What is the PSP?
The PSP, or PlayStation Portable, is Sony Computer Entertainment's debut entry into the portable gaming market, and potential competitor to Nintendo's long-running Game Boy franchise of handheld systems. The unit plays disc-based videogames, and also has the capacity to play digital video and audio, as well as make use of other technologies via its USB 2.0 interface and Memory Stick port. Its wireless capabilities will allow free nearby Link Play as well as distance online play with a proper wireless network available.
What does the PSP look like?
In its unveiling press conference for the PSP on May 11, 2004, Sony showed the PSP in its completed form. Below is an image of the system, which was seen up-and-running on the show floor with a number of video presentations running live on the unit.
Sony also released this initial mock-up of the PSP on November 04, 2003. The mock-up is remarkably close in design to the final design, except that it does not feature a number of features of the system, such as the analog gamepad.
What are the hardware specifications of the PSP system?
The PSP is a powerful, next-generation piece of hardware compacted into a portable format. Its technology is in many ways comparable with today's advanced consoles. To show the advanced feature set and technical qualifications of its handheld, Sony released its final specifications of the PSP as part of its E3 conference in May 2004 (note that these specs are intended for public consumption than the full technical specs released July 29, 2003, which are also detailed below.) Below are the official hardware specifications* from Sony, released on May 11, 2004 :
PSP CPU Core
PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1~333MHz)
Media
UMD Drive (Playback only)
Format
PSP Game
Input/Output
IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
5V DC OUT
Control:
Size Details
Dimensions: Approxately 170mm (L) x 74mm (W) x 23mm (D)
Other Specifications
Screen: 4.3 inch, 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD
Accessories
Stand
Have the specifications changed since the system was originally announced?
Yes. Changes and improvements were made from the originally announced PSP specifications, released July 29, 2003. The most specific change was that its memory allotment was bumped up from 8MB to 32MB (which also includes 4MB of embedded DRAM and 2MB of VRAM.) A number of other changes have also been made to the operating system and design. And because the original specs were intended for developers and publishers ready to create titles, while the E3 2004 specs were intended for public disclosure and investor relations, a large number of technical details were omitted from the original 2003 specs for ease of read. Many of the final technical aspects are known to still be accurate to this original announcement (and were most recently confirmed to be accurate at Sony's Hot Chips 16 PSP presentation), but current technical details have not been publicly released, and specifics may have been altered for the final PSP. For comparison's sake, below are the original specifications for the PSP:
PSP CPU CORE
PSP Media Engine
PSP Graphics Core 1
PSP Graphics Core 2
PSP Sound Core: VME
UMD(Universal Media Disc)
AVC Decoder
I/O
Communication
For the layperson, exactly how powerful is the PSP?
For those not able to understand the techno mumbo-jumbo spelled out in the PSP specs, what it all boils down to is that the PSP has a whole lot of power, portable system or otherwise. At GDC 2004 in April of 2004, Christ Charla (of the development outfits Digital Eclipse and now Backbone Entertainment) said at the handheld's tech demonstration unveiling conference: "Polygon for polygon, PSP has more power than PS2 ... A huge number of effects that are given to you in software on PS2 are available in hardware on PSP." And all indications at the E3 unveiling were that the system would indeed meet those lofty heights -- the preliminary box for Gran Turismo 4 Mobile stats that the game quality, "...is not at all inferior to its PS2 counterpart."
While most familiar with the hardware say it would still be unfair to put the typical PSP and a PS2 or current-generation console game side-by-side in a professional test and expect the two to match up or favor the handheld version in technology terms, the advanced graphics processor technology of the PSP used to draw just enough to fill the pocket-sized screen means that PSP games will have more than enough power to create the kinds of vast 3D worlds, humanistic characters and cinematic effects that today's advanced games require.
Will Accessories be made available for PSP?
Absolutely -- just because this is a portable doesn't mean that it won't be home to innovative new hardware accessory technologies. Already announced and displayed in prototype form (but not necessarily announced as actual products planned for release) at E3 2004 for the PSP are the USB Camera for PSP, USB GPS for PSP (a satellite tracking unit), and USB Keyboard for PSP. Companies such as Logitech have also announced intended hardware support for the system. A number of cases and other accessories have also been announced since the PSP's unveiling.
With the launch of the system in Japan, SCE announced the availability of the following accessories, which will also be included in the deluxe PSP Value Pack. Many of these accessories will also be included in the North American standard PSP pack.
What kind of disc will PSP games be made available on?
The PSP uses a proprietary Sony disc called the UMD, or Universal Media Disc. Capable of storing up to 1.8GB of data (a CD holds 0.650GB, a DVD holds 4.7GB), the UMD is a disc format enclosed in a small cartridge (similar to the Sony Mini-Disc format.)
