Sony PlayStation Portable/PSP hands-on review

 

 
We got our dirty mitts on a PlayStation Portable! Read on for a nice long review with plenty of pics:

Introduction

Ever since the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) was announced at E3 in May 2004, we have been eagerly anticipating the hottest console launch (sorry Nintendo DS) this year, even if it is only for the Japanese market right now. We were fortunate enough to get a unit to test a mere five days after the Japanese release date and have been playing with it all weekend. The Sony PSP features a large 4.3-inch 16:9 widescreen LCD TFT screen with a 480x272 resolution, button layout similar to the PlayStation with a digital control pad, an analog stick, circle, square, triangle, x, and 2 shoulder buttons, USB 2.0 connectivity (via mini-USB), a Memory Stick Duo media slot, and 802.11b WiFi support. It uses Sony's proprietary Universal Media Disc, which stores up to 1.8GB in a format reminiscent of MiniDiscs. The Japanese launch release date was December 12th and the first shipment of PSPs quickly sold out. 

The Box

We got the Standard edition PSP, which comes with the PSP itself, a battery, an AC adapter, and a manual, along with Ridge Racers and Minna No Golf Portable. (The Value Pack adds a 32MB Memory Stick Duo, a soft carrying case, and headphones with an in-line remote.) The box does not come with a sticker seal of any sort, which we weren't quite used to considering anything and everything comes with some sort of factory seal here in the US.

When we shook the product box, we could hear some rattling around. We weren't too thrilled about that, since the unit did come a long ways from Japan. Luckily, when we opened the package, the PSP fits snugly into the surrounding cardboard, the rattling we heard was mostly likely the power adapter cables. We noticed a lack of any type of demo disc included with the unit. Some PSP Value Packs apparently do come with a UMD Demo Disc, but we've also heard from a few people that got Value Packs without any demo discs inside as well.

The Unit Itself

When you first lay your hands on the PSP, you immediately notice the screen. The 4.3-inch display dominates the device, it looks like it takes up two-thirds of the real estate on the front fascia. In other words, massive. The unit feels expensive, and exudes sexiness, much like Apple's iPods (and you know how big of a fan we are of iPods). The unit feels perfectly balanced when held with both hands. It does not feel like a $200 console (Japan MSRP for console only) at all. We're sure Sony is losing a few hundred bucks off each unit sold as the PSP easily feels like it's worth $400 of gadgetry (when compared to portable video and audio players and the DS). We feel Sony could have gotten away with a $300 sticker price, but in an effort to destroy Nintendo's firm grasp of the handheld gaming market, they've set the price just $50 more than the Nintendo DS (which was released in both Japan and US markets just last month). It feels like an extreme bargain for two bills. The screen is immersive, drawing you in when playing videos or games and so big that you may not need your glasses to play. The black color fits well and matches the Playstation 2's color. The dimples across the top row of the screen reminded us of carbon fiber, currently the rage in import tuner cars.

When you pay for a new console, you expect it to be perfect. Alas, ours was not. We noticed two lit pixels (always-on pixels), one in the middle of the screen, about one-fourth of the way down, and one near the very right edge of the screen. So out of 130,560 pixels on the LCD screen, we got two defective ones. It's actually not too noticeable unless you look for it and we didn't notice until we played with the PSP in pitch black darkness. We could make a big fuss, but we'll just deal with it, and hope that Sony will be as honorable as Nintendo when fixing units with dead pixels for their customers.

Another complaint of the PSP so far has been the ejecting UMD problem in which the user in the video appears to flex the PSP quite a bit to get it to eject spontaneously. We're happy to report that we didn't have such problems with any self-ejecting discs and that our PSP is built rather solidly, though we didn't dare to twist the unit as hard as we could. We initially had some light squeaking noises when we pressed right on the directional pad, but after a weekend of use, the annoying sound has disappeared.

The PSP, with battery, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and UMD inserted, weighs 10.3 ounces, making it fine to put in a jacket pocket (with case or cover of course), but not exactly friendly in a pants pocket with its long form factor. We've heard of some Japanese folks wearing the PSP like a necklace (there is a strap handle at the bottom left section of the PSP), but as cool as that may make them look, we didn't think our necks could take the strain.

Unfortunately, with the fine glossy screen comes the problem of fingerprints and smudges. While we didn't use latex gloves while handling the unit, we were very careful to try and handle it with the utmost of care. That said, there were smudges around the control buttons within seconds. It's pretty much unavoidable to smudge the smooth front cover, so we recommend a very soft cloth to wipe off smudges and smears, but make sure the cloth doesn't scratch up the LCD. The back of the unit is textured plastic and does not smudge. Within an hour of playing some games on the PSP and constantly wiping off smudges, there were some light scratches on the screen. We're hoping that Sony will sell replacement PSP faceplates at a reasonable price.

The front of the PSP unit has the directional pad on the left side, and the analog thumb stick (looks like speaker mesh) below that. The analog thumb stick is quite a burden to use since it's so far down, as there is no thumb support from the unit when you use it. It was fine to play Ridge Racers with it, but after 15 minutes, we felt as if we were getting thumbitis with a sore thumb joint. To the right of the LCD is the standard circle, square, triangle, and x buttons any Playstation junkie has become accustomed to. The left and right trigger buttons are at the top of the unit and are clear, looking a bit like jewelry. All buttons on our review unit were easy to press and click fast if necessary.

 

The bottom edge of the PSP is raised ever so slightly, with buttons for Home, lowering and raising the volume, brightness, sound settings for various music genres, and Select and Start buttons. While Home, Select, and Start are quite easy to press since the size of the buttons are a good size, the volume and brightness and music buttons take quite a bit of effort to depress as the buttons are half the size of the other ones and further away if you use your thumbs to depress. Since you may use the volume buttons quite a bit, it's a bit of a pain and there seems to be enough room on the left bottom side to put in larger buttons for volume. But at least the volume buttons are not essential for quick pressing during gaming. For brightness, there are three settings, from Dim to Bright to Brightest (our wording), we found Bright to be the adequate enough. Since there's still not much sun in Seattle this time of year, we were unable to test the PSP in direct sunlight.

 

The left side of the unit has the WiFi switch, a quick flip up and the WiFi mode is set to on.

At the top edge is an infrared transmitter, a mini-USB connector and the Eject button for loading UMDs. Sony is planning an infrared remote controller for the PSP, and it looks like any future PSP add-ons will be plugged in up top, as there's two locking holes on each side of the mini-USB port.

The combined power and hold switch is on the lower right side, you can push the switch down for hold, and pushing the slider up turns it on. The button always returns to the middle after pushing it up, which we found a bit annoying. A simple On/Off/Hold switch would have been easier to handle. When you power it on, the PSP returns you to where you left off (like returning from a hibernation state in Windows XP, but without any delays at all). When you toggle hold during a game, the PSP buttons become disabled, and the game just continues. Hold is probably most useful when playing a video or a music album and you don't want any accidental button presses to interfere.

 

The bottom right is where the AC adapter plug goes in, which we find is quite an odd placement for it. When gaming with the power line plugged in, your right hand will feel the cord and plug. While it doesn't interfere per se, it would have been much neater if the power port was placed on the top edge of the unit. Not a huge knock, just a slight inconvenience. The left side is where the headphones plug in. When used, the headphone plug doesn't interfere with our movement as much as the AC adapter one because the headphones plug is on the bottom half of the PSP. Also at the bottom edge a sticker in a recessed area, with the product number and serial number in the middle. We don't we see it lasting after a few months of hardcore use nor do we see the point of this sticker, as there is actually an etched serial number in the battery compartment.

USB Connectivity

In USB Mode, if you have a Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo inserted, you can connect a mini-USB cable to the top of the PSP, and it acts like a USB drive, allowing you to access any folders or content on the Memory Stick. Windows XP immediately recognized the device as a Removable Disk after we plugged in the cable. File transfers both ways were incredibly fast thanks to the USB 2.0 support.

Universal Media Discs

The Sony PSP uses a proprietary 1.8GB Universal Media Disc (UMD) format, in part an effort to thwart piracy and so they can control what gets released for their system. They are much like MiniDiscs (the actual disc just slightly smaller), but with one serious drawback, a gaping hole in the back of the plastic case (no doubt for the PSP to read in data). While we know some of you are very meticulous and careful when handling your disc-based media, we also know quite a few people that have scratched up DVDs and games. We just don't get why Sony didn't put a metal faceplate over the hole like they do for MiniDiscs.

