PlayStation Portable

PSP (PlayStation Portable)
Image:Psp1.png
Manufacturer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Type	Handheld game console
Generation	Seventh generation era
First available	JP December 12, 2004 NA March 24, 2005 PAL September 1, 2005
CPU	MIPS R4000-based; clocked from 1 to 333 MHz
Media	UMD
System storage	Memory Stick PRO Duo
Connectivity	Wi-Fi (802.11b),[1] IrDA, USB
Units sold	Worldwide: 20.25 million (sold between April 2006 and December 31 2007)[2][3] (details)
Units shipped	Worldwide: 25.39 million (as of March 31 2007)[4]
Best-selling game	Daxter, 2 million (as of January 21 2008)[5]
Successor	PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite (redesign)

The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP^[6]) is a handheld game console released and manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment.^[7] Development of the console was first announced during E3 2003,^[8] and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004.^[9] The system was released in Japan on December 12, 2004,^[10] in North America on March 24, 2005,^[11] and in Europe on September 1, 2005.^[12]

The PlayStation Portable is the first handheld video game console to use an optical disc format, Universal Media Disc, as its primary storage media.^[13][14] Other distinguishing features of the console include its large viewing screen,^[15] robust multi-media capabilities,^[16] and connectivity with the PlayStation 3, other PSPs, and the Internet.^[17][18]

Despite the console's considerable computing power and its formidable multimedia capabilities, sales have consistently lagged behind its main competitor, the Nintendo DS.^[19] After the release of a remodeled, slimmer, and lighter version of the PlayStation Portable, appropriately titled Slim and Lite, in early September 2007, sales quadrupled in the United Kingdom the following week and increased by nearly 200% in North America for the month of October.^[20][21] Although the PSP has faced very stiff competition from the Nintendo DS, it has been by far the most successful handheld console not manufactured by Nintendo.^[22]

History

Sony first announced development of the PlayStation Portable at a press conference prior to E3 2003.^[23] Although mock-ups of the system were not present at the press conference or E3,^[23] Sony did release extensive technical details regarding the new console.^[24] Then-CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Ken Kutaragi called the device the "Walkman of the 21st Century" in a reference to the console's multimedia capabilities.^[25] Several gaming websites were impressed by the handheld's computing capabilities and looked forward to the system's potential as a gaming platform.^[8][23][26]

The first concept images of the PlayStation Portable appeared in November 2003 at the Sony Corporate Strategy Meeting and showed a PSP with flat buttons and no analog stick.^[27] Although some expressed concern over the lack of an analog joystick,^[28] these fears were allayed when the PSP was officially unveiled at the Sony press conference during E3 2004.^[29] In addition to announcing more details about the system and its accessories,^[30] Sony also released a list of 99 developer companies that had pledged support for the new handheld.^[31] Several PSP game demos, such as Konami's Metal Gear AC!D and SCE Studio Liverpool's Wipeout Pure were also shown at the conference.^[32]

Design

The PSP was designed by Shin'ichi Ogasawara (小笠原伸一) for the Sony Computer Entertainment subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Early models were made in Japan but in order to cut costs, Sony has farmed out PSP production to non-Japanese manufacturers, mainly in China. The unit measures 170 mm (6.7 inches) in length, 74 mm (2.9 inches) in width, and 23 mm (0.9 inches) in depth, and has a mass of 280 grams (a weight of 0.62 lb) including the battery. The Samsung (previously Sharp) branded TFT LCD screen measures 110 mm (4.3 in) diagonal with a 16:9 ratio and a 480×272 pixel resolution capable of 16.77 million colors. It has four possible brightness settings, the brightest of which is disabled in all official firmware versions unless on A/C power.

The PSP uses a drive compatible with Sony's proprietary Universal Media Disc format. Use of the drive increases battery drain by approximately 10% and the system has been criticized for having very slow data transfer speeds, translating into load times of more than two minutes in total for some games. However this has been improved with the redesigned Slim & Lite PSP which has faster loading times.^{[citation needed]}

Despite its movie and music playback capabilities, the PSP has primarily gaming-oriented controls (as opposed to the controls typical to television remotes or MP3 players): two shoulder buttons (L and R), the PlayStation face buttons (Image:PlayStationTriangle.svg, Image:PlayStationCircle.svg, Image:PlayStationX.svg, Image:PlayStationSquare.svg), start and select buttons, a digital 4-directional pad, and an analog 'nub' which is slid rather than tilted. There is also a row of secondary controls along the underside of the screen, for controlling volume, music settings (either switching the audio off and on in games or selecting different equalizer presets), screen brightness, and a "Home" button for accessing the system's main menu. Pressing the Home button while doing anything except playing a game will bring up the XMB, which theoretically allows for multitasking; however whatever the user was doing is cancelled upon accessing anything else, though in the latest firmware release that can display pictures and play music simultaneously.

