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Jul 15 2005
PSP Review
PSP Hardware Review | Console
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| Summary: The system is groovy, but I'd like more games, please
85
I really wish it had a second analog stick so that it could better accomodate first person shooters.
The memory slot hatch tends to pop open easily when I'm playing, but it's tethered by a flat piece of flexible plastic, so there's no danger of it getting lost. However, I'd have liked it better if it would close more securely. The memory card itself is spring loaded, and it seems very secure, even if the protective hatch were left open accidentally.
The plastic used on the face of the PSP is prone to attracting dust, fingerprints, and so on, and it seems like it's be really easy to scratch, so investing in on of the many screen protecting films on the market is a really good idea.
The build is pretty sound overall, but the UMD hatch seems like it would be easy to break off. I doubt it would do so accidentally, though, so while I wouldn't toss my PSP around the way I would a Gameboy Advance, I'm still pretty confident about putting it in my backpack along with a full load of textbooks, as long as it's on top.
The PSP's thickness (or rather lack thereof) and it's width at times makes for an uncomfortable grip when playing fast paced games. My hand sometimes cramps when playing Wipeout Pure. I'd say my hand size is average for an adult asian male. I think it's the right size in terms of portability, but then I don't carry in my pockets.
Its got a beautiful screen, and lucky for me, I got a dead pixel free unit on the first try. If there is any ghosting due to the slower refresh speeds of LCD screens, it's not enough to detract from my gaming experience.
I find the battery life suprisingly long given the estimates floating around prior to release, but it's still too short, especially if you're playing on long road trips. Playing Lumines, I seem to get around 4 hours of gameplay, with the wi-fi switch off, switching the screen brightness to the minimally acceptable brightness, and volume at a reasonable level. I've noticed a third party higher-capacity battery is on the market, but there aren't any reviews as to it's quality. I hope Sony will release newer, longer lasting batteries as technology permits.
The PSP standard set really should come with a USB cable. Fortunately, my Canon Digital Elph's cable fits prefectly. The headphones and remote feel cheap in build, but the sound quality is decent enough. I think the wrist strap is ugly.
I plan to buy a better case, but the one included is adequate. I've read reports of some people's PSPs getting scratched from the soft case, but this hasn't been my experience.
It's the most advanced portable console on the market, but I have to say that the selection of games is somewhat lacking at the moment (about 8 months since launch). The fact that the PSP can handle emulation offsets somewhat, just be sure not to upgrade your firmware if you intend to run emulators.
Bottom line is that the PSP itself is wonderful in and of itself, but it's sorely lacking in the games department, which is really what makes or breaks any console, regardless of its technical specifications. If you feel lukewarm about the current line-up of games, I'd wait until a few games come out that really peak your interest. Keep in mind that the PSP's games are not region encoded, so you can play Asian or North American games, if you don't mind the potential language barrier.
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Comments
thats wierd that you get 4 hours with minimal settings.. the most I have got out of it was 6h30m -/+ all wipeout pure.
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How the heck is your memory slot hatch opening while you're playing?
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mine has never done that
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mine either.. and I have yet to be away from a power plug for more then 2 and a half. but i have a 12 V charger for the car also.. well worth the money.. I spent memorial day on a trip to Lake Havasue enjoyed the ride from San Diego 6 hours 2 the lake. no problem. just had it plugged in for the trip. now if they would just make a way for it to be visable on a regular TV, have Internet, and Email Capabilities..
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i have only had on problem (sticky UMD opener switch) with my psp an i fixed it the first day i got the system =)
my psp seems to never run out of battery(i have the brightest screen on cause my room is dark i am playing MG Acid and Coded Arms) and i havent been charging it very often I treat my psp just like my game boy(except i havent droped my psp  yet,lol)
and it works great!!!
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There's something I find strange about how I handle my PSP: I'm more careful with my PSP than with any other handheld system (not to mention the wrist strap), but I've dropped it 4 times now. I haven't dropped my DS even once so far even though I'm not so careful with it.
Also, the last time I dropped my PSP, I freaked out because it hit the hard tile floor screen-first from 3 feet and the battery, battery cover, and memory stick cover all came loose, with the battery and its cover flying away from the PSP. Fortunately, it was fine, but you really have to experience pieces of your PSP flying through the air after dropping it to understand how you'll feel.
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i got my psp a couple- o days ago, lUv it! i only had enough for a movie, and a used psp.... so i bought em the movie lost its magic after the first 10 times in 1 day, so i sold it, borrowed money, and bought THUG 2 Remix, and a memory stick.. i luv em, i hav 2 songs 1 Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie, and sum pics, and game saves.... didnt drop it yet
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