Editing PlayStation Portable

{{Infobox information appliance
| logo = [[File:PSP Logo.svg|250px]]
| image = [[File:Psp-1000.jpg|border|320px|Original Model PSP (PSP-1000)]]
| caption = Logo and original model of the PSP
| developer = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| manufacturer = [[Sony]]
| family = [[PlayStation]]
| type = [[Handheld game console]]
| generation = [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|Seventh generation]]
| lifespan = 
| release date = {{vgrelease|JP|December 12, 2004|NA|March 24, 2005|BR|March 24, 2005|INA|March 24, 2005|EU|September 1, 2005|[[Asia|AS]]|September 1, 2005|[[Africa|AF]]|September 1, 2005|AUS|September 1, 2005}}
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|NA|January 2014|JP|June 2014|PAL|December 2014}}
| media = [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]], [[digital distribution]]
| os = [[PlayStation Portable system software]]
| storage = [[Memory Stick]] Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo<br>PSP Go: [[Memory Stick#Memory Stick Micro (M2)|Memory Stick Micro (M2)]] and 16&nbsp;GB flash memory
| display = 480&nbsp;×&nbsp;272 pixels with [[24-bit color]], 30:17 widescreen TFT [[LCD]]<br>PSP Go: {{convert|3.8|in|mm|abbr=on}}<br>other models: {{convert|4.3|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| sound = Stereo speakers, mono speaker (PSP-E1000), microphone (PSP-3000, PSP Go), 3.5&nbsp;mm headphone jack
| connectivity = [[Wi-Fi]] ([[IEEE 802.11b-1999|802.11b]]) <small>(except PSP-E1000)</small>, [[Infrared Data Association|IrDA]] <small>(PSP-1000)</small>, [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]], [[Bluetooth]] <small>(PSP Go)</small>
| dimensions = <small>'''PSP-1000:'''<br />{{convert|74|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(h)''<br />{{convert|170|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(w)''<br />{{convert|23|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(d)''<br />'''PSP2000/3000:'''<br />{{convert|71|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(h)''<br />{{convert|169|mm|in|abbr=on}} ''(w)''<br />{{convert|19|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(d)''<br />'''PSP Go:'''<br />{{convert|69|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(h)''<br />{{convert|128|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(w)''<br />{{convert|16.5|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(d)''<br />'''PSP E1000:'''<br />{{convert|73|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(h)''<br />{{convert|172|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(w)''<br />{{convert|21.5|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''(d)''<br /></small>
| weight = <small>'''PSP1000:'''<br />{{convert|280|g|oz|order=flip}}<br />'''PSP2000/3000:'''<br />{{convert|189|g|oz|order=flip}}<br />'''PSP Go:'''<br />{{convert|158|g|oz|order=flip}}<br />'''PSP E1000:'''<br />{{convert|223|g|oz|order=flip}}</small>
| compatibility= [[PlayStation (console)|PS one]] <small>(download only)</small>
| successor = [[PlayStation Vita]]
| title = PlayStation Portable
| CPU = 333 MHz [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] [[R4000]]
| RAM = 32&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] <small>(PSP-1000)</small>; 64&nbsp;MB <small>(2000, 3000, Go, E1000)</small>
| onlineservice = [[PlayStation Network]]
| unitssold = Worldwide: ~ 82 million (as of Nov 2013)
| topgame = ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]]'' (7.6 million) <small>(as of Oct 2015)</small>
}}

=Introduction=

The '''PlayStation Portable'''{{efn|[[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{nihongo|<!-- leave this blank; see template instructions -->|?????????·?????|Pureisuteshon Potaburu}}<!-- See [[WP:JFN]] -->}} ('''PSP''') is a [[handheld game console]] developed by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]. It primarily competed with the [[Nintendo DS]], as part of the [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation]] of video game consoles. Development of the handheld was announced during [[E3&nbsp;2003]], and it was unveiled on {{Nowrap|May 11}}, 2004, at a Sony press conference before the [[E3 2004|next E3]]. The system was released in Japan on {{Nowrap|December 12}}, 2004, in North America on {{Nowrap|March 24}}, 2005, and in the [[PAL region]] on {{Nowrap|September 1}}, 2005.