The PSP's default battery life varies widely depending on application from less than 3 hours while accessing a wireless network and having screen brightness on its highest setting to more than 11 hours during MP3 playback with the screen turned off.^[33] An extended-life 2200 mAh battery will increase this by approximately 20%. A sleep mode is also available that uses minimal battery power to keep the system's RAM active, allowing for "instant on" functionality. A system in sleep mode (with a fully-charged battery) has been shown to lose an average of only 1% battery life per 24-hour period.

Technical specifications

The PSP's main microprocessor is a multifunction device named "Allegrex" that includes a 32-bit MIPS32 R4k-based CPU, a Floating Point Unit, and a Vector Floating Point Unit. Additionally, there is a processor block known as "Media Engine" that contains another 32-bit MIPS32 R4k-base CPU, hardware for multimedia decoding (such as H.264), and a programmable DSP dubbed "Virtual Mobile Engine". The secondary CPU present in the Media Engine is functionally equivalent to the primary CPU save for a lack of a VPU. The MIPS CPU cores are globally clocked between 1 and 333 MHz. During the 2005 GDC, Sony revealed that it had capped the PSP's CPU clock speed at 222 MHz for licensed software. Its reasons for doing so are unknown, but are the subject of some speculation. Various homebrew tools enable users to operate at 333 MHz, generally leading to a higher frame rate at the expense of battery life. On June 22, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment confirmed that the firmware version 3.50 does in fact remove this restriction and allows future games to run at the full 333 MHz speed. It does not affect already-released games.^[34]

The system has 32 MiB main RAM and 4 MiB embedded DRAM. The 4 MiB of eDRAM consists of 2 MiB dedicated to the Graphics Unit and 2 MB dedicated to the Media Engine secondary processor. There is no memory management unit for either CPU. No evidence of a TLB has been found. The co-processor that normally manages the TLB-based MMU seems to be a custom effort by Sony and has no integrated memory. Both CPUs contain 16 KiB of two-way set associative instruction cache and data cache respectively. There is additionally 16 KiB of scratchpad RAM which, while faster than main RAM, is not nearly as fast as the integrated cache.

The 166 MHz graphics chip has 2 MiB embedded memory and through its 512 bit interface provides hardware polygon and NURBS rendering, hardware directional lighting, clipping, environment projection and texture mapping, texture compression and tessellation, fogging, alpha blending, depth and stencil tests, vertex blending for morphing effects, and dithering, all in 16 or 24 bit color. The graphics chip also handles image output. Specifications state that the PSP is capable of rendering 33 million flat-shaded polygons per second, with a 664 million pixel per second fill rate.^[35]

Multimedia playback

The PSP is also able to play back movies on a UMD (Universal Media Disc) format. PSP's audio player supports a number of audio codecs, including ATRAC, AAC, MP3, and WMA, and has the option to be played with or without a set of six visualizations. The image viewer will display several common image formats including JPEG, Bitmap, and PNG. However, image viewing is limited by the file size and resolution of the image and any image exceeding a file size or resolution cannot be displayed. This is usually the case with attempting to show DSLR images on a PSP.

MPEG-4 and AVC video formats are also compatible with PSP. With reasonable video and audio bit-rate settings (a resolution of 320×240, a video bit rate of 500 Kbit per second, and an audio sampling rate of 22050 Hz) a 22 minute video file is roughly 55 MB, enough to fit on a Memory Stick Duo as small as a 64 MB. At the same rate, a hundred-minute feature film can fit on a 256 MB Memory Stick. As of firmware update version 3.30, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile video files of the following sizes can be played: 720×480, 352×480, and 480×272. Many video files, both free-to-distribute and copyrighted, have been encoded for the PSP and are available on the Internet. Game and movie trailers are increasingly available, even from studios' official websites.

There are numerous software applications and hardware devices specifically designed for PSP's various media-centric applications. One of the best known software is PSP Video 9, which has the ability to convert any video file to a PSP-supported format.

Wireless networking

The PSP can connect to a wireless network through Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b. This allows 2–16 players with PSPs to create a local, ad hoc network for multiplayer gameplay; or to connect to the Internet via an Internet-connected Wi-Fi router. One can also use an ad hoc network to send images from one PSP to another by use of the "send" and "receive" functions that appear in the "PHOTO" menu. By connecting to the Internet, players can compete against other players also connected to the Internet, or browse the web and download files to the Memory Stick via the built-in web browser. Use of wireless network features increases the power consumption and results in a lower battery life.^[36]

The PSP features a standard IrDA port located on the top left of the device. To date, the only games or applications to leverage this feature have been homebrew. This can be used to control many TVs as well as other infrared devices. The port is absent from the new PSP Slim redesign, probably due to the lack of any official software that utilised it. Instead, the Wi-Fi switch has moved to the top where the port previously was, so gamers do not accidentally turn Wi-Fi off when browsing the web, playing online, etc.

