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The PSP Slim and Lite made reductions to its weight and dimensions, while expanding its multimedia capabilities to include video-out and others. Its previous version, the PlayStation Portable, had proven highly successful, managing to sell more than 40 million units worldwide since its release. It's a good competitor in the handheld gaming console market.
Along with improvements to screen contrast and a change in location for Wi-Fi and memory cards, the PSP Lite contained several important differences from the original PSP model.
| Console | PSP | PSP Slim and Lite |
| Weight | 9.88 oz | 6.7 oz |
| Width | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Height | 2.9 inches | 2.9 inches |
| Depth | 0.9 inches | 0.7 inches |
| Internal Memory | 32 MB (RAM and Flash ROM) | 64 MB (RAM and Flash ROM) |
| USB Charging Capability | No | Yes |
| UMD Loading Tray Functionality | Open/Close | Swivel |
| TV Output/Accessory Port | No | Yes |
| Screensaver | No | Yes |
| Accessory Interchangeability | Yes | No |
Though the PSP Slim and Lite made strong improvements on the PSP design, Nintendo released its own improved handheld video game console within the same quarter, the Nintendo DS Lite. The PSP Slim and Lite still offered better video and graphic output, with lighter weight and stronger multimedia options.
| Console | PSP Slim and Lite | Nintendo DS Lite |
| Screen Size | 4.3 inches | 3 inches, Dual-Screen |
| Screen Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 4:3 |
| Resolution | 480x272 | 256x192, Dual-Screen |
| Dots per Inch | 130 | 110 |
| Screen Colors | 16.7 million, 32-bit | 262k, 16-bit |
| Media Sources | UMD Discs, USB, Flash Memory, Wi-Fi | Nintendo DS Cartridges, Aftermarket Flash Memory Adapters, Wi-Fi |
| Weight | 6.7 oz | 7.69 oz |
| Width | 6.7 inches | 5.24 inches |
| Height | 2.9 inches | 2.9 inches |
| Depth | 0.7 inches | 0.85 inches |
However, the Nintendo DS Lite offered better battery performance at all brightness levels, making a strong argument for itself in that aspect.
| Console | PSP Slim and Lite | Nintendo DS Lite |
| Charge Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Max-Visual Output Gameplay at Full Brightness/Volume | 3-4 hours | 5-8 hours |
| Heavy Gameplay at Full Brightness/Volume | 5-6 hours | 7-11 hours |
| Gameplay at Low Brightness/Volume | 6-8 hours | 10-15 hours |
| Sleep Mode | 24+ hours | 24+ hours |
| Wi-Fi Multiplayer | 2-3 hours | 5-10 hours |
The PSP console was the first to make use of the Universal Media Disc that was developed by Sony. Universal Media Discs can hold up to 1.8 GB of data, allowing it to be a medium for both video games and other video and audio media.
The most popular game to date for the PSP console has been Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G. Though the game was originally only available in Japan, homebrew developers have managed to create a translation patch that enable non-Japanese users to the play the game online. While there are hundreds of titles that have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, the top ten most successful PSP games are:
- Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (2.4 million)
- Daxter (2.3 million)
- Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2.2 million)
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (1.956 million)
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (1.25 million)
- Monster Hunter Freedom (1.2 million)
- Need for Speed Most Wanted 5-1-0 (1.047)
- Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee (1 million)
- Tekken: Dark Resurrection (1 million)
- Wipeout Pure (1 million)
The PSP Network provides online gameplay for PSP users, offering unique IDs, matchmaking according to skill-level, region, language and custom settings for play between friends. PSP also offers Remote Play options, enabling users to access many PS3 features from a remote location. Compatible content includes photos and slideshows, music files, stored video files, among others. However, while most PS3 features are accessible by remote on the PSP, several media, including DVDs, Blu-Ray Discs, PS2 and PS3 games are not supported.
The PSP console utilizes 802.11b, IrDA and USB for internet connectivity. The PSP console comes equipped with an embedded browser that allows for multi-tab web browsing and online gameplay. Content downloads are also available through both the PSP Network and other third-parties.
Sony offers a variety of options for help and support, ranging from telephone, email and online chat assistance. Their official website also offers detailed information for how and where to obtain repair services, including status repair updates. Best of all, Sony offers a dedicated customer service department to respond to customer concerns, as well as downloadable user manuals and tutorials.
Though the Nintendo DS system has always had an edge cost-wise, the PSP Slim and Lite has consistently placed a strong emphasis on video and graphic output, multimedia and advanced gameplay and connectivity, remaining several steps ahead of the Nintendo DS. While there is still room for improvement, particularly in battery performance, the PSP console, in all of its releases, offers a near-perfect balance of gaming, both online and single player, online connectivity and browsing and multimedia, making it not only the “Walkman of the 21st Century,” but the Swiss Army knife of video game consoles, handheld and otherwise.
