PSP (PlayStation Portable)
Manufacturer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Product family	PlayStation
Type	Handheld game console
Generation	Seventh generation era
First available	JP December 12, 2004 NA March 24, 2005 PAL September 1, 2005
CPU	MIPS R4000-based; clocked from 1 to 333 MHz
Media	UMD
System storage	Memory Stick PRO Duo
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (802.11b),[1] IrDA, USB
Units sold	Worldwide: 34 million (as of December 31, 2007)[2] (details)
Units shipped	Worldwide: 31 million (as of February 26, 2008)[3]
Best-selling game	Monster Hunter Freedom 2, 2. A console manufacturer is a company that manufactures and distributes Video game consoles It is also known as a first-party Video game publisher. ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full A handheld game console is a lightweight portable electronic machine for playing Video games Unlike Video game consoles the controls screen and speakers Video games were introduced as a commercial entertainment medium in 1971, becoming the basis for an important entertainment industry in the late 1970s/early 1980s in the United In the History of video games, the seventh generation, which is also the current generation primarily focuses on the consoles released since by Nintendo, For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 627 - Battle of Nineveh: A Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeats Emperor Khosrau II 's Persian "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The PAL region is a Video game publication territory which covers Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and varying European countries Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. MIPS (originally an acronym for Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages) is a RISC microprocessor architecture developed by MIPS Technologies The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used IEEE 80211b-1999 or 80211b, is an amendment to the IEEE 80211 specification that extended throughput to up to 11 Mbit/s using the same 2 The Infrared Data Association ( IrDA) defines physical specifications Communications protocol standards for the short-range exchange of Data This is a list of Video game consoles and Handheld game consoles that have sold or shipped at least one million units Events 406 – Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine, beginning an invasion of Gallia. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 747 BC - Epoch (origin of Ptolemy 's Nabonassar Era 364 - Valentinian I is proclaimed 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common This is a list of Video games that have sold or shipped at least one million copies including the top ten best-selling franchises. Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is a PlayStation Portable video game and sequel to Monster Hunter Freedom, largely based on its PlayStation 15 million (as of May 22, 2008)[4]
Predecessor	PocketStation
Successor	PlayStation Portable Slim and Lite (redesign)

The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP)^[5] is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The PocketStation is a miniature Personal digital assistant created by Sony as a Peripheral for the PlayStation. PSP Slim & Lite as it is known in the PAL territories is the current model of the PlayStation Portable Handheld game console released and manufactured by A handheld game console is a lightweight portable electronic machine for playing Video games Unlike Video game consoles the controls screen and speakers ( SCEI) is a Japanese Video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry mostly in Video game consoles and is a full ^[6] Development of the console was first announced during E3 2003,^[7] and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004. The history of the E3 began with its creation in 1995 and has continued through the current expo in 2008 Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " ^[8] The system was released in Japan on December 12, 2004,^[9] in North America on March 24, 2005,^[10] and in the PAL region on September 1, 2005. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 627 - Battle of Nineveh: A Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeats Emperor Khosrau II 's Persian "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The PAL region is a Video game publication territory which covers Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and varying European countries Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ^[11]

The PlayStation Portable is the first handheld video game console to use an optical disc format, Universal Media Disc (UMD), as its primary storage media. The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. ^[12][13] Other distinguishing features of the console include its large viewing screen,^[14] robust multi-media capabilities,^[15] and connectivity with the PlayStation 3, other PSPs, and the Internet. The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks ^[16][17]

Despite the console's considerable computing power and its formidable multimedia capabilities, sales have consistently lagged behind its main competitor, the Nintendo DS. The is a dual-screen Handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. ^[18] After the release of a remodeled, slimmer, and lighter version of the PlayStation Portable, appropriately titled Slim and Lite, in early September 2007, sales quadrupled in the United Kingdom the following week and increased by nearly 200% in North America for the month of October. PSP Slim & Lite as it is known in the PAL territories is the current model of the PlayStation Portable Handheld game console released and manufactured by The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located ^[19][20] Although the PSP has faced very stiff competition from the Nintendo DS, it has been by far the most successful handheld console not manufactured by Nintendo. is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Kyoto Japan founded on ^[21]