Internet connectivity

Main article: List of PlayStation Portable Wi-Fi games

The PSP's main menu allows the user to configure the system for use across the Internet or an intranet via a wireless connection, known as infrastructure mode. The PSP can recognize protected and non-protected wireless networks within its range, and supports connecting to WEP and WPA encrypted networks. South Korean PSPs have shipped with software providing web browsing and multimedia streaming features, but only through company-owned Wi-Fi hot spots, and with a monthly fee.^[37]

Use of infrastructure networks in PSP software began with a small number of titles at the U.S. launch, supporting online play. The RSS features allow the user to download video web feeds or listen to podcasts from websites. RSS or podcast content can be saved to the Memory Stick Duo. Audio (and more recently video,) content can be streamed and played "live". After the release of firmware 3.50, there is now an RSS Guide function.

Sony's LocationFree Player allows users to stream live television broadcasts (or other video content) to their PSP, within their Wi-Fi network, or remotely via the Internet. After the release of firmware 3.80, streaming audio is now available to be used on the PSP currently only supporting ShoutCast and Icecast internet radio.

Sony has announced that a firmware update, to be made available late January 2008, will enable Skype WiFi phone functionality on the PSP Slim & Lite model.^[38]

Gamesharing

Main article: List of PlayStation Portable Gamesharing games

Some titles for the PSP support a feature dubbed "gamesharing," which facilitates a limited set of multiplayer features between two PSPs with only one copy of the game UMD. A reduced version of the game being shared is transferred to the PSP without a UMD via the PSP's Wi-Fi connection, whereupon it is loaded into RAM and runs. Such "gameshare" versions of titles usually have their feature set reduced because of technical limitations. This is mainly due to transfer times^{[citation needed]} since data for the game must be transferred to the second PSP wirelessly, at a rate of 11 megabits per second.

Variations

Retail configurations

In Japan a base unit package or Core Pack was available at launch and was later released in North America and Europe.^[39] The Core Pack (or Base Pack in Australia) contains the console, a battery, and an AC adapter. The Core Pack retails for US$169.99,^[40] HK$1360, CDN$199.99,^{[verification needed]} EU€169.99, AU$279.99 and GB£129.99.^[41]

The Value Pack contains everything the core does, as well as a 32 MB Memory Stick Pro Duo, earphones with remote control, a slip-case, a wrist strap, and a Sampler Disc (in some territories). The Value Pack retails for USD $219, CDN $249.99, GBP £150.99, JPY ¥26,040, HKD $1660, SGD $335.00, EUR €209, AUD $349.95 and NZD $429.00. In some areas, the Value Pack has been superseded by the Entertainment Pack, containing the items of the Core Pack plus a copy of ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, the UMD movie Lords of Dogtown, and a 1 GB Memory Stick Pro Duo. The Giga Pack is similar to the Value Pack, except that the Memory Stick Pro Duo is upped to 1 GB; it also includes a USB Cable and stand. It retails for JPY ¥29,800, USD $299, CDN $349, and GBP £214. The Giga Pack is still available in all territories except North America, as the deal was based on a special offer that ended after the 2005 holiday season. Various other packages also exist.

Colors

The PSP is currently available in nine colors. They are in piano black, ceramic white, pink, metallic blue, silver, champagne gold, "The Simpsons" yellow, deep red and mint green. The ceramic white variation is available in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, while the pink variation is available only in Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. The silver and metallic blue variations were released on December 14, 2006 and December 21, 2006 respectively in Japan and Hong Kong exclusively. Metallic Silver and Gold colors are due out later this year in Europe.^[42] A "champagne gold" colored PSP was released in Japan and Hong Kong on February 22, 2007.^[43] The PSP was available in a camouflage livery in the MGS:PO special packaging on October 30, 2006. Deep Red was released in Japan on December 13, 2007.^[44] Mint Green was released in Japan on February 28th, 2008.^[45]

PSP Slim & Lite

Main article: PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite

At E3 2007, Sony released information that a new version of the PSP would be released in September 2007, for all regions. The redesigned PSP is 33% lighter (reduced from 280 g to 189 g) and 19% thinner than the original PSP. The redesign also features composite TV Output, supports charging via USB, double the onboard RAM (32 MB to 64 MB) and has a brighter screen. It also caches UMD data in memory to decrease game loading times. The WLAN switch has been moved to the top where the old IR receiver was to avoid accidental switching, and the speakers have been moved from the bottom of the screen to nearer the top, to combat users hands from blocking the speaker of the old model.