UMD games are packaged in a plastic section which the UMD fits snugly into. But there is no small plastic case for UMDs (ala Gameboy carts) and one can not reasonably be expected to carry around the full game box when transporting extra games with the system. We're sure third party UMD plastic cases will be out soon enough, but for now, you'll have to resort to carrying the whole game box, as we don't recommend just putting a UMD in your pocket to carry around.

The UMD drive makes a whirring noise at times when loading games or levels (but not while actually playing). It's not too obnoxious and sort of sounds like a hard drive spinning up, but you do hear it. After living with solid state handheld games (cartridges), we had to get used to load times again. The original Playstation 1 had horrid load times for some games, but it did improve over time as programmers got to know the system. We hope the same will be true for the PSP as it took 19 seconds after selecting UMD to get to the Namco logo on Ridge Racers. During the game, it took 10 seconds to load the course after selecting all the options. For Minna No Golf, it took 25 seconds to get to the intro screen and 16 seconds to start playing from the menu. It's tolerable but an aspect that could use some improvement.

Targeting the Adult Market

While kids will surely be begging their parents for the PSP (my 4 year-old nephew asked his father for one immediately after seeing it), Sony is targeting a more mature audience. We don't see younger kids handling the UMDs with the open area well and we can just picture screen scratches within a day after little Jimmy has their hands on one. As a friend pointed out, this system is perfect for the Japanese audience, a country where they are known for cleanliness, neatness, and taking care of their electronics well. That, sadly, can not be said for the American audience (in general), we are just more rough with our gear. It will be interesting to see if Sony changes the PSP at all for the American audience and we're thinking the USA warranty should be at least a year.  This may be one of those times where you will actually want to purchase the extended warranty program.

 

First Bootup

At first bootup we were greeted with the option to choose between Japanese and English. Next you can give your PSP a nickname (for network play) via cellphone type text entry (press 2 three times for the letter C, etc). Seeing how the PSP has plenty of room for a keyboard layout on the screen, we would have much preferred that. The Japanese are used to the phone keypad text entry system, so I'm sure it's not a big deal to them, but for the US release, we hope they change it. Another annoying interface aspect was when we entered our IP address for the PSP. We had to scroll up and down through 256 numbers (0 to 255), rather than manually entering numerals. It's not very fun to scroll for 16 sets of numbers.

After setting it to English the menus are pretty self-explanatory, the main options are Settings, Photo, Music, Video, and Game. Some of the options may not be available if you don't have a Memory Stick Pro Duo inserted.

Japanese Differences

As was the case with the Japanese versions of the PlayStation 1 and 2, the button you choose to select with is the Circle button not the X button (like in the US versions). The X button thus becomes the back or cancel option. When you're used to using X to select everything, there will be times you forget and accidentally hit the wrong button. The manual is in Japanese, not that we needed it at all for anything. Other than those two things, the PSP itself is very English-speaker friendly.

Battery Life

The PSP is powered by a 100-240V (5A) universal power adapter, which means you can use it anywhere in the world practically. There have been reports of a weak two hours of battery life when playing complex 3D games. We fully charged up our PSP battery and popped in Ridge Racers for non-stop gaming. We set the brightness to the middle level and set the volume to 15 button presses from 0 (the max volume is 30). That level of brightness and volume is adequate for the average gamer during gameplay. With no breaks in between, we played non-stop for 3 hours and 35 minutes. We also tried another Ridge Racers test, playing one game, then letting the system run through the replay in an infinite loop. That test also resulted in a similar playtime of 3 hours and 31 minutes.

While not superb, 3.5 hours is acceptable and you can always buy a spare battery (~$45) if you need it. Cheaper third party batteries will show up sooner or later as well. We had really hoped the PSP could be charged via mini-USB, but unfortunately Sony did not include that support. But to be fair, our mini-USB cable was not able to charge our Motorola RAZR V3 cellphone either, though the phone is supposedly capable of doing so. So it may be that we have a bunk USB cable. If anyone has gotten their PSP to charge via USB, let us know. We'd also like to see a cigarette lighter power adapter for long road trips.

After 3.5 hours of nonstop gaming, the unit is just barely warm to the touch. I ejected the UMD and the disc felt just the tiniest bit warm too. So hopefully that's a sign of no overheating problems (which plagued the first-generation Sony Playstations, anyone remember turning it upside down to alleviate the problem?).

Memory Stick Duo

The Sony is hoping that the PSP will help make the Memory Stick Pro Duo a viable memory card format, especially since the PSP does not take any of the older Memory Stick formats like the Memory Stick Pro. It only takes the tiny Duo flash memory card, which is about 85% of the size of a Secure Digital (SD) card. We believe the highest current available size is 512MB, retailing for $130 at stores (or about $85 shipped on eBay), and we have not seen the 1GB version in stock anywhere. You will need a Memory Stick to save your games or if you want to play MP3s or videos on it. The Ridge Racers save game takes up about 700K and Minna No Golf Portable needs about 769K.

After formatting your Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo in the PSP, you get a PSP directory, and GAME, MUSIC, PHOTO, SAVEDATA folders within that. The game folder will eventually house downloadable games or demos from the Internet, music is for your MP3s, photo for your JPGs, and save data for your saved games. Video files need to go in a different folder which we will get into later this week.

Photos

For photo viewing, GIF, BMP, and PNG files aren't supported by the PSP, but standard JPG ones are. When you have a full-sized 4 or 5 megapixel JPG file, the PSP takes a bit of time for it to load, about 3 seconds for a 1.8MB JPG file. It automatically crops the photo (most photos are in the 4:3 format), leaving white space on the sides of the picture when it is displayed (see above).

For photos that you have cropped or Photoshopped to the PSP's native 480x272 resolution (say hi to my Yorkshire terrier, Yoda), the picture loads immediately and looks sharp with excellent detail. You can get file information (filename and file date), do a slideshow, or zoom in to certain parts of the picture. The photo gallery works much like Windows Explorer, showing a thumbnail of the picture, the filename, and date. You can also create folders within the \PSP\Photo directory in Windows Explorer to organize your photos. In the Photo section, when you press the Triangle button, you can delete folders or pictures, or get more information about a picture, including its full resolution and which camera took the shot by accessing the EXIF information within the JPG file itself.

Playing Music

The biggest knock on Sony in the past has been their insistence of using the ATRAC format, forcing you to convert your beloved MP3s to their proprietary format before their players could play it. They have finally listened to their users and done away with ATRAC only with native MP3 support in the PSP. Just drop files into your PSP/Music folder and your PSP can play them directly. The speakers are at the bottom of the unit, and the two little holes on the bottom produce good sound. We played a variety of MP3s just fine, including some variable bit rate ones, but we're sorry to report that we didn't have any ATRAC files to test out.

Playing Videos

Videos look amazing on the widescreen. The picture is sharp and detailed, and colors are vibrant. While it's fine to hold the PSP in your hands when playing games or watching short clips, it gets a bit tiresome if you're watching something an hour or more in length (rest assured that Sony will be putting out a stand for the PSP).

 

WiFi Setup

Setting up the 802.11b WiFi is easy. Just name your connection (Home, Work, etc), put in the SSID access point name, a WEP key if any, and then setup IP and DNS addresses (or choose automatic if using DHCP). There's a network test when you are done, telling you your current signal strength and whether your Internet connection succeeded or not. Taking a page from Microsoft, you can also update the PSP OS via a Network Update. Our tech geekiness led us to try to update the system (it's less than a week old) before even playing games. Our system already had the latest version, as there were no updates from Sony.

The PSP in Public

Not that we expected anyone to,  but no one noticed when we whipped out the PSP to wait in line at the post office (for a lousy 30 minutes!) to mail a package. But we were surprised when we started playing while standing in line at Best Buy (to get a Sandisk 512MB Memory Stick Pro Duo for a whopping $130) and got no attention, either (though we were only in line for about 10 minutes). The checkout droids didn't say anything either.

