”It’s an exciting device to us because for the first time we have a piece of hardware capable of creating games with a similar fidelity to the PS2 but in a handheld device,” he says.ĭavid Brickely, development manager at Codemasters, agrees: ”What has changed with the PSP is the old assumption that a handheld game has to compromise on quality.” UK developers Climax created one of the US launch games and Chris Keegan, Climax’s vice-president development, is positive. The graphics are of a much higher quality than the PSP’s gaming competitor, the Nintendo DS. Not any more,” says Phil Harrison, Sony Europe’s vice president development. ”Traditional handheld gaming has always been an apology to what you receive on a TV. So the PSP looks good, but what can you actually do with it? Initially, at least, the games are the most important element. Battery life is better than expected, with about six hours from charged, though less if the built-in wireless internet connection is used. Luckily, the storage medium - the Universal Media Disk, or UMD - is sturdy. The standard pack includes a handy protective slipcase, but while the PSP feels tough, it is unlikely to survive any great fall. The PSP isn’t really a pocket device (the size of the screen dictates that) but it is relatively light and will not weigh down any bag. But for a lot of games, especially sports titles, it is invaluable. Because of the layout, all the buttons are within easy reach, although the analogue stick in the bottom left is fiddly to use. The controls are only as good as any other handheld, so prolonged play is uncomfortable. Wiping the screen with the included cloth becomes an essential pre-use ritual. The style comes at a cost, however - the PSP’s glossy black finish is lovely, but easily smudged. Looking at the hardware first, it is clear what the big draw is - the screen, which measures just over 10cm, with proper 16:9 widescreen dimensions. But, with a price tag of about R2 500, does it have the brains to match the beauty? This is a sexy and desirable piece of kit - the kind of thing that will turn heads on the train. Yes, the ”C” word may have finally come of age: but convergence isn’t the first thing you think of when you see the PSP. Sony’s PlayStation Portable brings you games, movies and music, and will display photos. Techno lust readings are likely to go off the scale as the most important gadget since the iPod launches in South Africa in September.
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