The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a handheld game console created and sold by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first sold in Japan on December 12, 2004, in North America on March 24, 2005, and in PAL regions on September 1, 2005. It was the first handheld console in the PlayStation series. As a seventh-generation console, the PSP competed with the Nintendo DS.
Sony announced the development of the PSP at E3 2003. The console was shown to the public during a Sony press conference on May 11, 2004. At the time of its release, the PSP was the most powerful portable console. It was the first strong competitor to Nintendo’s handheld consoles after earlier attempts, like Nokia’s N-Gage, failed. The PSP had advanced graphics and could connect to the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, computers with USB ports, other PSP systems, and the Internet. It also had features for playing videos, music, and was used as a portable media player. The PSP was the only handheld console to use an optical disc format called Universal Media Disc (UMD) for storing games and movies.
Reviewers praised the PSP, and it sold more than 80 million units over ten years. Multiple versions of the console were released before it was replaced by the PlayStation Vita, which first came out in Japan in 2011 and globally in 2012. The Vita could play PSP games purchased through the PlayStation Store, which became the main way to buy PSP games until Sony stopped allowing purchases from the PSP on March 31, 2016. Production of the PSP ended worldwide in 2014, and manufacturing of UMDs stopped in late 2016 when the last factory in Japan closed.
The PSP had several versions after its initial release, including the PSP Street and the PSP Go.
History
Sony Computer Entertainment first announced the PlayStation Portable during a press event before E3 2003. No samples were shown, but Sony shared detailed technical information. The company’s CEO, Ken Kutaragi, called the device the "Walkman of the 21st century," highlighting its ability to play music, videos, and games. Gaming websites praised the handheld’s powerful features and expected it to become a popular gaming device.
In the 1990s, Nintendo led the handheld gaming market after launching the Game Boy in 1989. Its main competitors were Sega’s Game Gear (1990–1997) and Bandai’s WonderSwan (1999–2001) and WonderSwan Color (2000–2004) in Japan. In 1999, Sony released the PocketStation in Japan, its first attempt at making a handheld game system. Other systems, like the SNK Neo Geo Pocket and Nokia’s N-Gage, did not significantly challenge Nintendo’s market share. An IDC analyst in 2004 said the PSP was the first real competitor to Nintendo’s leadership in the handheld gaming market.
The first images of the PSP were shown during a Sony meeting in November 2003. These early designs included flat buttons and no analog joystick. Some reviewers worried about the lack of an analog stick, but concerns eased when Sony officially introduced the PSP at an E3 2004 press event. Sony listed 99 companies that planned to create games for the device. Examples of these games, such as Konami’s Metal Gear Acid and Studio Liverpool’s Wipeout Pure, were demonstrated at the event.
Developing the PSP presented challenges for Sony and game makers. Battery life was a major issue. To help, Sony limited the CPU’s speed to two-thirds of its full power for the first few years. The Universal Media Disc (UMD) drive, which stored games, also caused problems by using too much battery power and having slow read speeds. Developers had to arrange game data carefully to reduce battery use and improve performance. These issues sometimes caused long loading times, such as up to two minutes for certain scenes in WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006.
On October 18, 2004, Sony announced the PSP would launch in Japan on December 11 for ¥19,800 (about US$181 in 2004). A more expensive version, the Value System, would cost ¥24,800 (about US$226). The launch was very successful, with over 200,000 units sold on the first day. Color versions were sold in bundles priced around $200. On February 3, 2005, Sony announced the PSP would be released in North America on March 24 for $249/CA$299. Some people worried about the high price, which was nearly $20 more than the Japanese model and over $100 higher than the Nintendo DS. Despite this, the North American launch was successful, with Sony reporting 500,000 units sold in the first two days, though this number was lower than expected.
The PSP was originally planned to launch in the PAL region (Europe, Australia, and others) at the same time as North America. However, on March 15, 2005, Sony delayed the PAL launch due to high demand in Japan and North America. The PAL version was released on September 1, 2005, for €249/£179. Sony explained the high price by saying North American buyers had to pay local taxes, and UK taxes were higher than in the US. Despite the cost, the PAL launch was successful. In the UK, over 185,000 units sold on the first day, more than doubling the first-day sales record of the Nintendo DS. The system also sold well elsewhere in the PAL region, with over 25,000 units pre-ordered in Australia and nearly one million units sold in Europe during the first week.
