Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1813 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2006-03-22
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Platform: Sony PSP
• Number of items: 1

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

The Truth
I own a PSP (bought it off a friend for £80!) There where a couple of 1 star reviews for this product which compelled me to write a review.

The good:

Connects to the internet & IT'S EASY TO DO!
(I even assigned mine a static IP address. Prevents IP address conflicts with my other wireless devices.)
Games look brilliant & play great on it.
Plays MP3 & WMA.
Plays Videos UMD, MP4s from memory card (so you can download movies from PSN/unilimitedpspmovies.com etc) or convert your your own.
USB conects to your Pc for SIMPLE file transfer of your media content. Mine came with software to do this but i've never used it.
My 12 year old daughter WITHOUT any problems transfers from her laptop using Vista.. pictures, videos, music. On the PSP she surfs the net, chats on MSN & does what most 12 going on 13 year olds do with a PSP!... have fun!
Can also be used as a remote game pad for PS3.
Connects to your PS3 and streams wirelessly media from PS3 Hdd (I watch my HD movies in bed this way on my PSP). This can be done from anywhere in the world via an internet connection, so no more crappy hotel TV!
Play against other PSP owners via the internet or AD Hoc.
It's absolutely gorgeous!
It has Loco Roco! LOL

The Bad:

No hard drive need to buy a memory card (4GB will be more than enough) amazon uk £22.95
Volume with headset plugged in is a bit low.

If your thinking of buying one for a child I'd look at the nintendo DS instead because their games seem to be targeted more for that age group than PSP. If however it's for an adult or teenager it's a great buy & you can't go wrong!

PSP ROCKS !
Nice pice of kit only problem is the anyoning anolog stick. i would reccomed SWBF2 as it is almost as good as the ps2 version. legand graphics for size of console only your hands get really sweat and the palm rest get sticky. would recoomend u put it in a case to protect the screen. would recommend over ds as it is a simmiler price has cheaper games and wayyyyyyyyyyyyy better graphics! nice console, ace cristmas pressie!!

Brilliant!
is actually much sturdier feeling than the slim version and has a lovely screen and an enormous range of games