History

Sony first announced development of the PlayStation Portable at a press conference before E3 2003. is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest Media conglomerates with The history of the E3 began with its creation in 1995 and has continued through the current expo in 2008 ^[22] Although mock-ups of the system were not present at the press conference or E3,^[22] Sony did release extensive technical details regarding the new console. ^[23] Then-CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Ken Kutaragi called the device the "Walkman of the 21st Century" in a reference to the console's multimedia capabilities. is the former Chairman and Chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI the Video game division of Sony Corporation ^[24] Several gaming websites were impressed by the handheld's computing capabilities and looked forward to the system's potential as a gaming platform. ^[7][22][25]

The first concept images of the PlayStation Portable appeared in November 2003 at the Sony Corporate Strategy Meeting and showed a PSP with flat buttons and no analog stick. ^[26] Although some expressed concern over the lack of an analog joystick,^[27] these fears were allayed when the PSP was officially unveiled at the Sony press conference during E3 2004. ^[28] In addition to announcing more details about the system and its accessories,^[29] Sony also released a list of 99 developer companies that had pledged support for the new handheld. ^[30] Several PSP game demos, such as Konami's Metal Gear Acid and SCE Studio Liverpool's Wipeout Pure were also shown at the conference. () is a leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys Trading cards, Anime, Tokusatsu, Slot machines Metal Gear Acid (promoted as Metal Gear Ac!d) is a turn-based collectible card Video game developed by Konami Computer SCE Studio Liverpool is a video game development house head-quartered at Wavertree Technology Park in Liverpool, England. Wipeout Pure is a 2005 Video game in the Wipeout series for the PlayStation Portable. ^[31]

Launch

Main article: PlayStation Portable launch

On October 17, 2004, Sony announced that the PSP would launch in Japan on December 12, 2004 at a price of ¥19,800 (about US$185) for the base model and ¥24,800 (about US$230) for the Value System. Japanese launch The first shipment of 200000 PSP units was made available for purchase in Japan on December 12, 2004. Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 627 - Battle of Nineveh: A Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeats Emperor Khosrau II 's Persian "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been ^[32] The console's launch was a success with over 200,000 units sold the first day. ^[33]

Sony announced on February 3, 2005, that the PSP would go on sale in North America on March 24, 2005 in one configuration for a MSRP of US$249/CA$299. Events 1112 - Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and Douce I of Provence marry uniting the fortunes of those two states Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The ( manufacturer's) suggested retail price ( MSRP or SRP) list price or recommended retail price ( RRP) (originally The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been ^[34] Some expressed concern over the high price,^[35] which was almost US$20 higher than the system's price in Japan and more than $100 higher than the recently launched Nintendo DS. The is a dual-screen Handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. ^[36] Despite the concerns, the PSP's North American launch was a success,^[37][38] although reports two weeks later indicated that the system was not selling as well as expected despite Sony's claim that 500,000 units had been sold in the first two days. ^[39][40]

The PSP was originally to have a simultaneous PAL region and North American launch,^[29] but on March 15, 2005, Sony announced that the PAL region launch would be delayed because of high demand for the console in Japan and North America. The PAL region is a Video game publication territory which covers Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and varying European countries Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ^[41] A month later, on April 25, 2005, Sony announced that the PSP would launch in the PAL region on September 1, 2005 for €249/£179. Events 1607 - Eighty Years' War: The Dutch fleet destroys the anchored Spanish fleet at Gibraltar. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Please update other articles as well to avoid contradiction within Wikipedia e The Pound Sterling ( symbol £; ISO code: GBP) subdivided into 100 pence (singular penny) is the Currency ^[42] Sony defended the high price, which was nearly US$100 higher than in North America, by pointing out that North American consumers had to pay local sales taxes and that the GST was higher in the UK than the US. A sales tax is a Consumption tax charged at the Point of purchase for certain goods and services Value added tax ( VAT) or goods and services tax ( GST) is a consumption Tax levied on value added. ^[43] Despite the high price, the console's PAL region launch was a resounding success, selling more than 185,000 units in the UK alone, more than doubling the previous first-day sales record of 87,000 units set by the Nintendo DS. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The is a dual-screen Handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. ^[44] The system also enjoyed great success in other areas of the PAL region with more than 25,000 units preordered in Australia^[45] and nearly one million units sold across Europe in the first week. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. ^[46]

