On the Fence re: PSP

[Dealin Rams]

I'm thinking about picking up a PSP since I have a double reward-zone points coupon from Best Buy, but I'm on the fence about it. Any impressions from people who were also on the fence or who weren't into handhelds prior to owning one?

Also, if I were to get it, what are the first 3 - 5 games that should be purchased? Any must-haves?

Finally, do you get everything you need in the box, or do you need to buy extras like batteries, etc?

[Leebo33]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

I'm thinking about picking up a PSP since I have a double reward-zone points coupon from Best Buy, but I'm on the fence about it. Any impressions from people who were also on the fence or who weren't into handhelds prior to owning one?

Also, if I were to get it, what are the first 3 - 5 games that should be purchased? Any must-haves?

Finally, do you get everything you need in the box, or do you need to buy extras like batteries, etc?

I think the PSP is fantasic, however, users must have a need or desire for portable gaming to get maximum enjoyment out of it. It's great for me because I can game while on the road or when others in the house are watching TV. I think the people that have been disappointed most with the PSP are the ones that are looking for a console replacement. The PSP is very good, but it's not a PS2 and it's certainly not an Xbox 360.

Winning Eleven 9 and MLB 06: The Show are must haves for me. I also really like GTA: Liberty City Stories. There are now plenty of good games to choose from based on your preferences (Socom, Daxter, Burnout, Virtua Tennis, etc.).

The only assessory I've ever purchased for my PSP is the Logitech case, which is awesome. I'm still using the 32MB card that came with the kit and it is sufficient for game saves and Internet browsing. I rarely, if ever, game for longer than 3 hours in one day so the original battery is fine. I just charge it overnight once every few days.

BTW, I think the price is dropping to $199 this week or very soon. Not sure what is included for that price though.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

I think the PSP is fantasic, however, users must have a need or desire for portable gaming to get maximum enjoyment out of it. It's great for me because I can game while on the road or when others in the house are watching TV. I think the people that have been disappointed most with the PSP are the ones that are looking for a console replacement. The PSP is very good, but it's not a PS2 and it's certainly not an Xbox 360.

Winning Eleven 9 and MLB 06: The Show are must haves for me. I also really like GTA: Liberty City Stories. There are now plenty of good games to choose from based on your preferences (Socom, Daxter, Burnout, Virtua Tennis, etc.).

The only assessory I've ever purchased for my PSP is the Logitech case, which is awesome. I'm still using the 32MB card that came with the kit and it is sufficient for game saves and Internet browsing. I rarely, if ever, game for longer than 3 hours in one day so the original battery is fine. I just charge it overnight once every few days.

BTW, I think the price is dropping to $199 this week or very soon. Not sure what is included for that price though.

The both times that I had the system, I loved it. I didn't have anytime at all to play it and wanted an MP3 player with a HDD that the PSP really doesn't have unless you buy that add on HDD which is not worth the price imo. If a PSP does release with a HDD like I have heard rumors, than I'll pick one up.

I would recommend the following:

MLB'06
GTA: LCS
Lumines
Ultimate Block Party
Madden (if you buy this, buy it new as the newer versions have all the bugs fixed)
1 or 2 GB Memory Stick


The PSP Core for $199 includes: The Sony PSP, an AC adaptor and battery. This should be available today or tomorrow.

I think that the PSP Core is a better value because then you can buy a larger memory card for the extra $50 they were charging and better headphones.

Gamestop, Best Buy, EB, and etc. should still have plenty of the $249 Value Pack where you get the 32 mb memory card, headphones.

Also, buy the Playgeat Pocket case.

[Dealin Rams]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

Thanks for the post. I am not expecting a console replacement - I already have a 360, which I know I'd always prefer to play given the choice. However, I'm rarely at home long enough to get in more than a 30 - 45 minute block of 360 gaming. Yet there are times when I'm away from home that I'll have similar or longer blocks of free time. That's why I'm considering a portable, even though I've never had one before. PSP obviously seems to be the best portable on the market, but $249 (plus games, accessories, whatever) is a pretty big purchase for me, which is why I'm still on the fence.

I'm not interested in Winning 11, but MLB 06 would be my first-purchase if it's good. Graphics aside, how does it compare with current console baseball games in terms of gameplay? Is it more sim or more arcade? Full season mode?

I've been looking to try and find impressions of MLB 06 and other PSP sports games on this site, but haven't had much luck.

The only other game I know of for the PSP that I'd have my eye on is Splinter Cell Essentials (which came out this week I think?). Any impressions of that? Are there any other games that are must haves for PSP, or games that are coming out soon that people have their eye on?

Finally, I found a link that the PSP is indeed going down to $199 as of March 22nd (today, actually). Has anyone actually seen this new price-drop in stores like Best-Buy? Supposedly the $199 version will come with only the a/c adaptor and battery, and will not include the 32MB card, headphones, or anything else. Is that a big deal??