The PlayStation Portable was the most powerful portable console when launched. It was the first real competitor to Nintendo's handheld domination, where many challengers, like [[SNK]]'s [[Neo Geo Pocket]] and [[Nokia]]'s [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]], had failed. Its high-end graphics made the PlayStation Portable a major mobile entertainment device. It also features connectivity with the [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Macintosh|Mac]], other PSPs and the [[Internet]]. It is the only handheld console to use an optical disc format, [[Universal Media Disc]] (UMD), as its primary storage medium. The PlayStation Portable was met with positive reception by most video game critics. The PlayStation Portable sold 76&nbsp;million units as of 2012.

Several different models were released. The PSP line was succeeded by the [[PlayStation Vita]], released in December 2011 in Japan, and in February 2012 worldwide. The Vita features [[backward compatibility]] with many PlayStation Portable games digitally released on the [[PlayStation Network]], via the [[PlayStation Store]]. This is the primary method to purchase PlayStation Portable games digitally after Sony shut down access to the PlayStation Store via PSP on March 31, 2016. Hardware shipments ended worldwide throughout 2014, with the PSP having sold 80 million units in its 10-year lifetime. Production of UMDs ended with the closure of the last Japanese factory in late 2016.

=Specifications=

==Hardware==
{{Main|PlayStation Portable hardware}}
[[File:Psp-1000.jpg|thumb|A PSP-1000: the shoulder buttons are on top, the directional pad on the left with the analog "nub" directly below it, the PlayStation face buttons on the right and a row of secondary buttons below the screen.]]
The PlayStation Portable uses the common "slab" or "[[Bar (form)|candybar]]" form factor. The original measures approximately {{convert|6.7|by|2.9|by|0.9|in|mm}}, and weighs {{convert|280|g|oz|order=flip}}. The front of the console is dominated by the system's {{convert|4.3|in|mm|adj=on}} [[LCD]] screen, which is capable of 480&nbsp;× 272&nbsp;pixel video playback with [[24-bit color]], notably outperforming the Nintendo DS. Also on the front are the four PlayStation face buttons ([[File:PlayStationTriangle.svg|Triangle]], [[File:PlayStationCircle.svg|Circle]], [[File:PlayStationX.svg|X]], [[File:PlayStationSquare.svg|Square]]), the directional pad, the analog "nub", and several other buttons. In addition, the system includes two shoulder buttons and a [[USB 2.0|USB 2.0 mini-B]] port on the top of the console and a [[Wireless LAN Network|WLAN]] switch and power cable input on the bottom. The back of the PSP features a read-only [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]] drive for movies and games, and a reader compatible with Sony's [[Memory Stick|Memory Stick Duo]] [[flash memory|flash cards]] is located on the left of the system. Other features include an [[Infrared Data Association|IrDA]]-compatible infrared port and a two-pin docking connector (discontinued in PSP-2000 and later), built-in stereo speakers and headphone port, and [[IEEE 802.11b-1999|IEEE 802.11b]] [[Wi-Fi]] for access to the [[Internet]], ad-hoc multiplayer gaming, and data transfer.

The PSP uses one 333&nbsp;[[Hertz|MHz]] [[MIPS architecture|MIPS32]] R4000-based [[Central processing unit|CPU]], a [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]] with 2&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] onboard [[Dynamic random access memory#Video DRAM (VRAM)|VRAM]] running at 166&nbsp;MHz, and includes 32&nbsp;MB main [[Random access memory|RAM]] and 4&nbsp;MB embedded [[Dynamic random access memory|DRAM]] in total. The hardware was originally forced to run more slowly than it was capable of and most games ran at 222&nbsp;MHz. However, with firmware update 3.50 on May 31, 2007, Sony removed this limit and allowed new games to run at a full 333&nbsp;MHz.