Variations

Retail configurations

The PSP is sold in two main configurations that differ in which accessories are included. Events 238 - Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperor. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The basic unit package or Base Pack (called the Core Pack in North America^[51]) contains the console, a battery, and an AC adapter. ^[52] This version was available at launch in Japan^[32] and was later released in North America and Europe. ^[53] The Core Pack currently retails for CA$/US$169. The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been 99,^[51] ¥19,800,^[54] HK$1,280 or $1,360 (depending on the color),^[55] S$280,^[56] AU$279. The dollar ( sign: $; code: SGD) is the Currency of Singapore. The Australian dollar ( sign: $; code: AUD) is the Currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas 95,^[57] NZ$299. The New Zealand dollar ( sign: $; code: NZD) is the Currency of New Zealand. 95,^[58] €169. Please update other articles as well to avoid contradiction within Wikipedia e 99, and £129. The Pound Sterling ( symbol £; ISO code: GBP) subdivided into 100 pence (singular penny) is the Currency 99. ^[59]

The Value Pack includes everything in the Base Pack as well as a 32 MB Memory Stick Pro Duo, headphones with remote control, a carrying pouch, and a wrist strap. A megabyte is a unit of Information or Computer storage equal to either 106 (1000000 Bytes or 220 (1048576 bytes depending on Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family ^[52] Some regions have modified versions of this pack that include different accessories. ^[60] The Value Pack retails for US$199,^[61] ¥26,040,^[62] HK$1660,^[63] AU$399. 95,^[64] and NZ$449. 95. ^[60]

Many limited edition versions of the PSP that include various accessories, games, or movies have also been released. ^[65][66]

Colors

The PSP is currently available in nine colors. These include piano black, ceramic white, icy silver, rose pink, deep red, champagne gold, felicia blue, mint green, and lavender purple. Only the piano black model is available in all regions. ^[67] The icy silver, ceramic white, and deep red versions are available as stand-alone models in Asia^[67][68] and as part of the "Daxter", "Star Wars Battlefront", and "God of War" entertainment packs in North America (with a Darth Vader silkscreen on the ceramic white model and a Kratos silkscreen on the deep red model). Anakin Skywalker Darth Vader is a fictional character in George Lucas ' Science fiction saga Star Wars. Kratos is the fictional protagonist of the God of War series The character first appeared in ''God of War'', released in. ^[69][70] The rose pink, champagne gold, felicia blue, and lavender purple versions are only available in Asia^[67][71] and the mint green model is exclusive to Japan. ^[72] Several other special edition models, such as the Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops camouflage PSP, have also been released. (commonly abbreviated to MPO) is a Stealth game directed by Masahiro Yamamoto with series creator Hideo Kojima acting as a producer ^[67] The metallic blue, pink, and silver colors have been discontinued. ^[67]

PSP Slim and Lite

The PSP Slim and Lite, in silver

Main article: PlayStation Portable Slim and Lite

At E3 2007, Sony announced that a new version of the PSP would be released in September 2007, for all regions. PSP Slim & Lite as it is known in the PAL territories is the current model of the PlayStation Portable Handheld game console released and manufactured by The history of the E3 began with its creation in 1995 and has continued through the current expo in 2008 ^[51] The redesigned PSP is 33% lighter and 19% thinner than the original PSP. The redesign also features composite TV output, supports charging via USB, double the onboard RAM (32 MB to 64 MB), and has a brighter screen. ^[73] It also caches UMD data in memory to decrease game loading times. In Computer science, a cache (kæʃ like "cash") is a collection of data duplicating original The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. The WLAN switch has been moved to the top where the old IR receiver was to avoid accidental switching, and the speakers have been moved from the bottom of the screen to nearer the top, to prevent users from accidentally blocking the speakers with their hands. ^[74]