Accessories

Optional accessories offered by Sony include the PSP headset, carrying case, extended-life 2200 mAh battery, headphones with remote control, battery charger, car adapter, accessories pouch and cleaning cloth, AC adapter, and system pouch and wrist strap.

• Digital TV tuner – Announced at E3 2007, was a new Digital TV 1seg add-on tuner/receiver peripheral for the current and new slim PSPs. It will launch alongside the slim PSP, in Japan only (September 20 2007), with a retail price of ¥6,980 ($57). It will also include cables for TV tuning. As ISDB-T the tuner works also in Brazil.

• Camera – Called the Quick Shot (ちょっとショット, Chotto Shotto^?), the PSP Camera supports video and photo taking. The camera was released in Japan on November 1 2006 for ¥5,000 (approximately US$42). The PSP camera has also been released in Singapore on the same month for SGD various and Europe in 2006 for £34.99 under the name of the Go!Cam. Included with the camera is the Go!Edit software for the PSP that can be used to enhance captured movies and photos with sound effects and graphical features.

• GPS receiver and software – A product called the Go!Explore is a GPS System for the PlayStation Portable. It works with a GPS receiver Powered by Nav N Go connected to the USB Port. A UMD contains a set of maps By Tele Atlas. The GPS receiver features support for GPS-enabled games such as a projected re-release or update of Hot Shot Golf, as well as Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. The GPS receiver went on sale in Japan December 7, 2006^[46] for ¥6,000 (approximately US$50), and is set for release in Europe under the nameGo!Explore in 2008.^[47] Both the Camera and GPS peripherals have been confirmed for North American release in 2008.

  Software

  System Software

  Main article: PlayStation Portable System Software

  Each PSP runs a particular version of the PSP system software (Sony's name for the unit's firmware), which comprises the device's operating system and additional core functionality. System software updates can be obtained in four ways:

  • Direct download to the PSP over Wi-Fi. This can be performed by choosing "Settings", "Network Update" from the XMB.
  • Download to a PC, then transfer to the PSP via a USB cable or Memory Stick.
  • Included on the UMD of most games. These games may not run with earlier firmware than the version on their UMD.
  • Download from a PS3 or PS2 to a PSP system via USB cable.
  • Download from the PSP system to the PS3 or PS2 via USB cable.

  While system software updates can be used with consoles from any region, Sony recommends only downloading system software updates released for the region corresponding to the system's place of purchase. System software updates have added various features including a web browser, Adobe Flash support, additional codecs for images, audio, and video, PlayStation 3 connectivity, as well as patches against several security exploits, vulnerabilities, and execution of homebrew programs.^[48] As of January 29, 2008, the latest version of the System Software is 3.90.

  Interface

  Image:XMBPSP.jpg

  The PSP's XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface

  The PSP's main menu interface is the "XrossMediaBar" (XMB) used by recent Sony TVs, the PSX (DVR) hardware, and the PlayStation 3. It consists of a horizontal sequence of icons, in this case Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, and Network, which show a vertical sequence of sub-icons when highlighted.

  The XMB allows the user to adjust settings, connect the device to a PC (via USB), connect to and browse the Internet, and play video, audio, and games. The XMB may be accessed at any time by pressing the Home button, but the PSP must exit the currently running application due to memory limitations, with the exception of music playback in the latest firmware release to allow picture viewing during music playback.

  The PSP's default background color changes depending on the current month of the year. The user may also manually set the color or specify a background image from a connected Memory Stick (with firmware version 2.00+).^[49] Firmware 3.70 and higher include the Custom Theme feature, which lets a user change everything in the interface (Icons, Background). Currently, there are 13 official themes: Lemmings, Wipeout, "Cookies", "Pink", six different themes based on the game Pursuit Force, and three themes based on the game Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow.

  Web browser

  Image:PSP Web Browser.png

  The PSP web browser

  The PSP Internet Browser is an embedded microbrowser. It is a version of the NetFront browser made by Access Co. Ltd. and was released for free with the 2.00 firmware upgrade on July 27, 2005 in Japan, August 24, 2005 in North America.

  The browser supports most common web technologies, such as HTTP cookies, forms, CSS, as well as basic JavaScript capabilities. However there is an input limit on form fields, making the entering of large amounts of text nearly impossible. Initial character encoding support was limited to Cyrillic (ISO-8859-5), Japanese (EUC-JP), Japanese (Shift JIS), Korean (EUC-KR) and Western (ISO-8859-1). The version 2.50 firmware upgrade added Unicode (UTF-8) and Auto-Select as options in the browser's encoding menu, and also introduced the saving of input history for online forms. Version 2.60 added Simplified Chinese (GB18030) and Traditional Chinese (Big5) to the encoding menu. Version 2.70 of the PSP firmware also introduced basic Flash capabilities to the browser, however the player was only version 6, three iterations behind the current desktop version 9, making some websites impossible to view.