Hardware
The PlayStation Portable uses the common "bar" shape and size. The original model is about 6.7 inches long, 2.9 inches wide, and 0.9 inches thick (170 mm by 74 mm by 23 mm), and weighs 9.9 ounces (280 grams). The front of the device has a 4.3-inch (110 mm) LCD screen that can display images with a resolution of 480 × 272 pixels and 24-bit color, which is better than the Nintendo DS. On the front, there are four PlayStation face buttons, a directional pad, an analog "nub," and other buttons. The system also includes two shoulder buttons, a USB 2.0 mini-B port on the top, and a wireless LAN switch and power cable input on the bottom. The back of the PSP has a read-only Universal Media Disc (UMD) drive for movies and games, and a reader for Sony's Memory Stick PRO Duo flash cards on the left side. Other features include an IrDA-compatible infrared port (discontinued in later models), a two-pin docking connector, built-in stereo speakers and a headphone port, and IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi for internet access, online multiplayer games via PlayStation Network, purchasing games from PlayStation Store (now discontinued), and data transfer.
The PSP uses two 333 MHz MIPS32 R4000 R4k-based CPUs, a GPU running at 166 MHz, 32 MB main RAM (64 MB on later models), and 4 MB embedded DRAM for the GPU and Media Engine. Initially, the hardware ran slower than its full speed, with most games operating at 222 MHz. However, a firmware update in May 2007 removed this limit, allowing new games to run at 333 MHz.
The PSP is powered by a 1800 mAh battery (1200 mAh on the 2000 and 3000 models), which provides about 3 to 6 hours of gameplay, 4 to 5 hours of video playback, or 8 to 11 hours of audio playback. The battery capacity was reduced in the PSP-2000 and 3000 models to make the device slimmer. Original high-capacity batteries can be used in newer models, though the battery cover may not fit. These batteries take about 1.5 hours to charge and last 4.5 to 7 hours, depending on factors like screen brightness, WLAN use, and volume levels. In March 2008, Sony released an Extended Life Battery Kit in Japan with a 2200 mAh battery and a matching cover. The North American version included two covers: one black and one silver.
The PSP-2000, called "PSP Slim & Lite" in PAL regions, is the first redesigned version of the PlayStation Portable. It is thinner and lighter than the original, measuring 0.73 inches (18.6 mm) thick and weighing 6.66 ounces (189 grams). Sony announced the redesign at E3 2007, and the device was released in Hong Kong on August 30, 2007, Europe on September 5, North America on September 6, South Korea on September 7, and Australia on September 12. The UK version was released on September 14.
The serial port was changed to support a new video-out feature, making it incompatible with older remote controls. On the PSP-2000, games only output to external screens in progressive scan mode, while non-game video outputs work in either progressive or interlaced mode. USB charging was added, the D-Pad was raised to improve performance, and button responsiveness was improved. Other changes included better WLAN modules, a thinner and brighter LCD screen, and doubled internal memory (RAM and Flash ROM) to reduce UMD game loading times and improve web browser performance.
The PSP-3000, marketed as "PSP Slim & Lite" or "PSP Brite" in PAL regions, has an improved LCD screen with a wider color range, five times the contrast ratio, half the pixel response time, a new sub-pixel structure, and anti-reflective technology to reduce glare. The disc tray, logos, and buttons were redesigned, and a microphone was added. Games could now be output via component or composite video using a cable. This model was described as a minor upgrade.
The PSP-3000 was released in North America on October 14, 2008, Japan on October 16, Europe on October 17, and Australia on October 23. In its first four days in Japan, it sold over 141,270 units, and 267,000 units in October. A problem with interlacing during motion on the screen was noticed, but Sony said it would not be fixed.
The PSP Go (model PSP-N1000) was released in North America and Europe on October 1, 2009, and Japan on October 31. It was introduced earlier through Sony's Qore service. It is 43% lighter and 56% smaller than the original PSP-1000 and 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000. Its battery is not user-removable. It has a 3.8-inch (97 mm) 480 × 272 pixel LCD screen that slides up to reveal controls. Its shape and sliding mechanism are similar to Sony's mylo COM-2 device.
The PSP Go includes 802.11b Wi-Fi, but the USB port was replaced with a proprietary connector. A cable for connecting to other USB ports is included. The new connector allows video and sound output using optional cables. A cradle (PSP-N340) is available for charging, video out, and data transfer. This model supports Bluetooth, enabling use with Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controllers. The cradle allows the PSP Go to function as both a portable device and a console, though output is not upscaled. PlayStation 1 games can be played in full screen using an AV/component cable or the cradle.
