Touted for all sorts of fancy multi-media capabilities, Sony's PSP is, in the end, truly only meant for one thing: Playing games. It's more then equipped to do just that. It even looks like it's ready to go with a stunning design that makes jaws drop the moment it's taken out of the box.
The console is an immaculately designed piece of hardware, arguably the best looking portable ever produced. Pictures do not convey just how slim and small the system really is, dominated by the largest screen in the history of handhelds. Holding it is pure gaming bliss with a similar feel to a standard Playstation controller, just minus the extra thickness and second analog stick.
The included analog "piece" really isn't much of a stick though. Those who grew up on the NES will likely remember the rather odd NES Max, a goofy little controller with a sort of "gliding" d-pad. That's the best description possible, just now that pad automatically returns to the center. It seems to pick up on slight movement quite well during a test with "Ridge Racer."
The d-pad and buttons feel about the same as they did on the standard Playstation controller. They offer a little more resistance and the L & R triggers go a little deeper than you might be used to. They seem to be a little bit sticky, though this is a likely a problem because the console is brand new. The button configuration is the same as well, with the usual triangle, X, circle, and square designations.
Of course, it's really that screen that grabs you. This is simply an awe-inspiring display, and this time without argument, it really is the best portable game screen ever developed. The LCD nature of can cause a small amount of blurring with fast moving, dark objects. It tends to clear up rapidly without too many problems. The biggest issue is that this screen is seemingly made to clean your home from dust and fingerprints. Just the slightest touch smudges it and holding it close reveals just how much dirt you have on your person. Everything can be wiped off without too much effort.
![Resident Evil - Apocalypse [UMD for PSP]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51G6GRKDXGL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - swingingpuss
Matt, thanks for your detailed review. I was thinking of buying PSP as an anniversary gift for my husband but he is not known to be careful with his electronics. I'm back to square one.
2 - Triniman
In the long run, I can't see this suceeding as a cross-platform device.
People who already have DVDs won't want to buy them again in a new format. And it holds fewer MP3s than the flash-based iPod. It may be a cool gaming machine, but it won't replace the iPod.
3 - Free sony psp
Hey,
Wanted to let you know that they are giving away free Sony PSP. really cool !
http://www.freedesktopfun.com/v/free-sony-psp/7/
Hurry on , there's not much left as they said!
I got mine last week. :)