Ten years after the release of the original PlayStation, Sony is redefining gaming again with the release of the PlayStation Portable, or PSP. After years of rumors and hype, the PSP is out, and it delivers a complete portable entertainment experience from games to movies and music.

 

 

Nuts and bolts
The strength of the PSP is the game engine, which is about as powerful as a PS2. That means gamers can experience graphics and sound comparable to a home system and far better than any portable system to date. The high-resolution, widescreen 4.3" LCD screen is surrounded by the familiar PlayStation button layout, including an analog stick for precise controls. Its full-motion video capability is sure to make the PSP perfect for high-intensity games.

 

The PSP utilizes the Memory Stick Pro Duo and UMD media discs. Download MP3 music and video clips to the Memory Stick and play it on your PSP. The stick is also used to save game progress. The UMD discs hold up to 1.8GB of data, which is about twice the size of a standard CD-ROM. Games and movies use UMD.

 

Games (Shop for games)
PSP hit the street with a strong selection of games and 100 more on the horizon. All of the biggest game publishers, including Sony, EA Sports and more, are developing games. And don’t forget that the PSP will also play full-length feature movies (on the special UMD disc format) and MP3 music.

 

Online gaming
The PSP also offers online gameplay. Just connect through a Wi-Fi hotspot and play anyone in the country. If online access is not available, the PSP can connect wirelessly to nearby gamers for intense multi-player action.

 

Extras (Shop for accessories)
The PSP comes with a 32MB Memory Stick Duo, AC adapter, battery pack and more. Although the system is still very new, available accessories include a variety of carrying cases, larger Memory Stick media and more.

 

Nintendo's newest portable system—which debuted in November 2004—is the DS. Its revolutionary use of two (yes, two) screens allows you to have two perspectives and a true 3D view while playing a game.

 

 

Nuts and bolts
The dual screens are what make the DS unique. Each of the 3” backlit screens reproduces a true 3D view of your games. The bottom screen boasts an analog touch screen that allows game developers to change the way you play. Instead of a directional controller, some games require use of the included stylus on the touch screen. Other games use a unique thumb pad (more on that later).

 

The DS features two processors, an ARM9 (66MHz) and an ARM7 (33MHz). The result is amazing graphic performance on both screens. It also has built-in stereo speakers for virtual surround sound when you’re using headphones.

 

The DS also has a wrist strap that comes with a little something extra. Attached is the aforementioned thumb pad, which is designed to work on racing and sliding games like “Super Mario 64 DS” and “Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt.” The other controls are similar to the Game Boy Advance with the four A, B, X and Y buttons, the L and R shoulder buttons and the D pad.

 

Games (Shop for games)
The DS has an impressive assortment of games that keeps growing. You have the choice of the top titles available for the consoles (“Tiger Woods PGA Golf Tour“ and “Spider-Man 2“ for starters), as well as titles unique to the DS like “WarioWare: Touched! “ and “Yoshi Touch & Go.” The DS also plays all of your Game Boy Advance games.

 

Multi-player gaming
The DS can connect wirelessly to up to 16 other players within a 30’-100’ range. Multiplayer fun only requires that one player have the game. You can also connect to a global network using a HotSpot, a WiFi router, or by using a USB thumb drive in conjunction with your PC to serve as a router for your system. These options let you play other Nintendo DS enthusiasts on a myriad of titles, all around the globe. When you’re not gaming, the built-in PictoChat software gives you the power to draw, write and send messages wirelessly.

 

Extras (Shop for accessories)
Although the DS comes with just about everything you need, carrying cases, extra stylus packs and screen protectors are available.

Nuts and bolts
The Game Boy Advance has everything you like about the GBA, plus more. The illuminated screen makes it easy to play in low light, and the flip-top design lets you adjust the screen to cut down on glare. It’s also more compact than the original, while maintaining the same screen size.

 

The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 18 hours without the backlight and up to 10 with the light on. You can use the AC adapter when the battery needs charging.

 

Games (Shop for games)
Whatever your mood, there's a game to suit it. The SP plays every Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color and classic Game Boy game. It also has the Game Boy Game Link jack on the back so you can compete with up to three other GBAs if you have the optional Game Link cable.

 

Extras (Shop for accessories)
There are a lot of cases and accessories available for the SP. The Game Link cable allows you to compete with other GBAs and play your GBA games through your GameCube. There’s also a headphone-jack adapter that lets you connect a set of headphones for quiet gaming.