The PSP Go lacks a UMD drive and instead has 16 GB of internal flash memory, expandable to 32 GB with a Memory Stick Micro (M2). Games must be downloaded from the PlayStation Store. The removal of the UMD drive ties the device to a single, region-locked PlayStation Network account. Users can download games directly to the PSP Go or transfer them from a PlayStation 3 or via Sony's Media Go software.
All downloadable PSP and PlayStation games compatible with older models work on the PSP Go. Sony confirmed
Software
The PSP uses a special software called the System Software, which can be updated through the Internet or by using a Memory Stick or UMD. Sony does not offer a way to switch back to an older version of the system software.
System Software updates work on all console models, but Sony suggests downloading updates meant for the console's specific region. These updates added features like a web browser, support for Adobe Flash, tools to play different types of media, connections with PlayStation 3, and fixes to prevent security issues and unauthorized programs. The latest version, 6.61, was released on January 15, 2015.
The PSP Internet Browser is based on the NetFront browser and was included with the 2.00 update. It supports common web tools like cookies, forms, CSS, and basic JavaScript. It allows up to three tabs for browsing.
Remote Play lets the PSP access features of the PlayStation 3 from a distance using the PS3's Wi-Fi, a home network, or the Internet. Users can view photos, listen to music, and watch videos stored on the PS3 or connected USB devices. They can also turn the PS3 on or off remotely and control audio from the PS3 to a home theater system. However, Remote Play does not support playing DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, PlayStation games, PlayStation 2 games, most PS3 games, or protected files.
Starting with System Software version 3.90, the PSP-2000, 3000, and Go models could use the Skype VoIP service. The older PSP-1000 model could not use the service due to hardware limits. Skype calls could be made over Wi-Fi or, on the Go model, through a Bluetooth modem. Users needed to buy Skype credit to make calls. The service ended on June 22, 2016.
At Tokyo Game Show 2009, Sony announced a service similar to PlayStation Home for the PSP, named "Room" (R∞M). It was tested in Japan from October 2009 to April 2010 and could be accessed from the PlayStation Network section of the XMB. Users could invite others to join their rooms for real-time communication. Development stopped in April 2010 due to user feedback.
The SensMe software, already used on some Walkman music players and Sony Ericsson phones, was added to the PSP in 2009 through a software update. It analyzes music files and organizes them into playlists based on mood. The PSP supports MP3, ATRAC, and WMA files since firmware version 2.60.
Sony worked with publishers like Rebellion Developments, Disney, and Marvel Comics to offer digital comics on the PlayStation Store. The Digital Comics Reader app required PSP firmware version 6.20.
The PlayStation Store's "Comic" section launched in Japan on December 10, 2009, with publishers like ASCII Media Works and Shueisha. It expanded to the U.S. and other English-speaking regions on December 16, 2009, with some comics available earlier through limited codes. The app was later translated into German, French, Spanish, and Italian. The Comic Reader software depends on the PSP's firmware region, so Japanese comics cannot be viewed on European versions and vice versa. The service ended in September 2012.
In Japanese PSP models, an app called x-Radar Portable was preloaded starting with firmware version 6.35 (January 2010). It is a mobile version of a map software called x-Radar, developed by PetaMap. The app uses "PlaceEngine" technology to show the PSP's location on a map and provide information about nearby places through Wi-Fi spots.
On June 15, 2005, hackers shared the PSP's code online. This allowed users to run custom programs and some protected software, like calculators or file managers. Sony responded by updating the software repeatedly. Some users found ways to unlock the firmware to run more custom content and protected software. Hackers used ISO loaders to play copied UMD games from a Memory Stick. Custom firmware like M33, ME/LME, and PRO CFW became common on PSP systems.
Sony's PSP Media Manager software for Windows allowed users to transfer, play, and back up music and videos from the PSP to a computer. In 2009, this was replaced by Media Go.
Games
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) had 1,370 games released during its 10-year lifespan. Some of the games that came out when the PSP first launched included Ape Escape: On the Loose (North America, Europe, Japan), Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower (North America, Europe, Japan), Dynasty Warriors (all regions), Lumines: Puzzle Fusion (North America, Europe, Japan), Metal Gear Acid (North America, Europe, Japan), Need for Speed: Underground Rivals (North America, Europe, Japan), NFL Street 2: Unleashed (North America, Europe), Ridge Racer (North America, Europe, Japan), Spider-Man 2 (2004) (North America, Europe, Japan), Tiger Woods PGA Tour (North America, Europe, Japan), Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Remix (North America, Europe), Twisted Metal: Head-On (North America, Europe), Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade (North America, Europe, Japan), Wipeout Pure (all regions), and World Tour Soccer: Challenge Edition (North America, Europe). Gretzky NHL and NBA were only available in North America at launch. The most sold PSP game is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, which sold 7.5 million copies by July 20, 2013.
