Sony Portable Playstation PSP

When a gaming company such as Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo releases a new system, they usually offer several options when it comes to purchasing. These options are known as bundles. In the case of the Sony Portable Playstation, the bundles range from a Core system to limited edition bundles that sell for more. The reason for debuting these limited edition packages is because they will sell out quickly due to the collectible factor.

The Core bundle for the Sony Portable Playstation comes with an AC adapter, USB cable and the basic console. The Ice Silver Dax Entertainment Pack is around thirty dollars more if you buy it in a retail store. The Ice Pack comes with a silver player, the game "Daxter" and a 1 GB memory stick with UMD movie. If you compare the Ice and Core packs, you will see that you are actually getting a great deal if you take the upgraded limited edition bundle.

Other special release bundles for the Sony Playstation Portable system include a Star Wars bundle, complete with a silk screening of Darth Vader on the back of the unit, and a Final Fantasy Limited Edition bundle. Why release these limited edition gaming bundles? Sony gets to charge more for the specialized colors and accessories included in the bundle and it makes the unit collectable. For hard-core collectors, such as those who avidly collect Star Wars merchandise, this means adding value to a collection.

Making special release bundles and gaming consoles is nothing new. Some people will undoubtedly pay more for the option of having a color choice for their new PSP system. It may not mean a difference in functions or games but it is nice to have that choice. Others like the fact that they get more for their money. Consider that a Core Pack retails in the U.S. for $169.99 and only $199.99 for the specialized packages, most of which come with a playstation portable game and a memory stick. By purchasing the specialized pack, you are getting a bargain.

Whether or not you go with a Core Pack or seek out the specialized entertainment packages for your Sony Portable Playstation, the end result is one with which you will be happy. The PSP value pack does not mean you will have any less fun with your hand-held gaming console than if you had purchased the more expensive bundle. The games will still play the same.

Technology is always progressing and moving forward in design and function. Some of the improvements are tremendously beneficial and enhance the technology, whereas some are actually a set back. When the new Playstation Portable debuted, many users were skeptical about whether or not the new system would still play the same games as the old system, and if the features would be better.

September 6, 2007 was the launch date for the new Playstation Portable Slim & Lite. The name summed up its brand new look. On the surface the hand held console looked the same, but upon picking it up, the difference was immediately noticeable. The new Sony Playstation Portable was 33% lighter and 19% slimmer. However, the real improvements are inside the little hand held gaming console.

So what can you expect from the new gaming unit? You can expect shorter load times. The designers at Sony doubled the internal memory to 64 MB. The LCD screen is lighter. The D-pad is raised a bit higher, thus helping your fingers gain better control when playing. It also now has the ability to charge via its USB port while gaming. This was something the original could not do. Before, you could only charge the PSP system while not gaming.

In the gaming industry, big disappointments can happen when transitioning from an old system to a new one. Oh, the graphics and speed are great, but what about all that money you invested in games for the old system? Well, with the new Playstation Portable, you do not have to worry about games not being compatible. The ones that worked on the old system will work on the new system. Thank you Sony developers and testers.

The new Playstation Portable system is not out of the woods yet. Nintendo has no plans to acquiesce and allow Sony to take away from their sales. The new Nintendo DS Lite is the chief competitor, but many gamers wonder if a portable Xbox gaming system will make its debut to entice gamers away from the two giants. The new PSPs are still leading sales, but it is only a matter of time before the competitor's edge into this market.

When Atari debuted in the 80's, it was a revolutionary gaming system. People were amazed at the games and controllers. Pong was an instant favorite, but when Nintendo debuted it completely eclipsed Atari's graphics and gaming potential. Then Sony debuted the Playstation and history was made. Gone were the laughable graphics of its predecessors and instead 16-bit graphics ruled the technology world. PSP software was an extension of the PSP system and changed how portable hand-held gaming systems worked.

One of the many things that set Sony Playstation Portable above other handheld gaming consoles is the software. Unlike conventional handhelds, such as the Gameboy, the PSP system is capable of updating itself and acquiring new software codes and security measures through its Wi-Fi connection. This connection is the very same as those found in laptops and even cellular phones.

If one thing could be said about Sony and their game playstation, it would be that they take their security measures seriously. PSP software updates are constantly released to make the system run safer and far smoother. The downloads take place through a USB cable connected between the PSP system and your computer. The downloads update the security software and allow for smoother loading times.