But when we took the PSP to the mall for a little tour (just outside a game shop), it was a different story. Within a few minutes a bunch of kids who looked to be aged 10 to 12 were asking questions about it, mainly where we got ours from and how much. (Kids these days must be on a different allowance scale than when we were kids, because when we said it would be just $200 come March or so, they were all over it and said they were sure that they'd get one.) Within 10 minutes we had gathered a small crowd of ten, all drooling over the gorgeous screen. With the Nintendo DS anyone looking over your shoulder may have a hard time to see what's going on, while the PSP is also a watch-while-I-play kind of system, and the people that were looking over our shoulders at the mall didn't have any problem seeing what was going on. We didn't stay too long, fearing a mob scene as people started calling their friends over.

PlayStation Portable vs. the Nintendo DS

We love the Nintendo DS, but it is bulky and feels and looks like a child's toy from the 1980s compared to the PSP, which is definitely one well-designed, slick little handheld. The DS weighs exactly 10 ounces with the thumb strap, battery, and DS game inserted (10.4 ounces if you add in a GBA cart), just slightly less than the PSP's 10.3 ounces. But two 3-inch screens does not beat one 4.3-inch one, at least not in this case.

 

The DS has a touchscreen on the lower LCD, which makes for more interactivity than the PSP, and the PSP would make for a great PDA if it had touchscreen functionality. While Nintendo is planning to add music and video to the DS for $50, the PSP has both features already, and video just won't be the same on a 3-inch DS screen, especially when compared to the PSP's 4.3-inch one. When we consider that the primary purpose of the PSP is to play games, the graphics of the PSP just blow away the Nintendo offering. The two powerful 32-bit MIPS R4000 CPUs overwhelms the Nintendo DS ARM7 and ARM9 processors. One direct comparison would be Ridge Racer DS vs Ridge Racers for the PSP, both created by Namco. The DS version has some chunky pixelated graphics (see above picture courtesy of GameSpot) and the lower touchscreen looks rather useless in terms of gameplay usage. The PSP's Ridge Racers is Playstation 2-like, with smoother graphics and more detail in the cars. The one redeeming factor of Ridge Racer DS is that only one copy of the game is needed for up to 6-player wireless multiplayer action.

 

PlayStation Portable vs. Creative's Zen Portable Media Center

The Creative Zen Portable Media Center (PMC) is a portable media player with a 3.8-inch 4:3 screen and a 20GB hard drive, but beyond the hard drive (and perhaps 7 hour video battery life and TV output), it does not compare too favorably with the PSP. Since we do not yet have the Sony Image Converter software, it is easier to transcode video files to the PMC. But the PMC is a lot thicker and uses the 4:3 screen format, which in the current age of HDTV is going the way of the dodo bird. Interestingly enough the Sony PSP AC adapter can actually charge the PMC as well since the plug fits and both units use the same voltage power. Watching standard 4:3 size videos is okay on the PMC, but when you go to 16:9 format shows or movies, you definitely notice the annoying black bars on the PMC. In direct video comparisons, the PMC picture looks washed out (as you can tell in the pictures) and much grainier. I'm not sure why the 4:3 video on the PSP wasn't bigger, but it's still more clear and detailed. In the 16:9 Shark Tale trailer, I have no idea why the PMC didn't set the video to 16:9 format, as the original source was widescreen, but again, the PSP handily wins that comparo as well. 

The PMC has only one speaker (at the bottom right corner of the screen) for mono sound, whereas the PSP has two little speakers for stereo sound. The PMC has slightly better sound (even with only one speaker) and has a higher maximum volume, but when using a pair of Shure E3C earbuds to listen to some MP3s, we found audio fidelity to be great in both devices, with no noticeable quality difference.

PlayStation Portable vs. Apple's iPod photo

Apple's iPod photo handily beats the PSP in terms of the MP3 interface, ease of use, playlist creation, and storage space. We didn't have an standard iPod or iPod photo to do direct comparisons with, but we did do a listening test with an iPod mini. Again using Shure E3C earbuds, we found no discernable difference in audio quality between the PSP and the iPod mini, as both were equally superb with a variable bit rate MP3. When viewing JPGs, the 2-inch iPod Photo screen size just doesn't bode well for viewing pictures, plus you need to use iTunes to convert any JPGs into a format the iPod Photo can read. The PSP can directly read any JPG file (and fits the JPG onto the screen) and the pictures look gorgeous on the 4.3-inch screen, but the only downside of the PSP is that you can not listen to an MP3 file while browsing photos and it doesn't output the picture to a TV.

Is the PSP an iPod (or iPod Photo) killer? No, but could it be an iPod video killer (when and if that finally comes out)? Perhaps, but only if Memory Stick prices go down in price and storage sizes go way up. Or if Sony opens up the UMD format (we can hope, can't we?) and lets people write to their own 1.8GB UMD discs. We're not sure what Apple has in store in terms of a video iPod player, but obviously they'd have to make the screen at least somewhat comparable to the one on the PSP and loads better than the iPod Photo's 2-inch screen.

Games

Ridge Racers is definitely a hit, and we've yet to hear anyone buy the PSP without buying RR too. Just like the original Ridge Racer was a success when the Sony PlayStation came out, Ridge Racers is a system seller. The intro CG looks amazing, and when you play the game, you get a sense of speed, which you need in a racing title. There were no graphic pop-ups, but you can notice jagged edges (jaggies) if you look close enough, namely the edge of the course (the bottom of the side walls) as you are driving. It may be a little distracting to some, but we aren't that critical to count it as a major flaw. The game itself has some intentional motion blur (we hope intentional at least) when you see the computer controlled cars turning in corners, their brake lights will blur a bit on the screen. There is some Japanese language in Ridge Racers, but overall, there's plenty of English and one can navigate through it reasonably well without knowledge of Japanese. We had to tear the PSP unit away from our test group of gamers to even try our other game.

 

Minna No Golf Portable (Everybody's Golf, or Hot Shots Golf in the US) is a good golf title. The graphics are solid, but it is golf, and we didn't experience anything spectacular from this one. We do find it weird that our character runs at hyperspeed immediately after striking the ball, and waits at the spot for the next swing, even as the ball is rolling to that point. You can put topspin or underspin on the ball, and you can also hook and slice the ball around trees. It uses the familiar old three click method for the golf swing, click once to start your swing, once to set the power, and once for accuracy. It's the same method that's been used since Links for PC has been around. The menus are heavily in Japanese, and while we were able to start a game by pressing the Circle button a few times, we had no idea what we chose. There may be guides or FAQs at GameFAQs by the time you read this.

 

Conclusion

The Sony PSP is a great handheld gaming console, one that could prove to be as revolutionary as the original Nintendo Gameboy was, not only because it's basically a handheld PlayStation 2 with powerful graphics, but because of all the other value-added features it comes with, namely the photo viewer, the audio player, and video player. The most amazing thing, hands-down about the PSP is the large 4.3-inch widescreen LCD, which is simply amazing to see in person, and at two hundred bucks retail, it's definitely a good value. There is no handheld gaming competitor that comes close to it right now in terms of gaming power, and if weren't for the low storage capacity and high price of the Memory Stick Pro Duo, it might even hold its own as a portable audio and video player. The photo viewer is superb and sharp and the sound quality of the audio player is at least on par with the iPod mini. The videos when played back from Memory Sticks are superb, there's no doubt that movies on UMD will look just as great on the widescreen.

Now maybe the time to put in your pre-orders for the February or March 2005 US PSP launch, that is if you can resist importing a system (around $500+ right now, check our PSP price watch). We really hope Sony holds to their word of no region coding on PSP games (we don't mind so much if UMD movies are region encoded), because we'd rather not have to rip apart our PSP to install a region-free modchip (which will surely come if there is region coding for games). You will pay a bit of a premium for a PSP now, unless you know someone in Japan that can get you one. The question of worth is of course dependant on what your income level is and how much you value having the latest system.

