The PSP offers a large screen compared to other handheld gaming systems.
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The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is Sony's foray into the handheld gaming market, and one that has gone over quite successfully. More than a mere gaming system, you can use the PSP to manage your favorite multimedia, access the Internet and even add homebrew applications.
Games
Obviously the big draw of the PSP is you can play games on the go, but by using the PlayStation Network to download games straight to your PSP, you can access a large collection of games without needing to carry around a dozen cartridges. The PlayStation Network offers new games and ported old games.
Network Features
The built-in browser is a far cry from the full-featured browsers you're used to on your computer, but for a quick check-in on the go you can't miss -- all you need is an Internet connection and you can not only access any website, but also connect with your gaming pals via the PlayStation Network, and talk to friends and family via Skype. If you have a PS3, you can access it via the "Remote Play" feature.
Multimedia on the Go
The PSP is a gaming handheld, but it's also a hefty little multimedia machine in a portable package; you can take your pictures, music and movies with you anywhere you go, and enjoy them at a moment's notice. PlayStation has also teamed up with LocationFree to allow you to access any DVR content you may have at home.
Custom Firmware and Apps
If you're the kind of person who likes to crack and customize your toys, the PSP might be a fun project for you. While installing customized firmware and applications on your PSP will void your warranty and runs the slight risk of "bricking" it if done incorrectly, there's a thriving mod community with sites like PSP Hacks and PSP Custom Firmware that provide you the tools and resources to install homebrew applications on your PSP.
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Photo Credits
- Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images News/Getty Images
