
PSP-3000 IPS Kit Overview and Installation Guide
Obviously, in order to utilize this IPS screen kit, you’ll specifically need a PSP-3000 model, as 1000 and 2000 variants will not work. If you’re unsure about your model, check the underside of the handheld on the serial number bar code sticker, which will denote the model number. The kit is very simple, containing just the screen itself, with ribbon cable placement almost identical to the stock screen. This is perfect for a first PSP mod, as installation is basically drop-in, with no soldering required like previous PSP-1000 mods. I’ll break down the basics of installation below, but if you plan on performing this mod yourself, I recommend checking out my PSP-3000 IPS kit installation tutorial video for step-by-step instructions.
First, remove the front face plate of the PSP by simply unscrewing the seven fastening screws around the device. The final screw is underneath the warranty sticker in the battery compartment, so you’ll need to peel that off. Next comes the toughest part, removing the old lens from the face plate, ensuring not to force things too much at risk of damaging the plastic. Moving your attention to the rest of the handheld, remove the analog stick and peel back the button bar below the screen, careful not to damage the retaining clips on the bottom. With the screen exposed, you can pry and flip it over to detach the ribbon cables, freeing the display from the device.
Before you drop in your new screen, you’ll need to remove the release paper on the backside of the ribbon cable, then fold it and stick it to the display’s metal housing. Once properly prepared, you can now attach the ribbon cables of the new screen in the same place as the old ones, before setting it flush in the system. If the latch for the small ribbon cable refuses to lock, don’t worry too much, as the thickness of this cable should keep it snug in place. To ensure the screen is working properly, pop in a battery and give it a test, and if everything works correctly, you’re ready to button everything back up.
The Features, Pros and Cons of the PSP-3000 IPS Kit
Considering just how easy it is to install, this screen kit is one of the best bang-for-your-buck mods that you can perform on your PSP. Though bare of fancy features, the IPS screen is much clearer than the original TFT display, making the mod valuable as both a replacement and an upgrade. Side by side, it’s easy to see the exceptional brightness and improved viewing angles, resulting in a clearer picture overall. That said, there is a slight change in color profiles, as the original TFT screen is slightly more saturated, compared to the somewhat muted IPS screen. Thanks to the laminated. tempered glass lens, you also won’t get any annoying dust spots under the screen, or pesky scratches from pulling it out of your pocket.
Overall, the new IPS kit is a stellar mod that’s basically essential for any PSP-3000 owner, due to its lasting power, affordability, and ease of installation. As long as you’re okay with the slight color shift, this mod is a no-brainer, whether your existing screen is damaged or not. It bears repeating that this screen is much brighter than the stock option, which helps the visuals pop and makes everything easier to see. According to the manufacturer, it’s also more power efficient, but this may change depending on brightness settings. Either way, the PSP-3000 laminated IPS screen kit gets my full recommendation, and if you’ve got a PSP sitting around that could use a facelift, look no further than this excellent mod.