Sales

As of March 31, 2007, the PSP has shipped 25. Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 39 million units worldwide with 6. 92 million in Asia, 9. 58 million in North America, and 8. 89 million Europe. ^[75] In Europe, the PSP sold 4 million units in 2006 and 3. Events January 26 2006 -- Nintendo announces its newly redesigned handheld the Nintendo DS Lite. 1 million in 2007 according to estimates by Electronic Arts. Events March 14: Microsoft announces Games for Windows - Live, a version of Xbox Live for the Windows platform ^[76][77] In Japan, during the week of March 24 – March 30, 2008, the PSP nearly outsold all the other game consoles combined with 129,986 units sold, some of which were bundled with Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G,^[78] which was the best-selling game in that week, according to Media Create. Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common is a Japanese company that "gathers and analyzes data from the digital entertainment industry specifically focusing on the Japanese Console gaming market ^[79]

Hardware

Main article: PlayStation Portable hardware

A ceramic white PSP. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 406 – Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine, beginning an invasion of Gallia. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The PlayStation Portable's Hardware consists of the physical components of the PlayStation Portable and its accessories The shoulder buttons are on top, the directional pad on the left with the analog 'nub' directly below it, the PlayStation face buttons on the right and a row of secondary buttons below the screen.

The PlayStation Portable uses the common "slab" or "candybar" form factor, measures approximately 17 x 7. The Bar (or Slab, or Candybar) is a popular Electronics form, where the device is a rigid Cuboid. 3 x 2. 2 cm (6. 7 x 2. 9 x 0. 9 in), and weighs 280 grams (9. 88 ounces). The front of the console is dominated by the system's 11 cm (4. 3 in) LCD screen, which is capable of 480 x 272 pixel video playback with 16. 77 million colors. Also on the front are the four PlayStation face buttons (, , , ), the directional pad, the analog 'nub', and several other buttons. In addition, the system includes two shoulder buttons and a USB 2.0 mini-B port on the top of the console and a WLAN switch and power cable input on the bottom. A wireless LAN or WLAN is a Wireless Local area network, which is the linking of two or more computers or devices without using wires The back of the PSP features a read-only UMD drive for movies and games, and a reader compatible with Sony's Memory Stick Duo flash cards is located on the left of the system. The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family Flash memory is non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed Other features include an IrDA compatible infrared port, built in stereo speakers and headphone port, and IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi for access to the Internet, ad-hoc multiplayer gaming, and data transfer. The Infrared Data Association ( IrDA) defines physical specifications Communications protocol standards for the short-range exchange of Data IEEE 80211b-1999 or 80211b, is an amendment to the IEEE 80211 specification that extended throughput to up to 11 Mbit/s using the same 2 Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks ^[6]

The PSP uses a 333 MHz MIPS R4000 (32-bit) CPU, a GPU with 2 MB onboard VRAM running at 166 MHz, and includes 32 MB main RAM and 4 MB embedded DRAM. The hertz (symbol Hz) is a measure of Frequency, informally defined as the number of events occurring per Second. A megabyte is a unit of Information or Computer storage equal to either 106 (1000000 Bytes or 220 (1048576 bytes depending on ^[85][6] The CPU was originally locked to run slower than the hardware was capable of and most games ran at 222 MHz. ^[86] However, with firmware update 3. 50 on May 31, 2007, Sony removed this limit and allowed new games to run at a full 333 MHz. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[87]

The PSP includes an 1800 mAh battery that will provide about 4-6 hours of gameplay, 4-5 hours of video playback, or 8-11 hours of audio playback. An ampere-hour (symbol A h or A·h, sometimes abbreviated as Ah) is a unit of Electric charge. ^[28][88] Official accessories for the console include the AC adapter, car adapter, headset, headphones with remote control, extended-life 2200 mAh battery, battery charger, carrying case, accessories pouch and cleaning cloth, and system pouch and wrist strap. ^[89]

