PSP World

So You Got a PSP For Christmas: Guide

Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of your new PSP. Sales numbers in November and December showed a large number of PSP units sold in North America, and there is a good chance many of these ended up under the Christmas tree. If you are a PSP veteran than you are already familiar with all of the great resources, reviews and guides here at PSP World. If not, read on and we will tell you everything you need to know about the console.

Different Models – There are three main models of PSP but they all do essentially the same thing. The PSP 1000 was the first iteration of the handheld, and most commonly sold in glossy piano black finish in North America. Strengths of this model include the fact that it can be easily modified to run homebrew software (applications and emulators) if you are into that kind of thing. Weaknesses include long load times and somewhat limited battery life. The PSP 2000 is the second revision of the hardware, sometimes dubbed “Slim & Lite”. It comes in a variety of colors and is slightly thinner than the original PSP. It also has a nice bright screen and extra on-board memory to cut down on load times. Only certain versions of the PSP 2000 can be hacked. Finally, the PSP 3000 was released earlier this year. This model changes the physical form a little bit and adds a brighter, more colorful screen. So far the device is unhackable, although that might change in the future. Some people have complained about interlacing artifacts in the screen, but we aren’t bothered by it. No matter which PSP model you have, the first order of business is to slap a screen protector on it!

Games – You probably want to get started playing games and we don’t blame you. If you are new to the PSP you are fortunate because the system has had lots of time to collect a large library of titles. Some of the best games for the system are racing titles (Wipeout Pulse, Midnight Club LA, Outrun). Other highlights are Role Playing Games (Legend of Heroes, Popolocrois, Breath of Fire 3, Disgaea). And of course, you mustn’t forget the amazing pocket versions of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories. In addition to UMD titles, you will also find that you can connect your PSP directly to the Playstation Store and download games directly to memory stick. Some of the highlights currently available on that service include Super Stardust Portable and Echocrome.

Other Uses – The PSP works as a competent multimedia machine, even if it is a bit bulkier than an Ipod. You can upload MP3 files directly to the “Music” folder on the PSP by connecting the unit to your PC with a USB cable. The machine can also play video, although these have to be converted to a format and resolution that can be recognized by the PSP. UMD movies can still be found in certain places, although the format appears to be losing popularity. Using a video-out cable, you can even watch movies or play games on a HD television, if you have one. The PSP includes an internet browser which works well enough, although it cannot play flash files or Javascript. Many users take advantage of the “Remote Play” functionality of the device, which lets you stream content or even games directly from your PS3 whenever you have a wifi internet connection. There is a camera peripheral for the PSP, although it is only sold in Japan or Europe and it is of a low resolution. There has been a GPS unit promised in North America as well, but it has been slow to arrive. So far there is no functional keyboard available for the device, so you will have to get used to the clunky button input, sorry.

All in all, the PSP is a great little system with its fair share of quirks and strong points. Gamers who are looking for a slightly more mature lineup of games and a handheld media player will find lots of value in their PSP. The device is also very sturdy and does not suffer from any well-known mechanical defects. If you look after your shiny new PSP, it will surely bring you loads of good times in the years to come.

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