This small black device comes equipped with a 4.3-inch, 1:9 widescreen LCD. This screen is currently the largest any handheld device offers for gaming. The PSP measures roughly 6.7 x 1.0 x 3.0 in. and weights in at a mere 10 oz. making it thin and light weight. The display uses a TFT LCD with 480 x 272-pixel resolution (with 16.77-million color display capabilities). The graphics of this handheld device through its high-quality processor give it capabilities similar to that of the PlayStation 2.

Me (Brian Callam) doing a sound test of the PSP.

The PSP comes with a wireless LAN feature and has an 'Ad-Hoc' mode that allows for a wireless connection to be set up with up to 16 other PSP users. The console comes equipped with a high-output lithium-ion battery that allows for up to 6 hours of game play or video feed. PSPs use Universal Media Disk, which is a small, high-capacity optical storage unit for content. This disk is 60 mm in diameter while it holds up to 1.8GB of data. SCEI has partnered with game developers to create games specifically for the PSP on Universal Media Disks.

SONY's PSP

With the expectance of a wide range of development for the PSP, SCEI has joined with a variety of developers and publishers requires that a user aquire more means of data storage. The built-in media slot on the PSP accepts both the Memory Stick Duo and the Memory Stick PRO Duo. Video and music can be stored on these for the playback and enjoyment of the user at any time.

PSP

Video, digial photographs, and music can also be recorded onto these memory sticks and played back at a later time.

PSP Software Support, The Memory Sticks

The completed package of the PSP is only being sold in Japan at the present for roughly $190 US dollars. The completed package comes complete with an AC adaptor and battery pack. There is also a PSP Value Pack available for approximately $240 US dollars, but this comes with another 32MB Memory Stick Duo media, headphone with remote control, soft case and hand strap in addition to the AC adaptor and battery pack.

Written By: Brian Callam, Assistant Chief Editor