Sony PlayStation Portable Price Watch

Dead or lit pixels will continue to be an issue for any PSP buyer (as it is for any sort of LCD screen) and it's the only main gripe of our system. We're more forgiving than most for the slow load times, as it is the first generation of software, so this should get better over time. The battery life isn't amazing, so another battery is a necessity if you plan on playing the PSP more than four hours a day away from an AC outlet, and we do wish that it could be charged via USB. Other issues: it'd be nice if Sony made text input in the menus a little easier, and we would have loved to have found an Internet browser within the OS, seeing how easy the WiFi was to setup and get working. Greater Memory Stick Pro Duo storage sizes at more affordable rates should come as the system matures, as the PSP would an amazing powerhouse with a cheap 4GB of storage.

A special thanks goes out to Siu-Wai Ho of Kicks Hobby in Seattle, WA for providing the Sony Playstation Portable unit to us a mere 5 days after it's Japanese release. Thanks!

 

 

Dan Wu's personal reviews and commentaries can be read on his personal site, http://www.wooba.com.

[chaosarkangel @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

can n e 1 tell me how to download music into my psp.i need help!. evrytime i try it downloads but in the psp it says that tracks dont excist, but the memory have gone down 4rom 30 to 1 megabytes?!?!?!!??????!?!?? I NEED HELP !!!!!!!!!!!! PLZ!!!!!!!!

[dig dug @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I know, the mp3 capability is a joke. No one wants to listen to songs on it.

Omar, get lost.

Atleast i could afford both systems while your over there with dirt and peanuts.



As with every review, the posts come to a hault a few weeks after the realease.

[localsly @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I have to say.. I have not seen anyone talk about such a product with the strength and power as you have.. Thats for this one, I am going to have to save up my tips from work and go out and get myself one of these Magical Machines..

Thanks, and Keep up the good work!!!

[Sean @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Get it frr from the comany that is well know for giving away iPods! and is part of the BBB
http://www.FreePSPs.com/?r=16688288

[Phill @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

The psp is amazing. The color is amazing. The wireless gaming....wow.....fast, no lag, and fun as hell.

Everyone who wants to GAME, not do all the other crap with the psp though I love it too, should buy it. The PSP is a GAMING DEVICE.

[Phill @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

The psp is amazing. The color is amazing. The wireless gaming....wow.....fast, no lag, and fun as hell.

Everyone who wants to GAME, not do all the other crap with the psp though I love it too, should buy it. The PSP is a GAMING DEVICE.

[Xandui @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Whoever bought the psp for an mp3 device, im sorry but you must not be the brightest kid in your class. Never buy a gamming system for music, what were you thinking? I love my psp but i know when it comes time to listen to some tracks the first thing i do is whip out my ipod. Music is a secondary feature for people who want a music device and a gamming device and are willing to, at least for the time being, sacrifice some basic features that a portable music player usually includes. That and they have the money to buy a memory stick, which i am currently in the market for and am having the hardest finding, but i want it for movies, not music, not to say that its any better when it comes to movies, but i have good software to encode movies and already know how to setup it up on my memory stick.

Dig dug, why dont you just sell your psp? Theres a high demand from importers in europe now and im sure youd get a good price for it. I still stand by what i said about wipeout, the loading times are far more unnoticable than other psp games, like thug 2 which i also own.

We should also be getting some major upgrades from sony around may where they are supposed to launch in s korea. Many new features, such as a web browser, tv, streaming video and music, and other features are going to be introduced.

[VNA2Z2N @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I own 8 PSP games already, looking to buy some more. Load time is not a problem at all. Dig Dug, like I said, go sell your PSP and stop complaining. You don't know jack about the PSP really.

[acura @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

some help needed here..
my friend will be travelling to the USA soon. so i am gonna ask her to pick one for me. was wondering if it is posssible to pick one up from circuit city or best buy and what should i watch out for..
do i have to pay 250$ or more than tht for a value pack?
thanks in advance

[Dark_Funeral @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I own 3 DS games now:
- Polarium: Really nice and easy to pick up puzzlegame. It looks rubbish, but is really addictive and has great raplayability. And it plays great with usage of the stylus. Really worth the purchase!
- Mario 64 DS: Explained many times before me. :)
- Warioware: As Mario 64 DS

I still want to buy Project Rub. Than I have the best launchgames. Than I am ready for the wait on the real great games that are confirmed. Bring em on!

An up-to-date list of upcoming games:

Action Replay MAX DUO Software Datel
Advance Wars Strategie Intelligent Systems
Age of Empires Strategie Majesco
Air Assault 2 Shooter Summisoft Corporation
Animal Crossing DS Simulatie Nintendo
Animaniacs Actie/avontuur Nog niet bekend
Animetic RPG RPG Arika
Another Code Avontuur Cing
Asphalt Urban GT Racing Gameloft
ATV: Quad Frenzy Racing Majesco
Baten Kaitos DS RPG Namco
Big Mutha Truckers Racing Nog niet bekend
Boktai RPG In-house
Bomberman DS Puzzel Hudson Soft
Brain Challenge Series Vol.... Casino Aruze
Brain Challenge Series Vol.... Casino Aruze
Bubble Bobble Revolution Puzzel Majesco
Bust-a-Move Puzzel Taito Corporation
Caduceus: Surgical Operatio... Simulatie Atlus Software
Cars Nog niet bekend THQ
Castlevania Actie/Avontuur Konami
Cerulean Dreams Shooter Celisphere Interactive
Choro-Q Racing Atlus Software
Chronicles of Narnia Avontuur Griptonite Games
Chuu-Shi Rally Racing Spike
Cocoto Kart Racer Nog niet bekend Nog niet bekend
Cool 104 Joker and Setline Casino Aruze
Crash Clash Racing Racer Nog niet bekend
Dark Reflections Actie-RPG Mezco Studios
Deep Labyrinth Actie-RPG Interactive Brains
Detective Kibukawa Actie Genki
Devilish Nog niet bekend Nog niet bekend
Dino Dini Soccer Sport DC Studios
Dobutsujima no Chobigurumi ... Actie Rocket
Dragon Ball Z Actie Banpresto
Dragon Booster Actie Konami
Dragon Quest Monsters RPG Square-Enix
Dragon Warrior: Slime Mori ... RPG Nog niet bekend
Dust & Shadows Strategie Neko Entertainment
Dynasty Warriors Actie Koei
Egg Monster Heroes Actie-RPG Square-Enix
Electro Plankton Muziek Taniko
Europa Universalis II Strategie Pocket PC Studios
Eye Shield 21 Nog niet bekend Nintendo
Far East of Eden RPG Hudson Soft
Final Fantasy III RPG Square
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chro... Actie-RPG Square-Enix
Fist of the North Star Casino Sammy Studios
Ford Racing 3 Racing Nog niet bekend
Franklin Platformer Neko Entertainment
Frogger 2005 Actie Konami
Fullmetal Alchemist RPG Bandai
Ganbare Goemon Actie/Avontuur Konami
Garfield: Battle for Home Actie Nog niet bekend
Goldeneye: Rogue Agent Shooter EA Games
GT-D Racing Racing MTO
Guru Guru Nage-to Actie Beeworks
Guru Guru Omise-san Gokko Nog niet bekend Bandai
Gyakuten Saiban Actie Capcom
Harvest Moon Sprites Statio... Simulatie-RPG Natsume
Hill Project Shooter Game Side
Intelligent License Puzzel Now Productions
Jam with the Band Muziek Nintendo
Jikkyo Powerful Proyakyu Sport Konami
Jump Superstars Fighting HAL Laboratory
Kaidou Racing Battle Racing Genki
Katamari Damacy Puzzel Namco
Kawaii Koinu Strategie MTO
Kero Kero King Actie Bandai
Keroro Gunsou Actie Bandai
King Kong Avontuur Ubi Soft
Kirby Canvas Curse DS Platformer HAL Laboratory
Labyrinth Puzzel Aruze
Legend of the River King Sport Marvelous Interactive
Living High, Killing Low Actie Nog niet bekend
Londonian Gothics - Meikyuu... Actie Mega Cyber
Lost in Blue RPG Nog niet bekend
Lunar RPG Marvelous Interactive
Madagascar Platformer Vicarious Visions
Madden NFL 2005 Sport EA Sports
Madden NFL 2006 Sport EA Sports
Magical Vacation 2 RPG Brownie Brown
Mahjong Taikai Casino Koei
Mahou Touch Actie Bandai
Mario Kart DS Racing Nintendo
Megaman Battle Network Actie-RPG Capcom
Meikyuu Actie Aruze
Meteos Puzzel Q Entertainment
Metroid Pinball Pinball Nintendo
Metroid Prime Hunters Shooter NST
Midway Arcade Compilation Arcade Midway
Mikke! Actie Aki Corporation
Mini R/C Racing Racing InterActive Vision
Minna no Mahjong: Kenkou Ma... Casino MTO
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Shooter Bandai
Momotaro Densetsu World Bordspel Hudson Soft
Monster Farm Jamboree RPG Tecmo
Monster Summoner Simulatie Think and Feel
Moonlight Fables Avontuur Cyber Philharmonic
Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits Puzzel Namco
Mysterious Dungeon RPG Chunsoft
Nanostray Shooter Shin�en
Naruto Saikyo Ninja Daikess... Nog niet bekend Tomy Entertainment
Need for Speed Underground ... Racing Pocketeers
Nicktoons Avontuur THQ
Nintendogs Simulatie Nintendo
Ochaken DS Puzzel MTO
One Piece Actie Bandai
Organizer Plus Overig Nog niet bekend
Organizer Plus Tools Summitsoft
Pac-Pix Puzzel Namco
Pac�n Roll Puzzel/Platformer Namco
Pictochat Chatten Nintendo
Ping Pals Chatten Way Forward
Pok?n Dash Racing Ambrella
Pok?n Diamond RPG Game Freak
Pok?n Pearl RPG Game Freak
Polarium Puzzel Mitchell
Prince of Persia Warrior Wi... Actie-Platformer Ubi Soft
Prince of Tennis 2005 Sport Konami
Pro Evolution Soccer Sport Konami
Pro Wrestling Sport Yuke's Co., Ltd.
Project DA RPG Neopong Software
Project Rub Actie Sonic Team
Puyo Pop Fever Puzzel Sega
Rakugaki Tengoku Actie Taito Corporation
Rayman DS Platformer Ubi Soft
Rekishi Simulation Nog niet bekend Koei
Retro Atari Classics Arcade Taniko
Ridge Racer DS Racing NTS
Robots Platformer Griptonite
Scooby-Doo! Unmasked Platform THQ
SD Gundam G Generation DS RPG Bandai
Secret of Mana RPG Square-Enix
Sentouin Yamada Hajime 2 Actie Kids Station
Shin Megami Tensei DS RPG Atlus Software
Shogun Warrior RTS Namco
Slime Morimori Dragon Quest... RPG Square Enix
Snood 2 Puzzel Nog niet bekend
Snowboard Kids Sport Atlus Software
Sonic DS Platformer Sonic Team
Space eXploration Rally Racing Dream On Studios
Space Invaders Revolution Shooter Taito
Spectral Force Shooter Idea Factory
Spider-Man 2 Actie Vicarious Visions
SpongeBob SquarePants Party THQ
Sprung Dating Ubisoft
Spyro DS Tactical RPG Vivendi
Star Wars: Revenge of the S... Actie Ubi Soft
Super Black Bass: Dynamic S... Sport Starfish
Super Mario 64 DS Platformer Nintendo EAD
Super Mario Bros. DS Platformer Nintendo
Super Princess Peach Platformer Nintendo
Super Robot Wars DS Strategie Banpresto
Tak 3 Platformer THQ
Tendo Dokuta Simulatie Spike
Tetris Worlds Puzzel Nog niet bekend
Texas Hold 'Em Poker Casino Skyworks
The Game of Life DS Bordspel Atlus Software
The Incredible Hulk Action Vivendi
The Incredibles Platformer THQ
The Legend of Zelda: Four S... Actie/Avontuur Nintendo
The Mushitori Actie D3
The URBZ: Sims in the City Simulatie Griptonite
Three Tribes Avontuur Two Tribes
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 Sport EA Sports
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell:... Stealth Ubi Soft
Tony Hawk Sport Nog niet bekend
Toy Heads World Fighting Interactive Brains
Trouballs Puzzel Paragon 5
Ultimate Brain Games Bordspel Cosmigo
Ultimate Card Games Bordspel Cosmigo
Ultimate Pocket Games Bordspel Cosmigo
Urusei Yatsura Actie Marvelous Interactive
Vandal Hearts RPG Konami
Viewtiful Joe Actie Capcom
Wario Ware Touched! Actie Nintendo
Winding Road Racer Racing Genki
WINX Actie K

[loGan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Wow I haven't seen such an epic battle of the formats since the days of Nitendo versus Sega when I was a kid at school.

I will add my opinion for what it is worth because it may be representative of a number of older gamers.

I haven't owned a console since my Sega Saturn and original Playstation way back when. I don't knwo why I never bought another, I do remember harbouring a grudge against Sony for effectively killing Sega but the real reason was the advance in PCs, 3dFX,m the internet and games called Doom and Quake.

Since this time all my gaming has taken place exclusively on a PC and mostly over the internet. I never felt inclined to buy an XBox or Playstation because the hardware in my PCs was always better and though the choice of games was smaller the games that were released and then modded more than kept me amused. I used to have some Nintendo Game and Watchs when I was a kid and my brother had an original Gameboy but portable gaming never really appealed to me either so I ahven't had a hand held since.

However this morning a Jap PSP import bought on ebay dropped metaphorically through my letterbox. Why? What changed my mind? What brought me back to the big satan Sony who I railed against for killing Sega, for ATRAC, for proprietary cr@p?

Well the simple answer is because the PSP looks like a great bit of kit. PS2 games without hogging the TV and pissing off the wife and remember that I never had a PS2. Wifi connectivity to my home network which will no doubt allow portable surfing at some point and online gaming. More importantly movies on a portable and watchable screen. The music functions I can live without but all in all it offers a very appealing package for those times when I don't want to carry my Powerbook around. The battery life will be interesting but for me because portability doesn't necessarily mean playing non stop in a car/plane/train but the ability to chill around the house gaming away from my desk or the TV. I doubt I will ever be far from a power point so I don't think that will really be an issue.

It is still early days so time will tell if I still agree with all points mentioned above in a few days. I will keep u informed.

[Blake Patterson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Why not get both the DS and the PSP? I did. $150 + $250. That's almost free.

[RB @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Attention all wipeout pure owners!!!!!!!!!!!! There has been a dicovery! You can go online and acually surf the web with wipeout pure!!!!!!!!!!! I need to get this game.


PSP WEB BROWSER BURIED IN WIPEOUT PURE

Surf's up: get online with your PSP right now!

14:56 After it was announced yesterday that the PSP would be launched with full online functionality in Korea on May 2, here comes another little gem: Deep within the bowels of WipEout Pure there lurks a web browser, and - apparently - you can use it to surf the web.
That means you can get online and browse the net right now with your US or Japanese import PSP (if you're lucky enough to have one) so long as you have a copy of Pure and access to a wireless internet hotspot.

It's not even particularly difficult. Turns out that when you access WipEout Pure's Download option (new tracks and music are promised for future download) you're actually visiting a Sony web page. With a little bit of tricky tweaking pioneered by some extremely clever net wizards, you can reconfigure your PSP to access other websites.







One such internet genius, Reed from GameTab, has even knocked up a homepage that lets you browse the internet by searching for sites. ComputerAndVideoGames.com on the move? Brilliant!
There's a full explanation of how to access the browser here, along with some nifty photos showing it in action.

We should point out that this process obviously isn't endorsed or certified by Sony, and that Sony has not confirmed the existence of the web browser within WipEout Pure. It does, however, offer another tantalising glimpse into the PSP's web-browsing future.

We're waiting on comments from Sony and Sony's Liverpool Studio, the dev team behind WipEout Pure, and we'll keep you posted.


Info taken from Computer and Video games .com

[Kaynan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

im just wondering if the PSP came with the USB cable. my friend told me how you can go online and stuff but i dont believe him.. so can anyone give me any informations? im just wondering if it has a real good graphics

[RB @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

No the PSP does not come with a usb cable and no you cant access the internet through it. But the Graphics on the PSP are sweeet!!!!!!!!!1

[Dark Slayer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Ok. I think everyone is just confused here. Let me CLARIFY everything for ok?

THE PSP IS BETTER THAN THE nintendo ds
I know I didn't capitalize the name it doesn't deserve to be.

