There are plenty of buttons on the front, including the usual features like volume and start/select buttons. There's a small icon for sound that lets you choose from various audio presentations if you're using headphones. This can increase the bass, treble, etc. Finding a mix that suits you should be easy. The "Home" button takes you back to the main setup screen when in mid-game if you wish to quit.
The power switch is if off to the right, well out of reach of any buttons. There will be no turning your game off on accident. The switch on the left side turns on and off the consoles wireless capabilities. The memory stick slides in just underneath it; the battery under the power switch.
The UMD is a totally unique medium that will only work on this system. They're smaller than a Gamecube disc and come in a caddy for protection and portability. However, the caddy cannot be changed out if it becomes damaged. There's also a rather large portion on the back (where the disc is actually read) that allows dust and other unwanted materials to seep inside. If cared for properly inside the somewhat oversized cases they come in, this likely will not be a problem for you. If you plan on stuffing you pockets with software, you will likely have some games stop working after a while.
Once up and running (with the battery inserted; for whatever reason, the battery is not actually in the system when you first take it out of the box), the console unveils a rather sleek and elegant interface. Moving left to right lets you select from the available functions including music, video, games, and system settings. Once there, going up and down lets you select what you like to do with that specific feature. It's simple to use and more game machine designers should take note. Playing a game is a matter of sliding a switch on the top to pop open the back and putting the disc in. The UMD icon appears on the menu and you're set. Select it and you're set.
![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. :)