In the ten years of its main lifespan, the PSP was surely the most impressive handheld console on the market. It got us thinking about all of the PSP special editions on offer, and it just so happens that we’ve written them all down.
Plus a strong game library of over 1300 titles ensured that you had plenty of reasons to keep one in your regular rotation. There were five iterations of the PlayStation Portable and 55 different colorways available in those ten years. Most of us had the standard “Piano Black” or “Ceramic White” models. But those lucky enough to snag a special edition had something truly… well… special on their hands.
Let’s take a look at all of the special edition PSP models ever released and decide which is our favorite.
Table of Contents
1. Coca-Cola PSP-1000
Perhaps the biggest surprise with the Coca-Cola PSP 1000 Special Edition is that it was not red. Instead, the powers that be decided to avoid being predictable and slapped a couple small white logos on a black PSP and called it a day. It is not the must impressive special edition PSP, but it is sophisticated and understated. So if you like custom, but try not to be too loud about it, this might be a nice PSP for you.
2. Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops PSP-1000
This combat ready all-camouflage Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops PSP-1000 console is surely battle ready. No big logos or graphics, just a very straight forward combat aesthetic.
Where the Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops branding came into play was in the unique wrist strap also provided, which featured a logo and a pre-worn look. This special edition PSP console was a perfect fit with Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops, one of the absolute best games on Sony’s original handheld.
3. Signature Model 000001 Tsukimi PSP-1000
The Signature Model 000001 Tsukimi PSP-1000 is the first of two PSP special editions that were available at Sony’s online Signature store. The “Tsukimi” model had a black base with golden geometric designs.This was the more sophisticated of the two Signature models available, but featured the same premium price tag.
4. Signature Model 000002 Kachofugetsu PSP-1000
The Signature Model 000002 Kachofugetsu PSP-1000 is the second special edition model of two that were available at Sony’s online Signature store. The “Kachofugetsu” model had a white base with black Japanese shodo (calligraphy) across the face of the device. This special edition obviously has some old Japan vibes, and is a wonderful model for otaku (nerds for all things Japanese culture) like myself.
5. Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary PSP-2000
It should be common knowledge by now that Final Fantasy VII is one of the best video games ever created, and the Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary PSP-2000 is without a doubt one of the best PSP Special Editions ever made too.
In 2007, Sony and Square celebrated the Final Fantasy VII legacy with a stunning silver PSP special edition model. The front of the device was left clean and simple, and the rear featured a gorgeous logo and illustration of Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, and Zack Fair.
6. God of War Chains of Olympus PSP-2000
Much like the Final Fantasy VII special edition, this God of War Chains of Olympus PSP-2000 unique PSP model has a clean front face. And the rear of the PSP Special Edition features a striking image of Kratos in white against a very bold red console.This aesthetic is more what I would expect from the Coca Cola edition but this blood red PSP also is quite fitting with the content of any God of War video game.
7. Mobile Suit Gundam Giren no Yabou PSP-2000
I know what you’re thinking… another red PSP? Technically yes, but the Mobile Suit Gundam Giren no Yabou PSP-2000 range of PSP Special Editions has a dark side. The front features a red body and black buttons. And the rear is where things really start to get unique.
The black and silver rear features the moniker and crest of the Principality of Zeon, one of the nations from within the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. It’s a very bold and diametric appearance for fans of Gundam or those who can’t get enough red PSP special editions.
8. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G Hunter Pack PSP-2000
This beautiful bronze Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G Hunter Pack PSP-2000 did not leave us with any wasted space. With guild crest graphics on both the front and rear of the device, there is no mistaking that this is a monster themed special edition console. Show your Monster Hunter pride in class with this unique special edition PS… if you can catch it.
9. Spider-Man Edition PSP-2000
This particular Spider-Man Edition PSP-2000 PSP Special Edition features a simple red and black console with no Spider-Man branding to be found at all.
10. Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron Entertainment Pack (PSP-2000)
Much like the God of War PSP, this Star Wars Battlefront Renegade Squadron Entertainment Pack PSP-2000 keeps things simple on the front. Just a really clean looking ceramic white face and the rear features a stunning image of Darth Vader screen printed on the left side. The whole console has a bit of a Stormtrooper aesthetic to it. Admittedly, it’s not the most creative use of the space available. But it’s a simple and sophisticated approach to a special edition, nonetheless.
11. The Simpsons PSP-2000
If you’re gonna make a PSP Special Editions entry with a Simpsons theme called The Simpsons PSP-2000, there’s only one color it can be – yellow. Of course, it would be nice to get more than just some yellow paint and it feels like Sony missed an opportunity to put a big pink donut on the rear of the device.