Software

System Software

Main article: PlayStation Portable System Software

Sony has included the ability for the operating system, referred to as the System Software, to be updated. PlayStation Portable system software is the official update-able Firmware for the PlayStation Portable. ^[90] The updates can be downloaded directly from the Internet using the Network Update feature, or they can be downloaded from the official PlayStation website to a computer, transferred to a Memory Stick Duo, and subsequently installed on the system. The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family Updates can also be installed from UMD game discs that require the update to run the game. The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. ^[90]

While system software updates can be used with consoles from any region,^[91] Sony recommends only downloading system software updates released for the region corresponding to the system's place of purchase. ^[90] System software updates have added various features including a web browser,^[92] Adobe Flash support,^[93] additional codecs for images, audio, and video,^[92][94] PlayStation 3 connectivity,^[95] as well as patches against several security exploits, vulnerabilities, and execution of homebrew programs. The Adobe Flash Player is a widely distributed proprietary multimedia and application player created by Macromedia and now developed and distributed by Adobe Homebrew is a term frequently applied to Video games produced by consumers to target Proprietary hardware platforms not typically user-programmable or that use proprietary ^[96][97] It is currently at v3. 96.

Graphical User Interface

The PSP's XrossMediaBar interface

Main article: XrossMediaBar - Playstation Portable XMB

The PSP's version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced Cross Media Bar and abbreviated XMB) includes six categories of options. The XrossMediaBar (pronounced CrossMediaBar and officially abbreviated as XMB) is the Emmy award-winning Graphical user interface developed by The XrossMediaBar (pronounced CrossMediaBar and officially abbreviated as XMB) is the Emmy award-winning Graphical user interface developed by The XrossMediaBar (pronounced CrossMediaBar and officially abbreviated as XMB) is the Emmy award-winning Graphical user interface developed by These include Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, and Network. ^[98] The PSP has the capability to play photo slideshows and audio and video files stored on a Memory Stick,^{[99][100][101]} monitor and save content from RSS channels,^[102] and send and receive photos wirelessly with other PSPs while in ad-hoc mode. Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family RSS is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works – such as Blog entries news headlines audio and video – in a standardized ^[103] The PSP also includes the ability to customize the appearance of the XMB with different colors, photos, or themes. ^[104] Although the XMB can be accessed at any time by pressing the Home button,^[105] the currently running application will exit before showing the interface (with the exception of a photo slideshow). ^[106][107] It is now also possible to change the appearance of the PSP with "theme" files, with there being few official ones mostly user made, though legitimate, theme files.

Web browser

The PSP web browser

The PSP Internet Browser is an embedded microbrowser that was released for free with the 2. An embedded system is a special-purpose Computer system designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions often with Real-time computing constraints A mobile browser (also called a microbrowser or minibrowser) is a Web browser designed for use on a Mobile device such as a Mobile 00 system software update. ^[92] The browser supports most common web technologies, such as HTTP cookies, forms, CSS, as well as basic JavaScript capabilities. HTTP cookies, or more commonly referred to as Web cookies tracking cookies or just cookies are parcels of text sent by a server to a Web client (usually A webform on a Web page allows a user to enter data that is typically sent to a server for processing and to mimic the usage of paper forms. JavaScript is a Scripting language most often used for Client-side web development ^[108]

Version 2. 70 of the PSP's system software introduced basic Flash capabilities to the browser. Adobe Flash (previously called Shockwave Flash and Macromedia Flash) is a set of Multimedia software created by Macromedia and currently ^[93] However, the player runs Flash version 6, three iterations behind the current desktop version 9,^[109] making some websites difficult to view. ^[93] The browser also has limited tabbed browsing support, with a maximum of three tabs. In the area of Graphical user interfaces a tabbed document interface ( TDI) is one that allows multiple Documents to be contained within a single window Pages are opened in new tabs either when a website tries to open a link in a new window using the HTML command target="blank" or when the user selects a link and holds down "" rather than just tapping it. ^[110]

Remote Play

The PlayStation Store for PS3 displayed on a PSP via Remote Play. The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation Remote Play is a feature on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable which allows a PlayStation Portable user to interact with their PlayStation 3's Xross Media Bar.

