PlayStation Portable (PSP) Value Pack

by Sony

Product Features

• Includes Game Unit - AC Adapter - Battery Pack - 32MB Memory Stick Duo - Headphone with Remote Control - Soft Case - UMD Game Sampler Disc
• Compact Size (WxDxH) - 6.7 x 2.91 x 0.91 / Weights 8.36 oouces
• D-Pad controller
• Main Memory - 32MB / Video Memory - 2MB EDRAM
• Display - 4.3 16 - 9 widescreen TFT LCD with 480x272 resolution with up to 16.77 million colors and 200 nits brightness (depending on power source)

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0007TFLLC
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.2 x 4 inches ; 8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 8, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,028 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,997 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #15 in Video Games > Sony PSP > Hardware > Consoles
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From Amazon.com

The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived. Get ready for immersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised

to change the way we think about portable devices. With wireless internet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options, the Sony PSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design
The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound capability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.

Screen machine: The 4.3-inch display sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution. Movies and games on the go have never been more gorgeous.

From a controls perspective, the PSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be a pro at the PSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, as well as an analog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access and control over the PSP's important functions.

To have and to hold: The PSP's easy-to-master controls are cleverly integrated into the device's slim profile.

Supported Media
At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.

While the UMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC, simply use the PSP's USB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fast portable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, and videos onto the PSP, just as you would any other removable storage device. The PSP ships with a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, and additional media with higher storage capacities are available.

Major media: Sony's PSP-compatible Universal Media Disc (UMD) can hold 1.8 GB of data.

Connectivity
The PSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed, the PSP's ability to connect to the internet, and to other PSPs and USB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top of the list is Wifi connectivity, or IEEE 801.11b. Use this wireless internet standard to connect to other gamers around the world for hot multiplayer action--all from your couch, or your local Wifi hotspot. As mentioned, the PSP's USB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but it also opens the PSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony has plans for the PSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion
If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more. In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRAC audio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store. Sony even ships a nifty pair of earbuds--complete with an inline remote control-- with the PSP.

What's in the Box
PSP device, AC adapter, battery pack, 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, earbud headphones with remote control, soft case and hand strap.

Product Description

Welcome to the handheld entertainment revolution! The PSP is a dynamic entertainment medium that utilizes a broad range of digital content. Toysrus and Sony are pleased to bring you THE entertainment experience that fits in your pocket. With a diverse line up of games and video, audio, and photo capabilities, the PSP is truly a system without boundaries. Among the exciting features the PSP offers are a 16:9 widescreen display, USB 2.0 and 802.11b Wi-Fi LAN connectivity, and the ability to play games, video, and MP3 audio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1,686 of 1,741 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Buying decision help, April 7, 2005

By 

Dennis Rosebrough (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: PlayStation Portable (PSP) Value Pack (Video Game)

You've probably done a lot of research and read reviews already, so I'll just keep this short and hit the highlights.

- The screen: Yeah, it's nice. I have no dead pixels.

- The games: A little skimpy right now, but I can easily imagine REALLY good ones coming to this platform. If you can live without a PSP for a while, you may want to wait for the good stuff. I haven't tried any multiplayer games yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

- The video player: VERY nice. The Spiderman 2 movie looks fantastic. The movies are a little skimpy right now too, but if rental places (Blockbuster, airport stores...) start carrying lots of titles and new releases, the device is worth the purchase as a portable movie player alone. I hope there are plans for making UMD-R/RWs, because the memory stick is not yet practical for day-to-day storage of your own stuff.

- The MP3 player: More bulky than most that are out these days, but good enough. It's a nice extra feature, but don't buy it for this functionality alone. (Is anyone anyway?) The included remote is handy.

- The geek features: USB connectivity is kind of slow, but that's probably because of USB, not the PSP. I had a little trouble connecting to my Linksys wireless router. I had to assign an IP address because it wouldn't get a DHCP address automagically. Speaking of wireless, it SURE would be nice to be able to move files back and forth using a wireless network instead of USB, but I don't think this functionality exists (yet). Haven't used the IR port yet, don't know what it's good for since USB connectivity is included. Also, there are already hacks to make the PSP a Web browser and IRC client. This functionality was already built in, which tells me that Sony has plans for more functionality coming down the pipeline.