  The browser has a very basic user interface consisting of two bars that are hidden during browsing and only displayed when the user taps "Image:PlayStationTriangle.svg". The top bar of the interface displays the page title (which scrolls if it is too long to fit on the screen) and the current address. The bottom bar displays 10 icons: File, Back, Forward, Refresh, Home, Bookmarks, History, View, Tools, and Help. File, Bookmarks, History, View, and Tools all open submenus while Help displays a diagram of the PSP system itself indicating the function of each button whilst using the browser.

  There are 3 different rendering modes, "Normal", "Just-Fit", and "Smart-Fit". "Normal" will display the page with no changes, "Just-Fit" will attempt to shrink some elements to make the whole page fit on the screen and preserve layout (although this makes some pages extremely difficult to read), and "Smart-Fit" will display content in the order it appears in the HTML, and with no size adjustments; instead it will drop an element down below the preceding element if it starts to go off the screen.

  The browser also has limited tabbed browsing support, with a maximum of three tabs. Pages are opened in new tabs either when a website tries to open a link in a new window using the HTML command target="blank" or when the user selects a link and holds down "Image:PlayStationX.svg" rather than just tapping it. The user switches between tabs by holding "Image:PlayStationSquare.svg" and tapping the shoulder buttons.

  Instant messenger

  A product named Go!Messenger is a free instant messenger program for the PlayStation Portable.^[50] It has been jointly developed by SCEE and BT and was launched with PSP Update 3.90. Note that only the icon has been added and the software for Go!Messenger can be downloaded in late February. The service is currently only available in Europe.

  Go!Messenger allows PSP users to:

  • Send instant messages to each other
  • Video chat
  • Video chat with the Go!Cam
  • Send video and voice messages to other PSP users

  Games

  Main articles: List of PlayStation Portable games and List of PlayStation Network games

  In addition to playing PSP games, there have been new releases of downloadable PlayStation games that can be played via emulation for the PSP. Currently, the only two official ways to access this feature is through the PlayStation Network service for PlayStation 3 or a PC.

  Demos

  Main article: List of PlayStation Portable game demos

  Demos for commercial PSP games can be downloaded and booted directly from the Memory Stick PRO Duo. Demos are also sometimes issued in UMD format and mailed out or given to customers at various retail outlets as promotional content. Demos can also either be downloaded to a personal computer and later transferred into the "GAME" file on the PSP's Memory Stick or downloaded directly to the PSP using the PSP's system browser.

  Greatest Hits titles

  Main article: List of Sony Greatest Hits games

  During E3 2006, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that the Greatest Hits range of budget titles were to be extended to the PSP system. On July 25, 2006, Sony CEA released the first batch of Greatest Hits titles.^[51] The PSP Greatest Hits lineup consist of games that have sold 250,000 copies or more and have been out for nine months. Every PSP game in this lineup retails for $19.99 each.

  Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced at around the same time the availability of a number of titles under the Platinum range for €24.99 each in the Eurozone and £19.99 in the UK.

  Sales

  As of March 31, 2007, the PSP has shipped 25.39 million units worldwide with 6.92 million in Japan, 9.58 million in North America, and 8.89 million Europe.^[4] In Europe, the PSP sold 4 million units in 2006 and 3.1 million in 2007 according to estimates by Electronic Arts.^[52][53]

  Region	Units sold	First available
  Japan	7,535,313 (as of January 1, 2008)[54][55]	December 12, 2004
  United States	10.47 million (as of January 1, 2008)[56][57][58]	March 24, 2005
  Worldwide	20.25 million (sold between April 2006 and December 31, 2007)[2][3]

  Homebrew development

  Main article: PlayStation Portable homebrew

  In May 2005, it was found that PSPs using the 1.00 version of the firmware (meaning original, first launch Japanese-only PSPs) could execute unsigned code. What this meant in practice was that these PSPs could run homebrew software, as the mechanism for checking to make sure that software has been approved by Sony had not yet been activated.^{[citation needed]} Later exploits have allowed for PSPs using later versions of Sony's firmware to run homebrew applications, and development of new exploits to bypass new restrictions to limit unauthorized programs is ongoing. Utilizing homebrew applications allows for a significant increase in functionality on the PSP, such as FLAC and Ogg Vorbis audio playback, emulation of dozens of different video game systems, and eBook viewing. Since the creation of the Pandora's Battery software by a conglomeration of PSP homebrew developers, any PSP may be hacked to utilize homebrew software, regardless of its firmware version.^[59]