Are PSP discs writeable or rewriteable?
No, the UMD cannot be written to. Only Sony will be able to create UMD media -- the company has no plans to make external UMD writers devices, and even third-party publishers will not be able to create their own discs without Sony's ability to press the data to UMD.
What will the PSP use for memory storage without a writeable disc?
The PSP will make use of Sony's Memory Stick format, small rewriteable Flash ROM cards about the size of a stick of bubble-gum. This format will mostly be used for the same uses as the Memory Card for PlayStation and PlayStation 2: game character and progress saves, user-created data, online downloaded content, and system profiles and hardware drivers. The Memory Stick media will also be used to store separate audio and video files for those who use the handheld's additional multimedia features. The specific Memory Stick format to be supported by PSP is the Memory Stick PRO Duo format, which also makes it compatible with the standard Memory Stick Duo format.
How long is the battery life of the PSP?
Sony Computer Entertainment has made measurements of the PSP's abilities, based on technical standards and in-game performance of work-in-progress games. On October 27, 2004, the company announced that the typical battery life for the PSP will be between 4 and 6 hours for games, with 4-5 hours for video viewing. These numbers, according to SCE, were determined with the system's luminance set to maximum (180 cd/m2) and minimum (80 cd/m2), volume set to half the maximum level, headphones used instead of speakers and wireless LAN not in use. Hands-on battery tests with the PlayStation Portable have yielded results in accordance of SCE's specs -- between 3 and 6 hours of play, depending on brightness, volume, and other factors, with WiFi play running between 2:30 and 4 hours. Each individual game will affect the PSP run-time in its own way due to complexity of gameplay, technology, loading requirements, and other factors. SCE works with all developers in QA format checking and also at other steps in development to ensure that each team reaches an optimal and acceptible battery life for a particular game.
SCE has described its 1,800mAh battery to be able to power the unit for as long as typical battery-based portable electronics, which would include portable DVD and MP3 players as well as other game systems. At E3 2004 in May, SCE estimated the PSP's battery life to run between 2 1/2 and 10 hours. The PSP's various CPUs are scalable, and usage of the UMD disc drive may depend between different types of games and game engines.
Will I be able to play PSP games on my television?
Unknown, but the feature will not be built into the handheld system. AV in/out capabilities were mentioned in the 2003 specifications of the system, but the feature has since been confirmed to not be part of the hardware itself. It is unknown at what point, if ever, add-on accessories will make it available to play PSP titles on a full-size television.
Will I be able to watch television on my PSP?
Not without an additional accessory. Sony has not announced a TV Tuner adapter. Third Parties have expressed interest in creating a PSP TV Tuner (as well as radio play and other features), and at least one such unit has been announced for release in Asia, but no accessory has been release yet. However, you will be able to watch UMD movies and MPEG4 AVC videos recorded on UMD Video discs or on a Memory Stick Duo accessory.
Will I be able to import games or other multimedia releases from other countries to play on my PSP?
Yes and no -- you will be able to play games on a PSP from any country, but you may not be able to play all types of PSP media. The PSP UMD format is fully equipped with region encoding procedures on all formats published to the media -- games, movies and music. However, Sony Computer Entertainment has chosen not to use the region encoding system on videogame titles. Importers should exercise caution in purchasing products from other countries, but import gaming fans will be able to play games from other countries on PSP.
When will the PSP be made available?
Sony Computer Entertainment has outlined these details for the PSP's launch.
How much will the PSP cost?
Sony Computer Entertainment has announed the official price of the PlayStation Portable for the Japanese and North American markets.
What will be included with the PlayStation Portable system packaging?
Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that it will release the PlayStation Portable in just one package initially in North America; in Japan, it released two packs -- a Standard System and a Value Pack; it has not announced plans for the European or greater Asian market.
The North American PSP Package includes the PSP hardware, the AC adapter, one battery pack (1800mAh), a Memory Stick Duo unit (32MB, standard Duo but not PRO Duo rated), PSP earbud headphones with Remote Control, PSP soft case with hand strap, a cleaning cloth, and a UMD sampler disc with non-interactive demos featuring music, movie and game content. The North American release also included a limited give-away of a UMD Movie version of the feature film Spider-Man 2 for the first one million PSP buyers.
In Japan, a Standard System package was also released that included the PSP hardware, the AC adapter, and one battery pack. There are no current plans to release a similarly slimmed-down package for release outside of Japan.
What publishers are signed up to create PSP titles?
The majority of PlayStation publishers in all three territories have voiced interest in also publishing titles for the PSP. While the current state of game development has spread both creative and development resources to the point where not all interested publishers will decide to actually produce titles for the handheld, most top publishers are already planning on at least an initial slate of offerings for some time in the PSP's immediate future. Below are a list of major publishers who have publicly commented on plans regarding the PSP.