- Spiffiness: Very. They put a lot of thought into the design of this device, and I think it really paid off. I appreciate little things like the button to disable the wireless and the switch to disable all of the buttons (for watching movies or listening to mp3s) except the remote buttons. I wish the case were a little more ergonomic, but with the right grippie/protector, it's fine.

- What you'll need in addition:
1) A bigger memory card. For it to be useful at all, you'll want at least 256MB. I would recommend at least 512MB, but they're curiously hard to find anywhere now. 32MB just plain sucks.
2) Some sort of screen/unit protection, such as the rubber cover. You do NOT want that screen to get scratched!
3) Some games. It comes with none. I don't like the bundles that everyone is selling, because there's no discount. (Add up the price of the bundle and compare it with the prices of the separate items...) I suggest getting the Value Pack and picking your own games and accessories.
4) A carrying case and some UMD disc cases would be nice, otherwise they'll get scattered all about. The games and movies do NOT come with a protective case, so unless you plan on ALWAYS returning the disks to their almost DVD box-sized boxes, you'll need something to keep the discs from getting scratched.

If you're the kind of person who has to have a PSP now, I think you'll thoroughly enjoy it. If you're not, then don't let all the hype change your mind. It solidly earns four out of five stars right now, and as more games and movies are released, that rating will crawl towards five. If you're somewhat interested in buying one, though, I do think you'll eventually get one because it is a lot of fun and quite useful. Hopefully this will help in your purchasing decision!

893 of 981 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plasma screen in your pocket!, February 17, 2005

By 

D. Keh "Electro-wireless Gadget Lover" (OC, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PlayStation Portable (PSP) Value Pack (Video Game)

I ordered the Sony PSP way before Dec. 14, 2004. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the shining, crystal clear, liquid-like 4.5" screen! If you cover the control pad and buttons to reveal just the screen, you might think this is a tiny Plasma screen you're holding!

I also own a Nintendo DS, so I am being very fair here; the dual screens is a nice touch; my wife loves to play ZooKeeper using the stylus; but compare the screens to the Sony PSP's screen, it is not as sharp as the PSP.

The menu on the PSP is pretty intuitive, easy to navigate. Control pad and buttons are layout just like a regular Sony PS2 controller, except the joystick on the PSP, it looks like a round tape covering a hole or something, and I almost thought it is something I should remove. The analog pad is a little hard to use when playing any game requires precised movement, like Super bobble pop type of game, or shooters using cross-hair; but once get used to it, not a problem. The WiFi connection is easy to configure - switch it on and search and connect. I am getting a US verson next month to play wireless game with my wife.

People who has seen and played the PSP will tell you, the graphics are awesome! (yes it is a over-used word, but you'll agree with me if you own one.) I showed it to the guys at the cellphone store while playing Ridge Racer, immediately they formed a line and took turn to play with their jaws dropping to the floor!

I also tried some MPEG4 video playback using a 512MB MS Duo, now this is what a portable AV player should be! It's like watching a DVD movie on a plasma tv, smaller of course! No wonder Sony is going to including SpiderMan 2 movie for the first 1 million PSP shipped in the US. Watch it and you will see what I mean.

This is really a nice portable entertainment system, and yes, it plays MP3 nicely. It is larger than Apple IPod, but I love that big screen! Don't forget to get a screen protector and a carrying case, you want the screen look good.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Dont get the Value Pack, September 29, 2006

By 

Wayne Lee - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: PlayStation Portable (PSP) Value Pack (Video Game)

DONT GET THE VALUE PACK!!!

All the extra items you get in the value pack is not worth the money. The memory card is too small and you're most likely going to get a new one with a larger capacity. The headphones are cheap and will not last more than a month. You are most likely going to get a new carrying case for your PSP also. It is not worth the extra $60.