  PlayStation Store

  Main article: PlayStation Store

  The PlayStation Store for the PSP, an online shopping service similar to the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3, was launched by SCEI on September 20, 2007. Content available from the store, either free or for a fee, includes game demos, trailers, emulated PlayStation games and other game related content. The service was originally only available in Japan. It was later launched in Taiwan and Hong Kong on November 21, 2007, and in Europe on November 22, 2007. An update for the store where content can be purchased and downloaded directly to the PSP without a PC or PlayStation 3 is currently being developed.^[60]

  Controversial advertising campaigns

  • Sony admitted in late 2005 to hiring graffiti artists to spray paint advertisements for the PSP in seven major U.S. cities including New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The mayor of Philadelphia has filed a cease and desist order and may file a criminal complaint. According to Sony, it is paying businesses and building owners for the right to graffiti their walls.^[61]
    • In 2006, Sony ran a poster campaign in England. One of the poster designs with the slogan "Take a running jump here" was removed from a Manchester Piccadilly station tram platform due to concerns that it might encourage suicide.^[62]
      • News spread on in July 2006 of a billboard advertisement released in the Netherlands which depicted a literally white colored woman holding a similarly literally black colored woman by the jaw, saying "PlayStation Portable White is coming." Some found this to be racially charged due to the portrayal of a white woman subjugating a black woman. Two other similar advertisements also existed, one had the two women facing each other on equal footing in fighting stances, while the other had the black woman in a dominant position on top of the white woman. The stated purpose of the advertisements was to contrast the white and black versions of its game console available for sale. These ads were never released in the rest of the world, and were pulled from the Netherlands after the controversy was raised.^[63]
        • Sony came under scrutiny online in December 2006 for a guerrilla marketing campaign hoping to go viral, for the console, with advertisers masquerading as young bloggers who desperately wanted a PSP. The site was registered to and created by youth marketing company Zipatoni on behalf of Sony before it was taken down. A mirror of the blog can be found here.^{[64][65][66][67]}

          Safety issues

          A 12-year-old boy suffered second degree burns to his leg after his PSP unit which was in his pocket overheated, spontaneously catching fire and melting onto his leg. Sony are investigating the incident and believe it to be an isolated issue. Ironically, the game in the switched-off PSP at the time was Burnout Legends.^[68]

          See also

          Sony PlayStation Portal

          • Mylo - A Sony messaging device similar to the PSP
          • Nintendo DS - A competing handheld game console made by Nintendo
          • List of handhelds with Wi-Fi connectivity

          References

          Handheld game consoles
          Early units
          Microvision | Handheld electronic games
          Nintendo handhelds
          Game & Watch | Game Boy (Pocket) (Light) | Game Boy Color | Game Boy Advance (SP) | Game Boy Micro | Pokémon Pikachu | Pokémon mini | Nintendo DS (Lite)
          Bandai handhelds
          WonderSwan | WonderSwan Color | SwanCrystal
          GamePark and GamePark Holdings handhelds
          GP32 | GP2X | XGP
          SNK handhelds
          Neo Geo Pocket | Neo Geo Pocket Color
          Sega handhelds
          Game Gear | Nomad | Mega Jet | VMU
          Sony handhelds
          PocketStation | PlayStation Portable (Slim)
          Other handhelds
          Atari Lynx | Gamate | Watara Supervision | Mega Duck | Game.com | Gizmondo | N-Gage | TurboExpress | Tapwave Zodiac | Pepper Pad | GameKing | iRiver G10 | Ez MINI | Pandora
          Comparison