The PSP is powered by an 1800&nbsp;mAh battery (1200&nbsp;mAh on the 2000 and 3000 models) that will provide about 4–6&nbsp;hours of gameplay, 4–5&nbsp;hours of video playback, or 8–11&nbsp;hours of audio playback.

==Software==
===System Software===
{{Main|PlayStation Portable system software}}
{{See also|XrossMediaBar#PlayStation Portable}}

The PSP runs a custom operating system referred to as the System Software, which can be updated over the Internet or by loading an update from a Memory Stick or UMD. The software cannot be downgraded.

While System Software updates can be used with consoles from any region, Sony recommends only downloading updates released for the model's region. System Software updates have added features including a web browser; [[Adobe Flash Player|Adobe Flash]] support; additional codecs for images, audio and video; [[PlayStation 3]] connectivity; and patches against security exploits, vulnerabilities and execution of [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] programs. The most recent version is 6.61, released on January 15, 2015.

==Designs==

===PSP-2000===
The PSP-2000 (marketed in PAL areas as "PSP Slim & Lite") is the first redesign of the PlayStation Portable. At [[E3&nbsp;2007]], Sony released information about a slimmer and lighter version. It was released on August 30 in Hong Kong, {{Nowrap|September 5}} in Europe, {{Nowrap|September 6}} in North America, {{Nowrap|September 7}} in South Korea and {{Nowrap|September 12}} in Australia.

The PSP-2000 system is slimmer and lighter than the original PSP—reduced from {{convert|23|to|18.6|mm|in|order=flip}} and from {{convert|9.87|to|6.66|oz|g}}. 

The serial port was modified in order to accommodate a new video-out feature (rendering older PSP remote controls incompatible). On the PSP-2000, games will only output to external monitors or TVs in [[progressive scan]] mode. (Non-game video outputs work in either progressive or [[interlaced video|interlaced]] mode.) [[USB]] charging was made possible, and the D-Pad was raised in response to complaints of poor performance, while buttons offer improved responsiveness.

[[File:PSP Slim MS Slot.JPG|left|thumb|[[Memory Stick#Memory Stick Duo and PRO Duo|Memory Stick PRO Duo]] Slot on a ''[[Final Fantasy&nbsp;VII: Crisis Core]]'' edition PSP Slim ]]

Other changes include improved [[Wireless LAN|WLAN]] modules and [[micro-controller]], and a thinner and much brighter [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]]. To improve the original PSP's poor load times of UMD games, the internal memory ([[RAM]] and [[Flash ROM]]) was doubled from 32&nbsp;MB to 64&nbsp;MB, with a part of it now acting as a cache, also improving the web browser's performance.

===PSP-3000===
In comparison to the PSP-2000, the 3000 (marketed in PAL areas as "PSP Slim & Lite" or "PSP Brite") has an improved LCD screen featuring an increased color range, five times the contrast ratio, half the [[pixel response time]], new sub-pixel structure, and anti-reflective technology to reduce outdoor glare. The disc tray, logos and buttons were all redesigned and the system now has a microphone. In addition, all games may now be output by [[component video|component]] or [[composite video|composite]] using the [[video-in video-out|video-out]] cable. Some outlets called this "a minor upgrade".

The PSP-3000 was released on October 14, 2008, in North America, {{Nowrap|October 16}} in Japan, {{Nowrap|October 17}} in Europe, {{Nowrap|October 23}} in Australia. In its first four days on sale in Japan, the PSP-3000 sold 141,270 units, according to ''[[Famitsu]]''. It sold 267,000 units throughout October.

On release, an issue with interlacing was noticed on the PSP-3000 screen when objects were in motion. Sony announced that it would not be fixed.