The amount of software updates is nothing compared to the added security and functions brought to the game. Take for example the most recent updates released by Sony. In 2007 alone there have been at least eleven updates that ranged from security measures to adding enhanced customization to the Playstation Portable, original version, and the new PSP Slim & Lite. There is now an enhanced bit-rate for gaming, as well as features to make watching videos much easier. Sony has also taken into consideration the need to make support simpler for their users by issuing a software update in October 2007.

Sony and Microsoft continue to go head to head in their battles to reign supreme in the gaming field. Perhaps one day a portable Xbox will come into the gaming community with the familiarity of major software creator Microsoft lending its experience to the design. However, until that time Sony's PSP software is the ultimate in the hand held gaming world. While some gamers believe that nothing can outdo a computer played game for support and software, even these individuals are realizing that Sony has put some time, thought and effort into creating a one of a kind gaming unit.

Before you decide to put down a sizeable amount of money on a new Portable Playstation, you may want to look into reading some PSP reviews. This also applies to any new games that are on the market. Other users can offer advice on the pro's and cons of owning a PSP system, which could save you some money if you decide that the system is not for you.

If you were to google PSP reviews, you would be given hundreds of listings where the PSP was debated. Most of the reviews come from other buyers who have purchased the new Playstation Portable and have commented on its assets, as well as its deficits. The best advice for reading and sorting through all of the reviews and discussions is to find a reliable website or company that has an unbiased opinion.

There is a great reliable website to find the latest PSP reviews. Cnet.com offers members the chance to sound off on the things they like and dislike about the new PSP system. The staff also reviews the new console and new Playstation Portable games. However, you do need to take some of the member reviews with a grain of salt. Many of the reviews posted offered no tips or reasons behind their dislikes, so you will have to weed through the fluff in order to find the substance.

Cnet gave a positive review of the graphics and gaming abilities of the Sony PSP Playstation Portable. But, they found that the multimedia functions left a lot to be desired. The problem, as stated by the reviewer, was the impossibly long load times and the expensive memory cards. Cnet's members gave the PSP a score of 7.8 out of 10. Members cited problems with the gaming discs, size, battery life and audio as key factors in their less than stellar praise of Sony's latest endeavor. But keep in mind that unlike professional reviews, personal reviews can be based on preference for another gaming system.

PSP reviews can help shed some light on issues that you may want to seriously consider before purchasing a new Playstation Portable system. Even if you decide to go ahead and make the purchase, you will have educated yourself on the potential negatives surrounding the gaming console. Become an educated consumer and read the opinions of others before making one yourself.

There has been, and always will be, a gamer that has not at one time or another become frustrated with their gaming system. Perhaps the hard drive is broken. It may be that the USB port has become corrupted. There is not a gaming system in the world that occasionally does not have problems and the PSP system is no exception to this rule. Most users of Sony's Playstation Portable will need some PSP help at some time or another.

There are many reasons you might need some help and support with your Sony portable playstation. It may be a game Playstation Portable is having trouble playing. It could experiencing extremely slow loading times. It may even be a technical problem with the LCD screen. Whatever the reason, you must know where to go to find the right support to help you with your problem. Let's be honest, most people lose the paperwork that comes with their electronic equipment. So, you have to know where to turn to for help when the need arises.

Before you visit a plethora of gaming websites, the first stop you need to make for PSP help is the Sony website. The website presents you with a screen where you have options to narrow down the search for the problem you are having. For example, if you know it is a problem with slow loading time, go into the technical support area and search for memory problems.

Before you begin emailing or calling customer support, do everyone a big favor by taking a look around and then try to troubleshoot the issue yourself. There is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, as well as manuals to explain the basic operation of the Playstation Portable. If you do not know how to work the game system, it will not do you much good to call customer support. Take the time and read up on how to work your PSP system before going any farther.

If the Sony PSP help pages do not answer the questions you have, then you may need to find additional resources. You can always call the technical support hotline, but be prepared to have a lengthy phone call. The lines are often backed up and you can find yourself on hold for quite some time. You may also be transferred to different departments. Another option is to google your particular problem. It can be frustrating, but at least you will know where to go the next time you have a question or concern.