Other top-selling PSP games include Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, Gran Turismo, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. The last PSP game released was Retro City Rampage DX, which came out in July 2016. The best-rated PSP games on Metacritic are God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and Daxter. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is the only PSP game to receive a perfect score from Famitsū. In 2006, Sony announced a "Greatest Hits" collection of budget games for the PSP. The first batch of these games, including Ape Escape: On the Loose, ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, Hot Shots: Open Tee, Twisted Metal: Head-On, and Wipeout Pure, was released on July 25, 2006. These games sold at least 250,000 copies and were available for nine months. They cost $19.99 each. Downloadable games were limited to 1.8 GB, likely to allow for future physical releases on UMD. A section of the PlayStation Store was dedicated to "Minis," which were smaller, cheaper games available only as downloads.
Trophy support was planned for the PSP but canceled after the firmware was cracked, as Sony worried hacked systems could let players unlock or change trophies unfairly. In late 2004, Sony released free demo games for the PSP, such as Duck In Water, world/ball, Harmonic City, and Luga City. These demos could be downloaded and played directly from a Memory Stick. Some demos were also sent to customers on UMD discs. Older PlayStation games were also re-released for the PSP using emulation. By 2008, this feature was officially available through the PlayStation Network for the PSP, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation TV, or a computer. Emulation of the PSP is well developed. The first emulator was pspplayer by Noxa, which used C#, followed by JPCSP, which used Java. PPSSPP is currently the fastest and most compatible emulator, supporting most major PSP games.
In mid-2009, as larger Memory Sticks became available for the PSP, some games began allowing users to pre-install data from the game. For most games, this improved load times, but a few games added new features, such as added speech in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
Peripherals
Official accessories for the console include an AC adapter, car adapter, headset, headphones with a remote control, a long-lasting battery with 2200 mAh capacity, a battery charger, a console carrying case, a game carrying case, an accessories pouch, a cleaning cloth, a system pouch, and a wrist strap. A 1seg television tuner add-on (model PSP-S310), made especially for the PSP-2000, was released in Japan on September 20, 2007.
Sony sold a GPS add-on for the PSP-2000. This device was first released in Japan and later announced for sale in the United States in 2008. It includes maps on a UMD disc and provides driving directions and city guides. A digital camera add-on called the Go!Cam was also released.
After Sony stopped selling the PSP, a Chinese electronics company named Lenkeng created a PSP-to-HDMI converter called the LKV-8000. This device works with the PSP-2000, PSP-3000, and PSP Go. To fix the issue of PSP games appearing in a small window surrounded by a black border, the LKV-8000 includes a zoom button on the connector. Other Chinese companies later made similar devices with different names, such as the Pyle PSPHD42. The LKV-8000 and its similar versions have become popular among players and reviewers because they are the only way to play and record PSP games on a large screen.
Reception
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) received mostly positive reviews after it was released. Most reviewers mentioned similar good and bad points about the device. CNET gave the system a score of 8.5 out of 10 and praised its strong hardware and ability to play movies and music. However, they noted the lack of a screen cover and a way to protect the reading surface of UMD cartridges. Engadget said the console had a well-designed, smooth look. PC World liked the built-in Wi-Fi but pointed out that there was no web browser at launch and that the glossy surface made it easy to see smudges and glare. Most reviewers also liked the large, bright screen and the ability to play videos and music. In 2008, Time magazine listed the PSP as a "must-have travel gadget," mentioning its movie collection, phone-like features, and planned GPS function.
When the PSP and Nintendo DS were first shown in 2004, the PSP was seen as better because of its advanced technology. However, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime focused on the fun and experience of playing games on the DS. The DS became more popular early on because it attracted more game developers and appealed to people who played casual games. The DS sold more units partly because of its touchscreen and second screen.
From a multimedia perspective, the PSP was seen as a competitor to portable music and video players, like the iPod Video, which was released the same year.