          1. ^ Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code. Sony. Retrieved on 2007-06-07.
          2. ^ ^{a b} PSP (PlayStation Portable) Worldwide Hardware Unit Sales. Corporate Information. Sony. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
          3. ^ ^{a b} Supplemental Information for FY2007 Earnings (PDF). Sony Corporation (2008-01-31). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
          4. ^ ^{a b} PSP (PlayStation Portable) Cumulative Production Shipments of Hardware. Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
          5. ^ Daxter... over 2 million served. Ready at Dawn (2008-01-21). Retrieved on 2008-02-05.
          6. ^ PSP - About. Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          7. ^ PSP Technical Specifications. "Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          8. ^ ^{a b} E3 2003: Sony Goes Handheld!. IGN (2003-05-13). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          9. ^ Stanley A. Miller II (2004-05-11). Sony aims to take on rivals. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          10. ^ PSP Japanese launch impressions. 1UP (2004-12-11). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          11. ^ Thorsen, Tor (2005-03-24). The US PSP Launch. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          12. ^ Sony PSP launches across Europe. The BBC (2005-09-01). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          13. ^ E3 2003: PSP Press Release. gamedaily.com (2003-12-31). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          14. ^ Support - PSP - Movies. "Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          15. ^ Roper, Chris (2005-03-28). Sony PSP vs. Nintendo DS. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          16. ^ PSP - About - Multimedia. Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          17. ^ User's Guide - Remote Play. Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          18. ^ Support - PSP - Connecting to the Internet. Sony Computer Entertainment. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          19. ^ 8 reasons why the PSP might overtake the DS. Gizmodo (2007-11-29). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          20. ^ PSP Slim Release Quadruples UK Sales. Gamasutra (2007-09-21). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          21. ^ Klepek, Patrick (2007-10-18). September NPD. 1UP. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          22. ^ PSP: Year 1. OCprojects (2005-12-02). Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
          23. ^ ^{a b c} Bramwell, Tom (2003-05-13). E3 2003: Sony announces PlayStation Portable. Eurogamer. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          24. ^ E3 2003: PSP press release. gamedaily.com (2003-12-31). Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          25. ^ Parker, Sam (2003-05-13). Sony announces PSP handheld. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          26. ^ E3 2003: More details about the PSP. ps2fantasy.com (2003-05-13). Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          27. ^ Fahey, Rob (2005-11-05). Sony's PSP concept model causes a stir. gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          28. ^ Harris, Craig (2003-11-04). PSP Concept System. IGN accessdate=2008-03-13.
          29. ^ The PSP FAQ. IGN (2004-05-28). Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          30. ^ Thorsen, Tor (2004-05-11). Sony shows off the PSP at E3. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          31. ^ Guttridge, Luke (2004-05-11). E3 2004: Sony debut eagerly-awaited PSP handheld. play.tm. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          32. ^ PSP Hands-On and Software Lineup [E3 2004]. Gamepro.com (2004-05-14). Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
          33. ^ Nix. Hard Charging: PSP Battery Life. IGN. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
          34. ^ 1Up: PSP Brought Up to Speed with 3.50 firmware
          35. ^ Mark Hachman. Sony Details PlayStation Portable Chip Specs. Extreme Tech. Retrieved on 2006-03-18.
          36. ^ The System.
          37. ^ "Online-enabled PlayStation Portable to hit Korea in May", Gamespot, 28 March 2005. 
          38. ^ New PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Expands Its Entertainment Experience by Introducing Skype(TM)
          39. ^ Jeff Haynes. "PlayStation Portable Price Lowered to $200:New basic bundle for Sony hand held due later this month", IGN, 15 March 2006. 
          40. ^ joystiq.com
          41. ^ Chris Roper. "PS Biz Brief 06: New PlayStation Portable Package, Pricing, More: US and Europe to see reduced-cost packages; more white PlayStation Portables in Japan", IGN, 2006-03-14. 
          42. ^ Two new colours for the PSP! (In French). Kingplayer. Retrieved on 2006-11-04.
          43. ^ Champagne Gold (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
          44. ^ A Rinkya Blog: New Red PSP Color Released in Japan
          45. ^ A Rinkya Blog: Mint Green PSP Available Now in Japan
          46. ^ Sony PSP GPS officially launched in Japan. Retrieved on March 11, 2007.
          47. ^ Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (2007-08-22). "Travel has never been easier or more fun than with PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)'s new Go!Explore". Press release. Retrieved on 2007-08-23.
          48. ^ "Sony releases anti-piracy PSP update", The Inquirer, 3 October 2005. 
          49. ^ PS Meeting 2005: PSP 2.00 Details. IGN.
          50. ^ PlayStation Games & Media News: - Get ready to chat
          51. ^ SCEA announces that PSP Greatest Hits are available for purchase. SCEA. Retrieved on 2006-08-04.
          52. ^ Electronic Arts (2008-01-31). Supplemental Segment Information (PDF). Thomson Financial 5. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
          53. ^ David Jenkins (2008-02-01). EA Reveals European Hardware Estimates. Gamasutra. CMP Media. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
          54. ^ Neil Long (2008-01-07). SPECIAL REPORT: Japan's 2007 market stats in full. Market for Home Computing and Video Games. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
          55. ^ Jenkins, David (2008-01-11). Wii Sports Named Best Selling Game Of 2007 In Japan. Gamasutra. Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
          56. ^ Michael McWhertor (2008-01-18). Who's Winning The Console War In The US?. Kotaku. Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
          57. ^ James Brightman (2008-01-17). NPD: U.S. Video Game Industry Totals $17.94 Billion, Halo 3 Tops All. GameDaily. Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
          58. ^ Brandon Boyer (2008-01-18). NPD: 2007 U.S. Game Industry Growth Up 43% To $17.9 Billion. Gamasutra. Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
          59. ^ Article Detail - PlayStation Portable News - PSP Updates
          60. ^ Sherwood, James (2008-02-21). Wi-Fi downloads coming to the PSP. Reg Hardware. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
          61. ^ Sony Draws Ire With PSP Graffiti
          62. ^ Clarissa Satchell. "No play station, say Metro bosses", Manchester Evening News, 2006-03-07. Retrieved on 2007-03-14. 
          63. ^ Owen Thomas and Oliver Ryan. "Sony PSP ads spark cries of racism", CNN, 2006-07-05. Retrieved on 2006-07-31. 
          64. ^ Blake Snow. "Sony marketers are horrible liars, pretend to run fansite", Joystiq, 2006-12-11. Retrieved on 2006-12-11. 
          65. ^ Andrew McMaster. "PSP X-Mas Blog Spoof Video Appears", Retrothinking, 2006-12-12. Retrieved on 2006-12-13. 
          66. ^ Brendan Sinclair. "PSP hype site draws backlash", Gamespot, 2006-12-13. Retrieved on 2006-12-13. 
          67. ^ Holkins, Jerry. "The Inevitable Next Step", Penny Arcade, 2006-12-13. Retrieved on 2007-02-15. 
          68. ^ Moses, Asher (2008-02-08). Boy burnt by melting game player. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.