Main article: Remote Play

Remote Play allows the PSP to access many features of a PlayStation 3 console from a remote location using the PS3's WLAN capabilities, a home network, or the Internet. Remote Play is a feature on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable which allows a PlayStation Portable user to interact with their PlayStation 3's Xross Media Bar. The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks ^[111] Features that can be used with Remote Play include viewing photos and slideshows, listening to music, watching videos stored on the PS3's HDD, and several other features. A hard disk drive ( HDD) commonly referred to as a hard drive, hard disk, or fixed disk drive, is a Non-volatile storage device ^[112] Additionally, Remote Play allows the PS3 to be turned on and off remotely and allows the PSP to control audio playback from the PS3 to a home theater system without having to use a television. Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic ^[113][114] Although most of the PS3's capabilities are accessible with Remote Play, playback of DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, PlayStation 2 games (DVD), most of PlayStation 3 games, and copy-protected files stored on the PS3's hard drive is not supported. DVD (also known as " Digital Versatile Disc " or " Digital Video Disc " - see Etymology)is ^[112]

Games

Main article: List of PlayStation Portable games

See also: PlayStation Store, List of PlayStation Network games, List of PlayStation Portable game demos, and List of Sony Greatest Hits games

In addition to playing PSP games, several PlayStation games have been rereleased and can be downloaded and played on the PSP via emulation. This is a list of games on the Sony PlayStation Portable Handheld game console, both released and in development The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony 's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games consoles via the PlayStation List of PlayStation 3 games|List of PSOne ClassicsThis is a list of PlayStation Network games for the Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable Video This is a list of released game demos on the Sony PlayStation Portable Handheld game console, both downloadable and in UMD format For the PAL region and Japanese equivalents see Platinum Range and The Best range, respectively The PlayStation (abbreviated PS, PSone, PS1, or informally as PSX) is a 32-bit fifth generation Video game console Currently, the only two official ways to access this feature is through the PlayStation Network service for PlayStation 3 or a PC. ^[115]

Demos for commercial PSP games can be downloaded and booted directly from a Memory Stick. Memory Stick is a removable flash Memory card format launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family ^[116] Demos are also sometimes issued in UMD format and mailed out or given to customers at various retail outlets as promotional content. The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. ^[117]

During E3 2006, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that the Greatest Hits range of budget titles were to be extended to the PSP system. The E3 Media and Business Summit, formerly known as Electronic Entertainment Expo and commonly known as E3, is an annual Trade show for the computer ^[118] On July 25, 2006, Sony CEA released the first batch of Greatest Hits titles. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. For the PAL region and Japanese equivalents see Platinum Range and The Best range, respectively ^[119] The PSP Greatest Hits lineup consist of games that have sold 250,000 copies or more and have been out for nine months. ^[120] PSP games in this lineup retails for $19. 99 each. ^[119]

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced on September 5, 2006, that a number of titles would be available under the Platinum range for €24. Events 1590 - Alexander Farnese 's army forces Henry IV of France to raise the siege of Paris. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Not to be confused with Platinum Hits The Platinum Range is a Sony PlayStation budget range in the PAL regions including 99 each in Europe and £19. 99 in the UK. ^[121]

Homebrew development

Main article: PlayStation Portable homebrew

In late April 2005, hackers began to discover the intricacies of the file system used on PSP UMD game discs. PlayStation In Computing, a file system (often also written as filesystem) is a method for storing and organizing Computer files and the data they contain to make The Universal Media Disc ( UMD) is an Optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on the PlayStation Portable. ^[122] By early May 2005, the first "Hello World!" programs had been run on the PSP and the full capabilities of the system began to be opened to the homebrew community. A "Hello World" program is a Computer program that prints out "Hello world!" on a Display device. ^[123] Later exploits have allowed for PSPs using later versions of Sony's firmware to run homebrew applications,^[124] and development of new exploits to bypass new restrictions to limit unauthorized programs is ongoing. ^[125]