12. AKB1/48 Premier PSP-3000
A pearlescent pink PSP themed around a Japan-exclusive game about idols (female models and performers), the AKB1/48 Premier (PSP-3000) can still fetch a pretty penny when boxed.
There is not much to say here that will make it sound any more interesting. It’s a pink PSP with a pink logo on the back. Still, collectors are willing to pay good money for it!
13. Dissidia 012 Duodecim Final Fantasy Chaos & Cosmos Limited Edition PSP-3000
Now here is a gorgeous special edition PSP – the Dissidia 012 Duodecim Final Fantasy Chaos & Cosmos Limited Edition PSP-3000! This Dissidia themed console features a bold black graphic on top of a pure white face. The rear features a sophisticated logo on the left side, allowing the front of the PSP to be the star of the show. This is a perfect example of how to do a strong theme on a special edition PSP. And I absolutely love the look of this one.
14. God of War Ghost of Sparta PSP-3000
Another simple color treatment that could be mistaken for the Spider-Man or Gundam models at a quick glance, the God of War Ghost of Sparta PSP-3000 has a slick, almost gothic appeal to it that I really like, however, what makes this particular special edition PSP unique is the black face with red buttons. It is a very striking look, and surely will impress. But sadly, no Ghost of Sparta branding is to be found on the console at all.
15. Gran Turismo Edition PSP-3000
Next up in our list of all the PSP Special Editions is the Gran Turismo Edition PSP-3000, and we’re starting to run into a consistent pattern with each of them. The custom elements that make them a themed console are becoming difficult to find, if there is anything to be found at all.
In the case of the Gran Turismo Edition, we have a simple grey logo on the face of the otherwise undistinguished black console. Very little separating this from the original PSP 2000 model. But if you’re a Gran Turismo fan, here’s your chance to own a “custom” handheld.
16. Gundam Vs Gundam PSP-3000
Following the Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary console’s lead, this beautiful Gundam Vs Gundam PSP-3000 is all silver with two unique battle scenes on the rear. The front of the console is left clear of graphics to allow the rear to be the show stopper.
17. Hatsune Miku Project Diva 2nd Pack PSP-3000
Those familiar with Hatsune Miku know that there is only one color appropriate for a special edition Hatsune Miku Project Diva 2nd Pack PSP-3000 – turquoise. When the mascot of your game has turquoise hair down to her ankles, you might as well put her silhouette on a console of the same colorway. Throw the game’s logo on the opposite side, and you’ve got yourself a themed PSP!
18. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Edition PSP-3000
Next up in our PSP Special Editions list is a simple and sophisticated theme treatment on a silver PSP console – the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Edition PSP-3000. This special edition features a unique Kingdom Hearts pattern on the rear face with “Kingdom Hearts” on the left, and “Disney” on the right.
19. Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Edition PSP-3000
Maybe Sony realized that they couldn’t top that awesome camouflage PSP when they released the second Metal Gear Solid special edition – the Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Edition PSP-3000 so this time around, they went with a straight forward metallic green handheld with no graphics or logos to be found.
But like the Spider-Man PSP, this one has a follow up. The “Big Boss Pack” was an official second version of this PSP-3000 created for Peace Walker and this one featured more impressive graphics and a custom themed protective case.
20. Monster Hunter Portable BlackGolden Limited PSP-3000
Monster Hunter Portable BlackGolden Limited PSP-3000 is undoubtedly the most premium looking special edition PSP ever released and indeed in our list of the PSP Special Editions. Black and gold make this Monster Hunter Portable PSP look luxurious and classy and the subtle grey guild crests on the front and rear are a fine touch to an already impressive unit.
21. One Piece Edition PSP-3000
Visually similar to the Monster Hunter BlackGolden model, this One Piece Edition PSP-3000 features a black and silver color scheme. Paired with fun yellow graphics on the front and rear give this a more playful feel than the previous special edition and any fans of the incredible One Piece franchise would surely be happy with this treatment.
22. Uta No Prince Console PSP-3000
This Uta No Prince Console PSP-3000 is a shining example of how to theme a console. The design is bold and obvious without feeling overpowering or gaudy in any way. The white face, black buttons, and yellow graphics are a perfect palette in celebration of the Uta No Prince anime. I think we can all agree that this is definitely one of the best looking PSPs to appear on this list of PSP Special Editions!
23. Winning Eleven 2010 PSP-3000
Whether you call it “football” or “soccer”, we’re talking about one of the most profitable sports on Earth, and the Winning Eleven 2010 PSP-3000 is perfect for fans of kicking a ball about and sports games are extremely popular and surely are a good way to sell a special edition PSP. It’s a sophisticated piano black PSP with Winning Eleven branding on the rear. Not a bad submission for our final special edition PSP.
