E3 2004: PlayStation Portable Hands-On

Sony created a portable so wonderful that Nintendo actually took notice. We get to grips with PSP.

While Nintendo's DS offers some very clever innovations, Sony's Playstation Portable is the next practical step-up in gaming on the go; a powerful console in the form of a sleek portable. One glance at the near PS2-quality graphics or the large 16x9 screen and it's obvious that this is the best looking portable, ever.

Shown at E3 in either black or white cases, the PSP is sexy yet basic. The thin design of the case makes the unit look more modern than the DS, while the clear plastic shoulder buttons perfectly accent the large, sharp screen. Ah yes, the screen. If Sony insists on pricing its PSP in the $300 range... the bright, evenly lit, high-resolutio TFT screen goes a long way in justifying the price. Games look amazing on this 480 x 272 pixel, 16.77 million color beauty of a screen.

SCEA's Kaz Hirai parades the new PSP at Sony's Pre-E3 Briefing

Controls of the system are also very practical, with the standard four action buttons, two shoulder buttons, and both a directional pad and an analog stick (found on the lower left corner.) But the analog stick is not typical. Instead of a stick we actually get a sliding button. Yes, a sliding analog button. At first glance I was skeptical of the sliding button, but after spending some time controlling characters with the button I grew to love it. It controls very naturally. Also included on the bottom face of the PSP are volume buttons, a start and select button, and two added feature buttons.

The portable also comes equipped with diverse input/output connectors such as USB 2.0, and 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN, opening up a wealth of connectivity possibilities. But developers are also making use of PSP's ability to deliver online gaming connect to other PSPs locally.

A big spectacle for a small machine, and fully deserved

The extra width of the portable wasn't overwhelming in the control department, in fact it was quite a bit more comfortable for my hands than the Dual Shock controller. The PSP also seemed durable, an early concern of mine. Surely the larger screen surface increases the chances of accidental damage, but the sliding button replacing an analog stick prevents the possibility of ruining the portable by getting a drop of soda under the stick (something kid brothers seem especially good at) or packing it too tightly causing damage to an erect stick. [You can't use that word - Ed]

With the possibility of watching movies, playing music, and a host of other activities on the device, the PSP seems to have what it takes to stand the test of time. And after spending some time with both the DS and PSP, I have to say that the modern gamer in me is more attracted to the Sony, while the classic gamer in me is more attracted to the DS. Sony has made an attractive, aggressive portable that will certainly give Nintendo a run for its money in the market. And we all know that competition is good news for gamers.

We'll have much more on PSP and its games right here, so stay with us as we slowly approach the Q4 Japanese release date, followed by western release in Spring 2005.

Carl Johnson
Staff Writer, Kikizo.com