Reception

The PSP received generally favorable reviews soon after launch and most reviewers cited similar strengths and weaknesses. CNET awarded the system an 8. CNET Networks Inc is a media company based in San Francisco California, United States, and is part of CBS Interactive, owned 1 out of 10 and praised the console's powerful hardware and its multimedia capabilities while lamenting the lack of a screen guard or a guard over the reading surface of UMD cartridges. ^[126] Engadget applauded the console's design, stating that "it is definitely one well-designed, slick little handheld". Engadget is a multilingual technology weblog and Podcast (with the latter on hold as of August 31 2007) about consumer electronics ^[127] PC World commended Sony's decision to include built-in Wi-fi capabilities while lamenting lack of a web browser at launch and the glare and smudges that resulted from the console's shiny exterior. PC World is a global Computer magazine published monthly by IDG. is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest Media conglomerates with Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used ^[128] Most reviewers also praised the console's large and bright viewing screen and its audio and video playback capabilities.

Controversial advertising campaigns

• Sony admitted in late 2005 to hiring graffiti artists to spray paint advertisements for the PSP in seven major U. Graffiti (singular graffito; the plural is used as a Mass noun) is the name for images or lettering scratched scrawled painted or marked in any manner on property S. cities including New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The City of New York Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city The mayor of Philadelphia has filed a cease and desist order and may file a criminal complaint. A cease and desist (also called C & D) is an order or request to halt an activity or else face legal action According to Sony, it is paying businesses and building owners for the right to graffiti their walls. ^[129]

• In 2006, Sony ran a poster campaign in England. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland One of the poster designs with the slogan "Take a running jump here" was removed from a Manchester Piccadilly station tram platform due to concerns that it might encourage suicide. Manchester Piccadilly station, known locally as just Piccadilly, is the principal railway station of Manchester in England. ^[130]

• News spread on in July 2006 of a billboard advertisement released in the Netherlands which depicted a literally white colored woman holding a similarly literally black colored woman by the jaw, saying "PlayStation Portable White is coming. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands " Some found this to be racially charged due to the portrayal of a white woman subjugating a black woman. Two other similar advertisements also existed, one had the two women facing each other on equal footing in fighting stances, while the other had the black woman in a dominant position on top of the white woman. The stated purpose of the advertisements was to contrast the white and black versions of its game console available for sale. These ads were never released in the rest of the world, and were pulled from the Netherlands after the controversy was raised. ^[131]

• Sony came under scrutiny online in December 2006 for a guerrilla marketing campaign hoping to go viral, for the console, with advertisers masquerading as young bloggers who desperately wanted a PSP. The term guerrilla marketing was coined by Jay Conrad Levinson in his 1984 book Guerrilla Marketing as an unconventional system of promotions on a very Viral marketing and viral advertising refer to Marketing techniques that use pre-existing Social networks to produce increases in Brand awareness The site was registered to and created by the St. Louis, Missouri advertising firm Zipatoni on behalf of Sony before it was taken down. Zipatoni is an American Marketing company that provides clients "zany" and "off-beat" marketing services mainly through Buzz marketing or ^[132] A mirror of the blog can be found here. In Computing, a mirror is an exact copy of a Data set On the Internet, a mirror site is an exact copy of another Internet site

See also

• Mylo – A Sony messaging device similar to the PSP
• List of handhelds with Wi-Fi connectivity

References

External links

Official websites

• Official PSP website (Europe/UK)
• Official PSP website (US)
• Official PSP website (Aus/NZ)

Reviews

• Sony PSP As Personal Media Player – Detailed review on MP3 Newswire focused on the PSP's movie and audio abilities
• Sony PSP Handheld Entertainment System – In-depth 8-pages review, Ars Technica, 28 March 2005

Other links

• PlayStation Portable at the Open Directory Project