Reviews of the PSP Go were mixed. Many people criticized its high price. Ars Technica called it "way too expensive," and The Guardian said the cost was the "biggest issue." Engadget noted the PSP Go cost only $50 less than the PS3, which had a Blu-ray player. Wired said the older PSP-3000 model was cheaper and supported UMDs. IGN said the higher price made the PSP Go hard to sell. The placement of the analog stick next to the D-pad was also criticized. Reviewers also mentioned the change from a mini-USB port to a different type of port, which made older hardware and cables incompatible. However, Ars Technica and T3 praised the PSP Go’s screen, calling it "brilliant, sharp, and clear" and saying "pictures and videos look great." Some reviewers found the controls easy to use, while others said the analog stick’s position was "awkward." The ability to use a PS3 controller was praised by The New Zealand Herald, but Ars Technica said connecting the controller and the PSP Go to a PS3 for setup was inconvenient.
By March 31, 2007, the PSP had sold 25.39 million units worldwide, with 6.92 million in Asia, 9.58 million in North America, and 8.89 million in Europe. In Europe, the PSP sold 4 million units in 2006 and 3.1 million in 2007, according to Electronic Arts. In 2007, the PSP sold 3.82 million units in the U.S., according to the NPD Group, and 3,022,659 in Japan, according to Enterbrain. In 2008, the PSP sold 3,543,171 units in Japan, according to Enterbrain.
In the U.S., the PSP had sold 10.47 million units by January 1, 2008, according to the NPD Group. In Japan, during the week of March 24–30, 2008, the PSP nearly sold as many units as all other game consoles combined, with 129,986 units sold, some of which were bundled with Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, the bestselling game that week, according to Media Create. As of December 28, 2008, the PSP had sold 11,078,484 units in Japan, according to Enterbrain. In Europe, the PSP had sold 12 million units by May 6, 2008, according to SCE Europe. In the U.K., the PSP had sold 3.2 million units by January 3, 2009, according to GfK Chart-Track.
From 2006 to the third quarter of 2010, the PSP sold 53 million units. In a 2009 interview, Peter Dillon, Sony’s senior vice-president of marketing, said piracy of video games was causing sales to be lower than expected. The PSP competed directly with the Nintendo DS, even though they targeted different audiences. In its final years, PSP sales began to drop. Shipments to North America ended in January 2014, followed by Europe, and on June 3, 2014, Sony announced that sales in Japan would end. Production and sales in other parts of Asia continued. Over its lifetime, the PSP sold 80 million fewer units than the Nintendo DS.
Marketing
In late 2005, Sony announced that it had employed graffiti artists to paint advertisements for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) on walls in seven major U.S. cities, including New York City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Sony stated that it paid businesses and building owners for permission to paint their walls. In 2006, Sony launched a poster campaign in England. A poster with the message "Take a running jump here" was removed from a tram platform in Manchester Piccadilly because officials worried it might encourage harmful behavior.
Later in 2006, a billboard in the Netherlands showed a white woman holding a black woman by the jaw, with the text "PlayStation Portable White is coming." Two other versions of the ad existed: one showed the women facing each other in fighting positions, and the other showed the black woman in a dominant position over the white woman. Sony claimed the ads aimed to highlight differences between white and black versions of the PSP. However, many people saw the ads as racially sensitive. The ads were not shown in other countries and were removed from the Netherlands after the controversy. The ads received attention from international news outlets, and one website suggested Sony might have wanted to use the controversy for publicity.
In December 2006, Sony faced online criticism for a marketing campaign in which advertisers pretended to be young bloggers who wanted a PSP for Christmas. The website alliwantforxmasisapsp.com appeared to be created by two friends. It included downloadable greetings cards, t-shirt designs, and a video of a person rapping about wanting a PSP. The blog described itself as a tool to help people convince others to buy a PSP. The blog used slang like "leetspeak" and "smacktard." The fake authors wrote that they created the site to help others persuade their families or friends to give them a PSP for Christmas. Tech experts later discovered the blog's registration information and traced it back to Gregory Meyerkord, an employee at advertising firm Zipatoni.
At E3 2010, Sony created a fictional 12-year-old character named Marcus Rivers as part of its advertising campaign for the PlayStation Portable and PSPgo consoles in North America. The character, played by child actor Bobb'e J. Thompson, first appeared as a publicist for the PlayStation Portable division of Sony, responding to letters from fans. Marcus also helped promote games for the system. However, the character was later stopped from being used because people had negative reactions to him. The "Dear PSP" campaign continued without Marcus.