[CaptainZombie]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

Thanks for the post. I am not expecting a console replacement - I already have a 360, which I know I'd always prefer to play given the choice. However, I'm rarely at home long enough to get in more than a 30 - 45 minute block of 360 gaming. Yet there are times when I'm away from home that I'll have similar or longer blocks of free time. That's why I'm considering a portable, even though I've never had one before. PSP obviously seems to be the best portable on the market, but $249 (plus games, accessories, whatever) is a pretty big purchase for me, which is why I'm still on the fence.

I'm not interested in Winning 11, but MLB 06 would be my first-purchase if it's good. Graphics aside, how does it compare with current console baseball games in terms of gameplay? Is it more sim or more arcade? Full season mode?

I've been looking to try and find impressions of MLB 06 and other PSP sports games on this site, but haven't had much luck.

The only other game I know of for the PSP that I'd have my eye on is Splinter Cell Essentials (which came out this week I think?). Any impressions of that? Are there any other games that are must haves for PSP, or games that are coming out soon that people have their eye on?

Finally, I found a link that the PSP is indeed going down to $199 as of March 22nd (today, actually). Has anyone actually seen this new price-drop in stores like Best-Buy? Supposedly the $199 version will come with only the a/c adaptor and battery, and will not include the 32MB card, headphones, or anything else. Is that a big deal??

You will need a memory card. Headphones you can do without for a bit until you can save and buy a decent pair. I recommend buying the $199 Core and then spending $60-$70 on a 1 gb memory card if you plan to watch movies that you placed on there yourself or music.

If you want just a 32 mb for game saving which will be sufficient, than you can buy one used at Gamestop for:

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=900611

[Erv]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

as long as you like Playstation franchise, it's a good pickup

[Dealin Rams]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

as long as you like Playstation franchise, it's a good pickup

I've never owned a playstation console, only xbox and 360. But I've got nothing against it....all I want is the best bang for my buck.

Anyone able to tell me anything about MLB 06, Splinter Cell Essentials, or any other past, present, or future worthwhile PSP games?

[forensicd]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

I love the psp mainly for watching reruns of family guy and others. Its also great to surf the web on while not on your computer. I use it everyday, and dont even own a game for it!

[freezeframe]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

The PSP is Awesome the memory sticks are getting bigger and bigger so you really dont need a hard drive they are up to 16 gigs now. They are also getting cheaper and cheaper for those memory sticks. It blows that Nintendo system out of the water.

[SportsorDeath]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

MLB 06 The Show is excellent, imo. You should read the impressions from everyone in that specific forum, but you really can't go wrong with it. The gameplay is as smooth as silk.

If you are interested in Splinter Cell, I would also highly recommend picking up the new Siphon Filter game. I haven't really heard one bad thing about it by anyone yet, other than that the single player campaign is a little short for some, but the online play is said to be amazing, and in the short play time I have had with it so far, it has exceeded my expectations.

[Dealin Rams]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

I love the psp mainly for watching reruns of family guy and others. Its also great to surf the web on while not on your computer. I use it everyday, and dont even own a game for it!

See, this shows how little I know. I wasn't even aware the PSP has these capabilities. Outside of games, all I knew was that you can watch UMD movies (which seems a bit pricey to me, since I don't like having movie collections) on it.

So can someone fill me in on other PSP features? How do you watch Family Guy on it? How do you surf the web?? I assume surfing the web involves extra fees or something?

I also heard the Syphon Filter game was good, but I know nothing about it.

[Rook]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

I am actually on my second PSP (traded the 1st one in a long time ago because I realized I hadn't played it over a two month period). It is really picking up some steam right now with a lot of quality games coming out. Along with the constant supply of new movies and the ability to use it as an MP3 player I would definitely recommend it. The games I would look at getting are...

Lumines - IMO the first great game for the system and very addictive.

GTA: LCS - Honestly not much different than the PS2 versions as far gameplay goes which made it a must buy for me.

MLB '06 - Very good baseball game that exceeded my expectations, I am hooked on career mode. Now if they'd only give in and call me up to the bigs!

Syphon Filter - VERY good game. I've only logged about 2 hours into it so far but it is very fun after you get used to the controls.

Daxter - I would have to say the same thing here as I said for Syphon Filter besides the controls comment. If you liked the Jak games you'll feel at home here.

Those are the top five that are coming to mind right now. If you are into RPG's you might like Popolocrois or even Tales of Eternia if you're willing to import.

[RoyalBoyle78]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

where's backbreaker.......LOL

[backbreaker]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

where's backbreaker.......LOL

I'm right here, at my desk surfing the net and playing MLB 06 the show.

If you're like me I vanpool and 4 of the riders have PSP's its great for me. I don't game like I use too so the gaming I do log is on PSP

Syphon Filter, the new re-release madden, exit great puzzler ect...

Here's the catch buy it now, because it has location free and the PS3 will act as a base station. What does that mean you can watch and control your television or you can stream video from your hard drive.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: On the Fence re: PSP

The PSP is Awesome the memory sticks are getting bigger and bigger so you really dont need a hard drive they are up to 16 gigs now. They are also getting cheaper and cheaper for those memory sticks. It blows that Nintendo system out of the water.

Where did you see 16 gb mem stick for psp?