ACTIVISION - 2 PSP titles at launch, more in production
ATARI - Several titles planned for US
ATLUS - Several titles planned
BANDAI - Several games and UMD Video titles planned
BANPRESTO - (*No titles planned, still evaluating system)
BETHESDA SOFTWORKS - Titles in development; has not announced plans
BUENA VISTA GAMES - Titles in development; has not announced plans
CAPCOM - One title planned title at Japanese launch, one title for NA launch, several more in production
CODEMASTERS - In development of titles
CHUNSOFT - Titles in development
DORASU CORPORATION - Titles in development
D3 - No confirmed titles but heavily considering software development (likely an edition of the SIMPLE XXXX series for PSP)
EA - Six titles planned at launch (three day-and-date with the system, three following up in the ensuing few days); 15-20 total US games by end of 2005; Several planned titles at EA Team Fusion studio; Several planned titles at other development houses for EA
EIDOS - Titles in development
FROM SOFTWARE - One title for Japanese launch; Titles in development
HUDSON SOFT - One title for Japanese launch; Multiple titles in development
IREM - Titles in development
KOEI - 2 titles at Japanese launch; 1 planned title at US launch
KONAMI - Multiple titles title at Japanese launch; One title for NA launch; Several titles in production
LucasArts - (*No titles planned, still evaluating system)
MAJESCO - Titles in development for post-launch release
Media Works - Titles in development
MIDWAY GAMES - Titles in development; has not announced plans
MTO - Titles in development; has not announced plans
NAMCO - Two planned titles at Japanese launch; one title for NA launch; titles in development
NATSUME/ VIS - Several titles in development
NIPPON ICHI - One title in development
NOW PRODUCTION - Titles in development
PLAYLOGIC - One title in development; Still evaluating further development
PUBLISHING IDENTITY SVENSKA - (*No titles planned, still evaluating system)
SAMMY - Titles in development
SEGA - One title for Japanese launch; Multiple PSP titles in development
SNK Playmore - Titles in development
SPIKE - Titles in development
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT - Multiple titles in development for Japan, US and European launch
SQUARE ENIX - UMD release of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children; Crisis Core:Final Fantasty VII announced for 2006
TAITO - One title for Japanese launch; titles in development
TAKE-2 / ROCKSTAR GAMES / GLOBALSTAR MULTIMEDIA - Multiple titles scheduled for shortly after US launch
TECMO - Team Ninja project in the works; several titles in development
THQ - Titles in development
TOMY - Titles in development
UBISOFT - Titles in development
What developers will be creating games for the PSP?
Over 99 developers and production companies have already signed up for PSP development. Below are developers known to be committed to the machine either by working titles or spec projects.
What actual games are in development for the PSP system?
A full, up-to-date listing of active games for the PlayStation Portable is available here at IGN on this PSP Games Listing page. (*Please be aware that, for the sake of completion, this list includes a number of speculative projects and unannounced titles which may not see release as PSP games.) Current information and media for these titles is also included if you click on the game's title.
Sony Computer Entertainment and its third party partners worldwide have announced dozens of games for each regional PSP market, including dozens of titles already released in Japan and many planned for release in North America and Europe.
New games are added daily and new information is streaming in now that the system's release is approaching, so be sure to look up the IGN PSP games page for the most up-to-date title information.
What games were shown of the PSP at E3 2004?
Sony has a very specific plan for disclosure of PSP hardware and information (E3 was meant to be a hardware exhibit, with September's TGS being the official game exhibit.) Officially, the "games" shown at E3 2004 were all "concept demonstrations" -- presentations utilizing popular titles were created to showcase the possibilities of the system. Many of these game demos have been revealed since to be full game titles.
Below is a listing of a number of projects featured either as part of the E3 2004 presentation or otherwise mentioned for the PSP system during the May event.
E3 2004 DEMONSTRATION TITLES
REN-GOKU: The Tower of Purgatory
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Underground 2
IN PRODUCTION
Visual Impact "3D Adventure Infiltration" title
What games were shown of the PSP at TGS 2004?
At the 2004 Tokyo Game Show, SCE and its third parties had a wide range of titles available for hands-on play with working PSP systems. Below is a listing of the playable games of TGS 2004.
Need for Speed Underground: Rivals
Ren-Goku: The Tower Of Purgatory
Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower
Tokyo Xtreme Racing: Zone Of Control
Where can I get more info about the PSP?
If you don't mind a cheap plug, your best resource for PSP gaming news is right here at IGN PSP. However, for info from the corporate source, check in with any of the Sony Computer Entertainment arms. Also, be sure to wire into the community around this wireless gaming system on the IGN PSP Boards.
2004-05-01 :: FAQ started in beginning of May in preparation of E3
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