PSP console
PSP console
The PlayStation Portable system, or more commonly known as the PSP console, is Sony's latest product release into the video game world. It is a seventh generation gaming console, the first generation beginning with the Atari 2600 and its contemporaries back in the 1970s. It is also Sony's first entry into handheld gaming, a market that was made hugely popular with Nintendo's second generation system, Game Boy.
The PSP console was released at the end of 2004 in its home country of Japan. It made its North American and European debuts more recently, in March 2005 and September 2005 respectively. Its major competitor is the Nintendo DS, which as of today retains the majority of the market share with 8 million units sold already. However, the PSP console was released relatively recently, and its success or failure on the worldwide market is as if yet far from certain.
Sony's PSP console games are coded onto Universal Media Discs, which hold 1.8 gigabytes of information and are about 65 millimeters across. The console itself uses a MIPS processor of 128-bit MIPS32R2 design, and runs at a maximum clock speed of 333 megahertz. The console has 32 megabytes of main RAM, and an additional 4 megabytes of embedded DRAM. It has an independent 166 megahertz graphical processing unit with 2 megabytes of its own RAM. The sound and video quality of the PSP system are somewhere between Sony's original console, the PlayStation, and its follow up the PlayStation 2.
The gaming console relies on a rechargeable lithium ion battery for power, and comes with an AC adapter to recharge it upon depletion. The battery is typically good for between 3 and 6 hours before dying. The length of battery life depends on lighting and volume settings, as well as the game played. Games that push the PSP console's hardware to its limits give the battery its shortest lifespan.
One of the most appealing aspects of the PSP console is its Ad-hoc wireless networking ability, which allows up to 16 players with in range of the device to play together. Hosting games this way with other players will reduce the battery life slightly, as it draws even more power, though it still is an attractive function to many gamers.
PSP consoles are sold exclusively as a part of a package deal, which includes the console, the battery, a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, remote control operated earbud headphones, a case, wrist strap, and sampler CD for 250 US dollars.
There's no question that the PlayStation Portable is the hottest handheld gaming system around. Ever since these devices hit the market, retailers have had a hard time keeping them in stock and they're still flying off the shelves all this time later. That's because Sony continues to make a lot of fun and exciting games for the PlayStation Portable, and more and more movies are available for it as well. Another reason this gaming system is so popular is that you can personalize them to look practically any way you like. In fact, if you haven't bought any PSP accessories yet, here's just some of what you're missing.
Some of the most popular PSP accessories around are cases. You obviously want to protect your system from drops and other accidents, and a case is critical for this. The small, thin case that comes with all of the PlayStation Portable packages are pretty worthless, so I'd replace it as soon as possible. Instead, I'd look into getting a hard case with a cover that snaps shut because this type would definitely offer the best protection. If you're not too rough with your system, then maybe a soft case made of Neoprene or a similar material would work. Either way, before buying any case, you should make sure you can access all buttons and ports when your device is in these all-important PSP accessories.
Of course, there are other PSP accessories that you should check out to make your gaming experience more complete. For example, what's worse than being right in the middle of a game where you're about to break your high score only to have your battery die on you? The standard battery just doesn't last long enough for serious gamers, so I recommend getting an extended life battery. These PSP accessories can usually add up to 8 additional hours of playing time, which should be enough to tide you over for a while.
Memory cards are another class of PSP accessories that you'll want to consider purchasing. Memory cards are very important not only for saving games, but also for allowing you to get the most out of your PlayStation Portable. So if you want to be able to store a lot of music, video clips, movie trailers, and/or photos, then you'll need a much more capacity than the standard 32MB card can provide.
While most people would agree that these three PSP accessories are the must-haves, there are tons of other products out there that will let you trick out your PlayStation Portable and make it truly your own. So be sure to check out the various screen protectors, skins, wraps, decals, and other cool PSP accessories that will help separate your gaming system from the rest of the pack!
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