===PSP Go (N1000)===
[[File:PSP Go logo.svg|thumb|Logo for PSP Go]]
The PSP Go (model PSP-N1000) was released on October 1, 2009, in North American and European territories, and on November 1 in Japan. It was revealed prior to [[E3&nbsp;2009]] through Sony's [[Qore (PlayStation Network)|Qore]] [[Video on demand|VOD]] service. Its design is significantly different from other PSPs.

The unit is 43% lighter and 56% smaller than the original PSP-1000, and 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000. Its rechargeable battery is not intended to be removable by the user. It has a {{convert|3.8|in|mm|adj=on}} 480&nbsp;×&nbsp;272 pixel [[liquid-crystal display|LCD screen]] The screen slides up to reveal the main controls. The overall shape and sliding mechanism are similar to that of Sony's [[mylo (Sony)|mylo COM-2]] Internet device.

[[File:PSP-Go-FL.jpg|left|thumb|Front view of a closed PSP Go]]
The PSP Go features [[IEEE 802.11b-1999|802.11b]] [[Wi-Fi]] like its predecessors, but replaced its USB port with a proprietary connector. A compatible cable that connects to other devices' USB ports is included with the unit. The new multi-use connector allows for video and sound output with the same connector (using an optional [[Composite video|composite]] or [[Component video|component]] AV cable). Sony also offers a cradle (PSP-N340) for charging, video out and USB data transfer on the PSP Go, similar to previous offerings. The PSP Go adds support for [[Bluetooth]] connectivity, which enables playing games using a [[Sixaxis]] or [[DualShock 3]] PlayStation 3 controller. The use of the cradle along with the controller allow players to use the PSP Go as a portable device and as a console, although the output is not upscaled. PlayStation 1 games can be played in full screen using the AV/component cable or  cradle.

The PSP Go lacks a UMD drive, but instead has 16&nbsp;GB of internal [[flash memory]]. (This can be extended by up to 32&nbsp;GB with the use of a [[Memory Stick#Memory Stick Micro (M2)|Memory Stick Micro (M2)]].) Games must be downloaded from the [[PlayStation Store]]; a demo version of ''[[Patapon 2]]'' comes loaded onto the system. The removal of the UMD drive effectively region-locks the unit due because it must be linked to a single region-locked PlayStation Network account. The PSP Go can directly download to itself, or users can also download then transfer games from a [[PlayStation 3]] or the [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]-based [[Media Go]] software.

All downloadable PSP and PlayStation games available for older PSP models are compatible with the PSP Go. Sony confirmed that almost all UMD-based PSP games released after October 1, 2009, would be available for download, and that a majority of older UMD-only games would also be downloadable.

In February 2010, it was reported that Sony might re-launch the PSP Go due to the lack of consumer interest and poor sales. Sony began bundling it with 10 free downloadable games in June 2010; the same offer was made available in Australia in July. Three free games were offered for the PSP Go in America. Sony announced a price drop for the PSP Go in October 2010.

On April 20, 2011, the manufacturer announced that the PSP Go would be discontinued outside of North America so that it could concentrate on the [[PlayStation Vita]].

==={{anchor|PSP-E1000}}PSP Street (E1000)===
Announced at [[Gamescom#Gamescom 2011|Gamescom 2011]], the PSP-E1000 is a budget-focused model released across the [[PAL region]] on October 26 of that year. The E1000 does not feature Wi-Fi capability and has a matte charcoal black finish similar to the slim PlayStation 3. It features a mono speaker instead of the previous models' stereo speakers and lacks a microphone. An ice white version was released in PAL territories on July 20, 2012.