And if there's and DS lovers who have a problem with that.. then you can go and rot in the feiry depths of hell and cry your maggot filled eyballs out of their already melting sockets as you cringe to the smell of you flesh and skin falling off of your decomposing body, as it is being chopped into small peices for the small demons to feast on, as they cheer for Satan himself to rip yuor face off with his teeth and use your hair as a napkin.
Imagine..all that just because you liked the BS more than the PSP

[William @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

wow this has way too many posts, lol.. im not even gonna comment on anything, since i forgot all of my comments after reading a few posts... OH i remember one, Sugarbear: I HAVE A NGPC TOO!!! ^_^

[Greg Thomas @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Do you think that in a few months sony will make a new model that has a 5 Gig hard drive built into it. Right now the system seems great but that would make it killer.

[RB @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Sony says their trying to fit a 50 GB had drive into it but i dont think that would work and the cost of the PSP would be huge so a 5 GB hard drive? i'm not so sure because they want add a lot but a 5 GB would be perfect for me!

[VHS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

The PSP DOES have direct internet capabilities from the gate. It took me only a minute in order to scan for wirless LAN's around my apartment and connect to them with astonishing reception. I have played Twisted Metal: Head On against people from all over the country and have had a blast doing so, especially during my Society and Technology class.

As for the memory issue, I really wish that Sony would release a UMD writer. Either way, after purchasing a 512 MB Duo chip for the price of a PSP video game, I was able to entertain myself for hours. With my new memory chip I was able to fit a total of twelve full length DVD quality music videos ( half of which are around 8 minutes long including Stan ft. Dido by Eminem ), along with exactly 46 MP3's ( most of which are 128kbps or higher in quality ). There is a downloadable program known as PSP Video9 that will allow you to convert any video file into a smaller, compact, MP4. The compression rate for the MP4's has surpassed my expectations. I was able to convert files that were originally 70 MB's into 30 MB MP4's while keeping the same exact level of visual and audio quality that I get on my computer. On top of this amazing accomplishment, the software will automatically detect what drive letter your PSP is connected to and, if you decide to do so, will automatically transfer any file you convert. In a way it's a little bit like i-tunes without the $1.00 MP3 downloads. I am going to try to put a full length movie on the memory stick tonight to see if it will fit. As a loyal computer geek and programmer, I am confident that I will be succesfull in my mission.

As for the battery issue, I have yet to see my PSP last for less than 5 Hours. I have tested the battery life many times because that was one of my biggest concerns about purchasing a hand held system with movable parts. My very first test was to play Spiderman 2 constantly with the sound and screen brightness turned all the way up. The very first time I did this, I was able to play the movie a total of four times ( Approx. 8 hours ) straight through before the power finally went. I did the test again immediately after the PSP was fully charged and the battery lasted about 7 hours. After putting many hours into my PSP the battery now lasts around 5 to 6 hours depending on the brightness setting. Now that the battery has been trained, it has been pretty consistent. It still would be nice though if the battery lasted as long as my GBA.

As for the video games go, the ones that I have played so far have been extremely fun and addictive. I have also had the pleasure of playing a few select Nintendo DS games and I have to say that trying to compare the two systems is like comparing apples to oranges. They are both set-up for two completely different types of games. Certain games work for the DS better than they would for the PSP and visa-versa. If you are a hardcore car racing fan or just love puzzle games, buying a PSP over the DS would be the logical choice. However if you are into eye-toy type games and Mario World, then the DS is the system for you. Just remember that the graphics on the PSP rival the detail of the PS2 with the games that are currently out and those games were made in a hurry to meet the PSP's launch date. There will be many more games to come which will make us PSP owners drool for more.

There are many advanced things that you can do with the PSP that have not been unlocked yet. In a way, the PSP works like your X-Box does. It runs on an operating system that can be hacked just like the X-Box can. There are already people out there trying to crack the system and figure out it's in's and outs.

With a web browser on the way, fast auotmatic upgrades, media downloading capabilities, and online gameplay ( really fkn cool ), I can't see how you can be disapointed with the purchase of a PSP unless you just don't care about these kinds of things.

[Xandui @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

The harddrive talk is well just that, talk. Sony has confirmed no rumors on any speculation on a harddrive psp and it is really just wishful thinking by a few people who know how much media a harddrive could hold. Sony's plan is to push their memory stick format with the psp otherwise they wouldve never had a memory stick port on the thing in the first place. Sony is already having a little bit of trouble selling psp's in North America because of a 250 price point and the cost of a small harddrive would drive that up at least another hundred. I see sony pushing companies like san disk to make larger memory stick duos at cheaper prices and the demand is so ridiclious that it would be foolish if sony or sandisk didnt tap into this once lifeless market.

[RB @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Not only would the cost of the PSP go up but the size and weight too and that is something kaz or whatever the head of sony is doesnt want. but psp is still the greatest!

[Ismail @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

GET A SONY PSP FOR FREE! - NO CREDITCARD NEEDED!!

All you need to do is go to this URL: http://tinyurl.com/4s2lw and sign up using your e-mail.

Then complete just ONE offer. (If you do the Stamps.com or IQ Test offer, it is free to complete, and w/o a CC.)

Then refer just 5 buddies to do the same. And you get your PSP! ITS THAT EASY!!

http://tinyurl.com/4s2lw

GET A SONY PSP FOR FREE! - NO CREDITCARD NEEDED!!

[Ismail @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

GET A SONY PSP FOR FREE! - NO CREDITCARD NEEDED!!

All you need to do is go to this URL: http://tinyurl.com/4s2lw and sign up using your e-mail.

Then complete just ONE offer. (If you do the Stamps.com or IQ Test offer, it is free to complete, and w/o a CC.)

Then refer just 5 buddies to do the same. And you get your PSP! ITS THAT EASY!!

http://tinyurl.com/4s2lw

GET A SONY PSP FOR FREE! - NO CREDITCARD NEEDED!!

[larry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

i had the nintendo ds it had dead pixels also and no one ever had such a big outcry over this.so i got a psp so far i dont see no dead pixels and i think the system is awesome.battery life could be better i agree but not a reason to turn away from this awesome system.
as for games and innovation---hmm nintendo has made millions of releasing games from older systems--come on the first game to be released on the ds was mario 64 --sure it was changed around and storyline was a little different but wrap it up in a brown box or plastic back itis still mario64 from the nintendo 64 days..
there are alot of playstation games i would love to play on the psp as the ps1 graphics dont look so hot today compared to ps2 graphics and games...
as for battery my ds only lasted 5.5 hours thats 512 not 55 hours guys and i played it for total of 20 hours the whole time i had it--i have over 40 hours on my psp so far and just had it for a week so everyone quit nittpicking the psp and try nickpicking the ds and you will see each system has their flaws

[larry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

i had the nintendo ds it had dead pixels also and no one ever had such a big outcry over this.so i got a psp so far i dont see no dead pixels and i think the system is awesome.battery life could be better i agree but not a reason to turn away from this awesome system.
as for games and innovation---hmm nintendo has made millions of releasing games from older systems--come on the first game to be released on the ds was mario 64 --sure it was changed around and storyline was a little different but wrap it up in a brown box or plastic back itis still mario64 from the nintendo 64 days..
there are alot of playstation games i would love to play on the psp as the ps1 graphics dont look so hot today compared to ps2 graphics and games...
as for battery my ds only lasted 5.5 hours thats 512 not 55 hours guys and i played it for total of 20 hours the whole time i had it--i have over 40 hours on my psp so far and just had it for a week so everyone quit nittpicking the psp and try nickpicking the ds and you will see each system has their flaws

[Daniel P. Cook @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Make it a more useful tool by adding a Quad-band GSM/EDGE cellphone capabilities, Orginizer software to sync with MS Outlook, etc. Add Bluetooth 1.1/1.2 multi-paring for audio/network devices and playing of video to remote screens (like in a car for GPS or entertainment).
Drop the tactile buttons and stick with the metal eched design of the Motorola RAZR for durability and sleek coolness. Drop the UMD or make it a usable (writable) standard that any manufacturer can design reader/writers for. Add voice command recongnition.
Keep the price the same after done with these upgrades.

