Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) [2005]

"With eye-popping graphics, dazzling widescreen LCD, wireless connectivity and the ability to play games, music and movies when and where you want, the PSP gives you the freedom to enjoy entertainment on your terms. The portable entertainment revolution has arrived."
PlayStation.com

Sony have entered the handheld console market with the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable). The PSP is what it says, a PlayStation compacted to the size of a handheld. This is shown by its supreme power of two 64-bit chips, which out powers its main rival the Nintendo DS. The Nintendo DS however is very different. It has many features that the PSP does not have, including folding out (used in the GBA SP). This time to reveal two separate screens that can be very useful to spread the information between them. Also there is a touch screen feature which can be seen as unnecessary - but a welcome addition.

The Sony PSP uses a UMD (Universal Media Disc) which means this disc can be used all around the world and does not have restrictions regionally which hampers the use of DVD-style discs, like in the PS2. This also means that music and video can be played, increasing the PSP's functionality.

There are many games titles that are available for the PSP. Some confirmed are Gran Turismo 4 Mobile and Metal Gear Acid.

The main problem with the PSP is its high price. On release it retailed at around £200 - which is pretty hefty for a handheld. On the other hand the Nintendo DS was almost half the price. My feeling is that why buy a handheld console at this price when you can buy a standard-sized console (i.e. the PS3) with a far better resolution, screen, and overall better specs at a slightly higher price a year later? Having said that, the main advantage over the new PS3 would be, as with all handhelds are in their mobility.

VERDICT

Graphics Sound Games Extra features Cost If the extra features tempt you and are willing to pay the price, this may be the handheld to go for. The PSP is aesthetically better, more powerful and less bulky than the Nintendo DS. But its expense must be the over righting factor to take in to consideration.

SONY CONSOLES: PlayStation 3 (PS3) PlayStation Portable (PSP) Playstation 2 (PS2) Retro Sony

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