===Battery===
[[File:Psp-battery-types.jpg|right|thumb|Two different battery size standards]]
To make the unit slimmer, the capacity of the battery was reduced from 1800&nbsp;[[Ampere hour|mAh]] to 1200&nbsp;mAh in the PSP-2000 and 3000 models. However, due to more efficient power use, the expected play time is the same. The old high-capacity batteries work on the newer models, for increased playing time, though the battery cover will not fit. The batteries take about 1.5 hours to charge and last roughly 4.5–7 hours depending on factors such as screen brightness settings, [[Wireless LAN|WLAN]] and volume levels.

In March 2008 Sony released the Extended Life Battery Kit in Japan, which includes a bulkier 2200&nbsp;mAh battery with a fitting cover. In Japan the kit was sold with a specific cover color matching the many PSP variations available; the North American kit released in December 2008 came with two new covers, one black and one silver.

===Bundles and colors===
The PSP was sold in four main configurations. The Base Pack (called the Core Pack in North America) contained the console, a battery and an AC adapter. This version was available at launch in Japan and released later in North America and Europe.

Many limited editions of the PSP were bundled with accessories, games, or movies. Limited-edition models began being released in Japan on {{Nowrap|September 12}}, 2007; North America and Europe on {{Nowrap|September 5}}; Australia on {{Nowrap|September 12}}, and the UK on {{Nowrap|October 26}}. The PSP-2000 was made available in piano back, ceramic white, ice silver, mint green, felicia blue, lavender purple, deep red, matte bronze, metallic blue and rose pink as standard colors, and had several special-edition-colored and finished consoles for games including ''[[Final Fantasy&nbsp;VII: Crisis Core]]'' (ice silver engraved), ''[[Star Ocean: First Departure]]'' (felicia blue engraved), ''[[Gundam]]'' (red gloss/matte black), and ''[[Monster Hunter Freedom]]'' (gold silkscreened) in Japan, ''[[Star Wars]]'' (Darth Vader silkscreened) and ''[[God of War: Chains of Olympus]]'' (Kratos silkscreened) in North America, ''[[The Simpsons]]'' (bright yellow with white buttons, analog and disc tray) in Australia and New Zealand, and ''[[Spider-Man]]'' (red gloss/matte black) in Europe.

The PSP-3000 was made available in piano black, pearl white, mystic silver, radiant red, vibrant blue, spirited green, blossom pink, turquoise green and lilac purple. The limited edition "Big Boss Pack" of ''[[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker]]'' came in a camouflage pattern while the ''[[God of War: Ghost of Sparta]]'' bundle pack included a black-and-red two-toned PSP. The ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]'' Cosmos & Chaos edition, released March 3, 2011, has an Amano artwork as the PSP's face plate.

Below are the comparison of the different Playstation Portable models:

{{List of PSP Models}}

==Homebrew development and custom firmware==
{{Main|PlayStation Portable homebrew|Custom firmware}}
[[File:PSP-Homebrew.jpeg|thumb|PSP-Homebrew]]
On June 15, 2005, hackers disassembled the code of the PSP and distributed it online. Initially the modified PSP allowed users to run custom code and a limited amount of protected software. These included custom-made PSP applications such as a calculator or file manager. Sony responded to this by repeatedly upgrading the software.

Over time people were able to unlock the firmware and allow users to run more custom content and [[digital rights management|DRM]]-restricted software. One of the ways hackers were able to run protected software on the PSP was through the creation of ISO loaders which could load copies of UMD games from the memory stick. [[Custom firmware]] including the M33 Custom Firmware, Minimum Edition (ME/LME) CFW and the PRO CFWl are also commonly seen in the PSP systems.
<!--The PlayStation Portable homebrew article, not here, is the place to cover the latest developments, history of homebrew, and what can be done with homebrew software.-->

==Peripherals==
Official accessories for the console include an AC adapter, car adapter, headset, headphones with remote control, extended-life 2200&nbsp;mAh battery, battery charger, carrying case, accessories pouch and cleaning cloth, and system pouch and wrist strap.

