What Kind of Games Can You Put on the PSP?

by Ashley Bustamante
Various game media can be played on the PSP.

Various game media can be played on the PSP.

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The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a handheld gaming device manufactured by Sony. The first edition was released in 2004, and since then, other variations have appeared on the market. It uses a Universal Media Disc (UMD) to play the majority of its games and software, and also has Internet capabilities.

UMD Games

The most common game format for the PSP is UMD. UMD is the official format for PSP games and is a disc format. These discs are played directly in the PSP. Generally, PSP games cost on average around $15 to $20 new, and they can be found cheaper used or if the game has been on the market for awhile.

PlayStation Games

Several older titles from the PlayStation game console have been released for play on the PSP. These titles do not come on UMD, but instead are available as downloadable content through the PlayStation network.

Demo Games

Sony often releases demo games to play on the PSP so users can sample a game before purchasing the full version. These games can be downloaded to the PSP Memory Stick and then played on the PSP. Occasionally, demo games are released in a UMD format and given away as promotions in retail stores.

Online Games

Because the PSP includes Wi-Fi capabilities and a Web browser, it is possible to play games online using the PSP. However, the browser is limited and can typically only handle simple games, such as Flash games. Some fans have created online games specifically for playing on the PSP.

About the Author

Ashley Bustamante is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where she studied English with an emphasis on creative writing. She currently works at Arizona State University writing newsletters and handout materials and participates in developing programs to help children better understand each other. She participates in photography, writing and DIY home improvement projects during her spare time and is a published children's book author.

Photo Credits

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