          
          

          External links

          

          Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

          PlayStation Portable

          Official websites

          • Official PSP website (Japan)
          • Official PSP website (Europe/UK)
          • Official PSP website (US)
          • Official PSP website (Aus/NZ)
          • SCEA PSP Specifications press release

          Reviews

          • Sony PSP As Personal Media Player – Detailed review on MP3 Newswire focused on the PSP's movie and audio abilities
          • Sony PSP Handheld Entertainment System – In-depth 8-pages review, Ars Technica, 28 March 2005

          Other links

          • PlayStation Portable at the Open Directory Project

          v • d • e Sony Computer Entertainment
          Consoles	PlayStation · PlayStation 2 · PSX · PlayStation 3
          Handhelds	PocketStation · PlayStation Portable (Slim and Lite)
          Arcade boards	System 11 · System 246
          Games	PlayStation Games · PlayStation 2 Games · PlayStation 3 Games · PSP Games · PlayStation Network Games Greatest Hits · Platinum · The Best
          Online Services	PlayStation Network · PlayStation Store · Home · Central Station
          Controllers	Analog Joystick · Dual Analog · DualShock · Sixaxis
          Cameras	EyeToy · PlayStation Eye · Go!Cam
          Kits	Net Yaroze · Linux for PS2 · Linux for PS3
          System Software	PS3 · PSP · XrossMediaBar
          Media	PlayStation: The Official Magazine · PSM3 · Official PlayStation Magazine

          v • d • e Sony Corporation
          Technologies and brands	α · Betacam · Blu-ray · BRAVIA · CD · Cyber-shot · DAT · DVD · Handycam · HDCAM/HDCAM-SR · LocationFree · Memory Stick · MiniDisc · MiniDV · mylo · PlayStation · PSP · S/PDIF · VAIO · Video8/Hi8/Digital8 · Walkman (A810) · Walkman Phones · XDCAM
          Historical products	AIBO · Betamax · Sony CLIÉ · Lissa · Mavica · NEWS · Qualia · TR-55 · Trinitron · U-matic · WEGA
          Operating segments	Sony Corp. (Sony Electronics in the US) · Sony Pictures · Sony Computer Entertainment · Sony Financial Holdings · Sony Music
          Acquisitions	Columbia Records · Columbia Pictures Entertainment (Columbia Pictures & TriStar Pictures) · Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (20%) · Aiwa
          Joint Ventures	Sony Ericsson · Sony BMG · Sony/ATV · S-LCD · STLCD · Sony NEC Optiarc · FeliCa Networks
          Key personnel	Phil Harrison · Kazuo Hirai · Masaru Ibuka · Nobuyuki Idei · Yasuo Kuroki · Ken Kutaragi · Michael Lynton · Akio Morita · Norio Ohga · Amy Pascal · Howard Stringer

          ar:بلاي ستيشن بورتبل bg:PSP ca:PlayStation Portable cs:PlayStation Portable cy:Playstation Portable da:PlayStation Portable de:PlayStation Portable el:Playstation Portable es:PlayStation Portable eo:PlayStation Portable fa:پلی استیشن همراه fr:PlayStation Portable gl:Playstation Portable ko:플레이스테이션 포터블 id:PlayStation Portable is:PlayStation Portable it:PlayStation Portable he:PlayStation Portable lv:PlayStation Portable hu:PlayStation Portable nl:PlayStation Portable ja:プレイステーション・ポータブル no:PlayStation Portable pl:PlayStation Portable pt:PlayStation Portable ro:PlayStation Portable ru:PlayStation Portable sq:PlayStation Portable simple:PlayStation Portable sl:PlayStation Portable fi:PlayStation Portable sv:Playstation Portable th:เพลย์สเตชันพอร์เทเบิล vi:PlayStation Portable tr:PlayStation Portable