Sony PSP Handheld Console  

WHAT CAN IT DO?

The better question would be 'what doesn't it do?' As well as playing the most advanced games ever seen on a handheld, the Sony PSP also plays music, allows users to watch movies and play games wirelessly. The full functionality of the Sony PSP has still not yet been revealed, but the triple whammy of gaming, music and movies should be enough to keep you going. A large range of peripherals will also expand the possibilites of the PSP (see below).

WHAT'S THE UMD FORMAT?

UMD stands for Universal Media Disc, and is based on MiniDisc technology. This is a brand new storage medium, around 60mm in diameter, that can store up to 1.8GB of digital data. A broad range of multimedia entertainment can be stored on the UMB format, including games first and foremost, plus movies (akin to DVD quality), and music. Sony are leaving it up to the film companies to decide whether they want to release their movies on UMD, but it is thought that they'll start the offensive with a UMD-exclusive version of the new CG Final Fantasy movie Advent Children, the follow-up to Final Fantasy VII. PSP will also be able to play music UMDs (full albums, complete with videos and extra content) and Sony have worked hard to ensure there will be a large selection of content available.

HOW BIG IS THE SCREEN?
T
he PSP comes with a 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD viewing area, and is able to display approximately 16.77 million colours on its 480 x 272 pixel screen. This is by far the largest screen to ever appear on a handheld, and the picture quality is incredible.

WHAT BUTTONS DOES THE PSP HAVE?

The facia buttons of the Sony PSP are very much like those of the Dual Shock controllers - there's a standard 8-way D-pad, plus a fully-functional ridged analogue stick (flush against the unit) for unprecedented control, plus the four recognisable symbol buttons as well as Start, Select, a Home button plus volume control. There are two see-through sprung shoulder buttons on top of the console. On the side of the PSP is the Power button and a Hold option, and there are also Music and Display buttons mounted on the bottom of the unit.

HOW LONG WILL THE BATTERY LAST?
The Sony PSP runs from a lithium-ion rechargeable battery source, but as of yet, Sony have only stated that the battery life of the PSP will be comparable with that of similar devices. Each charge is likely to last around 10 hours for gaming, with a shorter length of time for audio and movies. However, the PSP will also launch with an attachable battery pack, but again, no firm details have been revealed on this peripheral and the length of its charge.

CAN I PLAY PSP GAMES ON MY TV?
Yes, thanks to the PSP's AV In/Out port, you'll be able to hook your PSP up to your TV and enjoy your PSP games in full-screen

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