Sony PSP Technical Specifications
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Year of Release: 2004 (Japan), 2005 (Worldwide)
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Screen: 4.3-inch TFT LCD display, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 480 x 272 pixel resolution (16.77 million colors)
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Processor: Custom MIPS R4000-based Allegrex CPU (configurable from 1 to 333 MHz)
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RAM: 32MB main memory (64MB in PSP-2000, 3000, and Go), 4MB embedded VRAM
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Storage: No internal flash storage for user data on standard models (expandable via Memory Stick Duo slot; PSP Go features 16GB internal flash storage)
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Media Drive: Proprietary UMD (Universal Media Disc) drive, 1.8GB capacity (ditched on PSP Go)
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Battery: 1800 mAh removable lithium-ion battery (approx. 3 to 6 hours of gameplay depending on brightness and UMD usage; upgraded/changed in later revisions)
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b, USB 2.0 (Mini-B), Infrared (IR) port (removed on later models), Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
Design
The Sony PSP features a premium, sleek slab form factor built around its massive central widescreen display. The original handheld device uses a high-gloss polycarbonate finish that emphasizes a modern, high-tech aesthetic. The lower section of the face houses a responsive digital D-pad on the left, Sony’s signature geometric action buttons on the right, and a dedicated analog "Circle Pad" nub underneath the D-pad for precise 3D movement. The top edge includes physical left and right shoulder buttons alongside the latched door for loading UMD cartridges. At approximately 280 grams, the original console carries a substantial, solid weight that balances comfortably in two hands during extended play sessions.
Displays
The primary display is a high-resolution 4.3-inch transreflective TFT LCD panel that sets a benchmark for visual fidelity in mobile gaming. Operating at a native widescreen resolution of 480 x 272 pixels, it delivers crisp line work and vibrant 24-bit color reproduction. The screen features four distinct levels of brightness adjustment to adapt to changing ambient light conditions. This large visual footprint allows complex user interfaces, expansive field-of-view tracking, and multimedia playback to remain perfectly legible, entirely contrasting the smaller, square screens of contemporary handheld competitors.
Performance
The internal architecture relies on a specialized MIPS R4000 32-bit core alongside a dedicated Media Engine and a high-performance Graphics Core running at 166 MHz. This custom hardware setup achieves hardware-accelerated transform and lighting (T&L), custom texture mapping, and complex surface clipping. The system memory architecture allows the console to render complex, console-quality 3D polygons and high-fidelity environments in real time. Wireless infrastructure allows for both ad-hoc local matchmaking with nearby units and infrastructure-mode connections to standard wireless access points for internet browsing and network multiplayer.
Battery and Charging
The hardware is powered by a high-capacity 1800 mAh removable lithium-ion battery pack designed to handle the simultaneous demands of the backlit LCD panel and the physical spinning laser assembly of the UMD drive. Continuous gameplay utilizing physical media yields between 3 and 6 hours of continuous operation. Charging the device from 0% to 100% capacity requires roughly 2.5 hours via the barrel-style yellow DC 5V charging port situated on the bottom right corner of the chassis, or alternatively via mini-USB when connected to a computer.
Media and Software
The physical software ecosystem centers around the proprietary Universal Media Disc (UMD), a miniature optical cartridge that securely stores games, full-length feature films, and music videos. The device acts as a comprehensive multimedia hub, capable of reading digital audio (MP3, ATRAC), photos (JPEG), and video files (MPEG-4) stored directly on an external Memory Stick Duo. The operating system uses Sony's fluid XMB (XrossMediaBar) user interface for navigation, featuring passive system features like game sharing (Game Sharing protocol), web browsing, and remote connectivity to link the system as an external display or media controller for the PlayStation 3.
FAQ's
Are the Refurbished products unlocked?
Yes. All of our refurbished iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and all other refurbished tech are fully unlocked and ready to use with any UK or international network (unless specifically stated otherwise on the product page).
What’s the battery health guarantee?
Every device we sell is tested to ensure it has a minimum of 80% battery health. In most cases, our devices exceed this. If a battery falls below our standard, it is replaced before the device is listed for sale.