A [[1seg]] TV tuner peripheral (model PSP-S310), designed specifically for the PSP-2000, was released in Japan on {{Nowrap|September 20}}, 2007.

[[File:PSP-Component-Cables.jpg|thumb|Component cable, which allows PSP-2000 and 3000 models to output analog stereo audio and analog component ([[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]]) video]]
Sony sold a [[GPS]] Accessory for the PSP-2000, which was released first in Japan and announced for the United States in 2008. It features maps on a UMD, and offers driving directions and city guides.

After the discontinuation of PSP, the Chinese electronics company Lenkeng released a PSP to HDMI converter called the LKV-8000. The device is compatible with the PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP Go. To overcome the problems of PSP games being displayed in a small window surrounded by a black border, the LKV-8000 featured a zoom button on the connector itself. A few other Chinese companies have released clones of this upscaler under different names, like the Pyle PSPHD42. The LKV-8000 and its variants have become popular among players and reviewers as the only means of playing and recording PSP gameplay on a large screen.


===Web browser===
{{See also|PlayStation Portable system software#Web browser}}
[[File:PSP Browser.jpg|thumb|Web browser on a PSP-1000]]
The PSP Internet Browser is a version of the [[NetFront]] browser and came with the system via an update. The browser supports most common web technologies, such as [[HTTP cookie]]s, [[form (web)|forms]], [[Cascading Style Sheets|CSS]] and basic [[JavaScript]]. It features limited [[tabbed document interface|tabbed browsing]], with a maximum of three tabs.

===Remote Play===
<!--[[File:Ps store remoteplay.jpg|thumb|The [[PlayStation Store]] for [[PlayStation 3|PS3]] displayed on a PSP via [[Remote Play]] {{Pufc|1=Ps store remoteplay.jpg|date=January 13, 2011}}]]-->
{{Main|Remote Play}}
Remote Play allows the PSP to access many features of a [[PlayStation 3]] console from a remote location using the PS3's [[Wireless LAN|WLAN]] capabilities, a home network, or the [[Internet]]. Features that can be used with Remote Play include viewing photos, listening to music and watching videos stored on the PS3 or connected USB devices. Additionally, Remote Play allows the PS3 to be turned on and off remotely and lets PSP to control audio playback from the PS3 to a home theater system. Although most of the PS3's capabilities are accessible with Remote Play, playback of [[DVD]]s, Blu-ray Discs, [[PlayStation 2]] games, most PlayStation 3 games and copy-protected files stored on the hard drive are not supported.

===VoIP access===
Starting with system software version 3.90, the PSP-2000, 3000 and Go can use the [[Skype]] [[VoIP]] service. Due to hardware constraints it is not possible to use the service on the PSP-1000. The service allows Skype calls to be made over Wi-Fi and, on the Go, over the Bluetooth modem. Users must purchase Skype credit in order to make telephone calls.

===Room for PlayStation Portable===
{{Main|Room for PlayStation Portable}}
It was announced at [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2009 that a similar service to [[PlayStation Home]], the PlayStation 3's online community-based service, was being developed for the PSP. Named "Room" (stylized ''R8M''), it was being beta tested in Japan from October 2009 to April 2010. It was able to be launched directly from the PlayStation Network section of the [[XMB]]. Just like in Home, PSP owners would have been able to invite other PSP owners into their rooms to "enjoy real time communication". Development of Room halted on {{Nowrap|April 15}}, 2010, due to feedback from the community.

===Digital Comics Reader===
Sony partnered with publishers such as [[Rebellion Developments]], [[Disney]], [[IDW Publishing]], [[Insomnia Publications|Insomnia]], iVerse, [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] and [[Titan Books|Titan]] to release digitized comics on the PlayStation Store. The Digital Comics Reader application required PSP firmware 6.20.

