| The PlayStation Portable also known as the PSP is a | | | | and computing power, it lags behind in sales as |
| unique handheld video gaming console marketed and | | | | compared to its main competitor, the Nintendo DS, |
| launched by Sony Computer Entertainment. The | | | | however the console is the most successful handheld |
| Console was first introduced and its development | | | | game system ever sold, which, has NOT been |
| was announced during the Electronic Entertainment | | | | produced by Nintendo. |
| Expo (E3) 2008 and it was unveiled after a year at | | | | After the launch of a new Slim and Lite version of |
| E3 2004 press conference in the month of May. The | | | | the PSP in early September 2007, the sales of the |
| handheld console was released on 12th December | | | | console increased by four times after this in United |
| 2004 in Japan, on 24th March 2005 in North America, | | | | Kingdom and almost by 200% in North America in the |
| and in the remaining regions it was officially launched | | | | month of October. |
| on 1st September 2005. | | | | The PSP is basically sold in two main retail packages |
| The PlayStation Portable is, the first and only kind of | | | | which differ from each other by the accessories |
| handheld game console to which uses optical disc | | | | included in these packages. The basic or base |
| format as its primary storage medium, this disc is | | | | package consists of the main console, battery and |
| known as UMD or Universal Media Disc. Other major | | | | AC adapter. The base package is available at a price |
| advantages of this handheld console are its wide | | | | of $169.99. |
| viewing screen, connectivity to the PlayStation3 and | | | | The value pack includes everything which is available |
| television sets (available only in the newer versions of | | | | with the base pack along with a 32mb memory stick, |
| the console), internet and excellent multimedia | | | | headphones, remote control, wrist strap and carrying |
| capabilities. The console also allows games to be | | | | pouch. The value retail pack is available for $199. |
| directly downloaded and stored in its memory card. | | | | Amy limited editions of the console have also been |
| Despite the systems excellent multimedia capabilities | | | | released. |