Sony have entered the handheld console market with the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable). The PSP is what it says, a PlayStation compacted to the size of a handheld. This is shown by its supreme power of two 64-bit chips, which out powers its main rival the Nintendo DS.

The Nintendo DS however is very different to the PSP. It has many features that the PSP does not have, including folding out – this time to reveal two separate screens that can be very useful to spread the information between. Also there is a touch screen feature which is unique and very useful in the types of game that have been generated for it. It should be noted that the Nintendo DS should not be dismissed as a ‘kids console’ and is a suitable alternative with far more innovative games. However, the PSP is targeted at those who love the experience of PlayStation’s of the past (but on the move).

The Sony PSP uses a UMD (Universal Media Disc) which means this disc can be used all around the world and does not have restrictions regionally which hampers the use of DVD-style discs, like in the PS2- this also means that music and video can be played, increasing the PSP’s functionality.

The main problem that will face most buyers, as with all of Sony’s consoles, is its high price. On release it retailed at around £200 – which is pretty hefty for a handheld. Comparing it to the Nintendo DS it was almost half the price. My feeling is that why buy a handheld console at this price when you can buy a standard-sized console (i.e. the PS3) with a far better resolution, screen, and overall better specs at a slightly higher price a year later? Having said that, a handheld is ultimately bought for its mobility – but at this price?

October 2009, saw the launch of the PSP Go, a sliding version of the original. This gives a more ergonomic layout and leaves the screen at a higher position, which also helps the gaming experience.

The PSP Go is also shipped with a massive 16 GB internal storage – which gives you the option to add other media files to it. One downside, is that the screen is reduced in size (from the original’s 4.3″ to 3.8″), however this is not a massive concern as it is still reasonable at 3.8″ and, as the resolution stays the same it would mean that the graphics would appear to the eye to be slightly better.

If the extra features tempt you and are willing to pay the price, this may be the handheld to go for. The PSP is aesthetically better, more powerful than the Nintendo DS. But its expense must be the overiding factor to take in to consideration.