The PlayStation Store's "Comic" section premiered in Japan on {{Nowrap|December 10}}, 2009, with licensed publishers [[ASCII Media Works]], [[Enterbrain]], [[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]], [[Kodansha]], [[Shueisha]], [[Shogakukan]], [[Square-Enix]], [[Softbank Creative]] (HQ Comics), [[Hakusensha]], [[Bandai Visual]], Fujimishobo, [[Futabasha]] and Bunkasha. It launched in the United States and English-speaking PAL countries on {{Nowrap|December 16}}, 2009, though the first issues of ''Aleister Arcane'', ''[[Astro Boy|Astro Boy: Movie Adaptation]]'', ''[[Star Trek|Star Trek: Enterprise Experiment]]'' and ''[[Transformers|Transformers: All Hail Megatron]]'' were made available as early as {{Nowrap|November 20}} through limited-time PlayStation Network redeem codes. In early 2010 the application expanded to the German, French, Spanish and Italian languages. The choice of regional Comic Reader software is dictated by the PSP's firmware region, thus the Japanese Comic Reader will not display comics purchased from the European store, and vice versa.

Sony shut down the Digital Comics service in September 2012.

==Reception and sales==
[[File:PSP and DS.jpg|thumb|PSP and DS]]
The PSP received generally positive reviews soon after launch and most reviewers cited similar strengths and weaknesses. [[CNET]] awarded the system an 8.5 out of 10 and praised the console's powerful hardware and its multimedia capabilities while lamenting the lack of a guard over the screen or over the reading surface of UMD cartridges. [[Engadget]] applauded the console's design, stating that "it is definitely one well-designed, slick little handheld". [[PC World (magazine)|PC World]] commended [[Sony]]'s decision to include built-in [[Wi-Fi]] capability, but criticized the lack of a web browser at launch and the glare and smudges that resulted from the console's shiny exterior. Most reviewers also praised the console's large and bright viewing screen and its audio and video playback capabilities. In 2008, [[Time (magazine)|Time]] listed the PSP as a "gotta have travel gadget", citing the console's movie selection, telecommunications capability and upcoming GPS functionality.

The PlayStation Portable was initially seen as superior to the Nintendo DS when they first were revealed in early 2004, due to the designers' emphasis on the technical feats of the system. Nintendo of America President Reggie Fil-Aime however focused on the experience aspect of the Nintendo DS. The DS started to pull ahead of the PSP early on due to drawing more third-party developers. The DS sold better in part due the touchscreen, second display and wireless elements.

Reviews of the PSP Go were mixed. It was mainly criticized for its initial pricing, with ''[[Ars Technica]]'' calling it "way too expensive" and ''[[The Guardian]]'' stating that cost was the "biggest issue" facing the machine. [[Engadget]] pointed out that the Go cost only $50 less than the PlayStation 3, which has a [[Blu-ray]] player. [[Wired magazine|''Wired'']] pointed out that the older PSP-3000 model was cheaper, while supporting UMDs, and [[IGN]] stated that the price increase made it a "hard sell". The placement of the analog stick next to the D-pad has also been criticized. Reviewers also commented on the change from a [[mini-USB]] port to a proprietary port, making hardware and cables bought for previous models incompatible. The Go's screen was positively received by ''Ars Technica'' calling the image "brilliant, sharp and clear"; [[T3 magazine|''T3'']] stated that "pictures and videos look great". The controls received mixed reviews, with ''[[The Times]]'' describing them as "instantly familiar" whereas [[CNET]] and [[Stuff (magazine)|''Stuff'']] called the position of the analog stick "awkward". The ability to use a PS3 controller was praised by ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'', but Ars Technica criticized the need to connect the controller and Go to a [[PS3]] for initial setup.''''

