What is the PSP?

The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, is a handheld gaming console developed by Sony. Introduced in 2004, the PSP is essentially a miniature version of the PlayStation console that weighs approximately .62 lbs (280g) and is 6.7 inches (17cm) wide by 2.9 inches (7.4cm) high by .9 inches (2.3cm) in depth. The PSP supports UMD, or universal media disc, game and movie titles. It also includes a CPU with 32MB of main memory, all powered by a lithium-ion battery.

There are several game and movie titles available for the PSP, and the system displays 3D graphics on a 4.3 inch (10.9cm) widescreen LCD. The UMDs that the PSP plays are smaller than regular game discs or DVDs, measuring approximately 2.4 inches (6.1cm) in diameter. The game control functions for the PSP are similar to that of the PlayStation controller. Movies also have control functions, including stop, play, rewind, fast forward, and pause.

Besides being a portable handheld game and movie player, the PSP displays digital pictures and video files. Digital pictures and video files can be transferred using Sony's Memory Stick Duo, which was designed for use with the PSP. An initial PSP value pack purchase includes a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, and additional memory sticks, up to 2 GB, can be purchased separately. In addition to digital pictures and video files, MP3 music files can be downloaded onto the Memory Stick Duo.

The PSP allows for convenient portability of games, movies, music and pictures all in one device. Games and movies are limited to titles that Sony has purchased or developed, so the selections are not all encompassing. This system is more than just a handheld game player and is not recommended for younger kids because it can easily break if dropped or misused. You can purchase a standard PSP value pack for around US$250.00 and it will include the game system, compatible headphones, the Memory Stick Duo, A/C adapter and battery pack, and a cloth wrist strap.