[Free PSP @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Well i am waiting for me free PSP. check out http://www.freedesktopfun.com/v/free-mp3-player/7/

[Michele Simon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

On 3/24/05 I was lucky (or so I thought) to buy one of the last 3 available of 300 units sold at Best Buys in West Hollywood.My son's B-Day was in a few days and I thought I had found the perfect gift. I went crazy and also got 5 expensive accessories and the Spiderman game and spent $470. Also got the 2 yr warranty. Gave it all to my 16 year old on the 26th. He played the game, on our couch, in front of me, for a total of one hour.After dinner he turned the console back on and the entire right handside of the screen appeared to have a large spider web on it. He told me something was wrong. At first I thought it had to be the Spiderman game but realized that something was defective. On the 28th I returned to Best Buys with everything still in their boxes and waited on the service line for 25 mins. When it was my turn I put everything on the counter and told the girl my story. She smiled and said, "this is the 9th one to come back in a week I knew these things wouldn't last". Told me they were out of stock and she'd have to ask someone what to do. Next thing I know a 20 yr old girl approaches me and says "so how did you break it?" I told her I didn't break a thing and that the machine was defective. She told me it had to been dropped on a hard surface. I asked her what made her an expert on the device. She told me they would not help me in any way as I had abused the machine.I told her she's wrong and she told me "you own it and your 2yr warranty won't help you either". I left everything on the counter and left the store with my receipt. I'm now battling it out with my credit card company. This machine is a total piece of shit. It was never dropped or abused in anyway. My son played with it for ONE hour and it crashed all on it's own. CRAP CRAP CRAP. Beware.I'm 58 yrs old and I have a 20 yr old calling me a liar at Best Buys. Just a horrible situation.

[VNA2Z2N @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I own both DS and PSP. All I can say is that PSP beats the hell out of the DS in everything. Only bad thing about PSP is alot of DS fanboys making up stories about PSP defectives. When it was released in Japan, there were little defectives. Howcome there are so many defectives now after many months. The hardware suppose to get better not worst as time goes. Many of the posts I read are BS from DS fanboys making up stories.

[ChronicDolphin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Dear Michael Simon, I feel for you mate, however your story doesn't have to do much with PSP except it was defective just like my Nokia phone, Nintendo DS (yeah, you read it right, it died after 2 days), PS2, my computer etc... It happens to everyone to get a defective good sometime. I'm not defending PSP in any way, I only know mine and from many other people work PERFECTLY. However, it is absolutely REVOLTING how BestBuy dealt with your case and 20yr old calling you a liar is outrageous. In normal situation you would get another, properly working PSP and I'm sure you wouldn't be this disgusted with PSP. Don't shop in BestBuy again, please. If I were you, I would contact their management and fight over this. It is unfair. Anyone is entitled to exchange if the good is defective, and YES, THEY have to check the unit and then they can conclude whether it was really defective or dropped etc...


- Battery life issue.

I own both DS and PSP.

I recently flew from Japan to US with my Japanese PSP in hand. I managed to watch full DVD movie, play Ridge Racer, Lumines and Wipeout Pure before battery died. Which was roughly around 4 hrs. And then what? Well luckily SONY was smart enough to allow you to change the battery without having to lose what you have played so far. You just plug in a new battery and that's it, continue where you were. It even rewinds backwards last 5 seconds of playtime for you and then continues on.

If you are serious gamer, you'll have at least 2 battery packs with you. Just like you had at least 8pack Energizer when you played GameGear, GameBoy etc...

Bloody Mobile phones die in 4 hrs of talk time or 8-9hrs if you talk less but use internet, games or listen mp3s, and does anyone complain about it??? No. You plug it in every night before you go to sleep.

Ipod plays mp3s for about 10hrs, and PSP does the SAME job if you JUST listen mp3s.

Is battery life of 3.5-4hrs of playtime enough. Hell yeah. If you are REALLY lucky enough to have this much spare time in your life then you do not have: wife, kids, you are not studying or working, have few non-gaming friends etc.

Stop moaning how you need 8hrs of playtime, especially on a handheld, it is bizzare. Anyway, if you do, buy second battery pack.

- Pricewise, Ipod costs $200 (Mini version) and how many people walk with it these days without complaining??? I swear to God, ratio must be 4 : 1 at LEAST since only every 5th person I see on the street doesn't have it.
Mobile phone that plays mp3s, has colour screen etc..., costs at least $400. So how come 250 for the PSP is then TOO EXPENSIVE when it does SO MUCH MORE than these two machines combined. It plays mp3s, plays dvds, games, pictures, surfs the net etc...

- DS

I can talk for myself only, but my DS sits in the drawer with my collection of handhelds: GBA SP, GBC, GB, NGPC, GameGear, and LYNX II.

I'm really not into this touch screen thing. I do not find it appealing to me at all, especially whilst in transport. I find myself hitting all over the screen but the right spot while I'm in the train, bus or airplane.

In the end, it comes to what type of games you expect from a handheld. As an adult with over 20 years of gaming world I know I want to play Gran Tourismo 4, Winning Eleven 9/Pro Evo Soccer 5, Lumines, Wipeout Pure, etc... And I'm pretty sure soon we'll have emulators and ROMs for older handhelds on PSP as well.

Zillionth version of Mario, Zelda, Prime Metroids became too repetitive. For sake, I've been playing these last 20yrs.

I was HUGE fan of Nintendo but I'm getting more and more disappointed.

Just another oppinion.

[keithb @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Want a free PSP? http://www.FreePSPs.com/?r=16877936

[bones @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

first of all i like this dig dug and all u other ppl who say things are just haters.

Ive seen both psp and ds and played in both. i still dont get wat is so hot with psp. i mean it has noting completly good about it. The only argument i keep hearing is tat it look so hot. so wat it just looks good cause its in black wait till the ds comes in 4 new colors(Graphite black, pure white, turtoise blue, and candy pink.) It is going to look so much hotter when it comes out in those colors. Then i hear how it can play music and movies. Who would play like $20 to see spiderman 2 or something when u can get the real dvd for $15 or less. Plus the ds will come with an adaptor tat will allow you you to play movies and music on your ds and u can connect it to ur tv and watch tv shows and its only $47. psp cant do tat and its $250. ds has better games. like wtf is metal gear solid acid. its a freakin card game. all the samrt ppl no tat in the handheld world playstation cannot compare to nintendo. Plus there already making a new GBA tat has a hard drive. There is no way tat psp can beat ds.


Dont be fooled by the way psp looks and waste ur money. do some research and find out tat ds is better.

[sonypspspot @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

i can't wait for the firmware upgrades and new software. the psp has so many possibilities!

[brendon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

i think that "RB" is turning into the dig dug of psp

[Johnnyng5 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Xandui, Rb, and Dig
Hey guys I spent a few days at work to read the forum from the beginning...i search around to find information about PSP I recently turned 18 and still love games. I like Psp cause of the look and the games it outs. But i'm still like a boi so i'll miss games like Pokemon for Nintendo.

It was interesting to watch a representative of Psp (those guys) argue about the DS (the other guys) imagine if u guys were not arguing against one another and were seeing things in one way than you guys could be such close friends.

I mean reading Xandui, Rb, and Dig. Almost feels like family. You guys seem to know soo much. I don't often participate in these forums, infact i didn't even know there was one on this site.

This will be my last visit on this site and i hope u guys can send me information on games that are or will be coming out soon for both system. I've made up my mind and decided to buy a psp and may buy a ds in the future.

[Johnnyng5 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Xandui, Rb, and Dig
Hey guys I spent a few days at work to read the forum from the beginning...i search around to find information about PSP I recently turned 18 and still love games. I like Psp cause of the look and the games it outs. But i'm still like a boi so i'll miss games like Pokemon for Nintendo.

It was interesting to watch a representative of Psp (those guys) argue about the DS (the other guys) imagine if u guys were not arguing against one another and were seeing things in one way than you guys could be such close friends.

I mean reading Xandui, Rb, and Dig. Almost feels like family. You guys seem to know soo much. I don't often participate in these forums, infact i didn't even know there was one on this site.

This will be my last visit on this site and i hope u guys can send me information on games that are or will be coming out soon for both system. I've made up my mind and decided to buy a psp and may buy a ds in the future.

