Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2931 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2006-03-22
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Platform: Sony PSP

Manufacturer's Description:
The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived. Get ready for immersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised to change the way we think about portable devices. With wireless internet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options, the Sony PSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design
The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound capability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.

From a controls perspective, the PSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be a pro at the PSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, as well as an analog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access and control over the PSP's important functions.

Supported Media
At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.

While the UMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC, simply use the PSP's USB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fast portable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, and videos onto the PSP, just as you would any other removable storage device.

Connectivity
The PSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed, the PSP's ability to connect to the internet, and to other PSPs and USB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top of the list is Wifi connectivity, or IEEE 801.11b. Use this wireless internet standard to connect to other gamers around the world for hot multiplayer action--all from your couch, or your local Wifi hotspot. As mentioned, the PSP's USB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but it also opens the PSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony has plans for the PSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion
If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more. In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRAC audio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

Console for people looking to buy PS3 and prefer Playstation and Sony over others
The last two people who gave a review said that this was not very good i have to disagree. I have had the PSP for 7 months now and think it has alot to offer.

Firstly shall i address a few problems people have mentioned:

It is very simple to put videos onto the PSP IF YOU USE THE CORRECT SOFTWARE (PSP Video 9 is free and has helped me with many videos or you can buy converters for DVD movies).

Memory is NOT expensive. On amazon you can buy a 1GB memory stick for £20 and sometimes even cheaper - compared to buying hard disk space that is very cheap (i have got 20 videos of half an hour at decent quality on mine and game space is very small)

The network access code COMES WITH YOUR ROUTER OR WHEN YOU DOWNLOAD INFO FROM THE SONY WEBSITE!!! - it doesn't take a genius to do this .... just someone who has common sense really

Games tray is weak ..... if you want to use your PSP to smash people over the head with!!!! You do not want to leave it open but you wouldnt leave you CD drive open on your computer would you

Games that have been released recently have been to show the different capabilities of the PSP, graphics, game play etc - the better games will be released to come along with the PS3 (which also means you can use the PSP with the PS3 as a controller by the way)

Pixels do become dead HOWEVER you can download programs created to get rid of this problem if it occurs

The DS is good (i currently own both) and the features of the DS are good aswell, but they offer different things - the DS offers classic Nintendo games and the similar game play to this with the obvious benefit of the double screen. The PSP offers wider range of 3D graphics and do what it asks to do, play music, videos, games and pictures. I prefer the PSP (its not for everyone and for me it is its versitillity more than anything) but people need to know that the problems with it are just the same as any other new console and these are not very big problems anyway

Lovely piece of kit
There are a lot of very childish reviews about the PSP that I assume come from small children that own Gameboys and I am surprised that Amazon publishes them. This is genuinly a very good gadget. I own both a PSP and a Gameboy (although not a DS yet). I spend a lot of time sitting on aeroplanes and at airports and this thing is a god send. I especially like that I can put movies and TV shows on it, as well as music and games. For a hand held console the graphics are amazing, considerably better than anything else on the market. I also think there are some very good games out there too.

The only gripes I have are that it really would be nice if it had an in-built hard drive (20-40gb would be nice) and it is definately too quiet. It's fine for playing games but when you want to watch tv or movies or listen to music on a plane, even through "in-ear" headphones you can only just hear it.

That aside, I don't think you'd be disapointed with a PSP. I'm not and I'm usually very hard to please.

A feature packed handheld
When I purchased the PSP I was not really aware of it's entertainment features out-with gaming. With a decent sized memory stick pro duo inserted (1gb, 2gb, or 4gb)you really can take advantage of the PSP's extra features.

So what can you do with a PSP?

1. Play games solo using the ever growing range of titles available.

2. Play against other PSP owners within the PSP's wireless range (60-100ft)

3. Play against other PSP owners worldwide when within distance of a wireless Internet hot-spot / connection

4. Browse the Internet with the PSP's web browser - including the ability to access RSS feeds, and download additional game content.

5. Watch mp4 video/movies from memory stick, or on Sony UMD disk

6. Use it as an MP3 player. (Also supports some other formats including wma, wav)

7. View digital photos, and view slide-shows, and send them to other PSP using the wireless function.

There are other advanced add-ons to further enhance the PSP's capabilities - including a camera and gps unit. Also (for a price ) you can stream TV to the psp anywhere from your home Sky/cable box - if you are within range, and can access a wireless Internet connection - using the Location-Free Player from Sony. With this system you can even 'remotely' change the channel on your TV box using the PSP.

I love the DS and it's quirky games catalogue - but for all round features, a more adult orientated game selection, a better design, and the brilliant screen, I prefer the PSP. However, If I was buying a console, either, purely for games, or for a younger child then the Nintendo DS might be the better option.