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The biggest worry with the PSP is damaging it – especially scratching that lovely screen. My Value Pack came with a padded carrying pouch to protect the unit, and this is most definitely a “must have” item. You’d only need to put the PSP in your bag unprotected once in order for that screen to get ruined – something that’s been the bane of many an iPod. There are already third party screen protectors available, and I can see myself investing in one of these very soon.

Of course with all of this power, stylish design and generous feature set on offer, the PSP isn’t going to be cheap – but ultimately cost must be seen as relative to the product. The PSP will go on sale in the UK for £179.99, which, in my mind at least, is an absolute steal for such an advanced device. I bought my import unit from Hong Kong based Internet supplier Lik-Sang, and paid £234 WAY back in January, which is a fair price considering the demand back then. I ordered the PSP on a Wednesday and it arrived at my door on the following Monday – not bad, although I also got stung for VAT and duty.

If, like me, you’ve been trying to lower your expectations of the PSP for fear of disappointment, don’t worry. The PSP is an awesome product, and anyone with an interest in gaming, or even just consumer electronics devices needs one in their bag at all times.

But thinking of the PSP only as a mobile gaming device is missing the point slightly. OK, it’s an awesome bit of kit to be carrying with you where ever you go, but it’s just as compelling when you’re sitting at home. In my living room I have a UK Xbox, a US Xbox, a PlayStation 2 and a GameCube, but I still find myself sitting on my sofa playing my PSP instead – yes, it really is that good.

Verdict

Sony has redefined mobile gaming with the PlayStation Portable. I never imagined that the PSP would be this good, and this is one product that has to be seen to be believed. When Sony released the original PlayStation, the balance of power in console gaming shifted away from Nintendo. Now that the PSP is here, I expect to see the same thing happen in the hand-held gaming market.

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