[VNA2Z2N @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Xandui said no load times on Wipeout Pure
Dig Dug said major load times

Both of you are either bullshit or don't even have a PSP. I am sure Dig Dug doesn't have a PSP. Who doesn't like his or her PSP, BS. The load times on Wipeout pure is just normal compares to other PSP games. Both of you should set out on a date and stop making up sh.t.

[VHS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Wow that really sucks about the broken PSP. However I can understand the skeptisism about the return even though Best Buy shouldn't even be asking questions especially with a warrantied product. I have been building and selling computers for about 12 years now and I have had people come in with the same problem with their LCD screens. The spiderweb effect happens usually when the screen falls from a distance or something heavy is pressed against the surface. The PSP was probably incorrectly packaged and dropped during transport. That is probably what caused your deffective product and if you want to get a refund from best buy, that claim would be your best line of defense. If you paid with an Amex then stop payment and if they give you crap then tell them that it must have been damaged durring transport and that it was like that when it came out of the box. You should have no problem getting your money back.

Battery Life -
Attention to all owners of PSP's. If you want your PSP to last longer TRAIN your battery. You do this when you FIRST start your PSP. You must drain the battery completely and then recharge and repeat. That's all it takes. I did that with my PSP and I get 5 - 6 hours worth of playtime without recharging. Just a little suggestion.

[VHS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Oh yeah BTW, most ppl posting messages against either systems are completely full of sh!t. Anyone who's played both systems will tell you that they both have their ups and downs. I never even notice the load time on my PSP so I can't beleive that it's even a topic of discussion. Compared to the PS2, the PSP is quick especially when saving and loading games. the Memory Stick duo is extremely fast. It actually runs at the same speed as an ATA Hard Drive on your computer.

[ejworthen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I love my PSP and wouldn�t trade it for anything. The screen is simply amazing. I only have one major complaint. Why the hell did Sony put out a handheld system that plays MP3�s, Movies, Etc. but not provide software to convert and transfer files to the PSP. I also had heard you would be able to transfer game saves from you PS2 to your PSP so you didn�t have to deal with the PS2�s pathetically small and overpriced ($25.00 for 8mb?) memory cards. Well I have tried but as far as I can tell it�s not possible. I wish Sony would quit trying to rip me off on all these little accessories.

As far as battery life goes, I am okay with it. It pretty much meets my needs. It would be nice to have a battery that lasts a little longer though. I will live with it until Sony comes out with a larger battery.

Overall I think Sony has some good products but seem to drop the ball on some features. Remember the hard drive for the PS2. I kept hearing how the PS2 would eventually have a hard drive and would be capable of doing tons of stuff with it. Unless you have Final Fantasy it is pretty much useless. As a matter of fact, I believe the only way to buy the hard drive is with FF.

I almost bought a DS but after playing my PSP I�m glad I didn�t. I have an SP but really don�t care for the games so I ended up giving it to my daughter. The PSP is more geared to my needs and wants.

[RB @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Yes brandon

I am sort of like a dig dug for psp but i know what im supporting. I own a psp and my friend owns a ds so dont say i cant compare it. PSP beats nintendo ds by graphics, screen sizw, back light power, functions, game support and more.

And if a kid names shawn is reading this all i have to say is JOIN THE DIScussion damit. This kid lives right next to me and he just reads the page and doesnt comment at all and then the next day of my post he tells me what i wrote.

Ok back on topic i might be like dig dug but i dont act like a bitch and start cursing out everyone who likes ds, i just think they have no life

[VHS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

ejworthen - Check this out. It'll help.

"There is a downloadable program known as PSP Video9 that will allow you to convert any video file into a smaller, compact, MP4. The compression rate for the MP4's has surpassed my expectations. I was able to convert files that were originally 70 MB's into 30 MB MP4's while keeping the same exact level of visual and audio quality that I get on my computer. On top of this amazing accomplishment, the software will automatically detect what drive letter your PSP is connected to and, if you decide to do so, will automatically transfer any file you convert. In a way it's a little bit like i-tunes without the $1.00 MP3 downloads."

Video 9 is the name of the software and you can download it at
http://gear.ign.com/articles/598/598803p2.html
Go there, it'll tell you everything you need to know about converting files for your PSP.

[ejworthen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Hey VHS

Thanks for the info but I pretty much already downloaded just about every video ripping and compression software already. I agree with you that PSP Video9 is probably one of the better programs out there. I have put video on the PSP and am more than happy with the results. My complaint is that Sony should have provided a drag and drop type compression and ripping software. It should have been included with the PSP. I shouldn't have to download 3rd party software to get the PSP to do what it is advertised to do. I payed $250 for a Dell DJ20 and it came with software to rip, convert, and manage my music files. Why can't Sony do the same thing. They could at least supply a plug-in or software that interfaces with Windows Media Player, Quicktime, RealPlayer, etc. if not stand alone software. I can't imagine it would cost very much to provide this software with the PSP. Last I heard you could buy some kind of official Japanese software for $10 or something. I just dropped $250 for the system, $70 for a 512mb memory card, and 3 games at $40 to $50 a piece. The least the cheap pricks could do is provide some software for the thing. Other then that I am pretty much satisfied with the PSP for the most part.

[ejworthen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Oh yeah, the problem I had was moving game saves from the PS2 to the PSP. I havent been able to figure that out. I searched around on the web and wasn't really able to find anything. I fill the 8mb memory cards up on the PS 2 way too fast. I even have a MAX 16mb memory card wich is getting fuller as we speak.

[VHS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Yeah your absolutley right. They should have provided the software for us instead of leaving us in the dark to fend for ourselves. Those bastards want to suck us dry but then again that's what American Businesses bank on right? Honestly, we all ought to write letters to the PSP division at Sony and have them add some conversion software as a part of the next firmware update on the PSP. That way when you plug up your PSP to your computer, the software will automatically install itself and the problem will be solved. If anyone else is down with this idea please let me know.

[ejworthen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

Im all for it.
Heres a link for SCEA North America with adresses and phone #'s

http://www.us.playstation.com/contactus.aspx

Didn't see any e-mail adresses but I will look around and see what I can find.

[dig dug @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

VNA2Z2N,

I dont have a psp? Quiz me, Ive had one alot longer than you. The wipeout pure loading times are a killer.

RB,

Whoaa, are you saying i dont know what im supporting? Were you dropped on youre head as a child? Ive been backing up the ds for 4 months now.Its not about graphics, screen sizw, back light power, functions, and game support. Its more.

Im sorry you cant see that.

I am pretty much positive you post articles from other sites.


Xandui,

If you read this, I will not sell my psp. I have found a place for it, right under the DS. I have enjoyed debating the systems with you and know that it is coming to a close.

You are the only one in this page that i have any respect for. Sorry if i came off as a jerk but i tried to keep it directed to the others.

And i might just have a solution to our lenghty feud ( check that email you gave out.)






See what you get when you throw out a few of your opinions? RB, dont feel like youve taken over. There have been plenty of jerks by and by.


Ive spent a long time posting here....

[VNA2Z2N @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

"I dont have a psp? Quiz me, Ive had one alot longer than you. The wipeout pure loading times are a killer."
You don't even know what you talking about, Dig
Oh you want me to test you?

Here you go, what is on page 19 of WipeOut Pure manual?

What is 4 digit number on WipeOut Pure Language Selection page?

What is the 5th track from the top of Music setting?

[bones @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

ok first of all RB

u do not no anything about handhelds. DS can come out with things tat psp has but psp can never come out with the things ds has. First let me say tat ds is coming out with an adaptor tat will allow it to do wat psp can do now like play movies and music.

Read this:

Reuters is now reporting that Nintendo has quietly announced it will be soon be selling an adaptor that will allow music and video playback on the DS. As a bonus, the adaptor will also work on the Game Boy Advance SP.

The DS, which by itself is strictly a game device, will be able to play video in the MPEG-4 format and songs in the MP3 format by inserting a memory card into the adaptor, which is plugged into a slot in the machine. The adaptor will also work with the DS predecessor, the Game Boy Advance SP.

"Someone could record a TV program on a memory card and then watch it the next day on their way to work on the train," said Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa, adding that it would allow for playback of CD-quality sound, depending on the transfer rate.


So now tat ds can do all of psp things and more which is better RB