By March 31, 2007, the PlayStation Portable had shipped 25.39&nbsp;million units worldwide with 6.92&nbsp;million in Asia, 9.58&nbsp;million in North America, and 8.89&nbsp;million Europe. In Europe, the PSP sold 4&nbsp;million units [[2006 in video gaming#Europe|in 2006]] and 3.1&nbsp;million [[2007 in video gaming#Hardware and software sales|in 2007]] according to estimates by [[Electronic Arts]]. In 2007, the PSP sold {{Nowrap|3.82 million}} units in the US according to the [[NPD Group]] and 3,022,659 in Japan according to [[Enterbrain]]. [[2008 in video gaming#Hardware and software sales|In 2008]], the PSP sold 3,543,171 units in Japan, according to Enterbrain.

<!-- This section is linked from this article's infobox -->
<!--DO NOT CHANGE these numbers without a reference-->
<!--VGCHARTS.COM and NEXGENWARS.COM are NOT reliable sources-->
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|-
! Region !! [[List of million-selling game consoles|Units sold]] !! First available
|-
|Japan
|19 million <small>(as of April 28, 2013)</small>
|December 12, 2004
|-
|United States
|17 million <small>(as of March 14, 2010)</small>
|March 24, 2005
|-
|Europe
|12 million <small>(as of May 6, 2008)</small>
|September 1, 2005
|-
|United Kingdom
|3.2 million <small>(as of January 3, 2009)</small>
|September 1, 2005
|-
|'''Worldwide'''
|'''76.3 million''' <small>({{as of|2012|03|31|lc=on|df=US}})</small>
| —
|}

In the United States, the PSP has sold 10.47&nbsp;million units as of January 1, 2008, according to the NPD Group. In Japan, during the week of {{Nowrap|March 24}}–30, 2008, the PSP nearly outsold all the other game consoles combined—with 129,986 units sold, some of which were bundled with ''[[Monster Hunter Freedom Unite|Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G]]'', which was the bestselling game in that week, according to [[Media Create]]. As of {{Nowrap|December 28}}, 2008, the PSP has sold 11,078,484 units in Japan, according to Enterbrain. In Europe, the PSP has sold {{Nowrap|12 million}} units as of {{Nowrap|May 6}}, 2008, according to SCE Europe. In the United Kingdom, the PSP has sold {{Nowrap|3.2 million}} units as of {{Nowrap|January 3}}, 2009, according to [[GfK]] [[Chart-Track]].

From 2006 through the third quarter of 2010, PSPs sold a total of 53 million units. In a 2009 interview, Peter Dillon, the senior vice president of marketing at Sony, said that [[piracy]] of videogames was leading to lower sales than hoped. Despite being aimed at a different audience, the PSP competed directly with the Nintendo DS. Over the last few years of its life cycle, sales for the PSPs started to decrease. The PSP sold 80 million fewer units than the Nintendo DS.

==Marketing==
Sony admitted in late 2005 to hiring [[graffiti]] artists to spray paint advertisements for the PSP in seven major U.S. cities including New York City, Atlanta, Philadelphia and San Francisco. According to Sony, it was paying businesses and building owners for the right to spraypaint their walls.
 
A year later, Sony ran a poster campaign in England. One of the poster designs with the slogan "Take a running jump here" was removed from a [[Manchester Piccadilly station]] tram platform due to concerns that it might encourage suicide.

Later in 2006, news spread of a billboard advertisement released in the Netherlands which depicted a white woman holding a black woman by the jaw, saying "PlayStation Portable White is coming." Two similar advertisements existed, one had the two women facing each other on equal footing in fighting stances, while the other had the black woman in a dominant position on top of the white woman. Sony's stated purpose was to contrast the white and black versions of the PSP, but the ads were interpreted as racially charged. These ads were never released in the rest of the world, and were pulled from the Netherlands after the controversy. The advertisement gathered international press coverage. Engadget noted that Sony may have hoped to "capitalize on a PR firestorm".

Sony came under scrutiny online in December 2006 for a [[guerrilla marketing]] campaign, with advertisers masquerading as young bloggers who desperately wanted a PSP. The site was created by advertising firm [[Zipatoni]].